The day was an ok day as it was, but the storm came on suddenly. We knew it was possible and prepared, but it still came on quick. Rains soaked everything, winds tore through, the sky was as dark as could be, no visibility through it, power flickered and we sat wondering what it would be like when it was over. Afterward, we gathered ourselves and surveyed the damage. Neighbors gathered together to pick up broken branches, clean up debris, put belongings back in place, and help restore the things that we could and remember the things we couldn't.
It was not a fun ride to say the least, but a ride given by God. It showed Him and His many attributes. But, the community rallies together as it should, keeps moving forward, trusting in Him, following His lead, and remembering His word. We trust in you God to help us pick up and move on.
We remember you Matt Edwards and your presence in our lives in so many ways. Thank you for showing us in an ever increasing way the sacrifice that Christ showed us. Your life was a reflection of Him. It does not go unnoticed. Thank you God for your work through Matt, His followship of You is a testament to You. Our community is better for it.
Edwards Family: We are thankful for you. I can hardly begin to understand how you feel, but only to just be there with you while you pick up and move forward. Our family is with you, praying, restoring, remembering. The storm is crazy, but God redeems through it.
It was only later that day that we had a bad thunderstorm. In retrospect of the day it was like rainshower and it's damage minimal. What a stormy friday!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
4th of July
It's interesting how much more PC our culture is getting. I've always been bugged by just saying happy holidays or have a good holiday. It started off with Christmas and people didn't want to offend so they said happy holidays to cover Christmas and New Years. That was annoying enough. Then the last couple of years I hear it for Thanksgiving. Even more annoying. Now, for the 4th of July. Seriously, are any of you that offended by celebrating our nations freedom. If you are you need to move to another country. I can't believe how many people have said have a happy holiday over the last couple of days. I'm just sayin'
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Where there is smoke....
"Where there is smoke there is fire"
I'm really beginning to absolutely hate this statement. I know why it's used. The problem is it's a prejudgement statement. And, we should not be in the business of prejudging people. Often it's used in commentary toward some legal case, politician, or political issue. But, really it is a poor choice for the user. It shows you do not want to think something through and just pass it off and pass judgement prematurely. A good example is when legal charges are brought against someone and they may already have a poor record. A person may see the charge and their past and determine their judgement based on their history or some other non-relevant thing. For instance, in Detroit, the former mayor (Kwame Kilpatrick)just recently got convicted for a couple of serious items. Now a few days ago, their have been some new charges for a number of other items. And really, all I have heard in response to those charges were "See, look at all the stuff he was doing." He has not been convicted yet, but the public is already condeming him. What a shame for our society. I don't care what a person's history is we need to see the results before we can pass judgement like that.
Now, many times, a person's history or other things help us to come to a conclusion when they are along with some facts. They may open up a road that leads to the correct conclusion or they may lead to a dead end. But, these things are not reasons within themselves. This is very common is race issues. One race may not like another one and will cite that as the reason they are a certain way and then pass judgement solely on that. This is a terrible thing. This does nothing but divide people.
This simple phrase is really divisive!
Don't forget there are other conclusions to "When you see smoke..."
Like: "Where there's smoke, there may be mirrors" and you may see something else entirely and not the truth. You may want to ask Criss Angel or David Copperfield about that.
The smoke may be a fog that covers the situation and when it is lifted, may not show fire at all but a reality that you may not want to be in. Like driving downt the wrong way on a road on a foggy day.
The only thing we know for sure, is "When there is smoke, there is smoke."
I'm just sayin'
I'm really beginning to absolutely hate this statement. I know why it's used. The problem is it's a prejudgement statement. And, we should not be in the business of prejudging people. Often it's used in commentary toward some legal case, politician, or political issue. But, really it is a poor choice for the user. It shows you do not want to think something through and just pass it off and pass judgement prematurely. A good example is when legal charges are brought against someone and they may already have a poor record. A person may see the charge and their past and determine their judgement based on their history or some other non-relevant thing. For instance, in Detroit, the former mayor (Kwame Kilpatrick)just recently got convicted for a couple of serious items. Now a few days ago, their have been some new charges for a number of other items. And really, all I have heard in response to those charges were "See, look at all the stuff he was doing." He has not been convicted yet, but the public is already condeming him. What a shame for our society. I don't care what a person's history is we need to see the results before we can pass judgement like that.
