Atlas Shrugged

Since the time is ripe, let’s talk politics.  I am currently watching an Italian TV station entirely dedicated to following the U.S. election.  It seems that most people here are very in-the-know about the American political disposition, which I find interesting.  I’ve had some invigorating conversations with my host parents, who own their own business here.  The mother was explaining to me over lunch how difficult her position is as head of HR because she has to create methods of cutting expenses, but it is against the law to fire anyone.  What?  

I hate talking about politics, because saying the wrong thing can literally ruin a relationship.  I'm going to go out on a limb and relate what I've gleaned from conversations here.  Take it with a grain of McKynlee-flavored salt.

Italy has a deep vein of communism running through its economic heart, though they won't label themselves exactly that way in modern day.  In the 1960's there was so much work available in Italy that companies marketed to employees; they promised job security, excellent pension plans and benefits galore.  This did two major things: 1) create a lazy younger generation who was told by their parents, "Oh, don't take that job; you'll find something better", and 2) dig a nice pot of shit in which future business owners now stick.  [I added my own twist to the tale].  Out of this employee market arose a law which still stands today; any employer who wishes to remove an employee is required to pay said employee a large percent of their standard wages for over a year.  Usually it's more financially sound to cut the persons pay and keep them on hand.  In an attempt to release business-owners' handcuffs, a law was passed within the last couple of years that states an employer can release an employee without severance pay if there is a good reason for doing so.  Can I get an A-M-B-I-G-U-I-T-Y?  Fired employees are taking advantage of the unclear wording, and they take the business to court.  The judges are usually on the left (more communist) side due to the nature of getting such a high position in government.  They generally side with the Unions, and mandate businesses found guilty of mis-fire to rehire the employee AND pay damages for the time the employee spent without work.  

I can't lie; this scares the crap out of me.  I appreciate the fact that I can get fired in the U.S. (don't worry, I tossed a coin in the Trevi Fountain so I don't have to eat these words).  I feel more appreciation to be  employed and I'm motivated to succeed in order to maintain it.   I can't help but be proud of the United States for maintaining capitalism (as much as its citizens will say that we're going away toward socialism, relatively we are still impressive).