Democrats Now Hold Majority in Senate !

Minnesota court declares Franken Senate winner
By Aaron Blake ~Posted: 06/30/09

Minnesota’s Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Democrat Al Franken is the winner of the state’s Senate race and should be awarded a certificate of election, paving the way for Franken to be seated.Franken would be the 60th Democratic vote in the Senate, giving the party the ability to override GOP filibusters without needing a Republican senator to cross over. “For all of the foregoing reasons, we affirm the decision of the trial court that Al Franken received the highest number of votes legally cast and is entitled under (state law) to receive the certificate of election as United States Senator from the State of Minnesota,” the Supreme Court’s ruling states. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) has suggested that he would follow the court’s lead on whether to sign a certificate of election. Without the certificate, Democrats have declined to attempt to seat Franken.“We expect that ruling any day now,” Pawlenty said Sunday on CNN’s "State of the Union." “I also expect them to give guidance and direction as to the certificate of election. I’m prepared to sign it as soon as they give the green light.”Shortly after the Supreme Court’s decision was handed down, Democratic leaders called on Pawlenty to make good on his promise.“We’ve always said that Norm Coleman deserved his day in court, and he got eight months,” said the chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), Sen. Bob Menendez (N.J.). “Now we expect Gov. Pawlenty to do the right thing, follow the law, and sign the election certificate.”Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said he looked forward to Franken’s seating.“The people of Minnesota will now finally get the brilliant and hardworking new senator they elected in November and the full representation they deserve,” Reid said.Coleman was the leader after Election Day, but a recount showed Franken overtaking him. A three-judge panel then affirmed Franken’s victory, which led to Coleman’s appeal to the state Supreme Court.Coleman can still file suit in federal court, which could feasibly issue an order preventing Franken from being seated. That seems less likely, though, now that the state Supreme Court has said Franken should be issued an election certificate. It’s not yet clear whether Coleman will pursue further legal action, as his legal bills mount and public patience with his eight-month-old challenge wanes.The former senator has seen several members of his staff disperse in the last few months including, recently, his campaign manager.Justices ruled against Coleman on each of the five issues his campaign raised, calling the board of canvassing certification "prima facie evidence that Franken ... has been elected" to the Senate.Coleman's legal team argued their due process rights were violated when a trial court did not require total compliance with statutes involving absentee voters, and that different applications of statutory requirements violated Coleman's equal protection rights.Coleman also alleged the lower court had erred in excluding certain evidence, refusing to count more absentee ballots and by including vote tallies from a specific Minneapolis precinct in which ballots were lost.

Discrimination is Discrimination !

Judge Sotomayor Ruling Overturned, as it should have Been !

The Supreme Court has ruled that white firefighters in New Haven, Conn., were unfairly denied promotions because of their race, reversing a decision that high court nominee Sonia Sotomayor endorsed as an appeals court judge. New Haven was wrong to scrap a promotion exam because no African-Americans and only two Hispanic firefighters were likely to be made lieutenants or captains based on the results, the court said Monday in a 5-4 decision. The city said that it had acted to avoid a lawsuit from minorities. The ruling could alter employment practices nationwide, potentially limiting the circumstances in which employers can be held liable for decisions when there is no evidence of intentional discrimination against minorities. "Fear of litigation alone cannot justify an employer's reliance on race to the detriment of individuals who passed the examinations and qualified for promotions," Justice Anthony Kennedy said in his opinion for the court. He was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. In dissent, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said the white firefighters "understandably attract this court's sympathy. But they had no vested right to promotion. Nor have other persons received promotions in preference to them." Justices Stephen Breyer, David Souter and John Paul Stevens signed onto Ginsburg's dissent, which she read aloud in court Monday.
Read the full decision here.

Editorial : Discrimination is discrimination, be it black, white, red or yellow ! I`m wondering how long it is going to be ? Can we ever put this behind us ? I pray we do !

Women are Smart ! Womens Chamber of Commerce

Women’s Chamber of Commerce Endorses Public Health Plan Option
by Mike Hall, Jun 26, 2009

One the largest groups of women business leaders in the nation called this week for comprehensive health care reform that includes a “a robust” public health plan option. In a report to Congress, the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, with more than 500,000 members, writes: Americans should also have the choice of a robust government lead a public plan to take on the insurance carriers, provide vigorous competition, and assure all Americans have access to affordable health care. A public insurance plan option for workers and families who either have private insurance coverage or no coverage at all is one of the AFL-CIO’s key health care reform principles. It is vehemently opposed by most business groups, the private insurance industry and Republican lawmakers. In a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the group writes: For more than a decade the American health care system has been careening towards a complete collapse reducing our quality of life, suppressing business growth and international competitiveness, and threatening our country’s security. Over the last weeks, months, and years, our members have told us of the fears, frustrations, and financial hardships they have experienced as a result of our failed health care system. Very few modern day economic issues more directly impact both economic advancement and quality of life for American women than health care reform. The report, “Health Care Reform: An American Values Imperative,” also calls for guaranteed access to affordable health insurance coverage, bringing an end to age and wellness discrimination, greater transparency and accountability, choice, flexibility and portability of health insurance. Click here to read the full report. The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce is not connected to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes a public plan option.

"The Gift of Life, What a Loving thing to Do"!

Release Date: 06/24/2009

OPTN Statement Regarding Liver/Organ Transplant Waiting Times and Allocation...

Recent news regarding liver transplantation has raised public questions regarding how donated livers are allocated and potential variation in transplant waiting times. The national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), operated by United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) under federal contract, cannot discuss details of individual transplant candidates subject to federal laws and regulations regarding patient confidentiality. The OPTN can address general questions about policy and process. Whenever a person known to the public receives a transplant, it is tempting to compare that person's waiting time to national averages. Any comparison of one person's experience to that of thousands of others can be misleading. Liver waiting time is greatly influenced by a formula that assigns priority for organ offers based on the candidate's risk of dying within three months without a transplant. For candidates 12 or older, this formula is called a MELD score. (Younger candidates are prioritized by a companion system known as PELD). MELD uses objective calculations of common laboratory tests of liver and kidney function. MELD scores can range from 6 (least urgent) to 40 (most urgent); candidates with a score of 15 or higher are at considerable risk of dying in the short term without a transplant.
OPTN policy prioritizes liver candidates local to the organ donor with a MELD or PELD score of 15 or higher, then those candidates within the region of the donor who have scores of 15 and higher, before any less urgent candidates may be considered. Of candidates listed in the United States with an initial MELD or PELD score between 19 and 24, half receive a liver transplant within approximately 15 weeks of being listed. Of those listed with an initial MELD or PELD score of 25 or higher, half receive a transplant within 20 days of listing. Candidates with lower MELD/PELD priority may often wait months to years for a transplant opportunity. Other factors may further affect waiting time, such as whether the candidate is generally compatible or incompatible with many donor offers based on blood type or body size. Waiting time in a given local area may reflect particular characteristics in that area's recipient population that are not common to other areas. The national allocation system cannot and does not make any distinction of candidate priority based on wealth, celebrity or other purely social characteristics. In recent years, approximately 6,500 liver transplants have been performed annually in the United States. Today more than 15,000 men, women and children continue to await this lifesaving gift. We hope the current attention generated by news reports will remind the public of the continuing need of all transplant candidates, and of the opportunity to end their wait through making a positive commitment to organ donation.

