darin
06-18-2010, 05:12 AM
I can't recall the name of the group, but the conversation went like this:
(her words in bold)
"Hello there!" to me and my wife, as we sat on our front porch.
"Hey! How are ya?" I replied.
"Great! Thanks for asking"
"What can I do for you?"
"I'm representing (insert name of place) - we're a grass-roots, non-profit who has had 24 successful campaigns"
"What's a campain and what makes it successful?"
"Well, for instance, we stopped off-shore oil drilling in the great lakes!"
"Why woud you want to do that?"
"Oh - you support that?"
"depends - but I what can I help you with now?"
"Well, we're seeking support and donations to stop bottled-water companies from taking michigan water and selling it out of state."
"Why would you want to do that?"
"They are selling it a HUGE profits!"
"...and employing lots of people"
"No, the average place only employs five!"
"But those 'huge profits' are being taxed, right?"
"I don't know."
"Michigan has a state income tax; I've VERY sure those huge profits are providing at least 5% return in state taxes. Also - those 'only five' employees sure like spending part of those huge profits on living expenses. Oh - and I bet those companies are paying electricity bills, too - that makes money for the utility companies...and if they lease property...and the bottle-suppliers..."
"Well, we just think Michigan water should be for those in Michigan - not sold out of state"
"That's pretty selfish, isn't it? I mean, ultimately?"
But they are taking OUR resources and making huge profits on it!
"Maybe you should open your OWN bottled-water company?"
"Ya know, I'm just going to leave...."
"Hey - I'm sorry. I think you're nice. I'm not arguing with you - just seeking answers as to why you'd want to stop private business."
"Well..okay...have a good night..."
I wish I could have recorded/video'd the exchange. Mary - on her 2nd glass of wine - was laughing out loud every time I'd point/counter-point her.
(her words in bold)
"Hello there!" to me and my wife, as we sat on our front porch.
"Hey! How are ya?" I replied.
"Great! Thanks for asking"
"What can I do for you?"
"I'm representing (insert name of place) - we're a grass-roots, non-profit who has had 24 successful campaigns"
"What's a campain and what makes it successful?"
"Well, for instance, we stopped off-shore oil drilling in the great lakes!"
"Why woud you want to do that?"
"Oh - you support that?"
"depends - but I what can I help you with now?"
"Well, we're seeking support and donations to stop bottled-water companies from taking michigan water and selling it out of state."
"Why would you want to do that?"
"They are selling it a HUGE profits!"
"...and employing lots of people"
"No, the average place only employs five!"
"But those 'huge profits' are being taxed, right?"
"I don't know."
"Michigan has a state income tax; I've VERY sure those huge profits are providing at least 5% return in state taxes. Also - those 'only five' employees sure like spending part of those huge profits on living expenses. Oh - and I bet those companies are paying electricity bills, too - that makes money for the utility companies...and if they lease property...and the bottle-suppliers..."
"Well, we just think Michigan water should be for those in Michigan - not sold out of state"
"That's pretty selfish, isn't it? I mean, ultimately?"
But they are taking OUR resources and making huge profits on it!
"Maybe you should open your OWN bottled-water company?"
"Ya know, I'm just going to leave...."
"Hey - I'm sorry. I think you're nice. I'm not arguing with you - just seeking answers as to why you'd want to stop private business."
"Well..okay...have a good night..."
I wish I could have recorded/video'd the exchange. Mary - on her 2nd glass of wine - was laughing out loud every time I'd point/counter-point her.