Underdog

Middle Class Being Eliminated ? You Bet`Cha !

2012-02-02T17:27:00.008-04:00

UNDERDOG ~RANDOM THOUGHTS & WRITINGS !
by Underdog = Don Jones...2/02/12

As most of you know, I am a news junkie. I`m not sure, if that is good or bad ? But, somethings being espoused by some of our politicians are just not TRUE ! For instance, Republicans say raising the tax`s on Millionaire$/Billionaire$ would stifle the economy. That These ultra-rich people can`t create jobs, if we raise tax`s on them. Wrong ! If that were the case, we`d be covered up in jobs. The Bush Tax cuts for the ultra rich have been in place ten(10)years now, where are the jobs ? Oh there have been job creations alright, in CHINA and South America. Another thing being espoused is, Do away with Free Democratic Trade Unions, we don`t need them anymore. Wrong ! When these Unions are gone, there will be nothing but slaves remaining. When a worker has no voice in his workplace, not only is it wrong, it is dangerous. Better lookout. Depending on the state you live in, Republicans are passing "Right to Work" I call these laws "Right to Work for Less", Laws at an alarming rate. This is not only wrong, but dangerous. In this writers opinion, there have been three(3)great democratic/freedom uprisings/movements. (1.) The free-democratic organizing into Unions movement. (2.) The Feminist uprising/movement. The Civil Rights uprising/movement ! If you look closely, all three are freedom movements. I make no apology for that fact/statement. Republicans talk about getting government out of our lives. What they are really saying is get government off of BIG Business Back. When you hear a politician say, "Well we`re moving to a service oriented country/society, what he is really saying is "Lets move some more American jobs to CHINA" or another slave labor Country. Let`s take Tennessee for an example in tax`s. Our politicians and in Tennessee they are almost all Republicans. If you elect me, there will never be an income tax. Sounds great, right ? What they are really saying is, Not too much income in Tennessee. A ten 10% sales tax on everything is best. That way the poor working class pays as much if not more than the rich, and there is more of them. Our Governor Bill Haslam(R) Tennessee, is a billionaire. Do you think he understands going to the grocery and paying ten 10% on groceries`s ? NO ! Tennessee Republicans have now taken over the Public School system, Teachers no longer have input in regard to teaching. I bet this works out great. And pigs fly. Now before you ask, let me answer. Is it fair for millionaires/billionaires to pay more tax`s ? YES ! As Warren Buffett, billionaire says, I make more, I should pay more ! Correct ! Republicans are still fighting against Healthcare, or as they call it Obamacare. This could very well be the next freedom uprising/movement. By the way, I`m for Medicare for all Americans. If we do not fix this problem, soon only the wealthy will be able to afford health care. Has anyone ever figured out how your eyes and teeth do not figure into your healthcare ? Hey, I have an idea, why not end all of these wars/military actions and spend the money on all of the above ? Then, all middle class Americans will benefit, not just the rich. Uh...Oh, I`m beginning to sound like our President.The theory of the Ultra-Rich making more money is somehow beneficial to the working class, is NUTS ! TRICKLE DOWN DOES NOT WORK ! NEVER HAS ! Be careful we do not turn out like Mexico and have just a few family's control all of the wealth. Now have the Democrats done all things to my liking ? Absolutely not. But, compared to the Republicans, much better. Gun control, abortion and illegal aliens, just issues to keep the poor middle class in line. NON ISSUES ! Think about it. I have got some readers, who are just going to die, because of this blog.They do not handle facts very well. "So Mote it Be"!

Fiat Lux

Underdogs Blog...Re-Published Feb. 01, 2012

2012-02-01T16:14:00.008-04:00

UNDERDOGS BLOG ~ RE-PUBLISHED...
2/01/12

By Underdog = Don Jones

Occasionally, I see a need to re-publish this particular blog ! One of those occasions is now. I have some readers, who do not agree with me. Hey, That's fine. However, they seem to get bent all out of shape. Perhaps they need to read again !
Your Friend, I hope ? Underdog = Don Jones ... I wrote this almost three years ago, my views have not changed !

I publish this blog, called Underdog almost daily. I write about things, I think, I know about ? For instance, I write about Organ/Transplantation. I write about Unions. I write about healthcare. I write a little about Pulmonary Hypertension. At times I am very opinionated. I do not ask that you agree with me, I do ask that when you disagree with me, that your comments on my blog be without curse words/profanity. I do not use them in my blog. I must insist that your comments be curse free. If they are not without curse words, that`s your prerogative. However, that particular comment will be deleted. That's my rule ! If you choose to write your comments anonymously that too is fine, however I may not publish. I am a Democrat most of the time. Although, I have voted Republican. I am a voter of platforms and programs. Thus, the platform of the Democrats, usually fit my needs. I feel that if you are a Republican voter, you are mostly with and not without. You are white collar not blue collar. I feel if you are opposed to health care reform, you are both with and have great insurance ! I`m a Democrat who opposes gun control. I am a Democrat who opposes abortion. If you want to carry a gun, and I do ! Get licensed. I am ! You don't want or believe in abortion, don`t have one ! As for myself and my family, I view it as our decision, not your`s ! I believe in Free Democratic Trade Unions ! I belong to one. In my state of Tennessee, we have a law called (Right to Work) I call it, "Right to Work for Less"! You are not required by law to join a union. If you do not wish to join, don`t ! You must understand, that I do not agree with that law, but, I am a law abiding citizen, thus I do abide by it ! I believe we should have term limits for our politicians. Congress was never intended to be a life-time occupation. We have them for our President and in Tennessee we have them for our Governor. Why not Congress and the Senate ? I once had a politician tell me, he could`nt be bought, but, he could be rented for a little while. I had a problem with that statement. I am a practicing Christian. I believe in separation of church and state. I have seen my church lose members over the years, because they turned into a political action committee(PAC). Let your conviction be tempered by your love for your fellow man. Let your example be that of Love, Hope and Charity ! I am a Freemason, Do not ever give up on our democracy. Vote ! Demand that your voice be heard and that you stay in touch/contact with your elected Representative`s. When you do disagree with someone, disagree with kindness, not hate or disgust. My e-mail address is on my blog. You can contact me via e-mail. donjones90@gmail.com/ . You can make comments on my blog, I encourage you to do so. Just be agreeable or disagreeable, not ugly ! If you have items of interest you would like to see published, just forward them to this writer. Now, understand, I am the publisher, I will decide what is published and what is not ! If you wish to save my web-address for my blog, just click on the title or the following link. http://wwwsecondchance.blogspot.com/

Democracy...is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty...is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.

Dear Don, 2/02/12

Read the blog. You just seem reasonable to me. Evidently our system doesn't work on that plain.

Steve Sauter, Hersey MI.

Save blog > http://wwwsecondchance.blogspot.com/
and put it in your favorites.With warmest regard, I remain Stick a Fork in Me, I`m Done ! UNDERDOG = Don Jones !

P.S. I hope this gives you a better insight as to my thinking and the positions I take on certain subjects !

Fiat Lux

Rep. Bill Sanderson(R) 77th. District Tennessee

2012-01-31T17:00:00.008-04:00

Rep. Bill Sanderson(R)~Tennessee`s 77th. District

by Underdog = Don Jones...1/31/12

Web-page here > http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/h77.html

e-mail here > rep.bill.sanderson@capitol.tn.gov

This morning I was listening to my local radio (WCMT) station. It seems the President & General manager Paul Tinkle, was invited to Nashville for Governor Haslam`s state of the state address (nothing wrong with that). During his visit, he interviewed Rep. Sanderson 77th. District(upper left). We continually hear about bipartisan politics, we just see, very little of it. My best advice to Rep. Sanderson is to be quiet, (at least stay off the radio) if you have nothing to say. So far you have had very little to say ! When asked about State Senator Roy Herron, not running again. He said "I can`t wait to get his newly formed district to a RED District"! Blue, Red. It does`nt matter Mr. Sanderson, or with you, it does. Not a word about Senator Herron`s service to our state. Kinda sounds like ole Bedroom Bill is very non-bipartisan. Perhaps you should follow your fellow state rep. Andy Holt`s 77th. District example on this. Just be quiet. Can`t we all just get along ? Apparently not if your RED ! Rep. Sanderson, did you ever notice the Tennessee State Flag ? I suggest you take a good look.

Fiat Lux

Tennessee State News ! Not Good !

2012-01-31T16:26:00.007-04:00

Governor Haslam & Republican State Reps...Now Running Education !

1/31/12

Contact TN Gov. Haslam here > bill.haslam@tn.gov

Contact your TN. State Rep. here > http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/

The Tennessee Republican`s are now running/operating our school system. I bet things get better now...Ya Think ? I think not ! Teachers no longer have input.

‘Republican’ jobs plan still M.I.A.: One Jobs Bill Out of 55 (and it isn’t even a new idea). Governor Haslam, who campaigned with the promise of “Jobs in Every County,” has introduced ONLY one bill with the explicit purpose of putting Tennesseans back to work, and it’s not even an original program. It’s another re-hash from Governor Bredesen’s administration—just like the rest of Governor Haslam’s jobs initiatives, and it’s only possible thanks to work done by Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen District#9 TN. [Commercial Appeal, 1/14/12]

Businesses Say “Lagging Demand” Accounts for Nearly Half of Mass Layoffs. Many Tennessee companies say lack of customer demand -- not government regulation -- remains their No. 1 obstacle to hiring. WBIR.com reports: “Lagging demand by consumers accounted for nearly half of mass layoffs in the third quarter of 2011, while government regulations accounted for less than 1 percent, according to the Labor Department's most recent figures.” [WBIR.com, 1/20/12]

Teachers and educators with classroom experience from all corners of the state have largely panned Governor Haslam’s destructive plan for public education. We should be focused on results—not driving away our best educators.
Teachers Are NOT the Problem—REPORT: Tennessee Teacher Quality Among Best in Nation. Memphis Business Journal reports that Tennessee teachers earned one of the highest overall grades in the nation on the National Council on Teacher Quality’s 2011 State Teacher Policy Yearbook. Tennessee earned a B- and was one of only four states to receive a B grade. [Memphis Business Journal, 1/27/12]

Crowded Classrooms Bill:

Haslam’s Education Reforms Are Wrong Focus. Michelle Greenfield teaches sixth-grade math at Jere Baxter in Nashville. Greenfield says she can handle a bigger classroom, but it will mean less time for each student, because, she says, teachers are only human. “I can only help so many people during the course of the day, and there’re going to be kids that fall through the cracks. Now can I do it? Sure. And if I had to do it I would. But I’m not going to say that it’ll be totally fine. That’s just not true.” Greenfield feels like it falls to teachers to deal with broad-scale problems that play out in classrooms. She points to the weak economy, saying it undercuts parental involvement. “A lot of them, I think their parents want to be involved, but they’re busy trying to pay the bills and keep their job and keep their house.” [WPLN.org, 1/30/12]

Superintendent on Haslam’s bill to crowd classrooms: “I think they are going backward on raising class sizes.” Dickson County schools superintendent and representative for the Mid-Cumberland region on the board of directors for the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents Johnny Chandler opposes Haslam's raising classroom sizes. Of the proposed legislation, Chandler says “I am not in favor of that--I think they are going backward raising class sizes.” [Dickson County Herald, 1/25/12]

Daily News Journal Editorial: Haslam’s School Bills Are Too Much Tinkering, Too Fast. On talks to change the pay system, "that discussion is simply not needed right now, not when educators and administrators statewide are already working feverishly to comply with the gauntlet of evaluations and classroom observations required under a new process that just began this year. Not when a thorough review of this new process has yet to be completed, with the consensus among educators and lawmakers that changes are definitely needed." [The Daily News Journal, 1/22/12] They call it tinkering, I call it dismantling.

Damron`s Coffee Cup ~ Sad News !...1/30/12

2012-01-30T17:12:00.008-04:00

Sad News~Coffee Cup Chatter ~ Damron`s Martin Tennessee

by Underdog = Don Jones...

1/30/12

Contact Damron`s here > http://www.damronsbbq.net/

As most of you know, I get my morning coffee at Damrons BAR BQ & Meat Company in Martin. This morning was not a happy time. Last night, Joe Damron informed me that one of our regular coffee drinker`s and my friend, Pat Dowland had passed away. My deepest condolence`s to her husband Ricky and her entire family ! Pat was 64 year`s young. She was a breath of sunshine, anytime she was in attendance. Pat was not in great health. She actually complained, very little. She smiled most of the time and loved talking about her grandchildren. She usually dressed immaculately and yet very conservatively. I always noticed her jewelry, it was always nice and never gaudy. Her husband Ricky was always at her side, when she needed him. He too, is an outstanding individual. He and I always traded barbs with one another. Joe Damron, at times thought we were going to fight(I think ?). Not so. Just good old fashioned fun. I have nothing but the deepest respect for Ricky Dowland ! Listed below are Pat`s arrangements.

Patricia Anne Diggs Dowland (July 3, 1947 - January 29, 2012)

Mrs. Patricia Anne Diggs Dowland, age 64, of Rolling Meadows, Martin TN, died Sunday, 01/29/2012, at her home.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, February 1, 2011, at Murphy Funeral Home; 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow in East Side Cemetery in Martin.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 31, 2011; 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Mrs. Dowland is survived by her husband, Rickie D. Dowland, Martin TN, a daughter, Loice Anne (Rich) Cianciolo, Medina TN, three grandchildren, Rachel Marie Cianciolo, Louis Derrell Cianciolo, and Ivy Marina Cianciolo, two sisters, Betty (Harold) Goodrich, and Rachel (Jerry) Moore, both of Jackson TN.
Mrs. Dowland was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Eula Mae Singleton Diggs.
Memorial made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; 501 St. Jude Place; Memphis, TN 38105.

Recent Votes in District#8~Tennessee

2012-01-30T16:45:00.009-04:00

Recent Votes for Tennessee's 8th Congressional District:

Contact Tennessee > http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/topics/Elected+Officials

Recent Senate Votes:

Debt limit disapproval - Vote Rejected (44-52, 4 Not Voting)The Senate rejected this House resolution to block a $1.2 trillion increase in the $15.2 trillion debt ceiling. The increase automatically took effect on January 27, 2012. Sen. Lamar Alexander voted YES......send e-mail or see bio Sen. Bob Corker voted, Not Voting......send e-mail or see bio

Recent House Votes:

Ultralight Aircraft Smuggling Prevention Act - Vote Passed (408-0, 25 Not Voting)The House passed this bill to change the definition of “ultralight” aircraft in the anti-smuggling statute in order to increase penalties for using them to smuggle drugs. The Senate cleared the measure for the president the next day by unanimous consent. It was the last bill sponsored by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords before her resignation from Congress. Rep. Stephen Fincher voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Votes:

Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act of 2012 - S.2038 The Senate is scheduled to take up this bill to ban members and aides from trading stocks using information learned through the course of their duties.

Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act of 2011 - H.R.1173 The House is scheduled to take up this bill repealing the CLASS Act, a provision in the health care law intended to provide long-term care to seniors.

Pro-Growth Budgeting Act of 2011 - H.R.3582 This House bill would require the Congressional Budget Office to take into account the effect a bill might have on the economy when analyzing a bill.

Baseline Reform Act of 2011 - H.R.3578 This House bill would stop the Congressional Budget Office from incorporating inflation projections into their bill analysis.

Editorial : Any of the above Bill`s affect you ? Does me ! Better keep up.

UNEMPLOYMENT (HR 3630) BAD IDEA !

2012-01-30T13:41:00.007-04:00

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS or WHEN THE GOOD GUY`S GO BAD !

Speakout here> http://www.nelp.org/page/speakout/renew-unemployment-insurance-2012?nocdn=1

Congress narrowly averted cutting off millions of Americans from unemployment insurance when it passed a stopgap two-month extension just before the holidays. But that extension is set to expire at the end of February, so millions of unemployed workers are again at risk of losing their federal unemployment insurance -- unless Congress acts to fully renew the program through 2012.

You would think that a simple enough task, right?

But right now, a 20-member Congressional conference committee is set to take that up -- and House Republicans are expected to push for dismantling unemployment insurance, with drastic cuts in benefits and draconian new barriers to jobless workers' access to their unemployment insurance.
Send an urgent message to all 20 members of the Congressional conference committee. Tell them: Fully Renew Unemployment Insurance for 2012 -- No Cuts, No Barriers to Benefits! Among reckless and mean-spirited measures being pushed under the guise of "reform" by House Republicans in their version of (H.R. 3630): Slashing federal unemployment insurance, cutting benefits more than half in highest unemployment states. Imposing mandatory drug testing of unemployment insurance claimants. Making jobless workers pay for their reemployment services. Denying benefits to workers who were not fortunate enough to finish high school or GED. Letting states reduce benefits and divert unemployment benefit funds to other uses. "Bad Idea`s"! You Bet`Cha !
Send an urgent message to all 20 members of the Congressional conference committee. Tell them: Fully Renew Unemployment Insurance for 2012 -- No Cuts, No Barriers to Benefits.

