Economy vs. Employers - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

wizendwizard · 10-29-2009, 10:17 AM

My photographer recently asked this question on Facebook.

"I know the economy sucks, but what can I do about it?"

Since, as contractors and builders, we have been held responsible for some of the problems that are effecting the economy I wanted to get everyones take on this subject.

What can we do about the economy as employers and business owners?

Please don't use this thread for political agenda!

Zinsco · 10-29-2009, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wizendwizard

What can we do about the economy as employers and business owners?

Vote Democrat.

Metrojoebarbs · 10-29-2009, 10:32 AM

Drop back and punt

Mike Finley · 10-29-2009, 10:49 AM

Sh!t I thought I was doing enough keeping my business open, keeping the paychecks flowing for my employees, and helping keep my suppliers doors open and my subs, during all this, now I have to fix the economy too?

Willie T · 10-29-2009, 10:52 AM

How can this thread NOT be political?

J F · 10-29-2009, 10:53 AM

Go out and buy:

1) House, or 10-20 of 'em
2) Car 2-3 of 'em (at least made in the us)
3) Large appliances...if ya can find any made in the usa
4) Send me $100 (all of ya)

wizendwizard · 10-29-2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

Sh!t I thought I was doing enough keeping my business open, keeping the paychecks flowing for my employees, and helping keep my suppliers doors open and my subs, during all this, now I have to fix the economy too?

That was basically my point to him Mike! If we are doing the things you list, then we are fixing it.

wizendwizard · 10-29-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie T

How can this thread NOT be political?

Simple. This situation doesn't fall JUST in the hands of the Republicans or Democrats. This has been allowed by BOTH parties and now the American people are suffering for electing them in the past.

Willie T · 10-29-2009, 11:17 AM

I guess I'll repeat the question.

Your answer still seems to leave it in the political arena. R or D, the party running the show calls the shots for you and me... politicians. As Mike said, he's doing what he can do, so am I, and you too. We will still be subject to whatever comes out of Washington.

Are you thinking another Boston Tea Party?

**framerman** · 10-29-2009, 11:18 AM

The way I see it is that the "economy" is doing exactly what it's supposed to do. There is, or should be, no fixing.

If you spend any time at all worrying about the economy or the stock market, then you are playing the wrong game. You are sheep being herded.

BKFranks · 10-29-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zinsco

Vote Democrat.

Yeah sure. They've done wonders here in California where they have controlled the state legislature for decades. Jobs and small businesses are fleeing the state, huge illegal alien problem, worst traffic in the nation, highest income taxes, gas taxes, diesel taxes, and the list goes on and on. They just passed the biggest tax increase in state history, while the economy is already in the toilet. I've read countless news articles from economist and the like all saying the same thing; While the rest of the country will be enjoying an economic recovery, California will face another 2 years of recession. The local unemployment rates are above 16%! We've seen what happens when they have control. NO THANKS!

wizendwizard · 10-29-2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie T

I guess I'll repeat the question.

Your answer still seems to leave it in the political arena. R or D, the party running the show calls the shots for you and me... politicians. As Mike said, he's doing what he can do, so am I, and you too. We will still be subject to whatever comes out of Washington.

Are you thinking another Boston Tea Party?

No this is about business, not government. This isn't about fault.

I am not trying to get to the cause, we all know what the cause is. I am trying to get to the solution. Mike certainly answered this in the best way I think is possible.

Just looking for other opinions. I would like to not have the thread moved down below with a typical P&R discussion.

DavidC · 10-29-2009, 11:56 AM

This is the first I've heard that contractors and builders are responsible for this situation. But that just illustrates that there is no shortage of finger pointing.

I agree with Framerman, there is or should be no fix. In my view it is part of a cycle, eventually it will get better and eventually after that it will get worse again. The politicians make a lot of noise about it, feign a cure and pat their backs. But it's a cycle that repeats.

And I'll also agree with Mike that keeping our doors open and operating is doing our part. I would like to have as many working today as I did 2 years ago, but that would be unrealistic given the circumstances.

Good Luck
Dave

SelfContract · 10-29-2009, 12:36 PM

Answer = Survival of The Fittest

Cdat · 10-29-2009, 12:57 PM

Buy American made items.

PA woodbutcher · 10-29-2009, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdat

Buy American made items.

I'll second that.

Zinsco · 10-29-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKFranks

Yeah sure. They've done wonders here in California where they have controlled the state legislature for decades. Jobs and small businesses are fleeing the state, huge illegal alien problem, worst traffic in the nation, highest income taxes, gas taxes, diesel taxes, and the list goes on and on. They just passed the biggest tax increase in state history, while the economy is already in the toilet. I've read countless news articles from economist and the like all saying the same thing; While the rest of the country will be enjoying an economic recovery, California will face another 2 years of recession. The local unemployment rates are above 16%! We've seen what happens when they have control. NO THANKS!

Schwarzenegger is a Republican.

BKFranks · 10-29-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zinsco

Schwarzenegger is a Republican.

Maybe you missed what I wrote, but I said the democrats have controlled the state legislature for decades. Their approval rating is a whopping 13%. If you don't know what the state legislature is, you can find it here: http://www.legislature.ca.gov/

wizendwizard · 10-29-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidC

This is the first I've heard that contractors and builders are responsible for this situation. Good Luck
Dave

Dave, you certainly heard about the $700B in unrepaid loans the banks made.

You of course heard of the housing market crashing.

That could not possibly be blamed on building groups that didn't repay loans for development of subdivisions.

After taking out these loans the companies filed bankruptcy and left the American people holding the bag.

That could not possibly be blamed that these groups over valued that homes and that lead to the downfall of the economy.

This was a recent proposal/accusation put to me by a HO.

I stood stunned and my jaw on the floor not knowing what to say.

Mike Finley · 10-29-2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdat

Buy American made items.

Let's all hold hands and promise to not walk into Wal-mart for 1 month!

We can do it!