69 Responses to:
ABOUT THE INDIAN GUY AT THE MOTEL

# 1. 5/15/12 7:38 AM by mcdo - Roch, NY
I know these folks very well. Our company produces their Annual Conference. And through the years I have been impressed with their dedication to their families and communities... and their passion for their businesses. They are extremely savvy business people. They share their knowledge freely. One gentleman is a second generation American. He and his father own 30 hotels. They share their success by building schools and a hospital. There are many stories just like that one.

# 2. 5/15/12 7:59 AM by Tom Dey - Springwater, NY
Ah! Still some immigrants in the Ellis Island tradition. And they undoubtedly achieved this without government minority grants, etc. ad nauseam. Which is closely related to WHY they succeeded. The moment you decide that you need someone else to foster your success - is the moment you fail. I've noticed the same in e.g. "Oriental" food stores. Formica worn down checkout counter from years of continuous sales. Every nook and cranny packed with fresh stock. Family kids working the store. Legal immigrants understand what it's like elsewhere and the opportunity to work your way to success in the U.S.A.

# 3. 5/15/12 8:09 AM by tom - penfield, ny
This reminds me of the actions of the Vietnamese community after Katrina. They quietly came back and rebuilt. They didn't demand government help and then complain about their FEMA trailers. they understood they were the masters of their fate. I believe their story was not often told because it would shame the residents of New Orleans that waited for the entitlements to show up.

# 4. 5/15/12 8:12 AM by Matt - Rochester, NY
No matter how many ministers label me a racist for making comments about this, I have said for years welfare is now a way of life, a cultural norm for a large portion of the population here in the city of Rochester. I am increasingly seeing single mothers with 4,5,6 or more kids that are on welfare in my neighborhood. It is never going to change till some politicians get the balls to change it. Sorry to all the ministers in Rochester, you have done a great disservice to your congregations and the city by pointing the fingers at everyone else. This is not a race thing, it is about values, and hard work, and making something of yourself instead of being handed everything just to get by.

# 5. 5/15/12 8:19 AM by Marty - Tax-me-very-much, NY
Well, this is very good news indeed. Another Rich Class that will have to pay "their fair share" to prop up the Welfare system.

Hummmm here is an idea. Since they are doing so well maybe "The Govt." can make them provide free rooms to the Dept. of Social Services to give to those who will not work for it.

# 6. 5/15/12 8:20 AM by Christopher - Newport News, VA
Some of the most successful "Americans" have a foreign accent. They have no fear of hard work.

# 7. 5/15/12 8:39 AM
Larry EchoHawks parents were dependent on alcohol, joined the LDS church and the kids graduated from High School and went on to become Lawyers and other honorable professions. EchoHawk even became attorney general oof Idaho and Gubertorial candidate though I did not vote for him.

Professer and prominent government worker now LDS General Authority. Cherokees went to Court for there rights many of them are succesful. For those people they are successes. Those waiting for the government check than getting drunk are a drain. Not producers but consumers who never will get anywere if they don't get off alcohol and welfare.

Editor's Note: wrong kind of indian, idiot.

# 8. 5/15/12 8:40 AM by Poplar Beach
# 4 Matt, you see the inner city with black folks, here in the country we see white families on rural roads, un-mowed lawns, porches and yards covered with trash, nice cars in the drive and SAT dishes on the roof. In Appalachia, it is mostly white folks, welfare is an equal opportunity enslaver!

The system sucks, instead of giving folks a leg up, it gives them leg irons!

And politicians can't see this? That is what absolutely amazes me. Where is common sense these days, if we continue to reward bad behavior, why should we expect things to get better?

I honestly think many politicians don't give a damn, as long as the welfare slaves vote for them!

# 9. 5/15/12 8:42 AM
I never thought I would turn down a chance to vote against Louise Slaughter but Maggie and her band of spineless merry men in the legislature have inspired me to do just that. Any county has no business creating firearms law. That is the job of the state legislature. There is precedent for this, see Nassau Co. Chwick v Mulvey. It only is common sense that a bad county law be overturned, but the cowards in our legislature will not, so as not to hurt Maggie Brooks ( and Mr. Maggie Brooks ) chance of entering yet another pension system.

# 10. 5/15/12 8:47 AM by john - rochester
Bob - You idiot !!! Once again your right wing tea party bent has allowed you to miss big picture. There's no lead paint in Gujarati!!!

# 11. 5/15/12 8:48 AM
why work when you can just blather your opinion rather right or wrong

and

despite the article blathering probably pays better than owning the flea bag motel.

