Free at last! Free at last!

Originally posted by Phedreus
Not to brag about retiring but to piss off all the moochers and parasites in this country. to rub in their face that they will not be getting a free ride on my dime anymore. That without us producers to feed off of the moochers of the world will have nothing. which is exacltly what they have invested.

Yeah that's exactly what Howard Roark would say in your situation /sarcasm
You have an extremely inflated sense of your own importance and don't seem to really understand the philosophy behind Ayn Rands books at all.
Pathetic.

reply to post by Phedreus


I would have done the same. PS, if it all does go to hell, can I hide at your farm while the country burns?


In any case, you did the smart thing in situations like this. Only pray you will be able to reopen when the revolution elects new people this November. if it all fails, oh well.

If I succeed in my aspirations to be an architect, I'd be happy to design you a house on your land. Something to remember the past in the new world. If I'm rich enough, I'd do it for free.

Originally posted by Arkady

Originally posted by Phedreus
Not to brag about retiring but to piss off all the moochers and parasites in this country. to rub in their face that they will not be getting a free ride on my dime anymore. That without us producers to feed off of the moochers of the world will have nothing. which is exacltly what they have invested.

Yeah that's exactly what Howard Roark would say in your situation

/sarcasm
You have an extremely inflated sense of your own importance and don't seem to really understand the philosophy behind Ayn Rands books at all.
Pathetic.

My sense of self worth is not dependent on mere words or the opinions of others. but upon my actions and demostrated abilities.

perhaps I understand more that you think.

Originally posted by drsmooth23
You realize that social security is a form of wealth redistribution? you knock the system, but then you say you are going to rely on it when your time comes. kind of hypocritical, if you ask me.

He's been paying into social security all of his working life. He actually deserves to get back a little bit of what he PAID IN!

That's not hypocricy.

Now, if he was like many, who never pay in but get a lot back out, and was knocking the system then that would be hypocricy. It is also a true example of 'wealth redistribution'.

He actually CONTRIBUTED to the system and will get back a small FRACTION of what he put in.

Most are just the opposite.

I know a lot of people hate Ayn Rand and just have cramps over her ideology but I'm reminded of her book "Atlas Shrugged"

When there is no way to make a living in business. You get out of the business.

It comes down to math.


[edit on 19-7-2010 by badgerprints]

reply to post by Phedreus


I just wanted to tell you that I understand your position, and I do not think it is fair for you to be taxed into oblivion. While I responded to your thread initially to make a point about the workers that helped build your business to what it was my point was purely to make a point, not attack you personally. You have every right to do as you wish. Please though remember that the wealth you enjoy was the product of other peoples hard work as well. Nobody can make wealth without someone willing to work for less than they are worth. This is a sacrifice every employee makes when they work for someone else. By yourself, without others help working at below profit wages, you would not have any wealth.

Otherwise, we see eye to eye. Government should not tax people into oblivion. Also, social programs are a fraction of government expenses. I would much rather government cut from other areas first before ever cutting off the basic needs of people. They can start by bringing pay of government workers in line with the private sector.

Originally posted by Phedreus


My sense of self worth is not dependent on mere words or the opinions of others. but upon my actions and demostrated abilities.

perhaps I understand more that you think.

You don't, I actually met Ayn Rand several times and she would have been appalled by your OP.
Note that I did not comment on your worth, only your sense of self importance in contrast to others.
You strike me as a bit of a Peter Keating.

[edit on 19-7-2010 by Arkady]

Good for you OP! Congratulations on a successful career and business. Your post in response to the haters was quite eloquent. I don't blame you a bit for your decision. In my mind, the whole point of starting a business is to one day be able to do what you're doing.

The most important thing I take from you OP is that with new mandates handed down from the various levels of .gov many once viable businesses will no longer be able to function with a level of profitability that makes the "sweat equity" worth it.

It seems to me that no one from a small business like yours to the largest corporations can get a handle on exactly what Obamacare is going to cost them. I also noticed that you mentioned the upcoming changes to rules for giving out 1099s, which also includes an onerous withholding requirement. I've seen that issue discussed several times on more economic/business oriented sites, and IMHO whoever mentioned that in criticism of you simply showed how ignorant they were of an incidious little amendment tucked in the healthcare bill. For those not familiar with the upcoming 1099 changes start educating yourself here.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The massive expansion of requirements for businesses to file 1099 tax forms that was hidden in the 2,409-page health reform bill took many by surprise when it came to light last month.

