Want to work until you're 70?

Seniors, better wake up ! A senior voting for Republicans, is like a chicken voting for Col. Sanders....

Goodyear~Titan Talks Underway ! Union City Are You Reading ?

Titan Tire ~ Union Contract Negotiations Underway
Posted Oct 20, 2010 @ 09:47 PM

Merrillville, Indiana — Negotiators representing Titan Tire and the United Steelworkers Union, including Freeport Local 745, are bargaining the terms of a new contract.

Representatives from Titan plants in Freeport; Des Moines, Iowa; and Bryan, Ohio, have gathered at a hotel in Merrillville, Ind., to negotiate a new contract that will replace an agreement set to expire Nov. 19. Morry Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Titan International, Inc., confirmed that negotiators are working on a new labor agreement that will replace the contract which has covered the past four-and-a-half years. “Right now, we’re just going through everything,” Taylor said. “The union has the numbers, and they can see for themselves what’s been happening.” Kevin Kirk, President of Local 745, was not available for comment on Thursday regarding the talks. Titan Tire purchased Goodyear’s North American farm tire assets in 2005, which included the manufacturing facility in Freeport.
The following year, Titan purchased the off-the-road (OTR) tire assets of Continental Tire North America, Inc. in Bryan, Ohio. This acquisition expanded Titan’s product line to include larger earthmoving, construction and mining tires. The plant in Des Moines, Iowa, was purchased in 1994 from the Pirelli Armstrong Tire Corporation. The facility specializes in manufacturing agricultural tires. Concern that Titan may cut back its operations, in Freeport and elsewhere, has been a continuing topic of discussion among public officials. Wednesday, Freeport Mayor George Gaulrapp expressed confidence that negotiators would reach an agreement before Nov. 19. “We need those jobs to stay here,” Gaulrapp said. “And we have good workers. The Freeport plant has consistently produced high-quality tires.” Titan employs more than 500 workers at its Freeport plant and its estimated annual payroll totals roughly $500 million. Taylor alluded to a need for changes in the current contract with the Steelworkers union in early 2009, when Local 745 members were electing new officers and representatives on the negotiating team. The Titan CEO said his primary concern about the Freeport plant was its cost of operation compared to other manufacturing facilities in Bryan and Des Moines. Wednesday, Taylor said changes were still needed in the union contract to keep the company competitive in the tire business. “You know, we basically said, ‘we tried it your way when we bought the company, and now it’s time to try it our way,’” Taylor said.

Editorial : It seems that our race to the bottom continues. Goodyear smells blood, this time it is Titan Blood ! Surely you realize, there is nothing you can do ? Thanks to Mike Stanley for this one !

Goodyear Loses 20 million in 3rd. Quarter...

Goodyear Loses $20Million in 3Q Amid Rubber Price Hikes
By THOMAS J. SHEERAN , 10.28.10, CLEVELAND --

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., hurt by spiraling rubber expenses, lost $20 million in the third quarter despite solid sales increases. The Akron, Ohio-based company, the biggest U.S. tire maker and third largest globally, said Thursday the net loss amounted to 8 cents per share. In last year's August-September period, Goodyear earned $72 million, or 30 cents per share. Excluding write-offs and other charges, the company said it would have earned 13 cents a share. Analysts expected a 10-cent a share profit, excluding charges. Revenue rose 13 percent to $5 billion, and the number of tires sold rose 6 percent. Goodyear said natural rubber costs have skyrocketed threefold since early 2009. About half its rubber supply is natural, and half synthetic.

District#9~Tennessee-Steve Cohen Vs. Charlotte Bergmann, Who ?

Tennessee District#9-Congressional Race pits Steve Cohen(D) against Charlotte Bergmann Tea Party Republican (TPR)

Incumbent Congressman Steve Cohen (D)District#9- Memphis~Shelby County, is being challenged by Charlotte Bergmann(TPR) for the 9th. District Seat ! I cannot imagine why ? She`s really strange. Congressman Cohen, was challenged by Willie Herenton during the primary. The former Mayor of Memphis lost big time ! Now, don`t misunderstand me, I believe she can run. I just for the life of me, can figure out why ? Congressman Cohen, in this writers opinion, is one of the best Representatives in the Congress. I believe that Memphian`s are satisfied thus far with his outstanding job representing them in Washington. Tis the season for Ghosts, goblins and the strange. Memphis, better stay with Congressman Cohen, he is an outstanding legislator ! If you really like strange, go to her web-site ! Wow ! If you want the real facts go to Congressman Cohen`s web-site or click on the title. > http://www.cohen.house.gov/ <

Tell John Boehner to RETIRE, NOW !

