Silver spoons and rusted wrenches (Marxist rant alert)

LA Times ^ | 11/22/05 | Bakopoulos

[pabianice]

THE AMERICAN auto industry is dead. With General Motors announcing, days before Thanksgiving, 30,000 more layoffs and nine plant closings, the Rust Belt just got the final strike of the sledgehammer. When GM finally goes down for good, all the rusted remains of that region will crumble.

My grandfather was a UAW man who slapped dashboards into Mustangs at the Ford Rouge plant just outside Detroit; my grandmother sweated out the first shift at Cabot tool and die. Immigrants with no formal education, their union wages allowed them to provide their family with a nice home, two cars and, for my mother, a college education, paid for in cash.

Later, my grandparents' savings helped my family buy a home. After my parents' divorce, those resources were instrumental in helping my mother maintain a car and pay unexpected bills, school tuition and property taxes. A decade later, when my wife and I bought our first home, my grandfather's long-saved UAW wages gave us much of our down payment. Most citizens of the Rust Belt — that center of American manufacturing and a longtime Democratic stronghold — can thank relatives who toiled in exhausting factories for their current blessings.

But for my generation, born at the end of America's Golden Age (I was born in 1975, post-Vietnam, post-Watergate, post-energy crisis, post-labor), life in the Rust Belt has been a steady process of downward mobility. I was lucky enough to write a novel about the Rust Belt that got me out of debt and low-wage work; most of the people I write about have not been so fortunate...

[joeclarke]

If Dem socialists and unions really try hard enough they can advance to the communionism that China has. Just one of China's steel companies employs 400,000 people, and they are paid a whopping $10,000 per year (benefits supplied by the State.)

In Cuba Doctors,Architects and other professionals may only make between $60 and $100 per month. However, Fidel does allow them to work as prostitutes to supplement their income. They can make $300 in one night alone. (Fidel does not officially permit prostitution, but those American tourist bucks are hard to resist)

[yarddog]

It is as simple as this.

Extremely high cost of labor. I don't blame the employees for getting all they can but I do blame management for not having the backbone to stand up to the unions.

Back in the 80's I met a guy who worked at the Ford Truck Assumbly Plant, in Norflk, Va. I was astonished at his salary. It was around twice what they would have had to pay to get plenty of workers in the area.

[Mr. Jeeves]

Immigrants with no formal education, their union wages allowed them to provide their family with a nice home, two cars and, for my mother, a college education, paid for in cash.

That was a brief moment in history, made possible by a confluence of events not likely to recur in our lifetimes. I'm sick of the Left trying to make it sound like the norm.

[joeclarke]

Posted On Freerepublic
GM Prez blames Republicans for downfall
The following was heard on a Youngstown, Ohio (Big GM Lordstown Plant location) radio station 570 WKBN, Monday, when GM announced the closing of 9 plants and the firing of 30,000 workers.

The statement that Republicans should be blamed for GM's troubles was made by no less than Rick Wagoner, President of General Motors, North American Division. Fax was sent in CAPS.

DEAR RICK WAGONER, PRESIDENT OF GENERAL MOTORS NORTH AMERICA;

I HEARD YOU THIS MORNING ON A TALK RADIO PROGRAM BLAMING REPUBLICANS FOR THE MASSIVE FIRINGS AND PLANT SHUTDOWNS THAT GM IS PLANNING.

YOU SAID, "THE REPUBLICANS WANT TO LOWER UNITED STATES ECONOMIC STANDARDS SO THAT THE REST OF THE WORLD MAY IMPROVE ITS ECONOMY."

I BEG YOUR PARDON, MR WAGONER, I BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN THE DEMOCRATS POSITION TO: DESTROY PUBLIC EDUCATION; PROHIBIT ALTERNATIVE OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION; RESTRICT ENVIROMENTAL POLLUTION BEYOND WHAT IS NECESSARY, THUS MAKING IT HARDER FOR AMERICAN COMPANIES TO COMPETE; DEPRIVE BUSINESS OF PROFITS BY FORCING THE HIRING OF UNQUALIFIED WORKERS VIA AFFIRMATIVE ACTION LAWS; SUPPORT THE HIGH COST OF LITIGATION FOR BUSINESSES; CONSTANTLY PUSH FOR HIGHER TAXATION, SPOIL UNIONS, ETC.

NO, MR WAGONER, THE REPUBLICANS HAVE WANTED THE U.S. TO EXCEL, WHILE DEMOCRATS HAVE BEEN HISTORICALLY ANTI-BUSINESS AND VERY PRO SOCIALISM.

