Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Wait, what?

Is this really happening? Are those words really on the screen? I'm alarmed that a candidate would encourage people to skip work on his campaign's behalf. What kind of work ethic does this demonstrate? The video says "You can't make history here," while pointing to a cubicle. What? This attitude completely discounts the value of hard work. (Something I feel Americans are struggling with as it is.) Whatever your job, whether you are a CEO or a homemaker or a waiter, there is honor in fulfilling your obligations. There is honor in working hard.

I am horrified. Absolutely horrified.

9 comments:

Corrine said...

amen! :)

RogueHistorian said...

While I certainly agree that the American work ethic in general is somewhat lacking, I think you need to make a distinction between "skipping" work and asking for a day off to do something you feel is important. Now, if your boss/professor/whatever says "no," then you should by all means honor that and go to work.

And, personally, I really like the idea of more people becoming actively involved in the political process. Our government (and I mean 'government' in the abstract) is both ideologically and historically based in the idea that people have a responsibility to participate in the running of the country. Admittidly, this does need to be balanced with other every day concerns - work, school, family, etc. - but the key word here is "balance." You talk about Americans lacking a work ethic; I would argue the same can be said for a civic one.

Anonymous said...

Don't listen to her, rouge. She's just a typical mormon who hates all polititians who aren't mitt romney. Its people like that that make me think mormons shoudn't get to vote. Don't be so ignorant.

alli said...

Well then with your logic person anonymous, maybe the catholics and the jews shoudn't get to vote either because freedom of speech and freedom of religion is evil and unamerican. Be careful of who you call ignorant because more often than not, you are the ignorant one.

Kim said...

My historian friend: Thank you for your comment. I agree whole-heartedly that Americans getting out and voting and getting involved in civic affairs is vital to the health of our government. It is incongruous that a governed body could be uncaring about its government. The reason I balked at the “Take the Day” ad is that it downplayed the importance of work by stating that history is not made there. From a managerial standpoint, if my staff doesn’t come to work, our business doesn’t work. Added strain is placed on remaining staff who are “not making history.” I just didn’t like the attitude of the ad. That being said, I see the truth in your argument and admit that my knee-jerk reaction of dismay may have stemmed from my worry for my business. I do appreciate your comments and must tell you that your blog is one of the pleasures of my day.

Kim said...

Okay, anon: Sigh. My gut is telling me not to respond to your comment but my innate stubbornness just can’t leave well enough alone. I am saddened that your attitude about the LDS church is such that you lash out at members stating their own opinions (not the Church’s official standpoint) on a personal medium. I hope that whatever experience you may have had that embittered you to the LDS faith will by-and-by subside. I am confused as to how I may have offended you. I made no attack on either campaign. I have tried to remain balanced on my portrayal of the election. (I am a bi-partisan scoffer.) If Mitt Romney had disseminated the exact same advertisement, I would have had the exact same reaction. I urge you to take a long hard look at your outlook on life. Buddy, people are going to disagree with you on a regular basis. That’s part of life, and it’s a wonderful part of life. I enjoy meeting people with differing opinions and beliefs. It helps me evaluate my own influences and stances and enriches my understanding of issues. You would be better served to take information in and decide if it fits with your personal standpoint. If not, quietly discard it. It is okay do so. Anonymous condemnations, name-calling, and mean-spirited mockery will bring you nothing save the fleeting moment of triumph in the knowledge that you troubled another human being. I truly wish you the very best.

RogueHistorian said...

I can also see where you're coming from Kim. I'm afraid there is no easy answer to this kind of thing. All we can do is our best.

And by the way, if you ever figure out where this particular 'anon' is, I do have a cricket bat which is very useful for "correcting" attitudes like this one's - you are more than welcome to borrow it!

The Hathorns said...

Kim, and all reading this, you guys shouldn't concern yourselves with some jabber written by a fella who spells rogue "rouge", even when it's correct spelling is on the same page he is replying on. It's certainly quite the way to discredit yourself.

I LOVE bad spellers.

Kim said...

Donny, did you really just use the word "jabber"? That seals it. I'll be chuckling quietly to myself for the next hour.