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President’s Message Micheal J. Hartigan, President, CWA Local 9400
The administration’s proposed “economic stimulus package” of $145 billion will come to pass in one version or another. The economy of this nation is in serious trouble. Determining the causes and persons responsible will be for others to do. My concern is what we can do NOW to fix the problem. And it does need fixing. So, what to do with our part of the “stimulus”? Of course, we are supposed to spend it. Get the money in circulation. Grow the economy. But will that work? I wish I knew. However, I know what would give it the best chance at success. Spend it, but spend wisely…only on American made products! The purpose of the pending economic package is to help our economy. What better way than to get more of the money circulating to more Americans? If you go to a retailer and purchase a foreign made item the only people you help are those involved at the retail business. Some employees get a little of your purchase in wages, and a bit of that will go to other businesses. But if you spend the money on American made items…and they are out there…not only does the retailer get a portion of the price, the employees of the manufacturer receive a share, and they will spend it at other retailers, grocery stores and local businesses. I do not mean “buy American when you can”, I mean BUY AMERICAN, period. If you can’t find an American made entertainment system, buy something else. Home repair items, tools, clothing, cooking utensils, appliances, home office products, boat supplies, work boots…we all need and use at least some of these items. Buy them! When you find a retailer that carries nothing but foreign made goods, tell them you will have to shop elsewhere, where you can find American made products. Tell your friends and neighbors to buy American. Do you want this “stimulus package” to work? Buy American! Poisonous toys and child labor clothing may be cheaper. Some shoppers think they are getting more “bang for the buck” with these items. If you really want more for your money you would buy American, creating more decent paying American jobs, helping to get people off assistance programs and increasing the tax base of the country. Buying American will show manufacturers that perhaps they should bring their factories back to America. This is not a political statement. This is an American necessity, a time for us, the American Working Families to take control of our own future. If we pull together and not just try, but actually BUY American, we will have a much greater chance of pulling out of the current economic mess our nation has gotten in to. Sending more of our money to China will not help our economy. Wal-Mart does not need our help. Those who import from China do not need our help. The American economy is in trouble. With some wise spending on our part, we, the American workers and consumers can help turn this economy around In unity, Micheal J. Hartigan |
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© 2008 CWA LOCAL 9400 |
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