Editorial : It seems that at times we had rather have a media frenzy, than the truth about Organ Donation !

Walmart Rx Drugs ? Better Be Careful !

Walmart Lowers Prescription Drug Prices By Putting Their Customers at Risk...

The cost of prescription drugs has been a recurrent theme in health care reform, and Walmart has promoted their $4 generic drugs in an attempt to address the issue. However, the group "Wake Up Walmart" has released a report saying that Walmart's medication comes from Ranbaxy - a disrespected Indian drug maker - and that Walmart actually profits off these foreign investments. The FDA and the Department of Justice have repeatedly investigated Ranbaxy for insufficient contamination policies and for issuing false records, and eventually banned the importation of drugs manufactured at two Ranbaxy facilities. According to the Department of Justice, Walmart's supplier is responsible for introducing potentially "subpotent, superpotent, or adulterated" drugs into the market. Medications used by millions of Walmart shoppers could have contained active ingredients from unapproved sources, in unapproved blends, and in amounts weaker than FDA-approved doses. Despite these investigations, Walmart has given Ranbaxy the "Outstanding Supplier Award." "Walmart has been putting consumers at great risk. 'Safe' and 'affordable' are not mutually exclusive."

Negotiating Health-Care ! Not Easy !

President Obama Says He is "Flexible" on Offering a Public Health Plan...

A New York Times poll released on Sunday showed that a remarkable 72% of Americans support a public health care plan. President Obama said that he believes insurers are being illogical in opposing the public option, arguing that if they provide the best quality health care at an affordable price, there is no reason the government's plan should drive them out of business. However, on Tuesday, the President signaled a willingness to fore go a public option in health care reform - troubling many health care reform advocates. "The private marketplace has proved to be inadequate in providing for all citizens, and we need a public option to fill the void," Most Americans have grown distrustful of insurance companies' concern for their customers' health needs, and that showed in the New York Times' poll." !

Discrimination ~ It Is Time to Move On ! God Save Us All !

"President Barack Obama of these United States"!

By : Don Jones...6/25/09

Wall Street, General Motors, Chrysler,Goodyear and our entire economy has taken a terrific beating. Our new President Barack Obama has a lot of things on his plate, if you don`t think so, ask him ? I truly believe he is trying to make a difference for the middle class and all class`s. I cannot think of a president who has inherited more problems than Obama, with the exception of Roosevelt, in my lifetime. I admire his coolness under fire. He is a very smart and a very articulate man. I can identify with this president more than most in my life. Now, remember, I am (70)seventy years young. I can remember when there was deep segregation in my home county. I remember going to the Weakley County court house in Dresden and seeing separate drinking fountains, one for white, one for colored. Separate bathrooms, one for white one for colored. I remember going to my Aunts restaurant "The Vol Inn" in Martin, the coloreds had to go in rear, whites had to go upfront. I remember when the Varsity Theater had the balcony for colored and the main floor for whites. I can remember when all of Tennessee was a democratic stronghold. It is now a republican stronghold ! There are a lot of things, I do not understand, and there are somethings I do understand. It seems that still some Tennessee citizens think it is alright to joke about discrimination ! I am not one of those Tennesseans. Recently we had a employee who works for an elected representative, send out cartoon, insinuating that President Barack Obama is not a white man, it was in very poor taste. I was in hopes that we Tennesseans were beyond that kind of crap. Evidently we are not. I can only hope that in time, Martin Luther King`s "Judge a man by the content of his character not the color of his skin" would have resonated. Our news media keeps repeating he is the first black president in our history. I`m wondering ,that as a white man, what I am suppose to do with our presidents white half ? So far he has done an outstanding job, with what he inherited from the previous administration. He has lovely family, a well educated wife/first lady ! Our President is stepping on some very aristocratic toes. It was/is long overdue. One last thought, I am a Southern Baptist, I pray that our Southern Baptist Convention will return to its roots of evangelism and stop being a Political Action committee for the GOP(Republican Party) ! My one and only prayer for our nation, is to not have him assassinated ! I know, I should`nt mention that. However, I feel it is a necessary thing. "God Save President Barack Obama"!

Trade Policy Bad for USA !

TRADE Act Would Overhaul Bad Trade Policy
by James Parks, Jun 24, 2009

Today, a bipartisan group in Congress said they will reintroduce a major legislative overhaul of the nation’s failed trade policies to put good jobs at the center of a coherent global economic strategy. The Trade Reform, Accountability, Development and Employment (TRADE) Act, which has 106 co-sponsors, was first introduced last year but did not come to the floor. It would require a review of existing trade agreements, establish standards for future trade agreements, protect workers’ rights and help restore congressional oversight of trade agreements. Rep. Mike Michaud (D-Maine), the bill’s sponsor, said at a Capitol Hill press conference today: We all know that we live in a globalized world. But we need to ensure trade is fair for our workers and economy. The TRADE Act shows what we are for in future trade agreements—and paves the way on how to fix our existing agreements. The co-sponsors reflect broad support in Congress for a new direction on trade. They include eight committee chairs, 45 subcommittee chairs, 17 Blue Dogs, 13 New Democrats and 19 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, among many others. Specifically, the TRADE Act would: Require a comprehensive review of existing trade agreements with an emphasis on economic results, enforcement and compliance and an analysis of non-tariff provisions in trade agreements. Spell out standards for labor and environmental protections, food and product safety, national security exceptions and remedies that must be included in new trade pacts. Set requirements regarding public services, farm policy, investment, government procurement and affordable medicines and compare them with components of current trade agreements.
Require the president to submit renegotiation plans for current trade pacts prior to negotiating new agreements and prior to congressional consideration of pending agreements. Create a committee made up of the chairs and ranking members of each committee whose jurisdiction is affected by trade agreements to review the president’s plan for renegotiations. Restore congressional oversight of trade agreements. You can read a full text of the bill here.