Now, many times, a person's history or other things help us to come to a conclusion when they are along with some facts. They may open up a road that leads to the correct conclusion or they may lead to a dead end. But, these things are not reasons within themselves. This is very common is race issues. One race may not like another one and will cite that as the reason they are a certain way and then pass judgement solely on that. This is a terrible thing. This does nothing but divide people.
This simple phrase is really divisive!
Don't forget there are other conclusions to "When you see smoke..."
Like: "Where there's smoke, there may be mirrors" and you may see something else entirely and not the truth. You may want to ask Criss Angel or David Copperfield about that.
The smoke may be a fog that covers the situation and when it is lifted, may not show fire at all but a reality that you may not want to be in. Like driving downt the wrong way on a road on a foggy day.
The only thing we know for sure, is "When there is smoke, there is smoke."
I'm just sayin'
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Summer Weather
I was looking at the weather for this coming week on the weather channel's website. For the next week the predictions are no rain, 70-80 degree days, 60-70 degree nights, and just flat out sunny. Now, I know as well as anybody that a meteorologist predictions can't be truly trusted beyond about 2 minutes, but they are a good gauge. The week probably won't truly be that way. I like it for the moment, though. It's like the dream summer week, not to hot, no rain, sunny. It just makes me smile for the moment. Hey, it could happen!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
The human element - God's Glory
So, now that some time has past and the angry winds have died down I wanted to share my thoughts Armando Galarraga's one hitter. There is so much to this it is crazy. The emotions span the spectrum. As I listen to commentary after commentary, one underlying thing just kept popping into my head, the human element. It is the human element that makes watching other humans play sports more interesting then watching robots do it. Now, I do not follow baseball that much, if at all. I used to when I was younger, but I don't get into much now. This situation intrigues me though. But, don't write me off just because I'm not a baseball follower. There is a ton to this one play that will be etched in our memory for history. I have seen the clips over and over to just see how things went down, though. This situation is one of those where there really isn't a right or wrong call. There is no moral issue and it is part of a game. And God's glory was shown by many if we just look and see.
Off the bat, I just want to say, I'm glad the call wasn't reversed after the fact and that all the people directly involved were respectful and full of integrity. So, the play happens and Ump, Jim Joyce makes a call. A call that defines history for sure. He stuck with it at the moment. That is good, it was definitely a close play. Now, we all have the luxury to see a thousand instant replays at every conceivable angle. Umps do not have that luxury. They have to make a split second call. Take this situation away and you will see first base umps make hundreds of close calls like these all the time. Even I know this. Most of the time people don't make as big of a deal about it. That is what this situation has to be treated as. He can't just be biased because a no hitter is on the line. And can you imagine what is going through Jim's head. He has to continue to BE a fair judge of plays despite how he may feel, what crowds may say, or what players and coaches may say. That is his job. In this situation he also has to force any bias that he may have out. There is a no- hitter on the line. He can't just make a call to let a no hitter happen if he believes the opposite call to be right. He can't be the opposite way either and just be anti-no-hitter no matter what. I don't believe he was either. He even said at the time he was fully convinced of his call. Of course after he got to see a thousand replays he agreed the call was wrong. But, he could not do anything about it. He doesn't have the power to reverse it and there are no rules on instant replays. That's all he can do. I think at that point everyone needed to grow up, understand, and not be hateful to him. He didn't act like a jerk. He was sorry, talked to Armando, and moved on. And he stood up and went and umped his next game and didn't give up.
