Comments for The Progressive Geek http://progressivegeek.com A Progressive Cast for the Working Caste. News and views on the labor movement, offshoring, insourcing, and everything that ails the middle class today. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:43:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 Comment on Episode 29 - A Tale of Two Medical Device Companies by David http://progressivegeek.com/archives/78#comment-1292 David Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:35:19 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/?p=78#comment-1292 Welcome back. Good to see and hear you back at the podcast helm. Take care. Welcome back. Good to see and hear you back at the podcast helm.

Take care.

]]> Comment on Even with an interview cheat-sheet, an over-40 American Citizen can’t get the job by beadew http://progressivegeek.com/archives/77#comment-1188 beadew Thu, 29 May 2008 02:10:48 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/77#comment-1188 Yeah, I have been to a lot of those interviews. Finally I got an offer from a company that does hire Americans, including older folks. No, it isn't AARP! It's a very large company located in a very small town in NW Arkansas. What, like Wal-Mart? That's the one! We have some very advanced IT and we are hiring. Yeah, I have been to a lot of those interviews. Finally I got an offer from a company that does hire Americans, including older folks. No, it isn’t AARP! It’s a very large company located in a very small town in NW Arkansas. What, like Wal-Mart? That’s the one! We have some very advanced IT and we are hiring.

]]> Comment on Even with an interview cheat-sheet, an over-40 American Citizen can’t get the job by Hamilton http://progressivegeek.com/archives/77#comment-1071 Hamilton Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:18:24 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/77#comment-1071 There's an interesting point to notice here. The Indian applicant sent a cheat-sheet back to the recruiter. In my experience, foreign students and tech workers are much more inter-relationship and team oriented than Americans. An Americans might have felt uncomfortable about sending back the cheat-sheet, (I would have). You can take away from this whatever you want, but as competition ramps up with India and China, it seems to me that we're competing with cultures that don't have the same perception of 'political correctness', or fairness that Americans might have. To get a closer approximation, think of the 'Good 'Ol Boys' networks of the 1920's in America. There’s an interesting point to notice here. The Indian applicant sent a cheat-sheet back to the recruiter. In my experience, foreign students and tech workers are much more inter-relationship and team oriented than Americans. An Americans might have felt uncomfortable about sending back the cheat-sheet, (I would have).

You can take away from this whatever you want, but as competition ramps up with India and China, it seems to me that we’re competing with cultures that don’t have the same perception of ‘political correctness’, or fairness that Americans might have. To get a closer approximation, think of the ‘Good ‘Ol Boys’ networks of the 1920’s in America.

]]> Comment on Congressman Tom Cole is offering The Progressive Geek the Congressional Order of Merit… by Liz http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-762 Liz Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:43:27 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-762 The call made no sense to me. I just got it on Sunday. I will not be returning their call. "NROC" I haven't done anything to recieve such a merit award. Didn't sound right. I think it would behove the American people to demand more of their product to be "BORN" in the USA. That the American Manufacturers bring back our factories and produce here in the USA. I mean, really, my Kodak digital camera was designed in Japan and made in China. So was this Microsoft keyboard I am typing on. I do buy American and it made overseas. I hope there isn't any "LEAD" in these products. I work for a major craft retailer. 95%of the goods on our shelves is made in China. Right down to srapbook paper. The American manufacturer can break the rule and build their own factories. I know what the shipping is from China. It is outrageously high. I want to see 200 car freight trains like we had 55 years ago. We need to bring our jobs home. You want to do something to kick our economy? Get the h--- out of other people's countries and bring it on home. The call made no sense to me. I just got it on Sunday. I will not be returning their call. “NROC” I haven’t done anything to recieve such a merit award. Didn’t sound right. I think it would behove the American people to demand more of their product to be “BORN” in the USA. That the American Manufacturers bring back our factories and produce here in the USA. I mean, really, my Kodak digital camera was designed in Japan and made in China. So was this Microsoft keyboard I am typing on. I do buy American and it made overseas. I hope there isn’t any “LEAD” in these products. I work for a major craft retailer. 95%of the goods on our shelves is made in China. Right down to srapbook paper. The American manufacturer can break the rule and build their own factories. I know what the shipping is from China. It is outrageously high. I want to see 200 car freight trains like we had 55 years ago. We need to bring our jobs home. You want to do something to kick our economy? Get the h— out of other people’s countries and bring it on home.

