Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

When is the US government going to wake up?   It is small business that drives our economy and creates jobs.   Small businesses are already in debt, they don`t need more.  Giving money to banks to give out loans is a waste of our tax dollars!  Stimulating jobs could be much easier.  If the government would offer the same money they are wasting, instead to small businesses in a Jobs for Dollars program, we could really stimulate the economy.  For example, if the government offers small businesses $25,000 for each new person they employed at $35,000 or more, it would really stimulate the economy.  The program would require they keep the person on the payroll for at least one year.  Over time the government would get their money back in taxes.  The newly employed would spend money that would stimulate more grow and the economy would start recovering.  The businesses would have the seed money they really need to grow and hire more people.  Just a one time deal like this would be a real seed to recovery.  It is time to go back to basics and spend our tax dollars responsibly.

If you agree with me, please help me spread the word.  Post your comments here too.  I think it is good for all of us to pitch in and get things going again!  Write your goverment officials!  Not that I support this or any other political group but I did find this web page which is a great way to get in touch with your government officials:

http://www.conservativeusa.org/mega-cong.htm

Let`s make some real change before that is all we have.

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Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

If you think what we are dealing with now is new, check out the cartoon from the 1934 Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/sns-pod-1934-cartoon-pi c,0,7114709.photo

Look familiar?

 

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Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

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James Lindon, Ph.D. Patent Attorney
Lindon & Lindon, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Pharmacy Law, Litigation
[this is not legal advice - provided for discussion only]
Intellectual Property for the Individual and Small Business: Identify, Protect, Enforce, Defend.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
http://www.LindonLaw.com

James, deleting this post would be very disappointing for several reasons.  But I will not go there because I feel the people the run SuN feel all issues the effect entrepreneurs should be covered and openly discussed.  That is why I like this site!

 

I will say the amount our government has spent so far is doing nothing for the small business and it is scary.  The crumbs they are offering to small businesses in the form of loans are not the right thing at this time.  No small business wants more debt right now when so many people are unemployed and sales are way off for most of them.  My company works with so many retailers and manufacturers on a daily basis that I am seeing them struggling first hand.  This is not a pleasant position to be in, we see things failing real time and feel helpless.  We have even put in place many changes in our company’s offerings and services just to try to help our customers survive but we are only a small spot in the big picture of things.  More needs to be done.

 

I really feel giving the money to states and financial institutions, if they have to give dollars out, is obviously not working.  I do agree with you that they should stay out of private enterprise, but we all know that is not the current plan.   Therefore, I feel if they are going to give my hard earn tax dollar out, we need to let them know where it will do some real good before we go any farther in debt as a county.

 

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Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

The question is whether or not anyone in the administration actually believes that small business matters. Regardless of the numbers, statistics, and many reports, I have a strong suspicion that most of the federal government is involved in grabbing as much power and money as they can before being voted out (or dying).

Too many reasonable, logical things are standing right here ready to go. And none of them are priority choices. Ergo, there`s a hidden agenda taking place, or those making the choices are insane.

I think Dollars for Jobs is a neat idea. Its funny though, how all you hear during campaigns and stump speeches is how "Small Business" is so important - how its the real economic engine of America. But other than politically popular lip service, thats about all it gets from government.

What distresses me most is that the market no longer drives who stays in business, and who doesn`t. I`ve always been a believer in creative destruction. That from the wreckage of older businesses, no longer suitable for the environment, there is an entrepreneur with a better idea that can and will fill the market need. But what we have now is the govt. propping up unsound businesses, mostly for votes. At the expense of all Americans, they`ll keep their "constituents" protected in these harsh economic times. It is a nail in the coffin of opportunity, when the success or failure of a business, depends on how well connected it is politically.

I`ve seen a couple interesting videos on the web as of late.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHP5UM6WgZM
http://www.iousathemovie.com/

Finally, I really don`t know how this country can sustain itself on its current track, it is indeed, quite a disturbing state of affairs.

What`s also important is that the so-called Cap and Trade bill, together with new health-care taxes, will focus VERY strongly on "individuals" making over $250,000 per year.

Most small businesses declare their income (for taxes) as individual income. So a large portion of those "rich" people will be small business owners, and their business is putting them into the tax bracket.

If Cap-And-Trade goes through, and if health-care taxes reach expected levels, I would expect to see the collapse of the small business sector.

Craig, even though I agree, from what I am seeing nationally, you will not need to wait for these two items to see small businesses collapse from government action or inaction.  The stock market went up today because all the companies that received TARP money are going to report better profits this week.  Duh!  All this while small businesses, the main source of jobs for this country, are dieing in record numbers...

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Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

Yes, I realize it isn`t only the two above problems that will wreck the small business environment. But those are two "new" interference factors that will pile on more burdens. There are lots and lots of problems already, none of which most people concern themselves with.

With the volatility in the markets now, nobody can explain why the averages are going up or down. Personally, I think it`s institutional buying and selling, grabbing quick profits like arbitrage. There`s no possible way that one or two announcements can affect the markets with 200-point swings all within only days.

Today`s announcement that in 9 months, the budget deficit has now crossed the $1-trillion dollar mark "should have" sent markets down. Instead, they went up. So there`s no real connection between the news and market activity, in my opinion.

All in all, simple tax breaks and incentives would dramatically push the small-business environment. None of those options are up for discussion.

I agree, even before the coming tax hikes, increased regulation. and capntrade come into play, small business is in a world of hurt. In our consumer based economy, Main Street has yet to see any real relief either for their pocketbook or mindstate. And the later is quite contagious, for Who does not have friends and acquaintances that haven`t been adversely affected? We`ve seen them forced to change their spending, and those of us who see our friends laid off or their businesses close, think to ourselves, that it could be me next. So we in turn change our spending habits out of precaution, and do what everyone is doing... hoping to ride it out, and racking our brains on how best to keep in the game.

Their is too much uncertainty, giving rise to too much insecurity. I believe only time will fix the situation (hopefully not a lost decade), and that all government "recovery attempts" will be AT BEST largely ineffective (at worst set this country on the fast track to bankruptcy). And as the situation worsens, the crisis will no doubt be exploited further by those in power.

So what are your options as a small business since big brother ain`t givin` you no bailout?
1. Go quietly into that good night...? BAH!
2. Contact your brothers` uncles` cousins` former college roommate who is a now a senator?... Ugh...
3. Get lean and mean, and fight like hell! 
4. ?