Man, that's messed up. I'm sorry to hear that :(

That's the way corporations are now. The employees are treated with 0 respect. In there eyes, everyone is going to go postal. I have seen people who have worked here for 30+ years get the ax and knew nothing about it until they got to the "emergency meeting". Then they get a security guard to escort them out. 30+ years and you have to be escorted out...in front of everyone.

I'm sorry to hear that. But I fail to see the connection with your wife's misfortune and Bush. The fact is, in spite of all the hysteria of recession and economic woes, and even in spite of the housing crisis, exasperated by the sub-prime issues, and even the fuel issues, the economy has weathered all that. That's a testament to the strength of the economy if anything. It took some serious hits back to back, and we STILL have not entered recession. A recession is defined by two successive quarters of negative growth. In spite of opposition politicians pronouncements and media discussions, we have not had that occur. Anyone who is saying otherwise either doesn't know what they are talking about or they're lying, or both. And don't get scared by these same talking heads bandying about the term stag-flation. We haven't had such a condition since Jimmy Carter was president, and we're not going to enter that now. In fact, oil prices are going down and the dollar is even becoming stronger.

BTW, I understand what it's like to be layed off. I was layed off twice in 2 years during the dot.com mess. I didn't blame that on Clinton, I just understood what the facts were. There was too much speculation and recklessness in the market, and a correction was long overdue. The subprime crisis is a similar matter. Consider what's occurring now as a correction, ....a return to responsibility and sanity.

I've seen the same thing. The employee means nothing these days. They are nothing more than a copper top to the business they work for. I believe that's one of the things that's causing America to slide the way it has. How can a person take out a thirty year mortgage on a home, when they aren't even sure they'll be employed in two years. People can't even take pride in what they do, or where they work, (and they used to), because the company you work for will turn on you like a snake. I don't believe this is totally Bush's fault, though I don't believe he's helped things either. This crap has been going on for quite some time now. And I really get tired of people who have this, "if you can't compete in this global marketplace, too bad. Suck it up", mentality. I believe it's been very detrimental to this country. I feel for you Johnny, I really do. I hope your wife finds a better job and is happier there.

It amazes me that employers have the audacity to ask you to stay and train your own replacement.
Hell, most places will have you train someone and thEn fire you once they're trained...

Something just occured to me...If her position was terminated, why would they need a replacement trained???

Johnny, if they in-fact displayed bad faith and held a meeting without properly announcing the meeting, then your wife may have a recourse that's worth exploring. I would learn exactly what they did to announce the public meeting and the circumstances surrounding the layoffs. If the circumstances appear questionable, take it to your local council member, the media, and a good lawyer. If there's something to it, the lawyer will likely take the case for payment upon winning.

yeah, thats all well and good, but its hard to do all that if you dont have a job. everything requires money.

and by the way, i never said that it was ALL bush's fault, but if you think he hasnt contributed to the problem you are kidding yourself. i know there is more to the story and blah, blah, blah, but if things were going great, you can bet your ass that he would be willing to take the credit. i dont see why we cant place a little blame on him as well.
i mean come on, we are talking about the same guy who wanted to turn over the control of our major seaports to the arabs. now i'm not trying to attack anybody for their comments, but i find it hard to see how anybody could defend him right now.

so you think that it was racist and insulting to oppose having the arabs take control of our seaports?? wow.

yet another example of how politicall correctness has cost this country dearly. i'm glad it didnt get enough support to pass.

if a man was threatening to invade your home and murder your family, would you give his brother a key to your front door ?

i didnt say that UAE specifically has threatened us.

all these "facts" that you keep mentioning are not enough to convince me that i should override my common sense.
ever heard the old saying: "you dont let a fox guard the hen house" ?