Work Till 70 ? Yes, if Boehner and Republicans Have Their Way
by Mike Hall, Oct 26, 2010

John Boehner would`nt know a hard days work, if it hit him in the a** ! Republican attitude boils my blood !

If Republicans take over Congress, House Republican Minority Leader John Boehner says he will move to raise the Social Security retirement age to 70. That might not seem to be a big deal to someone who has spent his life in cushy offices with fancy perks, luxury cars, good health care and not much heavy lifting. But for millions of seniors in physically demanding jobs, it’s a big, big deal. A new TV ad from Protecting America’s Retirees, an independent project of the Alliance for Retired Americans, takes a light-hearted look at the very serious subject of forcing seniors to stay on the job until age 70. The ad will air in five closely contested House races in Arizona, Iowa, Ohio and Pennsylvania and in the Pennsylvania Senate race between Rep. Joe Sestak (D), who has vowed to strengthen Social Security, and Rep. Pat Toomey, who wants to raise the retirement age and privatize Social Security. The ad reaches out to seniors who may be voting for Republicans because they want change. You’re hoping things will change ? Hope you’re also planning to stay on the job. Because at least one change means seniors will have to work. And work. And keep right on working. Yes—that’s right. The Republican leadership wants to raise your retirement age to 70. The ad shows, among others, a firefighter, construction worker, delivery person and lifeguard struggling on the job in their later years.

Alliance Executive Director Edward F. Coyle asks:

Can you imagine working until 70? In physically demanding jobs like manufacturing, construction, and the service sector, I just don’t see how you can.

In September, The New York Times took an in-depth look at the toll physically demanding jobs take on older workers. Click below, or on the title !

> http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/13/us/13aging.html?_r=2 <

National & Tennessee Transplant Waiting List ! <>8/05/11

The Gift of Life...The Only Cost is a Little Love !

By: Don Jones...9/06/11

National Transplant Waiting List...as of ~ 8/05/11

Kidney-----------89,341

Liver---------16,180

Pancreas/Islet----------1,569

Kidney/Pancreas----------2,147

Heart----------3,187

Lung----------1,764

Heart/Lung----------68

Intestine----------253

Total----------111,832

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tennessee Transplant Waiting List:

Kidney----------2,154

Liver----------236

Pancreas/Islet----------9

Kidney/Pancreas----------23

Heart----------113

Lung----------16

Total----------2,524

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not an Organ Donor ? click on title to register on-line ! Or the link below http://donatelifetn.org/cms/How+to+be+a+Donor/21.html

"Give The Gift of Life, Be an Organ/Tissue Donor, Its The Masonic Thing to Do"!

Steve Cohen, District#9~Tennessee~Memphis~Shelby County

Steve Cohen~District#9~Tennessee, Recent Action !

This week I announced plans by House Democrats to move forward with legislation next month to provide Social Security recipients with a one-time $250 payment due to their not being a Cost-of-Living-Adjustment for 2011.

Social Security:

On Monday I announced that House Democrats will move ahead with legislation to provide Social Security recipients with a one-time $250 payment. The Social Security Administration announced last week that there will be no automatic Cost-of-Living-Adjustment for 2011. That means that for the first time ever, 2011 will be the second consecutive year that Social Security retirees, veterans, and people with disabilities will see no increase in their monthly Social Security, SSI, VA Pension and Compensation, and Railroad Retirement benefits. There will be a vote on the measure next month.

Steve Cohen, (D)

District#9-Member of Congress,

Memphis & Shelby County > http://www.cohen.house.gov/ <

Editorial : If I could vote for Congressman Cohen, I would, and maybe twice ! Thank you, Congressman Cohen. I live in District#8 and I`m Voting for Roy Herron !

Goodyear Union City~United Steelworkers...Working to Save Union City !

Democracy in Action ! Goodyear & United Steelworkers, Working Together to Have a Better Tomorrow !

by : Don Jones...10/22/10

Underdog > http://wwwsecondchance.blogspot.com/ <

Union Hall > http://www.uswlocal878.com/ <

Roy Herron > http://royherron.com/index.htm <

Judy Barker > http://www.judybarker.org/ <

Mark Maddox > http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/house/members/h76.html <

