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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Warren on -
Sorry to point this out... But NAFTA isn't Fair trade, its Free trade. Fair trade means that countries that produce goods have the same minimum wage standards that we do, allow unions to work towards deals which increase worker safety (as well as helping negotiate for paid holidays, weekends and sick days off - not to mention FMLA type arrangements). In short, Fair trade requires that countries we trade with require the same standards for workers that america has.
As for Universal Healthcare, Obama rejected and worked AGAINST it. So lets not give him credit for trying to get it passed...because its credit undeserved.
As for the military, they have bases all over the world for one reason - to stand as a threat against any country which might dare to put their own people first, establish a minimum wage or demand that american corporations provide the same standards that are REQUIRED in the USA. Don't believe me? Look what happened in guatamala when the United Fruit Company got upset. They "INSTANTLY" became seen as a "rogue" nation...and our military moved in. Thousands were killed and MILLIONS of damage was done.
And for the record - The United Nations and the World Court have BOTH said that the United States should make reparations (the world court awarded something like 10 million USD). The United States refused to pay it and to this day, no president will even discuss the matter.
No President. Including Obama.
So... looks to me like Obama hasn't brought any change to america. If anything, its business as usual.
Deborah Dills said:Tea bagger-HARDLY! We just need to hold Obama accountable for his actions, just like all our elected officials, since they are supposed to represent our wishes, and that's why we elcted them-to serve us-not the corporations.
It was under Clinton that NAFTA came into being-now all our jobs are going overseas. Now that's fair trade. Granted, it is Congress that helps pass the laws, and they are not doing what we asked them to, but Obama promised to get us out of these wars.
(SEE BELOW 2008 CAMPAIGN PROMISES)
Main articles: Political positions of Barack Obama and Comparison of United States presidential candidates, 2008Obama has taken positions on many national, political, economic and social issues, either through public comments or his senatorial voting record. Since announcing his presidential campaign in February 2007, Obama emphasized withdrawing American troops from Iraq, increasing energy independence (that includes New Energy For America plan[38]), decreasing the influence of lobbyists, and promoting universal health care as top national priorities.
While he did try to get Unviersal Helath care we did get something. He did reverse the Don't Ask-Don't tell" policy.The Foreclosure Prevention bill has only half hardily worked-I know-as I am in real estate and work with borrowers in default with their banks.Letting the Bush Tax Cuts expire-didn't happen as planned. Close Guantanamo Prison as he felt it was neccessary, still working on it.Increase the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour-didn't happen yet. Tree planting incentives are working. Stengthen levees in New Orleans are taking place and have improved safety.
All I am saying is Obama needs to stop caving and bending to the Republicans/Tea Party. On MSNBC last night they said Obama thought he was dealing with the "Old Style Republican Party" but now he has found out they will not deal with him as they have become "too radical". So, now we get to see what he will do.
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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Warren on
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Alan Grayson? Very interesting idea you have there. You can bet that the media would crucify him...so unless there was enough money to sink an aircraft carrier, he wouldn't stand much of a chance. Still... Yeah, I could get behind him. Maybe we could get him into a Senate seat?
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Permalink Reply by Deborah Dills on -
Agreed. I think Alan has decided to run again in Florida.
