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So says an Iraqi immigrant. The story isn't really about the economy of the USA but I found the quote profound and accurate.
Quote:
A high school graduate, he felt his options were working at McDonald’s or following the path of many an immigrant and starting a business. He and his brother-in-law tried running a small grocery, but they said they gave up because taxes were too high to make a profit.
“I lost faith in the States as far as opening a small business,” said Mr. Subiahi, who gave a blistering critique of America’s financial priorities. “They take care of the really poor people who can’t afford bread or who don’t want to work, or they take care of the wealthy people.”
Gesturing toward his mother, Haifaa, he said she could find only menial work in the United States, even though she had been a school principal in Iraq. “In one country, you work as a cafeteria worker, and in one country, you are a school principal,” he said. “Where would you rather be?”
Thanks for the link Edward--nice bit of reporting there by the NYT. It is ironic that we liberate Iraq and an Iraqi comes over here only to have his dreams of opening a business quashed by taxes and regulation.
I think the article generally evinces a 50-50 outcome for the 8 year effort in Iraq. On one hand the former interpreter now fears for his life because of his association with the US military. On the other hand the father reports that his people tell him bless W Bush, and bless the US. I think we're really pulling out of there way too soon. Why do we still have troops in places like Germany and Japan, but can't keep a presence in Iraq for a few more years?
or perhaps he's not a good businessman? I have a family member who is a immigrant & ran a successfull grocery with his family and expanded to owning a bar & a pizzeria in addition to opening other stores. How many grocery stores across the US run by immigrants do you see that are successfull? I've seen a lot so the guy plays the BS game of taxes & regulations? Sounds like a cop out.
or perhaps he's not a good businessman? I have a family member who is a immigrant & ran a successfull grocery with his family and expanded to owning a bar & a pizzeria in addition to opening other stores. How many grocery stores across the US run by immigrants do you see that are successfull? I've seen a lot so the guy plays the BS game of taxes & regulations? Sounds like a cop out.
Exactly, what kind of grocery store? Maybe there wasn't enough people who liked his brand of food. And as for as the Iraqii principle, does she realise what kind of education and years teaching it takes to become a principle in the US?
Half of the businesses started within the US fail within their first year of operation. 95% of the businesses started within the US fail within their first five years of operation.
Listen to Glitch. Most start up businesses fail unless they have a unique product and lots of investment capital. This is the "Land of Opportunity" only if you have enough money to get through the start up period.
I'm surprised that you identify with the plight of a Muslim who is struggling financially. Also, as a Muslim, opening up a business in an area that is full of liquor stores, strip clubs and churches poses some serious hurdles.
Quote:
But as an Iraqi, and a Muslim, he finds living here easier than in his family’s new home in Lincoln, Neb., where strip clubs, liquor stores and churches are part of the nearby suburban landscape.
I guess he forgot one of the most important start up costs of a business in America. An accountant to help you get out of those taxes and move your money off shore. Duh. Oh, and I hope he wasn't stupid enough to sell American made products............can't compete with Wally Mart that way. He needs American business 101!
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