Well... now... Mr… Jester…
I thought yew were layin’ low! Tha “economic tsunami†that you so eloquently referred to… is the by-product of the very institutions that you condone!
We have seen a full on frontal assault on labor without regard to the consequences by yer buddy “Corporate Americaâ€!
Go on ringin’ tha bell fer Management… Tha truth is… as is currently reflected by every newscast, and newspaper around the world… this Country (USA) cannot… I repeat… cannot… function as designed without ahh robust livin’ wage… that is earned… and spent by tha American Middle Class Workers!
Give me some definitive evidence that this argument is not valid!
So adamantly enters into this forum…
Roabilly
P.S. Yer BBQ has now been in storage fer over ahh year…I'll hold it till yahh give me ahh forwardin' address... Gitcha Sum!
My Dearest Roabilly,
During this current economic crisis I have comtemplated the issue you raised to the so-called "Attack on the American Middle Class Workers!" As President Obama will not likely ask me to join the distinguished Vice-President Biden on his "Task Force on the Middle Class," I will expound my ideas within this forum.
I believe there is a cognitive dissonance within the public's thinking. We believe that all workers regardless of skill set or education have "rights" so-called living wages and generous benefits, but then understand we are competing in a global economy. Somehow we think a company can be competitive paying someone $20/hour, plus benefits to lean on a broom in an American factory, while attempting to be compete against a 3rd world producer. What you called "earned" for low-skill work at a "living wage" would appear to be more of a gift.
While economists on both sides of the political spectrum would agree that a robust middle class serves this nation best, there would be disagreement on the means to this end. Will it be a middle class formed from well-trained, well-educated workforce providing high level goods and services to a global economy or will it become a protectionist Smoot-Hawley march with Luddite leaders in Washington? Before you answer, think about the last time the US attempted large scale tariffs and embargos on imported goods to the US in the 1930s.
If you are looking for validity, consider the following factoid... the current unemployment rate for those with a bachelors degree is only 3.8%, even during this terrible economic downturn. Typically speaking most economists place "full employment" at around 3.5%. Those with a decent education and skill set are not the ones being hammered during these times. Point being, My Gentle Roabilly, is for you not to look for government or even a labor union help during these and future uncertain times, but rather to improve your own job skills and education, as the reality is that mashing bags need not require much in the way of an education or a skill set.
So Advises Jester.
P.S. I visited your Carolina style BBQ at CLT and that vinegar rub needs to be mixed with a helping of tomato sauce, worcestershire, molasses, garlic, onion, black pepper, and don't drink all the bourbon first before adding it to the mix.