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Permalink Reply by Felecia Klockow on
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I suspect that the president is doing exactly what most politicians would have anticipated him to do; he is responding to the actions of the citizens of this country. People standing up and showing dissension on Wall Street speaks loudly in showing, rather than telling, the president that people who put him in office on issues they knew would meet with adversity will also have his back as he does so. Honestly those very people you say have the money and who will put money into the Obama re-election are not to be trusted. These shenanigans on Wall Street have become absolutely ridiculous and outrageous. Is it so hard to see the precedents they are using to put pressure, not only on the president, but the entire economy of this nation to maintain their domination at all cost? So far in the last 3 days the rhetoric has gone from depression to recession, back to correction. So the very people complaining about the presidents' financial goals are flexing their muscles like superman right under our noses every day. Is it correct that we should proceed under a pretense that this is normal and acceptable? The actions on Wall Street have been anything but normal and acceptable. It appears that a simple speech from the president can put our economy and the global economy at risk. Let's be pragmatic, wall street ultimately is going to do whatever it takes to keep this market up and floating. It doesn’t matter if the investment is in cash, bonds, stocks, or precious metals. All of these investments are interdependent and if one goes they all go. So what is the explanation for all the extreme depictions on Wall Street of doom and gloom? The tactic is used to panic investors and create the ‘lack of confidence’ that they are consistently driving into our psyche. Lack of confidence is being used to justify big monies reluctance to hire the unemployed. There are those who understand what this harsh but true and vicious tactic of manipulation is really for; they have demonstrated their dissatisfaction by taking it to the streets, Wall Street to be literal. Many are reaching their limit on this unnecessary tactic and finding themselves at the point that it is hard to maintain servility. Civil disobedience is obviously the next reaction. Reasonable citizens need to accept the fact that until we vote and then support through continued efforts to change the way business is done, very little is going to change. We are the change. I am one of those who believes that we must stop ignoring the nonsense in Washington and get behind the president and any other politicians who make an effort to change this inhumane ideal that money rules all. Humanity cannot be bought. We the people need to get in and stay in when it comes to involvement for change. All the people of this country need to understand who really creates jobs. Employers create jobs. Most companies are reporting record profits in this so called down economy and using that ‘lack of confidence’ excuse to sit on the money. We the people have supported and filled their coiffures with more than enough money to put some of it to use by employing- we the people. It is time to tell them to bet on America and do so with profound confidence that -we the people are worth it. We the people are the innovators. We the people are the best examples for entrepreneurship. We the people have earned a right to be heard by those taking jobs overseas. We should not accept this message that we are the weakest link. America for Americans and the world is not redundant. We the people need to find the weakest link and stop playing the political blame game we are being pulled into. We the people want what is right for us and the world. Corporate America-we the people are slowly beginning to realize that you may very well be the weakest link and that has nothing to do with class warfare.
Corporations will pass the cost to consumers?
I will respond to your remarks very simply. Corporations who have and those who even have not moved to foreign lands to decrease cost for goods and services can't possibly go with this lame excuse. For years corporations have been charging the 'same price' or 'higher price' for those goods and services and made the profits from the cheaper expenses. Also, when was the last time you have seen a substantial decrease for products and services; in other words, they are going to do exactly what you have said either way.
IJennifer Warren said:
Sorry to point this out... But NAFTA isn't Fair trade, its Free trade. Fair trade means that countries that produce goods have the same minimum wage standards that we do, allow unions to work towards deals which increase worker safety (as well as helping negotiate for paid holidays, weekends and sick days off - not to mention FMLA type arrangements). In short, Fair trade requires that countries we trade with require the same standards for workers that america has.
As for Universal Healthcare, Obama rejected and worked AGAINST it. So lets not give him credit for trying to get it passed...because its credit undeserved.
As for the military, they have bases all over the world for one reason - to stand as a threat against any country which might dare to put their own people first, establish a minimum wage or demand that american corporations provide the same standards that are REQUIRED in the USA. Don't believe me? Look what happened in guatamala when the United Fruit Company got upset. They "INSTANTLY" became seen as a "rogue" nation...and our military moved in. Thousands were killed and MILLIONS of damage was done.
And for the record - The United Nations and the World Court have BOTH said that the United States should make reparations (the world court awarded something like 10 million USD). The United States refused to pay it and to this day, no president will even discuss the matter.
No President. Including Obama.
So... looks to me like Obama hasn't brought any change to america. If anything, its business as usual.
Deborah Dills said:Tea bagger-HARDLY! We just need to hold Obama accountable for his actions, just like all our elected officials, since they are supposed to represent our wishes, and that's why we elcted them-to serve us-not the corporations.
It was under Clinton that NAFTA came into being-now all our jobs are going overseas. Now that's fair trade. Granted, it is Congress that helps pass the laws, and they are not doing what we asked them to, but Obama promised to get us out of these wars.
