Business

13-Year-Old and Family Behind MI Hot Dog Stand Now Homeless — And Gov’t Regs Continue to Strain Income

Nathan Duszynski Can Barely Afford Hot Dog Stand as Govt Regs Keep ComingThrough burdensome regulations and heavy fees, authorities in Holland, Mich., have made it nearly impossible for 13-year-old entrepreneur Nathan Duszynski to operate a hot dog stand, TheBlaze’s Erica Ritz reported last month. And now there is another twist in the story: His family, with its only hope of reliable income on the brink, has been forced to move into a homeless shelter.

(By the way, the whole reason Nathan started his business was to raise cash for his disabled parents.)

When Nathan’s story broke last month, he found sympathy among many of Holland’s residents. In fact, one local businessman even bought the stand from Nathan, allowing him to operate it at no cost.

But then things got tougher for Nathan’s family — and Holland authorities aren’t helping anything.

The 13-year-old businessman and his mother are currently living in the Holland Rescue Mission and, right now, the hot dog stand is their only source of reliable income.

“We don’t have the money to move out,” Lynette Johnson told MLive.com, “It’s embarrassing, but it’s the truth.”

Luckily, ever since the kindhearted businessman bought the stand and let the young entrepreneur operate it for free, Nathan has been busy booking private events in West Michigan — one step closer to getting out of the shelter and one step closer to economic independence.

But do you really think it’s going to be that easy? Guess again.

“We’re trying to keep [the business] going for Nate, but it’s costing more money at this point when he’s not set up every day,” said Lynette.

The reason? Every event they book requires a new health department permit and the price can vary from municipality to municipality.

“The last event, a private wedding reception on Friday, cost about $200 for the permit,” MLive.com reports.

Nathan barely broke even.

Adding to the strain on the family’s finances is the health of both Nathan’s mother (she suffers from epilepsy as a result of childbirth complications) and his stepfather Doug (who has multiple sclerosis). And Doug cannot regularly visit Nathan and his mother at the shelter because he “requires medications that are not allowed per the shelter rules.”

Needless to say, things are a little tough right now.

“So far, the family is doing the best to keep the cell phone bill paid, get food stamps squared away, and stay nourished at the shelter,” MLive.com reports.

“Nathan’s alright, but he hates it here,” said Lynette.

UPDATE: Numerous readers have contacted us inquiring about different ways in which we can help Nathan and his family. As of this writing, there doesn’t appear to be any verified or official fund set up (we did find one site but, again, it’s unverified).

TheBlaze is working on contacting the family for more details. The Holland Rescue Mission claims they are no longer at the shelter and we are collaborating with local media outlets to locate them.

Stay tuned for further updates. Thanks!

Follow Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) on Twitter

All photos courtesy MLive.com

Comments (188)

1 2 3 4
  • 00gabooga
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:39pm

    Sorry kid, but if you work hard and become successful then you‘ll be proving that people don’t need the government to bail them out!

    THAT CANNOT HAPPEN! Now just run along and stop rocking the boat!

    Report Post » 00gabooga  
    • lukerw
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:49pm

      ObamaVille!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Machtyn
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 3:36pm

      Here we need the government to help AND GET THE FREAK OUT OF THE WAY.

      Report Post »  
    • vanman4446
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 3:57pm

      You didn’t build that obummer did

      Report Post »  
    • Wolfgang the Gray
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 4:19pm

      Congratulations Obama, you put another small business out of work and got them on food stamps. Next stop, Cloward & Piven.

      Report Post » Wolfgang the Gray  
    • boomboom
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 4:31pm

      So what the “h” are we…The blaze readers……Supposed caring and helpful and restoring love blaze readers…..Going to do to help this kid out???????

      Report Post » boomboom  
    • Yeah_Buddy
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 4:35pm

      I’m speechless

      Report Post »  
    • USA4freedom
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 5:29pm

      People with clout should get this kid a Romney ad saying exactly what he has experienced, then show other youngsters at lemonade stands, being shut down, anything kids have done since the depression to make a little money (odd jobs, mowing grass etc..,) to help put food on their family table.
      Due to big Government interference, most of this is so regulated, taxed, and discouraged they cannot take this initiative any longer. That is how they can assure people will need welfare and entitlements for the rest of their lives.

