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Joe the Plumber - A Phenom

Started by Randy · 8 months ago

Joe seems kind of average … except that last name. Whew… that’s a goodin’ (my thoughts after the jump)

(CNN) — A week ago he was a little-known plumber quietly practicing his trade in northwestern Ohio. Now Joe Wurzelbacher is ... Continue reading »

51 comments

  • tagill

    8 months ago

    I understand what Ana is saying about Joe the Plumber "not representing the reality that most people face today nor the reality many of us could face tomorrow", but it definitely represents MY reality. My family has been living on my income alone for almost 3 years. My hubby graduates from law school in 5 months. He's already been offered a job after graduation, and overnight we will go into a brand new income bracket affected the heaviest if Obama gets into office.

    So with that said....'Tami the Techie' for McCain!! :-)
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Wowsers! Congrats Tami. I am very happy for you and your Hubby.

    I think though that because you are now on record ... that ALL Tami's and ALL Techies vote for McCain. I think it's a mandate.
    reply
  • 15 More Days

    8 months ago

    All due respect to Joe. . but he has become the latest distraction in this election. It seems like the closer we get to voting the less people talk about the issues that are important to the future of the country. . .like the economy.

    Regardless of who is elected president, the next President has to make the economy his first priority. . I signed this petition to the 44th President. .

    http://friendsoftheuschamber.com/email/44_email...

    . . the message is clear -- the economy has to come first
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Joe was a flashpoint *for* the economy issue. The media is the one trying to turn him into a distraction. I think it is perfectly fine for the campaigns to use real live examples. Joe's questions fit right into the "issue" at the forefront of all our minds.

    Thank you for your comment and opinion! :)
    reply
  • 15 More Days

    8 months ago

    All due respect to Joe. . but he has become the latest distraction in this election. It seems like the closer we get to voting the less people talk about the issues that are important to the future of the country. . .like the economy.


    Regardless of who is elected president, the next President has to make the economy his first priority. . I signed this petition to the 44th President. .



    http://friendsoftheuschamber.com/email/44_email...



    . . the message is clear -- the economy has to come first

    reply
  • Ana

    8 months ago

    Well, I have 7 friends this far (that I know of) all over the country who have lost jobs due to the financial crisis we are facing today, That list includes: a lawyer, a teacher, a banker, a projetc manager, an engineer, a real estate agent, and a veterinarian. All of them hard-workers, smart, and with families that need their support.

    Although, I do respect Joe the plumber's story (even though he doesn't have a plumbing certificate and doesn't have such business yet) I do not think he represents the reality that most people face today nor the reality many of us could face tomorrow.

    I think it has been an interesting story, but if you want my opinion friend, for me, it isn't working.

    - Ana, Missouri.
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    He doesn't have a license because he doesn't need one to do what he is doing. See, you have to discredit him too.

    He's got to start out at the bottom of the ladder ... like most of us do.

    He's got visions for the future ... like most of us do. Why should he be discredited for something he said he would like to do "someday." Is it wrong to ask questions that will affect your dreams for the future?

    He's got financial problems ... like most of us do.

    He wants to work hard and keep what he earns ... like all of us do. Unless you make too much according to Obama. Then the government will take what you earn and "spread it around."

    And thanks for the comment "friend" :)
    reply
  • Ana

    8 months ago

    I understand what you are saying Randy...and I know where you stand very clearly and I respect all your opinions about everything, I do.

    But let's just not forget that a lot of Christians feel very divided during this elections as a result of so much happening, good and bad, and so although I defenitely respect people who defend the Republican party, I just wanted to share my perspectives about the perspectives other Christians might have too.

    I just wanted to add a bit of my thoughts even if at least once, since I've been holding myself for many months really.

    There is so much I wish I could say (hence, I wish we could go for a coffee).
    I just think that Joe's "possible" idea of earning 250,000 per year doesn't represent the reality most people face today. I think it is wonderful if he has that much money saved, but most people in the country currently arent as fortunate, there is nothing wrong with him asking, but there isn't nothing wrong with realizing that he isn't speaking for the majority of people either I think....everyday in the news we can see this reality, its not just a theory I'm throwing out there, everyone knows...so while Joe has all the right to wonder and save, I worry about the majority of people right now...