(SEE BELOW 2008 CAMPAIGN PROMISES)
Main articles: Political positions of Barack Obama and Comparison of United States presidential candidates, 2008Obama has taken positions on many national, political, economic and social issues, either through public comments or his senatorial voting record. Since announcing his presidential campaign in February 2007, Obama emphasized withdrawing American troops from Iraq, increasing energy independence (that includes New Energy For America plan[38]), decreasing the influence of lobbyists, and promoting universal health care as top national priorities.
While he did try to get Unviersal Helath care we did get something. He did reverse the Don't Ask-Don't tell" policy.The Foreclosure Prevention bill has only half hardily worked-I know-as I am in real estate and work with borrowers in default with their banks.Letting the Bush Tax Cuts expire-didn't happen as planned. Close Guantanamo Prison as he felt it was neccessary, still working on it.Increase the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour-didn't happen yet. Tree planting incentives are working. Stengthen levees in New Orleans are taking place and have improved safety.
All I am saying is Obama needs to stop caving and bending to the Republicans/Tea Party. On MSNBC last night they said Obama thought he was dealing with the "Old Style Republican Party" but now he has found out they will not deal with him as they have become "too radical". So, now we get to see what he will do.
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I guess there is nothing could possibly do. NOT.I suspect that the president is doing exactly what most politicians would have anticipated him to do; he is responding to the actions of the citizens of this country. People standing up and showing dissension on Wall Street speaks loudly in showing, rather than telling, the president that people who put him in office on issues they knew would meet with adversity will also have his back as he does so. Honestly those very people you say have the money and who will put money into the Obama re-election are not to be trusted. These shenanigans on Wall Street have become absolutely ridiculous and outrageous. Is it so hard to see the precedents they are using to put pressure, not only on the president, but the entire economy of this nation to maintain their domination at all cost? So far in the last 3 days the rhetoric has gone from depression to recession, back to correction. So the very people complaining about the presidents' financial goals are flexing their muscles like superman right under our noses every day. Is it correct that we should proceed under a pretense that this is normal and acceptable? The actions on Wall Street have been anything but normal and acceptable. It appears that a simple speech from the president can put our economy and the global economy at risk. Let's be pragmatic, wall street ultimately is going to do whatever it takes to keep this market up and floating. It doesn’t matter if the investment is in cash, bonds, stocks, or precious metals. All of these investments are interdependent and if one goes they all go. So what is the explanation for all the extreme depictions on Wall Street of doom and gloom? The tactic is used to panic investors and create the ‘lack of confidence’ that they are consistently driving into our psyche. Lack of confidence is being used to justify big monies reluctance to hire the unemployed. There are those who understand what this harsh but true and vicious tactic of manipulation is really for; they have demonstrated their dissatisfaction by taking it to the streets, Wall Street to be literal. Many are reaching their limit on this unnecessary tactic and finding themselves at the point that it is hard to maintain servility. Civil disobedience is obviously the next reaction. Reasonable citizens need to accept the fact that until we vote and then support through continued efforts to change the way business is done, very little is going to change. We are the change. I am one of those who believes that we must stop ignoring the nonsense in Washington and get behind the president and any other politicians who make an effort to change this inhumane ideal that money rules all. Humanity cannot be bought. We the people need to get in and stay in when it comes to involvement for change. All the people of this country need to understand who really creates jobs. Employers create jobs. Most companies are reporting record profits in this so called down economy and using that ‘lack of confidence’ excuse to sit on the money. We the people have supported and filled their coiffures with more than enough money to put some of it to use by employing- we the people. It is time to tell them to bet on America and do so with profound confidence that -we the people are worth it. We the people are the innovators. We the people are the best examples for entrepreneurship. We the people have earned a right to be heard by those taking jobs overseas. We should not accept this message that we are the weakest link. America for Americans and the world is not redundant. We the people need to find the weakest link and stop playing the political blame game we are being pulled into. We the people want what is right for us and the world. Corporate America-we the people are slowly beginning to realize that you may very well be the weakest link and that has nothing to do with class warfare.
Corporations will pass the cost to consumers?
I will respond to your remarks very simply. Corporations who have and those who even have not moved to foreign lands to decrease cost for goods and services can't possibly go with this lame excuse. For years corporations have been charging the 'same price' or 'higher price' for those goods and services and made the profits from the cheaper expenses. Also, when was the last time you have seen a substantial decrease for products and services; in other words, they are going to do exactly what you have said either way.
