Today, we have the third day of a three-day weekend, to honor the supreme sacrifice of those who fought our nation's wars, and never came home. It's easy to forget the meaning behind it, because it happens to be the unofficial start of summer and the kickoff of barbecue season. It also involves parades, and other activities meant to inspire joy and pride, and not mourning or sadness.
Why is that?
Because our men and women in uniform would have wanted us to do exactly that. If we lived under oppressive regimes, that staged parades that citizens were forced to attend, cheering fanatically as goose-stepping soldiers led battle-scarred tanks through some town square, the patriotism on display would not be genuine. This type of emperor-worshipping groupthink is precisely what our founding fathers went out of their way to avoid.
A parade, on the other hand, is an expression of free speech. And here in America, because young men and women have fought for our rights to express that speech (or not), grill some burgers, dogs, and ribs outside (or not (even if the vegetarians don't like it)), and go to the beach, surf, and get a sick tan (or not), WE CAN.
So enjoy your Memorial Day, America! And thank a soldier/marine/sailor if you see him or her in the streets if NYC this week!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Free Weekends
Ever feel like there's not enough down time? I've posted about this issue before, but it deserves mention again. So for my long-time readers, a golden oldie (edited to reflect changes in life) from the MySpace files about taking a day off!
In the book of Exodus, after the Jews were wandering in the desert for some time, they had to start work on the Tabernacle. Moses gathered everyone together and reminded them about the Sabbath -- work six days, but no work on the Sabbath, in fact don't light any fires in your home that day. Then the people got on with the continued construction of the Tabernacle -- bringing gifts of gold, silver and copper -- tapestries in the colors of blue, purple and red -- to the point where the people gave more than was necessary and had to stop.
There's kind of a contradiction though -- first we're reminded not to work on the Sabbath, and then there's another detailed blueprint for our Tabernacle -- which entails a load of WORK. Granted, building the Tabernacle is quite an undertaking -- one that might even entail "coming in on weekends." But that initial disclaimer seems to indicate that as important as it was to finish the job right, it was even more important to have that one day of rest per week. Implicit in the directions and measurements was a 24-hour stop-work order that could never be altered.
Some of us have heard horror stories about modern-day laborers being faced with pitifully low wages, unavailable health benefits (go get it from Medicare, that's what it's there for, according to Wal-Mart), and unbearable hours. It's a shame that most employers don't take the lesson of this reading -- no matter how big the job, no matter what it entails, it can't take up every second of every day. There has to be some time, at least one day per week, for each worker to enjoy life.
HOW ABOUT THE REST OF US?
For many of us, a day of rest is an unattainable luxury. Some of us are forced to work on that extra day because the money we earn the rest of the week just isn't enough. And even worse, some of us have more than one job, so while we have at least one day off from one job, it's a working day for the other one.
What's somewhat frustrating for those of us who must go without that day of rest is that there's nothing to take its place. When people who have one job work more than 40 hours per week, they're entitled to overtime pay. But when people work side jobs, or a second job, even if their total hours for that week exceed 40, there is no overtime available. The employer who already pays 40 hours could say hey, you worked all your regular hours for me, that's all I have to pay you, it's not my problem if you work somewhere else.
This situation could be changed by providing additional benefits for concurrent employment. When someone is hurt on the job in New York State, he is obviously entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits. But if the worker has more than one job on the date he gets hurt, the wages from all of his jobs are added together to total a greater average weekly wage than just the job where he was injured, and that means he's entitled to more benefits every week than if he was only working one job (subject to a maximum of approximately $738.00 per week). N.Y. Work. Comp. Law 14(6).
Well, how about all the working men and women who aren't injured, but are slowly being run ragged from working weekends and multiple jobs? I think we need a change. If employers can't or won't give overtime to their workers who work second jobs or side jobs, that's a loss that needs to be recouped. The Earned Income Tax Credit, which can reduce the taxes such workers owe by up to approxinately $4,000, is an excellent start, but still more improvement is needed. Greater credits or deductions should be available in the form of "overtime" to those who work more than one job (as long as one of the jobs is full-time at 40 hours per week). The percentages and particulars should be left to the experts, just as the construction of the Tabernacle was left to expert craftsmen, but a solution is possible.
In the end, this credit or deduction would not be able to buy back the days of rest that such workers go without. But it would save them money that would otherwise be spent on overwhelming expenses, and that could lead to some days of rest down the line.
I know a few important people in my life who work too hard. They have their reasons for it, but it's not pleasant to know that they have to do it. One of these people picked an industry that is not regulated by any government entity, and is free to permit obscenely low pay, or no pay, to those who choose to attempt a career. Another one of these people happens to work many hours of blood, sweat, and tears to do what is needed, but is sometimes left at the mercy of "this economy." Some manage to "not let it bother them" (not on the outside, anyway), but others lash out in frustration and resentment at anyone else who rubs them the wrong way.