# 12. 5/15/12 9:01 AM by Jugdish Punjabi
ten q veddy much.

# 13. 5/15/12 9:02 AM by kittynana - Lewiston NY
To answer your poll: I will NEVER, EVER own a business in NY State again. Ever. NYS is so small business UNfriendly and the tax department is so ridiculous (read: bullies) that even our local senator won't deal with them.

Shortly after 9/11, our insurance rate shot up to $50,000/yr just to open the doors (we had a truck/diesel repair shop). That was just liability! It didn't include special insurance to go into the plants, our biggest customers, nor did it cover 'Garagemen's' insurance which is used to cover the loss of customers' equipment in case of fire or theft, nor did it cover vehicle insurance on our business vehicles, nor did it cover our tooling or unemployment or payroll or sales and use tax or health insurance (and if you want good people, you get good health insurance)or....well, you get the picture.

We closed our doors. We had no choice. It was my husband's dream and NYS blew it.

# 14. 5/15/12 9:12 AM
If your not careful, they might just purchase WHAM 1180 in time.

# 15. 5/15/12 9:16 AM
I saw you at the P/M on Saturday as well. Did you see the big bucket green beans for a buck and the FUGI apples for $3.50? !^*&*&!, who needs Wegmans, when you can get it here for dirt cheap. However, the Empanadas are a joke. $3.79 a piece and its gone in two bites.

# 16. 5/15/12 9:19 AM by GEORGE (THE OTHER ONE) - GANANOQUE ONTARIO CANADA
*

And it is the same story north of the border. Hard working immigrants, many from the 'sub-continent' have come to Canada and shamed those of us born here. Our Conservative government has just announced that they are going to re-write the unemployment insurance programme so that those collecting cannot turn down jobs that they feel are 'beneath them'. The Canadian liberals are up in arms about it, with a million reasons why the welfare class should continue to suckle at the welfare teat, at the expense of those of us who still work.

Welfare rots the moral soul.

# 17. 5/15/12 10:05 AM by John - Penfield, NY
I've noticed this trend, as I tend to utilize many budget motels each year. I love how their goal seems to be the same as mine - get me out of the lobby ASAP when checking in and out.

# 18. 5/15/12 10:22 AM by Patrick - Syracuse
And don't forget about those Middle Eastern guys at the corner store.

# 19. 5/15/12 10:33 AM by Rick G. - Spencerport NY
Coming from adversity and hard times can be a good thing. It can instill a work ethic that doesn't allow for failure. I think that's what the folks in charge of social programs are missing.

What's the point of swimming if you know you won't sink?

# 20. 5/15/12 10:37 AM by U.S. Taxpayer & Voter
As a child of an Eastern European immigrants I can only say my family appreciated being able to come to this country. Relatives who preceded them sponsored their entry and once here the new immigrant was on his/her own to find a job or jobs and provide for themselves and even send money home to help the ones left behind. They became U.S. citizens as soon as possible, voted in every election, paid their share of taxes, etc. No welfare for them, help came from within the family circle and was always paid back.

Great work ethics and a sense of pride and self esteem were dominant. What ever happened to that gene? Too many present day Americans feel entitled to government/taxpayer help, rather than trying to help themselves. They become too comfortable in this situation. Too bad.

# 21. 5/15/12 10:55 AM by Walt - Buford, WY
I have stayed at many Indian-owed motels. One thing that strikes me is how happy they are to have you. Other motels you often feel like the help resents your staying there.

# 22. 5/15/12 11:18 AM
My experience with economy hotels owned by East Indians has never been pleasant. It is now so bad that I walk out if I am greeted by an Indian. I am not typically a biased person but there seems to be a pattern.

Here are some of my offerings:

A bed with a broken leg so bad the bed slanted. The owner didn't seem to feel it was a problem.

A multibulb light fixture with only one bulb in it. That's just being cheap.

Cable TV advertised but SURPRISE - not! Again - this is just being cheap.

Overloaded power circuit behind a table that was a serious hazard. Really - on what planet is this a good idea?

Non-smoking rooms that reek of cigarettes.

Plugged toilet from previous guest. Seriously - the desk clerk handed my husband a plunger. NOOOOOO thanks.

Used condom in the "freshly made bed". Apparently making a bed makes it fresh.

The best one was having the hotel owner's brother use his master key to walk in to use the room for the night. He was darned lucky we didn't have the gun closer.

No more economy Indian owned motels for us.

# 23. 5/15/12 11:28 AM by Matt - Rochester, NY
Hey #8---I am sorry--being on welfare is a choice these people make. You choose to do well in school. You choose to go get a job. You make it sound like welfare is something pushed upon these people. When I hear people saying "have a baby and go on welfare" as their career and future plan, that is a problem of choice. Instead of pushing do well in school, work hard, these people take the easy way out. Why work when i can sit at home, make babies, and collect money for it. I work two jobs, and often times I see these people eating better than I do living on the dole. Bottom line, it is a choice. What do you expect from a population that is great at making babies, but can't for the life of them raise a child. That is the welfare culture.

