Posted on 10/24/2007 6:31:16 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
This past month, the Bush Administration opened the U.S. border to trucks from Mexico. Trying to soften the blow, they called it a "pilot program" but it clearly sacrifices the economic security of American workers and the safety and health of the U.S. public on George Bush's altar of free trade.
There is no better example of how big money has corrupted government decision making than cross border trucking. This scheme is opposed by the Teamsters and the entire labor movement, opposed by environmental groups and the Sierra Club, opposed by Public Citizen and a host of other non-governmental organizations, opposed by the Owner Operator and Independent Driver Association and overwhelmingly rejected by the American public.
Even Congress said no, the House of Representatives voted against cross border 411 to 3 in late August and the Senate also said no this past month by a 74 to 24 margin.
Given all of this, it begs the question — for whom and why? The most honest answer I've seen came from Janet Kavinoky, director of Transportation Infrastructure for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: "It's high time the program gets going, there is substantial money to be saved by American companies."
True, it's all about money. Bush and friends colluding with trans-national multibillion dollar corporations like Wal-Mart and Target.
Don't be misled. This has nothing to do with lower consumer prices and everything to do with maximizing profits. I don't begrudge a company making money, but in this case it comes at the expense of U.S. truck drivers and increased risk to American highway users. To say American truckers are at a competitive disadvantage economically states the obvious. Mexican drivers will be lucky if they receive the U.S. minimum wage. But there are also regulatory disadvantages that are unfair to U.S. truck drivers and pose serious safety risks for highway users.
Consider this — to get a commercial drivers license in the U.S. an applicant must pass six tests: written exam, driving skills test, physical exam, drug test, criminal background check, and personal driving background check If the applicant fails either background check — no license.
What about Mexico? They're better today than five years ago but don't come close to the U.S. standards. They have no data base to track driving records; no lab certified to do drug tests; and even license issuing has caused considerable suspicion.
In their haste to open the border, the Bush team has taken the safety regulations mandated for American truck drivers and given Mexican drivers a pass — not fair and not smart. It makes you wonder whether they are really serious about our borders, national security, highway safety, quality jobs and a level playing field for American workers.
The Teamsters are yes to all of the above and will continue to hold George Bush accountable for breaking the law — in the halls of Congress, with the public and in federal court.
Not even close. Maybe I didn't communicate very well, cuz you didn't understand me.
I'm not talking about reducing standards... I'm talking about reducing unnecessary bureacracy, if it exists. In the case of truckers, I think most of the requirements should be in place. So why on earth would it be okay to let foreigners operate without meeting those same requirements? Answer: we shouldn't!
I do too. That means I really didn't communicate very well, LOL.
I thought you were talking about lowering standards. No.
The requirements for driving should be the same for all. The ability to read road signs in English should also be the same. We should not lower our standards for foreigners. American lives are at risk.
Have you heard anything about the missing drivers in the tunnel crash? Has any family members come forward looking for them?
I have watched you post for too many years and know that we agree. LOL!
I haven’t seen anything about the tunnels other than LEOs looking for the missing drivers. .
I’ve been caught up watching the SoCal fires. I’m not at risk, but family members are close to some fires. We’re all suffering from smoky skies and bad air. I’m going to check into selling carbon credits because my house did *not* burn. ;-)
LOL!
I have thought about all of you in California. Hope you and family are all well. The smoke has to be bad for the lungs so wear a mask even if you smoke. There are probably large particles in the smoke..
The last I heard about the trucks was the LEO were still looking for missing drivers. Americans families would have come forward. The drivers could also have been driving Mexican trucks from Mexico. If so, we will never know. Bush will cover up.
I agree with both of you. One more, and we could set up a bridge table.
CCG, I wish I could have kept up with the CA fire thread - but had too much going on, here, and just got lost - with all the posts.
There are some incredible pictures on that thread, and some heart-tugging posts. Glad you are safe - and hope your relatives are, too.
I had to evacuate for a fire, because of smoke. Smoke inhalation can be very harmful.
Take care, and stay safe.
The USDOT-approved insurance carrier the Mexican trucking firm is obligated to have according to American law.
Gosh, I hope not. That would mean the Nanny-Staters will have taken over. Witness what happens every time there is a school shooting.
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