There is a VERY simple answer to this question.

Medium and large size companies are not hiring back their company morons and do-nothings. And they never will. The recent economic downturn gave every company that wanted it the opportunity to let go of persons who did absolutely nothing for them.

If you could go into most offices with a truth serum and forcibly inject everyone in the room, and then ask them to point at the person who did no work all day every day, they would all do it. Or at least they would have done it in the past. The people those “forcibly truthful” employees would have pointed out are now gone. They are not coming back.

Every company above a certain size used to have within it at least a few employees who had mastered the art of doing everything-but-work. In the company I used to work for, one of those people was Cubicle Oprah. This person managed to spend seven of every eight hours talking to her fellow employees in the office or to her children over the phone. If one had put a camera next to her desk and reviewed the tape of any given work day, the compilation of her actual working time would have been shorter than a typical American situation comedy television show.

I’ve been told by former workmates that the second the economy turned sour, Cubicle Oprah was laid off. And that is no surprise. The managers of the office knew just as well as the employees that Cubicle Oprah did no work every day. Of course, with labor laws the likes of which are common in America, no one in the company had the balls to just walk up and tell Cubicle Oprah to get to work. But when the economy tanked and everyone else started to do it, the managers gladly let Cubicle Oprah go.

Another person who had mastered this incredible “no-work” talent was Mr. Phone. Again, almost every medium or large working group will have a person like Mr. Phone. Of any given eight hour day, Mr. Phone manages to spend 6 to 7 hours talking on his cell. Everyone in the office knows this. Mr. Phone does not actually work for the company or with the group, he spends time in the company’s space and talks on the phone. When the economy provided the company with an opportunity, they let Mr. Phone go. And he is not coming back.

NPR Economics correspondent Paul Solman, quoted in Newshour, Sep. 2009:

"No wonder productivity soared in the second quarter of the year, fewer workers, more output, higher productivity."

Oh, you bet, Mr. Solman. Those people who actually have jobs, and actually work while they are at their jobs, are being more productive than ever. For two decades (or more) no one worried too much about being perceived as the office’s Cubicle Oprah or Mr. Phone. Not so with the present time and most likely not in the future.

The age of getting paid to do nothing is over, and it may never come again.

Now get back to work – before you get laid off.

I had nothing to worry about my current situation.  I did, however, start thinking about what might have happened to me if I were resident of the state of Arizona.

Fortunately for me, I am as white as a white gets.  No one who looks at me for even a moment will doubt whether or not I am a white person.  But what if that were not so?  What if I were a second or third generation American citizen, who just happened to be of Hispanic descent?  Who just happen to leave his wallet home that day?

And what if, on the day I forgot my wallet, it had not been the arrival of a dinner bill but a regular traffic stop that had alerted me to the fact that my wallet was left behind along with my ID?  Would I and my family have been sent to a bus and carted off to a FEMA camp to rot in obscurity beneath the burning Arizona Sun until we died (or someone of some importance noticed that we were missing)?

One can readily see that it will be all too easy for this very situation to occur, if it has not already occurred or is not already occurring, in Arizona today, tomorrow, and sporadically for the foreseeable future. Sometimes people forget their wallets and purses.  Placing the entire populace of America under the threat of incarceration simply for the fact of being forgetful and not white is a ridiculous situation.

Let there be no doubt that the pending "papers please" law in Arizona is an invitation to disaster for everyone living in that state, be they black, white, brown or yellow.  The paranoid state of "them vs. us" inevitably leads to fear, and fear leads to hatred, and hatred inevitably leads to violence.

I was able to leave the restaurant without my wallet and without fear.

I do not live in Arizona.

I am not brown.

If you live in Arizona, no matter what your skin tone, I suggest you change your surroundings.

Soon.

Thusly, this comment about the North Korean state of mind made by IO9 commenter "lodown":

"The Economist had a review of an interesting-sounding book that addresses the subject of North Korea’s political ideology (The Cleanest Race: How North Koreans See Themselves—And Why It Matters, B.R. Myers.). Other commenters  are correct; it’s not a socialist or even a communist regime. It’s a ma/paternalistic dictatorship with a healthy dash of racist ethno-nationalism. Quote from the article:

"Ideas of racial purity lie at the heart of North Koreans’ self-image. Since the regime’s founding, they have been taught to think that they are a unique race, incapable of evil. Virtue, in turn, has made Koreans as vulnerable as children.

Korea’s history, the regime insists, is the history of a child-race abused by adults—Chinese, Japanese and American. Pure, spontaneous and naive, Koreans need a caring, protective leader. The upshot is the Kims’ peculiar cult, of state-sponsored infantilism.

You see no chin-thrusting depictions of father or son on the monumental streets of Pyongyang. In art as in life, both Kims are effeminate and podgy. Warnings against fleeing to China are conveyed as directed at a squirrel who wanders too far. In paintings, Kim Il Sung tucks children into bed. The nation lies at the ‘breast’ of Kim Jong Il and his party. As commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Mr Kim is even called ‘Mother General‘."

