Be-Think [Please visit BeThink.org]

Calories Do Not Count. Cellular Considerations Do ©

• Written in Response to those at Daily Kos that thought the earlier post might be lost in the mania of Monday Morning.

Dear reader, you may have read one of my earlier exposés on health, habits, feelings, and fats, “WEIGHT. BALANCING FAT WITH FEELINGS, HABITS WITH HEALTH ©”. Perhaps you saw my missive on soda, “CHILDHOOD OBESITY. ADULT ON-SET DIABETES. OSTEOPOROSIS. SODA ©”. In that piece, I discussed the deleterious effects of simple sugars, caffeine, and carbonation. In many discussions, I spoke of eating and weight. I offered that body image was not the cause of many poor eating programs. These treatises might have caught your attention or not. Nevertheless, in a world where people are obsessed with topics such as these, I offer some more thoughts on the subject.

People ponder, “How many calories might I eat or burn? Will exercise bring me bliss? What is my heart rate, my blood pressure, and how are my Triglycerides? What is my HDL, [High Density lipoproteins] or LDL [Low-density lipoproteins]? Is my glucose level good?” BMI [Body Mass Index] is an important concern, or is it. I contend our weight may not be the issue. Calories are not the contribution that counts, cellular considerations do.

Nevertheless, conversations on health turn to diet and weight is always the issue. Talk of menus, medical issues, and diets always turns to surgery, and medication. Good health seems to be the concern. People want to achieve it, maintain it, or ignore it. For many, loosing excess pounds or gaining them is the solution. They think all ailments are caused by excessive or inadequate weight. I think they are not. Many healthy looking people are not as they seem to be.

Still, diet books sell in mass. Bulky building “nutrients” are also flying off shelves. Manuscripts mimic what experts may state; however, often they propose what is thought to be the contrary. In America, and possibly worldwide, those living in “civilized” societies are consumed with their weight. Individuals count calories, carbs, grams of fat, and points. People flock to join groups looking for support; they try Weight Watchers™ and Jenny Craig™. They descend into a world of trends. The Zone, South Beach, and Atkins diets come to mind. Individuals calculate the numbers. They do so in every office, home, restaurant, and car.

The common consensus remains, thin signifies vigor and vitality, as long as it is not too extreme. Fitness is visible, rather than veiled. For some reason we are convinced, if a person that appears to be in good physical shape, s/he is. We do not look deeply; we focus on the obvious, weight and vitals.

Over the last decades, I too was consumed with the superficial, the diagnosis, and not the cellular forces that guided me. I did not always consider the function of food as much as the taste. There are those that eat only to survive; they too rarely weigh the benefits of their choices.

I thought emotions were my main guide. I ate because I felt sad, happy, scared, or expectant. Even the experts, media, and conventions told me that my eating, weight, and milieu were responsible for what was my life. Numerous persons believe convenience, cost, and accessibility are the decisive factors that influence them.

While these rationalizations, in part, may be true, why we eat, as we do, cannot be easily categorized. Nothing is that simple. Therefore, I propose we must take a comprehensive approach to assessing our food choices and the results of these.

We look at the body and see only the size. Rarely, do we assess the color, texture, and quality of a person’s skin when we are evaluating health. Judgments are often that, appraisals with little information. In the minds of most, outer beauty defines what is within. Even as we scan our own bodies, we rarely look at the characteristics of our nails, teeth, or hair. When considering good health we ignore the clarity of our eyes. We attribute what we do see to outside forces. Few of us think about what is happening within.

For the most part, studying these nuances is not possible. Nails are painted, broken, or bitten. Teeth are capped, bleached, false, or stained. Hair is dyed, fried, or otherwise altered. The glow in one’s eyes, some think, simply fades with age. Age, now that is an interesting topic. Why do we age and do we need to. I myself am experiencing juvenescence.

I offer my beliefs and those that substantiate my experience. In my own life, I have realized that weight was never my problem. Counting calories did not help. Actually, ignoring these and the scale were my answers.

I looked at science, at chemistry, physic, physiology, and psychology. I combined all schools of thoughts and determined what would be my truth. Yours may be different and that is fine. I merely wish to bring possibilities to the table. Please feast along with me, differ, disagree, and discuss. My mind is open to the opportunity.