Though I can see where some soft skinned dependent types might have a problem with your tone, they have no right to deride a choice that only you have the right to make. If it's not worth the effort anymore it's by all means your right to settle down on the farm or for that matter sit on the beach and drink margaritas for the rest of your life.

I didn't bother reading all of the posts due to the bs spouting never done a thing or worked hard nobodies' posts.

Cudos and a job well done sir. I wish you well in your future. You have done and risked more than most in life and are to be commended.

Initially my response was very negative,..... but I will leave another's words instead.

"No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

John Donne

[edit on 19-7-2010 by slane69]

[edit on 19-7-2010 by slane69]

Originally posted by slane69
Sounds like you have an ego bigger than your ranch. Your success is largely based upon those who worked hard for you and you threw them out with the trash, then you brag about it. You are part of the problem my friend, the attitude you have shown is similar to the bankers and executives who got us in this mess. Take what is mine, what I am owed, who cares about others. I am disgusted.

This is by far the most ignorant post in this thread. He came up with a successful business model, implemented it, and made good money for quite some time. YOU, or anyone else in this country for that matter, has the ability to do exactly the same thing. If you chose not to, that is YOUR choice.

To equate the closing of his business with the banker's fleecing of the people is not only wrong, but shows a blatant jealousy toward anyone who gains wealth from hard work and sound business decisions.

ANYONE in this country can accomplish what he did- it all comes down to "how bad do you want it". Those who criticize the American dream this way either do not have the knowledge to make their dreams a reality( which can be simply remedied by educating yourself), or are simply too lazy to go out and try.

OP- good for you. If enough business owners follow in your footsteps, perhaps we will be able to rebuild the economy the way it was meant to be. It will be a long, hard road, but this is the best NON-VIOLENT way to protest the ever-growing government arm reaching into your pocket.

P.S.- To all of the critics on this thread- I DO NOT own my own business- I simply respect those who do whatever it takes to live the dream(as long as they do it legally without malice or deception).

You can blame Obama and healthcare reform all you want. If your business was any good, it would still be a viable business. It sounds to me like you just can't cut it as a businessman and you'd like that to be someone else's fault. It isn't. It never is. The market has spoken and you don't cut it. Happy retirement.

reply to post by Quantum Logic


Call me what you wish but I will never forget that the abilities and opportunities I have been given in life require me to not only look out for my family but also my fellow man. This is true even when it significantly diminishes what I gain materially in this life.

Originally posted by ExPostFacto
reply to post by Phedreus

 

I can see that you are concerned with yourself only. While you have every right to do with your business as you please, rest well knowing that even though you have the ability to help people you choose to look only after yourself. You cannot serve two masters. Your decision is your own. God bless you.

[edit on 19-7-2010 by ExPostFacto]

He spent his whole life doing that and you say he is wrong to retire with enough of his earnings intact to support himself through old age? You are the selfish one. Can't you tell that he has paid more in taxes than many people combined within his life?

He has employed more than 100 people and supported many families and now its time for him to retire on his well earned income before its stolen from him to give to other people. All I can say is good for him and he paid his dues. Go though and do likewise. His plants were well tended and he reaped a good harvest. Others need to plant their own seeds.

reply to post by apacheman


Yeah right buddy we can thank the previous generations for allowing marxist's to take over this country and allowing our gold to be confiscated and allowing the constitution to be trashed and the international banksters to steal our wealth and replace our money with the biggest ponzi scheme the world has ever seen racking up 75 trillion on debt with no end in sight, stealing our property and taking us in to several illegal wars. Yeah thanks a bunch... Sigh!

I see you are one who believes your taxes paid for those roads... Sigh ignorance is bliss. Those roads were paid for by fiat money borrowed into existence and your taxes only go to pay the interest which they don't even cover so they borrow more to pay interest on borrowed money sigh. Try doing some research and look up the "Grace Commission Report" instead of spouting sanctimonious BS you have been fed all your life.