Now, you don't have to like the call. But, that is the human element to it. If you don't like that, go watch robots play it. Now I have heard people call him a horrible ump for making the call, that he should be fired, his career should be over, and the like. This type of thinking is out of line. In reality, he has a history of being a very good umpire. Players, coaches, and other umps all throughout the league vastly agree that he is. To base his job off this one call is a huge mistake and is flat out ridiculous. If the call was just totally obvious or something like that. I could see some type of penalty to him or something like that, but still not even his job or entire reputation. But, this call was close. He is obviously a great ump, stuck to his call in the moment, and also was willing to admit when he was wrong. That day he stood up and honored Armando, his job, his sport, his boss, his career, and our God. How many of you will do that in your life? He should not be dishonored in any way, shape, or form, and should be held up, as Armando did to him.
Now, to Armando Gallaraga, his actions were just straight full of integrity. He did not get angry, kick dirt, curse, shun, or do anything the like. He kept on smiling and kept going. Now, I bet there was a load of disappointment in his head. He stood up as a leader, though, took the call and got back on the mound. He didn't start blaming others. He took it like a man should. What would you do in the situation? Better yet, What did you do in the situation? Many got angry, blamed others, pouted, and just became bitter. The next day the coach asked him to take the line-up sheet out to Jim, and he did so. Showing respect and honor to Jim Joyce, his coach, his team, his sport, his city, his state, his country, and to our God. He stood up and showed integrity. How much more do I need to say about this.
Lastly, to everyone's favorite, Bud Selig. I'm actually glad he didn't reverse that call. By holding to it he further honored Jim Joyce, his profession, and the game of baseball. What would it be like if a commissioner just started overturning calls because he felt like it or because he was under pressure to? That would just be ridiculous. I can hear all the voices now saying, "Look at the situation. It was a no hitter." and so on and so forth. I say, Where is the line? Is at only in situations like this bottom of the 9th, 2 outs, last call. How stupid would it be to make a rule like that based on one call that happens so rarely, or do we let calls get turned over for all kinds of unique situations. I say, way to go Bud. Now honestly he could have turned it over "For the good of baseball" and gave Gallaraga the no hitter, and not many people would have complained. Except, for all the other calls that made history. Would he be under pressure then to go back review all those and change them "For the good of baseball". He actually, wouldn't be WRONG either way, but I think not overturning it was the way that showed more integrity. In the end maybe it will make a case for adding some type of instant replay rules. That is up to them to do that. Personally, I'm not a big fan of it in any sport. I'm a big fan of the human element. But, honestly I don't really care that much. It would not be right or wrong to add that to the game. A lot of sports have it. But, this call needs to be left as it is.
So, no matter what you think about the situation, what is clear is that God's attributes were shown in some underlying and obvious ways. And, in many ways there are things we can take away from this for our lives.
The initial call could have went either way, Jim's and Armando's actions were steadfast and honorable, the look at the replay shows how close it was and what the reality of the play looked like. The reality of the game is realized and that there is a human element with close split second calls with human errors. The replay also shows the reactions of Jim and Armando to show us, again, what integrity looks like. Bud's decision could have gone either way. In the end, Jim's call, accompanied by their reactions, and subsequent calls actually made a spot in the history books for more than just a no hitter. It showed the kinds of people we would like to be playing our sports and entertaining us. It's a welcome relief, to a lot of the attitudes and actions of sports figures. That is something truly worth celebrating.
