Posted by
Dana Andjus on Saturday, September 09, 2006 11:16:55 AM
Are you surprised? You don't think I am worth it do you? Well, actually, mom and my wife and my 3 sons are probably with you. I think I can convince my 2 grandkids that I'm worth it. They love G-Dog. That's my street grandpa name. But the headline is a lie. I didn't sign a 5 year no cut deal. At least I have fun blogging. That will have to do.
But who is worth the money they make today? We see alot of question about the big $'s some executives make. Especially if they made them by increasing profits through layoffs or cutting out some benefits to the workers. I'm a capitalist but I cringe at some of this news. I guess you can justify it a little by saying that he didn't lay off 10% of the workforce--he saved 90% of the workforce. Undoubtedly true in some cases but in others it must just be greed. No one needs $500,000,000 but we have seen some of these guys--think Enron or Worldcom or Tyco or Adelphia and others--who are honestly worth $100,000,000, cheat to make $250,000,000 and go to jail. The justice of their greed being punished here on earth is OK with me. But I don't want the government to limit it because that always makes it worse. I want the government to punish abuse and the boardrooms and stockholders to limit the compensation. Let's hope they learned their lesson. American corporations are formed to make a profit and return that to the shareholders. Many of we retired people rely on these stocks either directly through 401k's or indirectly through pension plans. American corporations are not Christian based or their first goal would be to honor God, not make a profit. That doesn't mean you won't earn a profit. God will likely reward you, but profit is not your first goal. You can be a wonderful company, fair in all your dealings with employees, customers and suppliers and not be a Christian company. And that's OK.
But let's get back to me. Am I at least worth as much as entertainers? Athletes and actors and musicians make my imaginary $40,000,000 and more. What value do they provide? Rest and relaxation are an important part of our survival in this out of control world. For Christians it is available in our Redeemer. Peace and Comfort. But we all aren't Christians. So I guess there is value in this entertainment. The NE Patriots provide a healthy outlet for kids and adults( sometimes with too much alcohol). Sometimes it's a bond between kids, dads, moms, brothers, grandpas. I prefer Little League because at my age( as Jerry Lee Lewis sang "39 and holdin'". For me that holdin' is now at 20 years.) I avoid crowds. My wife said if we want to avoid crowds we could go to a Dixie Chicks concert. Not a bad idea. I liked their music. But I don't want to be preached to by them if I'm paying to get in. With youth sports you get a lot of enjoyment and a chance to bond with your kid for short money. It's a win/win if you don't listen to some of the parents. But let's face it, G-Dog will be taking his grandkids to entertainment venues and facing the crowds. In October we are taking Carlie (3 1/2 years old) to Mickey and Minnie on Ice. And I'll break down and take them to ball games and pretty much what they want. I'll also spend time just throwing a ball with them. Few of these folks are worth the money they make but that's our system. So while I feel entertainers are overpaid, I wouldn't want the government to interfere here either. I'll support the ones who share my values. We should all do that.
And when I need to get away from it all, after praying through Scripture, I'll attend a Mensa Meeting for HuffPo and Kos posters and commenters. That won't be crowded.