# 24. 5/15/12 11:41 AM by Mark - Avon, NY
This might be your best column ever, Mr. Lonsberry. You hit so many things spot on. This column should be posted in every welfare office in the country. Sadly, that will never happen as it might damage the fragile self esteem of those who have been infantilized by our "compassionate" welfare system.

# 25. 5/15/12 12:07 PM by Matt - Rochester, NY
Hey #16---I lean more Democrat and liberal, and I love that Canadian proposal!!! One thing my father taught me, there are no jobs beneath me when it comes to supporting my family. You do what you have to do.

# 26. 5/15/12 12:12 PM
"It is not foreign invasion which threatens America, it is internal decay." A study of history tells us that. Oops, my bad -- we don't teach history in depth and unbiased anymore. We're on a steep moral decline. I fear for the next couple of generations. By the time we get to the third, we'll either have it turned around or will have ceased to exist. I liked your word of the day -- "dumbass." Dumbasses -- they run our governments and it what we are for continually electing them.

# 27. 5/15/12 12:50 PM by dave
When asked why American jobs were going to India, the man from India replied "we teach our children English and Math in our schools".

# 28. 5/15/12 1:01 PM by Poplar Beach
Okay Matt # 23. Did you even bother to read my comment? I said we have to stop rewarding bad behavior. The welfare system sucks, it encourages folks to get on it and stay on it.

What I am saying is that welfare is color blind and it is not only screwing us, the hard working tax payer, it is also screwing those who have become addicted to it!

# 29. 5/15/12 1:13 PM by Cal - Rochester, NY
Bob,

Our liberal anti-business government cracks down on our industry at great expense over polution. YET THEY ENCOURAGE SHIPPING WHOLE AMERICAN FACTORIES TO CHINA, WHO HAVE NO EXPENSIVE POLUTION REGULATIONS! So this makes our products more expensive! These liberals running our Country seem to want us to fail! Talk about treason! NOW THERE IS A PLAN TO BRING IN RUSSIAN TROOPS TO PUT DOWN A POSSIBLE REBELLION!

# 30. 5/15/12 1:30 PM by Jerry - Henrietta
So who's going to handle all those Xerox call center jobs now that the Indians are in the hospitality business?

# 31. 5/15/12 4:12 PM by TK - Roch
I have done extensive work on many Patel's hotels. Frequently they don't pay their bills. They want everything for nothing. They also get low interest loans from the US SBA, buy a dumpy hotel, run it into the ground, then run back to India. Try and find a specific Patel there. Good Luck. I have also stayed in many of these dumps around the country. After seeing the rooms I have left more than one because the rooms were disgusting. I am sure they are all not like this but some are horrible human beings.

# 32. 5/15/12 5:14 PM by Western New Yorker
I stayed in one of these hotels in California about 10 yrs ago. While in the lobby, the Indian gal was on the phone saying 'No I don't speak Spanish!' after about 3-4 times telling the person on the phone that no one there spoke Spanish either, she got really upset and yelled 'THIS IS AMERICA! LEARN ENGLISH!!' She then promptly slammed the phone down and told me that the person on the phone was an idiot! These folks know what it takes to be successful here in America. It was not the best Hotel I ever stayed in, but it was clean and a fair price.

# 33. 5/15/12 7:32 PM by Mike - Shevlin
You right on with that, Bob. also, look at the convince stores that are successfully operated by Indians. They do work hard at it. Reminds me of the small family owned shops in the Joseph Ave. area back in the 50's.

# 34. 5/15/12 8:00 PM by Tom Bastian - Fairport, NY
One of your most insightful and interesting columns. It's interesting how a flawed political philosophy has helped destroy us from within while those from the outside are able to fully embrace the American Dream. I have known some Partels and they are model citizens.

# 35. 5/15/12 9:55 PM by GEORGE (THE OTHER ONE) - GANANOQUE ONTARIO CANADA
*

HEY #25! Doesn't matter which way you lean - liberal / conservative, democrat / republican. You made the right decision and worked where ever and at what ever you had to. There is honour in labour. You and I and too few others know that. Good for you. I am sure that this was one of the most valuable lessons you passed on to your children.

# 36. 5/15/12 11:35 PM
I always loved chinese food. I never had an Indian dish ought to some time. They come to America to make a better life. not ring there culture. However Nice when they bring there recipes here and start restaurants. I love chinese food.

