Ink By the Gallon

Read John Kass’s reaction to President Obama’s latest populist push. Here’s a small snippet:

We didn’t go to movies or out to restaurants. Everything went into the business. Uncle George and dad never bought what they could not afford. The store employed people, and the workers fed their families and educated their children and put them through college. They were good people, all of them. We worked together and worked hard, but none worked harder than the bosses.

It’s the same story with so many other businesses in America, immigrants and native-born. The entrepreneurs risk everything, their homes, their children’s college funds, their hearts, all for a chance at the dream: independence, and a small business of their own.

Most often, they fail and fall to the ground without a government parachute. But some get up and start again.

These are the guys who don’t host $10,000 a plate campaign dinners.

4 comments… add one
  • Drew Link

    Amen.

    And you wonder why I don’t like this Obama guy. I understand political necessity. But this isn’t leadership. This isn’t productive. This isnt reality. And this is intended to serve only one person seeking continued employment: President Obama.

    My heart goes out to those who will remain unemployed as the small business community continues to keep their heads in their turtle shells.

  • PD Shaw Link

    Unfortunately, I believe Mr. Obama has accidentally disclosed that his primary understanding of the business world is the business practices of institutional law firms. He’s desciribing people who are smart enough and connected enough that they would graduate from a law school and be invited to be an assoicate at an established law firm. After several years, they might be invited to buy-into the business with an equity payment and capital contribution that most likely appears as a reduction in pay. Yes, that lawyer did not build the business, though many do.

  • Andy Link

    I talked with my brother at great length the other day and discussed this. In the current environment he works 70 hour weeks and pays himself about 30k a year – just enough to live on and a lot less than his four employees. He doesn’t mind and he’s not complaining – the competitive environment is what it is – but it pisses him off when the President says something so ignorant or, at least, tone deaf.

  • jan Link

    I think anyone who has been self-employed and/or started a business has similar stories as the one excerpted by Dave. There are long hours, juggling side jobs as extra means of self-support, stretching available resources, and deferring gratification of life’s pleasantries.

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