What's my solution? I didn't read "The Communist Manifesto" by Karl Marx, but I did read "Nickled and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich. I do know a thing or two about the plight of the working poor, and the scant opportunities for peace and harmony it provides. Accordingly, along with the credits I outlined above, all industries (even ones that try to have their labor designated as something other than "employees"), need to allow their labor one day off, paid if possible, no matter what! I don't care if it's welding, law enforcement, medicine, law, or entertainment. All work and no play makes Jack not only dull, but frustrated, depressed, and sometimes unapproachable!
Feel free to comment, especially if you have a day off today!
In the book of Exodus, after the Jews were wandering in the desert for some time, they had to start work on the Tabernacle. Moses gathered everyone together and reminded them about the Sabbath -- work six days, but no work on the Sabbath, in fact don't light any fires in your home that day. Then the people got on with the continued construction of the Tabernacle -- bringing gifts of gold, silver and copper -- tapestries in the colors of blue, purple and red -- to the point where the people gave more than was necessary and had to stop.
There's kind of a contradiction though -- first we're reminded not to work on the Sabbath, and then there's another detailed blueprint for our Tabernacle -- which entails a load of WORK. Granted, building the Tabernacle is quite an undertaking -- one that might even entail "coming in on weekends." But that initial disclaimer seems to indicate that as important as it was to finish the job right, it was even more important to have that one day of rest per week. Implicit in the directions and measurements was a 24-hour stop-work order that could never be altered.
Some of us have heard horror stories about modern-day laborers being faced with pitifully low wages, unavailable health benefits (go get it from Medicare, that's what it's there for, according to Wal-Mart), and unbearable hours. It's a shame that most employers don't take the lesson of this reading -- no matter how big the job, no matter what it entails, it can't take up every second of every day. There has to be some time, at least one day per week, for each worker to enjoy life.
HOW ABOUT THE REST OF US?
For many of us, a day of rest is an unattainable luxury. Some of us are forced to work on that extra day because the money we earn the rest of the week just isn't enough. And even worse, some of us have more than one job, so while we have at least one day off from one job, it's a working day for the other one.
What's somewhat frustrating for those of us who must go without that day of rest is that there's nothing to take its place. When people who have one job work more than 40 hours per week, they're entitled to overtime pay. But when people work side jobs, or a second job, even if their total hours for that week exceed 40, there is no overtime available. The employer who already pays 40 hours could say hey, you worked all your regular hours for me, that's all I have to pay you, it's not my problem if you work somewhere else.
This situation could be changed by providing additional benefits for concurrent employment. When someone is hurt on the job in New York State, he is obviously entitled to receive workers' compensation benefits. But if the worker has more than one job on the date he gets hurt, the wages from all of his jobs are added together to total a greater average weekly wage than just the job where he was injured, and that means he's entitled to more benefits every week than if he was only working one job (subject to a maximum of approximately $738.00 per week). N.Y. Work. Comp. Law 14(6).
Well, how about all the working men and women who aren't injured, but are slowly being run ragged from working weekends and multiple jobs? I think we need a change. If employers can't or won't give overtime to their workers who work second jobs or side jobs, that's a loss that needs to be recouped. The Earned Income Tax Credit, which can reduce the taxes such workers owe by up to approxinately $4,000, is an excellent start, but still more improvement is needed. Greater credits or deductions should be available in the form of "overtime" to those who work more than one job (as long as one of the jobs is full-time at 40 hours per week). The percentages and particulars should be left to the experts, just as the construction of the Tabernacle was left to expert craftsmen, but a solution is possible.
In the end, this credit or deduction would not be able to buy back the days of rest that such workers go without. But it would save them money that would otherwise be spent on overwhelming expenses, and that could lead to some days of rest down the line.
I know a few important people in my life who work too hard. They have their reasons for it, but it's not pleasant to know that they have to do it. One of these people picked an industry that is not regulated by any government entity, and is free to permit obscenely low pay, or no pay, to those who choose to attempt a career. Another one of these people happens to work many hours of blood, sweat, and tears to do what is needed, but is sometimes left at the mercy of "this economy." Some manage to "not let it bother them" (not on the outside, anyway), but others lash out in frustration and resentment at anyone else who rubs them the wrong way.
