Have you ever been late for work? Do you remember from years past such a time? It seems not to be a great concern for many who work today. It was frightening for me in earlier times. My worst memory is from the service. I had just reported for duty with the Second Armored Division stationed in Germany. I was assigned to operate the rifle range on my first day. It involved having the ammunition, pit crew, safety officers, etc.. We were to begin firing at 0800 sharp. I was living in an officer's BOQ so there was no one to awaken me. I overslept! I was to have been at the range by 0730. I was TEN MINUTES late! My company commander, Captain Lumsden, was there. He was not happy. He was beating his leg with his swagger stick ( a leather whip-like looking item). I could see a court-martial and being shot by some of those men who were there to qualify for marksmanship. Well, I survived and that NEVER happened again! My salary of $222.00 was not docketed.
Contrast: Carlos Lee is a major league baseball player for the Houston Astros. He is a real good hitter and an average outfielder. In earlier years he stole bases, but at 240 pounds he doesn't do much of that. He had four last year. He missed the last six weeks last year with a broken leg (Just kidding! It was a broken finger!) His salary last year was $12,500,000. Now he is back and well. His home is in the Republic of Panama. Although Panama has one of the strongest economies in Central America the average FAMILY income is $11,900.00. Thirty-eight percent of the Panamanians live in POVERTY. Here is the capper for this BLOG. Carlos Lee reported for baseball's spring training TWO DAYS LATE! Not ten minutes, but TWO DAYS!!! He was mixed up on when to report. Come on! He was criticized by superstar Lance Berkman of the Astros, and a well-earned rebuff for Mr. Lee.
Today, in a time of economic turmoil and jobs vanishing by the thousands, some appreciation for those places to work and draw a salary should be appreciated. I ask you? If you were drawing $12,500.000 to play.... baseball.... wouldn't you show up on time? Spoiled rotten!!!
