Why blame the Rich?
68
Blame the Rich!
Oh how I loath the tall American standing in line in front of me. He who stepped out from his titanium silver Maserati Qauttroporte with its gleaming triton emblem. The afternoon sun is blazing away while this rich mans car reflects rays from the west directly at me; the blinding sheen of furious white light aggravates my contention. As he reaches for his wallet, I notice a Tag Heuer watch drop from behind his French cuffed sleeve. Now I really hate him. I glance back at his car to make sure Jessica Alba doesn’t disembark from it, oh how I would be apoplectic if she did.
The Starbucks barista is gushing over him, using her left index finger to curl long jet black hair. She smiles and giggles in between his simple commands. What a stupefying display of sexual attraction. He turns out of line with a half smirk exiting his polished looks…I think to myself ‘prick.’ Of course as soon as I step to the counter the barista is all business again, courteous, but certainly distracted not by me. I think again ‘you chew toy.’
I consider myself a car aficionado so I take a crack at guessing the model year; usually the wheel rim design signifies specific years so I ask this dashingly putrid man “Is that a 2005 Quattroporte?”
He glances at me with a quick and decisive examination, “why yes it is, are you in to Maserati’s?” he says with a casual smile.
“Well, in a future ownership sort of way, sure. I love their elegant lines, plus the fact that they are rare.” I respond, wondering how long he will humor me in my Marshals bought ensemble.
“Yes, I agree, why put a Mercedes S600 in the driveway when you can have such a beautiful machine for the same price.” He retorts with sincerity.
“Indeed, AMG may be hand built, but you have a Ferrari motor in that sedan.” Okay, where am I going with this?
“That’s right, you have done some homework. What do you do?” he asks me.
Oh great, here comes the yard stick to wrap my knuckles, only his isn’t a yard stick it’s a ponderosa pine. “I am in sales, I manage a team of route reps in Seattle, you?” feeling triumphant in my deflection.
“Oh I dabble in any number of projects. Right now I am producing some radio shows and helping to get a couple of television projects off the ground. I’d like to stay in radio, the flexibility is greater and our consumers are (pause) a little more agreeable.” He says while grabbing for his venti mocha.
“I have sworn off television for several years now, radio is my main intake, what network do you work for?” I inquire.
“I work for the Salem radio network, were more of a conservative outlet, we target a specific audience.” He says with sure conviction. “Are you familiar with us?”
If my body language already didn’t give me away “of course I am familiar with Salem, you guys have two of my most revered radio hosts.”
As the conversation continues on for several more minutes I cannot help thinking how quickly I dismissed this individual solely based on monetary presentation. Even more to my amazement, I find that he works closely with the stations marketing teams in promoting local small businesses and truly interested in what I do. He was running short on time as I would expect, after all, who plans on speaking with a stranger at Starbucks for over ten minutes. He reaches into his breast pocket to fish out a business card. He hands it to me asking to shoot him an email if I were interested in finding out more about what they do. I thank him for his time and mosey out with a grande white chocolate mocha in hand.
The expectations we place upon the rich are mostly disingenuous. The first consequence of looking upon a professional male or female is the mistake of forgetting they are human. In judging character, we must dismiss the possibilities of one being unemployed or a 1% earner. All too often, citizens generalize in terms they are familiar with. Since most of the country lives within 80% of the lower income brackets, they cannot conceptualize life in the 20% bracket. To imagine what it is like earning over $250,000 is to falsely imagine what the people are like who do earn those kinds of incomes.
Hardened blue collar workers think Jeffery Skilling or Dick Fuld (Enron, Leman Brothers) when they look at corporate governance. Digging farther back we might look at the Savings and Loan disaster of the late 1980’s or equate Phillip Moris executives with standard fare. Mostly, those who automatically think the rich are greedy for their success are often jaded and are far removed from the good done by fabulously successful business people. The media doesn’t thrive on feel good events or stories, they lead with chaos, horror, infidelity and murder. To those who naturally blame the rich…”Grow up!”