Marilyn The Dollmaker said:I personally don't know enough about it but what I do know is looking at the lst lady of the house she did not look very happy... I believe there is something going on behind the sence This is the only President No on wants to seem to work with... Why? It appears he is trying but... Lets be real The republicans do not represent all the people.They are for the rich... I never see anyone in the audience that look like me or the rest of america for that matter... Something is very wrong when we can't seem to come together as a people... Go figurer????
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PERHAPS WE HAVE SOMETHING IN COMMON
I suspect that the president is doing exactly what most politicians would have anticipated him to do; he is responding to the actions of the citizens of this country. People standing up and showing dissension on Wall Street speaks loudly in showing, rather than telling, the president that people who put him in office on issues they knew would meet with adversity will also have his back as he does so. Honestly those very people you say have the money and who will put money into the Obama re-election are not to be trusted. These shenanigans on Wall Street have become absolutely ridiculous and outrageous. Is it so hard to see the precedents they are using to put pressure, not only on the president, but the entire economy of this nation to maintain their domination at all cost? So far in the last 3 days the rhetoric has gone from depression to recession, back to correction. So the very people complaining about the presidents' financial goals are flexing their muscles like superman right under our noses every day. Is it correct that we should proceed under a pretense that this is normal and acceptable? The actions on Wall Street have been anything but normal and acceptable. It appears that a simple speech from the president can put our economy and the global economy at risk. Let's be pragmatic, wall street ultimately is going to do whatever it takes to keep this market up and floating. It doesn’t matter if the investment is in cash, bonds, stocks, or precious metals. All of these investments are interdependent and if one goes they all go. So what is the explanation for all the extreme depictions on Wall Street of doom and gloom? The tactic is used to panic investors and create the ‘lack of confidence’ that they are consistently driving into our psyche. Lack of confidence is being used to justify big monies reluctance to hire the unemployed. There are those who understand what this harsh but true and vicious tactic of manipulation is really for; they have demonstrated their dissatisfaction by taking it to the streets, Wall Street to be literal. Many are reaching their limit on this unnecessary tactic and finding themselves at the point that it is hard to maintain servility. Civil disobedience is obviously the next reaction. Reasonable citizens need to accept the fact that until we vote and then support through continued efforts to change the way business is done, very little is going to change. We are the change. I am one of those who believes that we must stop ignoring the nonsense in Washington and get behind the president and any other politicians who make an effort to change this inhumane ideal that money rules all. Humanity cannot be bought. We the people need to get in and stay in when it comes to involvement for change. All the people of this country need to understand who really creates jobs. Employers create jobs. Most companies are reporting record profits in this so called down economy and using that ‘lack of confidence’ excuse to sit on the money. We the people have supported and filled their coiffures with more than enough money to put some of it to use by employing- we the people. It is time to tell them to bet on America and do so with profound confidence that -we the people are worth it. We the people are the innovators. We the people are the best examples for entrepreneurship. We the people have earned a right to be heard by those taking jobs overseas. We should not accept this message that we are the weakest link. America for Americans and the world is not redundant. We the people need to find the weakest link and stop playing the political blame game we are being pulled into. We the people want what is right for us and the world. Corporate America-we the people are slowly beginning to realize that you may very well be the weakest link and that has nothing to do with class warfare.
Corporations will pass the cost to consumers?
I will respond to your remarks very simply. Corporations who have and those who even have not moved to foreign lands to decrease cost for goods and services can't possibly go with this lame excuse. For years corporations have been charging the 'same price' or 'higher price' for those goods and services and made the profits from the cheaper expenses. Also, when was the last time you have seen a substantial decrease for products and services; in other words, they are going to do exactly what you have said either way.
Jennifer Warren said:Sorry to point this out... But NAFTA isn't Fair trade, its Free trade. Fair trade means that countries that produce goods have the same minimum wage standards that we do, allow unions to work towards deals which increase worker safety (as well as helping negotiate for paid holidays, weekends and sick days off - not to mention FMLA type arrangements). In short, Fair trade requires that countries we trade with require the same standards for workers that america has.
