Health Care ~ Public Option, Killed in Senate !...

Rockefeller’s Public Option Killed in Senate Finance’s Health Care Bill
by Tula Connell, Sep 29, 2009

UPDATE: Schumer’s public option amendment got killed as well, 10-13, with Baucus, Conrad and Lincoln voting against it. Disgrace. Looks like one version of public option just got killed in the Senate Finance Committee. Sen. Jay Rockefeller’s public option amendment, the strongest of the public option amendments offered, was just voted down 15-8, with five Democrats voting against it: Sens. Max Baucus (Mont.), Tom Carper (Del.), Kent Conrad (N.D.), Blanche Lincoln (Ark.) and Bill Nelson (Fla.).
As Rockefeller said before the vote: Why would we not do this? People come second and the profits come first if we’re against this. Looks like the People lost this one. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) will now offer another public option amendment. Let’s hope the Nay-saying Dems have time to check the People’s pulse before they shoot down another public option. According to a Wall Street Journal/NBC poll out today, half of 18- to 34-year-olds surveyed say they support a public insurance option as part of health care reform. Last week, a poll by the New York Times/CBS found 65 percent of those surveyed support a public option and only 26 percent oppose it. A public option would give consumers a choice—and private insurers are opposed to it because they’re afraid it will reduce their massive profits. So who exactly is being represented in this vote?

Editorial : The Republicans with the help of the (5) five Democrats above, have killed the Public Option for you and I ! The Republicans and the five rogue Democrats have successfully represented the BIG Insurance Company`s again ! It seems that the Health Insurance Company`s have bought the best representation that their millions can buy ! Once more the middle class and poor lose ! Oh, in case you were worried about your Senators Health Care Insurance coverage, it will not be affected, Your Tax Money buys them the very best and will continue to do so ! "God Bless America"!

Goodyear Save`s 215 million in Take Aways from their Employees !

Associated Press

Goodyear: New Contract Provides $215 Million in Savings

By THOMAS J. SHEERAN , 09.29.09

CLEVELAND --
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. said Tuesday that a new national contract with the United Steelworkers union will save the company $215 million over the four-year life of the agreement. Combined with earlier staff-reduction agreements at five plants, the Akron-based tire maker expects $555 million in savings by 2013.
Goodyear agreed to invest $600 million over four years to upgrade plants represented by the Steelworkers.The agreement ratified in mid-September covers about 10,300 workers at plants in Akron; Gadsden, Ala.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Topeka, Kan.; Danville, Va.; Fayetteville, N.C., and Union City, Tenn.
Richard J. Kramer, Goodyear chief operating officer and president, North American Tire, said the agreement would allow the company to improve efficiency and flexibility in a quick-changing marketplace. "This innovative agreement can truly change the way we run these factories," he said. "It's an agreement that gets us excited about our future competitiveness." The agreement gives the company flexibility on vacation scheduling and staffing levels and trims $55 million in wage and benefit costs, according to Kramer.
For example, an employee who voluntarily moves to a lower-paying job cannot keep getting paid at the higher rate. Of the plants covered by the agreement, only Union City was left unprotected from a shutdown. Both sides agreed before the national negotiations to allow Goodyear to trim the Union City work force through buyouts. The plant moved from a nonstop operation to five-day production. Goodyear officials said in a conference call on the national agreement that there was no update on the Union City plant status.
Goodyear has nearly 70,000 employees and production facilities in 25 countries.
Goodyear shares rose 63 cents, or 3.8 percent, to $17.16 in Tuesday afternoon trading.

Editorial : Once again, the Union Members saved Goodyear`s bacon ! They made concessions to help aid and assist their plant in Union City ! Now, lets see how big a bonu$ that Kramer and Keegan get ? I am not sure that the Union City plant is off the chopping block yet ? You might contact Cong. John Tanner and ask for HELP ! Contact Cong. John Tanner > http://www.house.gov/tanner <

National Organ Transplant ~ Waiting List !...9/11/09

Organ/Transplant Waiting List > USA...9/11/2009

National List :

Kidney ---- 81,150

Liver---- 15,941

Pancreas----1,490

Kidney/Pancreas----2,203

Heart----2,874

Lung----1,909

Heart/Lung----84

Intestine----234

Total : 103,456
____________________________________________________
Tennessee :

Kidney----1,788

Liver----205

Pancreas----11

Kidney/Pancreas----20

Heart----108

Lung----29

Heart/Lung----0

Intestine----0

Total: 2,143

"Give The Gift of Life, Be an Organ/Tissue Donor, It`s the Masonic thing to Do " !

Afghanistan ~ Is it Necessary ? Or Why ?

The War in Afghanistan ?...9/26/09
By : Don Jones

Don Jones

I write or add a well written article almost daily in this blog. There are times, when I think, I have all the answers. Then reality sets in, and I realize, I do not have all of the answers. I try to write about things, that I think I know about, that being labor unions, politics and Organ Transplantation and a tad about Pulmonary Hypertension. Today I`m going to write about our involvement in Afghanistan. But, first I have questions ? (1.) Why are we in Afghanistan ?

