China, Trade and YOU

The McCain War

Special Message from Pittsburgh on the 2008 Presidential Election Campaigns

May 12, 2008

In a recent meeting of the International Executive Board, concerns were raised about the media’s ongoing attempts to sensationalize and mischaracterize the contest between Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to become the Democratic Party presidential nominee. Most disturbing have been attempts to define working people’s voting decisions in this contest as somehow racially based, while completely ignoring the fact that for years Senator McCain and many of his Republican colleagues have treated all working people with complete disdain, whether those workers are white, Black, Hispanic or otherwise. Shouldn’t that be the issue for 2008, and not this absurd and unfair focus on race and sometimes on religion?

There is a lot of talk that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is now fated to lose the Democratic nomination and should pull out of the race. We believe it is her right to stay in the fight and challenge Senator Barack Obama as long as she has the desire and the means to do so. That is the essence of democracy, and of the Democratic Party process.

But we believe just as strongly that Mrs. Clinton will be making a terrible mistake — for herself, her Party and for the nation — if she continues to press her candidacy through negative campaigning with disturbing racial undertones.

America needs a clean break from eight catastrophic years of George W. Bush, and it needs it now. And so far, Senator John McCain is shaping up as simply the “Bush Sequel” – with more war in Iraq, even more tax cuts for the rich while the middle class struggles mightily, and courts packed with even more right-wing activists intent on undoing decades of progress in civil rights, civil liberties and other vital areas. The Democratic Party must field the most effective and vibrant candidate it possibly can. And more attack ads and squabbling will not help achieve that goal.

The IEB feels, therefore, that we need to make it absolutely clear to our staff and local leadership that both Democratic candidates would be far superior advocates for the rights of working people and their families than Senator McCain, and to make it equally clear that neither Democrat should urge a choice based on the race or the age of working-class voters. All workers have a common need to be represented better than they have been by George Bush or will be by John McCain, whether he or she is a retiree, a worker in one of our facilities, or one of the fine young men and women fighting right now to protect our nation.

It’s bad enough that John McCain’s supporters are already engaged in the politics of divide and conquer, especially if Senator Obama is the Nominee, which now seems likely. These destructive Republican tactics are deeply troubling and completely unfair, as Senator Obama’s grandparents, who raised him during much of his youth, fought in World War II and worked honorably in manufacturing jobs to support their family. And they are deeply troubling because the Senator has pledged his own undying allegiance to our country and to working-class Americans, and because of his outspoken commitment to a vibrant middle class which grows from the bottom up and which recognizes that when it comes to economic policies and trade, American workers must come first.

Dividing working people along racial and ethnic lines is the oldest and meanest game in the book, and it is the one the Republicans are already using to distract attention from the fact that Senator McCain has made it abundantly clear that he offers nothing more than a continuation of the Bush administration’s sorry record of relentlessly assaulting the well-being and interests of working people and of our nation’s unions.

John McCain is proposing a health care “plan,” for example, that is a health care industry-driven rehash of the approach that employers have been trying to shove down our throats for years in bargaining – and he is doing it with the full support of Bush and their Republican cronies in Congress and the insurance industry. John McCain has never seen a free trade deal that he doesn’t love – and as a candidate he’s already cheerleading for even more of them. He is calling for more Bush-type tax cuts for the wealthy that are creating the worst income inequality the country has seen since 1928. He opposes the Employee Free Choice Act, which Senator Obama supports for all workers, including for part-time and contract employees. John McCain will keep doling out subsidies to big oil. And he (along with Senator Clinton, unfortunately) has pandered to working people’s struggle to pay for rising gasoline prices by calling for a microscopic “gas tax holiday” that will only save working people pennies while robbing our country of the funds needed to rebuild our failing infrastructure – which is just one of the job-creating functions that our government should be investing in instead.

Given these troubling circumstances, the IEB urges all staff and local leadership to share Senator McCain’s vicious anti-worker record with our members, and to encourage them to understand that media attempts to sensationalize differences among working people based on race, ethnicity or religion will only distract us from the real need to change our nation’s policies on health care, trade, workers’ rights, energy and foreign affairs. Getting that message out immediately to all our members and supporters is crucial, and we must not let either the last few days of the Democratic primary process or the everyday McCain lies rob us of the chance to end the Bush assault on us, our union and our families.

GROUNDBREAKING RESEARCH CONFIRMS MASSIVE CHINESE ENERGY SUBSIDIES TO STEEL INDUSTRY

New report uncovers unprecedented subsidies affecting global steel market.

