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Freedom is NOT free

I am new to this site, but I do plan on posting regularly. My purpose here is not to antagonize, but to provoke fresh thought among those that have perhaps fallen prey to the current societal forces that have us all living in a blame-based society. A society where almost nobody steps up to be counted for his or her own actions, or sees any opportunity for self-improvement. Every fate they suffer is the 'fault' of someone else. Every failure could/would have been avoided if only so-and-so was not such a bad person, or if my boss were not so dumb.
First, a small amount of background:
I was born into lower-class working family in Philadelphia in 1962. We were above poverty-level but below the lower middle-class. Essentially, we maintained the 16-foot wide row-house we lived in, but only as long as mom/dad's blue-collar paychecks kept coming. One missed paycheck would have surely meant eviction. I finished high school but went no further in education (many years later I would take some evening college courses).
I have worked in many, many jobs. To list a few: Dishwasher, newspaper boy, corner food-vendor, beer-delivery driver, flower delivery, oil-truck driver. At the age of 30 I found myself stuffing envelopes in the mailroom of a 100-employee company earning just above minimum wage. Within 5 years I turned that 'opportunity' into a Division Manager position with the Fortune 50 corporation that purchased our small company. Ultimately I wound up in Florida running a 400-employee department, with responsibility for an annual budget of $21,500,000. None of this 'accomplishment' means much without understanding the approach that one needs to take in order to rise within any company. Surprisingly, almost anyone can do it. I have seen people succeed who were hard working, but yet common everyday folks of average or perhaps just below average intelligence. Success is NOT an IQ test. It is a test of adaptability, patience, determination, and most importantly a willingness to eat a bit of 'shit' to gain the information that is vital to ultimate success.
NOBODY gets up the ladder without experiencing the type of complaints and legitimate hassles that I have seen described on this site. So again, this is not about blame, it's about what you need to do to put an end to it once-and-for-all. That is the good news. The only piece of bad news is that YOU are the one that is going to have to put all the effort into this. But, since you will get all the reward, that is only fair, right?

I will provide much, much more in detail as time goes on. I’ll give real-life examples/scenarios that will help you overcome abuse by bosses, avoiding being passed over for that well-deserved promotion. But for now, I recommend that you begin broadening your horizons by exploring a few alternative ways to look at life. This first step will make the ‘next’ steps much easier.
Suggested reading/research:
1. Ayn Rand was an excellent author who has written extensively on the power of the individual (vs. the company for example). Reading any of her works is an excellent start. NOTE: 2 of Ayn's novels are considered classics: Fountain Head and Atlas Shrugged
2. Harry Browne: Harry passed away recently, but was an excellent writer. I specifically recommend "Why Government Doesn't Work". This book was Harry's campaign book for his 1996 presidential campaign as the Libertarian candidate. Harry also ran in 2000 and released an updated version of this book
3. Libertarian Party: Google in Libertarian Party and you will find many sites/resources that will explain Libertarian concepts/philosophy. It may not be for everyone, but hey, how do you know unless you take a look right? I'm from America where we have rights/freedoms and freedom of speech and political affiliation is taken very seriously. Enjoy!
4. Carl Sagan; Sagan's novels will help to free you from the destructive 'belief' culture most folks were raised in. I recommend the public television series 'Cosmos' as your first Sagan experience. It is available on DVD and is a very entertaining way to learn about the way that many things in the world came to be.

Well, if you chose, you are on your way to freedom!! Until next time, this is SaganRand...

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At least now I think I see wh
Submitted by darthsidious on Tue, 03/14/2006 - 22:09.

At least now I think I see where you get the name SaganRand from.

I would also recommend Browne's "How I Found Freedom In An Unfree World"

I understand where you are comming from thought. Keep marching on!!

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Ayn Rand?
Submitted by juliewess on Tue, 03/14/2006 - 22:20.

Lets see... Ayn Rand - read it. Carl Sagan - saw it. Libertarian Platform - read it. So, what are you getting at. I get the distinct feeling that you are setting us up for a website to visit to buy your products. Please tell me that I'm wrong because I have been there, done that too. Not particularly interested.

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"So, what are you getting at.
Submitted by SaganRand on Wed, 03/15/2006 - 01:03.

