Job Discussion Forums

johnslat · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 3:03 pm Post subject:

Dear WMTN,

"JS, if you're listening, I was hurt by your observation that people will relocate to California in a 'heartbeat'. There are some who won't, and I am, or, was one. I declined the offer in 1992. (not CA, NY) Just because we decided our life in America would not necessarily be better than the mess we were in at that time."

I'm a little confused here. Are you one of those "third-world" laborers (in Saudi) that were the subject of this opinion of mine? If so, please accept my apologies, but I would still stand by my contention that (virtually all) "third-world" laborers, currently in the Kingdom would, in a heartbeat, trade places with an Hispanic laborer currently toiling away in California.

Regards,
John

Dear lazycomputerkids,

I'd like to ask again whether you'd be willing to let us know how long you've been in the Kingdom.
The reason I ask is that I think how much experience you've had there would be relevant to others' deciding whether or not you have a substantial basis for the opinions you've expressed here.
I realize that time spent in Saudi may not be indicative of the accuracy of one's opinions, yet I, for one, would be more inclined to give more weight to the opinions of one who has spent a fair amount of time in that environment.
Thank you,
John

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 3:28 pm Post subject:

The U.S. is not bad, but not unlike Jessica Rabbit said...it's "just drawn that way."

One-liners! Don' ya jes' luv em'?

Howzabout Kermit the Frog's "Gone with the Schwinn". God, I luv em' Laughing

...

...

NCTBA

lazycomputerkids · Joined: 22 Sep 2009 Posts: 360 Location: Tabuk

johnslat · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 5:29 pm Post subject:

Dear lazycomputerkids,

Quite honestly, I have no idea how long you've been in the Kingdom. However, from your seeming reluctance to provide the information, I will admit I am starting to have some suspicions, quite possibly unfounded.

I'm also puzzled by this:

"Double barrels, Johnzz has it.
(though he had to jump threads to so has)"

Did I "jump threads" in my last post? If so, I'm unaware of that happening.
Would you mind pointing it out to me?

Thank you,
John

lazycomputerkids · Joined: 22 Sep 2009 Posts: 360 Location: Tabuk

lazycomputerkids · Joined: 22 Sep 2009 Posts: 360 Location: Tabuk

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:14 pm Post subject:

johnslat · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 6:19 pm Post subject:

Dear lazycomputerkids,

No need to "slink." Guess what - even I have made a few mistakes in my lifetime - OK, a few thousand, depending upon how liberally "a few" is defined.

I would like to mention that I appreciate your prompt admission that a mistake had been made. That, I'd say, requires integrity and honesty.

Thank you,
John

lazycomputerkids · Joined: 22 Sep 2009 Posts: 360 Location: Tabuk

With Malice Toward None · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 250

Dear Lazy,
Take a break. You need it.
Regards.
WMTN.

johnslat · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:14 pm Post subject:

Dear lazycomputerkids,

Well, have you ever wanted to read all/most of those super-size Victorian novels - or write a novel, for that matter? I doubt you'll ever have a better opportunity.

I did both during my time in the Kingdom (my novel is so bad that it did wonders for increasing my humility level, but isn't quite bad enough to stop me from trying again.)

Or you could (like LittleOldLady) take up knitting or some other hobby. Being self-sufficient is a very helpful quality to have if you intend to spend a longish time in Saudi,

Regards
John

tacomaboywa · Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 194 Location: The Magic Kingdom

Dear lazycomputerkids,

Why are your posts in this thread generally negative and full of attacks on other peoples knowledge/experience? I do think you ramble on without substance, which is a complaint of yours by the way. I don't recall an examples of substance from you although you want them from others here.

However, since you requested a substantive example then I will do my best to provide one. Here is one from my personal experience in the Kingdom (by the way, 1 year in 2002/2003 and 1 year in 2008/2009):

As a 'guest' in the Kingdom I was unfortunately teaching for a Saudi recruiter. Things have changed since 2003 and to be honest I was naive of the recruiter situation that has recently sprouted. I was in the Kingdom on a Business Visa. Several teachers and I were not happy with them for many good reasons that I will not get into here. Another teacher and I left this recruiter and in turn they made threats against us and then placed a block on our Business Visas. We could not leave the country through any legal means. This Saudi recruiter then tried to extort about SR 75,000 from the two of us. In the end the Embassy could do nothing for us and we paid a total of SR 13,000 to them so they would lift this block. This is what they can do to US citizens who are 'guests' of the Kingdom. Imagine how it is for the Bengali or other "third-world" workers. While waiting at an immigration office in Al Khobar we witnessed at least 3 groups (about 6-8 people) of workers shackled together by the ankles brought in for processing over a period of an hour. I have heard from reliable sources that there are some saudi sponsors who end up deporting their workers instead of paying them their salary. I do not know if this was the case with these workers. All I knew, is that I was lucky not to be from a "third-world" country or my situation would be so much worse.

Well, let's see what kind of spin you can place on this substantive example of what can happen in KSA.

---------------
Avoid M-Trading
http://www.tulbah.org/

With Malice Toward None · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 250

johnslat · Posted: Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:32 pm Post subject:

Dear WMTN,

Give up? Hold on while I check a dictionary. Ah, I see - nope, that's not in my vocabulary.

I thank you for your kind offer, but I DO have a sense of shame. I would not inflict my "novel" on anyone as I'm only too well aware of just how really, truly terrible it is.

However, my next one . . . . well, I'll let you read that one.

Regards,
John