There is no greater scientific experiment in human history than the American Lottery. With millions of hopefuls playing every week, seldom any who play think about what their burned lottery dollars could do if they invested them every year. There are numerous stories of heart ache and ruin by average Joe American’s, those whom are overnight millionaires, only to end up in bankruptcy a few years down the road. Average American’s give very little credit to the diligence and intellect self made millionaires possess.
“Why Lottery Winners Go Bankrupt.” From Smart Money - http://www.smartmoney.com/invest/stocks/why-lottery-winners-go-bankrupt-1301002181742/
For those of you who lament anti-tax hike supporters, I challenge you to do the math. You who proselytize for forced financial equality, take out your prior year tax statement. Multiply it by one million similar earners and then compare it to the donations and community contributions of the top Fortune 50 companies. I am sure you will see how your dead net tax contribution wont add up to a hill of beans comparatively. Quit looking at what they have and start looking at what you can do.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - founded and originally funded by Bill Gates, this foundation is far reaching in community outreach and world wide human investment. Please visit their site and look at their open financial statement.
http://www.gatesfoundation.org/about/Pages/financials.aspx
General Electric – The have five different community outreach programs; education development, health development, international programs, disaster relief programs shared with UNICEF and the Red Cross, plus a matching gift program for volunteer and employee contribution to non-profit organizations. This isn’t hype or fake these are real dollars put out to help communities.
GE was also awarded the #1 company “Best for Vets” employer 2010.
http://www.ge.com/foundation/index.jsp
PepsiCo Foundation – after hurricane Katrina, PepsiCo donated $2.1 million for victim relief. PepsiCo has been there for all major natural disaster to help with aid, resources and partnership.
http://www.pepsico.com/Purpose/PepsiCo-Foundation/Disaster-Response.html
Raytheon Employee Disaster Relief fund - Established in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the Raytheon Employee Disaster Relief Fund provided a means by which Raytheon employees could respond to the immediate tragedy and help address and ease the suffering of those personally affected. Then there is the Wounded Warrior Project they have committed $2.5 million to.
http://www.raytheon.com/responsibility/armed_services/index.html
BNSF Railway – another top five military friendly company, BNSF railway has donated $46 million dollars in contributions since 2000. The BNSF has been engaged with 1,500 community programs in 2009 alone.
http://www.bnsffoundation.org/giving.html
“But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” Luke 12:48
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them; but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, not so; lest there be not enough for us and you but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage; and the door was shut.” Matthew 25:1-4, 7-10.
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (1)
- Funny
- Awesome (5)
- Beautiful
- Interesting (1)
CommentsLoading...
Just one question, What if none of it was tax deductable?
Peter
Every corporations obligation is to the investors period.
Contributing, donating and creating charities is only a mask for a huge marketing campaign.
Feed the starving, save the animals, stop global warming, save little stevie from starvation by drinking Coke...the problem is that America's is duped into emptying their wallets into the big corporation's coffers thinking they are actually saving "little stevie" who has to walk up 15 miles up-hill both ways to get water from a remote well and then carry the 100lb jug of water balanced on his head back to his family in order for them to survive.
The reality is Coca Cola Corp. has just drained the aquifer dry under "little stevie's" shanty town so American's can have a Coke and a smile while feeling good about their support and donations to the "save the little stevie foundation".
From an outsiders point of view, the U.S. is quickly becoming a big hat, no cattle nation. The once American dream is now a facade of debt.
Rather, a "save the American dream foundation" should be created; the sad truth is that the U.S national debt, corporate greed, and their duped citizens only punches another notch in the belt of the one-world-system's ultimate purpose which is to bring on the "false peace" of America's monetary savior - an engineered solution to all their problems.
What do I know, America's Got Talent is on, I'm going to grab a Coke and enjoy the entertainment.
Big John,
Yep, you said it, some just hate the rich because what else have they been taught? It is funny though, they only hate select rich. Ever notice how they give a free pass to dirt bag musicians, sports athletes and like point out, Hollywood actors. Some A listers are the biggest whiners and suck ups there are, but people still flock to support their next lousy movie release. I really like your comments John, they are spot on. Thanks friend.