In my life, there were many food addictions, poor eating habits, and health concerns. All were interrelated. I lived on sugar, transfats, grains, and goodies that were made of these. I stayed away from these at times and; yet, I was always drawn back. I struggled to gain control over my food plan, not my weight. However, they were inextricably tied. Until I realized this, I was lost in a world of confusion, consumption, calories, or chaos.

Finally, I recognized calories and consumption were not the problems; the way my body reacted to the quality of these was. For me, the chemistry of foods, the cellular reactions were more important than the calories or other superficial considerations.

I changed. I exchanged complex carbohydrates for simple sugars. I studied the Glycemic Index so that I might determine how foods were being processed in my body. Were they physically and psychologically fulfilling? Were they acting as fuel and fending off ailments.

I increased my protein while balancing this intake with other nutrients. I chose fats and oils that were healthy and essential. I personally decided against dairy and looked to food that are naturally fortified with calcium. This thought may not be a popular one. I offer it only because it works for me.

Grains and starches, for me, need to be consumed with caution. When I start filling my empty stomach with these, I can easily become bloated. I forget to eat the more nutritious victuals. For me, a wholesome diet is beneficial. Manufactured blends that are now labeled “food,” I think are empty. I know the arguments, time, money, convenience, and comfort. For most people these are all truths. I struggle with none of them; nor do I believe these dictums. I have made my life work, and I eat, as I prefer.

Personally, I think simple sugars are costly. Fast food does not come quickly. The affects of these last a lifetime. It is more convenient for me to eat nourishing foods. I can grab a piece of fruit or a vegetable easily. Preparation, at times, can be nil. As for comfort, ahh, I can only sigh. There is such comfort in not needing extraordinary amounts of medication, if any, in visiting physicians at will and not because of a chronic condition. I trust that healthy food is not the answer for all that ails any of us. However, if we eat well, we can eliminate worries of weight.

In all, I make no recommendations. I only ask you to do your own research. Study your body. Look at more than weight, or the indicators of overall health. Reflect upon the data and then digest how the foods you eat feel within you.

• The New Superfoods, By Anne Underwood. Newsweek October 24, 2005
• Bulking up without 'the juice,' By Jacqueline Stenson MSNBC March 24, 2006
• Getting Thin On A Budget CBS News. May 25, 2004
• How the new diet books measure up, By Nanci Hellmich, USA Today January 4, 2006
• Skinny models 'send unhealthy message By Audrey Gillan. The Guardian. May 31, 2000
• Unhealthy obsession, By Gabriella Boston. The Washington Times. April 9, 2006
• The Effects of Physical Activity On Health and Disease Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Weight-Loss Surgeries Info Ethicon Endo-Surgery 2006
• Common Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss, By Robert B. Saper M.D., M.P.H., David M. Eisenberg, M.D., and Russell S. Phillips, M.D., Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
• Who made America fat? By Julie Flaherty. Tufts Nutrition. Tufts University. Fall 2004

The farmers passed the extra calories onto the food companies in the form of inexpensive raw materials. The food industry prospered by supplying large volumes of low-cost, good-tasting processed food that the American public was very willing to buy. Americans chose and bought their food mainly on taste, convenience and price, rather than on health benefits.

As food producers consolidated into larger corporations, they were able to invest millions in the marketing and promotion of processed foods. Advertising was a good way to reach every available customer. But once there are no more new customers to be found in the United States, the only way to increase sales is to get those customers to eat more.

“In spite of largely saturated markets in all types of processed foods and beverages in recent years, the food industry as a whole continues to grow both in sales and product volumes,” Tillotson wrote in the Annual Review of Nutrition. “This economic paradox of continued growth in spite of apparent market saturation results in the caloric source of much of America’s pandemic obesity.”

Not surprisingly, Economic Research Service data suggest that the average daily calorie intake is 2,700 calories. That is an increase of 530 calories, or 24.5 percent, between 1970 and 2000.

At heart, it is good old-fashioned capitalism, Tillotson acknowledges. “Our stock market demands it,” he said. “They honor the company that has growth and promise.”

• Poor Nutrition and a Sedentary Lifestyle: “The 21st Century Plague”
• High Costs Of Poor Eating Patterns In the United States, By Elizabeth Frazão
• Fat In America By, R. Coleman. The North Texan
• CSPI's Guide to Food Additives, Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI)

Traditional thinking says it’s our own fault, but University of North Texas [UNT’s] Priscilla Connors says this may not be entirely true. “We certainly have a level of personal responsibility, but it can also be said that we live in a somewhat toxic environment,” says Connors, a nutritionist and assistant professor of hospitality management.

