The Trump Blog

If I were laid-off from my job tomorrow I would start my own company.

The survival of our economy is based on faith which is exactly what the dollar is worth. Since we got off the gold standard there is nothing to back up dollars except the belief that it is worth something.

To maintain the belief in the dollar there must be a way to keep the masses from making a run on the banks. Hey, what do you know? No savings-- no run on the banks. People just starve and go homeless.

Belief is great. It can bring about miraculous results which it has done in America. A recent study showed that there were about 470 billionaires in the U.S. The next country on that list didn't even come close. It was Germany with about 60. But there is something about belief that is ubelievably scary and it is this: A belief can change instantly. Gold will always be Gold.

An example would be a priceless painting. The belief that is a genuine Picasso, let's say, would fetch millions in the market. Even a person owning one would feel a certain love with it. However, one day an expert comes around and proclaims it a fake and the price of the painting is not even worth the frame. More peculiar is that genuine 'love' the owner once had-- now it is reduced to rage.

I would say we are all in this together. If the critical mass of people who get laid off is reached, people may start hording rice instead of dollars. Because in the end, even gold has no value when you are starving.

We agree, but it's been going on for such a long time. With all those factors and if you combine the X factors, of divorces, child support, the extra payments, medical and dental issues it just add's up to an empty wallet over-time.

The budgets have to become wiser in their judgments of what to pay, and to it's timming factor. Getting laid off just might be an open door if you look at finding a more secure work-place.

It's a hard road this time in America. In our view, if we all don't plan and become more prudent we all could fail.

Dear Mr. Trump,
Being "laid off " is just another way of saying "your fired" in a more polite manner. After you have endured a period of 8 years, of not being able to focus on much more than the pain and agony of political oppression, while trying to return to school, I can only report how I have managed to stay quasi sane. The opportunities for me have been bleak at best, and when your struggling your way just to navigate around what is going to knock you down next- it can be a real test. In the School of Social work I learned about the hierarchy of human needs, I also learned that at the top of those lists are food, shelter, and clothing. However, basic those thoughts may seem to people, they are the exact needs that you must address as your ability to pay for those things begins to evaporate. There is no easy way to stay sane when you are feeling insane and fighting for your way of life, it requires patience with self and others. I found that I experienced my greatest relief over the last 8 years inside my imagination and used the time that I could not provide for my daughter in the role of a mother as a time to re-think the role I wanted in society. It was a massive undertaking, it did not come with any comfort, and it was rather uncomfortable. However I was able to find an area in the world of academia that really excited me, and has a broad potential. Also all the time in my thoughts gave me the skill set to come up with innovative ideas about policy. I continue my work as a scholar no matter if I am getting paid to do it or not, and I believe in my heart that if people take "down time" from the routine they once were locked into, they too can come up with innovative and creative solutions to just about every problem. It will be a time of re-thinking for us in America, the sooner we re-think, and re-train people in areas of technology, and science the sooner we will emerge out of the downturn. Stress, and oppression change people, and those changes in my case are very long-term. There is no way to comprehend what sort of person I might be today if I had more time to be a stay home mother- change is unkind to the human condition. Trauma and disability make an unkind situation a greater challenge. There were days I would go all day, and at the end of the day realize I forgot to eat. The human condition is fragile, it depends on stability, and when you take away things from people that they are attached to, those people undergo a challenge if not met with an empathetic form of intelligence, can overwhelm and destroy their hope that things will ever improve. I found my hope in returning to school, but when even that was disrupted, I experienced the feeling of loss all over again. This feeling of loss that humans experience when something is no longer there, that once was, generates a feeling of emergency within them. The key to staying sane is not to pull the fire alarm, and just navigate your way past the storm. At the bottom of the needs chart I learned from a book, "emotional health" is listed, in my opinion it is out of order, and when everything gets turned upside down and inside out, people need more emotional support than they think they need. Having a strong team behind you is your idea, not mine, and I think its a good one, if people turn for it now, and network now, they will endure the times ahead with greater ease.
My very best to you, and thanks for bringing us all into this unique social space to exchange thoughts and ideas-
Tam Tam
Tough on trade because equality in all that we do MUST matter if we are going to get the world to stop the hatred they have towards us in America- we are in the last inning sir, bases are loaded and if people do not learn to network and re-work conflicts we will not have a chance of winning the game! Opening up a trade hub of free trade zone and inspiring people
to WIN that war, could be a political solution-

In 1980 I was laid off. I was 35 and had been a teacher for a few years while trying to make it in entertainment as a musician/singer. I had two little girls and a small first home. What to do? I sold myself as someone who could write a script for a would-be computer training program. I got the job.