Editorial : What do our elected representatives use for brains ? Surely, there is something in the water in DC. This is the most idiotic legislation to come down the pike, in a very longtime. Think about it ! Democrats or Republicans ! Does`nt matter. You can also make your voice heard directly in Congress. Just call toll-free 888-245-3381 to be connected to your U.S. Senators and Representative. Tell them your name and where you are from, that you are a constituent and that you urge them to renew the full federal unemployment insurance program through 2012 – No cuts, no barriers to benefits!

Fiat Lux

Democrat ~ Republican ? Does`nt Matter ! Insider Trading Does Matter !

2012-01-29T17:04:00.007-04:00

DEMOCRAT ~ REPUBLICAN ? DOES`NT MATTER ! INSIDER TRADING NEED`S To Be STOPPED !
by : Kirsten Gillibrand

Contact Here > http://www.kirstengillibrand.com/home

Ever since President Obama said in his State of the Union address that he fully supported passage of the STOCK Act, this critical bill has been on the fast track.

We can’t lose our momentum. We have to act now. I introduced the STOCK Act in November after a 60 Minutes report first exposed the issue of insider trading in Congress. This bill would stop it once and for all, because no member of Congress should unfairly benefit from information they gain from their work as lawmakers. Americans have a right to know that their elected officials are playing by the same rules as they are. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is bringing this important bill for a cloture vote on Monday. If it passes, it will get a final up-or-down vote. That means you have to make your voice heard now so members of Congress know that you’re watching and expecting them to do the right thing. Senator Russ Feingold's Progressives United and I are working to make sure as many people are heard as possible.Click here to join me, Senator Russ Feingold's Progressives United, and thousands of people across the country who are urging lawmakers to pass the STOCK Act so we can make sure no insider trading occurs in the halls of Congress.We need clear laws on the books forbidding this kind of insider trading. And to further promote accountability and transparency, members will have to disclose major transactions within 30 days and make this information available online. The American people have a serious lack of trust in their representatives in Washington. They need to believe—without a shadow of a doubt—that lawmakers are acting in the best interest of our country, not for their own financial gain. If you agree, then please sign this petition today, before the big vote tomorrow. If members of Congress see that this law has overwhelming support among their constituents, they’ll have a hard time arguing that there’s no need for it. Click here to make your voice heard. Join the thousands of Americans who are demanding that lawmakers play by the rules and don’t benefit from insider information.We’re closer than ever to getting the STOCK Act passed. Let’s seize the moment and begin the process of restoring Americans’ trust in Congress.

Fiat Lux

Cooper & USWA Local 752-L ~ "Come Sit Down and Let Us Reason Together"!

2012-01-28T18:02:00.008-04:00

Union Ratify`s Deal with Cooper Tire
By: Kristie Avery - Texarkana Gazette
Published: 01/27/2012

Local News here > http://uswalocal752l.com/

Jimmy Jackson(upper left) of Texarkana, Ark., walks into United Steelworkers Local 752L Union Hall to Vote Thursday on the tentative contract agreement with Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. Jackson works as a bias operator. United Steel Workers Local 752L at Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.-Texarkana voted to accept a new contract Thursday. The vote was 1,006 for the contract and 141 against.
The result came in at 8:45 p.m., 45 minutes after voting ended. Voting began at 6 a.m.

Cooper Tire Workers get Pay Increases in New Deal
By: The Associated Press 01/27/12

Union Members at Cooper Tire and Rubber Co.'s Texarkana plant will see their pay go up for their first time since 2008, when members agreed to millions in concessions to save the plant from closure. Members of United Steelworkers Local 752L approved a four-year contract 1,006-141 on Thursday. The Texarkana Gazette reported ( http://is.gd/VgFXCq ) the four-year contract includes a one-time $1,200 increase for the first two years and a $1,000 increase for the last two years for workers hired before 2009. Workers hired after 2009 will get an increase of $1,200 the first year and a 20-cent-per-hour raise the next three years.
Union member Michael Johnson, who's worked at Cooper Tire for 31 years, said he thought the new contract was as good as the union could get given the current economic conditions. "You have to have faith in your negotiating committee," he said. "The only thing that I wish was different was a little more pay and not having to pay so much out of our pocket for our insurance."
Cooper Tire praised the union in a statement for its professionalism in negotiations. "The parties are equally consistent in their optimism for the future of the Texarkana facility and the ability of the plant employees to be even more productive under the terms of the new contract," the company said in a statement. Union president David Boone said both sides also agreed to more tire molds at the Texarkana plant — which means more workers on the payroll.
"They're going to invest in this plant," Boone said. "I think the Texarkana plant will be the plant to reckon with in the entire Cooper Tire corporation," he said.
When the sides last negotiated in 2008, the union agreed to a salary freeze and other concessions to try to avert the plant's closure. Cooper Tire eventually Closed its Albany, Ga., plant and kept open factories in Texarkana; Findlay, Ohio; and Tupelo, Miss. Last November, Cooper Tire ordered the lockout of more than 1,000 union members in Findlay because they rejected a tentative agreement.

Editorial From J. Michael Stanley: Please remember, the Albany Ga. Plant, was Non-Union !

Here's what Goodyear's competitor is doing for its union plant in Arkansas...ironic isn't it ? Goodyear used bad judgement closing Union City TN. If Cooper can afford to give its workers this kind of pay raises, why couldn't Goodyear make it on the concessions that were agreed to by the Union,to keep UC plant alive ? guess answer lies within the pay structure of the Akron Goodyear CEO AND OTHERS getting their Bonuses ! (Thanks to Mike Stanley for this one.)
___
Information from: Texarkana Gazette, http://www.texarkanagazette.com/ Read more at the Washington Examiner:

http://washingtonexaminer.com/news/2012/01/cooper-tire-workers-get-pay-increases-new-deal/2142011#.TyRhRoDuPKI.email#ixzz1knE0eEYd

Fiat Lux

OUTSOURCING ~ NO MORE Tax-Payer REWARDS for IT !

2012-01-28T17:19:00.007-04:00

Right on Mr. President !
1/28/12

Here's something that President Obama laid out in his State of the Union that I think deserves special attention:

Won`t You Help ? > http://my.barackobama.com/Keep-Jobs-at-Home

Under current law, American companies can actually get a tax deduction for outsourcing jobs.That's the opposite of how it should work. President Obama is proposing to end tax deductions for outsourcing, create a new tax credit for bringing jobs home, and lower tax rates for companies that manufacture and create jobs in the United States. If you think this should be a priority during this campaign, it's up to you to speak out. Support the President and spread the word: http://my.barackobama.com/Keep-Jobs-at-Home This could be a defining issue of 2012. We heard a great plan from President Obama this week -- and we need to make sure everyone knows about this contrast. In his own words, "It's time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America. ... Our workers are the most productive on Earth, and if the playing field is level, I promise you -- America will always win."!

Here's the quote from the State of the Union:

"Think about the America within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs. A future where we're in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren't so tied to unstable parts of the world. ...What's happening in Detroit can happen in other industries. It can happen in Cleveland and Pittsburgh and Raleigh. We can't bring back every job that's left our shores. But right now, it's getting more expensive to do business in places like China. Meanwhile, America is more productive. A few weeks ago, the CEO of Master Lock told me that it now makes business sense for him to bring jobs back home. Today, for the first time in fifteen years, Master Lock's unionized plant in Milwaukee is running at full capacity. So we have a huge opportunity, at this moment, to bring manufacturing back. But we have to seize it. ...My message is simple. It's time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America. Send me these tax reforms, and I'll sign them right away."

Fiat Lux

Congressman Steve Cohen Fighting for Tennesseans...You Bet`Cha !

2012-01-28T16:41:00.007-04:00

Congressman Steve Cohen District#9~Tennessee, Fighting Big Oil ! & Making it Easier to VOTE !
1/28/112
Contact Rep. Cohen here > http://www.cohen.house.gov/

On Tuesday I was pleased to join with environmental author Bill McKibben (who also founded the grassroots climate campaign 350.org), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and hundreds of hard-working Americans in an effort to highlight Big Oil’s excessive and corrosive influence on our political system. For too long, Big Oil has exercised far too much control in Washington. It’s time for people to stand up to Big Oil’s vaults of money and army of lobbyists and work to restore government for the people and by the people. Doing so would not only be a victory for everyone who wants to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we live on. It would also be a victory for democracy and for the enduring gift the Founding Fathers gave us in free speech and public participation in government. The rally was organized by 350.org.

Free Photo Identification :

You can get free photo identification for voting, the first Saturday of every month at two driver service centers in Shelby County at no charge. The service centers are located at 3200 East Shelby Drive and 6340 Summer Avenue – both in Memphis. They are open on the first Saturday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. And to learn more about the new voter ID laws, visit my website here. Also, Veterans who need ID can get free government-issued photo IDs at the Veterans Administration.

Editorial : Again Rep. Steve Cohen is in touch with his constituency ! Thanks, Congressman Cohen.

Rep. Stephen Fincher~District#8~ Tennessee <> Keystone Pipeline Stance = Wrong Approach !

2012-01-28T13:01:00.007-04:00

Letter From Stephen Fincher(R) District#8~Tennessee

1/28/12

Contact Rep. Fincher here> http://fincher.house.gov/office/washington-dc

The rhetoric in Washington and throughout the nation following the State of the Union on Tuesday has been an outcry for bipartisanship.

There are many things Republicans and Democrats disagree on, but there is one issue that many of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle can see eye to eye on: The construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.The Keystone XL Pipeline would carry oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast, providing more oil for America’s energy needs and employing tens of thousands of people immediately. By rejecting the Keystone, pipeline President Obama turned his back on jobs for unemployed Americans and ignored a way to take advantage of some of America’s own energy supplies. President Obama’s words in the State of the Union do not match his actions. If he was working hard on bringing jobs to America and creating energy independence, the Keystone pipeline is an answer. So what is the next step ? My colleague, Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) is urging leadership to pass legislation that would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission control over the project instead of the White House and State Department. I am a co-sponsor of Representative Terry’s bill, (H.R. 3548), The North American Energy Access Act) and am working with Congressman Terry to see that this legislation is brought to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote as soon as possible. Under H.R. 3548, President Obama would be cut out of the equation and the fate of this job-creating project would be left to expert individuals not influenced by special interest groups or re-election campaigns. I can assure you, I have not given up on this issue. We need the Keystone XL pipeline so we can get more Americans back to work.

Sincerely,

Stephen L. Fincher (R), Congressman

District#8~Tennessee

Editorial : Dear Rep. Fincher (R) District#8-Tennessee. As one of your constituents, I could not disagree you more with your letter ! Who gets this OIL ? Once it is shipped via an above ground pipeline from Canada to the Gulf Coast, are you sure it won`t be shipped to CHINA ? Your statement, If He was working on ? You are inferring that he is not. Where have you been ? Introducing a Bill (HR3548) Taking the President out of the picture ? NOT TOO SMART ! Not the way to influence and win people to your point of view. Who on earth are you listening too ? Surely not BIG OIL ? I urge you, DO NOT GIVE UP, JUST TRY A MORE compromising approach. Taking this kind of attitude and defiant approach is not conducive to West Tennesseans ! Nor the Country !

Fiat Lux

Rep. Bill Sanderson ~ Sells County Out !

2012-01-27T12:43:00.007-04:00

Rep. Bill Sanderson(R) Sold County Out !

Contact > rep.bill.sanderson@capitol.tn.gov

House Members > http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/

To The Editor:

Thanks for standing up for Obion County during the Goodyear plant closure and the nearly 1,000 direct jobs lost in Obion County.

While Goodyear announced its closure, state Rep. Bill Sanderson(R) was in China. Sanderson’s quote, “There is something to say for this (Chinese) economy and this government. Things run very smooth and efficient.” Obion County thanks you for your efforts in supporting the Chinese economy while we lose our jobs to China.Thanks for standing up for Obion County when Republicans in the Legislature divided our community into two State House Districts for the first time in anyone’s memory. It is appropriate for citizens to know exactly whom we have to thank for that — robbing our community of influence in Nashville. Last year, when the voters in District 77 elected Bill Sanderson to represent us, little did we know that a year later, we would be sold down the river in the redistricting process just passed. Rep. Bill Sanderson either sold us out and promoted the Republicans’ plan or was too weak to fight. Although I still live in and love Obion County, unfortunately, I have been cut out of it.Thanks to Rep. Sanderson and Obion County Republicans for doing nothing and calling that leadership. We should not just remember, but also never forget.

Robert M. Vanderford

South Fulton TN.

Published in The Messenger 1.25.12

Editorial : I`d like to say something, but it has been said so well and so factually. Nothing for me to say ! Oh yes, How do you like him now Tennessee District#77 ?

Roy Herron A Tennessee Treasure ~ Say`s No More !

2012-01-26T18:31:00.008-04:00

HERRON CHOOSES TO SERVE THROUGH MCWHERTER CENTER

Will expand work on education and jobs

Dresden—Senator Roy Herron (D-Dresden) today announced plans not to run for office in 2012, but instead to lead the Ned McWherter Center for Rural Development in expanded efforts to help young people go to college and create jobs for Tennesseans.

The senator expressed both great gratitude to constituents and high hopes for students and workers. Herron stated:

“I am blessed to represent the most wonderful people on earth. The people who have let me work for them as their representative and senator are my teachers, friends, and many are like family. I’m excited about working with them and other Tennesseans to help more young people go to college and help our state grow and gain good-paying jobs.” Herron said after he finishes his state senate responsibilities this year, he will work actively as the president of the McWherter Center, a non-profit, non-partisan, charitable organization. The McWherter Center provides scholarships and educational opportunities for Tennessee students. The McWherter Center was founded in 2008 with the blessing of the former Governor who died last April. Herron explained, “Some of us blessed to learn so much from Governor McWherter wanted to continue his service, and he loved the idea of a Center that would help young people.” “Governor McWherter repeatedly taught,” Herron recalled, “’Schools plus roads equals jobs.’ And while he called himself a college drop-out, he helped his two children earn five (5) university degrees, and he recognized that in the 21st century his formula must be updated to say, ‘Colleges plus information highways equal jobs.’” Herron said, “Now the Center can use Governor McWherter’s wisdom and legacy to help enable our young people to continue their education beyond high school so they can become all that God’s grace and their gifts will let them become.” Herron said re-districting made the decision to leave the legislature hard, because he knows and loves so many people in the new 24th senate district.“The new senate district is four counties I’ve represented in the senate for 16 years (Obion, Weakley, Henry, and Benton), another county I represented in the House for 10 years (Carroll), and my late sister’s home county (Gibson) near our farm where I also know so many that I love so dearly.” “But Governor McWherter said his second term was ‘for the kids’ and I want my next stretch of public service to follow his lead in making a difference for our young people.” Senator Herron said the McWherter Center will be working with Tennesseans of both political parties as well as independents to expand college opportunities. He explained, “The rich can afford college, the very poor can get financial aid, but the middle class and working people are struggling as college costs soar. The ‘strong back jobs’ are gone overseas and the 21st century jobs are going to those who have a 21st century education. The McWherter Center can help students get 21st century educations and jobs.” “At a time when some in the General Assembly want to make college scholarships harder to attain, I don’t see Nashville moving in the right direction. But I believe many Tennesseans will work together to help the young people who want to study hard and improve their lives.”

LEGISLATIVE RECORD

Herron won then-Speaker McWherter’s seat representing Weakley and Carroll counties in the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1986 when McWherter ran for Governor. In 1996, Herron ran for the state senate where he initially represented Dyer and continues to represent Lake, Obion, Weakley, Henry, Stewart, Benton, Henderson, Decatur, and Perry counties. In 2010, he was the Democratic nominee for Congress. He remains in the state senate. In the General Assembly, Herron has held numerous leadership positions, including chairing the Select Committee on Children and Youth, the TennCare Oversight Committee, the Senate General Welfare, Health and Human Resources Committee, and the Senate Democratic Caucus. Herron has sponsored literally hundreds of bills that have become law and a state constitutional amendment. As an attorney who had served as a special prosecutor, Herron authored the Crime Victims Bill of Rights that for the first time in Tennessee history enshrined in the Tennessee Constitution a set of rights for victims of crime.

As a former minister and lawyer who graduated from and taught at Vanderbilt’s Divinity and Law Schools, Herron wrote the Student Religious Liberty Act to protect children’s rights to pray in public schools and the Bible in Schools Act which provides a constitutional way for children to learn about the Bible in public schools.

As the father of three sons, two of whose lives were saved in the womb and as newborns by exceptional healthcare professionals, Herron worked with Governor McWherter to expand access to healthcare for working families. He then fought to try to get the next administration to require better stewardship of taxpayer dollars by the managed care organizations.