      Report Post »  
    • turkey13
      Posted on August 11, 2012 at 9:18am

      Back in 2007 Obama told Jo The Plumber he was going to spread the wealth. Here Obama has $ 5 million in the bank and is spending $ 60 million a month to run for office and he can;t help this kid. I also want to know when he is going to confront Michael Phelps about those 18 Gold medals. Phelps and his coach both got public education that the government paid for. It is time to make up for that and share some of those medals. Why doesn‘t Phelps keep one and give the other 17 to those people that came in 4th and didn’t qualify and to some of the guys that got silver and never even got 1 Gold?

      Report Post »  
    • IIIcorp
      Posted on August 11, 2012 at 9:50am

      Didn’t Obama give a bunch of money to a battery manufacturer in Holland, that promptly went bankrupt, and are now trying to sell to the Chinese?

      Report Post »  
    • bigdaddyt46
      Posted on August 11, 2012 at 10:20am

      this angers me to no end!!!!! a black child of the same age opens a lemonade stand, and makes $3000 noone utters a peep. this kid was shut done within minuets of opening up his stand.
      i am sick and tired of white single and male being a crime in this country. we are vilified by blacks hispanics asians muslims and women. all of these groups are trying and in alot of cases suceeding in making white single males obsolete. freedom of speach, safety, oportunity ect now is a thing of the past all because i have white skin am a male and choose to be single. this is 100% unadulterated BS

      Report Post » bigdaddyt46  
    • RMFOMG
      Posted on August 11, 2012 at 4:57pm

      Support Nathan at IndieGogo
      Search Help Nathans Family

      Report Post »  
    • Quester55
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 10:01pm

      I lived close to Holland Michigan years ago, the City and County boards Appear Kind on the Outside, But that’s just a Sham to fool the RICH Vacationers that return to their summer Beach homes each year. The last thing they’ll allow is Any Homeless People, on their streets at all. This boy’s case is really one of Hundreds of cases in that and surrounding Counties. Even the 4 legged Rats are treated with more respect, Than the Poor Humans. Time was, when one could Fish for free, if you where under 18 years old, Not any more.
      We need Change! Before The Government Takes away All of our Human Rights, And Terminate the Weak, Elderly, Disabled and Non-Productive Citizens, Of our Country.

      Report Post » Quester55  
  • IsThereADifference
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:38pm

    Ok Romney was governer in Mass. My mistake. Doesnt take away from the fact that he is a liberal/progressive who will most definately grow the size of an already out of control government.

    Report Post » IsThereADifference  
    • grayling646
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:44pm

      You make a dumbass, ignorant mistake like that and then expect me to respect, or even listen to your opinion/analysis?

      Report Post »  
    • DrunkGOP_Hack
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:46pm

      ISTHEREADIFFERENCE – you know what is next to the word stupid in the dictionary?
      Not a picture of you, the definition, STUPID!

      You are a malcontent with no life and HOPEFULLY no children.
      If you have kids, I feel sorry that they would have person like you to have to turn to for advice.

      Report Post » DrunkGOP_Hack  
    • TexasTeaPatriot
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 3:42pm

      Mitt Romney’s FATHER was Governor of Mich. (1963-1973). Regardless of that error; your concerns over his political philosophy ignores the alternative. Yes, I’d rather see someone with a more Libertarian philosophy as the GOP Candidate ( NOT Ron Paul; whose Foreign & Military policies are tantamount to a National Suicide). There is no changing the nominee at this point and anyone dumb enough to vote for Gary Johnson is simply casting an adjunct vote for Obama. All conservatives / Libertarians must now unite behind Romney. Those looking for smaller Govt. need to work on a secondary (but equally important) goal of electing true conservatives (Such as Ted Cruz in Texas) to the House & Senate. The President does not write laws (Granted Czar Obama the First seems to be ignorant of that & other portions of the constitution ). If the Legislative branch is under GOP control; with sufficient representation by “Tea Party” conservatives; Romney’s tendency to compromise conservative ideals can be curtailed.

      Ronald Reagan once said something to the effect that one of the biggest mistakes of his Presidency was compromising with the Democratic controlled Congress regarding tax increases (during his 2nd term) in exchange for the “Promise” of future budget cuts; which never materialized. We must learn from history and eliminate the need to compromise. UNITE & elect the most conservative candidates available. There is little time left if we wish to avoid becoming the next Greece.

