The Real Sporer attended a second major event today. The Alliance for American Manufacturing sponsored a town hall style meeting tonight at Hy-Vee Hall. Chuck, John, Karen, Sandy, Ashley and the gang put together one of the best political events we’ve seen around the capitol city for quite some time.
The theme was the frightening decline in American manufacturing, usually perceived as a Democrat issue because, of course, the Democrat/Labor (leadership) solution is simplistic but futile adoption of 19th Century style protectionism. Tonight a bi-partisan crowd of more than 600 made it pretty clear that this issue has huge impact on and traction with the Republican voter as well.
Moreover, it was also clear that rank and file Republicans and Democrats have had it with China. The label “Made in China” is unpopular across the board. TRS is a true free trader, but free trade has to be fair trade as well. It also has to be safe trade. Every person with whom I spoke after the event was concerned about the disappearance of American manufacturing jobs and the dumping of dangerous trash into our markets. I say let’s sue the Chinese scofflaws into oblivion, just for a start.
Most importantly the atmosphere during and after the event also demonstrates something that we all too frequently forget -- we are all Americans and we are in this boat together. I think some of the labor union folks with whom I spoke after the event appeared to have actually been forced to think of the implications of death taxes. Guess who buys the small manufacturer at the estate sale? That’s right, a multi-national corporation, probably with significant foreign ownership. Where do those jobs go? Not Dyersville, Centerville or Mt. Pleasant, that’s for sure.
On the other hand, free market capitalists in the crowd had to confront the impact of the loss of American jobs. Here in Iowa, it’s the death of county seats and mid-sized communities. Des Moines used to be the home office of dozens of insurance companies, now there’s about one. Ertl toys and Schaeffer pens are just two examples of the death of our Iowa economic heritage.
Before we debate the best solutions let’s agree on this-one very patriotic act that is within the grasp of every single American-everyone can and should………………..
BUY AMERICAN!
The theme was the frightening decline in American manufacturing, usually perceived as a Democrat issue because, of course, the Democrat/Labor (leadership) solution is simplistic but futile adoption of 19th Century style protectionism. Tonight a bi-partisan crowd of more than 600 made it pretty clear that this issue has huge impact on and traction with the Republican voter as well.
Moreover, it was also clear that rank and file Republicans and Democrats have had it with China. The label “Made in China” is unpopular across the board. TRS is a true free trader, but free trade has to be fair trade as well. It also has to be safe trade. Every person with whom I spoke after the event was concerned about the disappearance of American manufacturing jobs and the dumping of dangerous trash into our markets. I say let’s sue the Chinese scofflaws into oblivion, just for a start.
Most importantly the atmosphere during and after the event also demonstrates something that we all too frequently forget -- we are all Americans and we are in this boat together. I think some of the labor union folks with whom I spoke after the event appeared to have actually been forced to think of the implications of death taxes. Guess who buys the small manufacturer at the estate sale? That’s right, a multi-national corporation, probably with significant foreign ownership. Where do those jobs go? Not Dyersville, Centerville or Mt. Pleasant, that’s for sure.
On the other hand, free market capitalists in the crowd had to confront the impact of the loss of American jobs. Here in Iowa, it’s the death of county seats and mid-sized communities. Des Moines used to be the home office of dozens of insurance companies, now there’s about one. Ertl toys and Schaeffer pens are just two examples of the death of our Iowa economic heritage.
Before we debate the best solutions let’s agree on this-one very patriotic act that is within the grasp of every single American-everyone can and should………………..
BUY AMERICAN!
8 comments:
Amen to Ted's comments.
What Ted wrote is why every Iowan, regardless of party, by caucusing for me would send the unmistakable to the monied elites selling America down the river to line their pockets it's no longer business as usual time.
For the GOP to remain a credible political force it needs to become the party of the middle class again rather than the play thing of Wall Street and corporate interests. Flag waving and sloganeering won't cut the electoral mustard anymore.
Pretty sad state of affairs about the weakness of the American economy when my portfolios are overweighed with foreign shares reporting earnings in stronger currencies. General Electric and MMM are the only American industrials I'm holding. 10 years ago held 10-15.
Used to own Maytag. Sold it ten + years ago when it became clear our trade policies were totally inminical to it thriving.
Forewarned is forearmed.
Who hacked in to Ted's Blogger account?
PUT QUACK KLEIN ON THE POLL!!!!
QUACK KLEIN rEVOLution!
Re Anonymous' comment my offer of a $1000 to your $100 I'm end up in the top 3 on your poll within 3 weeks of relisting still stands.
PUT THE QUACK ON THE POLL!!!
Ted, what will you do with the $1000?
You are right Mr. Sporer - but what do we do with fast track authority for a President who doesn't account for these type of conditions when negotiating trade agreements?
Our current trade policy just creates the conditions for us to give more tax breaks to MNC's headquartered in the U.S. who then ship the manufacturing overseas. Our response when a company says it can't compete? More tax breaks.
What has been the result? Exactly what you talk about in your post.
Ted's no fool. He knows that creep Klein would welch on the deal.
Let the guy wack his pud and put him on the poll!
MARK KICK ASS CANDIDATE KLEIN '08!
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