Getting back to basics

It's been entirely too long since I've written anything. Maybe it's because nothing in the recent news feed has interested or prompted to counter-attack. That was then, this is now. It's time for another weekly rambling. 5....4....3....2....

1 - That's the number of brain cells Jason Whitlock and other "sports journalists" share when it comes to their thoughts on NCAA athletics. (http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/jason-whitlock-expose-ncaa-not-reggie-bush-072210?GT1=39002) In this article, Whitlock refers to the NCAA as basically "slaving" away the student-athlete.

It's a tired argument made by the media types, that these athletes should be paid. They argue the University is making millions off of their hard work. Here's my argument to put this thing to rest.

First, they are getting paid. Look we're talking about basketball and football players only, because "Made up person in the sky" knows they aren't rallying for the poor lacrosse/track & field/field hockey players. The majority of the "student"-athletes not only receive free tuition, but all of them receive a stipend as well. Whether they utilize the free tuition/scholarship or not, is up to them. This payment is potentially valued anywhere between $10,000-$100,000 based upon the Academic Institution. I'm pretty sure that's more than any college student makes working 20-30 hours/week over their 4 year stay. So if anything, they're already at an advantage over every other student at the University.

In addition, part of their time is dedicated to working-out and film study. Film study is the equivalent to an internship. You're learning more about the "profession" you've chosen.

In summary of this point, these men are not only making more money, but also getting paid to work-out. How again is this like slavery?

If anything, the fact that in today's world there are both unpaid internships while in college and post-graduation, should be the larger topic of discussion. These companies ARE making money off of your hard work, and not giving you a thing in return. Now THAT is slavery. Hell, guys in Jail at least get a free meal and place to live while working on those Highway Paving projects.

This leads to my second point. All companies profit from your work. Sure University football and basketball programs profit in the hundred thousands or millions from games, merchandising, and advertising of these student-athletes. Tell me how that's different than any working professional? Say you were a main contributor in the design of the original I-Phone. We'll say your salary is $70k per year. Yet Apple will make hundreds of MILLIONS off of your hard-work. Is that fair?

A more real life scenario is, recently a co-worker had discovered my company has been "just" missing the opportunity to earn several thousands of dollars extra in travel revenue, due to segments not being properly allocated. Sure, he got a great recommendation, but I'm pretty sure his salary will not increase by much.

While everyone argues about these athletes not receiving extra benefits and pay, while being "slaves" to the NCAA, who is arguing for the poor interns, or those who work on the Hill?

That's the true injustice of this world.


In slightly related news, Senate has passed the resolution to extend the "extension" period for unemployment benefits, by dumping another $32 Billion of National Debt into it.

As someone who has utilized the Unemployment benefits system, I believe I have that insider's point of view. Here's my take on the situation. The $32 Billion is a waste. I without a doubt support the UB(unemployment benefits) system. However, too much of it is getting abused. There needs to be a limit set on how long someone can stay on this merry-go-round. Most states offer 26 weeks of UB. Yes, 26 weeks!! That comes out to roughly 6 months. If that wasn't enough the Federal Government will allow for you to extend those benefits for another 20-53 weeks, and THEN the Extended Benefits program allows for ANOTHER 13-20 weeks.

Listen, the extended benefits need to be cut off after 20-30 weeks. If you passed 3rd grade math, you'll realize that's 46-56 weeks of UB, nearly a year.

I sympathize and empathize with the unemployed, as I've been there. The most recent bout was from Nov-Feb, with December really being off due to holidays. By February I was going insane from the lack of work. However, as many of you know, I was relentless. Each day I applied for 10-12 jobs and eventually received an ideal offer. That was 16 weeks worth. I cannot even fathom milking the system for another 30-40 more.

The economy is bad, and job creation has been slow. However, if you stay at it everyday, there's no doubt a college educated person could find a job within a year. The Government is just allowing people to milk the system with little motivation. Sure, could I have continually collected check after check, while being on a "vacation" for another 30 weeks? Yes, but I was more concerned for my future and reputation. I didn't want to be seen as lazy, nor did I want to place the burden on others to support me.

So I ask Obama to take a stand, b/c I believe we are all making the job market out to be worse than it actually is.

As the Offspring once sang, "Nah, nah why don't you get a job?"