      Report Post »  
  • Mikev5
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:36pm

    Sad but this is sooo true I was in the restaurant business for more than 20 years from 1974 to 1999 and saw the local city and state fees and regulations balloon to astronomical perorations as to make it hard to make a living anymore they suck you dry and regulate you to death at times I felt like I was in Russia were you need to pay the local thugs to stay in business

    Report Post » Mikev5  
  • blackyb
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:35pm

    They want it all. They want others to have nothing. The hogs will burn in hell.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • IsThereADifference
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:34pm

    Michigan. Hey that‘s Mitt Romney’s “Alma Mater.” He really cleaned up that state while he was Governer. Well at least he created Romney care for this young man who will no longer be able to provide for himself and his family thanks to the liberal/progressive douche bags who live there. You people really know how to pick solid candidates. Great job America. Keep it up and we’ll all be socialists very soon.

    Report Post » IsThereADifference  
    • grayling646
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:39pm

      You infer that Romney was governor of Mi. What an idiot. And it‘s spelled with an ’o’.

      Report Post »  
    • Mikev5
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:44pm

      He was Governor of Massachusetts you Idiot were someone went to school has no bearing at all get an education you fool

      Report Post » Mikev5  
    • Azzman
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:40pm

      Dumb@ss.

      Report Post »  
    • Dustoff
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:45pm

      Just how many mistakes are you going to make, until you wise up?

      Report Post » Dustoff  
    • haveimissedsomething
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 4:40pm

      Please tell us you’re not voting or breeding.

      Report Post »  
    • Kelly Henderson
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 11:21pm

      Is that you Rev. al ?

      Report Post »  
  • buttpatriot
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:32pm

    the conservatives are always going on about drowning the federal gov in a bathtub… yada yada… isn’t this a local gov? you should love it.
    the reason it is so expensive is because the conservatives don’t want to pay taxes so these health departments now have to be self supporting through fees and fines.
    you asked for it. you got it. now you complain?

    Report Post »  
    • mopman64
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:40pm

      Wow off the meds today? Or just being an ass?

      Report Post »  
    • Socco
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:40pm

      Thats just freaking stupid. Congrats! You’ve brought stupid to an all new high.

      Report Post » Socco  
    • teddyc73
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:43pm

      Wow, that’s a stretch dude. Nice try though.

      Report Post »  
    • 1digger
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:46pm

      What planet are you from? This is the result of liberals over-taxation, overspending and over-regulating to the point that everyone becomes shackled like a slave. So this family is being screwed by those that you support. Liberals pick winners and losers rather than letting the market work. It’s not for lack of tax dollars, it’s a lack on liberals part of self control. Nathan was beginning to have hope in helping his parents through capitalism, but NO the liberals can’t have that, it would mean that some people would leave their slavery plantation because they could think and act on their own will without government assistance. Hell hath no fury than a liberal’s failed ideology scorned.

      God bless Nathan and his family, may they realize freedom from the liberal hell hole that liberals want them to be in for time and eternity.

      Report Post »  
    • Mikev5
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:47pm

      Ditto mopman64 like the clear thinking of an addict wow head up @ss

      Report Post » Mikev5  
    • FNGRNFAN
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:06pm

      With a user name like that there is probably little time to sit and think about what your typing let alone manipulate a keyboard.

      Report Post » FNGRNFAN  
    • termyt
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:27pm

      See what sitting on your brains gets ya?

      Report Post »  
    • DrunkGOP_Hack
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:48pm

      ******** – please don’t try to impress us with your ignorance.
      We get it. You are DUMB!
      We Get it!
      Don’t go out of your way to prove it any longer, we got it the first time you commented.

      Report Post » DrunkGOP_Hack  
    • TreeTrimmerJim
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 3:08pm

      Permits accomplish what? Do you know what your elected representative is representing you as? Your vote created that permit. Is that what you want?

      Report Post » TreeTrimmerJim  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 4:09pm

      I have tried to understand your logic, but being that it is circular in nature I only made myself dizzy.