# 37. 5/15/12 11:42 PM
Note to welfare slaves:

"the freedom you reject, becomes the slavery you accept"

# 38. 5/16/12 5:36 AM by MikeNTNY - North Tonawanda, NY
Hey Bob, That line near the end about the threat not being immigration from outside but internal decay sums up our situation perfectly. The trouble is, once you get used to the government hand out, most never get above it.

# 39. 5/17/12 8:12 AM by Ron
I find it hard to believe almost a third of those polled say they own their own business.

# 40. 5/18/12 9:14 PM by Chris
Welfare blah blah lazy black people blah blah. You really have about four or five columns that you keep re-writing.

1. Guns are good. 2. Welfare is bad. 3. You had a messed up childhood. 4. A soldier died somewhere. 5. You love your family.

Boooorrrrrrriiiiiinnnnnnng.

# 41. 5/22/12 2:06 AM by Maryann Harbison - Tulsa, OK
Bob, there was no need in calling #7 an idiot, so he was confused but he was trying to be involved. There is no need in calling someone names. Have you never been wrong or confused when someone was trying to explain and/or tell you something? I think you need to show a little compassion to your readers, you don't know what their situation and/or condition is. I think he meant well.

Editor's Note: that's because you're an idiot

# 42. 5/22/12 11:57 PM
Name calling doesn't suit you.

Editor's Note: freak job

# 43. 5/30/12 1:01 AM by Rick - Kansas city, mo
To # 31.. Its easy for everyone of us to say bad things or criticize about the foreign immigrants. But I tell you what of all the people I have met in my life these patels impressed me the most they have more energy at work, they can work longer hours then we can imagine their average is almost 14-16 hrs & master at what they do. Regarding the last line on your comment there are worst people in & every community so why to blame them coz they are getting good rate SBA's than us. They are also better at paying bills than us no matter what you say. So it will be better to appreciate immigrants hard work rather than criticize them. Just go to their country & start your own business within 10 years by learning & speaking their language following their culture I tell you it will be VERY HARD...

# 44. 6/1/12 10:07 AM by voteright2012 - Wheaton, IL
The irony or anomaly is that most of these "free-market" owners & workers vote for the Big Government Tax & Spend Socialists. I am fairly confident that a great majority of them voted for Gore, Kerry & Obama in the last few Presidential Elections. If I am not mistaken they have even had Bill Clinton as a keynote speaker at their convention(s).

# 45. 6/1/12 10:10 AM by Deepak.Patel - niceville
your article helps me a lot and give me more courage and strength what i do everyday at my hotel with my wife.I try to do best everyday best in treating my employees and guest with respect and try to provide clean rooms at best price over competition on any given day. some guest even complained in soft tone why you work too many hours? my answer to them is to make sure we don't make mistakes in their reservations or services they need. doing business for 15 years i have never overbooked my hotel and bumped my guest and never pay any late payment penalty,, we have our fair share of bad folks too, who is not doing things right but there is no perfect thing any where in the world.I enjoy what i do and people like you give me more motivation to do what i do.

# 46. 6/2/12 10:37 AM by KIRIT VAIDYA - TRUMBULL,. CT
very nice unbiased opinion. much appreciated

because i am of indian origin

# 47. 6/4/12 3:07 PM by Roger - NJ
Great article. I am one of those who have achieved the American dream. I also own a 10 unit apt bldg in New York and 2 of these pats are on sect 8. The children of this welfare recipients are already grown up but collecting the welfare just like their parents who migrated from S. America and collected welfare for the time I have known them. They stay home al day and do nothing for last 15 years except collecting welfare. They rent is paid directly by govt.

I blame the system where individuals are incentivised to stay home as long as they want.

Editor's Note: well said.

# 48. 6/6/12 12:02 PM by Rajasubramanian S - Cuddalore, India
Dear Sir, I like and appreciate your article very much. In the Indian context it is more relevant as the Governments in the States and the Central Government are bent upon giving subsidies, free articles like TV, fan,mixers grinders, gas stove dress materials, cycles (to students)to the people below poverty line to lure them to vote for them. The work culture is being eroded.In anticipation of your approval I have reproduced your article in my blog http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8076028202894501935#editor/target=post;postID=7091163309344803690. Please approve.

Editor's Note: i am honored. please go ahead, sir.

# 49. 6/6/12 4:58 PM by Wilbur Walrond - Canada
Well said! And this is not only in the US - it applies where ever these people go - West Indies, Canada US - let's just say that it is an ethnic thing which can also be said of those you who expect everything to be hand to them. I can go go on on this topic for hours. Nuff Said.

# 50. 6/7/12 10:02 AM by marilyn - new orleans, la
Excellent article and many good comments. The whole discourse should appear on the front page of every newspaper in the U.S. Thank you!

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