]]> Comment on Episode 28 - A Funny Skit, Christmas, and Praying to the Visa God by Progressive Geek http://progressivegeek.com/archives/66#comment-370 Progressive Geek Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:52:42 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/66#comment-370 Thanks for the feedback regarding the skit. It was one of those middle-of-the-night brainstorms and I was hoping people would like it. Can you believe it that they are still calling me? Thanks for the feedback regarding the skit. It was one of those middle-of-the-night brainstorms and I was hoping people would like it. Can you believe it that they are still calling me?

]]> Comment on Episode 28 - A Funny Skit, Christmas, and Praying to the Visa God by Shelly http://progressivegeek.com/archives/66#comment-354 Shelly Sat, 12 Jan 2008 17:30:43 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/66#comment-354 That was a great skit.... I really enjoyed this one. : ) - Shelly That was a great skit…. I really enjoyed this one. : )

- Shelly

]]> Comment on Episode 28 - A Funny Skit, Christmas, and Praying to the Visa God by Bill http://progressivegeek.com/archives/66#comment-351 Bill Sat, 12 Jan 2008 03:57:03 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/66#comment-351 Loved how the skit came out, lol! Loved how the skit came out, lol!

]]> Comment on Congressman Tom Cole is offering The Progressive Geek the Congressional Order of Merit… by Progressive Geek http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-265 Progressive Geek Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:48:46 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-265 Check out the skit in episode #28 where Bill and I perform a "call" on one of these "Order of Merits". Check out the skit in episode #28 where Bill and I perform a “call” on one of these “Order of Merits”.

]]> Comment on Congressman Tom Cole is offering The Progressive Geek the Congressional Order of Merit… by Progressive Geek http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-214 Progressive Geek Mon, 24 Dec 2007 22:51:09 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-214 Merry Christmas Dave! That is great that they published your editorial, and a great editorial it is. I've noticed that there has been a lot of these pro-corporate-slant articles lately. It sure sounds like they are getting ready for another big push again in 2008 for an increased H-1B VISA cap with no protections for the American worker. I think it's going to be another tough year. Merry Christmas Dave!
That is great that they published your editorial, and a great editorial it is.
I’ve noticed that there has been a lot of these pro-corporate-slant articles lately. It sure sounds like they are getting ready for another big push again in 2008 for an increased H-1B VISA cap with no protections for the American worker. I think it’s going to be another tough year.

]]> Comment on Congressman Tom Cole is offering The Progressive Geek the Congressional Order of Merit… by Dave Graper http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-205 Dave Graper Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:13:40 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-205 Merry Christmas, Progressive Geek. For the first time in years I got a letter to the editor published in the paper about our predicament -- it's not like I haven't tried. I think that this time the original article about IT H1Bs was so biased that the paper thought they had to give it some balance. Original article: http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=647720&category=BUSINESS&newsdate=12/16/2007 Letter to Editor: http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=649556&category=OPINION&newsdate=12/22/2007 They still published the corporate story as banner-headline-news in the Sunday paper on their biggest circulation day and my letter on the opinion page in the Saturday paper (their lowest circulation day), but there was at least some refutation. Please keep up the good work, and please post something new soon. - Graper of Albany Merry Christmas, Progressive Geek.

For the first time in years I got a letter to the editor published in the paper about our predicament — it’s not like I haven’t tried. I think that this time the original article about IT H1Bs was so biased that the paper thought they had to give it some balance.

Original article:
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=647720&category=BUSINESS&newsdate=12/16/2007

Letter to Editor:
http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=649556&category=OPINION&newsdate=12/22/2007

They still published the corporate story as banner-headline-news in the Sunday paper on their biggest circulation day and my letter on the opinion page in the Saturday paper (their lowest circulation day), but there was at least some refutation.

