Posted on 10/26/2015 1:21:49 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
The real news in this story probably isn’t the subject of the Ex-Im Bank (which has some Republicans sneaking around with Democrats in an effort to reopen it) or even General Electric. This is a case study in how the media reports on relatively wonky subjects in an effort to bend public opinion in a progressive direction. In a very lengthy article at the New York Times we learn about the sad closing of yet another GE plant, this one located in Waukesha, Wisconsin. They manufacture huge industrial engines there which can sell for more than a million dollars.
The workers at the plant were recently informed that the facility would be closing and it – along with their jobs – would be moving to Canada. The New York Times is quick to point out that the reason is primarily, if not entirely, the Republicans’ refusal to reopen the Export Import Bank.
What happened in less than two years to change things so much? The answer is a blend of Washington politics, fast-changing markets and corporate self-interest. At the center is a politically charged dispute over a usually obscure agency, the Export-Import Bank.
That dispute reaches a turning point on Monday, when supporters from both parties of the now shuttered federal agency will force a vote in the House of Representatives to reopen it — the culmination of a monthslong revolt against some of the most powerful Republicans in Congress, who want the bank to remain dead.
The imagery and the urgency in the article are clear. The workers will be left without jobs. The Republicans want the bank to remain dead. But is there hope on the horizon? There’s going to be another vote on bringing the bank back if only someone can defeat these powerful Republicans. You can almost hear the Underdog cartoon theme music in the background, but what hero will arise to save America?
Yes… if only we could have the bank reopened then these workers could keep their jobs and General Electric would not be forced to flee the country because of the evil Republicans. It’s a compelling tale, but it gets somewhat spoiled if you read all the way down to the 20th paragraph, beyond all the background and B-roll footage material. That’s when they finally get around to asking GE if that’s really what it means. (Emphasis added)
No ground has been broken and no site has been selected for the new Canadian factory. If financing for the Export-Import Bank is quickly restored, will the Waukesha plant and its workers be spared?
No, Mr. Rice said, the decision is irreversible. An extension of Export-Import Bank funding, he said, would not remove the business risk that the bank might be killed a few years later.
This entire things was a smokescreen. GE has been outsourcing jobs at a frantic pace for years. True, they really enjoyed cashing in on their crony capitalism investments when they could use the Ex-Im bank, but make no mistake… they were moving out of the country anyway. And even if they get the bank back they will continue to move things out of the country as long as it means making a larger profit. And hey… they’re a business built on capitalism, so they should clearly make the best deals they can. But jumping into the political debate over this issue in such a disingenuous way is worthy of scorn.
And the the same goes for the New York Times who were all too willing to support them.
Well, bye. Eh.
Seems like this is something Trump should talk about. Maybe suggest to GE that the same rules as he proposed for Ford, would apply here. Thomas Edison is spinning in his grave over what’s become of his company. I have a policy of never knowingly buying anything with the GE name on it.
AND HOW! I worked for GE in the Locomotive servicing business. At the diesel shop I was at, if they even BOTHERED maintaining a warehouse inventory of ditchlight or headlight bulbs, they were not even a GE product, let alone made in the United States.
Yes, the founder of the company INVENTED THE F***ING LIGHTBULB, yet... WE HAD NONE!
Screw GE. They’re dead to me for a variety of reasons, most personal of which was making the mistake of buying GE Profile gear for kitchen remodel four years ago. What junk! Each appliance has multiple issues of shoddy design and materials that just make me shake my head.
A company that supported Nazis, Communist,s Iranian mullahs, and NBC.
A company that supported Nazis, Communists, Iranian mullahs, and NBC.
” most personal of which was making the mistake of buying GE Profile gear for kitchen remodel four years ago. What junk! Each appliance has multiple issues of shoddy design and materials that just make me shake my head.”
Oh yeah, I’m right there with you. Total crap.
The Export Import Bank is being pushed by Unions as a job creator. In reality the it is a crony capitiatalist excuse for funding favored companies and infrastructure nprojects, like coal terminals and other multi-modal transportation projects that would not be viable without government subsidy.
I buy nothing with the GE logo on it...nothing.
Trump....Someone made a stupid deal.....HELP!!
And while we’re talking Canada...What’s rump got to say about Keystone.
Trump not rump per my earlier post.
I am afraid to say that I have GE kitchen appliances, so it is too late.
GE is a big time crony partner of the Obama administration. That is all you have to know.
So, allowing GE to be a corporate-welfare queen ain’t good enough?
Thomas Edison is spinning in his grave over what’s become of his company.Meh. Tesla was everything Edison wanted to be.
Back in November 1993, brand new house, we replaced the builder's grade appliances with GE Profile stuff. Two weeks ago we finally had to replace the fridge and over-the-stove microwave, so we bought all new appliances. This time we did not even think of buying GE products.
no mention of Immelt ? CEO of GE ? Jobs Czar ?
The guy Obama said has emerged as one of his top economic advisors in regards to trying to rebuild America’s economy ?
GE sucks. I would make an exception with them and run them out of the country.
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