I have today revisited very familiar territory. United Steelworkers of America`s Union Hall, Local 878-L in Union City, Tennessee. There I visited with old friends and workers both in the plant and at the Hall ! These elected officers of the local union were voted for and elected by their peer`s to represent them on the job. There were some, I thought about, as they are no longer with us, but deceased, nevertheless, They came to mind. I suppose that comes from being older and, I hope wiser ? Today's venture to the Union Hall was for one purpose. To meet The candidates for office in our government. Roy Herron was there, shaking hands and answering questions. Roy is seeking the office of District#8~Tennessee Congressman, Roy is aware of the West Tennessee`s problem that affect our Goodyear Plant and our Milan Arsenal Plant ! I wanted to thank him for his assistance in our quest to keep our Goodyear Plant in Union City open and running now and in the future. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs ! Judy Barker was there shaking hands and answering questions,. Judy is seeking the office of Tennessee State Representative in the 77th District, the same district that our plant is in. I wanted to thank her for her action in giving our local Goodyear Plant $2 million dollars, Without her help, aid and assistance, this could not have been done. I could not have been more proud of anyone more, than my State Representative from the 76th District Representative, Mark Maddox. Not only has Mark Maddox been involved in all of this action to keep our plant running, he has been superb ! I want to thank him for all of his input and help, he worked along side of Judy Barker ! Now, you ask, were we lobbying for votes for these three candidates today ? You Bet`cha ! I read today's Goodyear Plant Paper(Union City Today), that our plant is doing well, according to Terry Tennyson, Plant Manager. Ricky Waggoner, Local President and Terry Tennyson are not to be overlooked in regard to all of this lobbying and increasing plant performance. We may be seeing history in the making. Goodyear Management and United Steelworkers working side by side to save our local plant. Having said that, it is those of you working on the floor of the plant that are the real HERO`S ! Thank you, for all that you do ! You have sacrificed and worked hard to save our plant. There are some politicians that are worth campaigning and voting for. The three mentioned above are among those worth it ! Your community should be proud of YOU ! I know, I am ! You may have saved Applebee`s ? >

In Deo Fiducia Nostra

Joint Committee on Social Security ~ Issues Report ~ Not Good !

Panel's Report Rebuts GOP Proposals for Changes to Social Security
By Vicki Needham - 10/21/10

The Joint Economic Committee has released a report that shows that Republican proposals to make changes to Social Security would result in benefit cuts for millions and put the program's solvency in jeopardy. The report shows that two aspects of GOP plans — privatizing and progressive price indexing — would cuts the benefits of millions of middle-income workers and put nearly 50 percent of seniors at risk of living in poverty without Social Security benefits, compared with 10 percent who face poverty under the program. The issue has become a central focus in several House elections as the mid-term elections approach although it hasn't been an issue raised recently by Congress. "This report highlights that it is unwise to look to the stock market for a guaranteed annuity," said JEC Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, (D-N.Y.). "We all know all too well that the stock market is subject to wild swings. We cannot afford to roll the dice with our seniors’ retirement security." The report, "Unnecessary Risk: The Perils of Privatizing Social Security," focused its analysis on recently revived Republican proposals to privatize the program by allowing future retirees to divert a portion of their payroll taxes to individual investment accounts. Under GOP proposals, according to the report, private accounts are unlikely to provide a guaranteed retirement annuity, indexed for inflation, as the current Social Security system provides. The report also found that allowing current contributors to divert funds out of the general Social Security fund into private accounts will "exacerbate the shortfall in revenues for current and future retirees as well as for current and future recipients of disability and survivors insurance." As an example, the report showed that an annuity purchased by a worker who retired in 2008 would replace only 40 percent of their final income, down from 87 percent replacement just two years earlier. So a worker expecting an annuity of $867 per month in 2006 would have received $399 per month if they retired in 2008.

Everyone Loses ~ When YOU Don`t Vote !

Please Vote ! Vote the Issues and not the Party.

Underdog = Don Jones

Corporations Take Our Tax Money and Run to Other Country`s

CORPORATIONS TAKE JOBS MONEY... AND RUN
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 Posted by Jim Hightower

http://www.jimhightower.com/

The Federal Reserve, which controls America's monetary policy, says it is trying to invigorate job creation in our country by slashing interest rates to the bone. This move allows big corporations to borrow money for next to nothing, so they can expand and start hiring again.

Great goal ! How's it working out ?

Well, the first step has gone splendidly, with such giants as DuPont, Hertz, IBM, Microsoft, and PepsiCo rushing to grab the windfall. They've borrowed hundreds of billions of dollars interest rates of less than one percent. However, there's been quite a stumble on step two of the Fed's plan. Rather than putting this enormous stash of cash to work for America, the corporations are simply squirreling it away for their own enrichment, refusing to spend it on the job expansion that our economy desperately needs. For example, Microsoft – one of the richest corporations on Earth – amassed nearly $5 billion under this "opportunistic borrowing" scheme, yet has put none of the cheap money into job creation. Instead, it is using a big chunk of it to buy back stock from its own shareholders – a move that merely profits the handful of rich elites who control Microsoft.
Worse, such corporate powers as Hertz and PepsiCo are using the funds to take over competitors. These consolidations will actually cut jobs, while reducing consumer choices and raising our prices. Indeed, there's no provision in the Fed's program to keep the giants from investing the money in foreign expansion, thus offshoring more American Jobs. This is Jim Hightower saying... And there's the rub in nearly all of Washington's indirect job creation efforts – officials blithely dole out billions and even trillions to corporations and banks, with no strings attached. So the big shots and ba****** gleefully grab the money and run.

