This is a post from the DU in defense of Pelosi.
Thread here entitled "I've got a wingnut on my a*s, need help":
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x3107081
Pay particular attention to the 2nd paragraph. This DUmmie, in posting the comment from Faleomavaega (American Samoa delegate), is proving the Republican point that increasing the minimum wage will result in a LOSS of jobs, NOT a "trickle-up" effect as Pelosi has stated..of course, they'll never see it or admit to it..
Bornaginhooligan Donating Member (1000+ posts)Fri Jan-12-07 02:02 PM
Response to Original message
7. Hmm
"In a statement in response today, Faleomavaega (American Samoa delegate) said "despite recent claims made by the Washington Post which suggest that American Samoa is exempt from the federal minimum wage process, I wish to set the record straight."
He says since 1956, the Wage and Hour Division of the US Department of Labor has conducted Special Industry Committees every two years in American Samoa to determine minimum wage increases.
"While these Industry Committees have been phased out in other US Territories due to their more diversified economies, American Samoa continues to be a single industry economy. In fact, more than 80% of our private sector economy is dependent either directly, or indirectly, on two U.S. tuna processors, Chicken of the Sea and StarKist. As has been repeatedly stated at our Special Industry Committees, a decrease in production or departure of one or both of the two canneries in American Samoa could devastate the local economy resulting in massive layoffs and insurmountable financial difficulties," the Congressman says.
"For this very reason, I do not support efforts to apply mainland minimums to American Samoa at this time. The truth is the global tuna industry is so competitive that it is no longer possible for the federal government to demand mainland minimum wage rates for American Samoa without causing the collapse of our economy and making us welfare wards of the federal government."
http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/01/11/america-...