• Prescription for Aging Beautifully, By Dr. Nicholas Perricone. Harpo Productions
• All that rich food is leading to poor health, By Wang Shanshan. China Daily. May 16, 2006

With more money in their pockets, they are now eating food that is higher in quantity and lower in quality, according to some of the country's best nutritionists. "Urban residents are taking in too much fat and too few minerals," said Chen Chunming, nutritionist and former president of the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine in Beijing.

• A Simple Guide To Complex Carbohydrates, By Dale Blumenthal. Hopkins Technology. 2006
• Protein: Moving Closer to Center Stage, Harvard School of Public Health. 2006
• Dietary fats: Know which types to choose, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2006
• Healthy Grains, Big Carrot Natural Food Market
• Eating Guidelines to Lower Triglycerides, University of Wisconsin Hospitals. 2004

Simple Sugars
• Sugar, It’s Effects On the Body and Mind The Macrobiotic Guide

Refined sugar contains no fiber, no minerals, no proteins, no fats, no enzymes, and only empty calories. What happens when you eat a refined carbohydrate like sugar? Your body must borrow vital nutrients from healthy cells to metabolize the incomplete food. Calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium are taken from various parts of the body to make use of the sugar. Many times, so much calcium is used to neutralize the effects of sugar that the bones become osteoporotic due to the withdrawn calcium.

• Nancy Appleton, PhD, Author of “Lick The Sugar Habit” offers 146 Reasons Why Sugar Is Ruining Your Health. I submit a few of these for your review.

1) Sugar can suppress the immune system.

2) Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in the body.

3) Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.

4) Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.

5) Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection (infectious diseases).

6) Sugar causes a loss of tissue elasticity and function, the more sugar you eat the more elasticity and function you loose.

7) Sugar reduces high-density lipoproteins.

8) Sugar leads to chromium deficiency.

9) Sugar leads to cancer of the ovaries.

10) Sugar causes copper deficiency.

11) Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.

12) Sugar raises the level of a neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and nor epinephrine.

13) Sugar malabsorption is frequent in patients with functional bowel disease.

14) Sugar contributes to obesity.

15) High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Why Sugar is Toxic To the Body Nexus

Dr Martin classified refined sugar as a poison because it has been depleted of its life forces, vitamins, and minerals. "What is left consists of pure, refined carbohydrates. The body cannot utilize this refined starch and carbohydrate unless the depleted proteins, vitamins, and minerals are present. Nature supplies these elements in each plant in quantities sufficient to metabolize the carbohydrate in that particular plant.

Transfats
• Trans Fatty Acids and Coronary Heart Disease ©, By Alberto Ascherio, Meir J. Stampfer, and Walter C. Willett. President and Fellows of Harvard College. 1999

Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health
Five years ago, evidence was strong that trans fat had deleterious impacts on blood lipids; ensuing studies have confirmed these metabolic findings and strengthened epidemiologic support for an important adverse effect on risk of coronary heart disease.

• “For the sake of health, the food industry must admit oils ain't oils,” The Sydney Morning Herald. May 16, 2006

Trans fat is associated with a long list of serious problems. It increases "bad" LDL cholesterol, just like saturated fats. But it also decreases "good" protective HDL cholesterol (saturated fats increase this one), raises triglyceride levels, and increases blood levels of another harmful fat called Lp(a). Studies show that a 2 per cent increase in kilojoules from trans fats increases the incidence of heart disease by almost 25 per cent.

Trans fat also increases inflammatory reactions within the body - including those associated with diabetes and sudden death from cardiac causes. And many of the adverse effects are greater in those who are overweight, a problem for the majority of Australian adults.

Grains
• Whole Grains By Jane Higdon, Ph.D. 
Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University. December 16, 2005

A Possible Frame. Personally, I believe the choice is yours. Study your body.
• Food Guide Pyramid. What Should You Really Eat? Harvard School of Public Health Nutrition. 2006

Immigration. Intertwining Self-Interests and Ignoring Interdependence ©

When discussing immigration it seems that what we in America know is what we ignore. We know we want higher wages. Americans strongly support increasing the income of native-born and naturalized workers. Citizens of this country consider their wages and benefits vital. Those of others in “foreign” lands are not our problem, or possibly, they are a cursory consideration.