What's my solution? I didn't read "The Communist Manifesto" by Karl Marx, but I did read "Nickled and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich. I do know a thing or two about the plight of the working poor, and the scant opportunities for peace and harmony it provides. Accordingly, along with the credits I outlined above, all industries (even ones that try to have their labor designated as something other than "employees"), need to allow their labor one day off, paid if possible, no matter what! I don't care if it's welding, law enforcement, medicine, law, or entertainment. All work and no play makes Jack not only dull, but frustrated, depressed, and sometimes unapproachable!
Feel free to comment, especially if you have a day off today!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Travelling Far
One perk of my job is that it gives me the opportunity to visit far-away places, rather than only the city where the office is located. I enjoy doing it for several reasons:
(1) It shows our client that we are willing to go anywhere and everywhere our firm is needed to provide the best representation. Many are rewarded for going the "extra mile," so why not earn rewards for going an extra 100 miles?
(2) It keeps me stimualted by varying the background and the landscape of my work. Granted, there are many attorneys who become "regulars" because they show up at the same courthouse, day in and day out, for their entire careers. Hats off to them, but why would you want to be a regular at only one venue when you could be recognized and respected in several of them?
(3) It increases my contacts. The more people in other venues know me and respect me, the more valulabe I become, and the more respect I cultivate for my client.
Besides, I'm getting close to accumulating the equivalent of frequent-flyer miles on Amtrak. Can't beat that with a stick!
The downside, of course, is that it takes me away from my wife. She's no housewife or stay-at-home spouse, mind you, she's very active. She is a freelancer in an industry that I won't identify here, but I will say that it brings her a great deal of exposure and fame. I've seen some of her work firsthand, and I have nothing but love and respect for the lady. Point being, she's not lonely, but I know she misses me, as I miss her too.
Fortunately, I'll be back with her tonight, to renew our usual routine. Hon, if you're reading this, please know that I'm thinking about you, OK?
Everyone else, feel free to comment here or on Facebook!
(1) It shows our client that we are willing to go anywhere and everywhere our firm is needed to provide the best representation. Many are rewarded for going the "extra mile," so why not earn rewards for going an extra 100 miles?
(2) It keeps me stimualted by varying the background and the landscape of my work. Granted, there are many attorneys who become "regulars" because they show up at the same courthouse, day in and day out, for their entire careers. Hats off to them, but why would you want to be a regular at only one venue when you could be recognized and respected in several of them?
(3) It increases my contacts. The more people in other venues know me and respect me, the more valulabe I become, and the more respect I cultivate for my client.
Besides, I'm getting close to accumulating the equivalent of frequent-flyer miles on Amtrak. Can't beat that with a stick!
The downside, of course, is that it takes me away from my wife. She's no housewife or stay-at-home spouse, mind you, she's very active. She is a freelancer in an industry that I won't identify here, but I will say that it brings her a great deal of exposure and fame. I've seen some of her work firsthand, and I have nothing but love and respect for the lady. Point being, she's not lonely, but I know she misses me, as I miss her too.
Fortunately, I'll be back with her tonight, to renew our usual routine. Hon, if you're reading this, please know that I'm thinking about you, OK?
Everyone else, feel free to comment here or on Facebook!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day
Today, most Americans celebrated a day to honor all mothers. For some, this included breakfast in bed, going out to brunch, or gathering at a family member's house. I'd like to take this time to honor my own mother.
My mom ran a tight ship. She expected homework done every night, even if she had to make us do it. She expected rooms to be clean, even if she had to make us clean them. Most importantly, she expected us to behave according to a "higher standard."
That meant even if every other kid in school had a toy gun, I wouldn't have one. Even if every other kid watched a certain show on TV that she didn't approve of, I wouldn't watch it. And most importantly, even if every other kid had a smart mouth, or had an attitude, and acted like they could get away with whatever they wanted, I couldn't -- because THERE WAS NO GETTING AWAY WITH ANYTHING!
Our family was raised before the era of time-outs, and during a time when children did not rule many households. Rather, it was the PARENTS who ruled the households, and the children learned to follow the rules, and not to break them at will.
I credit my mother with substantial success in that department -- she raised a son who did very well in school, and went on to become a lawyer. She also raised a daughter who knew how to see right through people, how to show compassion to children who needed it most, and how to coach others to their peak physical form. NEITHER of whom failed out of school, broke the law, or expected things to be handed to them.
I am not a parent (yet), but I know that the essence of parenting is to give children roots and wings. Mom gave us both of those for sure -- we learned that we could always turn to her for advice (and we still do), and that we could grow up and advance as adults, achieving anything we chose to achieve.
Thanks, Mom. I know it meant putting up with a lot of nonsense from us, because children are known to do that. Heck, we still do that a little bit as adults, too. But you had the tenacity, the patience, the endurance, and the patience to raise to damn fine people!
We love you!
