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Saturday, August 31, 2002
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A Word from Joe:
FAIR TRADE, FREE TRADE WORTHY OF DEBATE...ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VISION NEEDED
As the third congressional district gets rattled again from another NAFTA driven textile plant closure in Heflin - it should give every Alabama voter pause to consider how congressional trade policies have hastened the exit of our district's jobs.
The mantra of our Congress today should be Fair Trade and Free Trade. No unfair trade policy that allows the wholesale export of American jobs should be tolerated. As the remaining remnants of textile jobs relocate to Mexico, Pakistan and to other foreign lands, we must take stock of the impact this is having on our Alabama families and to our local communities.
The new Congressman in this district has a real challenge to lead on the issue of economic development. That plan needs to be multi-faceted. It must protect existing jobs to every extent possible. It must help existing industries forge new markets and have access to capital and skilled workers it needs. It must include capitalizing on the auto and new emerging sectors of economic growth. Education at all levels, especially adult education, and investment in infrastructure as well as strong marketing are keys. Improving quality of life and environmental protection are a necessity, not a trade-off for new job creation.
We can revisit bad trade agreements, not just 'move on' as some say. We must insure that existing industry is not put at a distinct disadvantage because of trade agreements. We can revisit NAFTA and Fast-track trade policy. We can insure that trading partners have environmental and worker safety rules. We must make sure that the vital aspects of our national defense has the manufacturing capacity that it needs! In essence, protecting manufacturing makes good sense for national security.
Let's never forget that a lost job is really a family in turmoil. It is not an economic statistic. The sooner we put people first and special interests last, the sooner we will help our economy grow and make our people more secure. Joe
AMERICA'S GREATEST GENERATION
Last Christmas I gave my dad a copy of Tom Brokow's book, 'The Greatest Generation'. The premise of the book expounds on the fact that the depression era/WWII generation was the country's finest. As I float this idea out among folks of the 'Greatest Generation' I get affirming feedback, but also a bit of a scolding.
The 'Greatest Generation' was not as prosperous as this one. It was not as indulged, entertained, informed, and pampered. The 'Greatest Generation' never needed a reason to join the service, fight for freedom, sacrifice for family and country...it did it quietly but with historical thunder. It overcame a depression, won a world war and set forth one of the greatest economic miracles of history.
As I think about "Putting America First", I think about the 'Greatest Generation'. But as I delve into this subject with those of the 'Greatest Generation', I am reminded that the qualities of humility/ hope/service are the true ingredients of greatness. The 'Greatest Generation' desires that my generation be greater than theirs... not necessary richer, fatter or happier...but greater. As I ponder that challenge, I know that times have changed, but the mountain we climb may be just as steep. But quiet courage bathed with faith, and the ethics of hard work and sacrifice/humility define the call for greatness. I give thanks to all those that have shared their wisdom with me. I stand on your shoulders! God Bless America.