Off the bat, I just want to say, I'm glad the call wasn't reversed after the fact and that all the people directly involved were respectful and full of integrity. So, the play happens and Ump, Jim Joyce makes a call. A call that defines history for sure. He stuck with it at the moment. That is good, it was definitely a close play. Now, we all have the luxury to see a thousand instant replays at every conceivable angle. Umps do not have that luxury. They have to make a split second call. Take this situation away and you will see first base umps make hundreds of close calls like these all the time. Even I know this. Most of the time people don't make as big of a deal about it. That is what this situation has to be treated as. He can't just be biased because a no hitter is on the line. And can you imagine what is going through Jim's head. He has to continue to BE a fair judge of plays despite how he may feel, what crowds may say, or what players and coaches may say. That is his job. In this situation he also has to force any bias that he may have out. There is a no- hitter on the line. He can't just make a call to let a no hitter happen if he believes the opposite call to be right. He can't be the opposite way either and just be anti-no-hitter no matter what. I don't believe he was either. He even said at the time he was fully convinced of his call. Of course after he got to see a thousand replays he agreed the call was wrong. But, he could not do anything about it. He doesn't have the power to reverse it and there are no rules on instant replays. That's all he can do. I think at that point everyone needed to grow up, understand, and not be hateful to him. He didn't act like a jerk. He was sorry, talked to Armando, and moved on. And he stood up and went and umped his next game and didn't give up.
Now, you don't have to like the call. But, that is the human element to it. If you don't like that, go watch robots play it. Now I have heard people call him a horrible ump for making the call, that he should be fired, his career should be over, and the like. This type of thinking is out of line. In reality, he has a history of being a very good umpire. Players, coaches, and other umps all throughout the league vastly agree that he is. To base his job off this one call is a huge mistake and is flat out ridiculous. If the call was just totally obvious or something like that. I could see some type of penalty to him or something like that, but still not even his job or entire reputation. But, this call was close. He is obviously a great ump, stuck to his call in the moment, and also was willing to admit when he was wrong. That day he stood up and honored Armando, his job, his sport, his boss, his career, and our God. How many of you will do that in your life? He should not be dishonored in any way, shape, or form, and should be held up, as Armando did to him.
Now, to Armando Gallaraga, his actions were just straight full of integrity. He did not get angry, kick dirt, curse, shun, or do anything the like. He kept on smiling and kept going. Now, I bet there was a load of disappointment in his head. He stood up as a leader, though, took the call and got back on the mound. He didn't start blaming others. He took it like a man should. What would you do in the situation? Better yet, What did you do in the situation? Many got angry, blamed others, pouted, and just became bitter. The next day the coach asked him to take the line-up sheet out to Jim, and he did so. Showing respect and honor to Jim Joyce, his coach, his team, his sport, his city, his state, his country, and to our God. He stood up and showed integrity. How much more do I need to say about this.
Lastly, to everyone's favorite, Bud Selig. I'm actually glad he didn't reverse that call. By holding to it he further honored Jim Joyce, his profession, and the game of baseball. What would it be like if a commissioner just started overturning calls because he felt like it or because he was under pressure to? That would just be ridiculous. I can hear all the voices now saying, "Look at the situation. It was a no hitter." and so on and so forth. I say, Where is the line? Is at only in situations like this bottom of the 9th, 2 outs, last call. How stupid would it be to make a rule like that based on one call that happens so rarely, or do we let calls get turned over for all kinds of unique situations. I say, way to go Bud. Now honestly he could have turned it over "For the good of baseball" and gave Gallaraga the no hitter, and not many people would have complained. Except, for all the other calls that made history. Would he be under pressure then to go back review all those and change them "For the good of baseball". He actually, wouldn't be WRONG either way, but I think not overturning it was the way that showed more integrity. In the end maybe it will make a case for adding some type of instant replay rules. That is up to them to do that. Personally, I'm not a big fan of it in any sport. I'm a big fan of the human element. But, honestly I don't really care that much. It would not be right or wrong to add that to the game. A lot of sports have it. But, this call needs to be left as it is.
So, no matter what you think about the situation, what is clear is that God's attributes were shown in some underlying and obvious ways. And, in many ways there are things we can take away from this for our lives.