(2.) What are our goals ? (3.)How long will we be there ? (4.) If we win, will we know it ? (5.)Who actually gains from our presence there ? Now please do not misunderstand me, I`m all for and support our troops ! I voted for President Barack Obama ! Remember, he inherited this conflict. We now know that Iraq was a huge mistake. The President has set a timetable to get out of Iraq. I believe we will be completely out in 2011 ? Now, the generals are asking for more troops, or we will lose the war in Afghanistan ? (6.)If we lose will we know it ? I`m not sure there is a point to all of this, except, I really do not have all the answers or for that matter, any of the answers at this time, in regard to our involvement in Afghanistan ? Some of President Obama`s Republican opposition, say, if not there we will fight them here, if that is so ? Why aren`t we fighting them here now ? Some things I know for sure are, some very great patriots are dying daily in Afghanistan. Our young men and women deserve to know why they are there ? This war is not a non-cost war, it is very expensive. Cut and run ? Question (5.) keeps popping in my head ? As you can see, I do not have many answers to this war ? If you think, you know the answers please do not hesitate to let me know. You can leave your answers on this blog. Just go to comments, bottom of page. In the meantime, pray without ceasing for our President and all of our leaders, and pray without ceasing for our troops ! "God Bless America" !

Democrats Fighting for Seniors ~ Hey Thats Me !

Seniors Better Listen Up !...
9/25/09

Alliance Seniors Attend Town Hall with Vice President Biden in Maryland, Vice President Joe Biden and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius hosted a town hall meeting with seniors on Wednesday in Silver Spring, MD and officially released the report, Health Insurance Reform and Medicare: Making Medicare Stronger for America's Seniors. The report, mentioned in a recent Friday Alert and available at www.HealthReform.gov, outlines how health insurance reform will help seniors and answers key questions about President Obama's health insurance reform plan. "Vice President Biden today made a clear and convincing case for why Americans of all ages would benefit from health care reform," said Edward F. Coyle, the Executive Director of the Alliance on Wednesday. "We must help seniors separate fact from fiction, so they see how health reform will help them more easily see a doctor, get a prescription filled, and obtain essential preventive screenings for cancer and other diseases." A special guest at Wednesday's event was Alliance member Phil Feaster, a retired truck driver from Fort Washington, MD who spends $700 per month for his eight daily medicines. Feaster is one of 3.4 million retirees who fall into the Medicare "doughnut hole," in which they must pay both their monthly Medicare premiums and full price for their prescriptions.
______________________________________________________________

Democrats to the Rescue, Once More !

Democrats Act to Prevent Medicare Fee Increase On Thursday, the U.S. House passed a bill that would prevent Medicare premiums from rising sharply for about 11 million seniors. The vote was 406-18. The bill would freeze Medicare Part B premiums for the coming year, rather than risk probable cuts in Social Security checks. Without some sort of intervention by Congress, Medicare was scheduled to announce next month's increased Part B premiums, which are typically deducted from retirees' Social Security checks to help pay for physician services. To learn more, go to http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=cqmidday-000003209910&topic=health.

Sick of Insurance Companys Between You and Your Doctor ? I am !

Sick of It!

Join thousands of people across the country and demand that big insurance companies stop denying our care and stop using our premiums to lobby against health insurance reform.

Take Action

Are you sick of insurance companies being able to deny coverage or raise rates for individuals or businesses based on pre-existing medical conditions? Are you sick of insurance companies being able to come between doctors and patients when it comes to deciding what care patients need? Are you sick of insurance companies being able to provide incentives to their employees who deny care and reject claims? We’re sick of it, and today thousands of people across the country are taking to the streets at more than 100 events to demand that insurance companies stop denying our care and stop using our premiums to lobby against health insurance reform. Join the thousands of activists and help take the fight directly to the insurance companies.
We want real health insurance reform, and we’re sick of insurance companies getting in the way.
For years, insurance companies have expanded their stranglehold over health care in this country. They make record profits. They make life-and-death decisions. And they’re spending millions of dollars on campaign contributions and lobbyists to defeat reform—$1.4 million per day. That’s your money they’re spending to defeat health care reform and the choice of a public health insurance option. Tell them you are sick of it!

Thank you for fighting back against the insurance industry.

The Truth about Healthcare...Did You Know ? !...9/23/09

The Truth About Healthcare. . .Did You Know?

Every 12 minutes an American dies because they lack health insurance (45,000 annually). This is more than the number of deaths due to drunk driving or homicide. The average health insurance plan for family coverage currently costs $13,375. Over the past decade, premiums have increased by 138 percent. If the current trend continues, by 2019 the average family plan will cost $30,083.
46.3 million Americans are uninsured. When they can’t pay, the costs for their care shift to the insured. On average, insured Americans are forced to spend an additional $1,100 in premiums (family coverage) due to this cost-shifting.
Between 2000 and 2008, the percentage of employers offering health insurance coverage to their employees declined from 69 to 63; for firms employing less than 10 workers, the decline was even greater – from 57 to 49 percent. From 2000 to 2008, the percentage of employees with an annual deductible greater than $1000 increased from 1 percent to 18 percent. Among small businesses, more than one in three workers must spend at least $1000 out of pocket before their health benefits kick in. A recent study found that 62 percent of all 2007 bankruptcies were linked to medical expenses. Of those filing for bankruptcy, nearly 80 percent had health insurance. The cost of healthcare now causes a bankruptcy in America every 30 seconds.