    As far as the "spreading the wealth" and the so called "socialist" label people are using to be afraid of one side....ah, there is so much I could say...such a the fact that nationalizing banks its part of socialim, something we did just a little while ago under this government and will continue doing so to get out of this situation...and the fact that our wealth has been spread in many ways for quiet a while for years now..so I rather stop here before I keep on going.

    In either case Randy, I do appreciate it, value you and your thoughts very much, and I just wanted to share my views in some instances just to speak for those who I know couldn't here. I won't say much more.

    I'm praying, not for a particular person to win, but for good judgement in all of us as these are crucial times for the country and our future. May God do His will during this upcoming weeks and may we all come together regardless of what may come.
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Thanks for explaining more Ana. You know I think you rock ;). I would hope you and anyone would be able to share their views here. I am pretty direct but its all with good intent. I don't post out of anger or defensiveness ... I am glad you are here.

    You can say all you want.

    And while I am praying for McCain to win :-p I can agree with you in prayer that we all come together in the end ... and even now.
    reply
  • Brady

    8 months ago

    I'm in the vacation industry and we're still going strong...just saying!

    How about Brady the Vacation Guy??
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    GREAT! just ... don't be "Brady the 'Vacay' Guy."

    I don't often hate slang. I love it more than not ... but "vacay" absolutely drives me bonkers.
    reply
  • B.T.Carolus

    8 months ago

    Maybe Brady can organize an Every Day Thoughts Collected Cruise to give us all a break from this crazy world...although that might be absolutely disastrous... :-)
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Well, I think some of us would have fun. It's funny to think about as well.
    reply
  • B.T.Carolus

    8 months ago

    Well, if we do have the cruise we should remember that I don't like tropical places (I can't tan, so I have to hide in the shade most of the time). So maybe we should go on a cruise to Norway in late August, to see the trees turn colors. Plus, that would let all of us who live in hot climates get away from the late summer heat.
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Well, (third well now) there has to be good food, photo safaris for Mensley and lots of music and shopping.
    reply
  • B.T.Carolus

    8 months ago

    Well, the fjords of Norway are supposed to be really super beautiful, so Mensley can take pictures of them. And I've never been to Norway, but the food in Denmark and Sweden is good (it's meat and potatoes, but very sophisticated, European meat and potatoes; plus their breakfasts are good). And cruise ships have tons of different food options. Plus, cruise ships usually have malls and music and all that sort of stuff. Plus, there will be shopping at Oslo, and other Norwegian towns (I don't know anything about Norwegian music except that Edvard Grieg is their most famous composer).

    eta, y'all probably now think I'm crazy, if you didn't already, but my dream vacation spots are all in Northerly locales like Scandinavia, and Scotland.
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Yeah... I already knew you were crazy. That's ok. Crazy is cool. Well, it's cool as long as it isn't violent.
    reply
  • Brady

    8 months ago

    Never been to Norway, but if we're talking non-tropical plus photo safari, how about Alaska ;-) And don't worry guys, I'm tons of fun IRL, not nearly the confrontational Brady you've come to know and love online!
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    "...and love..."

    hmmmm ...

    ::: just jokin' ::: Of course we love you.
    reply
  • B.T.Carolus

    8 months ago

    Of course we love you Brady. :-)

    I don't know about Alaska though...it sounds kind of dangerous. You can see Russia from there, after all. Plus it's right next to Canada, and some of those Canadians are a little iffy (not our Canadian friends here, of course) but I hear some of them speak French. You can't trust anyone who speaks French!

    I think of Norway as neutral ground.
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    But Ellie ... isn't Norway a SOCIALIST country?
    reply
  • B.T.Carolus

    8 months ago

    That's true, but they don't speak French, and Sweden and Finland are between them and Russia, so we'd be pretty safe. If you'd prefer we could go to Scotland. Or Maine. I hear Maine is lovely in August.
    reply
  • RThomasETC (Randy Thomas)

    8 months ago

    Joe The Plumber - A Phenom http://tinyurl.com/6zysgg
    reply
  • Rick Beckman

    8 months ago

    "Rick the DIYthemes.com Ninja."

