Editor’s note: Recently in The Voice, the announcement was made of the death of the conductor of the column, Ask Grandpa, which provided readers with 503 weeks of sage advice, humor, and continuity. Below is the repeat of the September 9, 2021 column. The Voice will continue to offer previous columns. We invite special requests of previous columns.
Grandpa,
I wish the politicians could see how this money give-away in early 2021 is now ruining the country. During the height of the pandemic, it was helpful. A lot of people were able to eat and stay afloat with the help. But to continue to give unemployment benefits this late in the year, or this early into the recovery has a very negative effect. My business needs (nearly four dozen) new employees. But the competition for new help is not other employers! It is the Federal government. People who are getting free money are never going to voluntarily go out and take a job. The administration talks about all the new jobs they are creating but never says a word about creating or cultivating employees. President Richard Nixon had the right idea; if you get government aide, you need to earn it through work or education. Back then we called it the CETA program. Let’s go back to that system where employers were given the incentive to hire and train workers. If any of your able-bodied readers are honestly looking for a job, have them call me.
Grandpa says: You present your case well. Things are beginning to open up. The government can only support the people for so long. In a time of need we all have to pull together. As the needs change, so must the direction we are all pulling. The best way to get quality help right here locally is to advertise right here. Don’t waste your time and money with a small print help wanted ad. Run a display ad with color. Don’t do cold, impersonal, computer interviews. Let candidates come in and meet you and your operation. Just as you want to get to know the applicant, let the applicant get to know you and the job you have to offer. The right candidates are looking for the right jobs. It is your job to let them know you have the jobs to offer. Be pro-active, not passive, in your recruiting. Never forget; your representatives want to keep their jobs and are willing to hear what you have to say. Contact them.
Grandpa,
The lady whose drunk husband wants to come back is just plain (deleted). (See The Voice, June 3, 2021). She got rid of him so she should keep him away completely. All drunks are the same; dirty stinking filthy liars. And cheats. None of them can be trusted. I know because I am married to one I can’t get rid of. I could divorce her, but, because of her “disease”, I would be on the hook for life paying separate maintenance. I would never have a life of my own. At least by staying married I am not wasting money on a lawyer. And if she ever gets into legal trouble, let her get a public defender because she isn’t worth trying to help. I would even be willing to testify against her.
Grandpa says: You sound like such an empathetic, compassionate, fellow. I cannot understand why your wife would turn to a bottle for comfort.