Reshoring ~ Insourcing ~ Not Outsourcing !

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 ?

Republicans Taking Away Rights ! You Bet`Cha !

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

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

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

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 !

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Right to Work...Bad Economics !

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 !

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 !

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

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

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 !

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"

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RIGHT to WORK LAW = RIGHT to WORK for LESS

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 !

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.

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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 !

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 !

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America`s Race to the Bottom

< 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.

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

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)

God Bless America and God Bless President Barack Obama !

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

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 $ $ $

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 !

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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