Then I set up an account at a paint store, read some books from the library, and started knocking on doors selling myself as a house painter. For the next three years I painted houses and taught adult education. Then I was recalled back into teaching.

As I continued that career until 2002, I bought some real estate three thousand miles away, invested in some securities, and in time lost the homes and securities. I continued doing what I had begun in the seventies looking at real estate, I wrote and had a few things published, I was seeking a new venture, something new to learn. I felt very free in that you lose some stuff, you wake up, either the sun is shining or it's a rainy day which I love and you think to yourself: it's a wonderful world!

Today my wife and I have a great life style, we've built the foundation of a business with residual income, own a second home in Florida, and two years ago I put a sign on my desk: Life Begins At Sixty. I did the same at forty, at fifty - I'll do it at seventy, eighty, at one hundred.

The best day of my life is going to be today. Then tomorrow when I wake up. That attitude is money in the bank. It's freedom. AND I've got a plan I'm working too. YOU Mr. Trump have validated that attitude for me. Thank you.

Mitch

Did somebody here watch the movie "Pursuit of HappYness" starring Will Smith? It really shows what everybody in life is in pursuit of!

I am waiting to see what happens in the US in the coming months. The US is for a big economic recession. This time, this recession is not going to affect the world, as it previously used to. The world has other big markets as well. Asia is no longer bothered by this though it actually affects at least 20 percent of the business. This is leading to a situation when the US will have no longer the same influence in the world as it has till now.

I read John B. Valin's post and read that America had 470 Billionaires, a fact I myself didn't know, I confess. And, What is the poverty level in the US? Is it on the rise? With what percent? This is what the Economists and the US Government must think about. The Proud-to-be-Capitalistic system of the US has with it some serious disadvantages.

...
Saving, I must say, must be in forms like "Safe investments" like Government Bonds and Debentures, Provident Funds... circulating the money would be the best means to save the money rather than keeping it in the bank. You never know how Inflation can affect you. If the rise in inflation is higher than the amount of interest in your bank account, you are in for an economic loss.

A prudent saver would be good. Some amount of money must always be set aside for some unprecedented Crisis Management, as Mr. Trump talked about.

Avish
http://www.avish.com.np

That's UNBELIEVABLE to you? How is that unbelievable? What glass tower have you been living in? (all due respect) You live in NYC -- Don't you ever wonder why everyone is constantly scurrying around like rats...trying to get to work on time...sometimes their 2nd jobs, just to stay afloat? Especially in NYC, there is no money left over TO SAVE! The cost of living is ridiculous! Then, there are those who "pretend" to be rich...the posers. I have known people who charge themselves into bankruptcy, then, wait a few years...and, do it all over again. I think the rules are becoming stricter, so people are being held more accountable for their debts. I can understand bankruptcy when it comes to businesses...things tank big & fast sometimes. But, personal bankruptcy...because you have to have the latest fashions? Those people should be shot. Unfortunately, some people go bankrupt because of hospital bills... now, that's sad.

Some people fly by the seat of their pants...just live for today, and figure that they can die -- owing everyone! Man, am I glad I don't know anyone like that, anymore. They convince you that everything that you learned from your conservative parents is stupid and boring, and, screw everybody! No thank you! Glad I got the lesson, firsthand, but...that kind of living sucks! I'd rather be boring and save money, then, be an idiot -- trying to borrow money from everyone when the bottom falls out. You have to work and save, do the right thing, and good things will happen! I'm slowly reaping the rewards of diligence...you reap what you sow.

It's especially important in business to have integrity and respect for other people's businesses, as well. A lot of people are so jealous of people w/money. They always talk about how they could do it better. I always say, "Why don't you, then?" I marvel at the ones who have been intelligent enough to really build something. It is very inspiring when someone really "earns" their way!