      I guess that’s what I get for applying common sense to the liberal thought process…

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • buttpatriot
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 5:06pm

      this is not complicated. the health departments used to be funded by taxes, i suppose property and sales taxes. then the idea of “pay to play” or “pay your own way” or “i don’t want to pay for my own safety”, got popular, so make the restaurants and food carts pay enough to cover the permits and inspections. believe it or not i am a small business owner of coffee stands. the costs of our annual inspections went up more than 500%. okay, i pay. i understand the logic, why should you have to pay if you don’t go out. thats fine, but now you are complaining that this kid has to pay his own way…

      and anyone that says we don’t need these food vendors inspected is in lala land

      Report Post »  
    • BigDog2372
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 5:18pm

      How do you come to the conclusion that since we support constitutional limited federal government that equates to us somehow LOVING local government? And how do you decide that since we speak out about over-taxation that we support no taxes whatsoever? Oh yeah, you’re a liberal, therefore you live in a world of false choices where there only 2 possible stances that are polar opposites. We support strong borders therefore we hate Hispanics. We support traditional marriage therefore we hate gay people. We are Christians therefore we hate every other religion. We believe in the right to life for the unborn therefore we are anti woman. We support the second amendment therefore we want wild west shootouts on every corner. We love our country therefore we hate every other nation. And on and on and on.

      Report Post »  
    • o0o
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 9:28pm

      The next time you try to make a point, remember to first, take your head out of the patriots butt and take a deep breath of oxygen!!!

      Report Post »  
    • gadgetninja
      Posted on August 11, 2012 at 6:35pm

      I’m a troll and i live under a bridge

      Report Post » gadgetninja  
  • huey6367
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:29pm

    This, among other things, is the sure destruction of this country. When you are taxed to death and not allowed to make any money to support yourself, a rebellion, so to speak, is on the way. The poor kid paid $200 for a permit – a one time permit – and barely broke even. I will assume he paid more than 90% of what he earned for that wedding. That is a crime.

    Does no one seem to understand that you cannot “tax” the people to death. And to fund entitilement programs (read as Socialism). They won’t stand for it. It is what happened in the then British Colonies in America. And how that backfired for them (the British).

    I wish him and his family the best. People have left Michigan (most notably Detroit) in droves because of the tax/welfare system there. GET OUT OF MICHIGAN!!!! If possible, go to a low tax state such as Tennessee (no state income tax) or Florida, Texas, Nevada, etc.

    Report Post »  
    • normalmom
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:18pm

      That is why the tea party is called tea party to make the point of the Boston tea party which helped spur into action the revolutionary war. By the way don’t come to Washington state either we are one of the highest taxed states, and not represented well from the east side.

      Report Post »  
    • TreeTrimmerJim
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 3:31pm

      When have you asked your elected representative which regulation they have removed from the books?

      Our governments, at all levels, will shrink as we eliminate existing regulations. There has to be a relationship between the number of regulations on the books and the number of folks in government. Which regulations do you suggest, to your elected official, be removed from service?

      Report Post » TreeTrimmerJim  
    • Kalshion
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 4:08pm

      @huey6367

      My state (Nevada) isn’t exactly a good example to use, given how are having a problem with run-away regulations and unions here (both of which have caused us to lose a lot of restruants*sp* and other businesses)

      So no, Nevada isn’t a good state to turn to.

      Report Post »  
  • mike551
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:27pm

    Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve An absolutely outstanding idea!!!

    Report Post » mike551  
    • grayling646
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:36pm

      I‘m assuming you’re Roth?

      Report Post »  
    • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:41pm

      Actually, my post was deleted by theBlaze.

      Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
    • grayling646
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:49pm

      Tha‘t’s a lie.

      Report Post »  
    • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:01pm

      My post wasn‘t deleted or I don’t have a good idea?

      Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
    • historyguy48
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 3:27pm

      Roth, if someone hits the “report post” button your post goes for a review. If it’s not offensive then it will be reposted.
      If you get bounced to many times they will then block you from posting. If you complain they will review your posts and as long as they are acceptable the block will be removed.
      Roughly a year ago some of the Libs were hitting “report post” all the time if they didn’t like a rebuttal. It took them a while to figure out what was actually happening and it appears they have corrected the problem.
      Post on!

      Report Post » historyguy48  
    • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 3:50pm

      Thanks HG48. I didn’t curse or slander anyone. I was saying that all the weasels who are the guts of “government” live among us and that we should essentially call them out at the grocery store and whatnot. I guess that crossed a line. I tell you that the two cops I know get an earful from me and have been given oathkeepers literature. I don‘t know any government trolls or IRS agents but if I did they’d get an earful too. I think if we get rid of the Nuremberg defense these people will not follow through with things that their conscience tells them not to. If you shut down a lemonade stand and then your neighbor reminds you each day what an @$$ you are then you might not be so quick to do it next time. Maybe you push back on your bosses. Maybe you get a new career working for the good guys. Maybe you flip off your neighbor and take out your frustration on a CCW holder in Canton, OH. Who knows.

      Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:26pm

    Glenn gave a kid $1000 at that lemonade event, why not help this kid??

    Report Post »  
    • 9111315
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:41pm

      It is your turn now.

      Report Post »  
    • grayling646
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:41pm

      Why don’t you? Why does if have to be someone else? Or, I guess, it’s not your responsibility?

      Report Post »  
  • drphil69
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:25pm

    hey libs – HERE IS YOUR UTOPIA!! YOU, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN WILL HAVE ZERO OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE AN HONEST LIVING!!

    Congrats – you have destroyed the greatest country known to man. NOW STARVE TO DEATH…

    F’ING MORONS.

    Report Post »  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:24pm

    Maybe Beck should have spent his time and money building up entrepreneurs such as this kid, instead of giving out handouts to inner-city folks who have lived on handouts their whole lives.

    Beck is more concerned about assuaging his wealth guilt, then he is promoting the entrepreneurs of society. America needs more jobs, not more handouts and endless dependence.

     
    • grayling646
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:47pm

      We have another genius here, folks.

      Report Post »  
    • Pink_Panther_Party
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:47pm

      “We have another genius here, folks.”

      lol…..maybe he’s just high on drugs. Let‘s give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he’s talking about Jeff Beck…*whistles cheery tune at the ceiling*

      Report Post » Pink_Panther_Party  
    • ZaphodsPlanet
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 2:11pm

      Did you parents have the same last name before they got married and had you?

      Report Post » ZaphodsPlanet  
  • DoomsdayProphet
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:22pm

    While we are at it why don’t we regulate the length of the bun. It must now be 2 inches shorter than the hot dog itself. This way people need more napkins. SEIU has employees in that factory. Fluff O’bama he stole our money to give to his campaign donors. The same people who went bankrupt or created 3 jobs with 20 million dollars. Get out you aren’t even legal to be president. Unless somehow a Kenyan father and an American mother falls into the Natural Born Citizen category….The Laws of Nations…That pesky book the founders used to establish citizenship laws…

    Vote out the Kenyan 2012!

    Report Post »  
    • firstHat
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:37pm

      I’m so bad. When I read your comment I was expecting that sentence to read “two inches shorter than the length of the officials’ naughty bits. That would make them microscopic and not worthy of regulation in the first place.”

      This stuff makes me so very tired. Prayers go out for this young man and his mother.

      Report Post »  
  • BHOHG2G
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:16pm

    Now that they’ve been beaten by the Government they can now be taken care of by the the Government. Welcome to MINIONVILLE folks. Now shut up and sit down……….. NEXT!

    Report Post » BHOHG2G  
  • RANGER1965
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:15pm

    Glenn Beck has always felt that we can take back our country in a non-violent, almost Ghandiesque manner.

    He believes that truth, and reason will outweigh the emotionalism, and lies of the left, and eventually prevail.

    After reading a story like this, I wonder. Is it possible that it’s gone to far to end peacefully? Will reason prevail in the face of legions of dishonorable people?

    Report Post » RANGER1965  
    • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:23pm

      Glenn’s logic is predicated on a historical reference in which A) moral human interraction was at a level of civility beyond our current level and B) the educational system provided a better platform for reason and logic (yes I know about literacy rates historically..I’m talking about teaching people to think). Given that we are morally in decay and from an educational standpoint unequiped with collective reaoning the idea that we are going to have a national epiphany seem fairy-taleish at best.

      That’s my take, though. If Glenn’s right well, then I have a bunch of leftover guns and ammo. If I’m right…well

      Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
    • taxpro4u03
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:35pm

      Due diligence is NOT the responsibility of anyone other than the individual, save for the very FEW in society who are clinically ‘challenged.’ Further, that responsibility is non-delegable — same with any ‘rights’ one ‘believes’ they have. If one really wants to know ‘why,’ then the first order of business would be to go directly to the origin — the ORIGINAL source — we DO that by working it backward until we arrive at a LOGICAL conclusion. If the PREMISE is flawed – it will reveal itself there — deductive reasoning. Eliminate that which CANNOT be. :-) Here, we have to identify WHERE these ‘rules and regs’ originate — What ‘IS’ “Statutory Authority?” WHERE does it ‘skew’ into an alternate reality, IMPOSING (usually unlawfully as opposed to ‘illegally’) on one’s god-given and Constitutionally preserved RIGHT to ‘life, liberty and the PURSUIT of happiness‘ without ’due process?’ — WHICH ‘Constitution?‘ Where did ’IT’ come from? Learn to ‘learn.’ “It ain’t whatcha knows that puts-a hurtin’ on ya. It‘s whatcha knows for sure that just ain’t so!” ~Uncle Remus