As a country lawyer, Herron took the case of a natural gas company employee worried about unsafe and illegal practices endangering hundreds of West Tennesseans, then wrote Tennessee’s Whistleblower Law that protects citizens who refuse to break the law or report crimes to law enforcement. An avid hunter and sportsman, Herron often quipped that with a district including more rivers and lakes than any other, he represented “more ducks and geese, more bass and bream” than any other legislator. He authored and worked on numerous acts to protect Second Amendment rights and expand outdoor opportunities. Herron grew up fishing and duck hunting on Kentucky and Reelfoot Lakes with his father and raised his own sons doing the same. Working with Congressman John Tanner, Governor Phil Bredesen, and Representative Phillip Pinion, Herron helped obtain the new spillway at Reelfoot Lake. A fiscal conservative known for his pickup truck with almost half-a-million miles, Herron has spent the taxpayers’ dollars like his own. He helped balance Tennessee’s budget every single year in office, while keeping Tennessee one of the lowest-taxed states in the country.
Herron warned that many in Nashville today seem intent on bolstering private for-profit educational companies at the expense of taxpayers and to the harm of public schools. Herron said he will miss continuing to fight for public schools as a senator, but plans to continue his efforts for public school students through his work with the McWherter Center. As the son of a smoker who died of heart disease and the brother of a smoker who died of lung cancer, Herron sponsored the legislation that first banned smoking in state government buildings, then the legislation that banned smoking in most public places. That legislation has taken Tennessee from a third more citizens smoking five years ago to where we are today, saving taxpayers and insurance premium payers millions in reduced healthcare costs and which will ultimately save thousands of lives. A runner who has completed more than thirty marathons and three 140.6 mile Ironman Triathlons, Herron sponsored the legislation creating the Coordinated School Health Program that works across Tennessee to reduce childhood obesity and improve children’s health. As a businessman committed to economic growth, Herron helped create infrastructure improvements that have meant jobs and will mean more jobs in the future. Herron has played a significant role in the four-laning of Highways 22, 45E, 45W, 79, 412, and I-69, as well as new roads like 218 and numerous life-saving improvements such as the safety barriers between opposing lanes of interstate traffic. He fought for and helped secure funding for the Cate’s Landing Port and Industrial Park in Lake County, the West Tennessee Jobs Megasite in Haywood County, improvements to area airports, and the expansion of efforts by the Department of Economic Community Development to draw companies to Tennessee. As the parent of three sons, Herron worked to improve Tennessee’s schools, helping pass Governor McWherter’s and Governor Bredesen’s education initiatives, including the Better Education Program, pre-kindergarten for low-income children, and fairer funding for rural school systems.

“I’ve seen great teachers do great work and the differences they’ve made in our sons’ lives,” Herron said. All three of Herron’s sons attended Weakley County public schools in Dresden. “I want all children to be blessed with great, loving teachers like our sons were blessed to have.”

As a graduate of and former teacher at the University of Tennessee at Martin and Vanderbilt University, Herron has advocated not only for public schools, but also for post-secondary education in the vocational and career centers and community colleges and universities.

Herron has been known in the Senate for his willingness to work. In more than a quarter century, he has 100% attendance except for the day his youngest son was being born. He missed the House session that day, but only that day, and he has yet to miss a Senate session.

Herron also has been known for his Listening Meetings. It is believed that he has conducted more public Listening Meetings than any other member of the General Assembly, a number he acknowledges is “somewhere well north of a thousand.”

In addition to the legislation that Herron has helped pass, he also is known as having modified bills that needed correcting and having helped stop bills he thought should not pass. When asked for examples of some of the bad legislation he has helped stop, Herron declined, saying, “I don’t want to give anybody any ideas about trying some of those bad ideas again. We’re doing too much harm to the people already.”

CONCLUSION :

Herron will serve out his term which ends with the new general election in November. The current session of the General Assembly is expected to adjourn by May.

Herron assured citizens, “I’m just as passionate about the issues and care just as much about our people. If I can help you now as senator or in the future in any way, please, let me know.”

Herron can be contacted at his senate office at 309 War Memorial Building, Nashville, 37243, or 1-800-449-8366, extension 1-4576. He may be contacted in West Tennessee at P.O. Box 5, Dresden 38225 or 731-364-5415.

Editorial : A Tennessee Treasure is getting out. Why ? Battle fatigue ~! To put it mildly, Senator Herron is tired of fighting Elephants with a switch. Make no mistake, Tennessee is now in the hands of the REPUBLICANS ! And it is not now or will it be in 2012 a middle class oriented representation. Having said that. Senator Roy Herron is the single cause of the Organ/Donor Bill in Tennessee. The live`s he has affected/saved in this bill alone is phenomenal ! Senator Roy B. Herron ~ THANK YOU ! You are/were a Great Representative along with Governor NED R. McWherter. God bless you and your wonderful family.

Fiat Lux

Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-IN): People Ought to be SCARED !

2012-01-26T13:39:00.000-04:00

Governor Mitch Daniels (R) Indiana selling out the Middle Class ! People are SCARED !

New ad: 'What' - Indiana Gov. Daniels in his own words, opposing Right t...

2012-01-25T16:41:00.002-04:00

1/25/12

It Seems Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) Indiana has no problem LYING ! This is what the Republican Party has become. We must not let them destroy the middle class. Yet, we must be inclusive. Try to extend them a courtesy, that they do not extend to you. Loving Kindness ! Be gentle but firm. Remember Adolph Hitler, proposed and got rid of all Labor Unions in Germany before World War II broke out ! Think about it.

Daniels has entered the national stage as an angry opponent of workers acting collectively. He may have seemed mild-mannered in a speech well-received by right-wing pundits, but that manner is belied by his efforts to shut down the basic institutions of democracy in Indiana. Daniels, a lame-duck governor who seems to be spending a lot more time thinking about Washington than about getting Hoosiers back to work, ought to follow the lead of President Obama and listen to working people rather than CEOs.

I received the following from my friend in Paducah Kentucky:

"Remember Adolph Hitler, proposed and got rid of all Labor Unions in Germany before World War II broke out!" Is there ANYTHING that happens that rates a comparison to HITLER ? Yes, The Republican Party. Most think that the right to work law is an end-all, be-all. It doesn't eliminate unions altogether, thank God. They get wonderful representation, and Union Stewards have told me that they must give equal representation to those who choose not to join the Union. You treat the union membership as if it ranks on the level of military service and It does. For what it is worth, implementing right to work will do more for bringing Sweat shop jobs to Indiana than keeping it as a union state. They may pay less, but that's what it is all about. Unions only guarantee safety and descent treatment. Remember Detroit ? Who can forget it ? By the way, I think we have entirely too many GREAT WORKERS who are unemployed because of Republican greed ! And all of those are...guess what...GREAT UNION MEMBERS!

Fiat Lux

God Bless President Obama ~ He Has it Right !

2012-01-25T12:12:00.008-04:00

God Bless The President of the United States ~ YES !

Last night, I watched President Obama deliver his third State of the Union address.

Loved when he laid out specifics about how to get our economy back on track : Made in America, Energy independence, and Entrepreneurship.
Now it’s time to rally around the President and show our support. The key is working together—every one of us—because that’s the only way we can turn things around. Can you take a minute to sign my letter to President Obama to let him know we’re with him ? Please Sign Kirsten Gillibrand`s letter below ! Or Title. Click here to sign my letter telling the President that we stand with him.
As the President said, it’s going to take a lot of hard work to rebuild our economy. But I know if we put in the time and effort, we’ll reap the rewards.
President Obama asks for creation of special unit of federal prosecutors to further investigate mortgage lending practices that led to the housing crisis.
President Obama announces creation of a trade enforcement unit to investigate "unfair trade practices in countries like China." In State of the Union address, Obama says the "defining issue of our time" is how to keep the American dream alive. "We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of Americans barely get by. Or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules. "What’s at stake are not Democratic values or Republican values, but American values. We have to reclaim them."

MOGADISHU, Somalia — U.S. Navy SEALs parachuted into Somalia under cover of darkness early Wednesday and crept up to an outdoor camp where an American woman and Danish man were being held hostage. Soon, nine kidnappers were dead and both hostages were freed. President Barack Obama authorized the mission by SEAL Team 6 two days earlier, deploying the same unit that killed Osama bin Laden last year. Minutes after the president gave his State of the Union address to Congress he was on the phone with the American's father to tell him his daughter was safe.

President Obama is joining the call to ban insider trading by members of Congress.
In his State of the Union address, the president told lawmakers that he would immediately sign any bill prohibiting the practice, as well as preventing members from owning stock in industries they oversee.“Send me a bill that bans insider trading by Members of Congress, and I will sign it tomorrow,” he said, according to prepared remarks.

Editorial : Don`t Hold your breath ~ ! It Won`t Happen. congress takes care of CONGRESS !

Fiat Lux

Illustrating the Success of Health Care Reform...The Affordable Care Act.

2012-01-24T17:25:00.001-04:00

Republican presidential campaign pyrotechnics can’t hide the record of a party that has turned its back on ordinary Americans.

Contact Rep. Fincher here > http://www.fincher.house.gov/office/washington-dc

It’s worth remembering how, a year ago, the Republican-majority House of Representatives tried to repeal the 2010 Affordable Care Act.

What would have happened if they had succeeded ?

2.5 million young adults would have no health insurance.
2.65 million seniors would have paid $1.5 billion more for prescription drugs.
24.2 million seniors would pay for preventative services they are getting for free.
And that’s just the beginning. A short report from the White House highlights how the Affordable Care Act is making insurance more available and affordable for millions of Americans. It’s good reading at a time when the Affordable Care Act repeal is still a GOP battle cry, with all the presidential hopefuls and most Republicans in Congress vowing to overthrow the law—and trying to scare voters in the process. Check out the Center for American Progress’ animated video (above) explaining the benefits of reform. The video was developed by MIT economist Jon Gruber, an adviser on both the Affordable Care Act and the Massachusetts health care reform program.

Editorial : The Affordable Care Act, is called ObamaCare by those very same Republicans. Congressman Stephen Fincher(R)District#8-Tennessee is opposed to the Affordable Health Care Act. He Voted to repeal it ! He does`not vote on this Tennesseans behalf, how bout yours ? How you like him now Tennesseans ?

Tennessee District#8-Recent Votes

2012-01-24T13:29:00.005-04:00

http://www.fincher.house.gov/office/washingto9n-dc

Recent House Votes

Debt limit disapproval - Vote Passed (239-176, 2 Present, 16 Not Voting)The House voted to block a $1.2 trillion increase in the $15.2 trillion debt ceiling. With the Senate unlikely to approve a similar measure, the increase will automatically take effect January 27, 2012. Rep. Stephen Fincher voted YES......send e-mail or see bio

Editorial : In this vote "YES" meant NO !

REPUBLICAN OPPOSE`S RIGHT to WORK for LESS

2012-01-23T14:07:00.006-04:00

In Online Townhall, Mich. Gov. Snyder(R)Opposes Right To WORK for Less LAW ?...

Following the State of the State address last week, Michigan’s Gov. Rick Snyder(R) held an online town hall meeting. Participating on Twitter using the hash tag #Ask Gov Snyder, union workers, the Michigan State AFL-CIO and progressive allies kept the questions coming – on jobs, needed infrastructure investments and education.

Many of the #Ask Gov Snyder tweets reflected priorities outlined in the Michigan 2012 Jobs Plan, introduced by Michigan State AFL-CIO President Karla Swift. The Jobs Plan has the support of a broad coalition of affiliate unions of the Michigan AFL-CIO and allies, including the Michigan League for Human Services, Progress Michigan and We Are the People. Many of the same organizations – and individual union members – joined in the Twitter Town Hall. The diverse voices asking tough questions were noted by Michigan Public Radio. The Town Hall was also a great opportunity to educate the community on “right to work” for less. When Snyder answered a question by opposing “right to work,” workers and community groups spread the news far and wide. With extremist politicians in Michigan, as well as Indiana, New Hampshire and across the country pushing so-called “right to work,” educating the public about these unnecessary and divisive anti-worker laws couldn’t be more timely. Check out some of the #Ask Gov Snyder Tweets … and look for opportunities to #AskYourElectedOfficials about the issues that matter.

MIAFLCIO Michigan AFL-CIO: We’re waiting to hear more about reinvesting in schools, infrastructure, and public safety. Is this going to happen? How?

#AskGovSnyder
MIAFLCIO Michigan AFL-CIO: Gov. Snyder repeats: “Right to Work is not on my agenda.” Issue is divisive… let’s focus on job creation.

#AskGovSnyder
migov: We need to take the best practicies by these economic development organizations and share them to enable everyone to do well.

#AskGovSnyder
migov: Q5: Where is the support for northern Michigan? We need business building opportunities throughout the state

#AskGovSnyder
mitchellrivard: Gov. Snyder: Will you support Ruth Johnson’s voter disenfranchisement bills to make it harder for minorities to vote?

#AskGovSnyder
MIAFLCIO Michigan AFL-CIO: Don’t forget, tonight is Gov. Snyder’s online town hall. Starts at 6, hashtag is #AskGovSnyder. What questions would you like him to answer?

mitchellrivard: Gov. Snyder: Why have you repeatedly changed the way “progress” is measured on your dashboard to tilt data in your favor?

#AskGovSnyder
ProgressMich: #AskGovSnyder when will you start actually leading, instead of meekly saying things aren’t on your agenda before signing them anyway?

ProgressMich: #AskGovSnyder why won’t the Educational Achievement Authority be ready until fall? Its “chancellor” is making $400k ! Click here for more info : bit.ly/nog918

Theresthatbear Jille, Explain how Whirlpool fired 5000 employees but doubled its “earnings” in 2011 due to state & fed subsidies. Some job creator. They went to Mexico !

#AskGovSnyder
Mitchellrivard: Gov. Snyder: Why are you hijacking democracy in Michigan cities by appointing Emergency Managers who make six-figure salaries? #AskGovSnyder This one is a direct reference, in regard to Detroit !

Editorial : Gov. Snyder(R) Michigan, does`nt say he`s opposed to "Right to Work for Less" ! It just isn`t on his agenda. Actually, The Republican party may kick him out of the party for this non-action on RTW !.. For whatever reason, Gov. Snyder (R) Michigan. Thank You ! You are right on this one. Contact Gov. Snyder here > http://www.michigan.gov/

Fiat Lux

Meet General Sessions Judge Thomas L. Moore, Weakley County Tennessee

2012-01-22T14:49:00.005-04:00

Weakley County Tennessee General Sessions Judge Tommy Moore

Click here for more info >

http://www.weakleycountytn.gov/circuitcourtclerk_gsjudge.html

Thomas L. Moore, Jr. has been the General Sessions Judge of Weakley County, Tennessee since 1990.

Prior to his election to that position he was an attorney in Weakley County with offices in Martin and Dresden, with the firms: Brundige & Maloan; Brundige, Maloan, Gallien & Moore; and Maloan, Gallien, Thomas & Moore, from 1979 till 1990. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee, Martin in 1976 and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphrey School of Law in December 1978. He is married to the former Carol Reavis of Dresden. They have two children: a son, Joshua Thomas Moore, who is married to the former Bonnie Brundige, (residing in Martin, TN), and, a daughter, Kate Leeann Moore (residing in Dresden). Judge Moore and his wife, Carol, have one granddaughter. Professionally, Judge Moore is a member of the Weakley County Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, American Bar Association, Tennessee General Sessions Judges' Conference, the Bar of the United States Supreme Court and is a fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation. He has twice served as the president of the Tennessee General Sessions Judges Conference and was a member of the State Judicial Council. He served on the State of Tennessee Private Probation Commission and other state committees for the betterment of the State Judiciary, including: the Implementation Committee on Racial and Gender Fairness in Tennessee Courts; the TGSJC committee on the Future of the Courts; the Judicial Council Committees studying Uniform Court Costs and Municipal Courts; and the Judicial Ethics Committee appointed by the State Supreme Court. He has completed several courses in judicial education at the National Judicial College at the University of Nevada. Judge Moore is a member of the 27th Judicial District Drug Court Team. He is the associate Judge, sharing the judicial role on that team, attending all weekly staffing sessions and presiding over the court in the absence of Circuit Judge William Acree. Locally, Judge Moore serves as: the Chairman of the Weakley County Prevention Coalition; as a member of the Weakley County Domestic Violence Advisory Committee; past member and past chairman of the Weakley County Foster Care Review Board; President of the Weakley County Affiliate Habitat for Humanity; member, past President, Director and Paul Harris Fellow in the Dresden Rotary Club; Trustee of the Weakley County Baptist Association; President and member of the Dresden Foundation; member of the Character Education Committee of the Weakley County School Board; member of the Board of Directors of the Sunset Cemetery Association; Secretary and Director of the Dresden Senior Community, Inc; member of the Dresden Volunteer Fire Department; City Judge of the cities of Dresden and Gleason; Chairman of the City of Dresden Planning Commission; member of the Reelfoot Regional Library Board; and sings with the David Johnson Chorus, the Goodtime Singers Gospel Quartet and the Tennessee Baptist Men’s Chorale. Regionally, Judge Moore has served for several years on the Board of Trustees of Union University in Jackson, TN. He has served on the Executive Board at that Institution and was a member of the Presidential Search Committee in 1994. Judge Moore has taught as an adjunct professor in the Political Science Department at the University of Tennessee at Martin and is currently a member of the planning committee for the annual, nationally recognized and honored, Civil Rights Conference at that institution.Judge Moore is also a local businessman. He is a stockholder in Thunderbolt Broadcasting, Inc. and Kentucky Bell, Inc. He was a past stockholder in Gibson County Broadcasting, Inc. At one time he was a partner in a local real estate investment company that built and operated the Dresden and Huntingdon Dairy Queens, the Weakley County Lumber Co, Inc. and the Heritage Shopping Center. He and his wife, Carol and her family are partners in one of the oldest family owned and operated businesses in Weakley County, E.T. Reavis & Sons. Judge Moore resides in Dresden, TN. He is a member of the Dresden First Baptist Church, where he serves as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, trustee, church pianist, choir member and Sunday School Teacher. He has accompanied the Senior High and College youth at Dresden First Baptist Church on 12 summer, week long, mission trips to various locations within the United States as a part of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention World Changers projects, performing rehab construction on the homes of underprivileged individuals in remote poverty stricken areas and inner city slums. He has joined with both Union University Medical Mission teams and the Weakley County Baptist Association construction teams to carry on short-term mission projects to Honduras, Central America on 12 trips. Moore has also been involved with the Weakley County Baptist Association on 4 short term mission trips to West Virginia, the most recent of those being in the summer of 2011.

