How is it possible we need more than 65,000 immigrants to fill positions in high-tech when so many American IT people I know are out of work? Or could it be that they just don't want to pay professional wages? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070307/congress-bill-gates Uncle Lou (Dobbs) what do you think? I think immigrants were the backbone of this country and I have nothing against immigration, but do we really need to raise the limit when so many professionals have either left the IT market altogether or are going from 6-month contract to 6-month contract (without medical or any other benefits)?
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
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A Fish Story
"It was a dark, windy night", said Uncle Jeff, twisting his copy of the Atlantic Monthly nervously, eyeing the window. "I was working late on my computer, doing some odd contract work to pay the bills......you know, plastic pounding, for peanuts. When all of a sudden I heard this creaking sound- I could swear it was a ship of some sort. Well as you can imagine, living here on the Bay I'm always concerned about boats knocking into this or that-- so I ran up to the portico......you know the window up there" (he points to a small round window, high up at the top of a flight of stairs). "And you would not believe what I saw.
"Now I'm not the kind of person who regularly mistrusts my own eyes: I'm not a Genius, but I've always been fairly sure which way is left and right. Never had any problems knowing generally the time, or what town I'm living in. But looking out that night, I swear on my mother's red Chevy Blazer, I saw nothing but blank calm water stretching out there for miles. Maybe a few birds stirring? I wasn't sure. Suddenly however I had an odd feeling, and turned around quick- and there was the oddest looking man standing in my living room. How he got in, is my guess as good as yours.
"He was dressed from head to foot in the most expensive and outlandish looking clothes, and smelled Musty and damp, as if he just walked in out of a rainstorm. Although the thought occurred to me it was clear and dark out as today, not a cloud. The man was looking at me puzzled as if considering something gravely, then appeared to make up his mind.
"He walked toward me with a sort of loping gait, that reminded me of a wounded animal- but somehow, it was with dignity- the kind of class you only see in aristocracy in those late night movies, but would never expect a real person to have. Then he cleared his throat, coughed, and bowed curtly, saying his name was 'Scrod'. He had a strong accent from, I could never quite figure out where, but his manners were eccentric- and very polite. What exactly he looked like for some reason I can't quite describe, except to say that he appeared careworn and older than his years. He explained that his ship was docked out front but he was in a hurry, and that he had seen my light and wondered if I could do him a favour.
"Now I wasn't sure what exactly a person like this could want from somebody like me, who rarely even gets out of the house let alone having any connections of any sort, to help someone in need. But he ended that question immediately by pointing towards my computer with a sort of awe, as if it were a magic instrument. 'You know how to work that thing, Sir?' he said politely.
Surpressing the urge to say something negative or sarcastic, I bit my lip and just replied simply, "Yes.". Then he began fumbling in his front pockets with some surprising urgency, as if he had lost something. I might mention he had the most extraordinary red coat, covered with shiny brass buttons. And more pockets than I could count- so its no wonder he had trouble finding whatever he was looking for. After what seemed like ages, he pulled out a small, ordinary sheet of paper, almost a letdown after all that dramatic buildup. He shoved it into my hand with the air of the King of a small country.
I looked down to examine what he had passed, and found it was actually extraordinarily fine bleached parchment, too expensive even to use for a resume. I considered why anyone would waste paper like this on anything. But then I shivered, as if a draft had come in the room. I looked up, and he was gone! I hadn't heard a thing. I ran to the door (which was locked), pulled it open and saw the calm sea again, nothing out there but quiet. And again, maybe, more birds than usual, but that could have been my imagination. Somewhat confused, I closed the door, unfolded the note and saw in the most careful script and elegant lettering, the following:
---
Dear Sir,
I regret to trouble you with my Request, but you would be eternally in my best Graces to Honour me with the creation of a Website.
---
"He then left instructions as to the name, Fish4Tips, and numerous details as to how the website should work, claiming he wanted to atone for his past deeds by helping others to make money by helping the people. It certainly was a novel concept. At the end with a flourish of elaborate script he said the following:
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Bearing mind my debt for your generous services, I promise to return soon with reward.
