From
Southeast Michigan Jobs with Justice's Full Employment/Green Jobs
Bulletin #9.
(fullemployment.greenjobs@gmail.com) We can't just talk numbers and facts
You probably already noticed that everybody running for office this year is for jobs. So if you're unemployed, underemployed, or underpaid, relax. Everything's going to be all right. Or maybe not.
Some candidates' jobs programs aren't really about that. For example, there's the 11th District Republican candidate running against the Tea party incumbent because that guy's not considered conservative enough. The wealthy challenger says he will create jobs by “reducing regulations, overhauling the tax code and cutting spending” by the federal government.
Essentially he's saying to the 1%: “Do what you wanna.” To the 99%: “You're on your own.”
Looking at this wealthy candidate's jobs program, you can see how conservative policies, political programs and talking points flow directly from three main conservative values: (1) Smaller government, (2) Free Markets and (3) Rugged Individualism.
Of course, these are business values. The problem is as a result of 50 years of New Right think tanks, talk shows, Fox News and constant repetition by politicians, millions of working-class Americans have adopted these conservative values as their own and think this is how things should be.
That's why we progressives can't just talk numbers and facts. There are millions of Americans out there who should be on our side but right now only hear us saying: “Blah, blah, blah, BIG GOVERNMENT. Blah Blah Blah RAISE YOUR TAXES. Blah Blah blah, SOCIALISM.”
But many working-class Americans who identify themselves as conservatives could be won over to a progressive policy like Full Employment/Green Jobs if we connect the policy to the values we – and they – believe in. Why? Because progressive values are traditional American, democratic values, and people make their political decisions based on their fundamental values.
We believe America is a community, where people care for each other and not just themselves. So if we see our neighbors hurting, why wouldn't we want to do something? We're all in this life together.
We believe government has an important role to play in people's lives -- to protect and empower. Protect people from the abuses of greedy corporations, natural disasters and economic crisis. Empower people so they can have the opportunity for fulfilling lives. And for that, a good-paying job is essential.
We believe in the uniqueness of every individual, but there are times when unique individuals need each other. Nobody “makes it” on their own. Even the pioneers called on neighbors to raise a barn.
We believe every citizen has a responsibility to the larger community. Taxes are necessary to keep America working. Corporations, banks and the Top 1% should pay their fair share, just like everybody else, especially since they profit the most from being part of this country.
So a Full Employment/Green Jobs policy isn't radical or idealistic. It's part of that great American tradition of people helping people when they need help the most.
from Sam Stark
(fullemployment.greenjobs@gmail.com) We can't just talk numbers and facts
You probably already noticed that everybody running for office this year is for jobs. So if you're unemployed, underemployed, or underpaid, relax. Everything's going to be all right. Or maybe not.
Some candidates' jobs programs aren't really about that. For example, there's the 11th District Republican candidate running against the Tea party incumbent because that guy's not considered conservative enough. The wealthy challenger says he will create jobs by “reducing regulations, overhauling the tax code and cutting spending” by the federal government.
Essentially he's saying to the 1%: “Do what you wanna.” To the 99%: “You're on your own.”
Looking at this wealthy candidate's jobs program, you can see how conservative policies, political programs and talking points flow directly from three main conservative values: (1) Smaller government, (2) Free Markets and (3) Rugged Individualism.
Of course, these are business values. The problem is as a result of 50 years of New Right think tanks, talk shows, Fox News and constant repetition by politicians, millions of working-class Americans have adopted these conservative values as their own and think this is how things should be.
That's why we progressives can't just talk numbers and facts. There are millions of Americans out there who should be on our side but right now only hear us saying: “Blah, blah, blah, BIG GOVERNMENT. Blah Blah Blah RAISE YOUR TAXES. Blah Blah blah, SOCIALISM.”
But many working-class Americans who identify themselves as conservatives could be won over to a progressive policy like Full Employment/Green Jobs if we connect the policy to the values we – and they – believe in. Why? Because progressive values are traditional American, democratic values, and people make their political decisions based on their fundamental values.
We believe America is a community, where people care for each other and not just themselves. So if we see our neighbors hurting, why wouldn't we want to do something? We're all in this life together.
We believe government has an important role to play in people's lives -- to protect and empower. Protect people from the abuses of greedy corporations, natural disasters and economic crisis. Empower people so they can have the opportunity for fulfilling lives. And for that, a good-paying job is essential.
We believe in the uniqueness of every individual, but there are times when unique individuals need each other. Nobody “makes it” on their own. Even the pioneers called on neighbors to raise a barn.
We believe every citizen has a responsibility to the larger community. Taxes are necessary to keep America working. Corporations, banks and the Top 1% should pay their fair share, just like everybody else, especially since they profit the most from being part of this country.
So a Full Employment/Green Jobs policy isn't radical or idealistic. It's part of that great American tradition of people helping people when they need help the most.
- You, Kae Halonen and 3 others like this.
Sam Stark Join the Southeast Michigan Jobs with Justice Full Employment/Green Jobs Campaign
(1) Local unions, community organizations and religious groups can pledge to talk about “Full Employment/Green Jobs” and promote it as a state and federal policy during this election season. Don’t stop or change what you are already doing around your primary issue(s) of concern. Just add “Full Employment/Green Jobs” to your conversation, fliers, signs, discussions, actions and emails.
(2) Once your group pledges to talk about “Full Employment/Green Jobs,” send us a 300-word (or less) statement, explaining how your group's issue interconnects with “Full Employment/Green Jobs.” Email your group’s pledge and statement to: fullemployment.greenjobs@gmail.com
Just to let you all know, Scott is a UAW activist from Illinois and Mike is a UAW activist from Indiana. It's always good to know we are not alone here in Detroit.- 18 hrs · Like · 1
Needed: Constitutional Amendment for the Right to a Decent Job http://take10charles.blogspot.com/2014/07/needed-constitutional-amendment-for_4.html
No comments:
Post a Comment