Editorial : Without trade reform, there is no stopping our race to the bottom.

Universal Health Care in USA ... Facts ! 6/24/09

America Needs/Deserves Health Care Now !

Myth: The U.S. has the best health care system in the world. Fact: The U.S. has among the worst health statistics of all rich nations. Summary The U.S. does not have the best health care system in the world - it has the best emergency care system in the world. Advanced U.S. medical technology has not translated into better health statistics for its citizens; indeed, the U.S. ranks near the bottom in list after list of international comparisons. Part of the problem is that there is more profit in a pound of cure than an ounce of prevention. Another part of the problem is that America has the highest level of poverty and income inequality among all rich nations, and poverty affects one's health much more than the limited ministrations of a formal health care system. Argument Let's review the health care statistics first, and analyze them afterwards. All statistics here are for the year 1991; they have generally become worse for the U.S. since then.Health Care Expenditures (percent of GDP) (1)

United States 13.4%
Canada 10.0
Finland 9.1
Sweden 8.6
Germany 8.4
Netherlands 8.4
Norway 7.6
Japan 6.8
United Kingdom 6.6
Denmark 6.5
Doctors' incomes: (2)
United States $132,300
Germany 91,244
Denmark 50,585
Finland 42,943
Norway 35,356
Sweden 25,768

Percent of population covered by public health care:
ALL NATIONS (except below) 100%
France, Austria 99
Switzerland, Spain, Belgium 98
Germany 92
Netherlands 77
United States 40
Average paid maternity leave (as of 1991; this changed with Clinton's
signing of the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act):
Sweden 32 weeks
France 28
United Kingdom 18
Norway 18
Denmark 18
Japan 14
Germany 14
Netherlands 12
United States 0

Life Expectancy (years):
Men Women
Japan 76.2<> 82.5
France 72.9<> 81.3
Switzerland 74.1<> 81.3
Netherlands 73.7<> 80.5
Sweden 74.2<> 80.4
Canada 73.4<> 80.3
Norway 73.1<> 79.7
Germany 72.6<> 79.2
Finland 70.7 <>78.8
United States 71.6<> 78.6
United Kingdom 72.7<> 78.2
Denmark 72.2 <>77.9
Infant Mortality Rate (per 1,000 live births):
United States 10.4
United Kingdom 9.4
Germany 8.5
Denmark 8.1
Canada 7.9
Norway 7.9
Netherlands 7.8
Switzerland 6.8
Finland 5.9
Sweden 5.9
Japan 5.0
Death rate of 1-to-4 year olds (per community of 200,000 per year):
United States 101.5
Japan 92.2
Norway 90.2
Denmark 85.1
France 84.9
United Kingdom 82.2
Canada 82.1
Netherlands 80.3
Germany 77.6
Switzerland 72.5
Sweden 64.7
Finland 53.3
Death rate of 15-to-24 year olds (per community of 200,000 per year):
United States 203
Switzerland 175
Canada 161
France 156
Finland 154
Norway 128
Germany 122
Denmark 120
United Kingdom 114
Sweden 109
Japan 96
Netherlands 90
Note: the murder rate for the above age group is 48.8 per 200,000. Even
subtracting this entirely still puts the U.S. near the top of the list.
Premature Death (years of life lost before the age of 64 per 100 people):
United States 5.8 years
Denmark 4.9
Finland 4.8
Canada 4.5
Germany 4.5
United Kingdom 4.4
Norway 4.3
Switzerland 4.1
Netherlands 4.0
Sweden 3.8
Japan 3.3
Percent of people with normal body mass:
Men Women
Germany 53% <>37
Finland 51<> 37
United Kingdom 46<> 38
Canada 52 <>29
Switzerland 49<> 30
France 44<> 30
Denmark 44<> 25
United States 47<> 22
Sweden 44 25
Percent of people who believe their health care system needs fundamental change:
United States 60%
Sweden 58
United Kingdom 52
Japan 47
Netherlands 46
France 42
Canada 38
An explanation of America's poor health care statistics Sharp readers will notice that the last chart may mean different things to different people. Conservatives think the U.S. health care system needs reform because there is too much government involvement in health care; liberals because there is not enough. So let's clarify this statistic with a few others. Americans are the most dissatisfied with the quality and quantity of their health care. Of the 10 largest industrialized nations, the U.S. ranked dead last in health care satisfaction, with an approval rating of only 11 percent. (3) There's no putting a positive spin on this statistic; any president with such a low approval rating would be impeached! Most of this dissatisfaction stems from the high expense and unavailability of U.S. health care. During the 1993 debate on health care reform, polls consistently showed that two-thirds of all Americans supported the idea of universal coverage. (4) Polls also showed that Americans didn't want to pay the higher taxes to achieve this goal, which many pundits took to be an amusing example of public inconsistency. Actually, the public was entirely consistent. Other nations manage to cover everybody, and at lower cost. Nor is America's international reputation in health care as high as many Americans boast it to be. "Ask anyone you know from a foreign country... which country is the envy of the world when it comes to health care," Rush Limbaugh wrote in See, I Told You So. But according to a Gallup poll published by the Toronto Star, only 2 percent of all Canadians believe that the U.S. has a better health care system than their own. (5) The fact is that America does not have the finest health care system in the world; it has the finest emergency care system in the world. Highly trained American doctors can summon Star Wars-type technology in saving patients who have become seriously injured or critically ill. But as far as preventative medicine goes, the U.S. is still in the Stone Age. It should be no surprise that in America's health care business, entrepreneurs will take a pound of cure over an ounce of prevention every time. But in reality, what affects the health of Americans lies more outside the formal health care system than within it. In Europe during the last century, life expectancy nearly doubled after nations purified their drinking water and created sanitation systems. In America during this century, the highest cancer rates are found in neighborhoods around the chemical industry. (6) A healthy diet and exercise provide better health than most medicines in most circumstances. Other nations have realized that factors outside the hospital are more important than factors inside it, and have used this bit of wisdom to lower their health care costs. Perhaps the greatest reason why Europeans are healthier than Americans is because they have reduced poverty, especially child poverty. The link between poverty and poorer health has long been proven. One survey reviewed more than 30 other studies on the relationship between class and health, and found that "class influences one's chances of staying alive. Almost without exception, the evidence shows that classes differ on mortality rates." (7) The American Journal of Epidemiology states that "a vast body of evidence has shown consistently that those in the lower classes have higher mortality, morbidity and disability rates" and these "are in part due to inadequate medical care services as well as to the impact of a toxic and hazardous physical environment." (8) And in an even more important finding, studies from Harvard and Berkeley have proven that income inequality -- not just absolute poverty -- is equally important. (9) States with the highest levels of income inequality also have the highest mortality and morbidity rates. The reason why relative poverty matters is because prices and opportunities are relative too - the U.S. may have the best medical technology in the world, but at $10,000 a procedure, who can afford it? Many reasons contribute to the worse health of the poor. Political scientist Jeffrey Reiman writes: "Less money means less nutritious food, less heat in winter, less fresh air in summer, less distance from sick people, less knowledge about illness or medicine, fewer doctor visits, fewer dental visits, less preventative care, and above all else, less first-quality medical attention when all these other deprivations take their toll and a poor person finds himself seriously ill." (10) And this is not to mention that the poor work and live in more polluted, hazardous and strenuous environments. These deprivations are especially hard on infants in their critical development years. The U.S. has tried to combat this problem by offering universal prenatal and postnatal health care, much like Europe does. But the U.S. is fighting against a head wind because it has levels of poverty that Europe does not. Again, a person's health is affected by more factors outside the formal health care system than within it. It's not enough to give a few programs to a person in poverty; what's needed is removing that person from poverty completely. "When I look back on my years in office," says C. Everett Koop, Reagan's former Surgeon General, "the things I banged my head against were all poverty." (11) If America is to improve its health statistics, it must not only pass universal health care, but reduce poverty as well.

