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Less Jobs. More Wars. A Progressive Platform

Less Jobs. More Wars.

copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Republicans rant. It is our patriotic duty to support the war. Every citizen must fund murderous actions and accept more soldiers, and civilians will fall. Our countrymen need to devote millions, billions, and trillions of dollars to the cause. We, the people have no choice. Our image is at stake. The world's greatest superpower must win! Americans must never say die. We must only discuss victory.

In this nation, might makes right. It is it not this war it will be another. Americans will remind people throughout the globe, we are strong.

Capitalism; Competitive Markets Cut To The Core; Inequity Is Inevitable

American propaganda - Capitalism (1948)

copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Decades ago, Americans watched a televised spoof of current events, the Rowan and Martin Laugh-In Show. A cast of characters sang "What is the news across the nation?" Then they assessed the antics of politicians and celebrities alike. Serious situations were satirized; silliness was glorified. Americans were given an opportunity to reflect and see how sadly corrupt and irrational our competitive Capitalist system is. Exuberance envelops us. Avoidance advances. Americans consume, compete, and settle into complacency.

This week, as we again set aside time to honor laborers in America, this reality seemed ever-present. Labor's failure is perhaps industrialism at its best. Free enterprise follows the market or perchance it creates a product for America to buy.

America; World Superpower?

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copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org

Americans are proud of their place in history. Those residing in this nation [for the most part] are prosperous. Even citizens of lesser means have more than those in other countries. We, the people often speak of the quality that is America. Our educational institutions are excellent. Health care here is said to be the best in the world. Goods and services could not be better. That is why we often hear “Buy American.” In the United Sates, we take care of our people, physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Americans are financially fat and happy. This country is great! We are known throughout the globe as a, no, the one and only superpower.

Representative George Miller Speaks on Employee Free Choice Act

Rep. Miller Closes Debate - The Employee Free Choice Act

Will workers be given the choice the law provides? Might they act on a right that has was enforced seventy years ago? Will we as a nation continue to allow employers to deny citizens their Constitutional right to speak? Can we stand by while laborers are arbitrarily punished for asserting their rights?

Can we in good conscious continue to allow employers to eliminate pensions and other benefits? Must workers accept reduced wages, longer hours, and less consideration without discussion? Will grown men and women be dismissed from their place of employ if they try to increase security in the workplace? Will we as a nation permit employers to seek retribution, religiously, if an employee tries to organize? We have. Hundreds of thousands of workers were punished for attempting to unionize. Today, we must ask, ''Why does an adult man cry when he speaks of his job.' Representative George Miller tells us.

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.

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.

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 many sick days and are unwilling to provide benefits for families. Now, they are “Offering [a] Buyout Deal to More Than 125,000 Workers.” Though not all news reports mention this, if the employees accept the deal they must forego once expected health benefits.

The New York Times article, G.M. to Offer Buyout Deal to More Than 125,000 Workers, seems to paint a rosier scenario than some other media sources. They quote Robert Betts, president of the U.A.W. local at the Delphi plant in Coopersville, Michichan, as saying “the offers were attractive.” Mr. Betts claims, "If someone is going to give you $35,000 to take your pension, that's good," He continued. "I think a whole lot of people are going to hit the road over this."

“Wonderful” said stockholders; shares of G.M. rose shortly after the news was released. Is the action good; or is it only one more blunder in a longstanding series of shortsighted solutions?

HIP, HIP HOORAY, HEWLETT PACKARD CUTS COST ©

Today, on Tuesday, July 19, 2005, Hewlett Packard did as expected; they announced that they would distribute 14,500 pink slips. The company will reduce one-tenth of its worldwide work force over the next 18 months. HP claims this restructuring plan will result in a $1.9 billion annual savings. Shareholders applaud the decision; employees do not.

The company also made known, as of January 1, 2006, it would no longer contribute to the pension plans of its domestic workers. Oh joy, oh bliss. Newly appointed, company President, Mark V. Hurd is following the lead of other corporate heads. Hurd saw GM Chairman and CEO, Rick Wagoner do his dance and he thought he would join the hustle.

President Hurd declares this move will create “a simpler nimbler company.” Schticks are simplistic and shortsighted. Yet, they are the preference of American corporate leaders.

US companies cut cost to garner gains. They do not consider that while there may be short-term increases, in the long run, the global community will suffer. It is people that purchase printers; consumers buy computers. Cars cannot leave the showroom floor without a driver and drivers need cash to claim their vehicle. Without jobs, without income, even without a sense of security, shoppers do not shop.

American firms concentrate on the immediate future, and then, ultimately, they flounder; many fail. Companies dismiss or diminish the importance of their own employees; they cater to Chief Executive officers. It seems, for a time, that these measures are winning strategies. However, they are not. These tactics bring in profits, though these earnings are short lived.

Toyota can claim a business-intelligence that reaps greater rewards. Their corporate culture, kaizen, or the Japanese business philosophy demands an attentiveness that differs from that of American organizations. Kaizen requires obsessive cost controls, relentless thoughtfulness, and equality. Executives are not considered greater than employees; they share. Japanese industrialists care. Rather than cut labor and benefits, they build relationships. Wow, what a concept!

This way of thinking is contrary to that found in American industries. Sharing status, ideas, and revenues is not the American way. Yet, it is the standard in Japan. Businesses such as Toyota are successful; their success is substantial. If only Hewlett Packard, General Motors, IBM, and other American capitalists would consider similar strategies. They too might harvest greater manufacturing health!

AS GM GOES. CUTS, THE INEFFECTIVE CURE ©

Many recall the old adage, “As GM goes, so goes the nation” and General Motors is going, going, and some fear it may soon be gone! General Motors has a habit of cutting costs, jobs, and benefits. Throughout their history this strategy has proven to be ineffective and yet, only weeks ago, they announced that they would continue to do as they have done.

As GM cuts, so too do other American industries and institutions. While investors temporarily profit from this ploy, little else does. Let us look at the legend of this corporate giant, its philosophy, and practices. Then compare and contrast these with those of Toyota. Let us hope that one day, General Motors will do the same.

The decline of General Motors began long ago. During the energy crisis of the 1970s, America changed. GM did not lead the cultural shift, nor did it swing with it, though they may have lead what followed.

The public and foreign industries alike, realized that the Earth could not and would not provide an endless supply of petroleum. Adjustments must be made; dependency on fossil fuels had to stop. Citizens concluded that they could no longer drive gas-guzzling engines; they would prefer economical automobiles. Consciously, people chose smaller cars. Yet, General Motors did not make these. They delayed. Customers went elsewhere.

General Motors acted as though there was ample oil; availability was merely a political ploy. They believed or hoped that consumers would come around. Then, GM would be ready to deliver. GM would ride-out the energy storm, and they did, or so it seemed. Slowly, they realized that times had changed and they needed to change with the times. However, it took this corporate giant time to turn left, right, or even to move straight ahead. Once they did move, they were lumbering. General Motors did not deliver as quickly as other automobile makers did; nor did they deliver as well. [The same could be said of many American industries and institutions.]