Concerning Thanksgiving vs. Entitlement

Dear Readers:

As you know, or I hope you know, I try to keep Nip Impressions apolitical. However, my column last week evoked some comments that might definitely be construed as political. I am publishing them here to give the correspondents a forum, but with the assurance to you that we are not changing direction as we go forward--there is plenty enough to say about the issues of our great industry without my joining the political pundits through Nip Impressions!

Thanks,

Jim

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Jim,

Great article! You really captured the essence of Thanksgiving and the curse of entitlement.

Rev. Dr. Gary Christensen
Atlanta, Georgia, USA

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Jim,

There's been some criticism lately of crediting the late-coming Pilgrims for "Thanksgiving." Similar festivals were held earlier further south, but the Pilgrims had a better PR department.

George Mead
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, USA

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Jim,

In your article "Thanksgiving vs. Entitlement" I believe you have somewhat overstated the entitlement mentality, at least in the paper industry. In my 35 years there I'd say that the entitlement folks made up a small minority of the worker population. Most of us worked hard and only expected fair treatment from our management.

At some point I'd be interested in your thoughts on the obscenely high payouts to upper management in all industries, golden parachutes, etc., especially after company performances that are very ordinary or often much worse.

Bill LaVallee
San Jose, California, USA

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Jim,

I appreciate your comments on the entitlement mentality that has overtaken the attitude of personal responsibility. I never have objection to voluntary charity and do support organizations that do good work. However, Dr Milton Friedman said it is another thing entirely for 80% of the people to take from 10% by force and hand it to another 10%. As a libertarian, I prefer that government stick to its focus of protecting individual rights and private property.

Sorry I missed the fall meeting at Miami, but hope to see you in the spring.

Patrick J Dixon
Lago Vista, Texas, USA

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Jim,

I'm on the plane returning from a week's visit to see our daughter, who is living in Dublin for 4mos.

Reading your Thanksgiving v. Entitlement comments.........

Any time you visit Europe, you can't help but get a dose of what "entitled people" expect (though, I must say, not as much so in the country side of Ireland as in mainland Europe).

Some of our best friends, a couple (she taught with [my wife] 25yrs ago) who hold very liberal thinking. I love them very much. But, I find it very frustrating to see how someone abhors any display or expression of wealth. They enjoy the good things. But there is the expressed attitude that we (particularly, our gov't and our "wealthy" taxpayers) should share with, and solve the needs of the lower class.

Your comments about entitlement hit a chord with me.

Oooh, what a big subject as we approach an election year.

I hope you and Laura enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday.

[name withheld]
USA

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Concerning More on Recycling

Jim:

In response to Chuck Green's comments about paper recycling: With respect to the quality of the aggregate recycled paper stream, the quality doesn't have to decrease with time. All we have to do is recognize that all fiber is not good fiber and open up our recycling processes a little more. Yield (as considered conventionally) will suffer a bit, but we're getting rid of the part that contributes little to aggregate pulp quality and can actually be detrimental to the overall production process. If we reject as waste, for argument's sake let's say, 30 percent of the fiber in our RF streams we'll make that up with a significant portion of virgin fiber sweetener supplementing the RF and the fiber stream quality (including strength!) will be preserved. Today, this is made even more attractive by the ability to take that 30 percent waste and turn it into energy via incineration or, more preferably, by mixing it in with the feedstock to a cellulosic ethanol plant.

Also, I agree whole-heartedly with Peter Angevine's opinion regarding the current lack of adverse environmental impact given the state of incineration technology, but rather than not welcoming comments from self-styled environmentalists, I would take all comments and use informed rebuttal to educate the wider audience!

Keep up the good work!

Bob Makolin
Wisconsin, USA

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