    Not voting for either Obama or McCain. I'm dissatisfied with the selection, so I'm voting only for the lowest office on the ticket to at least show I cared enough to show up but at the same time wasn't pleased with the choices.
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Rick the Ninja for Nobody


    Hi Ninja Rick. :) You can't even find someone to "write in"?
    reply
  • Ana

    8 months ago

    Well, I have 7 friends this far (that I know of) all over the country who have lost jobs due to the financial crisis we are facing today, That list includes: a lawyer, a teacher, a banker, a projetc manager, an engineer, a real estate agent, and a veterinarian. All of them hard-workers, smart, and with families that need their support.


    Although, I do respect Joe the plumber's story (even though he doesn't have a plumbing certificate and doesn't have such business yet) I do not think he represents the reality that most people face today nor the reality many of us could face tomorrow.



    I think it has been an interesting story, but if you want my opinion friend, for me, it isn't working.



    - Ana, Missouri.

    reply
  • Brady

    8 months ago

    I'm in the vacation industry and we're still going strong...just saying!


    How about Brady the Vacation Guy??

    reply
  • tagill

    8 months ago

    That works for me!! :-)

    And I laughed out loud about your "vacay" comment. LOL
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    cool :). Hey... if you hit reply underneath a comment it will help with the threading thing and will also notify all authors on that thread that you have left a comment related to their comments :).

    Tami Gill rocks too.
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Joe was a flashpoint *for* the economy issue. The media is the one trying to turn him into a distraction. I think it is perfectly fine for the campaigns to use real live examples. Joe's questions fit right into the "issue" at the forefront of all our minds.


    Thank you for your comment and opinion! :)

    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    He doesn't have a license because he doesn't need one to do what he is doing. See, you have to discredit him too.


    He's got to start out at the bottom of the ladder ... like most of us do.



    He's got visions for the future ... like most of us do. Why should he be discredited for something he said he would like to do "someday." Is it wrong to ask questions that will affect your dreams for the future?



    He's got financial problems ... like most of us do.



    He wants to work hard and keep what he earns ... like all of us do. Unless you make too much according to Obama. Then the government will take what you earn and "spread it around."



    And thanks for the comment "friend" :)

    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    GREAT! just ... don't be "Brady the 'Vacay' Guy."


    I don't often hate slang. I love it more than not ... but "vacay" absolutely drives me bonkers.

    reply
  • Rick Beckman

    8 months ago

    "Rick the DIYthemes.com Ninja."


    Not voting for either Obama or McCain. I'm dissatisfied with the selection, so I'm voting only for the lowest office on the ticket to at least show I cared enough to show up but at the same time wasn't pleased with the choices.

    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Rick the Ninja for Nobody



    Hi Ninja Rick. :) You can't even find someone to "write in"?

    reply
  • tagill

    8 months ago

    I understand what Ana is saying about Joe the Plumber "not representing the reality that most people face today nor the reality many of us could face tomorrow", but it definitely represents MY reality. My family has been living on my income alone for almost 3 years. My hubby graduates from law school in 5 months. He's already been offered a job after graduation, and overnight we will go into a brand new income bracket affected the heaviest if Obama gets into office.


    So with that said....'Tami the Techie' for McCain!! :-)

    reply
  • Ana

    8 months ago

    I understand what you are saying Randy...and I know where you stand very clearly and I respect all your opinions about everything, I do.


    But let's just not forget that a lot of Christians feel very divided during this elections as a result of so much happening, good and bad, and so although I defenitely respect people who defend the Republican party, I just wanted to share my perspectives about the perspectives other Christians might have too.



    I just wanted to add a bit of my thoughts even if at least once, since I've been holding myself for many months really.



    There is so much I wish I could say (hence, I wish we could go for a coffee).