The initial call could have went either way, Jim's and Armando's actions were steadfast and honorable, the look at the replay shows how close it was and what the reality of the play looked like. The reality of the game is realized and that there is a human element with close split second calls with human errors. The replay also shows the reactions of Jim and Armando to show us, again, what integrity looks like. Bud's decision could have gone either way. In the end, Jim's call, accompanied by their reactions, and subsequent calls actually made a spot in the history books for more than just a no hitter. It showed the kinds of people we would like to be playing our sports and entertaining us. It's a welcome relief, to a lot of the attitudes and actions of sports figures. That is something truly worth celebrating.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Jessica
My wife is so wonderful. It's amazing to watch her in action. She is a great wife and mother. She is very encouraging, loving, caring, serving, godly, sexy, beautiful, and compassionate. Even through the mother's day time she took the time to reach beyond herself and talk about me. I'm very appreciative of her, and I know I don't say it or show it enough. "THANK YOU, BABE" "I LOVE YOU". She cares so much for our family and I love to watch as the Spirit of God flows through her as her heart reaches out to so many near to her.
I'm blessed to be married to her and do not envy the rest of the male population who cannot be, ever. I am truly dedicated to staying married to her. Our relationship is so much fun. We have ups and downs like everyone else. Even more downs than most may think, but we work through them, grow, and keep on moving along. And we have so many great ups. Every minute is well worth it. It's our love for God that pushes us to love each other. We choose to keep on loving each other no matter what. We do because God set that precedent in us first by loving us no matter what, as well.
On the inside of my wedding band I have "I love you still. 1 John 4:19." etched in. It reminds me that Jesus takes the time to keep loving, he keeps choosing to love me, therefore I need to do it as well. The result is grand. As we keep loving each other our relationship grows deeper, tighter, more in twined, more as one.
Funny side note:
Originally, my wedding band said "I love you 1 John 4:19". A few years ago, I lost my wedding band in the middle of a lake, while jet skiing with my friend, Dave Buckenberger. We were riding together doing crazy turns and stuff trying to throw each other off. After one of them, we both got thrown off and as I was reaching up to get back on and I noticed it was gone. I immediately knew that at some point over the last 30 minutes of craziness it came off and I'm sure it immediately sank to the bottom of the murky lake. Dave was so concerned that he immediately said, "Should we go down and look for it". Now, I appreciated tremendously his care for it, but responded with funny look and said, "It's gone dude, we are in the middle of this lake with who knows how much junk at the bottom, not knowing how deep it is, and we can't see the bottom at all." Therefore, I cut my loss at the moment and we went back to craziness. Good times!
I got an inexpensive ring as a spare later, until I could get a new better one. Jessica got me the exact same ring, again, with the new saying, for a gift. She is so thoughtful. It was great. Thanks again, Jessica.
Marriage is a wonderful thing that God created. If you want to know more, ask!
I'm blessed to be married to her and do not envy the rest of the male population who cannot be, ever. I am truly dedicated to staying married to her. Our relationship is so much fun. We have ups and downs like everyone else. Even more downs than most may think, but we work through them, grow, and keep on moving along. And we have so many great ups. Every minute is well worth it. It's our love for God that pushes us to love each other. We choose to keep on loving each other no matter what. We do because God set that precedent in us first by loving us no matter what, as well.
On the inside of my wedding band I have "I love you still. 1 John 4:19." etched in. It reminds me that Jesus takes the time to keep loving, he keeps choosing to love me, therefore I need to do it as well. The result is grand. As we keep loving each other our relationship grows deeper, tighter, more in twined, more as one.
Funny side note:
Originally, my wedding band said "I love you 1 John 4:19". A few years ago, I lost my wedding band in the middle of a lake, while jet skiing with my friend, Dave Buckenberger. We were riding together doing crazy turns and stuff trying to throw each other off. After one of them, we both got thrown off and as I was reaching up to get back on and I noticed it was gone. I immediately knew that at some point over the last 30 minutes of craziness it came off and I'm sure it immediately sank to the bottom of the murky lake. Dave was so concerned that he immediately said, "Should we go down and look for it". Now, I appreciated tremendously his care for it, but responded with funny look and said, "It's gone dude, we are in the middle of this lake with who knows how much junk at the bottom, not knowing how deep it is, and we can't see the bottom at all." Therefore, I cut my loss at the moment and we went back to craziness. Good times!