"Easy Borrowing By Corporations Spurs Few Jobs," The New York Times, October 4, 2010.

Editorial : At times, even I cannot imagine, how we have operated and survived some of these Greedy CEO`S ! Our Race to the Bottom Continues !

Republican & Democrat Zealots !

Today`s News ! Maybe, Maybe Not ?
by Don Jones = Underdog...10/18/10

> http://www.jimhightower.com/ <

A few days back, I had a conversation with a Republican zealot ! I must say, that it was not a pleasant experience. This individual is nice enough, when not discussing politics ! The individual, I had this conversation with, is a senior citizen, like myself. I`m afraid, what I learned is not easy to accept and deal with. Facts or voting records do not mean anything to these zealots ! In fact, I`m not sure where they get their information ? Although my my guess, would be Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, and Glenn Beck or maybe even, Bill O`Reilly. Now, We have some Democrats who are also zealots. These two (D)(R)zealots are not a good thing. Our country seems to be less caring and more callous than anytime in my life-time ! It seems that we do not care for those who are less fortunate, than ourselves. We seem to be taking the attitude that a famous French Queen had. When informed that the People have no Bread to Eat. She told her court, "Let Them Eat Cake"! In other words, she did`nt care ! When George H.W. Bush, was President, he said a most caring thing and phrase. He said, "We must become a more caring and gentle nation"! Somehow, we have not followed through. It seems that we have become a nation of intolerance and not caring at all ! After all, nobody helped me ! If someone disagrees with me/you, we are immediately enemy`s. We cannot disagree without being disagreeable. Our twenty-four hour T.V. News is not helping. We tend to watch those stations that espouse our views, and refrain from watching those who are not of our thinking. News, is rarely news anymore ! I have found a couple of sources that are still, the news ! Public Television and Public Radio ! They are the only real news stations around. Some of my Republican friends will even dispute that. They tend to believe that Public T.V. and Radio, should not be funded by Government. I find the opposite, Public Television and Public Radio tend to give both sides of the political news. Not only is that refreshing, it is almost unheard of. It would seem that most of us, get our political information from 30-60 second sound bites, that really tell us nothing ! He or She is a crook, and without any proof ! Millions are spent on these sound bites, so they must work. I, for one want to vote the issues that affect me and my situation. Seek the facts, not what your Pastor/Preacher thinks, not what the Tea Party Thinks, Not what the Party Boss`s Think. Seek the truth, it will be elusive, but, you can find it, if you try ! Oh, The man top left is Jim Hightower, He`s from Texas ! Surprised ?

> http://www.jimhightower.com/ <> He is an opposite from Limbaugh and Beck, you won`t find him on any radio stations in this area. That makes me lucky, I just don`t listen to Conservative Propaganda, as there is no alternative. "Stick a fork in Me, I`m Done" ! Click on his web-site and check him out !

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company ~ Union City Tennessee ~ Is it Closing ?...10/14/10

Informational Meeting with Plant Mgr. Terry Tennyson and Union President Ricky Waggoner on...10/02/10
By : Don Jones
10/14/10
> http://wwwsecondchance.blogspot.com/2010/08/we-gotta-save-applebys-in-union-city.html <