Editorial : We cannot afford not to implement Universal Health Care ! It seems our race to the bottom continues.

CPC Questions and Answers June 4 2009 - Healthcare reform

Please listen carefully ! Click on the title or link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk_n865ifJE

Buy American ~ Bob Corker(R)Tennessee Voted Against US !

Dear Don,

Thank you for taking the time to contact my office about the need to force companies to buy goods made only in America. Your opinion is important to me, and I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts. On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law and included a provision requiring that all funds in the bill be used to purchase only American iron, steel, and manufactured goods for use in public infrastructure construction-related projects. I had concerns about this provision because the bill did not define "manufactured goods" and as a result may negatively affect numerous manufacturers in our state. Throughout the Senate debate, our office heard from numerous Tennessee companies that will be negatively affected if they are forced to find a new market to buy the components that they have already been using and purchasing. In many cases, other components that these companies will be forced to use may be significantly more expensive, which will drive up the price of the finished product and ultimately have negative effects upon sales and exports. Further, if American companies are forced to use more of their resources to purchase only goods manufactured in a specific country, they will ultimately have less to spend on other financial needs such as personnel, ultimately resulting in job loss. For these reasons, I voted for an amendment that would have removed this "Buy America" provision from the bill. The amendment failed and the provision was included in the final bill. In closing, I want you to know how much I appreciate your comments on this issue. I can assure you, I am committed to passing responsible incentives and policies which will ultimately increase American jobs, improve industry and sustain economic growth. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with me over the course of my term.

Sincerely, Bob Corker(R) Tennessee

United States Senator

Editorial : Senator Corker, what were you thinking ? You voted NO ! Those in state manufacturers, were they foreign investors ? You bet they were ! Once again our own Tennessee U.S. Senators have voted against America again. This bill passed, but with no help from Tennessee Senators. It seems our enemy's are in the U.S. Senate ! God Help Us ! We vote for and elect our very own Enemy`s !

A Level Playing Field ? I Think Not ! China vs. The World

Beijing’s ‘Buy China’ Order Could Prompt an Escalation in Protectionism By: Jason Simpkins ,Managing Editor Money Morning

After denouncing a U.S. effort to incorporate a “Buy American” clause in its stimulus package, Beijing has introduced a new “Buy China” policy as part of its $585 billion economic stimulus program. The move has sparked outrage among China’s trade partners and could lead to a surge in protectionist measures around the world. “Government investment projects should buy domestically made products unless products or services cannot be obtained in reasonable commercial conditions in China," says the June 1 edict, which was issued by the country’s chief planning body in conjunction with eight other government agencies. “Projects that really need to buy imports should be approved by the relevant government departments before purchasing activity starts.”The order came as a shock to many of China’s trading partners, as Beijing has been one of the most vocal critics of trade protectionism. Foreign makers of the wind turbines used in energy-generating “wind farms” are already complaining that this edict shuts them out of $5 billion worth of business related to a Chinese energy project that’s being financed by the stimulus package. And the “Buy China” order is being viewed as especially egregious because China’s main state news agency just months ago referred to a similar “Buy American” clause in the U.S. stimulus package as “protectionist poison” that would undermine the world economic recovery. Sign up below…and we’ll send you a new investment report for free:“Credit Crisis Report.” “Some countries raised clauses to prioritise the purchase of products of their own countries in their economic stimulus packages,” Yao Jian, a Chinese commerce ministry spokesman, said in February. “We express deep concern about these [measures] … under the current financial crisis, measures issued by all countries should not cause negative impacts, and especially they should not send out wrong messages.” Criticism from China and other trading partners convinced U.S. President Barack Obama to excise the U.S. “Buy American” clause from the stimulus package. “I agree that we can’t send a protectionist message,” Obama said in an interview with Fox News. “I want to see what kind of language we can work on this issue. I think it would be a mistake, though, at a time when worldwide trade is declining, for us to start sending a message that somehow we’re just looking after ourselves and not concerned with world trade.”Also in February, China’s communist government assured its trade partners that foreign and domestic goods would be treated equally in stimulus spending - a statement that has since been challenged by foreign companies who claim they have been ostracized from Chinese stimulus spending. The American Embassy in Beijing pointed out in statements to The Associated Press that Chinese government agencies already are required by law to buy domestically made goods and services whenever possible. Foreign officials have routinely appealed to Beijing to release more details about how companies can win stimulus contracts, but it is not clear whether or not they plan on challenging Beijing’s “Buy China” order. China is required by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to give foreign and domestic firms equally in commercial trade, but Beijing has refused to sign a treaty that would give overseas companies equal rights when bidding for government procurement contracts. That agreement has been signed by the United States and most other major world economies. “China has made such an issue about protectionism with the rest of the world, but it now appears that it can no longer hold itself up as ‘whiter than white’ on this issue,” Ian Crawford, the executive director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, told The Telegraph. “The UK has maintained very open markets and we would urge and hope that China would do the same.”