My mom ran a tight ship. She expected homework done every night, even if she had to make us do it. She expected rooms to be clean, even if she had to make us clean them. Most importantly, she expected us to behave according to a "higher standard."
That meant even if every other kid in school had a toy gun, I wouldn't have one. Even if every other kid watched a certain show on TV that she didn't approve of, I wouldn't watch it. And most importantly, even if every other kid had a smart mouth, or had an attitude, and acted like they could get away with whatever they wanted, I couldn't -- because THERE WAS NO GETTING AWAY WITH ANYTHING!
Our family was raised before the era of time-outs, and during a time when children did not rule many households. Rather, it was the PARENTS who ruled the households, and the children learned to follow the rules, and not to break them at will.
I credit my mother with substantial success in that department -- she raised a son who did very well in school, and went on to become a lawyer. She also raised a daughter who knew how to see right through people, how to show compassion to children who needed it most, and how to coach others to their peak physical form. NEITHER of whom failed out of school, broke the law, or expected things to be handed to them.
I am not a parent (yet), but I know that the essence of parenting is to give children roots and wings. Mom gave us both of those for sure -- we learned that we could always turn to her for advice (and we still do), and that we could grow up and advance as adults, achieving anything we chose to achieve.
Thanks, Mom. I know it meant putting up with a lot of nonsense from us, because children are known to do that. Heck, we still do that a little bit as adults, too. But you had the tenacity, the patience, the endurance, and the patience to raise to damn fine people!
We love you!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Don't Tread On Us!
It doesn't happen every day, but once in a while, our country DOES impress the rest of the world.
Sunday night, just as Celebrity Apprentice was getting interesting, we all got the news. How ironic, Obama got to cut off Trump's show in announcing what may be the greatest victory of his term!
My heart goes out to all my readers who lost someone on the 9/11, or was in some other way affected by that tragic day. Does the dumping of his unholy carcass wipe all of that away? I think not. But it does remind us that a universal truth still does exist -- when you MURDER for an unsunbstantiated charge, when you LAUGH at the victims you leave behind, and when you HIDE for years, thinking you'll just get away with things, without seeking ANY FORM OF ATONEMENT, you deserve whatever punishment G-D deems fit for you. YOU DON'T JUST "GET AWAY WITH IT" BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS DID BEFORE! The gravy train really does come to an end.
Granted, we've all got a price to pay now -- apparently his loyal followers would rather not open their minds to the idea that "oh wait a minute, being an intolerant fanatic really does have consequences, I better chill out before I start attacking the United States." No, they want that date with 72 virgins so bad they can taste it! But do we respond with fear? Should we tiptoe everywhere we go now? Absolutely not! All we have to do is look over our shoulder a little bit to make sure we're still safe. Here in NYC and the surrounding area, we already have police and soldiers on high alert protecting us all. Be wary, yes, but NEVER be afraid. After all, when people are not afraid, how can there be such a thing as "terrorism?"
Don't be afraid to comment, either!
DISCLAIMER: The above opinion does not support murder or terrorism in any fashion. Other than government-endorsed military activity and self-defense, homicide remains a crime.
Sunday night, just as Celebrity Apprentice was getting interesting, we all got the news. How ironic, Obama got to cut off Trump's show in announcing what may be the greatest victory of his term!
My heart goes out to all my readers who lost someone on the 9/11, or was in some other way affected by that tragic day. Does the dumping of his unholy carcass wipe all of that away? I think not. But it does remind us that a universal truth still does exist -- when you MURDER for an unsunbstantiated charge, when you LAUGH at the victims you leave behind, and when you HIDE for years, thinking you'll just get away with things, without seeking ANY FORM OF ATONEMENT, you deserve whatever punishment G-D deems fit for you. YOU DON'T JUST "GET AWAY WITH IT" BECAUSE YOU ALWAYS DID BEFORE! The gravy train really does come to an end.
Granted, we've all got a price to pay now -- apparently his loyal followers would rather not open their minds to the idea that "oh wait a minute, being an intolerant fanatic really does have consequences, I better chill out before I start attacking the United States." No, they want that date with 72 virgins so bad they can taste it! But do we respond with fear? Should we tiptoe everywhere we go now? Absolutely not! All we have to do is look over our shoulder a little bit to make sure we're still safe. Here in NYC and the surrounding area, we already have police and soldiers on high alert protecting us all. Be wary, yes, but NEVER be afraid. After all, when people are not afraid, how can there be such a thing as "terrorism?"
Don't be afraid to comment, either!
DISCLAIMER: The above opinion does not support murder or terrorism in any fashion. Other than government-endorsed military activity and self-defense, homicide remains a crime.
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