Republican Party, Teabag Party and the Libertarian Party absolutely SUCK!

[Henry Hawk]

You mean the 90's; don't you?  There is a reason we all made jokes about Reaganomics...well, the educated among us anyway.

Where were you?  In the mid to late 80's........the economy was BOOMING.  Make all the reaganomic jokes you want. FACTS are FACTS.

[Bo D]

Bo, for the first time you are showing ignorance on here.  I can tell you, without any doubt, YOU are wrong.  Quit being cocky about it.  I belong to a roundtable with 30 other companies just like ours, all over the nation.  We are ALL in agreement about the economy and its effect on our business.

DONE.

Not done. How long have you been at your job, Hank? I have been at my company for 25 years. One company - 25 years! And I have worked my way to the top position without ever being accused of being ignorant. My title here is Chief Information Officer, which by definition is someone who understands both the technical and the business side of the organization.

[Exterminator]

Where were you?  In the mid to late 80's........the economy was BOOMING.  Make all the reaganomic jokes you want. FACTS are FACTS.

Repeating that lie doesn't make it the truth.  Under Reagan, middle class wages stagnated and the poverty rate increased.  The wealthiest 400 Americans saw their net worth quadruple and corporate CEOs' pay grew to 93 times that of a common worker.  If you consider tripling the federal debt, fewer good-paying jobs and a shrinking middle class a successful economic policy, you're an idiot.

The long term effect of those policies and conservatives' attempts to proliferate them are even worse and are at the root of every economic problem we have today, many of which you attempt, in your typical uninformed manner, to blame on the current administration.

[Exterminator]

My title here is Chief Information Officer, which by definition is someone who understands both the technical and the business side of the organization.

You mean a CIO understands more about business than an RCDD?  Who knew?   

[Bo D]

You mean a CIO understands more about business than an RCDD?  Who knew?   

I didn't want to play that card. I am not a braggart. But I am proud of what I have done here and he just pushed me over the edge.

[Henry Hawk]

Not done. How long have you been at your job, Hank? I have been at my company for 25 years. One company - 25 years! And I have worked my way to the top position without ever being accused of being ignorant. My title here is Chief Information Officer, which by definition is someone who understands both the technical and the business side of the organization.

When you say the things you said about my business, I have to assume you are just ignorant about it.  I have been in my industry for 24 years.  I am very certain you are an intelligent man and know your IT business.  With that said, I know what I know.  Our profits are down because of a poor economy.  Not because of commoditization.  The telecom industry is becoming more complex and specialized.  Everything is running on low voltage and fiber.  Like I said, the telecom part is doing better, but the electrical contracting as a whole, is very, very competitive with little profit margins, because there is not bountiful work as there once was.  IF and WHEN we have an economic BOOM (SEE North Dakota) THEN the construction industry picks up and profit margins grow.

I apologize that I insulted you.  I know you are a very sharp man.

[The Troll]

When you say the things you said about my business, I have to assume you are just ignorant about it.  I have been in my industry for 24 years.  I am very certain you are an intelligent man and know your IT business.  With that said, I know what I know.  Our profits are down because of a poor economy.  Not because of commoditization.  The telecom industry is becoming more complex and specialized.  Everything is running on low voltage and fiber.  Like I said, the telecom part is doing better, but the electrical contracting as a whole, is very, very competitive with little profit margins, because there is not bountiful work as there once was.  IF and WHEN we have an economic BOOM (SEE North Dakota) THEN the construction industry picks up and profit margins grow.

I apologize that I insulted you.  I know you are a very sharp man.

  I wonder why North Dakota is doing so well, I couldn't be about OIL, OIL, OIL, OIL and some more OIL.  When they get in all of the wells, just how many people will be working and making money except the OIL COMPANIES.   

[Bo D]

Apology accepted, Hank. That was very gracious of you.

[The Troll]

   Hawk,          "The electrical contracting business is very competitive with little profit margins."  It couldn't be SCAB companies and illegals working and wiring on these jobs a minimum wage cutting into your business, is it?   

[Henry Hawk]

Apology accepted, Hank. That was very gracious of you.

Hey we are both very passionate about our political views, but I have nothing but respect for you and I don't mind saying it.  We have gone back a long time now...I can get carried away sometimes and have let the best of me say and react in a fashion I am not always proud of. 

I still think I am right though...

[Henry Hawk]

   Hawk,          "The electrical contracting business is very competitive with little profit margins."  It couldn't be SCAB companies and illegals working and wiring on these jobs a minimum wage cutting into your business, is it?   

Nope, it is the Union that keeps asking for raises during hard times that makes it tougher to be competitive against the non-union contractors......

Troll, I will say this, I think for the most part the IBEW is a good union that produces excellent electricians, which allows us to be at the top of our game so we don't always have to be the lowest, just the best.....

[Bo D]

Hey we are both very passionate about our political views, but I have nothing but respect for you and I don't mind saying it.  We have gone back a long time now...I can get carried away sometimes and have let the best of me say and react in a fashion I am not always proud of. 

I still think I am right though...

I don't really know if I even have a political view. I just stand up for what I believe in, not what I am told to believe.

[Purplelady1040]

I don't really know if I even have a political view. I just stand up for what I believe in, not what I am told to believe.

I think most people are that way, Bo, whether they are Democrat, Republican or Independent. I prefer to vote in what I believe and hope it is for the best not what I am told to believe.

[Henry Hawk]

I don't really know if I even have a political view. I just stand up for what I believe in, not what I am told to believe.

Believe me or not, that is what I do too.  Sure, I read opinion pieces and sometimes listen to talk radio.  Nobody TELLS me what I am supposed to believe.  I have a strong, principled, passionate belief in what is best for this country.  I have listened to Limbaugh and liked some things he says and disliked some things he says.  Same with John Stewart.  Both of these guys can be humorous, which is what attracts me to them in the first place.

My brother and I have great debates when we get together.......he has his points of view as do I.  Everything political, religious, to NFL.

One reason I like coming on here is because of you and PH.  You give opinions I don't always agree with, in a fashion that I understand. I can usually see your points of view.  It helps me affirm MY view or if I want to re-evaluate.....you guys MAKE me do more research as to where I wouldn't normally give a hoot about.  I am addicted to this place.

[Bo D]

Believe me or not, that is what I do too.  Sure, I read opinion pieces and sometimes listen to talk radio.  Nobody TELLS me what I am supposed to believe.  I have a strong, principled, passionate belief in what is best for this country.  I have listened to Limbaugh and liked some things he says and disliked some things he says.  Same with John Stewart.  Both of these guys can be humorous, which is what attracts me to them in the first place.

My brother and I have great debates when we get together.......he has his points of view as do I.  Everything political, religious, to NFL.

One reason I like coming on here is because of you and PH.  You give opinions I don't always agree with, in a fashion that I understand. I can usually see your points of view.  It helps me affirm MY view or if I want to re-evaluate.....you guys MAKE me do more research as to where I wouldn't normally give a hoot about.  I am addicted to this place.

Yeah! PH is one awesome dude!