It is because of simple minded blind followers like you who believe all the BS you have been fed (and still do despite it all collapsing around you which is the amazing part) is the reason this country is in the toilet. Have you looked around you lately? What was it again we are supposed to thank previous generations for that have lead us to the brink of disaster???

Take you sanctimony and go wallow in your illusions till it all collapses thanks to previous generations then remember this thread!

[edit on 19-7-2010 by hawkiye]

Originally posted by ldyserenity
reply to post by Phedreus

 

Then you should have posted it to the NAACP forum and the Welfare forum. Not here.

[edit on 19-7-2010 by ldyserenity]

Why? Apparently a lot of posters felt the shoe fits with all the wailing and gnashing of teeth some of them are doing...

You know, I can actually side with some of your arguments...but I can't help but think you'd be happier here.

reply to post by facelift


I think the point you are missing is that people like this man are what GAVE jobs out in the first place, and they are being punished for it. If the system does not reward those who are successful, the system will fail. And more will be put out of jobs, just like those 187.

In other words, if you really care about people, you will not socialize our government to the point where no one has work or money. That's retarded. It is backwards thinking to take money from the rich who did something to earn it, give it to the poor who do nothing, and then at the same time alienate the rich even though they should be thanked. It is rather complicated... but basically, there needs to be balance or else nobody wins.

I'm not saying that we shouldn't take care of the poor, we should. I want them to live comfortably and be taken care of. But without rich people to pay taxes, and without resources, the poor won't be taken care of, will they? A government can't redistribute wealth that doesn't exist. That is the main point.

And without incentive to work harder, people really won't. I want to make sure that the poor are comfortable, but I don't think that trying to tear apart the lives of the rich people who earned them, or government takeover of corporations is smart. Do you want the rich to live just like the poor people except hated as well? Even though they pay taxes to help the poor? This makes no sense. And only the poor will pay.

What I am advocating is balance and a system where more people are happy. Capitolism, if done right, brings resources into the system. Socialism, if done wrong, stagnates a country until it turns into a giant ghetto.

I also advocate going into space at some point so that those resources can be tapped, and advancing science.

How many of you have been out in the real world lately? It sucks. There are no jobs. Most of my friends are barely surviving, one is even dying.

Hmm.

[edit on 20-7-2010 by darkbake]

[edit on 20-7-2010 by darkbake]

reply to post by hawkiye


Apparently the joke went over your head, yeah I got a whacked sense of humor. Not everybody gets it... I'm twisted, I get it lol.

Just a quick question to the OP. Where did you get the money from to START your business?????

Unless you saved it yourself, and used your own funds to start up the Company, then in my opinion, your OP is null and void. And even if you did use the money you saved, it was thanks to your boss that you were able to start up your own business.

But hey, congrats on the retirement and all. Watch out for all the nutters out there!!!

I don't blame you one bit. The barriers that the criminals in government have placed on success of any kind is overwhelming. It will soon be that only the very rich and the very poor will be able to attend college.

Most decent paying jobs are going overseas. If I were younger, and/or wasn't married I would leave the country as well. This is what the Obama socialists and their communist kindred have given us, ever since the days of FDR, who prolonged the great depression to stay in perpetual power.

In my business I have no employees, yet I do occasionally hire help. They are all 1099 contract employees. The government and my communist hell hole of a state make it useless to start a real business.

I would never start a business in this state (MA) or my former home in CA. They are ruined. I think federal power will be largely irrelevant in the chaos that's coming however. Tax cheating will become the norm, because in fact no one right now can legally comply. Just about everyone commits a felon every day without knowing it. By the way in 6 months capital gains tax will jump up by 33% and Obama has more taxes coming down the pike.

Welcome to the USSA. I think you should submit your statement to a newspapers letter to the editor. Maybe people will start to wake up.

P.S. What's with the morons who are griping at you for doing what you have to do to provide for your retirement? Most of them have never taken the risks you have, or have any concept of what it takes to run a business and keep payroll. I say let the gubmint help them, when everything goes to the s##t hole and there are no jobs anywhere to be had.

[edit on 20-7-2010 by SevenThunders]