Peter,
Peter, Peter, after all that you ask a hypothetical question. “What if…?” What if the government didn’t allow private foundations, what if the government wanted sole responsibility for taking care of all the thousands of various needs? What if the government took control of all private industry and ran it the way they run everything else? What if the government eased restrictions on businesses, what if the government would allow the energy sector to go out and develop those shale fields in the mid-west under careful supervision instead of placating Greenpeace? Job creation perhaps…sounds like a country song, “What if…?”
Planksandnails,
I thought I was a realist teetering on borderline cynic, then I read your comments, I now know I am not a cynic. You blatantly played right into focusing on ONLY the bad that some corporations propagate.
I know of the Coke case you state, I wrote an environmental impact report for college on Coke’s misuse of Indian aquifers. It’s called acting unethically on top of shooting the gift horse dead.
So if we follow you line of logic, we should tell all those corporate foundations to cease and desist doing anything that might be construed as good? After all its just a big sham, so what if they donated labor to help the dying in Haiti, so what if they sent food and supplies to Japan. It’s all for media glory. Having pro-armed services policies don’t count for anything either. I think you are in a destructive place, you need to remove the plank from your eye.
In your line of reasoning, any good that is done is selfish anyway. I suppose you freely give of your 10% tithe and never have a second thought about not wanting to part with it? After all if you were to give out of duty and not selflessness, then that money is tainted. This hub isn’t discussing one world orders, I have other hubs for such a subject.
If your boat was sinking in the ocean and Donald Trump showed up in his yacht to save you, would you turn him away and wait for Sean Penn in his little leaky row boat?
You always answer a question with a question. Are you in politics?
Don't have a lot of cents to offer here, Jason, but good hub and good comments...I kept waiting to see Jessica Alba get out of that car....
Do you remember Mike Royco of the Chicago Tribune? My dad got me started reading his columns and after that I never missed.
("So if we follow you line of logic, we should tell all those corporate foundations to cease and desist doing anything that might be construed as good?")
Unfortunately yes. The majority of corporations are entities that are becoming more malignant. The nation has turned from relying on each other to dependence on corporate proxies and government propaganda.
Many have fallen for the schemes and tricks of theses corporate beasts.
For example, the American Cancer Society spent only 26 percent of its national multi-billion-dollar budget on actual medical research, allotting the other three-fourths to “operating expenses".
Let's take Sean Penn and his charitable organization. I wonder what the overhead costs are for his operation.
("It’s called acting unethically on top of shooting the gift horse dead.")
Yup, the smoke signals should be a wake up call for those to read the fine print.
There is us the people, and them, the corporations. There is a distinction.
We need oxygen to survive, they need money. Humanity is aerobic, corporations are anaerobic.
("After all its just a big sham, so what if they donated labor to help the dying in Haiti, so what if they sent food and supplies to Japan. It’s all for media glory. Having pro-armed services policies don’t count for anything either. I think you are in a destructive place, you need to remove the plank from your eye.")
Your advocating human notions; to a corporation, if the monetary is not exchanged then there is no purpose, survival is dependent on the monetary period.
The more the government and corporations are allowed to be involved in the affairs of humanity, the erosion of freedom to tyranny will result.
Donations, labor, relief, foundations from a corporate perspective is credit. With credit a nation(s) can be controlled.
Corporate humanity and our individual humanity are two distinct and separate organisms.
("If your boat was sinking in the ocean and Donald Trump showed up in his yacht to save you, would you turn him away and wait for Sean Penn in his little leaky row boat?")
...in Donald Trump's words,
""So if I need $600 million, I can put $600 million myself. That's a huge advantage. I must tell you, that's a huge advantage over the other candidates."
And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your *repayment*. “But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be *repaid* at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Luke 14:12-14
Peter,
Ha, ha, indeed. Thanks for giving something to smile about. You threw me a curve ball, if I hit it one way you would protest, if I hit the other you would protest, so I bunted.
