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It is apparent to me that the Republican senators that blocked the auto bail-out want more than anything to break not only the back of the UAW but all of organized labor. I am sure that UAW has made its share of mistakes over the years but we must remember that if were not for the unions we most likely would not have a vast middle class in this country. There were many people who were unable to complete high school or go onto college. If not for unions representing their interests they would be screwed.I remember reading how back in 1937 Henry Ford hired goons to smash the skulls of auto workers trying to organize & join the UAW.
Let me very blunt- anytime an employer can get away with shafting their workers they will do so! I am all for our capitalistic system but unless the worker and the community are considered the system will run roughshod over everything. People forget that unless you have a contract one is at will employee entitled to only the minimum wage, a lunch break and rest breaks which depend on how many hours you work. That is basically it- unless you have a union to represent your concerns you are at the mercy of your employer.
Since Ronald Reagan the Republicans have been hell bent on destroying organized labor. That has been of their prized goals and a top objective. Ever since he fired the air traffic controllers union it has been apparent that the objective has been to cast organized labor as a primary villian for what troubles America. We must not forget the discredited economic theory, Reaganomics and his deregulation mantra which unfortunately was embraced by both political parties.
GM is far from perfect and they have engineered many lousy cars over the past few decades. This so called bail out which in reality is a bridge loan is not about GM or Chrysler it is about jobs and keeping people in their homes, food on the table and communities together. Once again the Republican party has screwed the everyday worker be. I hope that the good people of America's industrial heartland remember this the next time these brown shirts start to campaign bellowing how they are looking for out for them . BTW nobody ever mentions the enormous tax breaks given to foreign car companies so they would build their plants down South. Maybe Shelby and the other Confederates would like a return if not to master/slave the system of share cropping .LOL -the Republicans expect to make a "comeback"-who are they kidding?