Please keep up the good work, and please post something new soon. - Graper of Albany

]]> Comment on Congressman Tom Cole is offering The Progressive Geek the Congressional Order of Merit… by Kris http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-191 Kris Fri, 21 Dec 2007 02:58:03 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-191 I used to make these calls. I got tired of being a public nuisance. Anyone can get a National Leadership award, order merit award, or whatever the hell they call it now and I mean anyone including your dog. The NRCC has been making similar calls since Newt was speaker, after Newt it was Tom Davis, then it was Tom DeLay, now Tom Cole. They call through different lists of business people just like any other telemarketing campaign. I remember calling to offer the award to people who told me they were felons or are currently in prison. I've also called pets, long deceased people, children, septic tank cleaning services, foreign nationals, staunch democrats, etc. you name it I've called it. The NRCC and infocision (The company that makes the calls) know absolutely nothing about your accomplishments or lack of. The call is all about getting your money nothing more. The Presidents Dinner costs at least $5,000 to attend with about 1,000 other people. I used to make these calls. I got tired of being a public nuisance. Anyone can get a National Leadership award, order merit award, or whatever the hell they call it now and I mean anyone including your dog. The NRCC has been making similar calls since Newt was speaker, after Newt it was Tom Davis, then it was Tom DeLay, now Tom Cole. They call through different lists of business people just like any other telemarketing campaign. I remember calling to offer the award to people who told me they were felons or are currently in prison. I’ve also called pets, long deceased people, children, septic tank cleaning services, foreign nationals, staunch democrats, etc. you name it I’ve called it. The NRCC and infocision (The company that makes the calls) know absolutely nothing about your accomplishments or lack of. The call is all about getting your money nothing more. The Presidents Dinner costs at least $5,000 to attend with about 1,000 other people.

]]> Comment on Congressman Tom Cole is offering The Progressive Geek the Congressional Order of Merit… by Dave Graper http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-173 Dave Graper Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:08:46 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-173 Progressive Geek: Interesting ... that explains the "NRCC" code that appears on my caller ID. I've never bothered to answer (I'm on a bunch of lists and have been getting about 15+ solicitation-style calls every night from 6 - 8). Post the audio file, PG. I'd like to hear what I'm missing. - Graper of Albany Progressive Geek:

Interesting … that explains the “NRCC” code that appears on my caller ID. I’ve never bothered to answer (I’m on a bunch of lists and have been getting about 15+ solicitation-style calls every night from 6 - 8).

Post the audio file, PG. I’d like to hear what I’m missing. - Graper of Albany

]]> Comment on Congressman Tom Cole is offering The Progressive Geek the Congressional Order of Merit… by Progressive Geek http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-146 Progressive Geek Fri, 14 Dec 2007 01:07:35 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-146 I've got it in an audio file now. Stay tuned. Also, Shelly, they probably don't remember who they called anyway, so you can probably still "return their call". I’ve got it in an audio file now. Stay tuned. Also, Shelly, they probably don’t remember who they called anyway, so you can probably still “return their call”.

]]> Comment on Congressman Tom Cole is offering The Progressive Geek the Congressional Order of Merit… by Bill http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-145 Bill Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:10:28 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-145 Pretty damn sad, although not surprising. But hey, you won an award, right? lol! Pretty damn sad, although not surprising. But hey, you won an award, right? lol!

]]> Comment on Congressman Tom Cole is offering The Progressive Geek the Congressional Order of Merit… by Shelly T. http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-144 Shelly T. Thu, 13 Dec 2007 06:03:47 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/64#comment-144 Unbelievable what they will resort to! I hope you put that voicemail into a podcast. (I wish they'd call me. I'd like to return the call.) Unbelievable what they will resort to!
I hope you put that voicemail into a podcast. (I wish they’d call me. I’d like to return the call.)

