In recent days, we have heard the argument that people
create businesses, through their own hard work, but also because of the added
contributions of others, who make it possible for those innovators and creators
of business; to have the environment, so that, their work, could be possible to
accomplish. The other side of the debate states that business owners, create
their business without the assistance of anyone, and if not for that individual
the enterprise that they created would not exist, to serve the people, as it
stands presently.
There is much to contend with looking at either side of the
coin; however, are we there yet? in the
determination of, how small and big business will rebound enough to feed their
families?, make resources enough to be able to hire others?, and to feel
adequately stable in business to reinvest in the economy at large? Unfortunately,
the news coverage of the leaders of this nation’s economic future has involved
these messages; which gives the perception that this is food for fodder,
in
determining which candidate possesses the proper business and economic
forethought to be the leader of business and the economy, going into the future
of the nation.
If we are truly, on this train and heading towards this
great intellectual duel of philosophical, and economical thoughts and frivolity. Then, please tell me, where is the stop,
when a passenger boards and is given the explanation, of why?; we must travel
down this road? ; and where this is going to lead us? We would benefit from having a sense of a united direction.
A roadmap, which is supported by all, in which those who travel upon it will be
supported and guided; so that we all, can experience a shared success.
Even, if
it was a “national railroad”, people
owned, as our infrastructure has become degraded over time, with minimal reinvestment. It would be
something that people could lay hold to, and plan towards, in their business,
entrepreneurial, and strategic planning for the future. However, we are not
given much time to debate or even ask many questions about these substantive
things. You would do better asking; who
is John Galt?
Since we don’t really see the meaningful business aspects of
continuing down this abstract course, other than clarifying, that individuals
don’t live in a vacuum, and need to pay their fair share of taxes, on the money
they make operating in their business environment. I believe it suffice to say that, this is something that the presently installed
leaders can resolve today.
Many are paying their fair share, however, a small vocal minority,
need to contribute more. This however, is not the only solution. Big business
must help, the small business and the small business, must support the
communities where the money is generated. This model comes out of a very basic
and fundamental question,
Are we our brothers keepers? This debate over the individual business owner’s
effort over the collective of the society goes to the heart of this question. What
is your answer?
It seems like many of the well to do amongst us, have taken
on the view that, if I made it and worked hard, then anyone else could. Why
should I have to help anyone else achieve what I have? I didn’t get any help to
do what I did, so why should I contribute to anyone else’s success or failings?
It is not my job to give back! I can enjoy life, if I choose to; and I want to
pursue my happiness. Having stated this
I would be remised, not to state the many large returns to society, by
individuals like Buffet, Gates and Oprah Winfrey, to name a few. However
significant they may seem, these are token returns (not to them, I am sure);
but in the greater scheme of it all; we as of, a
collective; if there is a we? can do better.
Now, I know this kind
of talk can quickly get you the scarlet letter, and called a communist.
However, that kind of talk was surprisingly absent, during the 2008 fiscal crisis,
when we quickly threw a TARP over Atlas,
so that it would not have to bear the
weight of the financial storms, that lesser men have to bear daily. There were
no lessons in the folly of altruism or weakness in being virtuous, or pulling
up by your own bootstraps, We are still looking for the archival footage of the
capitalists stating how the system was forever defiled by the bailouts.
People come together in times of need. When they become prosperous
they don’t need the assistance of their brother or sister, and can be of service
to others. We should not forget our brother or sisters because we are doing
well, and don’t require there assistance at present. We choose to box ourselves
in to labels which we believe define the culture or philosophical connections
we would like to identify ourselves with.
Whether you claim to be a moderate, conservatism, liberal or independent;
ask yourself the question, Am I my brothers/sisters keeper? Today, we have many
holding the position of the Objectivist
Ethics, which seems to be prevalent in the big business and elitist mindset of
today.
When growing up
my mother said, don’t take my kindness
as a weakness on occasion.. I learned, over time and on many levels, and occasions,
what she meant. Some people have a twisted perception of this truism, to
justify their harsh treatment of others, to feel justified in not showing the
care and support they should, to assist
others, through acts of compassion and altruism. By exhibiting the support they
would want to encounter, if ever being in the position of needing it. We must grow up now! And see the folly of our
past ways.
Whether your
betting on things staying the same (status quo) or have a hunch that the next
great spring will take place in this nation, We are witnessing a hunch and a
shrug from the great Atlas: and if not being on a knee already, not knowing if
a collapse is imminent. What are you doing to help those, who cannot bear the
burdens, which they are carrying at present? Are we truly united as we stand?
