Path: utzoo!hoptoad!ihnp4!gargoyle!ddsw1!karl
From: karl@ddsw1.UUCP (Karl Denninger)
Newsgroups: alt.flame
Subject: Re: What is Colin Jenkins hiding?
Message-ID: <433@ddsw1.UUCP>
Date: 4 Jan 88 05:31:26 GMT
References: <4447@venera.isi.edu> <2847@arthur.cs.purdue.edu> <8801030615.AA08864@garnet.berkeley.edu>
Reply-To: karl@ddsw1.UUCP (Karl Denninger)
Followup-To: alt.flame
Organization: Macro Computer Solutions, Inc., Mundelein, IL
Lines: 56
Summary: If you are competent, or ambitious, there isn't really a problem

In article <8801030615.AA08864@garnet.berkeley.edu> weemba@garnet.berkeley.edu (Obnoxious Math Grad Student) writes:

[Long explanation about Mark E. Smith, the Navy, mechanics, etc]

>>Huh? "Can't work"?  Since when is the Navy the exclusive employer of
>>mechanics?
>
>So just HOW is Mark supposed to convince some other potential employer of
>mechanics that he IS a good mechanic???  Point to all those excellent job
>evaluations the Navy gave him???  Riiiiight.  Can you guess what the NEXT
>question this potential employer will ask?  I thought you could....

Now now, let's take a look at reality a minute:

Recently (a couple of years back) I came to Chicago looking for a job in the
computer field.  With no practical experience (that I could claim or back
up), no degree, no nothing.  Within 24 hours of arrival I had secured
employment in the field of my choice.  Not the best I might have been able
to do, but employment.

I have since left and formed my own firm, but the point is this -- if you
WORK at something it is much more possible than if not.  My position
(writing code for satellite earth-station controllers, no less) was obtained
by selling myself -- with no proof.

Was it easy?  Hell no!  Did I bust my butt?  Of course!  But the point is
that if you REALLY ARE good, you can prove it.  You might have to march in
and offer to work under supervision for FREE for a day or two (until it's
obvious that you really are what you say you are), but what the heck.

If you're *not* what you represent, or if you don't have the ambition and
drive to really put your mind (and body) to this task you'll be out on 
your tail in seconds.  

I object to anyone using my tax dollars in the form of entitlement programs
if they are not truly in need of them.  These programs are intended to help
those who truly cannot help themselves.  Those people who can manage to
perform a useful service in exchange for a wage should do so (or at least
not take from the rest of us!)

If Mark is a skilled mechanic, then Mark should obtain employment based on
same (those who claim such is impossible w/o references -- see above).  If
Mark is not capable of being self-sufficient then and only then should tax
dollars be used instead.  (TRULY being indigent is really tough in Chicago;
heck, they're paying $5.00/hour to flip burgers at Wendy's around town these
days!  It isn't much, but it IS a job.)

I guess you could say that I believe that society does not have a 
responsibility to help those who *refuse* to help themselves, only those 
who are unable to do so. 

-- 

Karl Denninger				UUCP : ...ihnp4!ddsw1!karl
Macro Computer Solutions		Dial : +1 (312) 566-8911 (300-1200)
"Quality solutions at a fair price"	Voice: +1 (312) 566-8910 (24 hrs)