Yours Truly,
Captain James T. Scrod
---
"I never heard from this odd gentleman again. That was at least three years ago, and quite frankly I would wonder if it ever happened at all, except for the fact that I still have the parchment, which I've looked at numerous times." (he points towards a framed piece of small paper on the wall, with ornate lettering). "the only other clue I could find was some small printed letters at the bottom of the back, which were difficult to read but, and you'll laugh, I could swear they say something about 'boot topping', and I could make out the numbers, '52-G3-4K2'. Again your guess is as good as mine. Anyway, I finally got a long stretch out of work and decided to develop the site, which was no small task I can assure you. I consider it almost a tribute to the experience and this odd man. Perhaps one day, he WILL return."
Uncle Jeff
10 comments:
H1-Bs are the scourge of our times. They really are a shoehorn to spread illegal immigration up the ranks, so that eventually all of us can be replaced.
The real fact of the matter is (and we really hate to admit this) that every one of us, no matter how valuable...respected or tenured you think you are in your job, would be replaced in a heartbeat by your employer if they could get away with the same thing done cheaper. Who wouldn't want to make more money? You don't like to think of yourself as a 'cog' in a wheel in your day-to-day life, but, really, you are! Competition is great, but there should be a limit.
That's where government comes in. In government, we all get together and say hey- We know there's greed, profit, and conflicting goals out there. But we're going to watch things: pool together to help protect the weak, the old, the disabled, and also try to give all those who play by the rules, a fair chance to make it. At least, that's how its SUPPOSED to work.
Here, the government should step in and say, "Okay, kids, now you aren't playing fair. Let my kid have a go at the ball, too!" Only our 'mom' is saying, "go ahead, push 'em in the sandbox!!"
Picture a mom kind of Chimp-like.......
I should add to the previous comment, that many H-1 workers are paid far less than American workers- taking advantage of international exchange rates, or starving markets in depressed 3rd world countries. Many H-1s also fear to be 'sent back'---- have limited citizenship and limited legal recourse, knowledge of our laws, and sometimes even have poor communication skills because of language barriers.
They are fast becoming a lower paid 'sub-class', and a preferred hire for bottom-line corporates. Just check out the staff some of your major companies and look for those 'temporary' badges! Although there may be many people out of work in your area, you may be surprised by the number of 'imported hires'.
As Lou Dobbs said, "There's no excuse."
Check the comments out on this. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/03/07/gates-us-economy-depends_n_42909.html
There are lots of people that seem to agree.
Corporate whores...protecting your own to the detriment of all those huddled masses, why you are no more than WRETCHED REFUSE yourselves! Coming here from New York and all...
Just kidding. I see you have a cool Obama badge there...do you prefer him over Hillary? You never answered my question about the two of them getting together, unless, of course, the badge is, indeed, the answer.
Later!
Uncle Hindi
Scrambling over the rocks at Ellis Island
MS04 you eediot, I did post a reply under "my break time with andre". Yep I do want Obama for president. I guess I'd vote for Hillary though if she's nominated. I like Edwards too. He doesn't seem like a bad guy, except for apparently being a flaming homosexual. (kidding!)
I KNEW you'd vote for the homo...
Chripes, such negativity, "eediot", "homo"...I have the memory span of a gnat, so PLEASE FUCKING FORGIVE ME FOR NOT HAVING YOUR fucking POLITICAL VIEWS AT THE TIP OF MY FUCKING TONGUE!
Ahhh, a little negativity feels good every now and then!
Peace!
PS You and your buds are still corporate whores.
How about "CoHos" for short?
Lemme try it...
"Uncle Teemee, you are nothing but a big Coho!"
Works for me.
"Coho's" is not bad, dude! You invented a new word. Kind of like "neocons". Submit that to Colbert and he can run with it.
But you are still an eediot.
I came here to add to a serious discussion on the pros and cons of corporate outsourcing, and to see an exclusive interview of the famous Captian Scrod.... Instead I find nonsensical rambling Fish Stories and accusashions...........I am clicking myself outta here, suh!
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