Forum Replies Created
-
AuthorPosts
-
flyer
ParticipantYou’re right, people would probably argue–either way–but I don’t know of anyone who would refuse making a lot of money in their chosen careers–even though our unionized incomes are not the entire basis of our financial status.
It seems to be a situation of “damned of you do,” “damned if you don’t,” but I’m definitely not going to feel guilty for being able to take care of myself and my family at the highest level I possibly can, for as long as I possibly can, and I honestly hope others can do the same.
ParticipantI’m not sure why people may think (if, in fact they do)that you can’t be a rich capitalist and be involved in a union.
Airline pilots, like myself, have always been required to be unionized (probably why many in my age group have such an exhorbitantly high pay scale) and, most, at least the ones I know, are also moderate to far right capitalists.
Most are heavily invested in property, franchises, etc.–this results not only in creating wealth and tax benefits for them, but it also results in creating jobs for others–so it seems a “win,” “win” to me.
At any rate, we’re all going to be paying more to live in this country–like it or not. Some of us will survive the fiscal Tsunami, some will not. Plan well for yourselves–and especially for your children.
ParticipantRegardless of who is to blame, we are where we are in this country. Sorry to say it, but IMO, it’s every person/family for his/her/themselves from this point forward.
Whether we’re rich, poor, or in the middle, we can spend the rest of our lives analyzing each “side’s” faults. Someone might call me a “capitalist,” (by the way, I consider that a compliment), and I might call them something I’d rather not mention, but how is that going to change the outcome of anyone’s life?
We can say it’s all fair, unfair, or anything else we want to say. We can lay on the ground and kick and scream, but–don’t kid yourself–no one is listening–on either side.
Regardless of who wins any election, IMO, no one really “wins” in life, unless they are living their dreams, and that’s all each of us can try to do in our own lives.
Wonder how many recent voters can honestly say they are living their dreams? Now, that’s a poll I’d really love to see. No “whining” allowed.
ParticipantAbsoultely true, ctr.
There are ways to make it all work out to your benefit.
ParticipantHey, flu, I think (sadly) you’ll be proven correct in most of your “rants.”
Like you, I’m not worried, because, bottom line, I plan to take care of myself and my family to the highest degree possible, for as long as possible and enjoy life–whatever our state and federal governments throw at us. As long as you can live your dreams–you win.
ParticipantMy entire family, for several generations, was born and raised in this state–and owes a great deal of our wealth to the real estate booms we have had in this state over the last 100 years–so I’m well aware of what a wonderful place it is to live.
Apparently, I was grossly misinformed (hence my previous post), so I’m actually glad to hear this proposition won’t have much effect on anyone achieving their “California Dreams.” Enjoy!
Participant[quote=Zeitgeist][img_assist|nid=16836|title=Merry Christmas!|desc=|link=node|align=left|width=100|height=51]
“The most disturbing issue of the election was how President Obama managed to win re-election in places like Ohio and Pennsylvania and Michigan by talking about the highly unpopular bailout of General Motors. By taking billions of dollars in hard-earned money from taxpayers during a deep recession and giving it to a couple of huge companies, Obama managed to buy the votes he needed to eke out re-election. Taxpayers remain on the hook to the tune of $25 billion.”
Read more: HURT: Obama victory means four more years with no hope of change – Washington Times http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/nov/7/hurt-obama-victory-means-four-more-years-no-hope-c/#ixzz2BZRaosKw
Follow us: @washtimes on Twitter[/quote]Good article, Zeitgeist.
More proof that elections have simply become “popularity contests.”
I can’t believe people are so excited about this election, when most of them are further away from achieving “The American Dream” than ever.
Regardless of whom anyone voted for, one of the worst things about the direction we’re headed is, that, most people in this country–especially going forward–will never know what it’s like to live the “American Dream,” to the level my generation did–and that’s sad.
Blame whomever you want for that–but you either achieve your dreams or you don’t–and, IMO, no politician will be able to change that now, so “dream on.”
ParticipantFLU
The way we got involved in investing in movie deals actually came about through friends/neighbors who are in the business, as well as through two of our kids who are also involved in the corporate side of the entertainment business.
It’s a very guarded, “who you know” kind of group who are involved, so it wasn’t easy to break in, but now, we’re really enjoying it.
Although it seemed extremely risky to us at
first–it has proven to be one of the best things we’ve ever done–and extremely fun and interesting.ParticipantAgree with most all of your comments, in, that, giving the state more money to spend, will not solve any problems that really matter–even for the people who are supposed to benefit.
Those who are SUPPOSED to benefit will, IMO, actually be the most harmed in the final analysis.
They will find it even more difficult to find high paying jobs in CA–because what sane person with a business, will keep their tax base in CA now (if, in fact, they ever did?)?? The presumed beneficiaries will also still find it difficult, if not impossible, to own property in CA, and on and on, so, I just don’t see a “net” win for them in the long-term.
