Posted on: 23-06-04 10:39:56
Quote:
Ruben Navarrette tells how an apple grower in Washington state had a disastrous experience when he tried to employ a crew of American-born high school seniors to pick his crop. The orchard owner had a difficult time even getting them to accept his job offers. Those who did sign up were totally irresponsible in their work performance. In contrast, the grower found Mexican workers to be hard-working and grateful for the employment opportunity.
Our country's youth have become so coddled that they shun the sort of grunt jobs that our previous generations took for granted as a natural part of growing up. In the past, after-school and summer jobs were the norm for the vast majority of our youth. Now, as the columnist laments, Americans are "too proud" to do the low-paying and less-than-desirable jobs themselves.
Historians who have studied the fall of the mighty Roman Empire ascribe its initial decline partially to a similar scenario. Roman citizens grew soft by totally relying on slaves and conquered peoples to do all their menial or dirty work.
Sadly, the most powerful country today is following the same downward path.
Are we seeing same thing in Canada?
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040623/OPINION/406230362/1029/OPINION01
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A Proud Indian Canadian
It is a fact that the younger canadians like americans are shying away from skilled trades. I can apeak of my industry as one of the biggest concerns faced by Engg and construction industry is lack of skilled tradesmen , the existing pool of talent is fast getting older and the newcomers are not coming in big numbers even tho the salaries are very high.
These trends are in manufacturing as well, factories pay near minimum wages any factory or manuf plant will probably have more than 60% new immigrants workers payroll. But how many of these firms which hire immigrants as cheap workers have immigrant owners? not even! 5% , ( just a guess).
It will eventually happen one day, but will take time for immmigrants to own businesses in large numbers.
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What can be imagined, can be achieved.
