Sunday, August 12, 2012

The Business of Self or Unselfishness? What’s best? Do we have a Hunch?



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?






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