      Report Post »  
  • JimL
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:14pm

    It takes a bureaucratic village…

    Report Post »  
  • sparky239
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:09pm

    Maybe glenn could help that family move to Ohio where this family could easily start over and be on their way to financial freedom…Michigan don’t deserve that family….

    Report Post » sparky239  
    • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:24pm

      Ohio?!?!

      Columbus and south I hope you’re talking about. North? Forgetaboutit.

      Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
    • GODBLESSOURCOUNTRY
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:29pm

      We love Michigan (beautiful lakes, Mackinac Island) but, Michigan is expensive in alot of areas. Highest in the country in insurance, high gas prices, and high regulations. I say thank the unions. Just happens we are moving next month.

      Report Post » GODBLESSOURCOUNTRY  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:36pm

      Not sure about the permits here in SW Ohio, but it couldn’t be worse than MI.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • MittensKittens
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:08pm

    I think the RNC should use this as an ad for Obuma’s dismal economy and regulations.

    Report Post » MittensKittens  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:15pm

      They should.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • HKS
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:19pm

      Ditto, if Romney had a campaign manager.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • BHOHG2G
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:21pm

      Absolutely. But he won‘t because he’s too PC too. You’re right though.

      Report Post » BHOHG2G  
    • LVMerrily
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:30pm

      Agree on going on the offensive . . . but they won’t.

      Remember that Mitt has the same group of morons that ran McCain’s campaign. I won’t contribute to Mitt or the RNC until it changes. I contribute DIRECTLY to Congressional and Senate candidates that do speak the truth and call out the BS.

      The Senate needs a veto-proof majority and then it doesn’t matter who is elected POTUS.

      Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:44pm

      I don’t know, Mittens. I keep going to their web page and giving them suggestions, but I haven’t seen them use any of them. Maybe if more people write in the same suggestion?
      http://www.mittromney.com/contact-us
      Good luck.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • marybethelizabeth
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:08pm

    The example from Doc Thompson, filling in for Mr. Beck on Thursday’s radio show. was the tomato grower who lost $300,000 because he couldn’t get anyone to pick his crop at $12.00 an hour.

    $12 an hour is 1/2 the median United States household income.
    $12 an hour is poverty level wages.

    It‘s just another businessman who won’t pay a living wage. He would rather lose hundreds of thousands of dollars than pay the living wage.

    Paying a living wage makes everyone better off.

    Having a monopoly on the demand side is as dysfunctional economically as a monopoly on the supply side.

    Regulations aren’t stifling job growth here in the real world. Only in the fringe world of Becklandia.

    Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:15pm

      Hey idiot, pick up an econ book. You know they say it’s better to be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.

      Why are minimum wage’s higher now than they were befoere? Sorry, why do they need to be higher? Whenever minimum wage laws go into effect what happens to the unemployment rate of those in the bottom segment of earners?

      Screw the factual argument. Let’s go to your stupid logic…why 12 bucks an hour? Why not 20 or 30 bucks an hour? Heck, do you know how great it would be if everyone made 50 buck an hour? We could all live like kings. So explain to me, oh compassionate one, why would you only pass a law that g‘tee’s these people 12 bucks an hour?

      Report Post » Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve  
    • GoodStuff
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:20pm

      “It‘s just another businessman who won’t pay a living wage.”

      So let’s just bring in illegal aliens who will work for 3 bucks a hour? That the democrat solution?

      Report Post »  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:21pm

      My wife makes just over $12 an hour. She did that while I went to school and worked part time. We did JUST FINE. You know why? Because we didn‘t buy **** we don’t need and didn’t dependent govt. assistance.

      Poverty in USA? Ur a moron. People bellow the “poverty” level have multiple TVs, Multiple Cars, Cable/Sat, internet, AC, and xbox/PS….