As usual, the masses have just shot themselves in the foot–AGAIN–but, as FLU says–who cares?
Participant[quote=flu][quote=flyer]Historically, I’ve been a very patriotic person, but, as someone mentioned in an article I read recently–beyond a “popularity contest,” I, too, never believed the outcome of this election will make much difference in the “real lives” of most Americans. I guess only time will tell.
As now, IMHO, in four more years, eight more years, twelve more years, etc., etc., I believe that 5% or less of the population will still hold the wealth in this country–so, looking at the financial realities of our country–I don’t really see how the “American Dream” will materialize for more people based upon any particular elected official.
Since most of us “Piggs” are in that 5%, I realize there could be some financial challenges imposed along the way, but nothing we can’t handle.[/quote]
Actually, I think during this time, it will be a great opportunity for the smart money to really milk this for all it is….We’re gonna be spending more and more money, no doubt. Smart people will get on the bandwagon and milk it like there is no tomorrow…
Time to buy more property.. Rates are gonna stay low, we’re gonna have more bailouts…It’s all good…Worry about our kid’s future later. If you have a nestegg established, who cares about everyone else’s kid that doesn’t… Their problem, not yours… You’re kidding yourself if you think most americans (democrats or republicans) really care anymore about the future…They want their HELOC loans back damnit now, so they can get into a BMW for $300/month! Did anyone notice the surge of new cars in SD recently? Good times are here again!
Frankly, I’m crossing the line and milk this… ….Stay tuned.
One thing for sure… If you got a lot of stock/stock options…This year’s the year to dump them lol…[/quote]
Agree, Flu and AN–Like you, I “milked” it long ago. That’s why we’re in the top 5%, and, I might add, very happy to be there!!
Since we’ve already done the property thing, etc., the “smart money” in our circle has been investing in movie deals–ever heard of “Harry Potter” and “Twilight?” That’s the direction we’ve been going over the past few years, with great results. The international “take” is especially sweeeeet!
I wish you the best with all of your new
quests–go for it!!ParticipantHistorically, I’ve been a very patriotic person, but, as someone mentioned in an article I read recently–beyond a “popularity contest,” I, too, never believed the outcome of this election will make much difference in the “real lives” of most Americans. I guess only time will tell.
As now, IMHO, in four more years, eight more years, twelve more years, etc., etc., I believe that 5% or less of the population will still hold the wealth in this country–so, looking at the financial realities of our country–I don’t really see how the “American Dream” will materialize for more people based upon any particular elected official.
Since most of us “Piggs” are in that 5%, I realize there could be some financial challenges imposed along the way, but nothing we can’t handle.
ParticipantVery interesting and alarming perspective, CA Renter, and another aspect that could, but, hopefully, will never come to pass. I’m fully aware of that potential scenario–having family members who participated in WWII–and that would be dire, indeed.
I also agree that wealth need not be equated with happiness, but, when it comes to survival, which, I believe this discussion is primarily about, wealth can be very helpful in providing the necessities all of us will require throughout our lives, and, especially as we get older. Personally, I’d rather have too much saved for retirement, and not need it, than the other way around.
To each his or her own, but I’d just rather be safe than sorry–when it comes to taking care of myself and my family–for as long as we all last.
ParticipantTotally agree with you SD Realtor.
As many of you have mentioned, I’d have to say that, at this point in time, every dream our family has ever had has pretty much come true, and that has also been true for our children, who are now in their 20’s, so, of course, we are “happy.”
However, there are elements, as outlined in the OP that may, and most likely will, negatively change the lives of present and future generations, in ways we never imagined.
I also agree the decline will come as a slow erosion, with more and more people experiencing increasing levels of poverty, and a standard of living far below that of previous generations.
Look no further than the shock you create, when you mention to someone how much it’s going to cost them to retire. When you look at the stats, 95% of the population is living in denial about this one issue alone.
In addition, the decline is, even now, becoming more and more evident, and is also clearly illustrated via statistics, that reveal at least 50% of college grads are finding it extremely difficult to find jobs of the financial magnitude that will enable them to create lives of their own, apart from their parents. I have also seen this firsthand with my kid’s peers.
IMHO, and in light of all of this, I honestly believe all each of us can do is live life to the max each day, and come up with a plan to allow ourselves and our heirs to continue our lives at the highest level possible for as long as possible. At least, that’s what we are doing.
ParticipantI agree that if someone doesn’t like a particular place–they should definitely move–especially in CA–where many more will be passing through–just as many before them have.
Having lived all over the country and all over the world, IMO, there is no absolutely “perfect place,” when you factor in all of the elements. You just have to get as close as you can for your individual tastes–for us, that was RSF.
I think the level of life you are financially capable of living is also a factor, when it comes to your level of happiness in a given place.
If money’s no problem, you can pretty much find what you want anywhere you go, and, of course, the opposite it also true.
In the final analysis, everyone should just live wherever they want to live, and enjoy their lives.
-
AuthorPosts