As for Universal Healthcare, Obama rejected and worked AGAINST it. So lets not give him credit for trying to get it passed...because its credit undeserved.
As for the military, they have bases all over the world for one reason - to stand as a threat against any country which might dare to put their own people first, establish a minimum wage or demand that american corporations provide the same standards that are REQUIRED in the USA. Don't believe me? Look what happened in guatamala when the United Fruit Company got upset. They "INSTANTLY" became seen as a "rogue" nation...and our military moved in. Thousands were killed and MILLIONS of damage was done.
And for the record - The United Nations and the World Court have BOTH said that the United States should make reparations (the world court awarded something like 10 million USD). The United States refused to pay it and to this day, no president will even discuss the matter.
No President. Including Obama.
So... looks to me like Obama hasn't brought any change to america. If anything, its business as usual.
Deborah Dills said:Tea bagger-HARDLY! We just need to hold Obama accountable for his actions, just like all our elected officials, since they are supposed to represent our wishes, and that's why we elcted them-to serve us-not the corporations.
It was under Clinton that NAFTA came into being-now all our jobs are going overseas. Now that's fair trade. Granted, it is Congress that helps pass the laws, and they are not doing what we asked them to, but Obama promised to get us out of these wars.
(SEE BELOW 2008 CAMPAIGN PROMISES)
Main articles: Political positions of Barack Obama and Comparison of United States presidential candidates, 2008Obama has taken positions on many national, political, economic and social issues, either through public comments or his senatorial voting record. Since announcing his presidential campaign in February 2007, Obama emphasized withdrawing American troops from Iraq, increasing energy independence (that includes New Energy For America plan[38]), decreasing the influence of lobbyists, and promoting universal health care as top national priorities.
While he did try to get Unviersal Helath care we did get something. He did reverse the Don't Ask-Don't tell" policy.The Foreclosure Prevention bill has only half hardily worked-I know-as I am in real estate and work with borrowers in default with their banks.Letting the Bush Tax Cuts expire-didn't happen as planned. Close Guantanamo Prison as he felt it was neccessary, still working on it.Increase the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour-didn't happen yet. Tree planting incentives are working. Stengthen levees in New Orleans are taking place and have improved safety.
All I am saying is Obama needs to stop caving and bending to the Republicans/Tea Party. On MSNBC last night they said Obama thought he was dealing with the "Old Style Republican Party" but now he has found out they will not deal with him as they have become "too radical". So, now we get to see what he will do.
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Permalink Reply by Deborah Dills on
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Jennifer Warren said:As for Universal Healthcare, Obama rejected and worked AGAINST it. So lets not give him credit for trying to get it passed...because its credit undeserved.
I totally agree with you on all your points, especially on the health care issue. I believe now, and so does my husband, as we have read many books on many subjects about our government, never ending wars, health care,our public school system, our media "gage rule" wall street, the Federal Reserve (which is the biggest scam on the American people) -that is is no longer "government of, for and by the people" and our Constitution no longer being followed nor abided by. The 2 party system is a failure now, as both parties have been "bought off" and work for Wall Street, the IMF, and the global Elite. That's not to say we must stop fighting, oh no, I will fight and as you can see, others have taken to the streets in NY on Wall Street, and the Nurses Protest on Sept 1st, and the massive protest coming to Washington DC on October 6th is just the beginning. It is up to the people to stop this. We must stop supporting these banks, withdraw your money out of them, close down our accounts, and even shut things down, like the schools, mass transit, airports, police, fire fighters, everything. But for now, things still haven't gotten bad enough. There is still food and water and the US dollar hasn't totally gone south-yet. When that happens then you will see more riots in the streets.
Michael Moore was on Keith Obermann the other night talking about why the media is not reporting the occupation of Wall Street, but our media will report on riots and marches in other countries. Makes no sense-but it does, because the Koch brothers and other Tea Party folks OWN our media, our newspapers. They own a lot of this country now.
Read the books*The Gage Rule, *Third World America, *13 Bankers, *Web Of Debt, *The Working Poor, *Freethinkers,*Dumbing Us Down (which talks about our public schools)and many more.