Health Care in the United States & France...9/23/09

Don't Americans Deserve a Health Care System as Good as the One In France?
by: Robert Creamer...9/23/09

A few years ago there was a great uproar from the Right Wing against France because its government opposed the War in Iraq. The Republican Congress went so far as to rename the "French Fries" in the Congressional cafeteria "freedom fries." Of course, the Republican response was stupid and parochial - and not many years after, most Americans had come to agree with the French that the War in Iraq was a huge mistake. I think of myself as an internationalist, but my latent sense of nationalist competitiveness is indeed aroused by the fact that, per capita, France spends less than half of what we do on health care and yet the World Health Organization ranks their health care outcomes as number one in the world, and we are only 37th. We spend $7,290 per person and end up in 37th place. They spend only $3,601 and they are number one. That's just not right.
On the average, Frenchmen live almost three years longer than the average American. That's infuriating.What's more, every legal resident of France is covered by health insurance, and in the U.S. 46 million people are uninsured. When someone in France goes to the hospital, everything except a small co-payment is covered - it's that simple. The government doesn't deliver health care in France. Private doctors and hospitals do most of that. It just provides health insurance for everyone.If you walk into one store and a suit you like costs $600 - and next door the very same suit is $300 - most people would call you a chump for spending $600. In this case the French are paying $300 and getting a better suit. What are we, idiots? I, for one, refuse to believe that we are not as smart as the French. I can't believe that we willingly allow ourselves to continue to be fleeced by the private insurance executives who make millions off our current broken health care system.In their private moments, those executives must not believe their luck. They are laughing all the way to the bank - laughing at us that we could be such suckers - and doing everything they can to keep things just the way they are. Just today, they and their Republican defenders in Congress will try to prevent the Senate Finance Committee from ending the current practice (put in place by Bush and the Republicans) of subsidizing private insurance firms 14% to provide Medicare Advantage members the same benefits as Medicare. Do they think we are complete fools? President Obama's health insurance reform plan finally offers us a chance to end the national embarrassment of being the world's biggest health care chumps. We can finally begin the process of ending the stranglehold of private insurance companies over our health care system with strong regulation, and by offering Americans a choice of keeping their private insurance or joining a strong public health insurance plan. Of course the private health insurance companies hate the thought of a public health insurance option because it would force them to compete, cut profit margins, cut executive salaries, and control costs - just what America needs. And most Americans understand that. In a poll conducted just a week ago, 62% said they would be more likely to support President Obama's health insurance reform proposal if they had a choice of a public option. Only 28% said they would be less likely. The only reason we wouldn't get a public option is if the insurance companies and their allies are allowed to hold our health care hostage by threatening to stop any form of health insurance reform if Congress limits their unfettered ability to fleece us through the current system. It is up to us to make sure that doesn't happen.
Call your Senators today. Senator Lamar Alexander Phone: 202-224-4944 ~ Senator Bob Corker Phone: 202-224-3344 Tell them that - as Americans-- we're done with being the world's biggest health care chumps.

Final Letter on China Tire Imports...9/21/09

Final Letter on China Tire Imports !...

9/21/09

We, at the United Steelworker (USW) District 9 Office and our Rapid Response Department, would like to thank you and your local members that participated in our Action Call and for your dedicated help in getting notes signed and mailed to the White House on the Section 421 Tire Trade Remedy Case against Chinese Imported Tires. I know we ask a lot from each of you, but this very important Action Call will save over 15,000 Rubber Workers jobs. Now we ask, what industry will be next to succumbing to Chinese Imports. The next USW Industry to be attacked by China will also have an Action Call directed at that Chinese Industry and a Section 421 will be coming. We, as Steelworkers, will not tolerate the loss of any more of our jobs to China. Finally, a President with guts enough to enforce Trade Laws. On Friday September 11, 2009, President Obama announced Tariffs on Chinese Imported Tires for 3 years starting at 35% on September 26, 2009, 30% September 26, 2010 and 25% on September 26, 2011 ending September 26, 2012.
If Trade Laws aren’t enforced, America will virtually lose all manufacturing and become nothing but a dumping ground – a place where the rest of the world sells the product it makes. Fewer and fewer citizens in America would be able to buy products after our factories close and all the jobs that they support disappear.
The International Trade Commission (ITC) found that China violated the World Trade Organization (WTO) laws and recommended tariffs on Chinese Imported Tires. Four times during President George W. Bush’s administration the ITC found similar violations; four different times President Bush refused to take any action against the Chinese tire industry. If President Bush had taken action against the Chinese imports several years ago, Local 753 in Opelika, Alabama would not be closing October 31, 2009; Local 878 in Union City, Tennessee would not be closing in 2012 and Local 850 in Charlotte, North Carolina would not have closed in 2007. This accounts for about 5,000 good paying union jobs that we have lost or are loosing because of Chinese imports.

What Industry is Next ?

In Solidarity,

Greg England
USW District 9
Rapid Response Coordinator

How to Buy Union Made Tires=Safe Tires...9/20/09

How to Buy Union Made Tires...9/18/09

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that all tires sold in the United States carry a code which shows, among other things, the company and plant that made the tire. The code would look like this : DOT BE XX XXX XXX
The two symbols (either two letters or a letter and a number) which follow “DOT” indicate the company and the plant where a tire was manufactured. For example, the above code indicates a tire made by B. F. Goodrich in Tuscaloosa, AL. The following is a listing of all U.S. and Canadian unionized tire plants and their DOT codes. By comparing this list to the code on the tire you are buying, you can be certain you are getting a USW-made tire.