Editorial : Judge Moore`s best attribute is being a down to earth kind of guy ! And one of the best things he is involved in is Drug Court > Click to learn more > http://www.weakleycountytn.gov/circuitcourtclerk_drugcourt.html

Judge moore seems to understand the problem. I will blog more on this at a later date.

UNIONS = AMERICAN PATRIOTS !

2012-01-21T18:13:00.006-04:00

Teamsters Expand Lawsuit Against Mexican Trucks

Contact President Hoffa here > http://www.teamster.org/

Teamsters President James P. Hoffa (upper left) said opening the border to the trucks is an attack on the environment, on highway safety and on American truckers and warehouse workers.
By PETE YOST, The Associated Press...

11/29/2011

e-mail/contact here > editor@thetrucker.com

WASHINGTON — The International Brotherhood of Teamsters last week expanded its lawsuit against the government in a long-running battle that has stopped Mexican trucks from coming deep into the United States. In papers filed in federal appeals court in Washington, the union said the government must first assess the environmental impact of a pilot project before letting it continue. The first Mexican truck in the pilot program crossed the border last month.
Teamsters President James P. Hoffa said opening the border to the trucks is an attack on the environment, on highway safety and on American truckers and warehouse workers. "It's outrageous enough that we've outsourced millions of jobs to foreign countries, but now we're bringing foreign workers here to take our jobs," Hoffa said in a statement. "This is another pressure the American middle-class doesn't need." Under the North American Free Trade Agreement(NAFTA) signed nearly two decades ago, trucks from both countries were supposed to have unhindered access to highways on either side of the border. Mexico's Ambassador to the U.S., Arturo Sarukhan, said that the Teamsters are engaging in protectionism. "First it was about the safety of Mexican rigs; now, with nowhere to run with that argument, the new red herring is an alleged environmental impact," Sarukhan said in a statement. The Trucker staff may be contacted to comment at editor@thetrucker.com

Editorial : Unions fighting for the American Way ! Thanks Mr. Hoffa !

"Democracy...is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch"!Liberty...is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.

Fiat Lux

Redistricting Tennesse District#9 & #8 ~ District#9 Constituents Lose !

2012-01-21T12:51:00.012-04:00

Redistricting in Tennessee ~ Rubber Stamped by Tennessee Republican Legislature

Contact Rep. Cohen here > http://www.cohen.house.gov/

Contact Rep. Fincher here > http://www.fincher.house.gov/officewashington-dc

To find your Congressman click on title above !

Click below for more information >

Last week the Tennessee Senate rubber-stamped the Congressional redistricting plan passed by the State House.

I am disappointed that the General Assembly chose to split the City of Memphis, dividing citizens with common interests, by moving longtime 9th Congressional District citizens along the Poplar corridor into the largely rural 8th Congressional District which stretches up to the Kentucky border. I have long touted Team Memphis because we must work together to represent our city’s best interests. While the General Assembly’s actions in dividing our city seem to callously disregard our shared history and needs, I refuse to abandon my long-time constituents along the Poplar corridor whom I’ve represented for many years in both the State Senate and while in Congress. For the remainder of my third term, I will continue to fully represent those citizens and, thereafter, I will continue to look to their needs in every way possible. I will never abandon the Memphians who have been drawn out of the 9th Congressional District and welcome all new 9th District residents including those in Cordova and Millington. All Memphians share the best wishes for our city and we shall remain Team Memphis.

Editorial : Rep, Steve Cohen (D) 9th. District Tennessee, one of the few remaining servants in the state of Tennessee. For those of you who have been moved to District#8. I`m so sorry ! Your Rep. is now Stephen Fincher (R) Goodluck.

Fiat Lux

Titan Tire ~ Union City TN. The New Way to do Business ! You Bet`Cha !

2012-01-20T17:13:00.008-04:00

Titan Tire Union City Tennessee Expects to Hire 300 by End of This Year !

By KEVIN BOWDEN~Staff Reporter

By the end of this year, Titan Tire plans to have 300 jobs created at the Union City plant, according to Titan Tire chairman Bill Campbell (upper left).

He told The Messenger (Union City Paper) during an interview this morning that Titan Tire plans to create a “condo factory” that will involve a Titan Tire operation at the plant as well as several other industries operating in the facility.“We’re going to create businesses within the plant,” Campbell said. He explained Titan Tire will use the local plant to produce and redistribute materials to other Titan Tire plants.The local plant will be involved in utilizing a process that squeezes rubber onto fabric (nylon and polyester) and blends rubber and steel strands that will be used as tire belts for Titan Tire.“We’ll have a distribution company come in and set up and they’ll handle logistics,” Campbell said.What that means for the local plant is jobs will be created, but Titan Tire will play only a minimal direct role in actual job creation. The subcontractors that will work with Titan Tire at the local plant will be creating jobs by the end of the year. As for the transition process, Campbell said everything is going smoothly. In fact, he had to cut this morning’s interview short in order to meet with a group of contractors.“Things are going extremely well. We’re very happy,” he said. He was recently named chairman of Titan Tire and is also vice president of Titan International. Campbell stressed Titan Tire is interested in working on keeping work local at the plant.“We want local people to benefit from this,” he said. Campbell said he couldn’t provide any more specific details about how many companies would be set up inside the plant or when actual production would begin. He said the transition is a “work in progress.”“We are looking to penetrate the local agricultural and construction markets down here,” he said. As for local economic development officials, they continue to monitor the plant’s transition from Goodyear to Titan Tire.“Titan Tire has indicated to me they are not interested in any local incentives at this time,” Obion County Mayor Benny McGuire told The Messenger today. He said he was pleased to hear about the job creation news coming from the local plant. It was in mid-September 2011 that Titan Tire officially purchased the local Goodyear plant, which was shut down earlier in the year.It was in mid-November 2011 that Titan Tire announced it had paid about $9 million for the former tire plant. Maurice Taylor is the CEO of Titan Tire.Under the purchase agreement between Goodyear and Titan Tire, the Des Moines, Iowa, company bought about 480 acres and the 2.1 million square-foot Goodyear plant. Art Sparks, chairman of the Obion County Joint Economic Development Corporation, said Obion County is fortunate to have a company like Titan Tire moving into the county.“We are pleased to have Titan as a new citizen of Obion County,” he said. “Their reputation for turning around facilities is well known in the industry. I believe that they will contribute greatly to our community by providing much- needed jobs.”Sparks added that much needs to be done moving forward — specifically the completion of I-69.“I would challenge our representatives — Congressman Stephen Fincher, state Sen. Roy Herron, state Rep. Bill Sanderson and state Rep. Andy Holt — to continue to fight for funding for the completion of I-69 in our area,” he said. “That transportation system would seem to be very important to Titan as well as our other manufacturing and wholesale facilities as well as our retail community.”

Staff Reporter Kevin Bowden may be contacted by email at kmbowden@ucmessenger.com. Published in The Messenger 1.19.12

Editorial : I really hate to be so cynical, however if you read between the lines, a not to pretty picture emerges. The key word is > Create Condo`s !

(1.)Business`s within the plant = You will work in the plant, but be paid by and work for "Job Agents"...You give them a portion of your check. No benefits. no Union ! You work for everyone but Titan.

(2.) Distribution company to handle logistics = Sub contractors will handle all people related jobs. Titan will hire no one hourly.

(3.) My guess, no former UNION workers will be hired !

(4.) The Titan Des Moines Iowa plant, Titan Tire, Steelworkers union face deadline tonight.
Titan Tire of Des Moines, which makes agricultural tires, and the 500-member United Steelworkers, are in their last day of negotiations before a deadline expires at midnight tonight.A notice signed by Titan Tire president Bill Campbell that was posted in the plant said the facility will be closed at 11 p.m. if no agreement is ratified. Negotiations meanwhile continue between Titan and United...

ReadMore >>>>http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/12/17/titan-tire-steelworkers-union-face-deadline-tonight/...My guess, no contract at Titan Des Moines Iowa.

(5.) Not withstanding all of this. Things look pretty Rosy ! And Pigs Fly ! You know, I hope I`m wrong about this.

Fiat Lux

COOPER TIRE ~ PURE GREED !

2012-01-18T13:24:00.007-04:00

Cooper Tire, Findlay Ohio ~ Attacking Their Employees !

Contact Cooper here> http://act.americanrightsatwork.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=3412&track=20120118_adv_cooper

Another classic tale of corporate greed is unfolding in Ohio, and we need your help to put a stop to it.

See film here > http://act.americanrightsatwork.org/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_item_KEY=9400

In 2008, when Cooper Tire & Rubber Company was losing money, workers at its Findlay, Ohio, plant gave up $31 million in pay and benefits to help the company stay afloat.

Thanks to the workers' sacrifices and productivity, Cooper has made more Than $300 million in profits since 2009. Cooper paid its executives millions of dollars in bonuses and bought a new corporate jet. What did its employees get ? Locked out on Thanksgiving weekend. Despite soaring profits, Cooper pushed a new contract on its employees with higher healthcare premiums and undisclosed wage terms. Do you think CEOs would accept a contract if they didn't know if they were getting a raise or a pay cut? Not a chance. Still, Cooper's employees were more than willing to keep working through negotiations to reach a fair deal after their contract expired last fall. But Cooper refused to budge – leaving 1,050 workers out in the cold since November 28. The workers in Findlay, Ohio, are counting on you! Email Cooper Tire NOW! Cooper can easily afford to set things straight and still turn a profit. Cooper CEO Roy Armes received $4.7 million in compensation in 2010. And the company has purchased a plant in Serbia for $17.3 million! Cooper wants to cry broke, but greed – not need – is driving this lockout. As Chico Ramirez, who's logged 25 years with the company, explains, "The thing that bothers us is that we gave them concessions to help them get back on their feet, and they are paying out bonuses instead of paying back the backbone of the company." Around the country, people are fighting back against corporate greed and standing up for the 99%. Will you stand up and fight for Cooper's workers too ? Tell Cooper Tire that its bullying and greed must end now.

Thanks for all that you do

Underdog = Don Jones

Editorial : Another classic example of BLACK MAIL ! This time it is SERBIA and not CHINA. Solidarity Forever ! Ride on Union made Tires, the Family you Save, may be Your Own !

Fiat Lux

Kurt Warner on Tebow and Faith in Football...Ditto !

2012-01-17T17:09:00.004-04:00

Tim Tebow, Walks the Walk...As Well as Talk the
Talk !
By Underdog = Don Jones...
1/17/12

Tim Tebow`s web-site > http://www.timtebow.com/

Why is it, some of us cannot handle Quarterback Tim Tebow`s Christian life style ? If he were a hoodlum gun packing football player, we`d accept him in a New York minute. Hey, he prays before, after and during a NFL Football game. I like it ! He lives it ! He just does`nt talk it. Our media has really livened it up. If I was a betting man and I`m not. I`d bet Tim Tebow, never prays to win. God does`nt care who wins a NFL game. God does care about the people/players who participate in these highly physical games. I would`nt ask Tim, what he prays for. That is between him a God ! One`s communication with God is very personal and private. It seems to this writer that this is much to do about nothing. Is 24 hour news/sports or otherwise a good idea ? NO ! If a Muslim, Mormon, Hindu, Jew wanted to pray ? Would we have a problem with that ? I pray/hope not. All I can say is, "Thanks TIM TEBOW", you are a breath of fresh air.

Fiat Lux

Timkin Blackmails > USWA Local#1123

2012-01-17T13:32:00.008-04:00

Two-Tier/Tear Wages, Benefits May Have Sunk Timken Union Pact
By Jim Mackinnon Beacon Journal business writer Published:

Contact Local# 1132 here > http://www.uswa1123.blogspot.com/

January 17, 2012

A Local 1123 union member votes on the proposed contract with the Timken Co. at the Mayfield Senior Center on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, in Canton, Ohio. The contract, which was not ratified, would have allowed the company to move forward on plant investment and obtain state incentives. (Ed Suba Jr./Akron Beacon Journal)

RELATED STORIES

Timken steelworkers reject pact

It was in large part because a proposed United Steelworkers-Timken Co. contract retained a two-tier wage and benefit system that union members in Canton rejected the pact on Sunday, the local union president says. Workers who voted against the contract 917-608 also were upset that the tentative agreement eliminated a $5,000 retirement bonus that had been negotiated into the current contract, said Joe Hoagland, president of United Steelworkers Local 1123 Golden Lodge. The local has about 2,300 members, meaning about 700 union members did not vote.Turnout was “in the ballpark” for the local, Hoagland said.
“We’ve had better. We’ve had worse,” he said.Timken said a new contract was needed so it could spend $225 million to expand and upgrade its Faircrest steel mill. The union and company will now instead operate under the current contract, due to expire in 2013. Sunday’s vote throws the Faircrest expansion in doubt, with the company saying it might invest money elsewhere.
Timken issued a short news release and said it would have no further comment:
“The Timken Co. reports that members of United Steelworkers Local 1123 based in Canton failed to ratify a tentative agreement between their bargaining representatives and the company.“The proposed contract offered to the workers included wage and benefit increases, a signing bonus for ratification and additional job security measures.“Said Timken Steel Business President Salvatore J. Miraglia, ‘Many parts of this company are growing and expanding around the world. We are disappointed in this outcome because the contract was a necessary step before our commitment to invest $225 million in steel operations in Canton.’
“Miraglia noted the existing contract remains in effect until 2013. The company will be evaluating other investment opportunities in bearing and power transmission markets and operations around the world to support the company’s overall growth strategy.”A two-tier contract ratified in 2009 meant that new Timken hourly hires were paid less and received reduced benefits compared to members hired under previous contracts. Steelworkers approved the contract with the two-tier system by a vote of 1,320 to 280. Retaining the two-tier system “was a bigger thing” than the elimination of the $5,000 retirement payment, Hoagland said Monday. The retirement bonus was added “at the 11th hour” in the contract approved in 2009 to help compensate for other reduced retirement benefits, he said. Union negotiators were unable to eliminate the two-tier system as part of the contract talks that took place last year, Hoagland said.There are between 280 and 300 Steelworkers who were hired under the two-tier system, Hoagland said. Timken last year approached the union about reopening the contract, saying it wanted labor security to expand the Faircrest steel mill by 2014. The company said there is increased demand for its steel, driven in particular by the energy industry’s investments in shale oil and gas drilling and development. Hoagland said he had not spoken directly with Timken executives about the vote, although a United Steelworkers staff representative did. Hoagland did not provide any details. Hoagland said Timken executives told him last year that if union members did not approve the contract, the company could invest money in other factories or make an acquisition.

Jim Mackinnon can be reached at 330-996-3544 or

jmackinnon@thebeaconjournal.com.

Editorial : Union Workers do not now and did not then, like the two Tier/Tear System when negotiated ! One Worker makes $10.00 per hour doing a job. Another on the Tier/Tear system doing same job, gets $7.00. Company's say, give us this or we will go to CHINA ! That is not collective bargaining. It is BLACKMAIL ! "Come Sit Down, Let Us Reason Together" ! Thanks to Mike Stanley for this one. When all of our jobs have been exported to CHINA and there are no tax-payers left, maybe our politicians will do something ?

Fiat Lux

I AM FREEMASONRY !

2012-01-16T18:44:00.006-04:00

I AM FREEMASONRY
Grand lodge of Tennessee > http://www.grandlodge-tn.org/

Al Menah Shrine Temple Nashville TN> http://www.almenahshriners.org/

Don Jones Masonic Resume > http://www.mastermason.com/dresden/donjones.htm <

I was born in antiquity, in the ancient days when men first dreamed of God. I have been tried through the ages, and found true. The crossroads of the world bear the imprint of my feet, and the cathedrals of all nations mark the skill of my hands. I strive for beauty and for symmetry. In my heart is wisdom and strength and courage for those who ask. Upon my alters is the Book of Holy Writ, and my prayers are to the One Omnipotent God, my sons work and pray together, without rank or discord, in the public mart and in the inner chamber. By signs and symbols I teach the lessons of life and of death and the relationship of man with God and of man with man. My arms are widespread to receive those of lawful age and good report who seek me of their own free will. I accept them and teach them to use my tools in the building of men, and thereafter, find direction in their own quest for perfection so much desired and so difficult to attain. I lift up the fallen and shelter the sick. I hark to the orphans' cry, the widows tears, the pain of the old and destitute. I am not church, nor party, nor school, yet my sons bear a full share of responsibility to God, to country, to neighbor and themselves. They are freemen, tenacious of their liberties and alert to lurking danger. At the end I commit them as each one undertakes the journey beyond the vale into the glory of everlasting life. I ponder the sand within the glass and think how small is a single life in the eternal universe. Always have I taught immortality, and even as I raise men from darkness into light, I am a way of life.