I got an inexpensive ring as a spare later, until I could get a new better one. Jessica got me the exact same ring, again, with the new saying, for a gift. She is so thoughtful. It was great. Thanks again, Jessica.
Marriage is a wonderful thing that God created. If you want to know more, ask!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Unemployment... Want a Job!
This has been more recently annoying me...
First, I implore all to read the last paragraph first and then come back and read through the whole post. THANKS.
It's the unemployment scam(s). To start off, I think unemployment pay has it's place in our society. It is, although, being scammed more than anyone, even me, really knows. If you don't think so, then you are living in a dream world. On occasion I hear of people who are trying to find ways to work as little as possible or under the radar and still collect unemployment from another company. If this is you. Then read this next sentence carefully.
STOP DOING IT NOW!!!!! You are RIPPING OFF other hard working people and businesses. Where do you think this money comes from? It's not from thin air, some one's secret stash, or from some free place.
I have overheard conversations of people who are trying to figure out how to collect unemployment and still work somewhere else. There are many people who collect unemployment and then go work somewhere else for cash and don't report it. Among the other numerous ways people have figured out how to scam it. I know personally, people who know exactly how long, down to the day, to work for a company, find someway to get let go and start collecting it from that company. It is just making me sick. I'm getting so tired of it. I'm a contractor and I know there are people who are out there collecting unemployment and going and doing small home improvement projects for cash. This is double dipping and hurting more people than one may think.
Want to know why it's wrong....well.... This is wrong because not reporting income is illegal and the IRS can throw you in jail for it, after many fines and no tax payments on it. It steals from the company they used to work for. And, it steals work from people who are legitimately looking for work, the right way. This is absolutely STUPID to me. It makes it difficult for me doing painting when some Joe Blow cousin can come in a paint it for a third of the price. Basically, he doesn't pay any taxes on the income, no insurance, is collecting money otherwise, but is just trying to make some extra money so he can buy some stupid toy; while I have to fight to win a bid, so I may feed my family. All while a very confused homeowner thinks I'm just one of those overpriced contractors, making that ton of money. Let's get real here.
Now, there is a legitimate place for it, when a loyal employee has to be let go for no good reason or something like that. Then it is useful. Even then, there is a time limit to getting another job. Beyond this, scammers should be prosecuted severely, They are STEALING MONEY. It's like robbing a bank and should be treated as such.
The time limit is even to long, I think. Someone, can literally go 2 years on unemployment pay. That is just flat out ridiculous.
NOW, I can here the ton of voices in my ear.... Look at our economy there are NO jobs! He hasn't been able to find a job after sending out 200 resumes! How I am I gonna make what I did at my old job? And so on. Well, what to say to that....hmmmm...
Our economy is bad, no disagreement there. I know I'm in it. I don't just have some cushy corner office job. I'm out there every day fighting for work. It doesn't justify stealing from others. That reminds me of the movie "Cinderella Man". Rent it. They are living through the depression and the father's son steals some bread because he knows his family is hungry. When the father comes home and finds out, he walks his son all the way back to the store and makes him return it and apologize. Anyway, I digress.. If you haven't found one after sending out a ton of resumes maybe your search it too narrow. Believe me, there are jobs out there. You can't and shouldn't be picky. You may not get your previous pay, wonderful benefits, or company car. But, you will LIVE. You will probably have to change your lifestyle as well to make it happen. I know that may make a bunch of people mad, thinking, "I deserve more, I worked hard for where I am". What we deserve is a touchy topic. You may have worked hard, but we must be ready to adjust to a changing life, not just expect others to pay for us to stay where we are in our way of life.
Extending the time doesn't help, really. People who truly want to work will get out and find it and find it quick. They know they can't just sit around and expect it to come knocking on their door. Opportunity doesn't knock, it smiles and waves as it drives by! Either you go and get it or you will just let it go. If you give people more time to get paid sitting around that's what a vast majority of them will do. If you want to see a flood of people really work hard to search for a job, shorten the time. True poverty and hunger is a great motivator. My mom is great example, she lost her job. And, she went out and worked hard to find any job she could and not to long after she did. She had to do a few different things and work at places she wouldn't have generally wanted to. But, she knows she needs to keep paying her bills and eating. And, she works incredibly hard for the pay she gets. But, she has a job.