Washington DC, January 8, 2008 – According to a new report commissioned by the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), the Chinese government has exponentially boosted its steel output over the last three years through massive, trade-distorting energy subsidies. Total energy subsidies to Chinese steel from 2000 to mid-year 2007 reached $27.11 billion. Despite China’s entry to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2002, energy subsidies grew, totaling $25.07 billion through mid-year 2007. These energy subsidies include supports for thermal and coking coal, electricity, and natural gas.“Chinese subsidies exist, they are enormous and they are shaping the global steel market,” said the report’s author, Usha C. V. Haley, Ph.D.

China has identified steel as a strategic industry, and both the central and provincial governments have decided to ramp up steel production with massive subsidies that have now been confirmed.”China is the largest producer and consumer of steel in the world, accounting for 40 percent of the global market. Much has changed for China’s steel industry in the last 5 years. In 2005, China went from a net steel importer to a steel exporter. In 2006, China became the largest steel exporter in the world by volume, up from fifth largest in 2005. This enormous increase in production has come at a cost for U.S. manufacturing; more than 1.8 million U.S. jobs have been displaced since China joined the WTO, according to the Economic Policy Institute”

Source: AAM

China Cheats Indiana

Manufacturing is a vital part of the economies of most states. As a share of gross state product (GSP), manufacturing is the largest sector in 10 states and in the Midwest region as a whole. It is the second largest in nine states and third largest in 21 others.

Manufacturing jobs lost from 2000-2007: 109,800

Manufacturing accounts for $67.2 billion of Indiana's GSP, the number 1 contributor to the state’s economy.

45,200 jobs lost, 2001-2006 (all sectors), as a result of the trade deficit with China, equaling 1.5% of the total state employment in 2001.

Source: AAM

China Cheats. Indiana Loses.

Demand that the candidates put
a stop to the cheating by enforcing

our laws against unfair trade.

Indiana has lost 109,800 manufacturing jobs since 2000. Why? Because too many in Washington are unwilling to enforce our laws against unfair trade, allowing countries like China to cheat, and putting U.S. workers and manufacturers at a disadvantage. Want proof? Our soaring $256 billion annual trade deficit with China has cost Indiana alone more than 45,200 jobs and more than 1.8 million jobs nationwide.

We need a President and a Congress who will stand up to China. Until then, China will continue to illegally subsidize their industries, keep the value of their currency low, dump their products in the U.S. and steal our jobs. Don’t let them get away with it.

Find out more at www.americanmanufacturing.org.

Message from the Alliance for Retired Americans

Tomorrow is primary day in Indiana. The Alliance wants to make you aware of available resources should you have any questions or problems in voting. The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time.

An organization named Election Protection is America's largest non-partisan voter protection coalition formed to help people vote. Trained volunteers will staff the hotline and answer any questions from 5:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. to provide all voters with free assistance.

The Election Protection toll-free number is 1-866-OUR VOTE (or 1-866-687-8683) and it is available to ANYONE who has a question about or a problem when they vote in the Indiana Primary tomorrow. The Election Protection website is www.866OurVote.org .

Morel mushrooms

The morels are out folks. Go to the SOAR recipe website for some good recipes.

For president-who should I vote?

Gosh, for me, that’s really a tough question. The conservative nuts have the country in such a mess and a vote for McCain would result in more of the same-so he’s out of the question, so

the decision has to be between Clinton and Obama.

I’ve been watching and listening and reading about these two candidates just like you have and I think it’s a toss up.

Both have 100% voting records with the AFL-CIO and both have 100% voting records with the Alliance for Retired Americans.

I have seen and heard them both speak, and briefly met Hillary back in October 2001. They’re both good for working families and retirees and both have the family values necessary to really lift America out the fix that we’re in.

Please be sure to vote tomorrow in Indiana and which ever one of these super candidates you vote for will be fine with me.

Bush Social Security Plan

A 20 year-old worker today could expect to receive over $440,000 from Social Security, but will receive $100,000 instead under the Bush Plan.

Think About It!

If you don't mind Wall Street corrupting Social Security and wasting your money,

then Social Security privatization is right for you!

(Wall Street has spent millions of dollars lobbying Congress for the privatization of Social Security and will win big if private accounts are created.

If you welcome shouldering an additional $2 trillion in debt,

then Social Security privatization is right for you!