Prescription Drugs ~ Need YOUR Input !

2012-01-14T13:38:00.005-04:00

PRESCRIPTION DRUG$...Is it a Co$t Problem ? IS TO ME.

We at RxRights were heartened by your dedication to protecting access to safe and affordable medicine in 2011. We asked you to take action and speak out--and you did! Since you listened to us, now we want to start the year off right by listening to you.

Please take a few minutes out of your busy day to tell us about yourself and your thoughts relating to safe and affordable prescription drug importation. The better we know you, the better we can tailor our messages and actions to engage you and others around the country. The more engaged our supporters are, the greater our influence will be on our policy makers. Thank you in advance for sharing your valuable insights through our brief survey. Together we can make a difference in 2012 ! Click below for Canadian Drugs > http://www.canadadrugs.com/ <

Thanks for all you do,

Underdog = Don Jones

Fiat Lux

Keep It Made in America !

2012-01-14T13:09:00.006-04:00

The TSA used Taxpayer Dollar$ to buy Commemorative 9/11 Bracelets…that were MADE IN CHINA

Tell your member of Congress it’s time to stop outsourcing federal purchases

Tennesse District#8 Congressman Fincher(upper left)(R) here> http://www.fincher.house.gov/office/washington-dc

Contact your Rep here> http://capwiz.com/americanmanufacturing/issues/alert/?alertid=58758526&MC_plugin=2801

Though we’ve long been frustrated by the fact that the federal government spends taxpayer dollars on foreign-made goods, we found one recent example of this practice particularly infuriating.

During last year’s 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) purchased 70,000 commemorative bracelets for their workers. Unfortunately, these bracelets, which were intended to honor lives lost here in America, were made in China. The 9/11 bracelets are just the tip of the iceberg. Due to glaring loopholes in existing Buy America legislation, federal agencies have spent billions on foreign goods and services, including $500 billion in the past five years alone. This is unacceptable, and we need your help to make sure things change. Luckily, a bill was recently introduced to Congress that is a step in the right direction: The Invest in American Jobs Act (H.R. 3533) will help ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to buy American-made goods for federally funded highway projects by giving preference to American-made steel, iron and other materials. Click HERE to tell your member of Congress to support the Invest in American Jobs Act. ACT NOW. Tell your representative that it’s time to stop outsourcing federal purchases, and to focus on creating American jobs. Urge them to cosponsor the Invest in American Jobs Act, a great first step toward keeping federal purchases American-made.
Together We Can Keep it Made in America. It is NUTS, that I should be writing this !

Fiat Lux

Thanks for all you do,

Underdog = Don Jones

Cooper Tire & Rubber Attempts Union Busting !

2012-01-13T17:07:00.010-04:00

Contact Cooper here > http://coopertire.com/Contact-Us.aspx

UNITED STEELWORKERS LOCAL 1055L

by : J. Michael Stanley

View 1055L here > http://youtu.be/1jzxI5Q0NFU

See 1055L Web-Site here > http://www.uswlocal1055.org/

Larry Odum, President James “JP” Wall, Vice President Ellen Brumfield, Recording Secretary Rodney Phillips, Financial Secretary Terry Majors, Treasurer

NATIONWIDE DAY OF ACTION <>Cooper Tire & Rubber

You Can Voice Your Opinion here > http://coopertire.com/Contact-Us.aspx

UNFAIR TO WORKERS Steelworkers are planning a nationwide “Day of Action” on January 14, 2012 to support the 1,050 Steelworkers locked out in Findlay, Ohio. Peaceful demonstrations will be conducted at Cooper Tire locations across the country to inform the public about our current struggle with the company. Please make plans to attend and show your support. Feel free to bring your family and friends for their attendance is greatly appreciated. SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2012 -11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Best One Tire 1705 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37208 PLEASE JOIN US IN SENDING A SIMPLE, LOUD AND CLEAR MESSAGE: COOPER TIRE’S GREED: FLAT-OUT WRONG! Contact Information: USW Local 1055L Phone# 615-793-9221

Editorial : "Come Let Us Sit Down & Reason Together"! Cooper Lock-Out, Another attempt to Union Bust. That is all a Lock-Out is ! Thanks to Mike Stanley for this one. Cooper moving to China ? Already There !

Reshoring ~ Insourcing ~ Not Outsourcing !

2012-01-12T13:56:00.010-04:00

Insourcing~Our Race to the Bottom !~Outsourcing

Bringing the Jobs Home: How WE Get There ?
By Scott N. Paul, executive director, Alliance for American Manufacturing -

1/11/12

Insourcing seems to be at the top of the trending list for 2012. But, how do we make reshoring—bringing jobs back from overseas—a real phenomenon ? For America to have a thriving economy and lower unemployment, we need to create more good-paying jobs. And to do that, we’ll have to win back some of the jobs that have been shipped overseas for the past decade. President Obama, to his great credit, gathered about a dozen businesses and many more experts at the White House to strategize on how to bring manufacturing jobs back to America. Within the past year, major consulting firms have published a litany of reports urging businesses to take a look at reshoring. This week, the White House issued its own report.
There is no doubt that some progress has been made. American manufacturing jobs have grown over the past two years—the first time that’s happened in more than 15 years. Our nation gained 23,000 manufacturing jobs in December alone. Other manufacturing indicators—sales outlook, growth in output—have also been in consistently positive territory. The Center for Automotive Research predicts that the auto industry and its suppliers alone could add 167,000 American jobs over the next three years. Here are five things the President should highlight in the State of the Union address to ensure that the significant trickle of reshored jobs becomes a genuine trend: 1. Adopt insourcing tax incentives, such as extending a domestic manufacturing tax credit for clean energy and enlarging a deduction for U.S. manufacturing activity. Also, improve the research and development tax credit by making it more generous for innovation that is actually made in America. Finally, adopt a federal tax incentive for companies that reshore high-paying jobs. 2. Work to balance our trade account by continuing aggressive trade enforcement, where a major hat tip should be given to the Obama Administration for supporting domestic industries, such as the U.S. tire sector. But, the Administration must also work to stop China’s currency manipulation and lower our record trade deficit with that nation. 3. Invest in infrastructure, to make our economy more efficient, our businesses more competitive, and to create some new demand for manufactured materials. 4. Apply Buy America laws to make sure that our manufacturers get a reasonable preference for federal procurement on everything from commemorative wristbands to major bridge reconstruction. The Department of Transportation does a good job of applying the Buy America laws on the books, but other agencies need to step up, and loopholes need to be closed. 5. Invest in our workers to ensure we have skilled human capital on the factory floor, in the research lab, and in the executive suite. Our educational system is built towards guiding every child into a four-year college and every MBA onto Wall Street. That shouldn't be the case. We must rebuild our vocational education system from the ground up, or we will never make manufacturing great again.There are also factors beyond our control that can help—or hurt—these efforts to reshore jobs, namely the value of the dollar, shipping costs, and consumer preferences. But, if you think we can’t be a manufacturing powerhouse as a high-wage nation, then think again. Germany, where average manufacturing wages are in some cases double that of American wages , has balanced trade with China (whereas we have an annual $272 billion deficit) and over 20% percent of its economy in manufacturing (while we have only 11%). It’s clear from the job numbers, as well as voter sentiments, that Made in America is starting to make its way back. But we want Reshoring to be more than a slogan—we want it to be our national policy.

Scott N. Paul is Executive Director of the Washington, DC-based Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM)

Editorial : This writer has been writing this same message now, for almost 10 years. I could`nt agree more ! If you find this article political, You have a real problem ! I would love to sit down at a negotiating table with this guy ! We`d have a contract in about 5 minutes. Insourcing beats Outsourcing any day of the week. Are you reading Mr. President ?

Tennessee General Assembly ~ Voting for You ?

2012-01-12T13:23:00.011-04:00

Tennessee State Legislature ~ Meeting in Nashville 1/10/12

Contact here > http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/schedule/default.aspx?type=joint

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SESSION !

Tuesday, January 10, marks the opening day of the 2nd session of 107th Tennessee General Assembly. Both the Senate and the House will convene at 12 noon.

Then, the House State and Local Government Committee will convene at 1:30 pm to hear the bills related to redistricting. The full calendar can be found on the Tennessee General Assembly website.

PLAY ALONG AT HOME :

You should know two things as this session progresses. One, we will be keeping an eye on things up there for you, and two, you can also follow along at home using the Tennessee General Assembly's robust easy to use website. Here’s how: 1) Log on to http://capitol.tn.gov/ to look up bills, see what’s coming up in any given week, watch videos pertaining to a bill you are following, contact your legislator, watch live committee meetings and floor session. In fact, the HELP section of the website is quite robust and will help you to do all of these things and more. 2) The legislature is in session Monday through Thursday. The way it usually works is the full House and Senate meet on Monday nights and Thursday mornings, and committees meet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you go to Capitol.tn.gov on any given day you can click on “What’s In Progress Now” and get a list of what meetings are streaming live on the internet at that moment.3) You can also browse proposed bills for this session by number or subject.

THE BILL TO REPEAL THE PHOTO ID TO VOTE REQUIREMENT HAS COMPANY So, what can you discover by looking at the TGA website? Well, for instance, you can discover that the bill to repeal the excessive photo ID to vote law is not alone. If you go to Capitol.tn.gov, click on “Legislation,” go to “ Browse Bills by Subject," click on “E” and scroll down to “ Election Laws,” you’ll see that the repeal bill has some company this session.

http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/billsearch/BillSearch.aspx
HB2172 = HB2172 is an attempt to take advantage of those things offered to public school children by those who do not want their children mingling with public school children. If they do not want their children to learn with public school children, then why do they want their children to play with public school children?

The TSSAA is an organization run by its member schools. If a school does not want to play by the rules, then they do not have to be a member of the TSSAA. To create opportunity for all children, the TSSAA has made a way for home schooled children to participate. I do not believe the Tennessee General Assembly has any business intervening in a private organization’s rules and procedures unless the public welfare or safety require it. Should the General Assembly pass a law to make the Rotary Club accept all persons in its membership not just the leaders of a business or profession? Should the General Assembly force the Baptist Church to accept Church of Christ members on the church basketball team? Should the General Assembly pass a law forcing the Home Demonstration Club to accept male members? Anti-government-Republicans wanting the government to intervene in a private organization’s business seems strange to me.

PS: Guess where the representative from the 76th District, Andy Holt (upper right) was during the first week of session……HAWAII ! You Bet`Cha ! “My vote is immaterial,” said the “representative”.

HB2176 SB2139
SPONSORS: Rep. Mike Turner, Sen. Lowe Finney
Repeals the photo ID to vote requirement.

HB2287
SPONSOR: Rep. Cameron Sexton
Requires all driver licenses issued or renewed after July 1, 2012, to have a photo. Right now, seniors age 60 + do not have to have a photo. This law would remove the exemption.

HB2174 / SB2128
SPONSORS: Rep. Debra Maggart; Sen. Bill Ketron
Allows seniors 60 + to vote absentee no questions asked. Currently the cutoff age is 65 +.

HB2178
SPONSOR: Rep. Gerald McCormick
Allows an employee photo ID issued by a Tennessee municipality or county to be used to fulfill the photo ID to vote requirement.

HB2177
SPONSOR: Rep. Gerald McCormick
Allows a county election commission to issue a photo ID to vote instead of just the Dept. of Safety.

HB2190
SPONSOR: Rep. JoAnne Favors
Exempts anyone 65 + from the photo ID to vote requirement.

HB2219
SPONSOR: Rep. Barbara Cooper
Allows certain transit authority IDs to be used to fulfill with the photo ID to vote requirement.

HB2241
SPONSOR: Rep. JoAnne Favors
Allows a city or county employee ID to be used to fulfill the photo ID to vote requirement.

HB2242
SPONSOR: Rep. JoAnne Favors
Allows a student ID issued by a state instituion of higher learning to be used to fulfill the photo ID to vote requirement.

HB2248
SPONSOR: Rep. G.A. Hardaway
Requires that notice of change of polling place be mailed to voters at least 10 days before the election day.

HB2252
SPONSOR: Rep. G.A. Hardaway
Requires the coordinator of elections to create a program for precinct registrars to be able to search for and retrieve a photo of the voter if the voter is unable to present a photo ID.

We'll be following these closely.

As always, send any questions or comments to> mary@tnca.org.

CONNECT WITH TNCA

"Democracy...is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch"!Liberty...is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.

Fiat Lux

Warren Buffett, on Saving America ! You Bet`Cha !

2012-01-11T20:37:00.008-04:00

Buffett to Republicans: If you pay, So will I
REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett attends a news conference after the opening ceremony of Tungaloy Corp's new plant in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture

November 21, 2011. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

WASHINGTON/BOSTON (Reuters) - Warren Buffett is willing to put his money where his mouth is, if only congressional Republican$ would join him.
The American billionaire investor, in the new issue of Time magazine, says he would donate $1 to paying down the national debt for every dollar donated by a Republican in Congress. The only exception is Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell - for whom Buffett said he would go $3-to-$1.
The idea stems from a New York Times opinion piece Buffett wrote last August in which he said the rich ought to pay more taxes. It sparked an instant controversy, with some Washington conservatives calling on the 81-year-old "Oracle of Omaha" to voluntarily pay extra. McConnell said at the time that if Buffett felt "guilty" about paying too low a tax rate, he should "send in a check." This was quickly followed by introduction of a bill to give taxpayers an option on tax forms to make voluntary donations. "It restores my faith in human nature to think that there are people who have been around Washington all this time and are not yet so cynical as to think that can't be solved by voluntary contributions," the Buffett told Time for an article hitting newsstands on Friday. An aide to McConnell suggested that the Berkshire Hathaway CEO should expand his matching offer to President Barack Obama and his Democrats."Senator McConnell says that Washington should be smaller, rather than taxes getting bigger. And since some, like President Obama and Mr. Buffett want to pay higher taxes, Congress made it possible for them to call their own bluff and send in a check," said Don Stewart, McConnell's deputy chief of staff. "So I look forward to Mr. Buffett matching a healthy batch of checks from those who actually want to pay higher taxes, including Congressional Democrats, the President and the Democratic National Committee," he added.The jabs over voluntary payments come as higher taxes for the wealthy and extension of payroll tax breaks for middle-class Americans are becoming increasingly contentious issues for the 2012 presidential race. Obama is trying to paint Republicans as only favoring the wealthy, while Republicans are trying to brand the president as relying on tax hikes to fund excessive spending.
Buffett said in the Time interview the United States needed a tax system that favored people who were not born investors."We need a tax system that takes very good care of people who just really aren't as well adapted to the market system, and to capitalism, but are nevertheless just as good citizens, and are doing things that are of use in society," he said. Buffett, who has raised money for President Barack Obama recently, also takes swings at Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich in the Time interview, criticizing Gingrich's track record and Romney's ties to the private equity business.

(Reporting By Ben Berkowitz and David Lawder; Editing by Eric Walsh)

Fiat Lux

Editorial : Somebody has got to pay. And that somebody is the Middle Class ! The problem is the middle class is tapped out...com`on you rich class pay up. It`ll be a strain for a while, but, you`ll get accustomed to it. We Did !

Saving America ~ Senator Bernie Sanders~Vermont

2012-01-11T17:28:00.007-04:00

Senator Bernie Sanders & Underdog...Could`nt Agree More !
1/11/12

Click here to Help > http://democracyforamerica.com/activities/726?akid=1599.1654342.bIo6ZT&rd=1&t=2

I know that many of you are deeply concerned about the economy, health care, education, global warming and the environment, Social Security and Medicare, civil liberties, war and peace and the national debt. But here's an issue that's even more important because it encompasses all of these issues -- and much more.

Will the United States survive, in any significant way, as a democracy in which ordinary people can control their future ? Or, will "democracy" simply become another commodity owned and controlled by billionaire$ and corporations in order to serve their own purposes ? Today, as a result of the absurd Citizens United Supreme Court decision, corporations and billionaires can spend unlimited sums of money, without disclosure, in political campaigns. And that is exactly what they're doing. Karl Rove's American Crossroads has already pledged to spend at least $240 million in the elections of 2012. The extreme right-wing billionaire Koch brothers may be spending even more. And then there is Wall Street, the oil and coal corporations, the insurance and drug companies and the military-industrial-complex with all of their money.The goal of the top 1 percent is simple. They will spend as much as it takes to elect candidates who support a right-wing corporate agenda. They will spend as much as it takes to defeat those candidates who are fighting for working families. And that's about it ! Please join me, Daily Kos and Democracy for America in pledging to fight to overturn Citizens United. Our strategy must be equally simple. Short-term, we must do everything we can to support those progressive candidates in 2012 who are fighting for the middle class and the values we believe in. Long-term, we must overturn Citizens United and fight for real campaign finance reform which limits the power of big money.Last month, I introduced a constitutional amendment, the Saving American Democracy bill, to overturn Citizens United. This amendment states that: Corporations do not have the same constitutional rights as human beings. The people have the right to regulate corporations.
Corporations are prohibited from making campaign contributions.
Congress and states shall have the power to set reasonable limits on election spending. As we approach the second anniversary of the Citizens United decision, please join me, Daily Kos and Democracy for America in pledging to fight to overturn Citizens United and to counter the unlimited resources of the right-wing in 2012.Your pledge of support today will show the Big Money interests that while they may have unlimited sums of money, we have something more important -- the power of the people. Your support could mean volunteering on local, state or national elections, organizing against Citizens United, donating to progressive candidates or running for office yourself. Please pledge your support today. Please stand with us so that, together, we can transform American politics. Click here to help >

http://democracyforamerica.com/activities/726?akid=1599.1654342.bIo6ZT&rd=1&t=2

Sincerely,

Sen. Bernie Sanders

U.S. Senator from Vermont

Editorial : KUDOS

"Democracy...is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.