Code Company, City

B. F. Goodrich Tuscaloosa, Ala.
BE

B. F. Goodrich Woodburn, Ind.
BF

YE

YU

8B

Bridgestone/Firestone Des Moines, Iowa

2M

3M

Bridgestone/Firestone Bloomington, Ill.
D2

E3

W1

Y7


Bridgestone/Firestone Lavergne, Tenn.
2C

4D

5D

Bridgestone/Firestone Morrison, Tenn.
UP

Cooper Findlay, Ohio
UT

Cooper Texarkana, Ark.
JU

PC

UK

Goodyear Medicine Hat, Alberta Canada
DY

Denman Tire Warren, Ohio
JJ

MD

PU


Goodyear Gadsden, Ala.
DA

Dunlop Buffalo, N.Y.
JN

MJ

PY

Goodyear Topeka, Kan.
JE

MC

PT

Goodyear Danville, Va.
JT

MK

TA

Goodyear Union City, Tenn.
JF

MM

PJ


Kelly-Springfield Fayetteville, N.C.
CC

Yokohama Tire Salem, Va.
CC

In addition to company brands, these codes will also appear on “Associate Brand” and “Private Brand” tires manufactured at the above plants. The key, then, to being sure of getting a USW-made tire is the DOT code. Be sure and check it with this listing.

Editorial : Don`t trust your family to non-made union tires ! The life you save may be theirs ! You can click on the title of this article and it will carry you to the official USW site For Union Made Tires !

Tom Harkin(D) Iowa...Supports Employee Free Choice Act.

Tom Harkin(D) Iowa : We Will Pass the Employee Free Choice Act
by Seth Michaels, Sep 17, 2009

Today, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) gave a video message to the 2009 AFL-CIO Convention and said that he’s committed to passing the Employee Free Choice Act. Harkin thanked former AFL-CIO President John Sweeney for his years of service and leadership and thanked union members for their hard work. Because of that work, Harkin said, we’re closer than ever to real health care reform and labor law reform. He’s been working hard meeting with key senators and says he’s confident we’ll be able to restore the freedom to form unions: When you ask if we can pass the Employee Free Choice Act, the answer is three words: Yes. We. Can.
Harkin also offered a tribute to the late Sen. Ted Kennedy and pledged to uphold his legacy as chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

Seniors & COLA ~ Hey That`s Me !...9/18/09

Sen. Sanders Vermont(I) Introduces Bill Providing a COLA to Seniors

Unless Congress acts soon, for the first time since 1975 seniors will not be receiving a Cost-Of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) in their Social Security benefits in 2010. This would result in monthly Social Security payments dropping for millions of retirees, because Medicare prescription drug premiums, which are deducted from Social Security payments, are scheduled to increase. On Thursday, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced the “Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act,” legislation that would provide Social Security recipients a one-time payment of $250 next year. The legislation Sanders introduced in the Senate and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) offered in the House of Representatives would apply the Social Security payroll tax on household incomes above $250,000 and below $359,000 in 2010. Under current law, only the first $106,800 of earned income is subject to the payroll tax. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) also introduced a $150 one- time payment bill last week, H.R. 3536. “Seniors need this help during the recession.

President Obama Says Enforce Existing Trade Laws !...9/15/09

Obama Decision on Chinese Tires Enforces Existing Trade Law...

PITTSBURGH – The United Steelworkers (USW) today said President Obama’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese consumer tires was simply a matter of enforcing existing trade laws.“It’s our union’s responsibility to defend our members and to do it in a way that is within the law and that’s what we have done,” USW International President Leo W. Gerard said. “We’re not against trade. We want a level playing field."President Obama rightly rejected groundless retaliation threats and imposed relief based on the merits of this case." The President correctly explained today that "enforcing trade agreements is part and parcel of maintaining an open and free trading system," said Gerard.
When China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, it agreed that other WTO members, including the United States, would have the right for 12 years to impose safeguard relief on goods from China when imports of those goods increased rapidly and caused injury to domestic industries. “We are within our complete total 100 percent right under the safeguard to ask for the remedy that we did,’’ Gerard added.The USW strongly supports President Obama’s decision to provide relief in response to proven surges of tire exports from China. The International Trade (ITC) Commission upheld the union’s complaint after extensive review. “For far too long, workers across this country have been victimized by bad trade policies and government inaction,’’ Gerard said. “President Obama has made clear that he will enforce America’s trade laws and stand by American workers.”Gerard said the United States should redesign its trade policy to provide a better balance for the needs of domestic workers and industries that employ them. “We need a trade policy that works for American workers as well as multinational corporations and Wall Street,’’ Gerard said.
When the USW filed its trade case, it asked that the relief be provided in the form of quotas. The ITC agreed with the USW’s position on surging exports from China, but decided that relief in the form of tariffs would be the best response.The President’s action provides for three years of relief with tariffs of 35 percent the first year, 30 percent the second year and 25 percent in the third year.“Despite imposing a different remedy by the ITC, we are optimistic that the step taken by the President will provide real, effective relief,’’ USW International Vice President Tom Conway said. Gerard said the president’s decision is an important one for thousands of tire industry workers whose jobs were on the line as a result of a huge surge in Chinese tire imports that began in 2004.“This decision means a better deal for hardworking American men and women and the millions of manufacturers, farmers and ranchers, and service providers who ask only for a chance to compete on fair terms,” Gerard said. “It also means China and other countries can no longer assume they can engage in predatory trade practices with impunity. The President understands that providing effective relief from import surges for the U.S. tire industry in this case is fully consistent with our WTO obligations. And it is the right thing to do,” Gerard concluded.