Back sometime ago, I contacted President Ricky Waggoner, United Steel Workers of America Local#878-L in Union City Tennessee, approximately 5/16/10, and asked his permission to contact Plant Manager, Terry Tennyson, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Union City Tennessee ! I, like you, had heard many rumors that our plant was closing. Being retired from the Union City Plant and a former Union Officer, I thought it best to contact Bro. Waggoner, not that I had too, I just did`nt want to upset anything that might be going on. He said, he had no problem with me meeting with Mr. Tennyson. I contacted my friend and former Division Chairman, Don Hawkins, retired also. We met on several occasions to discuss the ramifications of our plant closing ! We decided that a face to face meeting with Terry Tennyson with Ricky Waggoner present was our best option. When I worked at the plant, Terry Tennyson was production Manager. He and I served on a communications committee together, so we knew/know one another. I always found Terry to be a very approachable and upfront manager. I contacted him and asked if he would meet with myself, Don Hawkins, Ricky Waggoner and C.T. Brooks, former Tire-Room employee, and non-union officer(Non-Union Officer Mentality), but, was a good union member and employee ! We thought some input from a rank and file member was a very necessary thing. We all agreed that we were not attending this meeting to negotiate anything ! Our only goal was to find out if our plant was in trouble ? It was/is ! And how we could help "Save Goodyear Union City Plant"? Terry agreed to meet with us, and met with us for about two hours. He informed us that our plant was in trouble and the unprotected status, did`nt help. Having said that, Since Terry has took over the reins at Union City, There have been positive changes. Tire cost has been cut tremendously. Waste has been cut. Tire production has increased. Some key personnel were placed in some key positions in the plant. Terry informed us that he was conducting (Locker Room Meetings) with all of you, in an effort to keep you informed about our plant. I have had discussions with 8th.District Congressional candidate Roy Herron about our plant, he is of the same thinking, Jobs, Jobs, Jobs and do not lose the jobs currently in our District ! State Rep. Judy Barker 77th. District, was instrumental in securing 2 million dollar$ for our plant in Union City and State Representative Mark Maddox 76th. District, Weakley and Carroll Counties, has been working closly with Rep. Barker to assist our plant in not closing ! However, the most important ingredient in all of this is YOU, those of you who work in the plant now ! Without your help, any progress made, would not have been possible ! Although there is a plan to shut down Union City, Terry, said it was not set in concrete ! In so many words he said, we must make our plant indispensable ! To this writer, that to me, is what is going on ! Again those of you on the floor of the plant are the only players who can make this happen. If Terry Tennyson, informs you of something, you can go to the bank on it ! He is not blowing smoke ! I believe that Terry and Ricky are the right persons at the right time. Think about it this way, if you save the Union City Plant, you save your community and yourself ! Might I suggest that you read a blog, I wrote back sometime ago ! Click on title or link below !
> http://wwwsecondchance.blogspot.com/2010/08/we-gotta-save-applebys-in-union-city.html <

Listed below are how to reach these elected officials:

John Tanner > http://www.house.gov/tanner <

Roy Herron > sen.roy.herron@legislature.state.tn.us <

Judy Barker > rep.judybarker@capitol.tn.gov <

Phil Bredesen > http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/government/elected.html <

Mark Maddox > http://www.rep.mark.maddox@legislature.state.tn.us <

And anyone else you think can help, aid and assist in this effort !

Chamber of Commerce Is Illegally Using Foreign Corporations Money

The Chamber of Commerce Is Illegally Using Foreign Corporations Money...

Its has now been reported by several sources that the Chamber of Commerce is using funds from foreign corporations to try to affect American politics and the November elections. Wonder why foreign corporations would want to defeat Democrats in the US ?

Top 10 Reasons Foreign Corporations Support Republicans:

--to keep trade deals unfair to workers here and around the world

--to continue to get good paying US manufacturing jobs offshored

--to stop the development of green energy so that we continue to spend billions on Mideast oil

--to continue to allow corporations like British Petroleum to exploit US natural resources and pollute our environment

--to weaken US unions so they can treat parts of the US like the developing world
--to keep the US buying imports from around the world rather than re-develop US manufacturing

--to continue receiving secret technology such as that used in military arms manufacuting

--to dismantle Social Security and turn the fund over to Wall St to be gambled with all over the world

--to continue to allow US drug corporations to sell medicine developed here more cheaply in other countries than in the US

--to continue economic treason

The Chamber of Commerce has bragged that it is spending 75 million to defeat Democrats but they won't say where the money comes from. Now we know.

The Chamber is not our friend ? Ya Think ? They are a Union that represent`s Big Corporations ! Now, it`s ok to be a Union to represent Big Business, just do not misrepresent the facts that your helping the middle class ! And do not bad mouth a Union, if you are one !

Failing to Kill GM, Bob Corker(R)Tennessee ~ Takes Credit for what He...Voted Against ! Tsh...Tsh Tsh...

Senator Bob Corker is an Embarrassment to Tennessee ! Taking credit for something he Voted against !

He Votes Against Middle Class and Union Members, every time !

Wake Up Tennesseans ! It seems that Mr. Corker is a total hypocrite !

Why not drop him a message and inform him of his hypocritical ways ! Just click on title and follow directions !

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company ~ Union City Tennessee, Is it Closing ? 10/14/10

Informational Meeting with Plant Mgr. Terry Tennyson and Union President Ricky Waggoner on... 10/02/10
By : Don Jones

> http://wwwsecondchance.blogspot.com/2010/08/we-gotta-save-applebys-in-union-city.html <