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • grayling646
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:22pm

      First of all, I doubt your story is accurate.Here’s an idea though. Why don’t you grow the tomatoes and you can pay whatever you want to have other people harvest them. Hell, you can pay $36 an hour if you want. That’s not your responsibility though, is it? I’m sure, according to you, it‘s someone else’s responsibility.

      Report Post »  
    • marybethelizabeth
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:29pm

      You brought up minimum wage, to try and change the subject , maybe?

      Nothing happens to jobs when the minimum wage is increased.
      You are just believing some scary story that’s not true.
      The library has many economic journals to verify this for you.

      I don’t pass laws, Congress does.

      What’s the difference between now and when the economy is functioning.
      More people have more disposable income.
      Now Few people have disposable income.

      Paying a living wage gives more people disposable income.

      Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • LIBSALWAYSLIE
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:29pm

      BETHBETH, you clueless moron!! So the farmer should pay $24 an hour to pick tomatos and the farmer ends up with nothing. You are stupid enough for a whole roomfull of idiots! You effing liberals are so stuck on stupid, wake the hell up and see the world as it really is.

      Report Post » LIBSALWAYSLIE  
    • marybethelizabeth
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:32pm

      Eagle. scare mongers count on people to remember what it was like back in the day and don’t realize that things have changed.

      Grayling, it’s not my story, it‘s Doc Thompson’s story. I don’t believe it either but he tells it so you will think people are unemployed because they are lazy and looking for handouts.

      That is just not the case.

      Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • RANGER1965
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:33pm

      @MARYBETHELISABETH

      Critical thinking skills Mary. Cultivate some.

      When market forces dictate wages, wages go up, production goes up, everyone’s happy.

      When the intelligencia (whether they mean well or not), dictate wages, wages go up, but the cost of living also goes up, so it’s a wash. Production goes down, everybody’s screwed.

      This is why you have a mass exodus of our corporations overseas, or to low tax/non-union states.

      It’s not rocket science Mary, it’s just cold, hard, reality. Painting a pretty patina on the issue and calling it wage standards, job fairness acts, minimum wage, etc. doesn’t change the reality.

      Report Post » RANGER1965  
    • Abraham Young
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:42pm

      MaryBethElizaBeth
      The idiot who believes her leftist lies.
      If you’re so astute at running businesses, why are you not running one?

      Statists: They have ideas SO GOOD, they have to be mandatory by law. They can’t prosper, or seem to prosper, any other way but by forcing others to do their bidding.

      IF the government would get out of the price setting business, wherein only THEY can make a profit, we would see a renaissance of employment. Mandatory wage laws benefit only the government and the union labor protectionists. It creates nothing but job shortages and barrier to employment, and kills all the middle class mom and pop shops. This is why small towns are dying, they can’t hire people.

      THINK for yourself MBE not by your partisan politics.
      Mandatory wage laws eliminate competition – competition is the only way to get quality goods and services. THis is why government employees are less productive, they get the same pay regardless of performance.

      Report Post »  
    • Ben__Franklin
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:44pm

      I see Mary has taken her hit of Koolaid today. Why is it Lefties have no clue how economics work yet claim to be the smartest in the room?

      Mary, what is a liveable wage deary? Your Utopia Dream where everyone is equal with a liveable wage does not exist nor is there anyway to get there sweetie. The only way everyone in the US can be equal is if we are all in poverty. The Utopia you seek is in North Korea.

      Now put on the thinking cap hun because I know that’s over your head. If you missed the cap handout growing up, borrow one from the third grader down the street. Now think reallll hard.

      A. What would happen to the prices of food at McDonalds if you, Mary, raised the pay for the burger flippers to $20.00 per hour?
      B. Would people still eat at McDonalds when the price of a cheeseburger goes up over 300%?
      C. Will McDonalds keep their doors open and those burger flippers employed at $20.00 per hour with no customers?
      D. If McDonalds files for Bankruptcy and closes its doors – will the employees keep their jobs?
      E. If the employees do not keep their jobs and five years later one of them gets cancer and dies – can their widowed husband make a TV Ad attacking you Mary for killing his wife?

      Obama thinks so. Sorry I used his name, I know it makes you all giddy and stuff…..

      Report Post »  
    • grayling646
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:53pm

      Again, one who has three names, why don’t you pay the wage?

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:53pm

      So Mary – what do you think a tomato would cost if a farmer paid $24 / hour labor cost? Do you think the price of a tomato would stay the same or would the price of a tomato double or triple? What happens if the trucking company doubles the truckers pay that delivers the tomato to the store for you to buy? Do you think the tomato would still cost the same? What about the store clerk, let’s double his pay. Now how much do you think your tomato will cost?