If the regime were simply communist or Stalinist, it might not have had the staying power it does have. But it’s succeeded because it’s given North Koreans an appealing way to make sense of their lives: They’re better than everyone else, which is why the Korean peninsula has been the object of so many imperialist schemes (it’s the political version of, "Haters! You know you want this! Ya’ll is just jealous.") So their lives have purpose and meaning–they’re the Chosen Race with a special destiny to fulfill. Their hardships can be blamed on hostile, envious foreigners. And Dear Leader will protect them as tenderly as a parent would protect his children.

A Confucian-influenced society is particularly good for perpetuating these beliefs. The current elder generation is made up of those people who were involved in the Korean War and in whom the memories of Japanese and American occupation are strongest. These grandparents act like agents of the state within their own families. Meanwhile, the rest of the world doesn’t want to mess around much with Pyongyang, since the costs of intervention are too high (most forecasts of what would happen if the regime fell are incredibly bleak).

You couldn’t create better conditions for sustaining a brutal, crazy dictatorship even in the best dystopian fiction."

Well, that goes a long way towards explaining this:

We think we have found their candidate as well:

Peruse, if you please, this congressional report for 1962, which has many a virulent quote railing against the bill that was Medicare at the time:

“Tucson man: "Not only is it unconstitutional to provide compulsory medical aid, but it is also very unwise. It is just another socialist scheme to destroy our sovereignty."

"Prescott housewife: "The aged people do not need this system of help, and it is just another way to take the individual's dignity away from him and make weaker people become captives to a dole system."

And on and on…BUT NOW:

Ok. So, how is this going to work for the GOP in 2012? Are those same oldsters going to want to GIVE-IT-BACK! GIVE-IT-BACK! GIVE-IT-BACK!

History says no…

Perhaps, if there were some …other issues… the GOP could tie in with a Healthcare Rollback…

Best of luck there, Mrs. Palin.

Head east from Carthage on Mississippi 16 toward Philadelphia and after a few miles a sign says your’re in Edinburg .It’s a good thing the signs there, because there’s no other way to tell.

On June 15, 1919, Van T. Barfoot was born in Edinburg . Probably didn’t make much news.

Twenty-five years later, on May 23, 1944, near Carano , Italy, Van T. Barfoot, who had enlisted in the Army in 1940, set out to flank German machine gun positions from which fire was coming down on his fellow soldiers. He advanced through a minefield, took out three enemy machine gun positions and returned with 17 prisoners of war.

If that wasn’t enough for a days work, he later took on and destroyed three German tanks sent to retake the machine gun positions.

That probably didn’t make much news either, given the scope of the war, but it did earn Van T. Barfoot, who retired as a colonel after also serving in Korea and Vietnam , a Congressional Medal of Honor.

What did make news last week was a neighborhood associations quibble with how the 90-year-old veteran chose to fly the American flag outside his suburban Virginia home. Seems the rules said a flag could be flown on a house-mounted bracket, but, for decorum, items such as Barfoots 21-foot flagpole were unsuitable.

He had been denied a permit for the pole, erected it anyway and was facing court action if he didn’t take it down. Since the story made national TV, the neighborhood association has rethought its position and agreed to indulge this old hero who dwells among them.

“In the time I have left I plan to continue to fly the American flag without interference” Barfoot told The Associated Press.

As well he should. And if any of his neighbors still takes a notion to contest him, they might want to read his Medal of Honor citation. It indicates he’s not real good at backing down.

Van T. Barfoot’s Medal of Honor citation:

This 1944 Medal of Honor citation, listed with the National Medal of Honor Society, is for Second Lieutenant Van T. Barfoot, 157th Infantry, 45th Infantry:For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 23 May 1944, near Carano , Italy . With his platoon heavily engaged during an assault against forces well entrenched on commanding ground, 2d Lt. Barfoot moved off alone upon the enemy left flank. He crawled to the proximity of 1 machinegun nest and made a direct hit on it with a hand grenade, killing 2 and wounding 3 Germans. He continued along the German defense line to another machinegun emplacement, and with his tommygun killed 2 and captured 3 soldiers. Members of another enemy machinegun crew then abandoned their position and gave themselves up to Sgt. Barfoot. Leaving the prisoners for his support squad to pick up, he proceeded to mop up positions in the immediate area, capturing more prisoners and bringing his total count to 17. Later that day, after he had reorganized his men and consolidated the newly captured ground, the enemy launched a fierce armored counterattack directly at his platoon positions. Securing a bazooka, Sgt. Barfoot took up an exposed position directly in front of 3 advancing Mark VI tanks. From a distance of 75 yards his first shot destroyed the track of the leading tank, effectively disabling it, while the other 2 changed direction toward the flank. As the crew of the disabled tank dismounted, Sgt. Barfoot killed 3 of them with his tommygun. He continued onward into enemy terrain and destroyed a recently abandoned German fieldpiece with a demolition charge placed in the breech. While returning to his platoon position, Sgt. Barfoot, though greatly fatigued by his Herculean efforts, assisted 2 of his seriously wounded men 1,700 yards to a position of safety. Sgt. Barfoots extraordinary heroism, demonstration of magnificent valor, and aggressive determination in the face of point blank fire are a perpetual inspiration to his fellow soldiers.