]]> Comment on Obama’s support for weapon of mass destruction #1 - Free Trade by Progressive Geek http://progressivegeek.com/archives/55#comment-142 Progressive Geek Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:30:17 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/55#comment-142 You may be right Lise M. Some of the latest stuff I've been hearing is that Dennis may be pro open border, which would not be good for the middle class and further indicates that maybe he won't be so anti-outsourcing and anti H-1B as he originally led people to believe. I have been thinking about checking out the Green Party, especially since my Democratic governor doesn't want to listen to me either. I think I'll be looking up the Green Party here in Washington State real soon. You may be right Lise M. Some of the latest stuff I’ve been hearing is that Dennis may be pro open border, which would not be good for the middle class and further indicates that maybe he won’t be so anti-outsourcing and anti H-1B as he originally led people to believe. I have been thinking about checking out the Green Party, especially since my Democratic governor doesn’t want to listen to me either. I think I’ll be looking up the Green Party here in Washington State real soon.

]]> Comment on Obama’s support for weapon of mass destruction #1 - Free Trade by Lise M. http://progressivegeek.com/archives/55#comment-141 Lise M. Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:57:26 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/55#comment-141 I'm not convinced that Kucinich is trustworthy on this one. Even if he gets elected, he's going to follow the party line some times on some issues, and you can't know in advance which ones they will be. I lost my trust in the Dems many years ago, and am now active in the Green Party, but I wish you, and Kucinich, luck in working from inside the Party. I’m not convinced that Kucinich is trustworthy on this one. Even if he gets elected, he’s going to follow the party line some times on some issues, and you can’t know in advance which ones they will be.

I lost my trust in the Dems many years ago, and am now active in the Green Party, but I wish you, and Kucinich, luck in working from inside the Party.

]]> Comment on Video Episode 2 - Front Yard Flood by Dave Graper http://progressivegeek.com/archives/62#comment-132 Dave Graper Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:30:21 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/62#comment-132 Agreed, you've had a pretty crappy year. Please keep the podcasts up, though, yours is my favorite podcast. I got laid off just recently and the high point of my recent couple of weeks was seeing your latest video podcast appear in my podcatcher ... although I'm primarily a lurker in these things I like the sense of community I get from ProgressiveGeek. My ever-changing co-techworkers don't have the same sense of socioeconomic urgency I feel I share with this virtual community. I also agree that you're due for some good luck. Please keep us apprised of what's going on on your side of the continent. Agreed, you’ve had a pretty crappy year. Please keep the podcasts up, though, yours is my favorite podcast.

I got laid off just recently and the high point of my recent couple of weeks was seeing your latest video podcast appear in my podcatcher … although I’m primarily a lurker in these things I like the sense of community I get from ProgressiveGeek. My ever-changing co-techworkers don’t have the same sense of socioeconomic urgency I feel I share with this virtual community.

I also agree that you’re due for some good luck. Please keep us apprised of what’s going on on your side of the continent.

]]> Comment on Video Episode 2 - Front Yard Flood by Lise M. http://progressivegeek.com/archives/62#comment-131 Lise M. Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:20:33 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/62#comment-131 Oh, man, you've just had a terrible, terrible year. I really hope things get better for you and your wife. You're due for some good luck. Oh, man, you’ve just had a terrible, terrible year. I really hope things get better for you and your wife. You’re due for some good luck.

]]> Comment on My Letter to Karen Lee (Executive Cabinet Member over the Employment Security Department of Washington State) by Mittens http://progressivegeek.com/archives/61#comment-67 Mittens Thu, 29 Nov 2007 03:28:23 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/61#comment-67 If you are willing to relocate, post your resume here. http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage If you are willing to relocate, post your resume here.

http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage

]]> Comment on Response from Governor Christine O. Gregoire by MIA http://progressivegeek.com/archives/60#comment-56 MIA Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:32:16 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/60#comment-56 I posted a link to the YouTube video and this website on our anti-offshoring website which is http://www.madnamerica.com - we are in the same battle here in the Northeast where the insurance companies and defense industry have used offshoring and outsourcing to H1bs as their modus operandi. Please check out our website and links and if possible add a link to us from this one. We are also giving away downloads of our recent mp3 called - you guessed it - Mad in America. - MIA I posted a link to the YouTube video and this website on our anti-offshoring website which is http://www.madnamerica.com - we are in the same battle here in the Northeast where the insurance companies and defense industry have used offshoring and outsourcing to H1bs as their modus operandi. Please check out our website and links and if possible add a link to us from this one. We are also giving away downloads of our recent mp3 called - you guessed it - Mad in America.