"So, what are you getting at. I get the distinct feeling that you are setting us up for a website to visit to buy your products. Please tell me that I'm wrong because I have been there, done that too."
Okay, you asked so I'll tell you. No. I don't have anything to sell. I have no web-site. I have no product and/or advice to 'hawk' for sale. It does sound like we share an equally low-tolerance level for sales-pitches though.
I am glad you've delved into some of the same topics/books that I have. I found them useful and got many hours of joy from them, so I have a habit of recommending them to friends and anyone else who might be interested in those topics/philosophies.

Simply put, I worked 15+ years for a corporation that I know did not really have a true-appreciation for its' employees and the value they provided. I saw this from a fairly close perspective as I began to get promoted up the line and was included in 'executive' sessions/meetings where staffing issues/topics were discussed. This experience might bring a fresh perspective to the topic, and therefore might benefit others.
I am out on my own right now (literally figuring out what I can do on my own to not go back to working for the 'man'). However, I do realize that not everyone can just up and leave their job. So, since I managed to figure out a way to go from the mail-room with a high-school education to a position of having smart-assed MBA's working for me, why not just pass a few anecdotes along to those who seem to be suffering the same office-politics etc. That's it. That's all. Sorry to disappoint, but there is no 'sales' pitch.
Record my screen/account name if you wish to check on me and keep me honest, but I can assure you I will NOT ever be posting and/or promoting any web-sites or anything else to 'sell'.

SaganRand...

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Good points and good story
Submitted by jobhater2006 on Tue, 03/14/2006 - 23:02.

I think blaming others is a crutch and I catch myself doing that once in awhile. It's a fine line between healthy bitching and trying to shift the blame. We are what we make ourselves, not what others make us (parents excluded). I had to look at what I really wanted and decided it wasn't a job at all, meanwhile I still have one and love to complain about it. Hehee. Welcome to the blog space.

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Any Rand Never Jokes
Submitted by Mister X on Wed, 03/15/2006 - 02:00.

You MADE ME so depressed. If I kill myself it's YOUR fault. Just kidding.

I read all of Any Rand's works thirty years ago. I even still have an audio tape of her being interviewed on TV. This was before VCR's existed. I used to audio tape TV shows.

I stopped reading Any Rand one day. I suddenly realized that ALL of her writings are DEAD SERIOUS. It's always totally serious. Where's the laughter and fun and enjoyment in her works? Where's the people who are happy and smiling?

No, there are always "Issues", "Issues" and "Issues". Too serious and BORING. So gave it all up. Don't get me wrong. I understand it all. I wanted to be a (laugh) philospher when I was a teen. A young person just doesn't want to be so serious.

[Moderator]

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Geez, I'd agree if anyone spe
Submitted by SaganRand on Wed, 03/15/2006 - 02:44.

Geez, I'd agree if anyone spent all/most of their time on Ayn Rand (or any other serious philosopher for that matter) they'd get a very jaded/skewed view of things. I personally would not take any books/advice too, too seriously. My process is to take what you can use, blend it into an overall approach that helps you in your life, and leave the rest behind. Delving into philosophical thought is but one aspect in the overall mosaic of one's life. Ayn Rand's books and philosophies can and will assist someone with untangling the trap that is 'group-think' and becoming too reliant upon the good fortune of others for success and/or advancement in life.
For me, her books are very useful educational material to the current subject matter.

Where’s the fun? I believe life is about balance, having a variety of interests.
A short list of some of other interests for me:
-George Carlin when I just need that good belly-laugh
-Astronomy (I know just enough to fill a few hours of dialogue on a star-filled evening)
-Basketball (I played as a kid, and sometimes still wish I'd grown to 6'5" so I could have played on for a few more years...lol)
-Exercise, I'll do about anything glider, treadmill, weights etc.
- English Darts (I played competitively years ago and still enjoy an occasional game among friends)
-Trips to the beach (living near one really helps with this...I wasn't too close to one for the first 40 years of my life, but now I'm fortunate enough to be a short drive away).
-Guitar, I’m just starting to learn…
-TV shows? Most of the shows I’ve enjoyed in recent years are/were on HBO.I just can't stand commercials...lol (The Wire, The Soprano’s, Six Feet Under, Real Time, Curb Your Enthusiasm). AND, I’m an admitted American Idol junky too.

SaganRand...

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Your Right
Submitted by Mister X on Thu, 03/16/2006 - 14:24.

I DID spend "all" my time reading her stuff. And that's exactly what happened! I took it totally seriously. But you and I know that she WAS serious about it all. Her works are useful like you said as long as nobody takes them as serious as I did.

[Moderator]

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Right on the money
Submitted by Carlos on Wed, 03/15/2006 - 14:31.