      So carry that over to everything you purchase. Great you make twice as much money but now everything you buy also cost four times as much

      Are you better off then?

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • normalmom
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:30pm

      Washington state passed a law raising minimum wage every year I don’t remember when. Every year when min. goes up… so does the cost of everything. When you are forced to pay everyone more it causes you to have to charge more to keep things afloat. It was a noble thought but a bad idea. Don’t think that raising what a person has to pay people will help keep the business running there fore being able to pay the higher amount.

      Report Post »  
    • Inlightofthings
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:58pm

      BETH:
      This is you freaks changing the rules again. Minimum Wage was never intended to be the baseline for a primary income in a household. Go back to its origination and that’s clear. Sad that you folks have made the value of sitting at home collecting gov monies more attractive than minimum wage. I don‘t don’t how we’ll ever turn this around with moronic logic.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 3:35pm

      Gee Mary want to be the Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth I?) people like Thomas Sowell have looked into unemployment before and after implementation of minimum wage laws. Guess what? Minimum wage goes up & unemployment go up in tandem.

      Report Post »  
    • Git-R-Done
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 3:37pm

      Maryelizabeth – That was working only by himself and didn’t hire anybody in case you missed it.

      Report Post »  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 4:05pm

      Marry – “scare mongers count on people to remember what it was like back in the day and don’t realize that things have changed.”

      ‘back in the day’ was 4 months ago……

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 4:12pm

      Mary- “Nothing happens to jobs when the minimum wage is increased.”

      Oh that’s right, I forgot the business owners just magically pull the money out of their ass and give their workers higher pay.

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • OpenTheirEyes
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 8:12pm

      Mary. Oh Maaaaary. Are you still there?? Did you learn anything? These comments are rather pointed and harsh but conservative economic principles are based on FACTS and facts are stubborn things. Those of us that study them find it hard to understand those that make foolish comments yet don’t understand the consequences of the actions they profess.

      Report Post » OpenTheirEyes  
    • The_Cabrito_Goat
      Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:43pm

      I’ll take 12 dollars an hour over 0 dollars like right now…

      Report Post » The_Cabrito_Goat  
  • sophie02
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:05pm

    Keep the cell phone bill paid? Why aren‘t they getting one of those ’free‘ cell phones from the ’government’? Or is that program only for blacks and hispanics?

    Report Post »  
  • ginger100
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:04pm

    Michigan the new world reservation. We’ll all be living like Native Americans.

    Report Post » ginger100  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:04pm

    We need to start grabbing torches and pitchforks, and start yanking the underworked overpaid government slugs into the streets to answer directly to the people……it almost time , and the government is doing its best to keep us divided , they fear a united populace more than anything…they are the great dividers……..

    Report Post »  
    • normalmom
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:39pm

      They sadly are succeeding, blacks vs whites, gays vs straits, rich vs poor, the list goes on. They seem to want to make sure no stone is unturned as to who they can cause to oppose the other.

      Report Post »  
  • purecolorartist
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:04pm

    Looks like good ad fodder for anti-regulation.

    Report Post » purecolorartist  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:03pm

    What, you are trying to do something for yourself. How dare you, you little brat. Govt is the only one that can do anything for you, and the sooner you find out, the better off you will be. Get back in that shelter, accept your food stamps and whatever other scraps we throw your way. Oh, and Romney is a felon and a killer, he caused your Hot Dog stand to be shut down.

    I am Barrack Obama, and I approve this message, just not the Hot Dog stand.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • hatchetjob
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:55pm

      I wonder what kind of hot dogs he sold, terriers, poodles, maybe pit bull?? Obama like his dogs hot.

      Report Post » hatchetjob  
  • Lothmar
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:59pm

    Let us hope the fire of these hardship forges this young boy into a great man.
    ~prays for them~

    Report Post »  
  • JustPeachy
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:58pm

    Maybe Romney should pose their story as an example of “Obamanomics.”

    And maybe the family ought to get out of Michigan! I hope they can save up and get OUT.

    Report Post » JustPeachy  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:23pm

      Or the community should get together at the next County/city council meeting and let the jack wagons in charge of this area know their pink slips are in the mail.

      Report Post » eagle2715  
1 2 3 4

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love