Editorial : Why do our politicians keep coddleing the Chinese Government ? In a Word "Greed" ! They are selling the American Worker down the road ! And in so doing, they are selling off America ! All we/workers want is a level playing field.

It is the same as playing a baseball game and China gets three strikes, and America gets two ! It is as simple as that ! Same rules for China as for US NOW !

Goodyear Union City ~ Buyout and Transition...6/21/09

Goodyear Union City Managing Transition:

Anyone who wants an example of the way Goodyear Union City was and is need look no further than the agreed-on sum of money that could be spent in removing the plant from protection against being closed, should either sales or productivity not reach desired levels. In May, Goodyear and the USW agreed to a three-phase plan at the Union City plant. Phase 1, referred to inside the plant as "the buyout," has essentially been completed. If subsequent phases of the plan become necessary, Plant Manager Todd Turner says the total cost for all phases could reach $105 million. "There should be no surprises about what we’re facing," says
Turner. "Our success lies in our ability to be flexible and adjust our production to be in line with market demand for products Union City makes, and ensure our costs are in line as well. "Goodyear has made its intentions known," he adds. "It’s up to us to control the things we control. It’s our responsibility to improve our
operations, become more competitive, and support North American Tire’s business."Presently, Turner says the Union City plant is beating its cost estimates and, overall, the company sees some general strengthening in the replacement market. "It’s important to note that Goodyear is growing market share and our commitment is to ensure the right products are there for consumers to buy so they don’t go somewhere else," says Turner, noting how Union City’s Absolute Schedule Attainment for May was 95 percent. ASA measures whether an operation is stocking the right sizes and types of tires. As Union City positions itself to be a continued contributor to NAT, Turner says more performances are needed similar to May’s ASA results, though he recognizes the plant’s production is likely to fluctuate for the foreseeable future, depending on market demand. He likens the plant’s production schedule to a festoon. Some associates have asked if Union City’s return to a traditional five-day schedule, beginning in July, would end up becoming a six-day schedule. "If we have to work six days , Slab rubber hangs in a festoon pattern before going into Union City’s #9 wigwag unit. Union City’s future production could mirror the festoon, going up and down depending on market demand. Because tires are needed, we’ll do that, and it will be to our credit," says Turner. "What we can’t do is have to work six days because we don’t get our work done in five." Turner adds that the plant needs to break out of the cycle of missing its monthly ticket commitment. After meeting the monthly ticket for more than one year, the plant has missed its commitment twice in 2009. "We can’t fall back into the trend of always coming up a little short each month," says Turner. "We need to end that quickly." To be sure, Turner says no one should think of Union City’s future as gloom and doom. A number of good things are happening. Turner says the plant routinely hosts visitors who come to see progress the plant is making. As an example, Union City’s progress on its extrude rs, which improves the quality of stock, has been recognized as a best practice in NAT.

The above taken out of the Union City Today newspaper !

Editorial : If the employee`s who are taking the buyout are as proficient as I know they are, the above goals will be most difficult to attain, by newer and less experienced employee`s ! Think about it, those tuber operators are Good ! If that tuber hiccups, they know it. A newer and less experienced operator, although trying as he might, cannot be as proficient as those he is replacing from day one ! I pick on the extruder operators because, as you can see, they are and have done a great job !

China Ruled Against at Last !

Associated Press

US Trade Board rules against Chinese tire makers Associated Press...

06.18.09,

NEW YORK -- A U.S. trade board says Chinese tire makers are unfairly dumping their products on the U.S. market, hurting domestic tire manufacturers and fueling unemployment. Thursday's 4-2 ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission against Chinese tire makers marks a victory for the United Steelworkers union. The union brought the issue to the commission in April, arguing that Beijing has more than tripled its tire exports to the U.S. between 2004 and 2008.The union says the exports have cost more than 5,100 U.S. jobs and have led to factory closures across the country. It commended the ruling in a statement Thursday.The commission is set to determine a policy recommendation on the issue later this month.

USW Lauds ITC Vote Affirming China Tire Import Surge
Looks forward to remedies that will spare U.S. jobs & plants

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The United Steelworkers (USW) said it is pleased that the International Trade Commission (ITC) has moved forward on the union’s Section 421 petition, ruling by a 4-2 vote that a surge of low-priced and unfairly traded consumer tires from China is harming the domestic industry. This import surge has caused major job losses and plant closures in the United States.“Our domestic industries cannot survive unless our government enforces the trade laws designed to curb and dissuade anti-competitive practices that cause market disruptions,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. “We anticipate the remedies that will be delivered to President Obama will allow the time necessary to rebuild the U.S. tire industry.” The President, who made a campaign pledge to crack down on China’s unfair trading practices, will make the final determination on imposing trade relief.
The USW filed a petition with the ITC on April 20 that sought relief under Section 421 of the Trade Act of 1974. Section 421 is a temporary country-specific safeguard that China agreed to as part of its bilateral trade negotiations with the United States leading to its 2001 membership in the World Trade Organization.The USW petition claimed that imports of consumer tires from China increased from 2004 to 2008 by 215 percent in volume and 295 percent by value. In 2008, China exported nearly 46 million consumer tires with a value of more than $1.7 billion to the U.S., making it the largest source of consumer tire imports. While imports nearly tripled by volume during the surge period, domestic production of consumer tires declined by more than 25 percent. During this period, nearly 5,100 U.S. tire workers have lost their jobs as a result of massive erosion in the domestic production that coincided with the massive increases in imports of consumer tires from China. About 3,000 more jobs are slated to be lost by year’s end as three plants are threatened to close. Whether the remedies will be established at a sufficient level to save these jobs and plants is a question that the USW and others await the answer. To combat this egregious trend, the USW believes that the government should impose an import quota on China of 21 million consumer tires used on passenger cars, light trucks, minivans and sport utility vehicles per year. This would return Chinese tire imports to a 2005 level and allow for an increase of five percent per year over a three-year period. “We anticipate that the final decisions on remedies will improve domestic job security, increase production and sales, and allow for investment in capital equipment to better compete in the global market for the long term,” said Tom Conway, USW International Vice President. Conway, chairman of the bargaining committee at Goodyear, said the company has warned the union since 2003 that low-cost imports were threatening its North American operations. “USW-represented tire workers have made painful concessions and the union bargained hard to make sure our plants received the capital investments to stay on the cutting edge of technology and innovation. Without strong remedies from the President, our work will be for naught and the opportunity to build a stronger domestic industry will be lost.”
For more information, including background, testimony and video related to the tire case, visit www.usw.org/tires.

