| Author |
Message |
    
Tripper
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 09:35 pm: | 
|
Pretty soon we'll be a socialized mess...
like Jolly Old England |
Orangeokie
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 09:54 pm: |
|
Note: As a courtesy to all readers, this same response is being posted to the other sport bike sites where I originally posted “Buy American . . . Buy Buell.”
Little did I know that I would create a fire storm of opinion with a simple admonishment to “Buy American . . . Buy Buell.” I have read every response on every board, but chose not to respond to every inquiry addressed to me, though I was often tempted to fire back with a snippet here or there. I guess that makes me a “troll” in the view of some. (lol) I have been cursed with four letter adjectives, both on the boards and in private messages . . . all from people who I have never met, and certainly who do not know me. The reason I posted on so many boards is because I frequent all of those boards and enjoy them. On many I am what you might call a “lurker” . . . I read much but don’t post as often. But the reason I visit these boards is because of my fascination with sport bikes and the people who own them.
Let me tell you little bit about myself, since I am obviously so easy to hate. My real name is Phil Robins. I’m 50 years old and have been happily married (to my first wife) for 29 years . . . she’s a “foreigner” BTW . . . I have helped our world population grow by fathering three kids, ages 27, 23,and 21. I spent 26 years in the armed forces, enlisted and officer, split evenly between the Marine Corps and Navy, 18 years as a helicopter pilot. I have visited dozens of countries around the world and made many “foreign” friends. With that kind of background I am a softy when it comes to patriotism. That was the main thrust behind my original post. I had been hearing about the extermination of the “Hussein boys” all day, and I simply began to wax patriotic in my enthusiasm for America and our fight for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I learned a lot from everyone’s responses. I learned that the concept of a global economy is understood from the least to the greatest. That’s a good thing. But I also learned that there is a generation of younger people growing up in America who do not realize that the country their grandfathers fought for in WW2 is slowly slipping away into the abyss of hate mongering and disrespect for mankind. I think my comment about “ungrateful foreigners” rubbed some people the wrong way. I consider all “foreigners,” who are grateful to America for what we have done for peace and prosperity throughout the world, as friends. I’m married to one, remember? (ha ha)
Nevertheless, even on these boards, where the common theme is sport bikes and the people who ride them, there are some who gender envy, hatred, jealousy, and general ill will toward one another. I suspect the majority of this is a result of our failing education system, where once, decency and respect for our elders was taught in our classrooms.
Finally, let me say that I respect everyone’s right to buy what they want. If you don’t buy Buell, no disrespect is intended. I have always owned English or Japanese bikes up to now. I simply still believe in supporting American owned companies whenever I can. I do look at labels when shopping, and I always shy away from anything made in communist China, because they are clearly the most formidable enemy of freedom in the world. But my Joe Rocket leathers were made in Korea, and my Alpinestars in eastern Europe. My Roof helmet was made in France, and I am typing this on my Dell computer, made in Austin, USA! (lol)
|
Bill00
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 11:08 pm: |
|
I also try to buy American when I can. I even own an American made dirt bike, can any one guess what it is?
Anyway, it's hard to do by just looking at names, so does anybody know of a list of American/foreign companies?
 |
Tripper
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 11:54 pm: |
|
Hey Okie, I'd be honored to ride wingman for ya. Anytime.
And for anyone who disparaged this fine fellow:  |
Orangeokie
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 05:41 am: |
|
I even own an American made dirt bike, can any one guess what it is?
BillOO . . . would that be a Cannondale? |
Glitch
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 10:18 am: |
|
Jmatrz:
At the time I was bummed. Nothing like going to work one day with sign on the front door telling you where you can pick up your last check. Another reason they went to PR was because it's a territory of the US and therefore doesn't have to go with NAFTA and help the people get training and jobs. And after the 10 yrs. of no taxes they move to Mexico for the cheap labor, and since PR is a territory they can skip NAFTA again. Hubbell is known for doing this with business and plants they take over. It ended up being a good thing though, I went back to school, and now work at the corp. HQ for the biggest soft drink company here in Atlanta. Although I do get homesick (good excuse for a roadtrip), I am better for it... |
Jim_witt
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 05:24 pm: |
|
ATK or an Cannondale?
-JW:> |
Bill00
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2003 - 05:46 pm: |
|
Yep, Cannondale E440, will soon be dual sported.
The hand welded frames on those suckers are true works of art.
To bad they aren't made anymore. |
Jim_witt
| | Posted on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 12:12 am: |
|
Anyone interested in American technical jobs in the future, should take the time and read the following including the links that work. Some interesting things here folks.
http://www.sacborg.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=007280
-JW:> |
Orangeokie
| | Posted on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 01:09 am: |
|
Here are a few excerpts from MOFO's John Burns and his recent test of the XB12's:
I know your intentions were all good, but... Your excerpts were neither few nor short. They represented a blatant copyright violation of a for-profit online magazine. I suggest anyone interested in the article pony up the paltry $12 for a year's subscription to www.motorcycle.com . It is WELL worth it.
Thanks for understanding.
edited by blake on August 01, 2003 |
Gonen60
| | Posted on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 01:15 am: |
|
It never even crossed my mind where any of my bikes have been made. Or cars or pants, etc.
Buell, all parts not made in the USA, but assembled in the USA, by americans. Sold at an american based Dealer, employing 100% Americans.