Liberty...is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote" !

Republicans Taking Away Rights ! You Bet`Cha !

2012-01-10T18:07:00.007-04:00

Republicans Douse ‘Light of Democracy’ and Ram Through Right To Work Bill
by Mike Hall, Jan 10, 2012

The Republican-controlled Indiana House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee, muzzled Democrats and, in a five-minute “charade” of a hearing this morning, passed a so-called right to work (RTW) bill by an 8-5 vote. Not only were Democrats barred from offering any amendments, no discussion of the bill was allowed and, immediately after the vote, the hearing was adjourned. Rep. John Bartlett (D) told reporters that he’d “never seen a charade like this in my life.”
Said Rep. Clyde Kersey (D): I think the light of democracy just went out in the Indiana House. As they have been since the legislature went into session last week, Indiana workers packed the statehouse and hearing room and roared “shame” as the bill was rammed through. IBEWLU21 tweeted “SHAME, SH#*&, SH#*&, Republicans send “right to work” to full House tiny.cc/tqk18 #inunion #ibew #1u #shame” The Indiana AFL-CIO (#In Union) tweeted, “Hoosiers just witnessed a stunning display of arrogance as House Republicans ram thru RTW committee vote in under 6 mins. Shameful.” Read more on Twitter with the hash tag #In Union and at the Stand Up for Hoosiers Facebook page here.
An identical Senate bill was approved by committee last week and both chambers could vote on the legislation by the end of this week.

Editorial : This writer is appalled at the very un-American activities`s and the denying basic rights to Americans, by Republicans ! The Republicans cry Obama/Conspiracy all of the time. Hey, we middle class Americans cannot hold a light to the Republican Conspiracy ! They tell us they are going to shaft us, we elect them. They shaft us ! Wake up America !

Fiat Lux

I Get Letters ~ President Barack Obama on Social Security

2012-01-09T19:57:00.006-04:00

Committed to Social Security & Medicare !
January 9, 2012

More information here > www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/seniors-and-social-security.

Dear Don :

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I have heard from many Americans who are worried about the future of their retirement savings, and I appreciate your perspective. Retiring with dignity is a promise we must keep to all Americans, and I am working hard to strengthen our retirement system. That is why I am committed to protecting Social Security and addressing Americans' concerns. Social Security cannot be subjected to risky privatization plans because the future of hard-working Americans should not be left to the fluctuations of financial markets.To better secure their retirement and prepare for unforeseen circumstances, Americans must also save for their future in other ways. We are laying the foundation for all individuals to participate in workplace retirement accounts. Employees would be automatically enrolled in pension plans and could opt out if they choose. Simple and automatic enrollment makes it easier for people to plan for retirement. This would assist the 75 million working Americans-about half the workforce-who lack access to retirement plans through their employers. Please join me online to learn more at: www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/seniors-and-social-security.

Thank you, again, for writing.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

Fiat Lux

Heart~Transplant, From Out of the Past ! Underdog !

2012-01-09T18:16:00.009-04:00

Jones' Waiting Game Ends With Transplant
By Joe Lofaro Editor, Weakley County Press ~ Martin TN.

8/19/1994

Become a Donor here > http://www.donatelifetn.org/

The wait is over for a 55-year-old Martin man, thanks to a giving person.

Don Jones received a heart transplant Wednesday night at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville and is currently recovering at Vanderbilt in the cardiac recovery unit. Jones, who suffered from cardiac myopathy, a disease in which the heart gets bigger every day, was notified on Wednesday at 4:45 p.m. that a heart was available. "We left Martin at 5:15 and got to Nashville in two hours and 15 minutes and at 9 p.m. Don went into surgery," Jean Jones, Don's wife said. "At 4 a.m. Thursday they called us and said everything was fine. At 7 a.m. we got to see him for the first day and he really looked good. The doctors said he was making good progress." Jones suffered a minor setback on Saturday and had to be put back on a ventilator, but Jean said he was doing fine."He had some fluid build up in his lungs and he was having a little trouble breathing. The doctors did not want to take a chance," Jean said. Even with the setback, Jones was able to maintain his optimistic outlook."Saturday when he was on the ventilator he was conscious and he gave me the thumbs up sign," Jean Jones said. Jean Jones has not been enduring the process alone. From Wednesday to Sunday, more than 10 family members were at Vanderbilt. On Monday, Jean Jones and her son were at Vanderbilt, along with one of Don's brothers. 'This has been a very exciting process," Jean Jones said. "This is what we've been praying for. We never prayed for anybody to die, but we have prayed for a donor and the family of the donor."
At this time, all Jean Jones knows about her husband's new heart is that it's young. "I haven't asked any more questions about it," she said. "If Don wants to know more about it, he has to ask the doctors himself."Prior to receiving his new heart, Jones spent his time working on donor awareness. He formed the West Tennessee Heart Connection and spoke to any group that would listen. Jones said his goal is to regain "quality life." He worked for 22 years at Goodyear in Union City and was diagnosed with the heart problem in July of 1992. He spent two years on the United Network for Organ Sharing and Tennessee Donor Services lists.

Editorial : Don Jones = Underdog...Hey, That`s me ! "The Gift of Life", what a wonderful/loving thing to do ! Bewcome a Donor Here > http://www.donatelifetn.org/ The life you save, may be your very own ! I hope this gives you a better insight to Underdog =Don Jones...Hey That`s Me !

Fiat Lux

Right to Work...Bad Economics !

2012-01-09T14:23:00.006-04:00

Right To Work Law: ‘Bad Economics and Cynical Politics’
by Tula Connell, Jan 9, 2012

Minimum Wage...Good for Employer`s~ who ? Not the Middle Class !

A New York Times editorial hit the mark Sunday when it castigated Republican lawmakers for pushing so-called right to work (RTW) laws in states like Indiana and correctly connected this anti-worker agenda with a similar assault on voting rights. Both moves are financed by a little-known organization funded by extremists like the Koch brothers. Many Republican leaders are adopting model legislation proposed by the American Legislative Exchange Council, a national corporate-financed conservative organization that is also assisting the Republican push to require voter identification cards to suppress the vote of minorities, young people and other constituencies that tend to favor the Democratic Party.The editorial points out how the assault is one that undercuts workers’ most valuable asset: their strength in numbers to bargain collectively for a fair deal at the workplace and to mobilize together to elect lawmakers who will back working families. RTW laws undermine all that and, in doing so, cut at the economic underpinning of America’s middle class.…over the last three decades, economists have found that unionization has a minimal impact on growth and employment in an entire state or country. In fact, six of the 10 states with the highest unemployment have right to work laws. North Carolina, a right to work state, has a private-sector unionization rate of 1.8 percent, the lowest in the nation. It also has the sixth highest unemployment rate: 10 percent.
Unionized workers earn more and get more generous benefits. In 2010, wages of workers in unionized manufacturing companies in Indiana were 16 percent higher than in nonunion plants. One study concluded that the decline in unionization since the 1970s is responsible for one-fifth to one-third of the growth in inequality in this country. Voters, unionized or not, should recognize the new “right to work” push for what it is: bad economics and cynical politics.

Fiat Lux

Blue Viewed Girl ~ In a Red State !

2012-01-09T13:07:00.005-04:00

Blue Viewed Girl in a Red State...You Bet`Cha !
by : Underdog = Don Jones
1/09/12

Her Blog is here > http://blueviewedgirl.blogspot.com/

It is not often, that I recommend a blog. However, try this one, by Heather Mummert. It is called "Blue Viewed Girl in a Red State". I think you will find it not only informative, but factual ! At least she signs her work. So many do not.

Heather, just let me say this, keep it factual and informative and as time goes on, you will not only get better, you may surpass Underdog ! I consider your blog, now mandatory reading. And, oh yes, thank you for all you do ! You can also click on the title of this blog, it carry you to http://blueviewdgirl.blogspot.com/

"Democracy...is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.

Liberty...is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote" (bf)

Fiat Lux

Her blog is Here >http://blueviewedgirl.blogspot.com/

Tennessee Re-Districting Results...Better Check it Out !

2012-01-08T17:15:00.010-04:00

Tennessee`s New RE-Districting Lines !

Maps here > http://www.capitol.tn.gov/DistrictMaps/index.html

West TN House ~ Weakley here > http://www.capitol.tn.gov/DistrictMaps/Housewest.html

Contact Rep. Holt here > http://www.capitol.tn.gov/House/members/h76.html

Tennessee Here > http://www.capitol.tn.gov/DistrictMaps/index.html

West TN Senate ~Weakley here > http://www.capitol.tn.gov/DistrictMaps/Senatewest.html

Here are the links that will take you to both the House and Senate redistricting concept maps.

http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/committees/redistricting.html

http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/redist/redistricting.html

Thanks,

Donna Anderson, Assistant to Rep. Andy Holt District#76
205 War Memorial Building
Nashville, TN 37243
615.741.1100 <> X44164 phone

State Rep. Andy Holt#76 District <> 615.741.7847 phone

615.253.0293 fax

Fiat Lux

Wall-Street Investment`s ? Better Know What You`re Doing !

2012-01-07T17:43:00.006-04:00

A Poor Man on Wall-Street is like a Poor Man in Vegas ! Mostly a Loser...

If you had purchased $1,000 of AIG stock one year ago, you would have $42 left. With Lehman Bros., you would have $6.60 left. With Fannie or Freddie, you would have less than $5.00 left, But if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all of the beer, then turn in the cans for the aluminum recycling Refund, you would have had $214. Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle. It’s called the 401-Keg.

Editorial : Thanks to Buck Swanson for this one !

The Right to Work Law ! Who is it Good For ?

2012-01-06T17:54:00.006-04:00

The Right to Work Law = Definition-Explanation

The Right to Work for Less !

By Don Jones = Underdog

1/06/12

Click here for exclusive/independant explanation > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-to-work_law

Almost everyone in the country has heard the phrase, "My state has the right to work law". My state of Tennessee has this law. I don`t like it. However being a law abiding citizen, I obey this law. What it translates to is the following. If you work at a job where there is a union already in existence for that job, you are not required to join that union or any union for that matter. That is the law. However, if you`re union(remember the union is you) in that facility negotiates a contract between you and your employer, whether it be hourly/money increases or benefits, by law you must and will receive those negotiated increases. In other words, you reap all of the benefits and pay no tax`s/dues. Kinda like in today's world, the millionaires and billionaires pay no tax`s and the middle class picks up the tab. I call the Right to Work law, "The Right to Work for Less" Where there is no union (that`s you) you have no rights. You cannot negotiate for anything. Your voice is non-existent. The company you work for dictates all. That is provided you work for that company ? You might work for a Job Finder, oh you go to work at a manufacturing facility, but you work for Job Finder. Low hourly pay and no benefits. "Right to Work Law" is now and always has been anti-worker. I have a Right to Work, sounds good, does it ? In most legislatures, who pass these obscene laws, they make it sound like, it is such a wonderful thing ! It is NOT ! It is pandering to manufacturers. It is the suppression of workers. Prior to the passage of the Taft–Hartley Act by Congress over President Harry S Truman's veto in 1947, unions and employers covered by the National Labor Relations Act could lawfully agree to aclosed shop, in which employees at unionized workplaces must be members of the union as a condition of employment. Under the law in effect before the Taft-Hartley amendments, an employee who ceased being a member of the union for whatever reason, from failure to pay dues to expulsion from the union as an internal disciplinary punishment, could also be fired even if the employee did not violate any of the employer's rules.The Taft–Hartley Act outlawed the closed shop. In some states, there is still closed shop, which means you must join the union. Click here for non-biased explanation. >>>>>>>>>>>> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right-to-work_law If you are employed in one of the 22 states that has a Right to Work law, you are probably protected by the state's Right to Work law and cannot be required to join or pay dues or fees to a union. (There are a small number of exceptions to the basic rule that individuals who work in Right to Work states cannot be required to pay to join or pay dues or fees to a union. Employees of airlines and railroads, and employees working on property subject to exclusive federal jurisdiction, cannot be required to join a union, but may be required to pay union fees. If you are an airline or railroad employee, click here for an explanation of your rights. If you work on property subject to exclusive federal jurisdiction, call the Foundation for further information.) These politicians who advocate Right to Work Laws,, who do they represent ? MONEY ! BIG MONEY ! NOT YOU AND I !

DETROIT A CITY in DECAY !

2012-01-05T14:27:00.010-04:00

Detroit A City in Decay~ Can it be Resurrected ?
By : Steve Sauter & Don Jones
1/05/12

Web-Site City of Detroit > http://www.detroitmi.gov/

The words 'Détroit' and 'Détroits' mean strait or straits. For a strait is a 'narrow navigable channel that connects two larger navigable bodies of water'.

I don't believe any other city in the USA is anywhere near the condition of Detroit, MI. Or Should I say the former Detroit. ... Steve Sauter

In 1970, when I departed from Detroit/Westland, there were over 2 1/2 million people within the city limits of Detroit. I was employed by the Detroit School System, Cooley High School. Today, there are less than 700,000 people remaining. When you lose this much of your tax base, you are going to have problems. Cooley H.S. is closed.This former capitol of the auto industry and arsenal of democracy is now a ghost town. There were 26 high schools, when I left. Today there are 13. Detroit`s secondary school system was second to none. Today, Detroit`s school system is all but shut down. 40% to 50% of those students who enter high school, never finish, they just drop out. Contact School Borad members here > http://detroitk12.org/board/members/ My former student and friend Mr. Steve Sauter sent me a film clip put together by the Detroit News (news paper). The giant empty skyscrapers are like tombstones marking the death of the city.(empty buildings on the landscape). Click here: Downtown Detroit's empty edifices The Detroit News ! I cried. When I viewed these pictures. If we lose this once great city, we lose a part of ourselves. I remember Detroit as a once center of JOBS. A center of ART. A center of EDUCATION. So sad, and a testament that, we must save this city ! Why ? If we allow this former industrial giant city to disappear, we not only lose a great city, but we lose a part of ourselves. Who is to blame ? There is probably enough blame for all. Playing the blame game is really of no value. What and how and where do we begin. I`m not sure ? But, surely there is a place to sit down and reason together. One thing, I do know, no one should be trying to implement idea`s to benefit themselves alone ! Miles and miles of this city has already been demolished. Neighborhoods that were once vital and flourishing are now gone Torn down. (upper right). There has been talk about starting farms on these now gone neighborhoods. It seems to this writer, that more and better innovative ideas are and need to be listened too. The Detroit Tigers Baseball stadium(co-America Park) is now downtown. Detroit now has Casinos downtown. The Detroit Lions play at Ford Field, downtown. The Detrit Red Wings play hockey at the Joe Lewis arena, downtown. Mayor Dave Bing (former star basketball player) seems to be working hard and diligently to save Detroit. He makes a whopping $0.90 cents per year. Perhaps Detroit is going to be an example for the rest of the country. One idea is. I might suggest that the property tax structure be that of Whatever you pay for a building remains the tax base until it is resold. Any repairs (not including additions), are encouraged and do not add to the tax assessment. get rid of all other tax breaks and grants . You buy the property and you spend YOUR money to fix it up. As a business person, where could I get the Square feet that are in some of the buildings in Detroit so cheap, even with the renovations. This would go for all properties residential and commercial.Windsor Canada is just across the river. How are they doing ? Can we learn from them ? When the auto industry began its move to other country`s for cheap labor. Detroits problems began and have continued still today. These auto workers were tax-payers. When you no longer have a job, where do you go ? A million and a half people are now gone. Whare are they ? What are they doing ? Detroits labor unions have given and given. I don`t think anyone can fault the unions, at least not all the fault. So what/who is the culprit that has caused this Detroit demise ? Folks, it`s simple. GREED ! Mostly by the large auto makers. I make no apology for that statement of fact. Are those captains of industry now gone ? Is there a new breed with new thinking in place ? I understand, that the Michigan Governor, Rick Snyder (R) is now contemplating taking over the City of Detroit ? I`m sure that will solve all of Detroit`s problems, (only add to them.) My best advice Governor Snyder, Do not become a dictator. Stay out of it, unless you are asked. Mayor Dave Bing and the City Council can be contacted here > http://www.detroitmi.gov/DepartmentsandAgencies/MayorsOffice/AbouttheMayor.aspx

Have ideas, submit them. Detroit, is this a direction the remainder of the country is going ? Frightening thought, isn`t it ! Everything in the past is not bad. Everything in the present only seems to be. Everything in the future depends on both ! I`m an old Detroiter, I can remember when it was Great ! I believe it can be again. It must be again or we all lose ! Contact Mayor Bing here > http://www.detroitmi.gov/DepartmentsandAgencies/MayorsOffice/AbouttheMayor.aspx Pray for the City of Detroit !