Back sometime ago, I contacted President Ricky Waggoner, United Steel Workers of America Local#878-L in Union City Tennessee, approximately 5/16/10, and asked his permission to contact Plant Manager, Terry Tennyson, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Union City Tennessee ! I, like you, had heard many rumors that our plant was closing. Being retired from the Union City Plant and a former Union Officer, I thought it best to contact Bro. Waggoner, not that I had too, I just did`nt want to upset anything that might be going on. He said, he had no problem with me meeting with Mr. Tennyson. I contacted my friend and former Division Chairman, Don Hawkins, retired also. We met on several occasions to discuss the ramifications of our plant closing ! We decided that a face to face meeting with Terry Tennyson with Ricky Waggoner present was our best option. When I worked at the plant, Terry Tennyson was production Manager. He and I served on a communications committee together, so we knew/know one another. I always found Terry to be a very approachable and upfront manager. I contacted him and asked if he would meet with myself, Don Hawkins, Ricky Waggoner and C.T. Brooks, former Tire-Room employee, and non-union officer(Non-Union Officer Mentality), but, was a good union member and employee ! We thought some input from a rank and file member was a very necessary thing. We all agreed that we were not attending this meeting to negotiate anything ! Our only goal was to find out if our plant was in trouble ? It was/is ! And how we could help "Save Goodyear Union City Plant"? Terry agreed to meet with us, and met with us for about two hours. He informed us that our plant was in trouble and the unprotected status, did`nt help. Having said that, Since Terry has took over the reins at Union City, There have been positive changes. Tire cost has been cut tremendously. Waste has been cut. Tire production has increased. Some key personnel were placed in some key positions in the plant. Terry informed us that he was conducting (Locker Room Meetings) with all of you, in an effort to keep you informed about our plant. I have had discussions with 8th.District Congressional candidate Roy Herron about our plant, he is of the same thinking, Jobs, Jobs, Jobs and do not lose the jobs currently in our District ! State Rep. Judy Barker 77th. District, was instrumental in securing 2 million dollar$ for our plant in Union City and State Representative Mark Maddox 76th. District, Weakley and Carroll Counties, has been working closly with Rep. Barker to assist our plant in not closing ! However, the most important ingredient in all of this is YOU, those of you who work in the plant now ! Without your help, any progress made, would not have been possible ! Although there is a plan to shut down Union City, Terry, said it was not set in concrete ! In so many words he said, we must make our plant indispensable ! To this writer, that to me, is what is going on ! Again those of you on the floor of the plant are the only players who can make this happen. If Terry Tennyson, informs you of something, you can go to the bank on it ! He is not blowing smoke ! I believe that Terry and Ricky are the right persons at the right time. Think about it this way, if you save the Union City Plant, you save your community and yourself ! Might I suggest that you read a blog, I wrote back sometime ago ! Click on title or link below ! >http://wwwsecondchance.blogspot.com/2010/08/we-gotta-save-applebys-in-union-city.html <

Chamber of Commerce ~ Wolves in Sheeps Clothing !

Foreign Corporations Are Trying to Buy Our Elections

Click below for film version !

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/06/ed-schultz-chamber-foreign-fundraising_n_753573.html

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been using money from foreign corporations to finance its plan to spend $75 million on political attacks against progressive Democrats this year. Funneling money from foreign interests into American elections is, straight up, illegal and the Chamber is trying to buy the election for Republicans. I signed a petition urging Attorney General Eric Holder to to initiate an immediate Justice Department investigation to stop the illegal spending. Can you join me at the link below ?

http://pol.moveon.org/pac/chamberinvestigation/?r_by=23885-8490862-RL4g9Px&rc=paste

Thanks !

Underdog = Don Jones, Click on link below to find out more about Underdog !

http://wwwsecondchance.blogspot.com/2009/11/underdogs-blogdon-jones-112109you-bet.html

Dwayne Maxey, Miracle at Vanderbilt

Join Maxeys for a 'Celebration of Life' !
Weakley County Press...10/01/10

The battle for life fought by Dwayne Maxey of Martin and his family truly is a story of faith, hope and love. Bro. Maxey has gone from the brink of death to having a renewed sense of energy and his friends and family are inviting everyone in the community to celebrate life with them next weekend. On July 6, Maxey received a double Lung Transplant at Vanderbilt Hospital. It was faith that got him there and it was faith that brought him home from that procedure on Sept. 24. Prayer chains and fund raisers immediately sprung into action when Maxey fell into a vegetative state for more than 20 days after his surgery. According to his wife Allison, doctors were fearful that he would`nt recover. Now that he is tube-free and resting at home in Martin, it can only be described as a miracle that brought him back from the verge of death. The outpouring of food, faith and love the family has received from the community has been enough to bring the Maxey family back to completion. As a token of great gratitude and love, family and friends have planned a Celebration of Life at Eastside Baptist Church in Martin on Saturday, Oct. 9. There will be special music provided by local talents and a reception is planned. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9.
“No words can express what my heart feels. We want everyone to come out so that we can love on them like they have for us,” Allison shared. She said her husband is looking to God to determination if he will once again stand behind the pulpit that evening and preach the word and offer his story. There will surprises in store for the community as well as the family as everyone is invited to share in the celebration of life. Eastside Baptist Church is located at 529 K. St. in Martin. For additional information, contact Allison at 514-9155.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to be a part of the miracle.

