Check Out This Gem

[BarTopDancer]

One of many [to come] sent to us by our company president.

Hello All: As you ponder who to vote for in the upcoming primaries and then later in the general presidential election, please understand that candidates who propose raising taxes, given the current mortgage, real estate and housing major downturn, would plunge our country into a serious recession that WOULD COST JOBS. In fact, every time taxes are raised the government generates less tax revenue not more because economic activities are curtailed. Only when taxes are cut do we see greater economic activity and job growth. This is Economics 101 and it has been proven time and again. It is no coincidence that the Red States tend to have more job growth and healthier economies than the high tax blue states that typically have higher unemployment. I am not going to tell you who to vote for; though I am sure you know my leanings; but I am going to tell you that higher taxes would be bad for our country and clients and that would be bad for our industry. So please listen carefully to what all candidates are saying before you vote. Those that talk about taxing the “rich” always end up taxing everyone because they support big government programs that are bad for the economy and lead to even more deficit spending. The federal government already has trillions of tax dollars much of which is wasted. We don’t need to give them any more of our money especially when it will cost jobs.

[sleepyjeff]

Sounds like a JFK fan:

Our true choice is not between tax reduction, on the one hand, and the avoidance of large Federal deficits on the other. It is increasingly clear that no matter what party is in power, so long as our national security needs keep rising, an economy hampered by restrictive tax rates will never produce enough revenues to balance our budget just as it will never produce enough jobs or enough profits… In short, it is a paradoxical truth that tax rates are too high today and tax revenues are too low and the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut the rates now.

~John F. Kennedy

[Pirate Bill]

Makes sense to me.

Although, I do question the appropriateness and professionalism of the company president sending political messages to employees.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Pirate Bill

Makes sense to me.

I have to disagree - this is quite the collection of general statements. "Raising taxes is bad." I could say "cutting programs is bad" and be equally right/wrong.

[Pirate Bill]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

I have to disagree - this is quite the collection of general statements.

Well, then it's a poorly crafted letter. But reducing spendable income does hurt the economy.

[Betty]

Politics needs to stay out of the workplace unless that's what you do for a living. Religion too. What was he thinking? Why not add - you may not have a job if you don't vote the way I say to?

[Capt Jack]

yeah, I do see this as a bit on the inappropriate side. encouraging voter turn out is one thing but it really should stop at that IMO

[Morrigoon]

He didn't technically say which way to vote. He encouraged you to consider certain issues.

[sleepyjeff]

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

He didn't technically say which way to vote. He encouraged you to consider certain issues.

Exactly!

Besides; free speech is for everyone.....not just people who have "activist" on their business cards

[Prudence]

There can be a significant power dynamic between the company president and the average employee. From some people, "I don't care how you vote, but if you vote for the wrong people you're voting against our industry" means "If you vote the wrong way, as determined by me, you're being disloyal to the company and that will have professional ramifications for you." And, of course, it's not a public forum; employees aren't free to present opposing view points.

Now, it's the president of the company, it's not a government workplace, he didn't expressly order employees to vote a certain way, and I'm not saying that he did anything illegal.

But, I think it's inappropriate.

Of course, I also think it's inappropriate for my workplace to bludgeon me over the head with pressure to donate to their United Way campaign, including sending people around to personally confront those who haven't elected to give in that way.