Persons residing in the United States want to ensure their quality of life. The general public wants “stuff.” They are proud of their possessions and property. They flaunt these on airwaves and movie screens throughout the world. People in this nation want the others on this Earth to see how good they have it. Americans say, “Look at me. I am so happy and healthy because I have this, that, and the riches that you do not.” People of the USA pose for the cameras and profess, “This is America, the land of the free, home of the brave, and the land of opportunity.” Citizens of this country invite and entice people from afar to come to this great land. Then when immigrants do, [the ugly] Americans says, “Now, go home!”

Americans are offended when those residing in this country without papers crave what citizens have or when they use our services and resources. What happened to hospitality? Hostility replaced it.

Americans once wanted the best, now the most will suffice. Either way, my countrymen do not want to pay for what they purchase. They prefer prices to be lower, while wanting wages higher. Thus, we have Wal-Mart and other fine outsourcers.

The quality of goods and services decreases. Availability increases. Profits do too. Americans are buying more junk. They have to; nothing lasts. Standards are low; craftsmanship is an idea of antiquity. Then, of course, there is built-in obsolescence. This is accepted, even expected. Manufacturers must produce; production provides jobs and profits. For whom, when, where, and how will these affect us all? Americans avoid these questions.

As a nation, we are willing to sacrifice excellence when purchasing commodities. As long as the price is good, we can bathe ourselves in glitter. “Streets paved in gold” is the notion that attracted our ancestors to this country. Current "documented" residents also dream of gold. Thus, they invest in America.

As shareholders, we appreciate the cycle of supply and demand. Free enterprise is our strength. We consider competition good, though we love our Big Box stores. We spend in and support those “shops” that eliminated the prospects of success for Mom-and-Pop stores. We want our companies to make a profit, and we do whatever it takes to ensure that they do. Citizens of the United States shout, “Buy American,” and they do [and don’t!]. Individuals buy the stocks and bonds this nation sells. Products? Well, that is the earlier story. The price counts; we have our priorities!

Americans promote capitalism and the competitive spirit. They hunger for success, however, only their own. Thus, Americans create a scenario that they themselves find disturbing, immigration. The citizenry here is a bundle of contradictions.

When we work to have better and higher wages, greater and grander benefits, we entice persons from poorer nations to come to ours. We also create a deeper divide. The disparate conditions that exist between ourselves and other nations cements what we disdain, flight. Our closest neighbor suffers as we prosper, and we resent them. How dare those from afar, those that have less, want more. Americans can aspire for grandeur; however, that seems to be different . . . in their minds.

When those living “legally” in the USA parade their wares, gloat of achievements, and proudly express “this is the land of opportunity,” people believe. Foreign dwellers think this is a place they can come to, to better their lives. They believe it is possible to achieve the American Dream. US citizens say we want those from distant lands to join us in our prosperity, however, selectively. They must fit our idea of ideal, our profile.

Native born and naturalized American citizens speak of “democracy” and “freedom.” They advocate that they want this for all others. People in the USA recall many of their ancestors came here seeking a religious sanctuary. They know that even in 2006, there are those in other nations that yearn to practice their faith freely. Why would these individual and families not wish to find refuge in a country such as this? Why are we surprised when those that crave a safe haven show up on our shores?

More importantly, why do we Americans not see what we ourselves have created?

I ask America to teach others how to create what all humans desire. I plead with those born in the USA. You know that we are the strongest nation on the planet, act as it. Be powerful enough to offer compassion, physical and emotional support. Understand those that have less are as we, they want more. Recognize that we exist on this globe together and we must work collectively as one. Be democratic, not autocratic; remember internal and external walls and wars are not a solution; they are symptoms of a situation that is not resolved. Let us act on what is true; we as a nation are not isolated. We are interdependent. They need us and we need them. May we please work together as one?