The Real Health Care ! Better Listen Up...9/14/09

As Posted on YouTube...

(1.) Our first video "Universal Health Care A Message to Americans From Canadian Doctors & Health Care Experts" Has over 55,000 views.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXXBCFnhsUc

(2.)Here is a link to our second video about health care in the U.S. and Canada. "Two X's, Dos Equis, For Universal Health Care in America".

www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3EoziMcFvE

Tire Workers Support President Obama for Fair Trade from China !...9/14/09

American Worker`s get Relief at Last !
Tires, Tires, Tires...

WASHINGTON (Sept.11, 2009) – The United Steelworkers (USW) today supported President Obama’s decision to provide relief to the domestic consumer tire sector to respond to surging exports of tires from China. “For far too long, workers across this country have been victimized by bad trade policies and government inaction. Today, President Obama made clear that he will enforce America’s trade laws and stand with American workers,” USW International President Leo W. Gerard said.“The President sent the message that we expect others to live by the rules, just as we do,” President Gerard continued.“When the USW filed its trade case, it asked that relief be provided in the form of quotas.The International Trade Commission (ITC) agreed with the USW’s view as to the nature of China’s surging exports, but decided that relief in the form of tariffs would best respond to China’s actions. Despite imposing a different remedy than recommended by the ITC, we are optimistic that the step taken by The President will provide real, effective relief,” USW International Vice President Tom Conway said.“Workers have a right to expect that our trade laws will be enforced. Past experience shattered those expectations. President Obama has struck a blow for restoring confidence in the rule of law,” Gerard said. “China and its agents here in the U.S. tried every trick in the book to protect their interests. They hired former government officials and paid them countless dollars to lobby their case.They paid for trumped up studies to support their efforts and used front groups to lobby their cause and to influence politicians,” indicated Gerard. “In the past, the efforts of our opponents often have worked. But in the past weeks, dozens of political leaders, more than 60,000 Steelworkers, their families, friends, neighbors and allies across the country said enough is enough. Steelworkers have fought long and hard for this day and are grateful for the support of their friends and, most importantly, for the action of the President,” said Gerard “This is an important day for all American workers – especially the thousands of tire industry workers whose jobs were on the line as a result of a huge surge in Chinese tire imports that began in 2004. This decision means a better deal for hardworking American men and women and the millions of manufacturers, farmers and ranchers, and service providers who ask only for a chance to compete on fair terms. It also means China and other countries can no longer assume they can engage in predatory trade practices with impunity. The President understands that providing effective relief from import surges for the U.S. tire industry in this case is fully consistent with our WTO obligations. And it is the right thing to do,” Gerard indicated.

Editorial : This will indeed help the entire Tire Industry and Union City Tennessee especially ! Play by the rules of trade is all we ask. If China cannot live with that ? Then let the war`s begin ! Shut down Wal-Mart and China is doomed.

Fair Trade from China ? Maybe...9/13/09

A Special Message from Pittsburgh: President Obama Stands Up for Workers in Tire Case...
Hard Work of USW Pays Off in Major Fair Trade Victory

By now, you’ve probably heard the big news that broke late Friday night: President Obama provided relief to the domestic consumer tire sector to respond to surging tire exports from China. The president is enforcing our trade rules, and by standing up to China, is standing up for us.This is a huge victory for workers and for our union, which filed the so-called 421 action in April and spent the following months laying out a compelling case that increases in imports were leading to growing job losses, market disruption and the erosion of a segment of our manufacturing base. You can catch up on the case at www.usw.org/tires. The Office of the United States Trade Representative, after hearings and an interagency review, made a confidential recommendation to the President. The President’s action, a copy of which you can download from our Web site, provides for three years of relief with tariffs of 35 percent the first year, 30 percent the second and 25 percent in the third year. The Administration estimates this will achieve the same goals the USW was seeking. I often say that if we fight, we won’t necessarily win; but if we don’t fight, we’re guaranteed to lose. Sisters and Brothers, we fought against the surge of Chinese tires, and we won. Almost 75,000 of you wrote letters, many testified in Washington, D.C., thousands signed our online petition, and many more called elected leaders, penned letters to the editor and educated family and friends. This grassroots activism combined with the hard work of your union leaders and staff made a difference, one that will save jobs and sends a message that our brothers and sisters who have already lost their jobs didn’t do so in vain. We’ve been victimized by bad trade policies and government inaction for far too long. President Obama has made it clear that he will enforce America’s trade laws and stand with American workers. And we have shown how powerful we can be when we stick together and fight. Our work isn’t done. Not by a long shot. We are just getting started – from fighting for heath insurance reform to passing the Employee Free Choice Act to pushing for real manufacturing policy that results in good jobs and stronger communities. We cannot let up. Thank you for everything you did in this fight and for being there as we continue the long road ahead. Stay tuned to www.usw.org for the latest information on all our efforts.