Rules for Kickin’ Ass

Rules for the Non-Military

Make sure you read #13

Dear Civilians,

We know that the current state of affairs in our great nation has many civilians up in arms and excited to join the military.

For those of you who can’t join, you can still lend a hand. Here are a few of the areas where we would like your assistance:1. The next time you see any adults talking (or wearing a hat) during the playing of the National Anthem – kick their ass.

2.. When you witness, firsthand, someone burning the American Flag in protest – kick their ass.

3. Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highest amount of respect to all veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise, quietly pull them aside and explain how these veterans fought for the very freedom they bask in every second.  Enlighten them on the many sacrifices these veterans made to make this Nation great. Then hold them down while a disabled veteran kicks their ass.4. If you were never in the military, DO NOT pretend that you were..  Wearing battle dress uniforms (BDUs) or Jungle Fatigues, telling others that you used to be ‘Special Forces’.  Collecting GI Joe memorabilia, might have been okay when you were seven years old, now, it will only make you look stupid and get your ass kicked.

5. Next time you come across an *Air Force* member, do not ask them, ‘Do you fly a jet?’ Not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot.  Such ignorance deserves an ass-kicking (children are exempt).

6. If you witness someone calling the *US Coast Guard* ‘non-military’, inform them of their mistake – and kick their ass.

7. Next time Old Glory (the US flag) prances by during a parade, get on your damn feet and pay homage to her by placing your hand over your heart. Quietly thank the military member or veteran lucky enough to be carrying her – of course, failure to do either of those could earn you a severe ass-kicking.

9. ‘Your mama wears combat boots’ never made sense to me – stop saying it!  If she did, she would most likely be a vet and therefore would kick your ass!

10. ‘Flyboy’ (*Air Force*), ‘Jarhead’ (*Marines*), ‘Grunt’ (*Army*), ‘Squid’ (*Navy*), ‘Puddle Jumpers’ (*Coast Guard*), etc., are terms of endearment we use describing each other.  Unless you are a service member or vet, you have not earned the right to use them. Using them could get your ass kicked..

11. Last, but not least, whether or not you become a member of the military, support our troops and their families. Every Thanksgiving and religious holiday that you enjoy with family and friends, please remember that there are literally thousands of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen far from home wishing they could be with their families. Thank God for our military and the sacrifices they make every day. Without them, our Country would get it’s ass kicked.

12. It’s the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.

It’s the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.

It’s the Veteran, not the community organizer, who  us the freedom to demonstrate.

It’s the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.

AND ONE MORE:

13. If you ever see anyone singing the national anthem in Spanish – KICK THEIR ASS.

ONE LAST THING:

WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!

But that’s not the point – this time.

The point is that, no matter how hard you beat down on a cult member, they always come back. Point to Reverend Moon’s economic empire, and the devoted Moonie will say it’s just great. Point out that the founder of Scientology told his army buddies that he would start his own religion when he got out, and the devoted Scientologist will stick his fingers in his ears and sing la-la-la.

And so it goes with the devoted Carbon Cult member.

In light of the recent complete and utter dismantling of the base of their freakish ego-driven religion, it is to be expected that they will use the considerable wealth and influence at their disposal to strike back.

Just today, on the front page of my fave news gathering site was a post asking us to “visiualize gathering ALL of the Earth’s water and atmosphere into one huge globe for each of them.”

Oh, how puny and delicate our precious little space ship earth, right?

BUT WAIT.

You got all the air, all the water…what about us people? The “anthropogenic” part of AGW? What if we AND ALL OF OUR STUFF were made into a globe too..?

Well, you’re not supposed to think about that.

So, of course, here it is:

Sound good?

What? No?

You don’t like the idea of a President Cheney?

Well, what if people started blowing themselves up in crowded shopping malls (instead of just lighting up their underwear on an airplane)?

And what if a suitcase nuke took out…oh, I dunno…Miami?

And what if the sitting president simply wouldn’t just go bomb the crap out of everyone who was brown suspected?

How would you feel about a mean ass, butt kicking, no-wimpy-excuse-making President Cheney THEN?

Well, you still might not be thrilled, but America has trailer parks full of 60-point-IQ rednecks and retards who would be thrilled with the idea.

And they would do their duty to keep Amurr’ca free by getting RFID chips in their hands, too.

You need to read this book:

The book is free.

You can download it as a pdf, or just read it online.

Go! Read it!