Indulge, yourself. Enjoy Max on immigration . . .
IMMIGRANTS AMONG US

• Solid Growth for U.S. Payrolls, By Joel Havemann, Los Angeles Times. April 8, 2006
• Labor Day Outlook: Low-Wage Workers Want Better Jobs Not More Jobs Yahoo News. Friday September 3, 2004
• Immigrationline.org
• Supreme Court Considers Immigration Cases, Fox News, Associated PressTuesday, October 12, 2004
• Immigrants Benefit American Workers. UC Davis News & Information March 2, 2006
• The land of opportunity, By Lou Dobbs. CNN. September 10, 2004
• Land of Opportunity, By Mortimer B. Zuckerman. US News and World Report. June 20, 2005
• Speeches by Secretary Elaine L.Chao, 2005 States & Nation Policy Summit Agenda. U.S. Department of Labor. Thursday, December 8, 2005
• We Don't Need 'Guest Workers', By Robert J. Samuelson. Washington Post Wednesday, March 22, 2006
• Dramatic Decline In Global Poverty, But Progress Uneven The World Bank Group, April 23, 2004
• To Become an American, By Fareed Zakaria. Newsweek April 3, 2006
• America's Divide, By Arian Campo-Flores. Newsweek. April 10, 2006
• Why Does Immigration Divide America? Institute for International Economics
• Welcome to the Adam Smith Institute
• Lady Liberty Part 2 of 3: Stories of Streets Paved in Gold, Italian Memories, By Cookie Curci. Italiansrus.com
• Supply-and-demand solutions, By David Sirota. San Francisco Chronicle. Sunday, April 9, 2006
• America's Divide, By Arian Campo-Flores. Newsweek. April 10, 2006
• "Is Wal-Mart Good for America?" By Hedrick Smith. Frontline. November 16, 2004
• Wal-Mart Collapses U.S. Cities and Towns, By Richard Freeman. Executive Intelligence Review. November 21, 2003
• The New American Dream, By Richard Florida. The Washington Monthly. May 2002
• Religious Freedom in the United States International Coalition for Religious Freedom
• Immigrants and Us, The Nation. April 6, 2006

Immigration Issue . . . Problem and Plan ©

Prologue
The essence of this prologue, while subtlety mentioned in the content, needs to be specified in the foreword. I was reminded of this by a glorious woman from China, A, who commented below. She helped me to acknowledge what I truly believe and deeply know. Anyone that feels forced to think, say, do, feel, or be as another deems best, may follow the lead; however, ultimately, they will resent, rebel, and reject their own choices. This preface may be an example of this.

May I clarify and expand this expose´ by saying . . .We all, worldwide, must be free to choose. We may willingly oblige by some standards, those that bring us a sense of safety or stability. We are likely to abide by regulations that we think “sensible.” For instance, we will “choose” to pause at a stop sign, or at least I thought so until I moved to Florida. We may wear seatbelts. Yet, even these actions are often not executed. Those that consider them beneficial will practice these conventions.

Nevertheless, all people, everywhere, do want the freedom to choose. Humans want to move freely, to be “who” they truly are within, and to better their lives. Governments can suggest. Nevertheless, people decide.

I reluctantly wrote this proposal after feeling amply forced to gratify a friend, to conform, to present a point-by-point solution to the immigration situation. Days of “discussion” preceded this. I was unable to make myself clear. Thus, I offered an agenda.

For me, as an educator, I long ago experienced that when plans are followed in depth and detail they are prohibitive. The imposed practical often restricts productivity, creativity, and true understanding. I believe as children, parents, and individuals, we know this; we feel it, instinctively.

I wish to state, that these specifics are not etched in stone and can only be effective when power returns to the people, the common-folk . . . you, and me. What happens is of our making. We can choose to work together in peace, to grow prosperity, or we can continue as we have for centuries. We can war, rage, rant, resent, and impose ridiculous regulations, those that do not add to the quality of life for all. We can defend and protect our borders. Offensive actions seem to dominate this debate. Authoritarian rule can continue, or we can work together for the common good. Ultimately, what happens or does not is our choice.

Proposal
Such silliness, we as a society are focusing on the symptom. We are ignoring the real problem and proposing plans that address the affects of the illness. Immigration is not the actual issue; equality is. If there were an equal distribution of wealth, resources, people, and benefits, there would be no mass migration to prosperous places. People would be where there want to be, at home, with friends, families, and familiars. If all were equal, movement would be fluid and people would be happily productive. They would be paid fairly, no matter their race, religion, education, or ethnicity.

People are pouncing on me, for I find fault with the proposals they present. I hate to disagree; however, I do. I forever have difficulty with shortsightedness. Build a wall, and tell us, the people in the USA, no one will scale the portico. Raise a fence, and believe that it is impenetrable. Place guards at every station, and think that will solve the problem, such as it is. It has not yet. Tell the constituents that tariffs will work or employer sanctions will settle the situation. Then, look at what is, was, and how these have affected the circumstance.

