Change is coming all right

[Gator]

In the way of layoffs. One of our competitors, who is probably real close to our size, and offereing alot of the same oilfield services, closed a shop two weeks ago, and has now closed another one here in Oklahoma. Some were given an option of moving, or losing their job. Yep, Change is here folks, and it ain't looking good

[okiedog]

I saw a bumper sticker this morning that said:

I'll keep my guns, freedom, and money
You can keep the "Change"!

[m gardner]

One person told me that "The Change" is what you'll hear jingling in your pocket and all you'll have left. The real funny thing that's happening is watching the dynamics of the workplace politics as everyone focuses on postioning themselves so they can "keep their job" and loses sight of "doing their job" so we can be profitable and stay in business.
Mark

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

Its a vicious cycle for sure. Those who are still employed will have to work harder and/or longer to keep the company afloat, while at the same time we'll be getting taxed more by the Obama administration so we'll be making less.

Nice, huh?

[muggs]

Actually Jason, layoffs aren't a change...they're a continuation of what's been going on for years now.

I guess anytime there's a problem going on South of the Mason-Dixon line, Yo Momma Obama is gonna have to take the blame though, huh?

[wtnhunt]

I guess anytime there's a problem going on South of the Mason-Dixon line, Yo Momma Obama is gonna have to take the blame though, huh?

Nope Eric, Obama's admin will continue to put the blame back on Bush. It is the popular thing to do. Why take accountability when you don't have to.

Far as where things are headed with this "change", looks like inflation will also only continue to rise along with the numbers of unemployed, will that too continue to be blamed on Bush. Somehow the new admin figures this is going to be good for the economy. Hey "change" has to be good right Obama says so.

[muggs]

Nope Eric, Obama's admin will continue to put the blame back on Bush. It is the popular thing to do. Why take accountability when you don't have to.

Again...nothing new. The Left and Right have pointed the figure at each other since...well since forever.

I just find it interesting how people place blame. You could do a whole sociological study on it. The economy has been terrible for years, and now it's being pinned on a guy who's been in office 16 days.

You see what I mean?

[wtnhunt]

Again...nothing new. The Left and Right have pointed the figure at each other since...well since forever.

I just find it interesting how people place blame. You could do a whole sociological study on it. The economy has been terrible for years, and now it's being pinned on a guy who's been in office 16 days.

You see what I mean?

I don't think the current state of the economy is Obama's fault Eric, and I do not think you have heard me blame it on him, however I do believe that taking another nearly trillion dollars to "stimulate" the economy in the manner they are attempting to do it in is a bad move that will only serve to further send us spiraling out of control down the slope we are already on.

Obama needed to say enough is enough, we will give the taxpayers so much and cut out all the unnecessary pork(digital tv converters $600 million, std education, new govt trans, and all the other crap that is in this bill)but he did not. Would be nice for them to tell us exactly how much of it is going to go back into the taxpayers pockets, you know transparency. From what I have heard Obama has been in favor of an even higher figure plan than what they originally proposed. Bad move, and unfortunately I personally just don't think it is going to help the economy, and that can be blamed on Obama.

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

...I guess anytime there's a problem going on South of the Mason-Dixon line, Yo Momma Obama is gonna have to take the blame though, huh?

No, only when he does something asinine like try to raise raxes during a recession (which is the #1 worst thing government could do). Or spend our way out of a recession by blowing trillions on government pork (which runs a close 2nd to raising taxes).

[Gator]

Actually Jason, layoffs aren't a change...they're a continuation of what's been going on for years now.

I guess anytime there's a problem going on South of the Mason-Dixon line, Yo Momma Obama is gonna have to take the blame though, huh?

I disagree with that Eric. Look at the unemployment rate two years ago to now. Yes, layoffs happen, but I don't think to the extent we are seeing now. I work in the oil and gas services sector. When drilling activity is down, our work is down. Last couple of years, it has been hard to FIND people to work rigs and what not, now rigs are laying down. THink the US lost 73 rigs alone last month that were ACTIVELY drilling.

FWIW, Unless I am wrong, I am west of the Mason Dixon line, and Obama hasn't been in office long enough to lay the blame on, so please, in the future, don't put words in my mouth.

[craig mack]

It sucks to keep hearing more and more people losing their jobs!!!! I'm not familiar with that type of work but I find it hard to believe that the big oil companies are always breaking profit records yet they can some how justify making their cuts on the backs of the labor force. I'm sure it would be a real shame if they had to take a cut!!!

[wtnhunt]

It sucks to keep hearing more and more people losing their jobs!!!! I'm not familiar with that type of work but I find it hard to believe that the big oil companies are always breaking profit records yet they can some how justify making their cuts on the backs of the labor force. I'm sure it would be a real shame if they had to take a cut!!!

You are right Craig, it really makes no sense, just like it makes no sense for bank execs to make huge amounts of money while their banks are failing and the poor working class employees are losing their jobs. Also like it makes no sense for the same type of thing to have taken place in the auto industry. It is a shame that poor management has run so rampant and so many working class people are suffering.

[JimT]

C'Mon. We gotta keep the Trojan man employed. Millions spent on contraceptives????? Thats stimulating. Poor business management and people going crazy with credit cards/debt are alot of whats to blame for this mess. When a couple makes $6000.00 a month gross what makes them think they can afford a $2000.00 a month mortgage, a new rig, etc. etc.etc.?

[The_Kat]

It sucks to keep hearing more and more people losing their jobs!!!! I'm not familiar with that type of work but I find it hard to believe that the big oil companies are always breaking profit records yet they can some how justify making their cuts on the backs of the labor force. I'm sure it would be a real shame if they had to take a cut!!!

The reason the oil field is laying off rigs is because the price of oil is below what it needs to be for new exploration. I am not sure on the exact figure, but I think it is around 42$ a barrel. Once the price goes back up, then the work will. It's just part of the oil field....it's feast or famine.

[nativetexan]

The only thing I will say on sex education and the purchasing of contraceptives is ultimately the hopes are to save government welfare money in the long term. Not saying that I agree with that because I believe it is the parent's responsibility to do so, but with the sheer amount of irresponsible parents out there, who can say what is best?

I have to ask also if any of you who have been laid off and are blaming past or present administrations are privy to your companies inner financial workings? My theory is most businesses are maxed out financially and any little change to world markets could sink them. Is that good business practice? I'm not trying to start an argument, just trying to get some insight and add a little something into the blame game. Much like a wrongly convicted criminal, I would hate to point fingers at the wrong person. Often times the damage from "Speculationville" is unrecoverable.