(Establishing private accounts creates at least a $2 trillion financial crisis for Social Security that does not currently exist because this amount will have to be borrowed in order to pay for transition costs.)

If You think the word "voluntary" means being told where to invest,

Then Social Security privatization is right for you!

(The federal government will decide what investment rules you play by.)

If you like the idea of supporting your elderly parents:

Then Social Security privatization is right for you!

Privatizing Social Security will cut benefits, shrink nest eggs and create the risk of poor investments.

You Owe It To Your Grandchildren To Tell Them The Truth About Privatization!

President George W. Bush and others want to convince people in their 20's that Social Security will not be there when they retire. It's a lot easier to take something away from people if they don't think they are going to get it anyway. They hope you, your children and your grandchildren won't fight their Social Security privatization plan, but they are not telling you that it will drastically cut benefits. Don't fall for it.

What Social Security Privatizers Don't Want Young People to know...

If you want to receive less money when you retire, then Social Security privatization is right for you! (if you are in your 20's and the Social Security plan is enacted, you will receive 25% less in Social Security benefits.)

Debra Birkholz, a Champion For Working Families and Retirees

To Vote for Debra Birkholz

Working families and retirees in Indiana’s eighth senate district will have a wonderful opportunity in a few days to add a real champion to the Indiana Senate, someone who will be on our side for a change.

For too long, our representation in the senate has been less than marginal. Debra Birkholz is labor’s candidate and she promises to be just the ticket for what ails our state. She has the support of the Alliance for Retired Americans and the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees. Vote for real change.

How Committed are the Presidential Candidates to Retirees

For your information, below is the voting record of presidential candidates put out by the Alliance for Retired Americans on the ten most important issues affecting retirees in the 110th Congress, January 2007-December 2007. It reflects how committed they are to retirees and older Americans.

Hillary Clinton 100%
John McCain 0%
Barack Obama 100%

Source: Alliance for Retired Americans

McCain: Out of Touch

iRack

What Would You Do With 3 Trillion Dollars?

Turn Around America

Am I bitter? Hell no, I'm Pissed!

I had a good job all the way up to retirement. My job never went overseas. I didn't lose my healthcare and I didn't lose part of or all of my pension.......but if I had......I'd be more than bitter. I'd be pissed. As a matter of fact, I am pissed......And if I could afford it, I'd spend every opportunity to hound each and every Congressperson and Senator in Washington D.C. until they did something about it.
I know too many workers who have had those things happen to them.
I think that the comments made by Senator Barak Obama which the media and others are spinning for political advantage are made pretty clear by the following speech. And I think he's right on.

Congrats to Nancy Pelosi

The House of Representatives yesterday, passed a rule to put on hold the requirement that the Columbia Free Trade Agreement be considered within 90 legislative days.
Now, Congress can decide whether or not, or when to schedule a vote on this rotten trade deal with a country that has more union leaders murdered than any other.
Finally, we have a congress with some back bone to oppose this whacky president.

We have more to be concerned with in the United States than a lousy trade deal, such as people losing their homes, high gasoline prices, bankruptsys, loss of jobs, and this crazy so called "war" in Iraq.

Congratulations to those in the congress who care about people.

VOTE-Jill Long Thompson

Senator Sherrod Brown speaks out

For Immediate Release

Monday, April 7, 2008

SENATOR SHERROD BROWN CALLS PROPOSED COLOMBIAN FTA BETRAYAL OF MIDDLE CLASS

Brown Says Trade Pact Continuation of Failed Trade Polices Hurt Workers

and Businesses at Home and Abroad

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today called the proposed Colombian Free Trade Agreement (FTA) a betrayal of the middle class. Brown said the trade pact is a continuation of trade policies that hurt workers at home and abroad. He released the following

statement:

"Congress will not pass a Free Trade Agreement with Colombia. The Colombian government has stood by and watched continued violence against union leaders. Its response has been unacceptable."

"The proposed Colombia FTA betrays small businesses, it betrays workers, and it betrays consumers. Colombian workers earn little more than $600 a month. This FTA is much less about finding new markets for American goods than it is a continuation of this administration's failed trade policy - a policy that exploits workers in developing nations, fosters unsafe working conditions, and allows unsafe products and food into our country."

"There will be no backroom deals to save this agreement - it stands alone, and it will be defeated in the open."

"Middle class families in Ohio and throughout the country are struggling. Our economy is in a state of crisis - in employment, housing, energy, and financial markets. This is another job-killing trade agreement that betrays our middle class."

