Independent Contractors. Pretty distressing. Really distressing to think that changing governments won't change that in the slightest. Once again, I'm glad I'm old and have lived most of my time in a better time.

I'm much more familiar with the Independent Contractors engaged by the military. Some of them would be called mercenaries in a less polite time. They actually do the fighting in many instances. Others are the support for the mercs. I know, personally know a guy that did a 2 year hitch in Iraq as a locksmith was home here in Yuma for 6 months then went to Afghanistan as a plumber. That's his family business and he's in line to take over management in a few years. Good kid, makes an ugly pile of money when he's offshore.

The scary part? The company he contracts with has possibilities here in the US. Yep, they are very active in the US. Private security contractors among other things...

Much better news to see the 'guzbuck shop'. I'm sitting here thinking it's probably time to replace my coffee cup. You probably have no idea how big a change that would be. This cup has the Tweed Towing (a tug boat company) Logo. Tweed was absorbed by Foss Marine better than 30 years ago. I've been using this cup almost exclusively for better than 25 years.

I like the design work, and really like that the coffee cups are white on the inside. Just for the visibility in low light situations..

Thanks Sult. I appreciate that you keep hammering at it.