"Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration." Lincoln's First Annual Message to Congress, December 3, 1861.

 
This week starts the holiday shopping season, so I would like to discuss the outsourcing of American jobs.. As Americans we have become soft in allowing corporations to leave the country and to roll back the gains that labor has managed to make for American workers through collecting bargaining. The economy depends on buying power from the American worker; in order for our economy to be healthy all American workers should be paid a fair wage.

Right now the American worker is drowning in imports, workers that are stuck in poverty nations make most imported articles.  Many US corporations use these workers to increase their billions in profits while paying virtually nothing for the labors of these people. As American consumers we have the power to refuse to buy articles that have been made by exploiting other workers from around the world.

The American worker was once exploited in this country as well, through sub standard wages, sub standard working conditions, sub standard safety and health issues plus 80 hours work week for 40 hour pay, no vacation time. Not until the birth of unions in this country did the exploitation of American workers cease. The greed of the corporations, and the propaganda that they have successfully masterminded has caused the union popularity to slowly dim mish in this once proud nation.

The greed that has devoured the corporate echelon of this country far passes any comprehension that may seem reasonable. The corporate heads should remember that in order to have a successful business you need capable and dedicated workers, and in turn the corporations should reward those who make them profitable. Enabling both groups to prosper.

In my opinion I cannot see why any worker young or old in this country would not support unions and what they represent. I believe that the present day American worker has forgotten the sacrifices that their predecessors gave up to advance the wages, working conditions and benefits that we enjoy to this day. We as AMERICAN WORKERS owe it to the next generation to ensure that they receive the same basic considerations that the present and past workers have fought and won to establish decent conditions all the way around for the working men and women of this country.   
The next time you shop at Wal*Mart think about the poor souls that had made the garment that you are about to buy, and how much profit the company is reaping. Lets not forget the employee's at Wal*Mart who would like more pay and health insurance but are stuck and cant make enough wages to move on to a better employer.

I would hope that if you were working non-union that you would feel compelled to find out how to join a union so you could receive decent wages and benefits for you and your family.

Be American Buy American!

From my family to yours have A Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
                       
                                           Tammy

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