Start reading post like this, and it sure takes the Major reason motorcycles are even built..."FOR FUN"
To tell the truth, I could give 2 shits, where it's made...Life really is to short to sweat the small stuff...
bottom line, when you buy anything here in the USA it's Helping out Americans in some capacity, good to know, If you have time to worry about that sort of thing. |
Jim_witt
| | Posted on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 02:51 am: |
|
"Life is to short to sweat the small stuff" ...... "I could give 2 shits, where it's made" ...... "If you have time to worry about that sort of thing"
Not that I’m directing this to you personally but that’s precisely the problem! Nobody cares anymore. They’re to busy trying to make a buck and taking care of their personal priorities in their own little world, while American jobs are slowly disappearing forever. Don’t tread on me or enter my freaking space. Give me a beer, a joint, my television, video games and don’t fuck with my constitutional rights or freedom either.
As a side note, American-owned companies pay three times more taxes than foreign-owned companies. Those taxes fund Social Security, education, health care, the military, our space program and our national defense. Think the overwhelming profits from foreign-owned companies stay in the U.S. or finance priorities in their country. Sure they’re creating jobs for Americans but so are a pimp’s and drug dealer’s.
-JW:> |
Gonen60
| | Posted on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 10:18 am: |
|
I work hard, I spend time with my family, I am an american through and through. Last night about 3:00 am, an ambulance took my neighbor away, she has terminal cancer...wonderful lady. My wife and I just decided to Live each day being happy not worrying about the small things. |
Mikej
| | Posted on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 10:30 am: |
|
I just posted this elsewhere, interesting sidelight on parallel issues:
http://www.jsonline.com/bym/news/jul03/159170.asp?format=print
|
Davegess
| | Posted on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 01:25 pm: |
|
Me, I'm all for free trade and free movement of labor BUT, and this is a big, IF you are going to allow free trade tha it needs to be really free. If we let your products in than you need to let out products in.
If we let you produce things and sell them here, things or services that could be done here, than you need to follow the saem rules we do. Don't let the Taiwanese make chrome things and dump the chemicals in the ocean. Don't let the Indians write computer software using people working 60 hours a week with little in the way of benefits protections.
I say level the palying field. Let the Mexicans build car but also make them let the Autoworkers union into the country to organize the workers. Let them show that they are reducing emissions and not turning Mexico City into the city with the dirtiest air in the world.
I really don't mind jobs going over seas as long as the american standard of living goes with them. I think Americnas can compete with anyone IF the playing field is level.
Of course corporate America does not want this they want cheap foreign labor to increase the execs bonus check.
I am a union guy, not curretnly one but have been in many. And I can see that unions in the USA are not needed like they once were. Most compamies will treat peole well without them. Most of the things unions fought for are now either the law or SOP in business. BUT THEY ARE REALLY NEEDED IN PLACES LIKE CHINA, INDIA, MEXICO.
Dave |
Jim_witt
| | Posted on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 04:02 pm: |
|
Dave mentioned:
...... BUT THEY ARE REALLY NEEDED IN PLACES LIKE CHINA, INDIA, MEXICO ......
Dave, you forgot ARIZONA!
-JW:> |
Road_thing
| | Posted on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 06:50 pm: |
|
Jim:
No, he specifically said "...places...like Mexico..."
That would cover Arizona, wouldn't it?
r-t
...the pot calling the kettle black...
edited by road_thing on August 01, 2003 |
Rall
| | Posted on Friday, August 01, 2003 - 11:17 pm: |
|
You need Unions when ever there is business. Business's main focus is money and how to make it. That is what capitalism is all about.The bottom line is the dollar $. If they can pay you less ...They will. If you do not have a voice for the workers. The owners or stock holders will get all of the dollars.
When it comes to laws that protect the workers. You may have the laws now but what will keep them from takeing them away. When the Unions are all gone. Who will defend the laws that exist. No one! Nothing lasts without protection and defence. Especially if it costs business money!
Whithout unions you will soon have no middle class!
Mark
|
Bluzm2
| | Posted on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 11:45 am: |
|
Mark,
B as in B, S as in S....
I've never been union, never will.
If I don't like the place I'm working, I go else where or work for myself.
Most unions have dug their own hole.
Some ARE still necessary but the large self serving unions (Teamsters, UAW, etc..) have ruined it for the ones that still mean something.
Brad |
Mzoomora
| | Posted on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 03:14 pm: |
|
Being a proud member of Chicago's Local 2(Firefighters ), I would have to say that unions are needed. We just settled a contract with the city that was 4 years past due, and so did the police. Without our unions politics would control every single city job, and we wouldn't even get cost of living raises. I also do agree with brad that some unions are just filling their pockets, but they seem to be the exception.
Mike. |
Bluzm2
| | Posted on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 02:27 am: |
|
Mike,
Funny how the unions that I think are still useful are the ones like the firefighters, nurses, police, etc.
Seems like folks in the "public sector" get stepped on the most.
Not a reflection on the members, just the "bosses" aka politicos and bureaucrats and others with an agenda.
Another thing that make you say "Hmmmm"
Brad
|
Rall
| | Posted on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 11:28 pm: |
|
Brad,
Think what you may. I am a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers (construction).I am the shop foreman at a local company in Southern IN. Nonunion construction workers make a lot less per hour and have practicly no benifits.We have organized (stold)from the nonunion companys in our area some very good people.I have two working for me now at our company.They are hard and smart workers(top men at the company they used to work for).You should hear some of the horror stories they can tell about the way they were treated.I know the owner of my company pretty well and he is a nice guy. But business is business. If he could get someone to do what I do for less he would. The office people in my company are paid less than I and they have college degrees.
Mark
|
|