USWA Fighting for its Workers ! China is a Problem !

Washington, D.C. – In a major trade safeguard case against Chinese tire imports, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will announce June 18 whether such imports are a significant cause of material injury, or threat of material injury to the domestic industry producing passenger vehicle and light truck tires. Under the statute, such a finding is called ‘market disruption.’The ruling is an important step in an expedited proceeding that was initiated by a petition filed April 20 by the United Steelworkers (USW) under Section 421 of the Trade Act of 1974. At a June 2 public hearing, Leo W. Gerard, International President of the USW and ten Members of Congress made a strong case saying an import surge has caused a sharp decline in U.S. production and the loss of thousands of U.S. jobs. The USW argued that job losses will continue if import relief is not provided. Should the ITC determine that the industry is injured by the Chinese imports, it will then vote on a remedy on June 29. Following that step, the ITC will present its report and recommendation to President Obama on July 9. The President’s decision for a remedy on China tire imports is due in mid-September.

WHAT: ITC vote on market disruption caused by imports of passenger vehicle and light truck tires from China

WHEN: Thursday, June 18; about 11:00 am, EDST

WHERE: U.S. International Trade Commission, main hearing room, 500 E Street, SW, Washington, D.C.

The USW represents about 15,000 tire workers at 13 plants in nine states, which accounts for nearly half of the industry’s production capacity in 2008.

For more information on the USW’s trade case against China tire imports: www.usw.org/tires

Editorial : It is really all about greed, and a level playing field on behalf of our workers !

Tennessee Donor Service ~ "The Gift of Life"! ~ County Court Clerks

By : Don Jones, Heart-Transplant#189 ~ Vandy

By donating $1.00 when you renew your vehicle's license tags, you can help educate others about the critical need for organ and tissue donations through the Tennessee County Clerks "HELP RENEW LIVES" campaign. If you mail in your renewal, simply add $1 to the registration charge and check the appropriate box indicating your are “adding a dollar for donor awareness”. If you visit your local County Clerk, you may be asked if you would like to donate a dollar for donor awareness; if not, simply tell the staff member you would like to do so.

Together we CAN save lives !

Governor Ned R. McWherter(D)Tennessee, 1987-1995 Monument Fund

Governor Ned R. Mc Wherter(D)Tennessee 1987-1995

By : Don Jones

Pictured above is the Honorable Ned R. McWherter, Governor of Tennessee 1987-1995 ! In This writers opinion, one of the best Governors in my life time. It seems that his home County, Weakley County is going to erect a bronze life sized monument in his honor. I cannot think of a more deserving public servant to do this for ! When the Governor was asked about this, he said, as long as there are no public tax-payer funds used, he would endorse it ! "Thanks" Governor McWherter for all that you did and still do ! If you would like to contribute/donate to this monument in his honor, just click on the title of this article or the link below !

http://www.nedraymonument.com/

Tennessee Racism ? No Place for It !

No Place for Racism ! ...6/15/09

by : Newscoma

Racist And Ridiculous
from Newscoma by newscoma

Late last month, an email went out from an administrative assistant working for a Republican elected official in the legislature here in the state that was titled “Historical Keepsake Photo.” The photo was this: This was sent to me recently by another legislative staffer who was offended by it, as I am. I talked to my local rep, Mark Maddox about it, and described the picture to him at a recent fund raising event. I think he was as appalled as I was. I was going to post it last week but there was a death in my family and I had to think about it. Because it made me mad.
But, you know, people need to know that this stuff is going on. I would be just as angry if a democratic staffer had sent it. Dammit, Tennessee, haven’t we moved past this kind of crap. I’m serious. Leaders and their staffs need to be just that. LEADERS! And they have done a pretty suspect job this year if you ask me.
We live in a world of uncertainty and a lot of hurt. In Tennessee, it’s more important to pass dog bills than the budget. But, I guess we can find the time to send out junk, racist emails. Jeez. Racist imagery matters. I decided to release it because we need to think about our actions. How does this kind of behavior effect our children? It’s just ridiculous and it’s wrong. I expect better of anyone elected to position that my tax dollars pay. I guess I give folks too much credit.
Yes I am on a soapbox and I’m not getting off of the damned thing. Update: The email I received says the staffer is Sherri Goforth, who works for Diane Black.
UPDATED: Christian Grantham talks to Ms. Goforth, who admits she sent the email. When I asked her if she understood the controversial nature of the photo, Goforth would only say she felt very bad about accidentally sending it to the wrong list. When I gave her a second chance to address the controversial nature of the email, she again repeated that she only felt bad about sending it to the wrong list of people.

Editorial : Stay on your soapbox Newscoma, I`m in complete agreement with you on this one ! This lady is not only a racist, but, I`m not sure she realize`s it ? I have received some of these racist cartoons and supposedly funny jokes ! I usually just delete them. I think from now on I will return to sender..saying this crap is unwanted !

Health-Care Reform ~ Now ! It May The Key to Our Survival ?

Americans Who've Used Canada's Health-Care System Respond to Current Big-Lie Media Campaign

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Read More: Canada Universal Health Care, Canadian Healthcare, Cbc, Kiro, Single Payer, Tommy Douglas, Universal Health Care, Wall Street Journal, Media News

