Worker shortage

This week G. George Ostrom has selected a classic column from March 13, 1970.

Some psychologists insist that those who write books, paint pictures and build bridges do so out of a subconscious desire to achieve immortality and this desire is nurtured by a supreme ego.

I don’t know for sure whether this theory is correct, because like most laymen I have never met a psychologist who didn’t appear to be about as normal as a prune tree full of drunken hoot owls.

Be this as it may, there are apparently some book publishers who are deliberately appealing to the writer’s egotistical quest of immortality. I bought a book today and on the last page is note very seriously explaining why the paper used has an “effective life of at least 300 years.”

These are tough times for business. I know this because I read the newspapers, listen to the radio and watch the Huntley, Dinkley and Brinkley report.

Hard times for business occur when demand for goods and services does not meet the supply of these goods and services (I learned that in college).

What’s got me all confused now is a quick review of some of last month’s problems. I ordered a copy machine (duplicator) in December for delivery in February, but it isn’t here yet because “they’ve got too many orders backed up.”

I tried to buy a new down jacket like my old one but was told the factory is back-ordered until next August.

Iris called a repair man for our washing machine three times and he was “too busy” to show up, so I wound up buying a new washing machine from another store.

Three service type jobs we contracted for here in the valley went way over the deadlines because of manpower shortages.

Several business associates have asked me if I knew of any “good men” they might hire.

In spite of the current tight money situation, it appears to me that there are many opportunities...right now, for the man or woman who’s willing to get off their hammocks and look around. As a starter, how about making a good down jacket or learn to fix washing machines.