By labor unions, of labor unions, for….

Through their pet tigers in the federal government, the textile labor unions have pushed to shut down an integral part of the local economy–apparel industry–via the application of choke holds such as denial of local control of immigration and the blind application of federal minimum wage.

What is wrong with such political movement by monied labor bosses and their pet tigers on Capitol Hill and Pennsylvania Avenue?

Competition from an American Soil is exactly the very issue they can’t stand the Pacific’s Little David. And so political muscling became the last ditch effort as it unleashes pet tigers like Congressman George Miller and Senator Daniel Akaka in hopes of shutting down our livelihood. It is really a very embarrassing approach for it is wreaked with all the wrong reasons!

Even an economic study funded by Interior (although Interior allegedly took an active role in Marianas ruination) made it clear that the matter needs to be addressed on its merits. Muscling-in via a federal takeover would be disastrous for the people in these isles. It would have meant total economic meltdown. In fact, more than 4,000 local workers attached to the industry would be jobless had our detractors successfully pushed through with their agenda. Its very action is in fact highly irresponsible.

But let us assume that they successfully imposed economic annihilation of a major sector of the local economy. Would such an agenda increase the living wage of its migrant workers in both the apparel and farm belts across the land?

Says Paul Krugman, a New Times columnist: “You can quibble with statistics, but without question blue-collar workers have been left behind by the nation’s economic growth. And far from fight this inequality in rewards, policy has in general reinforced it: taxes have become less rather than more progressive, public schools for those who can’t afford to live in the right places have gotten worse….”

“A well-meaning economist can give you a list of things that might help America’s working class: some form of national health insurance, bigger and better wage supplements along the lines of earned-income credit….”, he said.
He dubbed labor unions’ fight against granting permanent normal trade relations with China as “pipe dream” proposals. He said with labor unions’ less influence today, “it is in no position to reverse the political tide”.

Interesting how would shutting down the NMI’s apparel industry would translate into more jobs, nickels and dimes for what they often refer to as “American Workers”. If the economic good times hasn’t descended on adding more bacon to take home, it stands to reason that labor unions’ political agenda will never see the light of day. Furthermore, how does monied labor unions bosses view US Citizens (all 4,000-plus who earn a living from non-apparel jobs in our local industry? This convenient stereotyping–that we are still foreigners–must cease and desist. We are Americans too!

Had Messrs. James Hoffa and John Sweeney taken a stand for all labor workers across the global village, perhaps their very agenda could have some teeth to it. But not when they want to hide behind protectionist measures that simply means no jobs for millions of working people in third world countries. Must be a new definition of American Values BY the labor unions, OF the labor unions and FOR the labor unions. Be a little more compassionate next time, please?
We are not only US Citizens but human beings too, di ba?