[dynachrome]

He will never figure it out. He will probably be like Ward Churchill at 70. (This dates me: First time I voted at 18 years old was for McGovern. Eight years later I voted for Reagan. The difference was I had to go out and fend for myself in the real world. Thanks to my dad.)

[o_zarkman44]

"I bought a Hyundai Santa Fe"

There is nothing worse than spitting in your fellow American's face. Those American companies support a wide range of jobs for Americans, including many in the non-automotive business world.

Underpaid workers do not buy new homes or new cars. They do not have adequate health insurance. They are more likely to need public assistance because they spend their wages on basics and save little for a rainy day.

Sure, people are glad to have a job. But just how much pay is how much? Your kind complains about an autoworkers wage and benefit package but do we hear "Can we justify the money a lawyer or Doctor earns? How about a stock broker or insurance agent"? What kind of wage is fair for a nurse or a bookkeeper?

Americans must support Americans, no matter the cost. We did not become the most productive nation in the world by sending our hard earned money overseas. Yes there are some problems with the American auto industry and they are paying the price. Capitalism does indeed reward efficiency and productivity with financial rewards.

But our country will never prosper in the future if corporate America thinks the base line wage for workers should be $10.00 an hour with few rewards or "benefits", The stock holders can profit and the CEO"S can pocket $$millions in bonuses while the people who do the actual WORK have nothing to invest.

Yeah, there are problems. When a small few hold all the money and regulate the majority with limited opportunity, the American Dream becomes a matter of survival, not prosperity for the working class.

If we are going to complain about one group of people making too much money, then why not complain about everyone making too much money? Then we can institute a "fair" socialist wage that everyone can live on. But be reminded, the few at the top with all the money will continue to stay on top pulling strings.

[driftless]

"one word---MOVE" You said it. The problem with many Americans is that they expect jobs to come to them rather than them going to the jobs. You and I have both seen the interview of the unfortunate out-of-work person who either never had a job in a depressed part of the country or just lost a job (incidentally, I've been there). They go on and on bemoaning their fate.

I always wait for the interviewer to ask the jobless person why they don't pick up and move to an area where there are jobs. Which in fact millions of Americans do every year. Moreover the history of this country and the world for that matter is of mass migrations of people moving to other parts of the globe for a better life. I guess for some it's just better to stay where they are and whine.

[i.l.e.]

Now, we expect the federal welfare system, er, government to bail us out

Hold onto your pocketbooks - the Congress is busy passing legilation (by nearly unanimous vote) to bail out the PBGC (Pension Benefit Guaraty Corporation - a pseudo "corporation" invented to bail out pie in the sky pension promises made by corporate management in order to keep the doors open and product flowing.) . When unions make demands, corporations cave in knowing full well that defaulting on pension obligations means the feds will rush right in to save the day.

The republicans in congress don't have the backbone to stand up to the flushing swirling toilet of public welfare statism.

This will go one indefinitely until there is

1: serious natural disaster so great that martial law is delcared and all the nit picky little pork projects loved by congress are concelled until further notice, OR

2: Inflation starts up gain and foreign govts recognized that they don't want to buy our debt which results in massive cash flow problems for the feds and maybe a recession or depression or two.

US history is one long list of economic setbacks, depressions and recessions (back to back) and serious economic downturns. Public spending may soften the blow but could also serve to make it much worse and more prolonged.

[River_Wrangler]

What an absolute crock of sh*t. The unions bought and paid for the state governments of the rust belt - now they're paying the price.

I disagree. The tax payer will end up paying the price. We have already payed for the inflated union cost through the high prices of Detroit automobiles. Now they are blaming us for their downfall. My best advise is for them to do what the poor Americans in other parts of the country do to become successful.... become self reliant and try working both hard and smart, not rely on uncle sugar to bail you out. We are tired of supporting you!

[River_Wrangler]

I feel your pain. We have plenty of room here in Virginia. Come on down.

Be careful what you wish for. When the union went on strike in the 70's half the state came to Houston to find a job and complain about the lack of unions here. We are still paying the price.

[doc30]

Americans must support Americans, no matter the cost.

Sorry, I'm not into paying extra for lower quality simply to support union extortion. I decide how my hard earned money gets spent, and it's not based on union propaganda. And for your information, there is no such thing as a 100% American made car any more and hasen't been for years.

[layman]

First time I voted at 18 years old was for McGovern. Eight years later I voted for Reagan.

I must be a slow learner. I was 35 before I figured it out.

[glorgau]

I thought they had learned that lesson in the early '70s, when Toyota and Nissan were kicking their butts, but apparently not.

The "rod" has to be applied continually for the lesson to stick.