Editorial : Being a Heart-Transplant at Vanderbilt, I am somewhat aware of the trials and trauma connected to Organ/Transplantation. Having said that, A Bilateral Lung Transplant is a Miracle in it self ! Dwayne and I talked on the phone several times during his stay at Vandy, He said that all knowledge came from God, and God seem to give Vandy more than their share. This Man of God is Truly a Miracle. If you`ve never seen a Miracle, I suggest you go Saturday night to Eastside Baptist Church on K Street in Martin, Tennessee and see this Miracle of God ! See you there !

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

Recent Happenings in District#9~Tennessee

Recent Happenings in District#9~Tennessee

This week I spoke on the House floor about how our economy is growing stronger and announced new federal funds for the University of Memphis, LeMoyne-Owen College, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Memphis International Airport.



Congress Adjourns
This week Congress approved a continuing resolution to keep the federal government operating through December 3. The President quickly signed the measure into law before Congress adjourned. The Senate and the House adjourned this week and will return November 15 for legislative work during the lame duck session. There is a lot of work to do during the upcoming lame duck session, and I look forward to working on those issues that matter most to you.

Small Business Jobs Act
This week President Obama signed the Small Business Jobs Act into law. The bipartisan measure – which I supported – will spur economic growth and create 500,000 new jobs by encouraging the development of American small businesses. The Act increases much-needed lending to millions of small businesses, and offers eight new tax incentives to companies, so that they may expand, hire, and fuel our economy. It also keeps jobs in America by closing tax loopholes that reward corporations that ship jobs overseas. It was a great achievement to pass this bill despite all the political gridlock caused by Republicans.

Foreclosure Assistance
This week the U.S. Department of the Treasury provided new details on its support for homeowners struggling due to adverse economic conditions in Tennessee through the existing Housing Finance Agency (HFA) Innovation Fund for the Hardest Hit Housing Markets (the Hardest Hit Fund).

The Obama Administration approved the Tennessee Housing Development Authority’s plan to use $81.1 million in previously allocated foreclosure-prevention assistance to support local initiatives to expand options for homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments because of unemployment. The Administration also announced that it will make available an additional $136.2 million in Hardest Hit Fund support to the Tennessee Housing Development Authority to bolster and expand the reach of its programs. Click here to learn more.

Memphis International Airport
Last Friday I announced the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $9,269,426 to Memphis International Airport for overall upgrades and snow removal and de-icing equipment.

University of Memphis
On Wednesday I announced the U.S. Department of Education awarded $289,121 to a program at the University of Memphis that helps children with disabilities.

LeMoyne-Owen College
Yesterday I announced the U.S. Department of Education awarded $500,000 to LeMoyne-Owen College under the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
This morning I announced the National Cancer Institute awarded St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital more than $3.2 million in grants for research.

House Floor
Earlier this week I spoke on the House floor about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and how it saved our economy and helped create more than 3 million jobs across the country. I also discussed the strength of the middle class and the destructive actions of the Tea Party. Click here to see my remarks.

9/11 First Responders
I voted to provide 9/11 first responders and survivors with long-term, comprehensive health care and fair economic compensation. Thousands of those who responded to the tragedy at Ground Zero -- firefighters, police officers, and other rescue workers -- were exposed to dangerous toxins, leaving them with chronic, deadly diseases. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act ensures that these heroes receive the medical care they deserve.

China’s Currency Manipulation
I also voted to create a more level playing field for American exports on the international market by holding China accountable for the manipulation of its currency. The Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act will give our nation the tools it needs to enforce the rules of trade and address China’s currency manipulation.

Supporting Our Veterans
I voted to support two veterans' bills Wednesday evening: the Veterans' Benefits Act, which would improve job opportunities, benefits, and programs for homeless veterans; and the Securing America's Veterans Insurance Needs and Goals (SAVINGS) Act, which would require insurance companies in the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance program to be more forthright and transparent about their policies and requirements.

Grant Announcements
Each week I release a list of grant announcements from federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Transportation, and others. These federal funding opportunities are available to faith-based and neighborhood associations, nonprofits and other community organizations in the 9th district. The announcements are updated weekly on my website.

Stop Loss
Defense Department officials want to ensure that anyone whose military enlistment was involuntarily extended under the so-called “stop loss” provision applies to receive a stipend by the Oct. 21 deadline. An estimated 145,000 servicemembers are eligible to receive $500 for each full or partial month served in stop loss status. Click here for more details.