I believe that we as a civilization must be honest with ourselves. We must recognize that we live in a world. America is no more than a wave in a massive ocean. As long as we pretend to have a plan, and use the same mindset to solve the problem that we had when it began, nothing will change. Physicist, Albert Einstein realized this as did Social Scientist, Abraham Maslow.

We cannot solve our problems with the same mind that created them. - Albert Einstein If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. -Abraham Maslow

Thus, I will share what may not be the conventionally accepted approach; however, I think it may be more successful. When I assess where “practical strategies” have brought us [USA], I think it is time to consider other options.

First, I think that we as nations must agree that this “problem” is an opportunity. It is not a crisis; it is instead, a calling to consciousness. We are a world and we must be united. Competition as it is practiced is counterproductive; we must join in a common cause.

Second, we must agree to set standards that will benefit us all. The people, places, and productivity in every country must be our shared priority.

Specifics need to be outlined and mutually attended to . . .
• Wages must be equivalent in all plants and businesses, globally.
If an American industry travels abroad, seeking a greater labor force, they must pay and provide comparable benefits. Those working in offices here in the USA need to earn and receive as employees do in other countries.
• Businesses must place ethics above profits.
If sanctions are agreed upon and imposed by governments, in unison, then industries must “choose” to honor these.
• Salaries must not be desperate, be they those of management or labor. The proportions between worker and top management compensation needs to be a five-to-one ratio.
• Labor Laws must be uniform and enforced.
• Sensitivity to the environment must be a standard.

This is only a foundation, an opening, or an introduction. I invite you to offer additional suggestions, to further the process.

My hope is that you too will concur; what we have done and are doing is not working. Current proposals differ little from the formulas of the past. I ask that we work together, globally, and create the village that, physically, already exists. Please let us no longer look at ourselves as a separate entity. Lets us brainstorm and begin as one.

You might revel in references . . . Slant and sources vary.
• Senate Panel Approves Immigration Bill Yahoo News
• Senate committeesupports overhaulof immigration law, By David Jackson and Kathy Kiely, USA Today. March 27, 2006
• House Votes to Toughen Laws on Immigration, By Jonathan Weisman. Washington Post December 17, 2005
• CEO salaries, bonuses keep rising, by Jake Ulick, CNN/Money
• Invest Globally, Stagnate Locally, By Daniel Gross, New York Times. April 2, 2006
• American Workers' Productivity Grows, Real Wages Stagnate, Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO March 3, 2006
• Illegal Immigrants Expanding Footprint, CBS News, March 29, 2006
• Hard Work, Furtive Living: Illegal Immigrants in Japan, By Sharon Noguchi, YaleGlobal. 2 March 2006
• Migrant workers drawn to U.S. by work opportunities, wages, By Alice Mannette. Newsleader.com
• Wages Picture Economic Policy Institute
• Immigration Plans Need a Foreign Policy Component, By Stephen Johnson. Heritage Foundation.. December 19, 2005
• Citizens For Global Solutions
• OneWorld.net
• Industrial Workers of the World
• The world’s best country, By Laza Kekic. The World in 2005
• Amnesty International
• LABOR LAW OBLIGATIONS TO EMPLOYEES
• Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
• Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
• Offshore Outsourcing Affects American workers, By Bill Bryant. Wisconsin Technology Network February 18, 2004
• President Bush Proposes New Temporary Worker Program January 7, 2004
• The outsourcing of America’s jobs, By Harry R. Davidson, Ph.D.,FinalCall.com

You might enjoy this recent blog posting . . .
• GOODS OVER PEOPLE?, By Josh Bivens at MaxSpeak

The USA In Our Chevrolet Looks Bad. Ford Did Not Have A Better Idea ©

For years, we have heard General Motor’s executives complain of costs. They say the cost of doing business in America is too high. According to corporate administrators, American laborers insist that employers cover health care expenses. Companies must honor pensions awarded in the past, and then there are those wages, oh, those wages. The management has cried out; they cannot continue do business under these circumstances and still make a profit. General Motor’s bosses plead for understanding and ask their workers to sacrifice their wages and benefits. Even when the laborers comply, it is never enough.

Chief executives at General Motors, and in other American companies, ultimately take control. They cut and cut; overhead must go. Production and producers be damned, the bottom line lies with the shareholders. To boost the numbers corporations have reduced the workforce. They have decreased the dollars paid out for health care. They have eliminated