"There is only one thing worse than unanswered questions...unquestioned answers." "SS"

Fiat Lux

Richard Cordray ~ NEW CONSUMER WATCHDOG DIRECTOR

2012-01-05T12:05:00.009-04:00

Obama to bypass Congress, Recess appoint Consumer Bureau Chief

By Peter Schroeder

President Obama has circumvented Senate GOP opposition and recess appointed his nominee to head a new consumer bureau.

White House spokesman Dan Pfeiffer confirmed the recess appointment of Richard Cordray Wednesday on Twitter after the move was first reported by the Associated Press. "We Can't Wait: Today in Ohio, President Obama will announce the recess appointment of Consumer Watchdog Richard Cordray," Obama will recess appoint Cordray to be director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), after Senate Republicans en masse voted to block the nomination in December. The move is likely to infuriate Senate Republicans, who have sought to prevent congressional recesses by holding brief pro forma sessions every few days during longer breaks. It could even lead to a court challenge about the legality of the move. Read the story here.

Editorial : Great going, Mr. President. You tried to be a compromise`r and include the Republicans in your decision process. They declined. You appointed during recess. GOOD for You and GOOD for the Country. "Give em H***"! Barack/Harry !

RIGHT to WORK LAW = RIGHT to WORK for LESS

2012-01-04T18:58:00.004-04:00

So-Called Right to Work Law Would Reduce Wages
by Mike Hall, Jan 3, 2012

More evidence that backers of Indiana’s ”right to work” for less (RTW) legislation are wrong when they claim so-called right to work promotes economic growth.
A new report out moments ago from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) finds that if a “right to work” law was adopted in Indiana it would be far more likely to reduce workers’ wages and benefits. It follows the release this morning of similar findings by University of Notre Dame economic professor Marty Wolfson.
In “Working hard to make Indiana look bad: The tortured, uphill case for ‘right to work” political economist Gordon Lafer writes: In Indiana and elsewhere, large sums of money have been devoted to backing RTW bills, with lobbyists claiming that RTW significantly improves both the number of jobs in a state and the wages people earn because companies that had avoided the state will flock there. The evidence shows that these claims are completely without scientific foundation.
Lafer, who is also a professor at University of Oregon Labor Education and Research Center, says rigorous, properly designed studies have found that ”right to work” laws reduce wages by $1,500 a year, for union and nonunion workers, and lower the likelihood that union and nonunion employees get health care coverage or pensions through their jobs. They have also found that “right to work” laws have no impact on job growth in states that adopt them. He takes to task the National Right to Work Committee for its twisted interpretation of job growth data. Lafer also highlights the economic distortions in reports from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and the Chamber of Commerce.
Legislators should decide this issue on the basis of economic facts rather than political ideology.

Click here for the full report.

Editorial : Tennessee has the right to work law. So, where are all the JOBS ? Right to Work law = Right to Work for Less ! No Jobs !

CEO`$ & LAWMAKER$...SAME 1%...You Bet`Cha !

2012-01-03T16:28:00.012-04:00

It’s Not Just CEO`$. Lawmaker$ Are the 1%, Too.
by Mike Hall, Dec 27, 2011

http://www.aflcio.org/corporatewatch/paywatch/

Every wonder why it’s so hard to get a millionaires’ tax passed ?

We all know that the gap between 1% percent and the rest us(99%) has grown to obscene proportions. Their wealth has soared while ours has stagnated or fallen over the past decade and more.We picture Wall Street stockbrokers, bankers and CEOs as the top winners in our out of whack economy. But new figures from the University of Michigan and the Center for Responsive Politics (CRP) show that members of Congress—where 250 lawmakers are millionaires—are doing better than anybody. In a story today on the new data in The New York Times, Eric Lichtblau writes: Members of Congress are getting richer compared not only with the average American worker, but also with other very rich Americans.While the median net worth of members of Congress jumped 15 percent from 2004 to 2010, the net worth of the richest 10 percent of Americans remained essentially flat. For all Americans, median net worth dropped 8 percent, based on inflation-adjusted data from Moody’s Analytics. A Washington Post article points out that between 1984 and 2009, the median wealth of House members grew two and half times (adjusted for inflation), while the wealth of the average American family actually declined. CRP Executive Director Shelia Krumholz told the Times that rising congressional wealth cast doubts in voters’ minds about whether lawmakers have a grasp on the struggles average families face.There’s always a concern that they can’t truly understand or relate to the hardships that their constituents feel—that rich people just don’t get it.The Times contacted all current House and Senate members and asked if they had any close friends or families who lost their jobs or homes in the great recession. Only 18 responded and only nine said yes.

Click here for the full Times article and here for more from the Post.

Fiat Lux

Editorial : Our Congressmen/Women are well compensated. I have a question ? Why do we elect millionaires ? If they are not millionaires, they soon will be, after assuming office ! Duh !

America Seperated...You Bet`Cha !

2012-01-02T17:36:00.006-04:00

The disuniting of America
Thursday, December 29, 2011 Posted by Jim Hightower

http://www.jimhightower.com/

Listen to this Commentary

The Bible doesn't say that money is the root of all evil – rather, it condemns the love of money.

Today, that insidious love (taking the form of greed and excess) is celebrated in our country and has even exalted into official public policy, marring our economy with inequality and injustice. The reigning ethos of our nation's upper crust is that too much is not enough. They're not merely out to make loads of the money they love, but to make a killing, everyone else be damned. New numbers from the Congressional Budget Office confirm that as the moneyed elites have been making their killing, wealth disparity has become extreme in a country that once prided itself on trying to build a more egalitarian society. Analyzing 30 years of income data, the non-partisan CBO reports that the richest one percent of our population has enjoyed a stunning 275 percent increase in their income during that time. As a result, these privileged few have more than doubled the slice of America's income pie that they consume, going from eight percent to 17 percent of the whole in just three decades. From whom did these richest one-per centers get their extra-big slice? From us, the 99 percent. The share going to middle class and poor families shrank in this period, which is why there is such broad support today for Occupy Wall Street's "We are the 99%" movement. At the tippy-top of America's wealth pyramid are the multimillionaire CEOs and billionaire Wall Streeters. They are the richest one one-hundredth of the one-percenters (a mere 14,836 households). These few now take six percent of all U.S. income – the biggest piece ever consumed by America's mega rich.
The widening chasm between the rich and the rest of us is transforming our country from a society to a jungle – and not even billionaires will enjoy living there.

"It's Official: The Rich Get Richer," The New York Times, October 26, 2011.

"The Wall Street Protesters May Have Picked The Right City for Their Campaign," The New York Times," October 26, 2011.

"New Poll Finds A Deep Distrust Of Government," The New York Times, October 26, 2011.

Editorial : Jim Hightower, telling it, like it is ! Better wake up America ~ ! And you thought everyone in Texas was NUTS !

Fiat Lux

America`s Race to the Bottom

2011-12-28T16:59:00.007-04:00

< CEO Pay

U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness in Global Trade
by : Jared Bernstein
Senior Fellow, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities...

http://www.bls.gov/ilc/#compensation

Posted: 12/28/11

Those of us ensconced in debates in support of U.S. manufacturing often hear opponents claiming that the over-regulated U.S. labor market and unionized heavy industry render us uncompetitive in global markets.

That may sound convincing given competition from emerging markets, but there are lots of advanced economies with long records of positive net exports, while we continue to run large deficits in manufactured goods, year after year.
If you're thinking the difference must be prices, you're thinking like an economist... and you're pretty much wrong.
This new BLS report (including a link to their rockin' new dashboard -- go BLS!) provides the data in the form of manufacturing compensation costs across countries, with conversions to dollars using market exchange rates. First, as shown in the first figure, in the most recent year for which they have complete data, we're toward the low end of the advanced economies in terms of compensation costs. Second, in dollar terms, manufacturing compensation costs have increased much faster elsewhere over the past decade (figure two; these summary measures use trade-weighted currencies, based on each countries relative share of U.S. trade; you can use the dashboard link above (open the Excel file) to view individual countries).
*OECD, Eastern Europe, East Asia
Source: BLS > http://www.bls.gov/ilc/#compensation <
Now, compensation costs aren't the whole story, especially with manufacturing becoming more capital intensive, but at least by these measures, which of course account for exchange rate movements (essential when we're discussing price competitiveness), there's not much support at all for an argument that overpaid manufacturing workers are the source of our competitive disadvantage. I'd argue it has a lot more to do with the lack of a coherent manufacturing policy, wherein public and private representatives strategize on the best ways to boost the sector and gain global market share. Of course, this means retiring the canard that "we don't pick winners." Our competitors are well ahead of us in these endeavors and this is not the time for ideological sloganeering.

Cooper Tire Locks Out Workers !

2011-12-28T09:56:00.006-04:00

Cooper Tire to Resume Negotiations with Locked-Out Workers
Wednesday, December 28, 2011,

Union workers at Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.'s Findlay Ohio, plant have been locked out since Nov. 28, 2011

Locked out union workers at Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. will not meet again to negotiate a new contract until 2012, theToledo Blade reports. More than 1,000 workers have been locked out of Cooper's (NYSE:CTB) Findlay manufacturing plant since Nov. 28, and both sides have filed formal complaints of bad-faith bargaining with the National Labor Relations Board , the newspaper reports. Negotiators from both sides met 45 times from Sept. 7 to Nov. 28 but, since the lockout, have convened only four times, the newspaper reports. Negotiations are expected to resume next week, the newspaper reports.

Editorial : Have Company`s discovered a way to break local unions ? Lock them out ! Then proceed to wait until, it`s workers are hurting, in the meantime, supplying tires from foreign plants ? Sounds like it to this writer. In these bad faith negotiations, workers lose and company`s win big. Big Bonus`s for their CEO`S ! You Bet`Cha !

It`s a Wonderful Life...Or It Could Be !

2011-12-26T18:49:00.007-04:00

Republicans Try to Convert America Into Pottersville
12/26/11
By : Leo W. Gerard

In the iconic Christmas film, It's a Wonderful Life, an angel offers the beleaguered main character, George Bailey, the stark choice between a hometown named for a cruel banker or one created by and for the middle class.

The banker's town, Pottersville, is filled with bars, gambling dens and despair. The people's town of Bedford Falls is made of hope, hard working middle class families, and their homes financed by the Bailey Brothers Building & Loan.
The film's happy ending is the people of Bedford Falls banding together to rescue George Bailey and the Bailey Brothers Building & Loan that had given so many of them a leg up over the years. Republicans seek a different conclusion. They find middle class cooperation and community intolerable. They want the banker, Henry Potter, with his "every man for himself" philosophy to triumph. In the spirit of their self-centered mentor Ayn Rand, Republicans are trying to disfigure America so she resembles Pottersville. A building and loan association, like the Bailey Brothers', uses the savings of its members to provide mortgages to the depositors. Members essentially pool their money to give each other the opportunity to buy cars and homes. At one point in the film, George Bailey explains this concept to frightened depositors who are trying to withdraw their savings during the panic that led to bank runs in 1929. Bailey urges the townspeople who had crowded into the building and loan office to withdraw only what they need, not empty their accounts. "We have got to stick together," he tells them, "We have to do this together." A building and loan doesn't function without trust and cooperation. It works well for Bedford Falls. The mortgages it provides help working people move out of the Potters Field slums and into Bailey Park, where homes well kept by their owners increase in value. Despite the success, Potter condemned this practice, saying it was based on "high ideals without common sense." He criticized the Bailey Brothers Building & Loan for granting a taxi driver a mortgage after Potter's bank had rejected his application. Potter scoffed at such practices, asking if the building and loan was a "business or a charity ward." This is exactly what Republicans do. They describe beloved American programs like Medicare and Social Security as charities -- using the euphemism "entitlements." Like mortgages from the Bailey Building & Loan, Medicare and Social Security are not charities. They're the American people depositing and pooling their money for the benefit of the American community. The GOP tries to destroy programs like these that aid the middle class, the vast majority of Americans -- the 99 percent -- while Republicans protect tax breaks and special perks for the rich -- the one percent, the Henry Potters.This time last year, Republicans demanded extension of tax breaks for the 1 percent, contending tax breaks stimulate the economy. For the past three months, however, Republicans have fought extension of payroll tax cuts, contending a break benefiting 160 million middle class Americans did not stimulate the economy. All year, Republicans have demanded an end to programs the middle class created to aid the majority, the 99 percent. The GOP wants to reverse the new banking regulations that were passed in an attempt to prevent another economic collapse caused by risky Wall Street practices. The GOP tried to to rescind the healthcare reform law that prevents insurance companies from terminating coverage when beneficiaries get sick and prohibits the practice of refusing coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Influential Republicans this year have called for repealing laws forbidding child labor, laws guaranteeing minimum wage and laws protecting the environment. They've demanded elimination of federal funding for organizations like the Public Broadcasting System that educates preschoolers, Head Start, which provides opportunity to poor children, and Planned Parenthood, which uses 97 percent of its funds to provide general, obstetrical and gynecological medical care to women, many of whom are rural and poor.
Republicans have decided to be the party of Henry Potter, the "meanest man in the county," a man about whom George Bailey's father said: "he's a sick man, frustrated. Sick in his mind, sick in his soul, if he has one." Like Potter, Republicans deride compassion and community as character defects.
In the Republican world, where greed is good, it was appropriate for Henry Potter to keep the $8,000 in Bailey Building & Loan money that George Bailey's uncle, Billy Bailey, accidentally handed him. Republicans are attempting to impose that selfish belief system on the selfless American people, people like the citizens of Bedford Falls who rush to the rescue of neighbors. It won't work, just like it didn't in It's a Wonderful Life. Republicans will fail in their attempt to make America Pottersville because the 99 percent believe avarice is a sin, not a value. The GOP will fail because greed is not the American way. Follow Leo W. Gerard on Twitter: www.twitter.com/uswblogger

Editorial : Perhaps we need to re-name the (GOP) Grand Old Party, to the Grand Old Pigs ? Merry Christmas not Bah-Hum Bug !

Merry Christmas From The Obamas (2011)

2011-12-24T18:12:00.000-04:00

God Bless America and God Bless President Barack Obama !

Congressman Cohen District#9-Tennessee ~ Working for Tennesseans !

2011-12-24T14:43:00.006-04:00

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah & Happy New Year

From Your Tennessee District#9~Congressman Steve Cohen

Contact Rep. Cohen here > http://www.cohen.house.gov/

Happy Holidays :

With Christmas and Hanukkah taking place this week, I wanted to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year. These are tough economic times in Memphis and families are doing more with less to celebrate this holiday season. That is why I am working hard in Memphis and Washington to create jobs – to help ensure that every child has the opportunity to have a happy and prosperous future. Click here to see a short video I recently recorded wishing you and your family a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.

Editorial : Congressman Steve Cohen, working hard for Tennesseans ! Thank you Rep. Cohen for your recent vote to extend the middle class pay-roll tax and not cutting senior Medicare. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to you and your family ! "God Bless !

Fiat Lux

SOCIAL SECURITY = YOUR MONEY $ $ $

2011-12-23T15:08:00.009-04:00

WHO GETS YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY IF YOU ARE DEAD ?

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...You Bet`Cha !

THE ONLY THING WRONG WITH THIS CALCULATION IS THEY FORGOT TO FIGURE IN THE PEOPLE WHO DIED BEFORE THEY COLLECTED THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY ! WHERE DID THAT MONEY GO ? I know some of those people. Do you ?

Remember, not only did you contribute to Social Security but your employer
Did too. It totaled 15% of your income before taxes. If you averaged only
$30K over your working life, that's close to $220,500. If you calculate the future value of $4,500 per year (yours & your Employer's' contribution) at a simple 5% (less than what the govt. Pays on The money that it borrows), after 49 years of working you'd have $892,919.98. If you took out only 3% per year, you'd receive $26,787.60 per year and it Would last better than 30 years (until you're 95 if you retire at age 65) And that's with no interest paid on that final amount on deposit! If you Bought an annuity and it paid 4% per year, you'd have a lifetime income of
$2,976.40 per month. The folks in Washington have pulled off a bigger Ponzi scheme than Bernie Madhoff ever had. Entitlement my a**, I paid cash for my Social Security insurance ! Just Because they borrowed the money, doesn't make my benefits some kind of Charity or handout ! Congressional benefits ---- free healthcare, outrageous retirement packages, 67 paid holidays, three weeks paid vacation, unlimited paid sick days, now that's welfare, and they have the nerve to call my Social Security Retirement entitlements ? We're "broke" and can't help our own Seniors, Veterans, Orphans, Homeless In the last months we have provided aid to Haiti , Chile , and Turkey . And Now Pakistan ......Former home of Bin Laden. Literally, BILLIONS of DOLLARS ! Our retired seniors living on a 'fixed income' receive no aid nor do they Get any breaks while our government and religious organizations pour Hundreds of Billions of $'s and Tons of Food to Foreign Countries ! They call Social Security and Medicare an entitlement even though most of us Have been paying for it all our working lives and now when it's time for us To collect, the government is running out of money. Why did the government Borrow from it in the first place ? Imagine if the *GOVERNMENT* gave 'US' the Same support they give to other countries. Sad isn't it?