Comments
The scare ads and op-ed pieces featuring Canadians telling us American how terrible their government health-care systems have arrived - predictably. There's another, factual view - by those of us Americans who've lived in Canada and used their system. My wife and I did for years, and we've been incensed by the lies we've heard back here in the U.S. about Canada's supposedly broken system.
It's not broken - and what's more, Canadians like and fiercely defend it.
Example: Our son was born at Montreal's Royal Victoria Hospital. My wife got excellent care. The total bill for three days in a semi-private room? $21.
My friend Art Finley is a West Virginia native who lives in Vancouver.
"I'm 82, and in excellent health," he told me this week. "It costs me all of $57 a month for health care, and it's excellent. I'm so tired of all the lies and bullshit I hear about the system up here in the U.S. media."Finley, a well-known TV and radio host for years in San Francisco, adds, "I now have 20/20 vision thanks to Canadian eye doctors. And I haven't had to wait for my surgeries, either."
A Canadian-born doctor wrote a hit piece for Wingnut Central (the Wall Street Journal op-ed page) this week David Gratzer claimed: "Everyone in Canada is covered by a single payer -- the government. But Canadians wait for practically any procedure or diagnostic test or specialist consultation in the public system." Vancouverite Finley: "That's sheer b.s." I heard Gratzer say the same thing on Seattle radio station KIRO this week. Trouble is, it's nonsense. We were always seen promptly by our doctors in Montreal, many of whom spoke both French and English. Today, we live within sight of the Canadian border in Washington state, and still spend lots of time in Canada. Five years ago, while we were on vacation in lovely Nova Scotia, the Canadian government released a long-awaited major report from a federal commission studying the Canadian single-payer system. We were listening to CBC Radio the day the big study came out. The study's conclusion: While the system had flaws, none was so serious it couldn't be fixed.
Then the CBC opened the lines to callers across Canada. Here it comes, I thought. The usual talk-show torrent of complaints and anger about the report's findings.I wish Americans could have heard this revealing show. For the next two hours, scores of Canadians called from across that vast country, from Newfoundland to British Columbia. Not one said he or she would change the system. Every single one defended it vigorously. The Greatest Canadian Ever Further proof: Not long ago, the CBC asked Canadians to nominate and then vote for The Greatest Canadian in history. Thousands responded. The winner? Not Wayne Gretzky, as I expected (although the hockey great DID make the Top 10). Not even Alexander Graham Bell, another finalist. The greatest Canadian ever? Tommy Douglas.
Who? Tommy Douglas was a Canadian politician - and the father of Canadian universal health care.
Wall Street Journal

Editorial : Tommy Douglas was also a ordained Baptist Minister ! And Keifer Sutherlands Grand father, I believe ?

It`s Health Care, Stupid !

House Releases Its Own Health Care Bill Containing a Public Plan

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-NY), Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D-CA) unanimously agree that a public option plan is necessary in providing all citizens with affordable and efficient health care. The Tri-Committee released their health care reform bill this week, also on Tuesday. The bill proposes a Health Insurance Exchange that would include a new public option, as well as current private options.Employers would be able to choose between providing coverage to workers or contributing funds on behalf of their uncovered workers (“play or pay”). Like the Senate bill, the House bill prohibits insurers from excluding patients based on pre-existing conditions. Once this reform is in full effect, insurance will be mandated, excluding cases of hardship. For Medicare, the outline has several Part D improvements: it would shrink the doughnut hole coverage gap; improve low income access; leave out Part D means testing; eliminate Medicare Advantage over payments; and eliminate cost sharing for Medicare preventive services. However, the House bill does not include the CLASS Act for long term care. “The public plan option, coupled with the ‘play or pay’ mandate, is a commendable step in making health care affordable for all.

Editorial : There isn`t one thing that health-care does`nt touch in this country. Health-Care is broken. If we fix/repair health-care, we fix/repair a lot of things. Manufacturing being one of those things. Domino effect.

Goodyear China...Big Time !

Goodyear to Increase Tire Output In China
SHANGHAI - August 15, 2007:

Now that Goodyear Dalian Tire's $140 million (1.06 billion yuan) project is near completion, further expansion is being planned, according to a company official.
"By the end of this year, the daily output of the plant will be 17,000 units," said John Gonsalves, quality and technology manager of Goodyear Dalian Tyre Co. "We plan to increase the output next year," Gonsalves added.The plant was set up in 1995, and expanded in 2001 and 2003. "About 30% of the products will be exported to Asia-Pacific region, Germany, India, Egypt, Israel and North America, however, the total exports are expected to decrease later," Gonsalves said. "China will be our main market rather than export market," he added. Goodyear's customers in China include Chery Automobile, Shanghai VW, FAW-VW, Great Wall Automobile and Brilliance Automobile. Most of the natural rubber used in the plant is imported directly from South East Asia. For more information about the burgeoning auto industry in China please visit

http://www.gasgoo.com/Autobiz/list/7/China-News.html

Editorial : "China will be our main market rather than export market"! Sure, when pigs fly ! Lookout...I think a pig just flew over. Can`t compete with 0.42 per hour and no benefits.

Made in America ~ Better Read The Fine Print...Scamed Again !

Made in America: Corporate PR, Not Practice
by Tula Connell, Jun 11, 2009

Big Business wants it both ways: It wants to wrap itself in the ol’ red, white and blue while feeding the decline of the U.S. economy through its actual practices.
Here’s the latest example of such corporate hypocrisy. Over the Memorial Day weekend, J.C. Penney advertised a silkscreen T-shirt bearing the slogan, “American Made.” Yet when Joe Allen, a retired apparel manufacturer in the Dallas area, bought the T-shirt, he found it actually was made in Mexico—”of USA fabric.”Allen didn’t just shrug off such a blatant sleight of hand. He took action, contacting Steve Capozzola at the Alliance for American Manufacturing. Capozzola sent an e-mail to J.C. Penney, saying that the ad was deceptive and asking why the shirt “was emblazoned with an ‘American Made’ slogan when it was in fact made in Mexico.” Here’s what J.C. Penney spokesperson Kelly Sanchez had to say: You indicate that there was a shirt that depicted the slogan “American Made.” This type of slogan is referring to the actual person wearing the shirt and not to the manufacturing of the merchandise. Being born in America isn’t a big benefit if you can’t find a job in the United States to support yourself and your family. Corporations that lie about the hollowing out of our economy are destroying our middle class. Their enablers, such as teevee blatherer Bill O’Reilly, further the sham when they assert there are no places in the United States where corporations can go to make sure their products are American made. In short, such statements are a lie. Big Business knows the American public overwhelmingly supports products made in America. Earlier this year, when Congress debated adding the “Buy America” provisions to the economic recovery package, 84 percent of the U.S. public said they favored incuding “Buy America” provisions compared with only 4 percent who were strongly opposed, according to a survey by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Alliance for American Manufacturing.The nation’s recent financial collapse should be more than enough proof that our economy can’t survive soley based on non-goods producing industries. As economist Jeff Madrick pointedly puts it: Without something to export, a nation will either become over-indebted or forced to reduce its standard of living.
Joe Allen took action, and so should each of us. Contact corporations and tell them you want their products Made in America. And let us know when you do. We want to write about your actions here.

Editorial : I could have written this ! It is factual and so true !

Foreign Competition ~ They Cheat, Surely Not !

Part of The Level Playing Field ?

