November
2008
Post Election Bashing of Obama Supporters
You’ve likely heard the post-election Obama bashing start already. Republicans appear to be confused about who the President was that got us into this economic mess (George W. Bush) are now trying to shift blame onto President-Elect Barack Obama and his supporters even before he takes office.
It’s important that the Democrats who are clearly in the sensible center need to stay optimistic about the times that we have ahead of us despite the clear calamity that has infected our economic system under Bush.
Here’s an example of an email I received from someone who believed they were being clever:
Ajax Corporation
October 29, 2008
Dear Fellow Business Owners,
As the owner of a business who employs thirty people, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barack Obama will be our next President, and that my taxes and government fees will go up in a BIG way.
To compensate for these increases, I figure that our customers will have to see an increase in my prices to them of about 8%. I will also have to lay off six of my employees. This really bothered me for a while, as I believe we are family here and didn’t know how to choose who will have to go.
So, this is what I did. I strolled thru the parking lot and found eight Obama bumper stickers on my employees’ cars. I have decided these folks will be the first to be laid off since they probably want change anyway. I can’t think of a more fair way to approach this
problem.
If you have a better idea, let me know. I am sending this letter to all business owners that I know.
Sincerely,
Ward Smith, CEO
Ajax Corporation
Here’s my response:
Where Mr. Smith sees adversity, others, including his employees who now understand the business, will see opportunity. While he retreats into his bunker or compound, planning on living in fear for the next 8 years, it is a certainty that some of his former employees will look to fill the void he has left in the marketplace. In time, Mr. Smith will realize he has made a mistake as he has lost some of his most optimistic and productive employees because of his choice to put politics above productivity.
Jim McGuigan
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I’m beginning to think this is an urban legend, even though it’s not yet on Snopes. I received the same email, but the company was called “JOOA Corp.” The owner’s name was still Ward, but no “Smith.” Regardless of its origins, it’s definitely frightening thinking. I’m also not sure of the legality of firing employees based on their political beliefs.
Nobody is bashing Obama supporters like the State Senante and Assembly Democrats. They sure love them some Milwaukee money, and they sure love them some Milwaukee votes (who’s the governor– who’s the President), but they get one little whiff of power and turn into the same power hungry country hillbillies that run the Republican party.
Not one Milwaukee Democrat in leadership? What the hell is wrong with these guys? Been in power 2 days and already split the party.
Jim -
I think that e-mail you received is going around various political circles as a joke. I do not believe it is an actual company letter.
I have received it from friends both Democrat and Republican, so I think it just started with someone who thought they were funny.
I’ve heard some pretty offensive things this election cycle but this one counts as just petty thinking.
As for your last comment Matt — Milwaukee did get shut out of any leadership position of real power.
I don’t have any insight as to why, at least for the moment. If and when I hear something, I’ll pass it along.