*** Quoting Ryan Bagueros from a message to Rich Willbanks ***
RB> Explain this to me: currently, in the United States, there are NOT eno
RB> good-paying jobs for people to hold. There is NOT enough insurance for
RB> to have it. There is NOT enough wealth to go around for everyone. So,
RB> you tell someone it is THEIR fault for not having those things?
On the jobs, I have noted in my life, those who say there arent enough, 
havent looked, or want to start out at executive level wages and wont accept 
the work it takes to get there.
The Navy lost a potential sailor 2 years ago.  His name isnt relevant.  His 
story is.  He was older when he came in (24 vs 18) and felt the Navy owed him 
something for it. He shouldnt have to follow orders of someone younger than 
him. (The Leading Petty Officer in Charge was 23, an E6 and he was an E1). 
Worse yet, the workcenter he was placed in, was lead by a very SHARP E4 who 
was 19.
Along comes cleanup time, and he wouldnt play.  He was the junior person, and 
we all did our share and worked our way up.  Had a long talk with him, didnt 
get very far, but at least he started doing his share (obviously reluctant 
the whole time though.  *He* was too 'good' to sweep the floor or take out 
the trash in his estimation. A system flaw made him an E2 before he was 
actually eligible.  He learns to be a sealawyer and keeps it.  Fortunately 
for him, he doesnt work in my division or it would have been corrected.  A 
few months later, he is assigned to the 'mess decks' (food facility of the 
ship) for the required E1-3 4 month duty.
His performance is so abysmal because he thinks he should be in charge of 
anyone younger than he is, in 3 weeks they give him back with 3 separate 
report chits and beg that he never be sent back.  They will take the loss in 
personnel as he is too hard to manage.
4 months later, he is discharged with a bad conduct.  He can never work for 
the government, or any official agency.  He can never have a security 
clearance. He cost us all a lot of money spent in training (came from your 
tax dollars and mine). He never gave back into the system in any really 
useful way.
See, he wouldnt understand that he has to work his way up, like everyone 
else.  He wanted to start at the top of the food chain.
Most folks I have known who claim there 'arent enough good jobs' are just 
like him.  They want to start at the top of the foodchain, not work their way 
up like the rest of us did.
Are there exceptions when folks are truely trapped?  Yes.  Case in point is 
the divorced parent with 3 kids in custody, 200$ a month each, and no real 
job skills.  They can get a job, but cant afford the childcare costs if they 
havent got friends/family to watch them for free.  Not and break even close 
to even with welfare.  Somehow however, many do it.  I highly respect those 
who have managed it without denigrating those who just havent got the support 
to make it.
RB> Its like if we were all sitting in a circle and there are 20 of us. Th
RB> forty marbles to go around to all of us. In order not to lose, you nee
RB> least two marbles in your hand. But 5 of the people start out the game
RB> marbles each in their hand, and the more marbles you have, the less li
RB> are to lose any of the marbles you have. 
Which may be true, but is no reason to not *try*.
I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth.  I put myself through college 
for 5 years (12 hour semesters=full time at the lowest level and takes 5.5 
years to complete a degree). I worked full time to pay for it while going to 
school.  I did not live at home.
I did not complete my degree, but I am proud of how far I got. I am now 
senior enlisted, having worked my way up.  I was 24 when I joined.  I worked 
hard, did the job, and continue to stand the watch for us all.
                                       xxcarol
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