I had to take my sons, out of the public schools system because the schools ran them out. They had ADHD, Social Anxiety Disorder, read at the 5th grade level in 9th grade, but the system could have cared less. I won't blame the teachers, as they are just doing what they are told to. My kids learned more being home schooled or having a home school teacher sent to my home, then they did in the class room learning how to take the TASS test here in TX. This is happening all across the country and I am wondering why more parents aren't angry about it?
Well, the parents are just overwhelmed, just trying to put food on the table, working 2 and 3 jobs, paying the bills, and hopeful that things will be ok and their kids will be ok. But, they aren't.
All I can say for me is I will not support this president again. Until the big money is taken out of politics, and the government is truely representative of the people and not the corporations and Wall Street, and the Federal reserve is audited to see what they have really been "cooking up" I will not vote for any one within the 2 party system again. It is rigged to fail.
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Permalink Reply by lisa swytzer on -
I KNOW THIS IS NOT THE SPEECH BUT....THE SONG... I CRY IF I WANT TO .......I BLANK IF I WANT TO ...YOU WOULD CRY TOO IF IT HAPPEN TO YOU. JUST WANT TO SAY THAT OUT LOUD!!
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Deborah, based on what you have just written perhaps you will be doing us all a favor. We will be glad to make the political decisions for you. I think it is great that you think if you take your ball and go home every on will just give up on the game. Get informed though. You will have the time.
Deborah Dills said:Jennifer Warren said:As for Universal Healthcare, Obama rejected and worked AGAINST it. So lets not give him credit for trying to get it passed...because its credit undeserved.
I totally agree with you on all your points, especially on the health care issue. I believe now, and so does my husband, as we have read many books on many subjects about our government, never ending wars, health care,our public school system, our media "gage rule" wall street, the Federal Reserve (which is the biggest scam on the American people) -that is is no longer "government of, for and by the people" and our Constitution no longer being followed nor abided by. The 2 party system is a failure now, as both parties have been "bought off" and work for Wall Street, the IMF, and the global Elite. That's not to say we must stop fighting, oh no, I will fight and as you can see, others have taken to the streets in NY on Wall Street, and the Nurses Protest on Sept 1st, and the massive protest coming to Washington DC on October 6th is just the beginning. It is up to the people to stop this. We must stop supporting these banks, withdraw your money out of them, close down our accounts, and even shut things down, like the schools, mass transit, airports, police, fire fighters, everything. But for now, things still haven't gotten bad enough. There is still food and water and the US dollar hasn't totally gone south-yet. When that happens then you will see more riots in the streets.
Michael Moore was on Keith Obermann the other night talking about why the media is not reporting the occupation of Wall Street, but our media will report on riots and marches in other countries. Makes no sense-but it does, because the Koch brothers and other Tea Party folks OWN our media, our newspapers. They own a lot of this country now.
Read the books*The Gage Rule, *Third World America, *13 Bankers, *Web Of Debt, *The Working Poor, *Freethinkers,*Dumbing Us Down (which talks about our public schools)and many more.
I had to take my sons, out of the public schools system because the schools ran them out. They had ADHD, Social Anxiety Disorder, read at the 5th grade level in 9th grade, but the system could have cared less. I won't blame the teachers, as they are just doing what they are told to. My kids learned more being home schooled or having a home school teacher sent to my home, then they did in the class room learning how to take the TASS test here in TX. This is happening all across the country and I am wondering why more parents aren't angry about it?
Well, the parents are just overwhelmed, just trying to put food on the table, working 2 and 3 jobs, paying the bills, and hopeful that things will be ok and their kids will be ok. But, they aren't.
All I can say for me is I will not support this president again. Until the big money is taken out of politics, and the government is truely representative of the people and not the corporations and Wall Street, and the Federal reserve is audited to see what they have really been "cooking up" I will not vote for any one within the 2 party system again. It is rigged to fail.