The overall voice in my head rings "Should we just let people starve then?" My answer is plainly simple, "NO". That is ridiculous. But, At what cost do we let people just live the way they want and not adjust at all and just keep stealing from others. If you are crying out that question, when is the last time you went and helped a homeless person. More than just giving them a dollar and saying "God Bless". But, really helping them more. There are who knows how many hundreds of thousand of them, and they are literally fighting for EVERY BITE TO EAT. They aren't worried about their clothes, shoes, lawn, car, house, etc... Just putting it in perspective. This is the point though. People will not just let themselves go hungry they try as hard as they can to survive. We have to look at our whole life.
This is also where the church and community truly come into play. If a family in a well connecting community/church runs into a hard time that community can help that family rebound through the hard times. And in the future that family can be a part of helping another one. That is a part of what the church should do. That doesn't mean someone should act stupidly with their money and just expect others to pay for it for them. There is accountability there.
I'm willing to bet if people were stealing as much. There would be more legitimate jobs out there. Now, don't get me wrong there are a ton of other things our system could do or change that can help our economic system, but that is a whole other time. But, passing out other peoples money, freely, doesn't change some one's life or truly help them. That is called enabling. We don't deserve unemployment freely. It is something that is earned and not to be abused.
So bring on the arguments, complaints, whines, and even legitimate thoughts about unemployment. But, if you are scamming STOP IT. Believe me, I will listen, read, and respect your response. There is a ton of thoughts and situation specifics on it. But, I'm about to explode over the issue. Thanks for reading. If you are with me on this issue and you overhear anything about, maybe try and say something, respectfully. At the very least, do not contribute to the scam in any way.
It is a touchy subject to many, especially if you don't have a job and are legitimately looking. But if that is you, please try to understand my heart on this and then fight with me on it, while you are fighting for a job. Peace.
First, I implore all to read the last paragraph first and then come back and read through the whole post. THANKS.
It's the unemployment scam(s). To start off, I think unemployment pay has it's place in our society. It is, although, being scammed more than anyone, even me, really knows. If you don't think so, then you are living in a dream world. On occasion I hear of people who are trying to find ways to work as little as possible or under the radar and still collect unemployment from another company. If this is you. Then read this next sentence carefully.
STOP DOING IT NOW!!!!! You are RIPPING OFF other hard working people and businesses. Where do you think this money comes from? It's not from thin air, some one's secret stash, or from some free place.
I have overheard conversations of people who are trying to figure out how to collect unemployment and still work somewhere else. There are many people who collect unemployment and then go work somewhere else for cash and don't report it. Among the other numerous ways people have figured out how to scam it. I know personally, people who know exactly how long, down to the day, to work for a company, find someway to get let go and start collecting it from that company. It is just making me sick. I'm getting so tired of it. I'm a contractor and I know there are people who are out there collecting unemployment and going and doing small home improvement projects for cash. This is double dipping and hurting more people than one may think.
Want to know why it's wrong....well.... This is wrong because not reporting income is illegal and the IRS can throw you in jail for it, after many fines and no tax payments on it. It steals from the company they used to work for. And, it steals work from people who are legitimately looking for work, the right way. This is absolutely STUPID to me. It makes it difficult for me doing painting when some Joe Blow cousin can come in a paint it for a third of the price. Basically, he doesn't pay any taxes on the income, no insurance, is collecting money otherwise, but is just trying to make some extra money so he can buy some stupid toy; while I have to fight to win a bid, so I may feed my family. All while a very confused homeowner thinks I'm just one of those overpriced contractors, making that ton of money. Let's get real here.
