Michael, I assume you were never an employer making such a ridiculous statement as " you just raise your fee (much easier)." You have no what it is to make a payroll and fixed overhead. An employee never had to risk his entire savings and risk going into business. All an employee invest is his time. If it doesn't work he can go elsewhere (after his unemployment benefits which his employer paid for runs out.)

No one forces anyone to work for someone if doesn't wish to. With a proper education or skill, employee's are sought after by most any employer needing his skills.

Michael said: If an employee wants any increses in benefits/compensation he is at the mercry of the employer.

This is true, just as the employer is at the mercy of his customers. If the employee is good and deserves a raise, he will be compensated.

It's the same old story--when the owner of a business increases prices, he is money hungry but when an employee wants a raise, he is just getting his due compensation.

Michael also asked" Did you ever LOWER your fee so more people could afford your services?

I have done so many times, however my skills are not unique to me. If my prices are too high, there are others that charge lower fees which will be more than happy to accommodate more clients. The same should work with employees..If your not happy where you are, go elsewhere. (again after your unemployment benefits run out.)

You're wasting your time crying on my shoulder about all the abuses you're encountering. Go tell it to Michael Moore or Kerry, Jane Fonda or any of the other Millionaire leftist who can only critize America and our democratic system and way of life. These are the people who jump for joy when they read the morning paper and see that another one of our armed forces men was killed the night before or that the market dropped another point or two.

I could, of course, go on and on but so could you so why waste our time.

Sure would like to hear some of our "lefties" take a pledge to stand up for America and salute the American flag.

And for anyone's information, my wife served in navy from 1943 to the duration and I served in the army in the late 50's. We didn't run to Canada or anywhere else.