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Permalink Reply by Saleem Shah on -
Greetings:
As I see it, that little Bronx cheer pep talk the Prez gave the other night was a joke. It is a pacifier for suckers only. There is no way he does not know that the following are the real economic issues affecting jobs, but he didn't even touch on the actual facts. It is an insult to my intelligence that he wants me to believe that anything meaningful can be accomplished with 3+ wars going on at the same time. He is a phony who cannot be taken at his word.
As I was a registered, executive gold card carrying Republican from 1970 to 2000, believe me, I know a closet Republican when I hear one. Obama ain't no Democrat! He is a war-mongering, corporate butt-kissing, ice hearted, Uncle Tom Republican. Pardon me, don't get me started.....
These are the glaring facts Mr. Obama knows but zipped pass like he was on a skateboard:
Jobs offshoring was made possible because the collapse of the Soviet Union resulted in China and India opening their vast excess supplies of labor to Western exploitation. Pressed by Wall Street for higher profits, US corporations relocated their factories abroad. Foreign labor working with Western capital, technology, and business know-how is just as productive as US labor. However, the excess supplies of labor (and lower living standards) mean that Indian and Chinese labor can be hired for less than labor’s contribution to the value of output. The difference flows into profits, resulting in capital gains for shareholders and performance bonuses for executives.
As reported by Manufacturing and Technology News (September 20, 2011) the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages reports that in the last 10 years, the US lost 54,621 factories, and manufacturing employment fell by 5 million employees. Over the decade, the number of larger factories (those employing 1,000 or more employees) declined by 40 percent. US factories employing 500-1,000 workers declined by 44 percent; those employing between 250-500 workers declined by 37 percent, and those employing between 100-250 workers shrunk by 30 percent. http://www.manufacturingnews.com/
These losses are net of new start-ups. Not all the losses are due to offshoring. Some are the result of business failures.
US politicians, such as Buddy Roemer, blame the collapse of US manufacturing on Chinese competition and “unfair trade practices.” However, it is US corporations that move their factories abroad, thus replacing domestic production with imports. Half of US imports from China consist of the offshored production of US corporations.
The wage differential is substantial. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2009, average hourly take-home pay for US workers was $23.03. Social insurance expenditures add $7.90 to hourly compensation and benefits paid by employers add $2.60 per hour for a total labor compensation cost of $33.53.
In China as of 2008, total hourly labor cost was $1.36, and India’s is within a few cents of this amount. Thus, a corporation that moves 1,000 jobs to China saves saves $32,000 every hour in labor cost.These savings translate into higher stock prices and executive compensation, not in lower prices for consumers who are left unemployed by the labor arbitrage.
Republican economists blame “high” US wages for for the current high rate of unemployment. However, US wages are about the lowest in the developed world. They are far below hourly labor cost in Norway ($53.89), Denmark ($49.56), Belgium ($49.40), Austria ($48.04), and Germany ($46.52). The US might have the world’s largest economy, but its hourly workers rank 14th on the list of the best paid. Americans also have a higher unemployment rate.
The “headline” rate that the media hypes is 9.1 percent, but this rate does not include any discouraged workers or workers forced into part-time jobs because no full-time jobs are available.
The US government has another unemployment rate (U6) that includes workers who have been too discouraged to seek a job for six months or less. This unemployment rate is over 16 percent. Statistician John Williams (Shadowstats.com) estimates the unemployment rate when long-term discouraged workers (more than six months) are included. This rate is over 22 percent.
Most emphasis is on the lost manufacturing jobs. However, the high speed Internet has made it possible to offshore many professional service jobs, such as software engineering, Information Technology, research and design. Jobs that comprised ladders of upward mobility for US college graduates have been moved offshore, thus reducing the value to Americans of many university degrees. Unlike former times, today an increasing number of graduates return home to live with their parents as there are insufficient jobs to support their independent existence.
All the while, the US government allows in each year one million legal immigrants, an unknown number of illegal immigrants, and a large number of foreign workers on H-1B and L-1 work visas. In other words, the policies of the US government maximize the unemployment rate of American citizens.PS (I Love You)
I just want to give Ross Perot (who I voted for) his forever due props because he predicted that if Bill Clinton passed that NAFTA bill, that you would hear "a sucking sound" right out of America across the border. We thought he meant to Mexico only, but he was right - he said "across the border."
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