Wishing you a happy and safe weekend,

As always, I remain,

Most sincerely,

Steve Cohen,
Member of Congress, District#9~Tennessee

Contact Information :
Click Here> http://www.cohen.house.gov/ < to Email Congressman Steve Cohen

Memphis :

167 North Main Street,
Suite 369
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 544-4131
Fax: (901) 544-4329

Washington, D.C. :

1005 Longworth House
Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3265
Fax: (202) 225-5663

STOP Tax-PAYER SUSIDIZING of JOBS to Be Moved Over Seas !

Republicans Support Off-Shoring Jobs
By Leo W. Gerard
USW International President

Like the clear results on a pH test strip, the vote in the U.S. Senate this week on the Creating American Jobs and Ending Off-shoring Act showed Republicans’ true color: Red. Red for China. Or Indonesia. Or Mexico. Or anywhere multi-national corporations get tax breaks for exporting American jobs. In this test of loyalty, every Republican in the Senate voted for corporate profits over American workers. No fluke, this is a GOP pattern. The red party has consistently sided with giant corporations to the detriment of the American economy and American workers. In voting against health care reform, Republicans chose giant health insurance corporations over uninsured Americans. In opposing financial reform, Republicans embraced Wall Street over the taxpayers who bailed out the big banks and don’t want to do it again. Republicans vainly attempted to rationalize those votes as opposing big government. There’s no big government issue in the Creating American Jobs and Ending Off-shoring Act. That Act would have removed tax incentives the U.S. government gives corporations when they close domestic factories, fire American workers and move production overseas. And, conversely, the Act would have instituted tax incentives for corporations to return foreign employment to U.S. soil. Every Republican in the Senate voted against the Act. They voted to continue forcing Americans to give tax breaks to corporations to ship their jobs overseas. The GOP said it is right and proper for Americans to pay multi-national corporations to kill American jobs. And Republicans said it would be wrong to do the opposite -- to use American tax dollars to encourage corporations to move off-shored jobs back to the U.S.
Democrats, whose first priority is American workers, are pushing a 17-bill Make it in America plan. The Creating American Jobs and Ending Offshoring Act is part of that effort to bolster domestic industry and employment. With unemployment stuck at 9.6 percent and with the U.S. trade deficit destroying or displacing 5.6 million jobs -- 70 percent of them good-paying manufacturing jobs -- in just one year – 2007, Democrats developed their plan to preserve American industry and jobs. Recent surveys of likely voters suggest the Democrats’ Make it in American plan is exactly what Americans want. A bi-partisan polling team that conducted a survey of likely voters for the Alliance for American Manufacturing in April found that large majorities believe that manufacturing strength is crucial to U.S. economic security and that the government should fortify American industry. These voters told the pollsters that they believe America no longer leads the world in manufacturing but could again with proper support. The can-do-it attitude is realistic based on recent on-shoring by American manufacturers. General Electric is moving production of its energy-efficient water heaters from China to the U.S. Caterpillar and NCR, a technology company,are doing the same. A survey in June found 21 percent of North American manufacturers brought production into or closer to the U.S. in the previous three months and another 38 percent planned to research doing that. Manufacturers gave USA Today numerous reasons for this repatriation. Chinese wages and shipping costs have risen. They also cited poor quality of foreign manufactured goods; theft of intellectual property; inability to respond to customer demand because of long product delivery times, and the need to keep the assembly line close to engineers and suppliers. The trade publication, Supply Chain Digest, quoted two experts in a story about the on-shoring trend in August: “George Stalk, a consultant at Boston Consulting Group, has led research efforts showing the inventory benefits for high margin, fashion-oriented goods from bringing production at least back to North America almost always trump the value of lower manufacturing costs in Asia. Those benefits come from both not losing sales from being out of stock and not getting stuck with obsolete inventory that a company can’t sell or must mark down dramatically.” And, the story quoted Jeremy Leonard, a consultant for Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI: “A lot of companies who have gone there to take advantage of cheap labor are starting to tell us that if you (calculate) total cost and don't just look at wages, it's actually not worth it." Democrats sought to nurture and expand the repatriation trend. But like numerous Make it in America bills passed by the U.S. House, Republicans in the Senate killed the Creating American Jobs and Ending Off-shoring Act. And they did it with a filibuster. Democrats had the majority with 53 votes for the measure, but Republicans, as they have all year, blocked passage by demanding a super-majority of 60.
The next test for Republicans will occur Nov. 2. In the mid-term election, Americans red-in-the-face angry at the GOP for extending tax breaks to corporations that expatriate American jobs can show Republican politicians what it feels like to lose a job.

Editorial : Tennessee`s Two Republican Senators were among the Wolve`s ! Wake up Tennesseans ~