[o_zarkman44]

Spend your money wherever you wish. I suppose you are in favor of American soldiers wearing berets made in China because it's cheaper? (Thanks to child labor)

And just what contribution is China making to Democracy and free enterprise as of late? Bribes to the UN don't count, nor do campaign contributions to the Democrats.

There is no dictator alive who would refuse cash from America for their cheap goods. What he does with that money, he is free to choose as well. Even if it means..... GASP.....supporting the furthering of socialsim and terrorism against America.

The opponents of America know that the economic destruction of America can be just as effective as the physical destruction. How much of a hit did American investors take in the Stock Market after 9/11?
If foreign companies take control of American capital and finances, they can control Americans. They can force us into submission into a European style economy where there is no productivity and little extra capital for investment in new ideas and new enterprise.

Every time our people opt to buy a cheaper foreign good over a similar item produce by Americans, they don't understand the consequences, or perhaps they don't care.
Enter the economic consequences of apathy. Loyalty to everything that has made America great is on the wane because the socialist forces are making people believe that our wealth and prosperity are wrong, when there are starving people in podunkistan and Africa. They say we need to give support with kindness and generosity because they lack the ability to be productive. And their dictators take our money with appreciation, and spend freely in support of corruption and terrorism.

Yeah...people are free to spend their money however they wish.

[adgirl]

"There is nothing worse than spitting in your fellow American's face."

I grew up in a steel mill town. We drove American cars. Most workers at the mill didn't. They drove Japanese cars. Why? Because they were cheaper, more reliable and had better gas mileage. Free market at work. Can you guess what happened to the mill? Same thing that's happening to the autoworkers. I don't have the answer. I just make people buy things they don't need. ; )

[o_zarkman44]

Let me guess. The Japanese didn't buy the steel the Americans made. But they sold enough cars that the American automakers didn't need as much of their steel. So they closed the plant. Lost their jobs.

People don't realize how intricate the American economic system is. Without American consumers supporting American workers, every American business suffers a loss of potential, a loss of profit, a loss of marketshare.
And since Every American consumer is also an American worker, we must support the perpetual motion of our economy. Dollars flow from consumer to business and from business back to consumer in the terms of wages.

We are both involved in marketing in one way or another. So we both know the workings of economics. Have a great and successful day! ;)

[tgusa]

Here in Tidewater (Norfolk area), winters are relatively mild as we're close to the ocean. Accumulating snow is unusual and it is usually gone within a day or two. Daytime temps are almost always above freezing; it will freeze at night. We have been outside on Christmas Day in shirtsleeves. If you're looking for warmer weather and great affordability, I'd recommend South Carolina or (South) Texas - both really nice, reasonable taxes, and it snows maybe once in 10 years. Happy retirement home searching!

[tgusa]

By 'they' I meant the state(s), but I get your point. We all have the option to buy used or foreign if US autos are unrealistically high-priced. I know it's tough on the folks working on the line, but there ARE other jobs out there.

[tgusa]

Well - good workers will find work and thrive. Slackers will move to somewhere that has much higher welfare benefits, and be supported by that state's taxpayers. What union are you talking about? I lived in South Texas in the latter half of the '70s, but the memory is the second thing to go (and I can't remember what the first is).

[doc30]

People don't realize how intricate the American economic system is. Without American consumers supporting American workers, every American business suffers a loss of potential, a loss of profit, a loss of marketshare. And since Every American consumer is also an American worker, we must support the perpetual motion of our economy. Dollars flow from consumer to business and from business back to consumer in the terms of wages.

You really don't have any concept of how the economy works, do you? You think we should spend more money on more expensive, union items simply because they are made here. Well, if you think about what you wrote, it would be an economic disaster. If people here decided to buy more American made items, even though they cost more, that means people will buy fewer items. People have a limited amount of money to spend. That means fewer sales of American items if they cost more. If you take the superior quality of foreign made cars (for example) then people have even less money to spend since more will be going into car repairs and replacement automobiles. Or the used market will grow at the expense of the new market.

What is unpatriotic are the unions who wrap themselve in the flag in order to try to get more money for a product that can be bought more cheaply elsewhere. If American companies and unions were so interested in serving America's needs, why can't they bite the bullet, and cut their wages and costs so they can compete against foreign companies instead of whining and complaining that consumers aren't buying their stuff anymore. When someone tries to guilt me into buying something, I view their product with double suspicion. After all, why the guilt trip if the product is competitive with everyone else.

It really jerks me that people like you think that someone making $10 an hour are obligated to spend more than they can afford in order to keep some union guy in his $25 an hour job.