- MIA

]]> Comment on Response from Governor Christine O. Gregoire by Rob Sanchez http://progressivegeek.com/archives/60#comment-42 Rob Sanchez Mon, 19 Nov 2007 22:36:31 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/60#comment-42 Rennie -- thanks for the followup on this story. I find Gregoire's response totally inadequate. She promised to have a staffer find you one of those great Washington jobs, and then you get this letter? GIVE ME A BREAK! Gregoire needs to held accountable for breaking promises that she made in public. What a liar! Hope some of you that wander onto Rennie's great log also wander onto my website. My free email "Job Destruction Newsletter" will help keep you informed on H-1B and outsourcing. Rennie — thanks for the followup on this story. I find Gregoire’s response totally inadequate. She promised to have a staffer find you one of those great Washington jobs, and then you get this letter?

GIVE ME A BREAK!

Gregoire needs to held accountable for breaking promises that she made in public. What a liar!

Hope some of you that wander onto Rennie’s great log also wander onto my website. My free email “Job Destruction Newsletter” will help keep you informed on H-1B and outsourcing.

]]> Comment on Kucinich - a double winner, in the DFA poll and in congress by Kristin http://progressivegeek.com/archives/59#comment-21 Kristin Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:29:33 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/59#comment-21 Rep. Steny Hoyer and Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Party leaders in the House, manuvered to send the impeachment bill back to the Judiciary Committee hoping it will die there. Email Chairman of that committee, Rep Conyers, urging him and his Committee to approve it and sent it back to Congress for a vote. John.Conyers@mail.house.gov Democratic leaders in Congress are afraid to vote yes for impeachment. They think it means that the voters would then vote for Republicans in 2008. They are so wrong. They will lose their job if they duck their responsibility now. Rep. Steny Hoyer and Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Party leaders in the House, manuvered to send the impeachment bill back to the Judiciary Committee hoping it will die there. Email Chairman of that committee, Rep Conyers, urging him and his Committee to approve it and sent it back to Congress for a vote. John.Conyers@mail.house.gov Democratic leaders in Congress are afraid to vote yes for impeachment. They think it means that the voters would then vote for Republicans in 2008. They are so wrong. They will lose their job if they duck their responsibility now.

]]> Comment on Obama’s support for weapon of mass destruction #1 - Free Trade by none http://progressivegeek.com/archives/55#comment-12 none Sat, 27 Oct 2007 07:17:26 +0000 http://progressivegeek.com/archives/55#comment-12 Kookie-Niche? He (like others) puts his faith in the biggest megacorporation of them all, the Government. Silly socialist, giant central government != freedom. I'm always flabbergasted by people who moan about being "wage slaves" but then endourse policies that lead the government to function as a super monopoly with far more power over people than any corporation. Nonsequitor. Kookie-Niche? He (like others) puts his faith in the biggest megacorporation of them all, the Government. Silly socialist, giant central government != freedom. I’m always flabbergasted by people who moan about being “wage slaves” but then endourse policies that lead the government to function as a super monopoly with far more power over people than any corporation. Nonsequitor.

]]> Comment on ‘Real American for Kucinich’ - by True Spirit by admin http://progressivegeek.com/archives/6#comment-3 admin Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:28:25 +0000 http://progressivegeek.org/?p=6#comment-3 Got it fixed. PodPress lost some of its settings when I had to undo the upgrade. Thanks for letting me know! Progressive Geek Got it fixed. PodPress lost some of its settings when I had to undo the upgrade. Thanks for letting me know!

Progressive Geek

]]> Comment on ‘Real American for Kucinich’ - by True Spirit by Shelly http://progressivegeek.com/archives/6#comment-2 Shelly Sat, 29 Sep 2007 00:05:17 +0000 http://progressivegeek.org/?p=6#comment-2 Great song! (I got an error message when clicking on "subscribe' with your iTunes button. It said this podcast is not currently available in the US store. Is that because I'm already subscribed? Normally it would not do that.) Great song!

(I got an error message when clicking on “subscribe’ with your iTunes button. It said this podcast is not currently available in the US store. Is that because I’m already subscribed? Normally it would not do that.)

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