News-Record.com

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Howard McBride

I read Michael Brown's article, "A voice for the homeless" (May 21), then I skipped up to the March 3 excerpt from his blog and read to the conclusion.

I was thinking to myself about how well he was handling his circumstances, and his thanks to the churches and people who were helping him was to be admired. Then, I went back and started reading his blog for Feb. 13. There starts the blame game.

George Bush stole the White House. His subsequent tinkering with the economy sent industries that typically use graphic designers into a tailspin. Brown blew all his credibility. Blame somebody else.

George Bush did not steal the White House, according to the Supreme Court. He did not cause Brown to lose his job any more than did Bill Clinton or Al Gore.

Most likely technology had a lot to do with the company laying off a lot of people, or it lost some clients. This is a changing world. Businesses were laying off people during Bill Clinton's term in office because of advanced technology, businesses moving to Mexico, etc. It serves no purpose for Brown to blame someone else.

If he is genuinely interested in working, Brown could find a job in the construction trades, manufacturing, warehousing, customer service, and lots of other areas. But he must convince the potential employer that he will work hard, be dependable and on time, be productive, and not be the whiner he showed himself to be on Feb. 13. Employers everywhere are looking for good people with good work habits. I hope Brown will learn them.

The writer lives in Morehead City.