    I just think that Joe's "possible" idea of earning 250,000 per year doesn't represent the reality most people face today. I think it is wonderful if he has that much money saved, but most people in the country currently arent as fortunate, there is nothing wrong with him asking, but there isn't nothing wrong with realizing that he isn't speaking for the majority of people either I think....everyday in the news we can see this reality, its not just a theory I'm throwing out there, everyone knows...so while Joe has all the right to wonder and save, I worry about the majority of people right now...



    As far as the "spreading the wealth" and the so called "socialist" label people are using to be afraid of one side....ah, there is so much I could say...such a the fact that nationalizing banks its part of socialim, something we did just a little while ago under this government and will continue doing so to get out of this situation...and the fact that our wealth has been spread in many ways for quiet a while for years now..so I rather stop here before I keep on going.



    In either case Randy, I do appreciate it, value you and your thoughts very much, and I just wanted to share my views in some instances just to speak for those who I know couldn't here. I won't say much more.



    I'm praying, not for a particular person to win, but for good judgement in all of us as these are crucial times for the country and our future. May God do His will during this upcoming weeks and may we all come together regardless of what may come.

    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Thanks for explaining more Ana. You know I think you rock ;). I would hope you and anyone would be able to share their views here. I am pretty direct but its all with good intent. I don't post out of anger or defensiveness ... I am glad you are here.


    You can say all you want.



    And while I am praying for McCain to win :-p I can agree with you in prayer that we all come together in the end ... and even now.

    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Wowsers! Congrats Tami. I am very happy for you and your Hubby.


    I think though that because you are now on record ... that ALL Tami's and ALL Techies vote for McCain. I think it's a mandate.

    reply
  • tagill

    8 months ago

    That works for me!! :-)


    And I laughed out loud about your "vacay" comment. LOL

    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    cool :). Hey... if you hit reply underneath a comment it will help with the threading thing and will also notify all authors on that thread that you have left a comment related to their comments :).


    Tami Gill rocks too.

    reply
  • Ellie

    8 months ago

    Maybe Brady can organize an Every Day Thoughts Collected Cruise to give us all a break from this crazy world...although that might be absolutely disastrous... :-)
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Well, I think some of us would have fun. It's funny to think about as well.
    reply
  • Ellie

    8 months ago

    Well, if we do have the cruise we should remember that I don't like tropical places (I can't tan, so I have to his in the shade most of the time). So maybe we should go on a cruise to Norway in late August, to see the trees turn colors. Plus, that would let all of us who live in hot climates get away from the late summer heat.
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Well, (third well now) there has to be good food, photo safaris for Mensley and lots of music and shopping.
    reply
  • Ellie

    8 months ago

    Well, the fjords of Norway are supposed to be really super beautiful, so Mensley can take pictures of them. And I've never been to Norway, but the food in Denmark and Sweden is good (it's meat and potatoes, but very sophisticated, European meat and potatoes; plus their breakfasts are good). And cruise ships have tons of different food options. Plus, cruise ships usually have malls and music and all that sort of stuff. Plus, there will be shopping at Oslo, and other Norwegian towns (I don't know anything about Norwegian music except that Edvard Grieg is their most famous composer).
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    Yeah... I already knew you were crazy. That's ok. Crazy is cool. Well, it's cool as long as it isn't violent.
    reply
  • Brady

    8 months ago

    Never been to Norway, but if we're talking non-tropical plus photo safari, how about Alaska ;-) And don't worry guys, I'm tons of fun IRL, not nearly the confrontational Brady you've come to know and love online!
    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    "...and love..."


    hmmmm ...



    ::: just jokin' ::: Of course we love you.

    reply
  • Ellie

    8 months ago

    Of course we love you Brady. :-)


    I don't know about Alaska though...it sounds kind of dangerous. You can see Russia from there, after all. Plus it's right next to Canada, and some of those Canadians are a little iffy (not our Canadian friends here, of course) but I hear some of them speak French. You can't trust anyone who speaks French!

    reply
  • Randy

    8 months ago

    But Ellie ... isn't Norway a SOCIALIST country?
    reply
  • Ellie

    8 months ago

    That's true, but they don't speak French, and Sweden and Finland are between them and Russia, so we'd be pretty safe. If you'd prefer we could go to Scotland. Or Maine. I hear Maine is lovely in August.
    reply

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