I have understood you to unequivocally complain about rent. Nowhere had you suggested, as you now imply, that taking $400 a month in rent instead of $1,000 a month by some big “richy” types was going to end world hunger yet these “richy” type folks, as you seem to have assumed I am, are now keeping hungry homeless folks from starting businesses downtown.

You have yet to indicate the onerous burden that the powers that be have erected to keep these starving, homeless (through no fault of their own)business owner wannabes from following their dreams into the business world. What are these barriers that the city has imposed?

I am too educated, too educated by far, to suffer fools too gladly. Good day, sir.

Merry Christmas to all the honest and faithful county employees, your efforts are not unrecognized.

I know several people who are “wealthy” who got wealthy by some very dishonest means. I had rather be poor and live in a shack than to get wealth by dishonesty. Now do not get me wrong, I am not making any accusations against anyone, I am just stating some facts which I feel are relevant to this discussion.

I am sorry that people get offended at what I say, but I just say it according to the evidence I see and hear.My old grandmother had a saying that could apply here, when someone got upset at something she said her reply was short and sweet.She said: ” If the shoe fits, then wear it. If it don’t fit you, then it isn’t yours”.

Larry has pointed out something I have said before. Why do we have a public library? A YMCA? Who do you think got Bainbridge (Junior) College off the ground? Who donated the land for the local parks? Who are the Bearcat Boosters?

In lieu of a thoughtful answer to my question about the onerous burden the city places on people who want to start a business, you continue to press ahead with attacking education as if it is some type of evil. I took the time to explain how property owners might be protecting their asset (I did forget to mention that the property taxes can also be used to offset a profitable property as well). The honest assessment of the insurmountable barriers from the vox populi would be much appreciated.

Believe me or not, up to you, but those that have worked hard and done well do donate to those less fortunate. How in the world do you think the Salvation Army is able to do all they do for people? Nothing comes from the government, all from donations. And that is just one charity. How many other charities that do so much for people are there? And I will add, you do not know because the folks that do give substantial dollars to charity do not want you to know, it is a gift they give, period.

So back off a bit on the most giving nation on earth, you are not privy to know what those “greedy” people really do, and never will.

So if the rich folks who owns the empty buildings believe they are more profitable sitting empty; then so be it. When they eventually find that “all” their buildings are empty, then I guess their properties will all be extremely valuable then. When Bainbridge, the malls and the shopping centers become empty storefronts, then the owners will be happy at how profitable their properties have become.

One more point: You keep talking about someone wanting to be subsidized, and looking for a handout, while talking about how great the SBA is, and that we should get a business plan and go to the SBA for a government loan. Well: Isn’t going to the SBA and asking for a loan the same as expecting the TAX-PAYERS to give you a handout, and subsidize your risky business venture?

The government has its nose deep enough into our business already, don’t you think?

And NO!! You are wrong. Mom & Pop type business Do-Not need, or want a drawn-up business plan. They just simply perform a service, sell their products, and enjoy their profits.
I have been in business for 18-years and I have done quite well. I have never had a business model or plan. And I have never been to the SBA, or the chamber of commerce. Or needed the services of a business consultant.
I restate my earlier statement: You are obviously to highly educated to understand the life of us simple folks. And one of the greatest joys in life is giving to (helping) others who have less.

Laziness, not greed, is what has destroyed this country’s economy. We have an entitlement minded populace who, instead of working hard to compete in a free market, complain that they are ‘rich folks’ and are eaten up with petty class envy and want something for nothing. We have a country that rewards indolence. We have people who feel wronged if someone does not hand over their property for what the asker offers. We have people with a lazy mentality who believe writing up a simple business plan to get a SBA loan and pay themselves a $15,000 salary and reasonable rent until they get their business on its feet sounds like too much hard work.

We have people who can’t compete in the business world denigrate education by saying, “You are to(o) educated to understand…”, who think that it is too much hard work to go to the free SBA site and learn something about business or to take courses on entrepreneurship at one of the surrounding community colleges. No, it is easier to say that the landlords wont give them something for nothing instead of getting off their backside and making it happen. How about a goal being to pay a fair rent instead of making yourself and their friends happy? Maybe people think that when they open this fantasy business, the customers should just be able to walk in to the place where the business owner is only paying %40 of fair market rent and tell them what they will pay them for their goods or services? Maybe people want to return to a barter system and take payment in chickens or eggs and then figure out the taxes owed on them?

Please tell me the onerous burden the city places to open a business? Call the Chamber of Commerce, and someone will be happy to help you through the maze(but if you do and they help you, be sure to join the Chamber and not just ask for something for nothing, and not offer them %40 of the dues either). A free ride is what got us in this mess, not capitalism.

If a person has been too irresponsible with their personal finances to be able to avail themselves of the ideas I put forth earlier, I don´t have much faith in their ability to run a straight business and not treat the till as their personal ATM. Merry Christmas, and don´t quit your day job, I don’t think you have what it takes to make it in business.