Yeah, the economy is in a downturn right now, but, everyone seems to be paying attention to it, now. It's just like eight years of Bush...everyone is finally paying attention to the presidency...realizing that we shouldn't take our freedom and country for granted. We should stop settling for mediocre!

Just as with the job losses that people are suffering, maybe something good will come from that. Perhaps, those people will find something better in a field that is in more need of their skills.

Every once in a while...we need a shake up to get us to wake up! Things are getting better. Our nation was in need of a correction. And, boy did we get it...all at once! When it rains, it pours!

Granted, this is nothing, on the whole, compared to what our elders went through. People wonder why old people are "so" old. Look at what they had to go through...HUGE World Wars...The Depression...with soup lines, etc... They sacrificed so much for us...we don't know what suffering is - as a nation! We should be so lucky! Everyone is so damn spoiled, it's UNBELIEVABLE! That's what's unbelievable to me, Donald! I'm sorry, may I call you Donald? Ok, Mr. Trump, it is.

Wall Street had a fairly good day today... gas was down 1/10... maybe it was just a bit of a "scramble"....now, we'll get back on the positive track!

Oh, here's a good one...President Bush said he thinks the economy is going to "come on." I'm not sure what he means by that...but, he is still the president, so maybe he wants to make these last months of '08 incredible, so everyone will forget and forgive him for all of the bullsh**! I bet he catches bin laden by.....oh, October, maybe.

Mr Trump- Try wrapping your brain around this tax reform concept I have been working on for 10 weeks. 1st of all- Assume there is $50 Tril in taxable revenues the Fed Gov can tax via what I have dubbed as "The Adjustable Rate Transaction Tax." @ 3+-% netting $1.5 Tril in revenues. The purpose being to eliminate all of the following taxes-> FICA on 90% of taxpayers, SS & Med taxes on all taxpayers AND businesses approx 7.5% contribution to SS & Med, & tax on business profits. Is that enough elimination for you?-- Lets throw in the estate & gas taxes too-- No problem!-- & I think we better pay that freaking debt too!-- That will have to be addressed via the adjustable feature of this concept @ a later date.

Anyway--Based upon a $2.5 tril National budget requirement, the 3% would be sufficient to replace those revenues because only 2.85%/$1.425 Tril is required to fund all I mentioned. I have verified that & I have verified, to whatever extent I am capable, that all of the following is feasible & correct.
Now-- Consider the following:
1-Retail costs would drop by about 15--20% due to elimination of all taxes paid via business. This is an approximate figure but relatively accurate dependant on several factors. This cost decrease @ the retail level would be somewhat muted by having to pay a 3% sales tax so the net effect would likely be a 10---15% drop @ the retail level nationwide.
2-Take home pay for 90% of taxpayers would increase about 20---30% or more via elimination of FICA, SS, & Med taxes.
3-Take home pay for 10% of taxpayers would decrease by 0--5% due to elimination of SS & Med taxes.
4-Realize that the 15---20% drop in Biz cost to provide a product or service is somewhat muted in the same manner that the retail buyer had his/her cost increased by the sales tax because Biz would now be paying the same 3% on all purchases after having experienced the drop in production cost.

A very simple but extremely effective concept! --- Your opinion Sir?

Ray Pfeiffer/ray154751@yahoo.com

Rainy day savings is always a good idea whether you are laid off, suddenly ill, divorcing, or other unexpectedly life event. Also, developing a personal career strategy that is beyond your current job can pay off. Continuously expanding your skill set, growing your network of contacts, and keeping abreast of a variety of employers (perhaps in other industries) to market your skills provides a good safety net and perhaps a promotion.

Good luck,
Jessica Bond
Medical Careerist

Being laid off from a job you enjoy stinks, especially if you don't have a say in the decision.
Money saved for an emergency should be spent on that emergency. A solid plan should replace doubt. By asking what if... BEFORE being laid off, you have a better chance of adjusting quickly to your new set of circumstances. Keeping an updated notebook with network contacts makes it much easier to get help when you need it. This is the White Man's Way.