"We want trade and plenty of it - but under rules that raise standards and ensure our exports have a lasting and sustainable market of consumers."

"Trade can be a development tool, but the way this administration has pursued trade is not promoting sustainable development. We want trade with countries that will open lasting markets for American goods, not just sources for cheap labor. The American people want a pro-trade, pro-development, pro-labor, and forward-looking approach."

Stop Killing America

Haven't you right wing so called conservatives done enough damage? Isn't it time to admit that your policies aren't the real values of America? Step aside and let people with genuine human values fix our nation.
Enough of your killing. Enough of your invading. Enough of your holier than tho attitudes. Enough of your allowing companies to leave our shores, taking good paying American jobs. Enough of your ignoring the problems of real people in the United States with your greed. Enough of your failed, economics.
Time to care about people.
Time to educate our children.
Time to stop the war mongering.
Time to stop the intolerance and hate.
Conservatives, wake up and see the light.
Conservatives, change your ways.
Conservatives, it's time to elect progressives. It's time to care about the poor. It's time to take care of those with no medical insurance. It's time to have trade policies that work for Americans.
It's time to say no to the murderous Columbian trade agreement.

It time
To do what's right
It's time to be true patriots
Stop the greed

Straight Talker McCain

In Indiana, Enough is Enough

Jill Long Thompson Will Protect Indiana Jobs!

Indiana’s manufacturing industry has suffered devastating job loss!

Number of factory jobs lost in the State of Indiana from 2000-2006:

98,000

(Chicago Tribune, April 2, 2006)

But those who still have jobs are seeing an increase in wages, right? WRONG!

The State of Indiana’s ranking in per capita income growth:

45 of 50

(Chicago Tribune, April 2, 2006)

"The Steelworkers are proud to endorse Jill Long Thompson for governor. Jill has stood with us in many battles to create a better future for working families, both while serving as a member of Congres and, later, as a concerned citizen. She has supported us over the years and we are enthusiastically supporting her now."

- USW District 7

Jill Long Thompson for Governor of Indiana

Steelworkers Summer

What is Steelworkers’ Summer?

Steelworkers’ Summer is an educational and training internship in which participants develop skills useful for union organizing by experiencing firsthand the kinds of struggles workers face while trying to win a voice at work. It is also designed to give participants an understanding and appreciation of the positive impact the union has had on their parents’ working lives.

Internships are open to young adults, 18 years of age or older. Selection preference is given to children of members of the United Steelworkers International Union.

Steelworkers’ Summer is committed to uniting students, workers, and community activists to bring about social justice through work place and community organizing.

What kinds of qualifications are needed to participate in Steelworkers’ Summer?

Applicants should have a strong commitment to social and economic justice, as well as openness to working with a broad cross section of people. This includes people of various races, ethnicities, religions and orientations. Participants need to be people-oriented, enthusiastic, energetic, flexible and willing to work long hours on an unpredictable schedule. A college degree is not required. Previous union experience is not necessary. Volunteerism or activism is a plus.

You can download an Application and get more information here

For More Information, Contact
Steelworkers' Summer
USW Organizing Department
Five Gateway Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-562-2550
E-mail: steelworkerssummer@usw.org

Source: USW website

“Enough is Enough!”

Jill Long Thompson's campaign for Governor announced it has selected an original score composed by three Montgomery County brothers as its official theme song.

Written and produced by Carl, Troy and Alan Thompson (no relation to Jill) all of Ladoga, the country theme song entitled "Enough is Enough" will be used at various campaign events.

"Jill is the real deal," added Carl. "She's smart, she's tough and she's got the kind of common sense that will allow her to clean up Mitch's mess, protect our jobs and put Indiana back on track."

Enough is Enough

There's two on the ballot but not hard to choose

A vote makes a difference could mean win or lose

The state of Indiana is in distress

Vote Jill Long Thompson to clean up the mess

Vote Jill Long Thompson so Indiana will make it

We need a change she's the one to change it

Enough is Enough and this is how we'll say it

Enough is Enough Vote Jill Long Thompson

Who's the one to fix our state

Plain and simple the best candidate

Jill Long Thompson she'll work for you

All that know her know it's true

Enough is Enough Vote Jill Long Thompson

Enough is Enough Vote Jill Long Thompson

Let her be our voice Governor Jill Long Thompson

You can visit Jill's website by clicking here

4000 U.S. Dead -- Why?