Ben Stein on the unemployed

I have to say that my son and sons-in-law are well trained. Their wives all have careers, and helping with the housework is something they just do, without thinking about it.

When my daughter-in-law's father had major surgery last fall, Dave brought Jaycie here to Texas for Thanksgiving, so Lyn could focus on her dad, and he did all the feeding, bathing, and changing himself. The females in our weird extended family were all amazed. Even his step-brother was impressed.

Households are different today, since most wives have their own careers. It isn't about having to work, it's about having the right to work, and more and more husbands and fathers are doing their share at home.

Ann

LC,

I am overjoyed. I just found that Ben Stein is a "pro life activist."

I take that to mean he is anti-abortion. Why on earth would you uphold ANYTHING HE WROTE?

Stein's (or anyone else's) position on a particular issue does not automatically validate or invalidate his position on all issues. I find his words on personal finance, for example, to be accurate and wise.

Al Stevens wrote:

Stein's (or anyone else's) position on a particular issue does not automatically validate or invalidate his position on all issues. I find his words on personal finance, for example, to be accurate and wise.

Of course and I agree completely, but LC won't vote for anyone who is anti-abortion. She is the one who raised the issue.

[quote="LC"]Ben Stein says that in his experience, the unemployed have unpleasant personalities and poor work habits. There have been a lot of angry responses to this, but personally, I think he's spot-on. The responses discuss the relative high rate of unemployment, but I think that's because in a good economy, even marginal workers can find work. But in a bad one, they're the first to go. That's basically what Stein is saying.

I see this in a microcosm, just with hiring cleaning, lawn and handyman help. You wouldn't believe how many marginal people who just want to collect a paycheck there are, until you hire some yourself. Or how much they overvalue their services. Just today a potential housekeeper bid me $180 for cleaning my house (a Latina with a heavy accent, just so you don't think it was a "lazy white person"). The average price I've paid is $120, to give reference.

You can also see this by reading Craigslist ads for services. Some people spend more time writing what they won't do than writing what they will do. And what they will do is nothing special.

http://www.aolnews.com/article/ben-stein-dissing-the-unemployed-no-way-no-how/19561916[/quote]



Wrong emphasis on what he wrote. I agree with him

I also like Ben Stein. I don't agree with everything, but there is no one where I agree with everything. I am anti-abortion but also know each circumstance is different. When I worked I saw women struggling with this issue. I would tell them I was anti-abortion, but also that I supported them in the pain they were experiencing, but they could see another therapist. Most stayed with me. I kind of figured that was what God would do. Some women did not keep those babies but later had children. They all had to grieve those little babies they aborted, even years later. It is a sad, sad situation.

My next family book includes the 70 year old friendship between my mother and aunt. I found out some in the family wanted an unplanned pregnancy of my aunt to be aborted. I found out my mother supported her "when no one else did" and "even gave her a baby shower." And this beautiful man was a beloved family member. Each situation has a story.

Love, Carol

alice wrote:

Of course and I agree completely, but LC won't vote for anyone who is anti-abortion. She is the one who raised the issue.

Is Ben Stein running for office? I didn't see his name on the anti-choice flyer.

I enjoyed his book, Yes, You Can Retire Comfortably. He gives no-nonsense advice and doesn't tap-dance around issues that may cause offense, like saying long-term unemployed are in that state for a reason.

LC,

Glad you are here and thanks for the avitar change.