Ron,
Actually, no I have not heard of Mike Royko, before my time. I did look up and read two of his articles, I see what you mean. Sort of hit you between the eyes witty. Thank you for bringing him to my attention. I will have to look at the book he published. I am a fan of Dennis Miller. Thanks for joining the conversation, please do not wait for Jessica too long…
Planksandnails,
What can I say, you have me speechless, I am dumbfounded by your comments. I have never met someone who would tell a corporation to stop trying to play nice. I never met someone who is so aware of intrinsic differences, yet so nearsighted about our current development. I will yield ground to you in that I understand where you are coming from regarding individual accountability and the individual taking care of the community. I also agree with you that corporate foundations that are supposed to be doing their utmost for citizens, instead are wasting large sums of margin on administrative costs. This is why I hate the bloated government.
However that may be, what you propose (reading between the lines) is a modern impossibility. You do understand the outright anarchy that would ensue if corporations and government stopped stepping in to do what the individual should do, motivated by moral and ethical conviction? It’s impossible, too many people want their handouts, too many people want to be taken care of by big daddy government, too many people are already unhappy with having to work harder. Your reasoning is not off, but your retorts are depressing. You and I share an obligation and a calling, we can only contribute what is left after we are drained financially and spiritually by the system. Very interesting comments.
Your so right,jealousy can be ugly! Its much easier to blame the rich than take ownership of your own issues. In a free market economy the rich often get rich based on thier own merits and on the value of what they've given to others. Successful poeple are often less selfish, more sacrificial, more loving and more disciplined than less successful poeple.
Hi WBA,
I agree with you about self made people, they are more respectful and understanding of what it took for them to create success. I should add the caveat that trust fund children are not so nice most of the time. We can see often enough the spoiled brat syndrome of successful parents.
In terms of setting up foundations and giving to the needy, there is no comparison. Thank you for the thoughtful comments. Cheers.
ahsome blog Jason, I love the debate. It really ticks me off when I hear so often about the shamefull greedy rich and corp. america that only contibute 100's of millions to the needy, and usually, (NO ALWAYS) by those that DONT GIVE A DIME!!!! tax deductable or not, its still money they dont get to spend on themselfs like the ones who condemn it.
Thanks Deano,
I appreciate the support. I know what you mean, I am shocked that we live in such a day and age where any good action is followed by a cynical view point. Then there are those who won’t let those who have sinned atone for them. The lines are drawn, there is no doubt about that. Unfortunately, none of us will measure up by human standards. It’s a good thing our Father in heaven knows our heart and our intentions, for he will be the one to dispense with true justice and inequity. God Bless.
Amen! Keep fighting the good fight. May God Bless you too.
Fabulous article. Love the cartoon at the end too. That's do-gooders for you. Bill Clinton put a luxury tax on yachts to show his covetous crowd he was soaking the rich. What happened next was the entire luxury ship-building business in New England collapsed, throwing tens of thousands out of work. The Netherlands took over the world market and it never came back to the United States even after the luxury tax was rescinded. Too late.
The Democrats are so crass to constantly play on envy. A psychological study showed how envy works when it comes to income. They asked two groups of people if they would be happy with a lifetime salary of $50,000 a year.
But Group A was also told that everyone else on their street would have a salary of $25,000. Over 90 percent of them said "yes" they would be happy with $50K.
Group B was told that everybody on their street except them would be making $100,000 per year. Of that group only 10 percent said they would be happy with $50K. :D
Fantastically written--I really enjoyed reading this hub!! What a great intro story to suck us right in, and your writing style is wonderful. Rated up and marked useful, interesting, and awesome. You've gained a new follower.. I hope you follow me, too!! :)
Hello Faceless, thank you for the kind words and fan mail. I would like to get back to writting, but time marches on without me. I was hoping the intro would knock a few individuals of kilter. Fiction infused with fact makes for interesting story telling. Thank you again and God Bless.
WhatBigJohnThinks 9 months ago
Well stated. Good job. It's about time Americans realize the reason they hate the upper 10% of income earners is because they beat them to it. Its out and out jealousy mixed with leftist media ideals. Anybody ever wonder why Hollywood celebs don't just give all their earnings away and live like the lower 80%? Remember its all about their art for God sake.