GOD BLESS YOU & GOD BLESS AMERICA

Fiat Lux

All Tennessee Congressman Vote Against Tenneseans Except Cohen & Cooper !

2011-12-23T13:55:00.010-04:00

Tennessee Republicans Vote YES !
Which Translates > Voted NO to Seniors and Unemployed !

Contact Rep. Fincher here > http://fincher.house.gov/office/washington-dc

Contact your Congressperson here > http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt

On Motion to Go to Conference 12/20/2011 House Roll Call No. 94<> 112nd Congress, 1st Session Passed: 229-193 (see Vote complete tally)

How the U.S. House from Tennessee Voted : Remember, these Republicans are cleaver. A VOTE yes, Translates to a NO VOTE for Seniors and the Unemployed. Only two (2) Congressman from Tennessee Voted for Seniors and the unemployed. The 99% ! Rep. Steve Cohen and Jim Cooper ! Thank you Both ! All Republicans VOTED Against Seniors and Unemployed, by VOTING YES ! You should be ashamed. District#8, how do you like Mr. Fincher now ? You can also contact your congressperson, by clicking on their name !

Fiat Lux

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Rep. Diane Black (R-6) Yes <> Voted Against Tennesseans
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Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-7) Yes <> Voted Against Tenneseans
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Rep. Steve Cohen (D-9) No <> Voted For Tenneseans
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Rep. Jim Cooper (D-5) No <> Voted for Tenneseans
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Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-4) Yes <> Voted Against Tenneseans
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Rep. John Duncan, Jr. (R-2) Yes <>Voted Against Tenneseans
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Rep. Stephen Fincher (R-8) Yes <> My Congressman, Voted Against Tenneseans.
Motion to go to conference; Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 - Vote Passed (229-193, 11 Not Voting)With this vote, the House rejected the Senate's two-month extension of the Social Security payroll tax reduction and requested a conference to consider a yearlong extension. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) stated he would not call the Senate back into session. The standoff ended later in the week when the House agreed to pass the two-month bill and the Senate agreed to name conferees to work out a yearlong extension.Rep. Stephen Fincher voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
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Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-3) Yes <> Voted Against Tenneseans
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Rep. Phil Roe (R-1) Yes <> Voted Against Tenneseans
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Merry Christmas America...Common Sense Prevailed !

2011-12-22T18:52:00.005-04:00

President Obama : 'Enough is Enough,' Pushes House GOP to Pass Payroll Tax Bill...

Saying "enough is enough" and calling Washington "dysfunctional," President Obama on Thursday urged Republicans in the House to pass a bipartisan Senate compromise that would extend the payroll tax holiday for two months."What's happening right now is exactly why people get so frustrated with Washington," Obama said standing before a room of Democratic stakeholders. "Has this place become so dysfunctional that even when people agree to things we can't do it?" Obama said he is at the ready, waiting to sign the bill so 160 million Middle Class Americans don't see their taxes go up at the end of the year.

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Flash, House Republicans finally Say YES !

House Speaker John Boehner says he and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid agreed to a two-month extension of a payroll tax cut that was due to expire at the end of the year. The terms were previously included in a bipartisan Senate deal and demanded by President Barack Obama. The deal comes hours after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, called for a short-term extension, increasing pressure on House GOP leaders. The agreement also includes language to ease the administrative burden on small businesses implementing the plan. "The Senate will join the House in immediately appointing conferees, with instructions to reach agreement in the weeks ahead on a full-year payroll tax extension," Boehner said in a statement. "We will ask the House and Senate to approve this agreement by unanimous consent before Christmas."

Editorial : I cannot for the life of me, see how so much crap can be created by REPUBLICANS over what should be a bi-partisan gimme ! Thank you, Mr. President for not caving !

Fiat Lux

Wal-Mart Scrooge of the Year...You Bet`Cha !

2011-12-22T14:03:00.006-04:00

Poor Ole Wal-Mart...RICHNE$$ only Exceeded by There`re GREED !

This years Scrooge of the Year is Wal-Mart`s Rob Walton (Upper left and right)

The vote was close and went up until the last minute, but across the nation people made their voices heard - and Rob Walton is the biggest Scrooge of them all ! A quick reminder of why Rob Walton was given this nomination: Deemed a “billionaire bully” by Brave New Films, Rob Walton is the Chair of Walmart’s board of directors. His estimated net worth is around $21 billion. As a family, the Waltons control 49% of Walmart stock, and are predicted to gain a controlling share in the next 12 months. The Waltons are the richest family in the United States, with a combined net worth is $93 billion. The Walton Family has as much wealth as the bottom 30% of American families combined – more than 35 million families. Waltons make up 4 of the 11 wealthiest people in the United States according to Forbes Magazine, and they could give more than $4,700 to every resident of New York and still have $1 billion left over. With the economy as it is, that would make a huge difference! The family’s dividends from their Walmart stock alone are more than $2 billion/year. Just using their dividends, they could ensure that a million Walmart employees make at least $12/hour. Instead, they are growing richer by the year. Even with all of this money, Walmart only pays an average of $8.81/hour to store associates. And the company has yet to meet with and address the concerns of those who work for them such as scheduling (especially during the holiday season). Just last month Walmart, under Rob’s leadership, slashed health care coverage for hundreds of thousands of Walmart employees and their families—right before the holidays! What a scrooge! How Much is Enough $?

Fincher Votes Against Seniors~ Hey, That`s ME

2011-12-22T11:42:00.003-04:00

Cong. Stephen Fincher(R)Votes Against his Tennessee District#8-Constituency !

Contact Fincher here http://www.fincher.house/gov/office/washington-dc

Contact & Find your Congressman click on Title !

Capitol Hill Tax Stalemate Hurts Medicare...That`s Seniors !

The Congressional deadlock over extending payroll tax cuts – sparked by a revolt of House Tea Party Republicans – will hurt seniors on Medicare unless a resolution is reached quickly. Seniors with incomes below $15,000 per year are at risk of losing access to critical medical services through the Qualified Individual (QI) program. The program, which is set to expire on December 31, pays for Medicare Part B premiums that cover physician and other outpatient services, as well as the low income subsidy for Part D prescription drug coverage. The QI benefit represents an average savings of $5,199 per year for these low-income seniors. Without an extension of the program by Congress, states would have the right to terminate benefits on January 1. Also caught in the crossfire are reimbursements to nearly 650,000 doctors who care for Medicare patients. According to the Associated Press, Medicare sent an alert to doctors to say that they will hold up paying claims for the first 10 business days of the new year, but without congressional action it would then be forced to implement a 27.4 percent cut in reimbursement rates, which may prompt physicians to refuse to see Medicare patients.

Editorial : This Congress along with Rep. Fincher, should be run out of Office ! The audacity of these charlatans ! The Seniors "Merry Christmas" from House Republicans !

Fiat Lux

Wal-Mart the Great China Importer ~ Now Slave Masters..

2011-12-20T18:07:00.008-04:00

Wal*Mart The New Master of Indentured Slavery...
by : Dave Jamieson

More Wal*Mart news http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/walmart

JOLIET, Ill., and FONTANA, Calif. -- Like nearly everyone else in Joliet without good job prospects, Uylonda Dickerson eventually found herself at the warehouses looking for work. "I just needed a job," the 38-year-old single mother says. Dickerson came to the right place. Over the past decade and a half, Joliet and its Will County environs southwest of Chicago have grown into one of the world's largest inland ports, a major hub for dry goods destined for retail stores throughout the Midwest and beyond. With all the new distribution centers have come thousands of jobs at "logistics" companies -- firms that specialize in moving goods for retailers and manufacturers. Many of these jobs are filled by Joliet's African Americans, like Dickerson, and immigrants from Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America. But many bottom-rung workers like Dickerson don't work for the big corporations whose products are in the warehouses, or even the logistics companies that run them. They go to work for labor agencies that supply workers like Dickerson. Last year, she found work as a temp through one of the myriad staffing agencies that serve big-box retailers and their contractors. Thanks largely to the warehousing boom, Will County has developed one of the highest concentrations of temp agencies in the Midwest. Dickerson, grateful to have even a temp job, was taken on as a "lumper" -- someone who schleps boxes to and from trailers all day long. As unglamorous as her duties were, Dickerson became an essential cog in one of the most sophisticated machines in modern commerce -- the Walmart supply chain. Walmart, the world's largest private-sector employer, had contracted a company called Schneider Logistics to operate the warehouse. And Schneider, in turn, had its own contracts with staffing companies that supplied workers. The experience would change the way Dickerson saw the retail industry -- particularly during the frenetic run-up to the holidays, when workers are under tremendous pressure to get products out the door and into stores."I don't think people know what the people in those warehouses have to go through to get them their stuff in those stores," Dickerson says. "If you don't work in a warehouse, you don't know." Dickerson quickly discovered that the work wasn't easy, if there was any work at all. Each morning she showed up at her warehouse, she wasn't sure whether she'd be assigned a trailer and earn a day's pay. She says there were days that she and many temps were told simply to go home, without pay, since there wasn't as much product to unload as expected. Sometimes Dickerson was told they didn't have any trailers light enough for a woman, she says. But on most days the warehouse teemed with lumpers, many of them wearing different colored t-shirts to signify the different agencies they worked for. Dickerson herself would work for two different labor providers within the same warehouse in a little more than a year.The difficulty of a lumper's day often went according to chance. A lucky lumper might be assigned a container filled with boxes of Kleenex or stuffed animals, while an unlucky lumper might pull a container filled with kiddie swimming pools or 200-pound trampolines. For the heaviest lifts, Dickerson would be assigned a partner, and the two would split the pay for the trailer, moving the massive boxes onto pallets by hand.The job was fast-paced and stressful. Dickerson says supervisors would walk along the warehouse's bay doors, marking the workers' progress over time. The supervisors, Dickerson and other workers say, often told them to speed it up if they wanted to be invited back. Many of the workers were temps with no job security and no recourse. And the local unemployment rate, then around 11 percent, promised a long line of potential replacements."By the end of the day, your body hurts so bad," says Dickerson, who was among a small minority of females working as lumpers at the warehouse. "You tell them you can't do it the next day, ... they'll tell you, 'We've got four more people waiting for your job.'" For a while, Dickerson worked according to "piece rate" -- she was paid not by the hour but by the trailer -- a stressful pay scheme meant to encourage her and her colleagues to work faster and faster, and one that the labor movement worked hard to abolish in many industries in the 20th century. Each paycheck was different than the last, and most of them were disappointingly low, she says. In her year at the warehouse, Dickerson says she never had health benefits, sick days or vacation days. If she didn't unload containers, she didn't get paid."It all depends on how fast you work," she says. "It's like a race. You're racing to get done with the trailer so you can get another one. Otherwise, you won't get enough money." The warehouse floor wasn't a very welcoming place for a woman, Dickerson says. As one of the relatively few female lumpers, she says she was often fending off crude overtures from male co-workers. And then there were the bathroom issues. While it was piece rate when it benefited the boss, the clock came on for break time. Each day Dickerson had two 15-minute personal breaks in addition to her lunch, but the warehouse was so sprawling -- it covered ground equal to several football fields -- that it could take her five minutes to walk each way to get some air or use the bathroom, leaving her with only five minutes of personal time."When I used to go to the bathroom, I literally had somebody counting down the minutes," Dickerson says. It was particularly difficult when she was on her period and she felt couldn't use the restroom when she needed to. Eventually, she was being reprimanded for too many breaks, she says. Worried about losing her job, she says she tried so hard to avoid using the bathroom that she eventually developed a bladder infection.
Physically and emotionally drained, Dickerson stopped showing up at the warehouse earlier this year."My body still is not the same," she says. "I still have aches and I still have pains. I have migraines because of the stress I went through working at that place."Dickerson says she's now living in a house where the electricity and water have been shut off, sharing a cell phone with some of her neighbors. She's on government-sponsored health care, just as she was while working at the warehouse, and she now relies on food stamps to get by.The one place she refuses to take her food stamps is Walmart.
Walmart may have been the end beneficiary of Dickerson's sweat, but the big-box retailer wasn't directly responsible for her low pay or her aching body. That's one of the many benefits to an employment arrangement based on outsourcing and subcontracting: The corporation at the top indemnifies itself from any unpleasantness at the bottom, thanks to the smaller corporate players in the middle. Many American companies have woken up to this fact, with broad implications for the future of blue-collar work."It seems to be spreading like wildfire," Nelson Lichtenstein, a professor of American labor history at the University of California, Santa Barbara, says of such outsourcing, particularly as it relates to temp workers like Dickerson. "All of these companies, wherever they possibly can, they want to create a workforce that doesn't work for them. The question is, Why? What is the incentive?" "They're smart," he says. "They run the numbers."

Editorial : And we don`t need Unions any longer. Sure, and we don`t need to breathe. Organizing Wal-Mart will be tough, but, it can and must be done. This human bondage must not be tolerated. WE need Free-Democratic Trade Unions now more than EVER !

Walmart’s Health Insurance Changes Bad for Older Workers Responding to published reports that Walmart will be significantly increasing the burden of health care costs it places on associates, I worry that these increased health care costs will keep many from seeing a doctor, and make these health problems more serious and costlier. Just think how our nation’s health care costs would go down if those in this age group were to have more affordable, preventive medical care during this critical period of their lives,” Letter (read at http://bit.ly/tiGqk9). The Alliance encouraged Walmart to meet with OUR Walmart http://forrespect.org/, an employee organization, to hear their concerns and respond to their proposed solutions for improving working conditions at the nation’s largest private sector employer.

Fiat Lux

Body Parts in a Test Tube ? You Bet`Cha !

2011-12-20T14:36:00.009-04:00

The Gift of Life...Grow/Print Your Own !

Facts Stranger than Fiction

Click here to watch Dr. Anthony Atala >

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RMx31GnNXY

Watch Wake Forest University's Anthony Atala discuss how science fiction is becoming science fact in regenerative medicine. Then read his follow-up blog post on this topic below.

To many people, the idea of growing replacement body parts in the lab sounds like modern-day science fiction. People are often surprised to learn that this notion of harnessing the body's natural regenerative powers isn't new. In fact, aviator Charles Lindbergh did research in this area back in the 1930s in hopes of finding a solution for his ailing sister-in-law. The idea has endured because of the desperate need for replacement organs. Every 30 seconds, a patient dies from diseases that could be treated with organ or tissue replacement. Today, regenerative medicine is becoming science fact. In the area of cell therapies, advances include a recent report that cardiac stem cells were able to improve heart function in a small group of patients with heart failure. In the area of tissue engineering -- or growing organs in the lab -- skin, cartilage, bladders, urine tubes, trachea and blood vessels have all been engineered outside the human body and implanted in patients. While these advances are currently helping small groups of patients through clinical trials, the goal of regenerative medicine scientists is to expand the applications of regenerative medicine to a wider range of diseases and also to larger groups of patients. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has called regenerative medicine the "next evolution of medical treatments". With its potential to heal, this new field of science is expected to revolutionize health care. Because of the promise of regenerative medicine, the U.S. military has funded an $85 million effort to develop regenerative medicine treatments for wounded warriors. Regenerative medicine offers the potential to improve the quality of life for many, but also to combat rising health care costs. Early estimates project that regenerative medicine therapies will result in direct health care cost savings in the United States of $250 billion per year for the chronic diseases of renal failure, heart failure, stroke, diabetes, burn and spinal cord injuries. In my TED talk, I highlighted some of the work of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC. Our team of more than 300 scientists is working on cell therapies and developing replacement tissues and organs for more than 30 different areas of the body. For example, the talk highlights our still-experimental work to engineer a human kidney. Being able to replace solid organs such as the heart, liver, kidney and pancreas is considered the "holy grail" of tissue engineering. That's why we're pursuing multiple strategies in this area: cell therapies, tissue "inserts" to augment an organ's function, and "printing" replacement organs. At TED, we demonstrated 3-D printing technology, already used in a variety of industries -- from auto parts to concrete structures. Our goal, or course, is to apply the technology to organs. The project is based on earlier research in which we engineered miniature kidneys using biomaterials and cells. In animals, these structures were shown to be functional, in that they were able to filter blood and produce dilute urine. This printer, while still experimental, is being explored for organs such as the kidney and structured tissue such as the ear. The ultimate goal is to use patient data, such as from a CT scan, to create a computer model of the organ we want to print. This model would be used to guide the printer as it layer-by-layer prints a replacement organ made up of cells and the biomaterials to hold the cells together. For me, the real highlight of the TED experience was a reunion with Luke Masella, one of the first patients to receive a lab-engineered organ -- a bladder. Seeing Luke again and hearing about his successes reinforced in my mind the ultimate goal of regenerative medicine -- to make patients better. That in itself makes it an idea worth sharing in 2012 and beyond.

Editorial : As a Heart-Transplant who waited tw0 (2) years 17 days 14 hours and twenty minutes, but who was watching the clock ? I pray for these modern miracle advances ! I`m 17 years post now !

The Gift of Life, What a Loving/Masonic Thing to Do !