"I always thought that the American way of life was that you got paid what your work was worth; that if you worked harder than the other guy, you'd make more; that if you were willing to risk your capital and work long, hard hours, you could expect to reap the rewards of your endeavors; that if you were a lazy bum, you'd get fired; that if you were a crook, you'd get fired; and that business could operate with minimal governmental interference.

We used to call it the free enterprise system. THAT American way of life died a long time ago.

Jim; I'm a retired union man and none of the above. Lazy bums and crooks should get fired ... for just cause. You're an attorney. You know better than anyone that convictions (translated dismissals) require proof ... not a dislike for certain people or differences in personality conflicts or inaccurate information reports or the way they dress or wear their hair.

People who work in the competitive marketplace DO get rewarded for their hard work. Are you saying they do not? Scott Blackburn's post is living proof. Regulated monopolies and protected businesses that receive government assurances of profits, or rate increases, or interest rates, no matter how much waste they generate through bad management should be held to the same measuring stick that you insist for American Labor.

As for; "THAT American way of life died a long time ago" ... you are absolutely correct Jim. The same American way of life that existed in Atlantic Ciy's heydays of the '30's and 40's also died with it. People must adapt to change. I commend those unfortunate people who were not dealt a strong hand in life as you and I were, and who are trying to make successes of themselves in spite of those who would attempt to hold them back. Ten cents and hour indeed! "Don't like it quit" What's the icon for shameful?