United Nations Expert confirms corporate monitoring is a farce!United Nations special representative John Ruggie, also a professor at Harvard University, reported to the United Nations Human Rights Council that even business leaders now confirm that their efforts at monitoring their supply chains have been "ineffective" and "unreliable.""We keep hearing now, from just about everywhere…monitoring doesn't work," said U.N. expert John Ruggie. "Just about everybody, at least off the record will tell you that monitoring of supplier factories doesn't work because people cheat." (See Women's Wear Daily, June 4, 2009)The National Labor Committee has been documenting the miserable failure of voluntary corporate monitoring efforts for nearly 20 years. Nothing will change until corporations are finally held legally accountable to respect local labor laws in the countries in which they produce, as well as the International Labor Organization's labor rights standards-no child labor, no forced labor, freedom of association, the right to organize a union and to bargain collectively, and decent working conditions.President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are all co-signers of an anti-sweatshop bill introduced by Senator Byron Dorgan in the Senate and Congressman Michael Michaud in the House. In the last Congress, there were 26 co-sponsors in the Senate and 176 in the House of Representatives. The United Steelworkers union has been deeply involved in reaching out to members of Congress.If Barbie Doll can be legally protected, by intellectual property and copyright laws, we sure as heck ought to be able to provide similar legal protection to the 16-year-old girl in Indonesia who made Barbie. As things stand now, corporate products-Barbie, Nike's Swoosh, Mickey Mouse-are all protected by enforceable laws backed up by sanctions. But the corporations say that providing similar legal protections to the human beings who make the products would be an "impediment to free trade."We do not have to allow this! If a product is made by children, by forced labor, or is made under brutal sweatshop conditions by workers who are beaten, forced to work grueling hours while being cheated of their wages and denied the right to organize, then that product should be prohibited from being imported into the U.S., sold in the U.S. or exported.The Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act will soon be re-introduced in the new Senate and House. Please tell your members of Congress that human beings deserve to have at least the same legal protections as are currently afforded to corporate products and trademarks. Our economy belongs to the American people every bit as much as it does to the corporations.Let's end the race to the bottom in the global sweatshop economy! If you want to be more involved, please contact us.Thanks.Link: "U.N. Expert Expresses Doubts on Monitoring," by John Zarocostas, Women's Wear Daily, June 4, 2009...

Editorial : This writer has said repeatedly, that the American worker can compete with any workers in the world, as long as the playing field is level ! Folks we cannot compete with 0.42 cents per hour and no benefits ! Our race to the bottom continues !

Weakley County ~ Sue`s Martin TN. Thus Suing Itself !

Weakley County Votes to Sue Itself ?

by : Don Jones...6/10/09

Yes, it has finally happened, we have run out of people to sue, so we have sued ourselves ! Please refer to previous article written on this subject entitled
" Martin TN-Weakley County TN.-WCMES-Annexation"...dated 6-03-09 ! It seems in their infinite wisdom to lead our county, the County Board of Commissioners voted to sue Martin TN. by a vote of 14 yea`s and three nae`s, the three no votes came from Martin. Did I mention that Martin is a part of Weakley County ? It seems that the County is upset with both the Board of Commissioners and the Board that represents the Weakley County Municipal Electric System. One Commissioner stated that, something stinks here ! Commissioner, it sure does, it`s the smell of money ! It seems to this writer that Martin has done what it ought to do ! It also seems that Dresden missed an opportunity. It occurs to this writer that not only does the County Commission have a member on the Board of commissioner's, but said same commissioner is on the WCMES Board ! There seems to be a lack of communication here ! I have always found Commissioner James Westbrook to be a honest and steadfast man. Mr. Westbrook is knowledgeable and forthright, and can see both sides from the inside. Can the County Commission and the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Martin sit down and reason together ? Lawsuit`s against each other, seem rather non-productive and will only benefit the lawyer`s ! The tax-payer will ultimately pay the bill, one way or the other. The commissioners who represent Martin-Weakley County, voted the only way they could. They voted to not sue their constituents/Countian`s ! The Weakley County Municipal Electric System must bare some responsibility for this mess, by not attending the City of Martin`s Board meeting that discussed their annexation. Again, I say, if I were on the Martin City Board of Aldermen, I would have done exactly the same thing. I would have voted to annex WCMES ! Now, as I`ve said before, do not take this personel. But, you must admit, all of this should and could have been avoided !

Goodyear Dalian China ~ You Bet !

The Goodyear Dalian Tire Company Limited and the Bridgestone Tire plant in Shenyang are, according to interviews with the workers, joint ventures with the government of China holding a minority 25 percent share. There are 700 workers in the Goodyear plant and 800 in the Bridgestone facility. Conditions in the two plants are very similar.

Summary :

Approximately 30 percent of the workers are hired on a temporary basis, earning just $0.42 an hour with no benefits and no rights. These workers can be fired for being absent for a single day.

Temp Wage :

$0.42 an hour (.41755) Yes you read correctly, 0.42 an hour ! ! !
$3.36 a day
$16.70 a week
$72.38 a month

The regular staff receive $0.56 an hour--$4.45 a day and $22.27 a week--and benefits, including health insurance, a $12.05 a month retirement pension, free lunch and a housing subsidy equal to their wage.

Regular Staff Wage :

$0.56 an hour (.55674)
$4.45 a day
$22.27 a week
$96.50 a month

Both factories operate around the clock on a 24-hour basis, using three shifts. There is no overtime, and everyone works the legal five-day, 40-hour week.
Once inside the factory, no one is permitted to leave during their shift.

Editorial : Negotiations are gonna be extremely tough in 2009 ! These Chinese workers are kinda like the mine workers were in the early 1920`s, in east Kentucky ! SLAVES !

Workers Get Respect at Last !

Obama team skipping mayors' event over picket line
By BEN FELLER
The Associated Press
Friday, June 5, 2009

WASHINGTON -- The White House says Vice President Joe Biden and members of President Barack Obama's Cabinet will skip a national conference of mayors in Rhode Island next week to avoid crossing the picket line of a local labor dispute. The U.S. Conference of Mayors will be held in Providence, where Mayor David Cicilline is in a long-standing fight with local firefighters over contract issues. Cicilline plans to host the gathering in his own city, and firefighters plan to form a picket line. Presidential spokesman Robert Gibbs told The Associated Press that the administration is taking no position on the labor dispute itself. But, he said, "We have always respected picket lines, and administration officials will not cross this one."

Editorial : At last an administration that has some respect for the working class !