Now, there is a legitimate place for it, when a loyal employee has to be let go for no good reason or something like that. Then it is useful. Even then, there is a time limit to getting another job. Beyond this, scammers should be prosecuted severely, They are STEALING MONEY. It's like robbing a bank and should be treated as such.
The time limit is even to long, I think. Someone, can literally go 2 years on unemployment pay. That is just flat out ridiculous.
NOW, I can here the ton of voices in my ear.... Look at our economy there are NO jobs! He hasn't been able to find a job after sending out 200 resumes! How I am I gonna make what I did at my old job? And so on. Well, what to say to that....hmmmm...
Our economy is bad, no disagreement there. I know I'm in it. I don't just have some cushy corner office job. I'm out there every day fighting for work. It doesn't justify stealing from others. That reminds me of the movie "Cinderella Man". Rent it. They are living through the depression and the father's son steals some bread because he knows his family is hungry. When the father comes home and finds out, he walks his son all the way back to the store and makes him return it and apologize. Anyway, I digress.. If you haven't found one after sending out a ton of resumes maybe your search it too narrow. Believe me, there are jobs out there. You can't and shouldn't be picky. You may not get your previous pay, wonderful benefits, or company car. But, you will LIVE. You will probably have to change your lifestyle as well to make it happen. I know that may make a bunch of people mad, thinking, "I deserve more, I worked hard for where I am". What we deserve is a touchy topic. You may have worked hard, but we must be ready to adjust to a changing life, not just expect others to pay for us to stay where we are in our way of life.
Extending the time doesn't help, really. People who truly want to work will get out and find it and find it quick. They know they can't just sit around and expect it to come knocking on their door. Opportunity doesn't knock, it smiles and waves as it drives by! Either you go and get it or you will just let it go. If you give people more time to get paid sitting around that's what a vast majority of them will do. If you want to see a flood of people really work hard to search for a job, shorten the time. True poverty and hunger is a great motivator. My mom is great example, she lost her job. And, she went out and worked hard to find any job she could and not to long after she did. She had to do a few different things and work at places she wouldn't have generally wanted to. But, she knows she needs to keep paying her bills and eating. And, she works incredibly hard for the pay she gets. But, she has a job.
The overall voice in my head rings "Should we just let people starve then?" My answer is plainly simple, "NO". That is ridiculous. But, At what cost do we let people just live the way they want and not adjust at all and just keep stealing from others. If you are crying out that question, when is the last time you went and helped a homeless person. More than just giving them a dollar and saying "God Bless". But, really helping them more. There are who knows how many hundreds of thousand of them, and they are literally fighting for EVERY BITE TO EAT. They aren't worried about their clothes, shoes, lawn, car, house, etc... Just putting it in perspective. This is the point though. People will not just let themselves go hungry they try as hard as they can to survive. We have to look at our whole life.
This is also where the church and community truly come into play. If a family in a well connecting community/church runs into a hard time that community can help that family rebound through the hard times. And in the future that family can be a part of helping another one. That is a part of what the church should do. That doesn't mean someone should act stupidly with their money and just expect others to pay for it for them. There is accountability there.
I'm willing to bet if people were stealing as much. There would be more legitimate jobs out there. Now, don't get me wrong there are a ton of other things our system could do or change that can help our economic system, but that is a whole other time. But, passing out other peoples money, freely, doesn't change some one's life or truly help them. That is called enabling. We don't deserve unemployment freely. It is something that is earned and not to be abused.
So bring on the arguments, complaints, whines, and even legitimate thoughts about unemployment. But, if you are scamming STOP IT. Believe me, I will listen, read, and respect your response. There is a ton of thoughts and situation specifics on it. But, I'm about to explode over the issue. Thanks for reading. If you are with me on this issue and you overhear anything about, maybe try and say something, respectfully. At the very least, do not contribute to the scam in any way.
It is a touchy subject to many, especially if you don't have a job and are legitimately looking. But if that is you, please try to understand my heart on this and then fight with me on it, while you are fighting for a job. Peace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)