In Solidarity,
Leo

Editorial : President Obama keeps another campaign promise...Thank You Mr. President !

Trade Laws Being Enforced by our President Obama !

USTR NEWS
UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
http://www.ustr.gov/ Washington, D.C. 20508 202-395-3230


KIRK: WHITE HOUSE FULFILLING TRADE ENFORCEMENT PLEDGE
WITH ANNOUNCEMENT OF REMEDIES IN CHINESE TIRE CASE

Washington, D.C. – Following an announcement by the White House, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk released the following statement today on the U.S. decision to impose remedies under Section 421 of the 1974 Trade Act to stop a harmful surge of imports into the U.S. of Chinese tires for passenger cars and light trucks. Following what the ITC determined was a surge, production of similar products in the U.S. dropped, domestic tire plants closed, and Americans lost their jobs. Today’s steps are designed to level the playing field for American workers in the tire market.The three-year remedies, consisting of an additional tariff of 35 percent ad valorem in the first year, 30 percent ad valorem in the second, and 25 percent ad valorem in the third year, are being imposed after a finding by the United States International Trade Commission that a harmful surge of imports of Chinese tires disrupted the U.S. market for those products. President Obama also announced today that Trade Adjustment Assistance will be targeted to help affected workers, industries, and communities immediately, while tariff changes take effect. “When China came in to the WTO, the U.S. negotiated the ability to impose remedies in situations just like this one,” said Kirk. “This Administration is doing what is necessary to enforce trade agreements on behalf of American workers and manufacturers. Enforcing trade laws is key to maintaining an open and free trading system.” The ITC’s finding of disruption in the U.S. tire market was accompanied by a recommendation of an additional tariff for three years. The amount of the three-year tariff announced today was set through the use of an economic model developed on an interagency basis, incorporating key characteristics of the global tire industry to arrive at tariff levels that could provide the desired and necessary relief. “These remedies are a necessary response to the harm done to U.S. workers and businesses, designed to achieve the objective of curbing what the ITC determined was a harmful surge of Chinese tires into the U.S. market,” said Kirk. “China is America’s second largest trading partner, and the health and strength of our relationship are very important to both countries. We consulted with China as allowed for under the WTO. This decision has been based carefully on America’s rights under WTO rules, namely China’s accession agreement, and on sound economic calculations.” Under Section 421 of the 1974 Trade Act, the Office of the United States Trade Representative was responsible for recommending action to the President following the ITC’s finding of market disruption. By law, the President’s determination will take effect in 15 days.

Editorial : It is a first move in favor of the working men and women of America ! At last, and I hope not the last ! Republicans are now focused on overturning our Government by any means possible ! They cannot tolerate an even playing field for the middle class.

Obama Health Care Speech Clears the Air of Myths and Falsehoods...9/11/09

In a rare speech to a joint session of Congress Wednesday night, President Obama made an impassioned plea to provide health insurance for those currently without it. The President also disputed myths and lies that his proposal would create "death panels," finance abortions or provide government funded care to illegal immigrants. According to the publication The Hill, Obama “excoriated” critics of his efforts, warning that while his "door is always open" to members of either party who want to offer constructive suggestions, he "will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it’s better politics to kill this plan than to approve it." The President said that he would not accept the status quo as a solution. Obama did not issue any veto threats, and he acknowledged the merits of ideas like a health insurance cooperative or a "trigger" that would set the public option into motion down the road if insurance companies did not improve on quality and costs. "But I will not back down on the basic principle that if Americans can’t find affordable coverage, we will provide you with a choice," the President declared. “President Obama made a clear and convincing case for why Americans of all ages would benefit from health care reform. Tonight the President demonstrated bold leadership in specifically laying out both the urgent need for action, but also the dire costs of inaction."

Nancy Pelosi ~ Shows A Lot of Class !

Pelosi halts effort to sanction Wilson over 'You lie!' outburst!
By Mike Soraghan and Jared Allen - 09/10/09

Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Democrats should cease efforts to sanction Rep. Joe Wilson for shouting "You lie!" during the president's address. While she said the South Carolina Republican's action was "stunning," and noted that lawmakers can be sanctioned for calling other lawmakers liars, she said she didn't want to dwell on the incident."It's time for us to talk about healthcare, not Joe Wilson," said Pelosi (D-Calif.). Democratic leaders were looking into what formal action the House may take against Wilson, whose outburst during the Wednesday night address has rocked the lower chamber. On the list was a move to censure him. But Pelosi dismissed that idea, as well as a call for Wilson to apologize on the floor. "I'm on to healthcare reform. I'm not going to discuss Joe Wilson," she said. "I think his action spoke for itself. He has apologized. He will figure out what is appropriate for him to do." Asked about the rest of the Republican members' actions, such as shouting and waving their own bills in the air, Pelosi at first said she didn't pay attention. "I was dazzled by the president's speech," she said, then added, "I think it shows the bankruptcy of their ideas."House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Larson (Conn.) on Thursday said Wilson should apologize and that an inquiry into sanctions was under way.“It’s clear that the members of our caucus are quite upset and quite angry,” Larson said after emerging from a Thursday morning meeting of the entire caucus. “We are also in the process of looking at what is appropriate conduct on the floor.”Asked specifically about a possible censure, Larson said that would be looked into.“Members are very keen about what kind of precedent and tradition this sets in the House,” he said. “And so I think first that all the research needs to be done, from a parliamentary standpoint and [of] the procedures that are the normal conduct of the House.”After Obama told Congress that no illegal immigrants would receive public health insurance under his proposal, Wilson shouted: “You lie!” The comment that drew immediate looks of shock and disgust from Pelosi and Vice President Joe Biden soon overshadowed the entire GOP response to the presidential address.Wilson issued an apology on Wednesday night.“This evening I let my emotions get the best of me when listening to the president’s remarks regarding the coverage of illegal immigrants in the healthcare bill,” Wilson said. “While I disagree with the president’s statement, my comments were inappropriate and regrettable. I extend sincere apologies to the president for this lack of civility.”Larson said Wilson needs to apologize much more formally.“I think minimally, everybody aggress that there ought to be an apology, and certainly a public apology on the floor of the House for that incident,” Larson said. “Minimally.”Even that won’t be enough for other Democrats.“We have to take some action,” said Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.). “It’s not a partisan issue. The Congress must speak.”Lewis did not say specifically if he believed Wilson should be censured, but he made clear his firm belief that the House must take formal action.“You can’t have a member speak on the floor the way he did,” Lewis said. “The leadership on both sides need to get together and decide what needs to be done.”Republican leaders had no immediate comments in reaction to statements from Larson and Lewis.Some Republicans, though, are hoping they can avoid any further consequences from the incident."We think it was inappropriate; he apologized quickly; move on,” said a senior Republican aide. Democratic lawmakers and liberal organizations, though, quickly seized on the episode as a way to rally the base and raise money. Moveon.org blasted out an online petition to members that cited the Wilson outburst as a way to demand fast action on healthcare. "We can't afford to let right-wing extremists like Joe Wilson hold health care reform hostage," said the Moveon.org email message entitled "You lie!." Rep. Betsy Markey (D-Colo.) sent out a fundraising appeal Thursday morning focusing on Wilson. "It's time we send a strong message that such behavior is unacceptable. We need to let the politicians in Washington who would disrupt this debate at all costs know that the American people won't stand for it," said the fundraising appeal, signed by Markey.

Editorial : Madam Speaker, you have shown a lot of class ! "Thank You"!

I Get Letters ~ President Barack Obama...9/10/09

Health Care Reform Now ! Americans Deserve No Less !

Don, 9/10/09

I just finished laying out my plan for health reform at a joint session of Congress. Now, I'm writing directly to you because what happens next is critical -- and I need your help.Change this big will not happen because I ask for it. It can only come when the nation demands it. Congress knows where I stand. Now they need to hear from you.Add your voice: Ask your representatives to support my plan for real health reform in 2009.The heart of my plan is simple: bring stability and security to Americans who already have health insurance, guarantee affordable coverage for those who don't, and rein in the cost of health care.Tonight, I offered a specific plan for how to make it happen. I incorporated the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans to create a plan that's bold, practical, and represents the broad consensus of the American people.We've come closer to real health reform in the last few months than we have in the last 60 years. But those who profit from the status quo -- and those who put partisan advantage above all else -- will fight us every inch of the way.We do not seek that fight, but we will not shrink from it. The stakes are too high to let scare tactics cloud the debate, or to allow partisan bickering to block the path. Your voice, right now, is essential.See my full plan and call on your representatives to support it:http://my.barackobama.com/SupportReform Ours is not the first generation to understand the dire need for health reform. And I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Weakley County Tennessee ~ Presidents Speech...9/08/09

Update on the President`s Speech to Students...Weakley County Tennessee...9/08/09
by : Don Jones

I want to make some corrections as to my former blog on this subject. In my previous blog, I stated that in the memo that Mr. Randy Frazier, Superintendent of Weakley County Schools, said, I have received inquiry's about our Presidents status as a Christian and for that matter a Citizen of these United States. (Even though he did receive those inquiry's, he did not include them in his memo). After talking with Mr. Frazier this morning, I found him to be upright and very candid. I appreciated him taking his time to call me and correct some errors. The actual memo sent from Mr. Frazier is below. Please read and draw your own conclusion.

(1.) Teachers, Administrators, Staff, and School Board Members,

President Barack Obama will give a back–to-school speech to America’s students on Tuesday, September 8. This has stirred much controversy with concerns over political agendas. I have personal concerns over the logistics of showing this across our system. I have made the decision that Weakley County Schools will not show this speech to students. I want to preview the speech and then make a decision about the appropriateness of the content before showing it during the school day.
Randy Frazier
Director of Weakley County Schools

More Update > 9/08/09:

The memo below is the latest memo in regard to our President`s speech to students in Weakley County... 9/08/09

Teachers, Administrators, Staff, and School Board Members,

(2.)I previewed President Obama speech Monday. It is truly motivational and speaks to the importance of education.Weakley County Schools will make President Obama speech available to our students! I am leaving the logistics of showing this up to each school.

Randy Frazier

Director of Weakley County Schools

Editorial :

After talking with Mr. Frazier and reading his memos, I have reached the conclusion that Mr. Frazier acted in the best interest of our students, even if I disagree with his actions in reaching the conclusion that he did ! Bottom line, in this writers opinion, he made the correct decision in his last memo ! No one said that being Director of Weakley County Schools, would be easy !

