I have owned Harley Davidson (NYSE: HOG) proudly and profitably since 1998. The idea of strikes at one of its primary manufacturing plants makes me sad. In the past the company has been able to come to agreements without strikes. Management recognized the unique relationship of it's products, and employees, and customers and shared the road to success.

There are competitive pressures on every company in a global economy and Harley's workers are acutely aware of this. From what I have read Harley Davidson has asked workers to participate in the cost of their own health care benefits, reduce the benefits of pensioned employees and establish a lower pay-scale (read 'second class') for new hires without scheduled salary increases.

If what I understand about the positions of both sides is accurate I would side with the workers; not entirely, but substantially. I do not agree that new employees should be treated differently than existing employees. To me this directly affects our democracy by continuing to erode the middle class. It is true that it would be more devastating to see Harley move manufacturing overseas. Although, part of Harley's success stems from it's status as a true American icon.

Harley's may some day soon be made in China, for sale in China. But, I do not envision Harley's made in China being sold here soon. Parts yes, finished bikes no. When and if that happens I'm selling my shares for sure -- I know, I should not allow my emotions to affect my business judgment; there are many issues to consider -- sometimes it happens.

Regarding pension benefits there is room for compromise. Existing benefits for retired workers are a pledge that should be kept. The deal was made on good faith and must be honored. The deal for current employees can be negotiable as part of an overall package and should reflect the current economic realities. Commonly 401K programs are in, pensions are out.

The area where I would most side with management relates to health care benefits. When health care benefits go up in between union contracts without limit or warning the employee is basically getting an unscheduled raise. They may not perceive it that way but it is a fact. If an employee pays some percentage of their health care cost then they are aware when the price rises, share in the burden, and can seek jointly with management to address the issue. They will also be more frugal in their choices. Connecting cause and effect is rational. The actual percentage of the employee burden should be part of a negotiated contract and not change for the duration of that contract. The company should definitely not have the right to change the employee contribution at its discretion.

Good news was reported on Monday that a mediator was called in to help settle the dispute. http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/harley-davidson-union-to-meet-with/n20070205191709990005?cid=403

The new stock symbol 'HOG' stands for 'Harley Owners Group' -- it would be very sad indeed if it took on a more unfortunate meaning, and management decided to hog the road.

Check out my other posts for BloggingStocks here.

Sheldon Liber is the CEO of a small private investment company and the vice president for design and research at an architecture & planning firm.

For those of you trying to think of the perfect gift that has value, will last a long time, and teach your kids a lesson, consider a few shares of The Black & Decker Corp. (NYSE:BDK) or Harley Davidson Inc. (NYSE:HOG).

Normally, I would recommend stocks be purchased as value plays and, at current prices, these two are fairly-valued stocks. I believe that they have room to go up, but I do not expect you to get rich from these levels. However, both companies are well managed, have strong brands and sell products that your kids might be interested in (motorcycles and power tools) ... even big kids. Getting the annual reports and introducing children to investing at an early age will be rewarding later on. Both companies also pay dividends, and I expect over the long haul, the growth rates will beat the overall market.

Black & Decker closed yesterday at $78.10. When I wrote about it last in August, it was about $70 per share. It was approaching a value play for me. It went as low as $66 a few days later and to my regret I did not buy in. I was greedy and looking for a $64 price. Had you invested then, on an annualized basis, you would be up about 25% from $70.

Harley Davidson closed yesterday at $70.11. I last wrote about HOG in August as well, when it was about $56 per share: I have been a shareholder since 1998. Had you bought in at the August price, you would now have achieved a gain of over 50% on an annualized basis.

You've heard about the gift that keeps on giving? BDK and HOG are both great picks and would make unique and valuable gifts for your children, now and going forward.

Happy Holidays!

Interested in reading more? Check out my other posts for Blogging Stocks here.

Sheldon Liber is the CEO of a small private investment company and the vice president for Design and Research of an architecture & planning firm.

Yes, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is still one of the most fascinating companies in the world, commanding a high price and superstar investor status.

Google remains in the news with multiple stories broadcast on the web each day, and everywhere else: bonding with Apple (AAPL) and Time Warner (TWX), challenging Microsoft (MSFT), Yahoo (YHOO), and eBay (EBAY), scaring newspapers and publishers, adding features to their line of products and services, getting tangled up in litigation here (Click Fraud) and abroad (Google relents and posts Belgian court ruling on its website), analysts speculation about GOOG's future share value and all this is just a partial accounting.

90 days ago I posted 10 Reasons I think Google is going down: and the following was reason number 10. This recap and update tracks current values holding myself accountable for my comments.

10. Does not pass the equivalence test.