In many other cultures people "group" and all members of the group work with each other to protect themselves against hunger, disease, and loss of home and work. The Chinese, Mexicans, Japanese and more, solve many problems by acting as a group. Let me remind you that all of these cultures have been firmly established for thousands of years. The United States is still a "puppy" in comparison.

Traditional ways of correcting loss is not "old-fashioned" as many young thinkers want to believe. Family connections, religious, social ties to the community, are all established resources that have helped people in times of loss.

By knowing where to look for help, then communicating your needs, you join the biggest group of all... Being Human."

Sometimes help is just a phone call away. Let other people help you to help yourself. Everybody wins when we work together.

It would be tough for me to be laid off, i'm trying to save a least 3-6 months worth of expenses which according to experts that is what you need to survive for a little while, well the way the economy is going I Think a years worth is more like it...

Willie M.

5/5/2008 2:12 PM
In the post that begins with:
"That's UNBELIEVABLE to you? How is that unbelievable? What glass tower have you been living in?"
We see a classic example of how conflict is being worked, the re-worked in social space like this.
The author is here in the same social space asserting a position and asserting authority based on experience as the author knows it!

"It is very inspiring when someone really "earns" their way!", the author writes. So is the author inspired by those here at Trump University or not?

Here the author assumes the county is, " finally paying attention to the presidency". Now keep in mind what the topic of this post was, and ask yourself how we got to this position. Let me help you- the author got here because the author is re-working out causes and conditions that lead to being "laid off".

This sort of "gap" comuinque is presenting itself all over the social spaces today. It is logic that works like this, if I may let me explain it.
It goes sort of like this:
I have a problem, I feel upset, someone has been teaching me that shame and hatred are the solutions to solving problems, yet that is not the truth, but I am going to try it anyway, and see if it works for me.

The author continues with this logic here:
Just as with the job losses that people are suffering, maybe something good will come from that. Perhaps, those people will find something better in a field that is in more need of their skills.

And now the solution:
Every once in a while...we need a shake up to get us to wake up!
And at last the delusion : " Things are getting better"

Cearly, there is a fight to understand all the pain and struggle people have endured, and will endure as the recession settles in, assuming that it settles in. So many people are going to target people of wealth and people in positions of power to work and re-work out conflict having to do with poverty and wealth, and I predict those situations will get addressed in social spaces in the online world. What many people will do in reality is go to "my space" or "face book", and write some nasty tid bit about some person who "has" as they struggle.



What the author is actually saying to Mr. Trump, in my unassuming assessment, is: (he has no clue what real people are dealing with), and the author wants to enlighten Mr. Trump (also by calling him Donald) she wants to bring him "down" to her truth, because she feels there is NO way he could ever understand her reality otherwise. (First names make people feel familiar in language) She is not in high spirits, she is distraught with the stress over wealth, unable to achieve actual viable solutions, yet she is here to work, then re-work, this conflict. This is one example of what makes Trump University so miraculous, the best of the best are here, and we are in one place working then re-working conflicts, exchanging ideas. Where there is an undertaking, common to mankind, elucidation will follow. Even being able to assert her discord it is predictable to result in some sort of relief, having it published, here, was likely to empower her! Good job Trump University-



Best regards,
Tammie L Anderson Coffey-
your online identity scholar at your service!

It is very important to have an escape plan.
The best escape plan would be your savings account. So don't waste it and put the money in the savings account !
As the Bond Movies, Q would say "Never let them see you bleed"
When one door is shut, many others will open !


Best Regards,
Prince Dudley
Systems Engineer
http://birdseyesview.blogspot.com

It is not so difficult putting some aside for that "rainy day," Mr. Trump.
But what does seem impossible to me, is ACCRUING anything these days, or accumulating wealth the way that you have done in your storied Real Estate Career. I appreciate all you do to share your wealth of knowledge with us, your flock of loyal followers. But I cannot see where this market is going and I do NOT believe it will forever climb upwards and upwards again like it did for you when you were accumulating and amassing your achievements. What's next Mr. Trump? With global climate changes permanently altering crop stability world-wide, what are your own personal plans for leadership in this "Brave New World" of ours as we close in on the second decade of the 21st Century, Sir. Again - Thanks for the Help. But now what? SY, J.G.D. : SP, FL. 33705