Weakley County Tennessee ~ Schools Cannot View Presidents Speech ?

Weakley County Tennessee Schools are Forbidden to Watch/View Presidents Speech ! How Sad !...9/06/09

By : Don Jones

This writer has learned that Randy Frazier, new Director of Weakley County Schools has sent a memo to all Weakley County Schools, stating that they are forbidden to watch/view the Presidents speech aimed at our country's school children. I have a question ? Why ? Presidents past, have all addressed or even visited schools and encouraged students to stay in school. Mr Frazier our new school superintendent, in this writers opinion, in the memo, stated he had received complaints that President Obama was not a christian and for that matter, not even an American citizen. Surely, he does not believe those allegations of the far fanatic right ? And, if he does, we have hired the wrong man to head up our schools. I have talked with and discussed this with some very upset teachers. In fact if this is true in its entirety, somehow, we have sank to an all time low in our own self esteem. As a resident of Weakley County Tennessee and an ardent supporter of our schools, I find this totally appalling ! Mr Frazier, what were you thinking ? I understand that this memo came from State Representative Mark Maddox. When asked about it, he said, I merely sent this memo at the request of Mr. Frazier. Remember Mr. Maddox is an employee of the Weakley County School system. Remember, we are talking about the President of these United States, whether you agree or disagree, whether you voted for him or not ? He is OUR President. I would suggest that you contact your school board Member or Mr. Randy Frazier and voice your concern. After all, someday, your President may be in office, then what say you ? I always thought that schools prepared our students to be better informed ?

Listed below are those elected and appointed officials you can contact:

WEAKLEY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
8319 Highway 22, Suite A

Dresden, TN 38225

Director of Schools
Randy Frazier
364-2247
FRAZIERR1@k12tn.net

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
Gordon Morris
1026 Sidonia Road, 38255
456-2067
gmorris@frontiernet.net

Doug Sims
1671 Pleasant Hill Road, 38237
587-6970
dougsims@frontiernet.net

Lindell Roney
635 East Grove Road, 38229
648-9124
carolinaroney@bellsouth.net

Barbara Trentham
120 Forest Drive, 38237
587-2739
trentham@charter.net

Gath Meeks
313 Hunt Road, 38241
822-6471
gmeeks@frontiernet.net

Joan Pritchett
575 Ralston Road, 38237
587-4447
joanprit@ecsis.net

Jeff Perkins
538 Highway 124, 38230
235-3630
jperkins1@charter.net

Steve Vantrese
168 Baker Road, 38237
587-5198
stevev@utm.edu

Sarah Ann Pentecost
615 Morrow Avenue, 38225
364-2121
sap616@crunet.com

Mark Maddox

245 Legens St.

Dresden, TN 38225

364-2685

Fax# 364-3404

rep.mark.maddox@legislature.state.tn.us

The Trade Laws are Mandatory to our Very Existance as America !...9/03/09

Trade Laws Protect Americas Way of Life ! Enforce Them !

By: Don Jones...9/03/09

I understand that Health Care reform is of vital importance. Having said that, I also believe that our number #1 problem is our inbalance of trade and the enforcement of our trade laws. America has been appeasing the entire world in trade for a very long time. Think about it. The Unions have long focused on buying U.S. Made and Union made products. Although this is a great thought, I challenge you to go out and buy either Union made or American made products. I write continuously about the Tire Industry, or whats remaining of it. I do so because, I worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Union City Tennessee Plant, for so many years. If you make purchases at Wal-Mart and who does`nt ? I can almost guarantee that you cannot find anything manufactured in America. Even their drugs are from China. American manufacturers have learned they can go to China and make the same product in China and pay slave labor wages, and export them to the good ole USA and make obscene profits. oh, by the way, they do not worry about labor unions in China ! They do not have them. Meanwhile back in America, we are buying all of these foreign products, our domestic manufacturers are laying off workers. I dare you to find a pair of USA made shoes ! I dare you to find USA made clothing. In 2008 China exported nearly 46 million consumer tires with a value of 1.7 billion to the good ole USA ! Making the USA the largest source of tire imports. China`s tire exports were rising, production of tires here was declining, that equals loss of production and loss of USA jobs ! Our automobile manufacturers are suffering from a little different problem. Although most are making cars here in the good ole USA, they do not have labor unions to contend with. They do not have re-tiree`s to support. Their quality is really great. They pay close to union wage`s ! I now believe that the American Car manufacturers have finally woke up, and are now building a quality automobile. Especially Ford Motor Company. Health Care is a real problem in the cost of making tires and or automobiles and everything else made in America. I urge President Obama to fulfill his campaign promise`s ! Stop the flooding of our USA market with unfair imports from China and all countries ! Our manufacturing/plants are shutting down, that doe`nt equal the trade field, it just puts more Americans out of good paying jobs. Goodyear for example can build their tires in China and export them back to America, make obscene profits for a while. The big question ? Who purchases these imported products once the USA market is gone ? Are we there now ? Maybe ? I now believe that if something is not done to stop this obscene quest for money/profits by our manufacturers, that the America that we all love will cease to exist. I believe that tires made in China lack the know how and safety that we as Americans expect and deserve. Better wake up, America ! Not only will these imported tires take our live`s they will take our way of life ! ! !