SaganRand:

The common sense approach has served me well over the years with my company. I am not highly educated, but I “know” people.

I started in a customer service role about 11 years ago and have since weaved my way up through the jungle. I don’t necessarily always enjoy my stay, and don’t always agree with its management philosophy, but since I don’t own this company, I’ll take what they give me.

I try and stay balanced too. Work is just a means to an end. I volunteer at a homeless shelter and soup kitchen. I go to school at night. I don’t take myself seriously.

Keep posting my friend!

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The Man
Submitted by napoleon on Wed, 03/15/2006 - 15:14.

People with integrity will never get anywhere working for the man unless they are willing to check their brains at the door and sell their souls to the devil. And where they will get to will never benefit them, only the man.

The only way to truly reap the benefits of your intelligence, integrity, skills, etc is to work for yourself. Then you only have to deal with the man on a customer level.

Napoleon

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To Mister X with an aside to the original blog
Submitted by juliewess on Wed, 03/15/2006 - 17:20.

Oh my god, you so GET IT. I read Ayn Rand a long time ago, when I was young and idological and I came to the same conclusion as you X, she is too, too serious/depressing. Bring on the joy and happiness.

Now, on to the matter of SaganRand:

Little SaganRand thinks he is so philosophical with his meandering blog on all his likes and interests. LOL Whatever. I don't need some know-it-all, I succeeded kissing ass to my superiors, I never went to college but I manage big budgets and small people braggert telling me how to get ahead. As I said before, been there, done that. Say something of value on this site instead of bragging about all your accomplishments SaganRand. So far nothing you have written is of any value to me. Oh, by the way, I'm not impressed either. LOL again.

Believe it or not many people on this site are successful but unhappy. Go figure.

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I don't own a single Ayn Rand
Submitted by Mister X on Thu, 03/16/2006 - 23:00.

I don't own a single Ayn Rand book just to let you know. I threw them all away years ago.

If you followed her writings you would have to fight almost every law passed today. You would have to live on a deserted island to make it work. Almost everything is "restricting" the individual. You would have to refuse to pay taxes because she said taxes would be replaced by voluntary charity. Nobody would be "forced" to pay taxes.
Wait a minute. This sounds great. Just kidding.

That's too much work for me. Just doing a job I hate keeps me busy.

[Moderator]

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juliewiseass
Submitted by SaganRand on Wed, 03/15/2006 - 19:25.

I am totally impressed with your 'valuable' comments/advice. Yes. Kiss-ass. That's exactly it, that's all I had to do. Kissed ass the whole way up the line. Brilliant!
And YOU are commenting on the value (or lack thereof) of other people's comments. Oh boy, is that what your note is? Value?
You express bitterness to anyone who's done ANYTHING or figured out a way to not be so unhappy as you put it.
Whatever. Take care, live long and please DO SOMETHING to get over yourself and your bitterness.

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Let's not be nasty..
Submitted by Evil_luna on Wed, 03/15/2006 - 19:47.

.. there is enough hate on her from people who hate their jobs and the dicks they work with without turning on each other.

I like Julie, I thinks shes funny, and I dont like hearing bad things said about her. Sorry!

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Thanks Evaluna
Submitted by juliewess on Wed, 03/15/2006 - 20:14.

I was thinking about you at lunch hoping you get the new job.

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Not yet.. I think it's going
Submitted by Evil_luna on Thu, 03/16/2006 - 14:30.

Not yet.. I think it's going to be a fruitless exercise and I will end up being here for the rest of my days. I must have REALLY pissed someone off in a previous life. Either that or some kind of karma is working its way back round.. what that is for though is a mystery. Maybe i am a bitch after all!

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Just the fact
Submitted by juliewess on Wed, 03/15/2006 - 20:17.

that I pissed you off makes my day Sagan! LOL

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Horatio Alger can kiss my ass too
Submitted by rhombus8 on Fri, 03/17/2006 - 02:42.

Ayn Rand, Harry Browne, the Librarian Party, and Carl Sagan need to get down there and give it a smooch for all their BS. What a bunch of loads and their idealistic crap-ola. The fundamental flaw (or point) in all of their theories is the unbounded greed, lust for power and complete lack of interest in anything other than self that most individuals in some form of authority (or those on their way) posess. By the time these people get in control, they're so insane that they can't be reasoned with.

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Firewalks
Submitted by Mister X on Fri, 03/17/2006 - 03:27.

Don't forget Anthony Robbins. LOL.

[Moderator]

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