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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPresident on RTW: 'What they're really talking about is giving you the right to work for less money'
Last edited Tue Dec 11, 2012, 12:54 PM - Edit history (2)
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President Obama was in Detroit Monday to talk about the economy (and the new 'right-to-work' law) and how companies are reinvesting in American workers and why it's so important to extend tax cuts for middle class families.
President Barack Obama watches a worker during a visit to the heavy duty engines line at the Daimler Detroit Diesel plant in Redford, Mich., Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
excerpt of remarks by the President at the Daimler Detroit Diesel Plant, Redford, MI:
President Obama:
. . . what we need to do is simple. We need to keep going. We need to keep going forward. We should do everything we can to keep creating good middle-class jobs that help folks rebuild security for their families. (Applause.) And we should do everything we can to encourage companies like Daimler to keep investing in American workers.
And by the way, what we shouldnt do -- I just got to say this -- what we shouldnt be doing is trying to take away your rights to bargain for better wages and working conditions. (Applause.) We shouldnt be doing that. (Applause.) These so-called right to work laws, they don't have to do with economics; they have everything to do with politics. (Applause.) What they're really talking about is giving you the right to work for less money. (Applause.)
Bill Pugliano, Getty Images
You only have to look to Michigan -- where workers were instrumental in reviving the auto industry -- to see how unions have helped build not just a stronger middle class but a stronger America. (Applause.) So folks from our states capital, all the way to the nations capital, they should be focused on the same thing. They should be working to make sure companies like this manufacturer is able to make more great products. That's what they should be focused on. (Applause.) We don't want a race to the bottom. We want a race to the top. (Applause.)
America is not going to compete based on low-skill, low-wage, no workers rights. That's not our competitive advantage. Theres always going to be some other country that can treat its workers even worse. Right?
AUDIENCE: Right!
Charles Dharapak
THE PRESIDENT: Whats going to make us succeed is we got the best workers -- well trained, reliable, productive, low turnover, healthy. That's what makes us strong. And it also is what allows our workers then to buy the products that we make because they got enough money in their pockets. (Applause.)
So weve got to get past this whole situation where we manufacture crises because of politics. That actually leads to less certainty, more conflict, and we can't all focus on coming together to grow.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: That's right!
THE PRESIDENT: And the same thing -- we're seeing the same thing in Washington. Im sure you've all heard the talk recently about some big deadlines we're facing in a few weeks when it comes to decisions on jobs and investment and taxes. And that debate is going to have a big impact on all of you . . .
read entire remarks: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/12/10/remarks-president-daimler-detroit-diesel-plant-redford-mi
watch:
EOTE
(13,409 posts)I thought for sure we'd stop hearing this kind of rhetoric once he was reelected. I'm so glad that I was wrong.
bigtree
(86,005 posts). . .and, you're right, EOTE, it's very satisfying to see the rhetoric continue past the campaign.
Let's make sure we give the man in the highest office in the land the support he needs to continue his assault on these destructive and regressive laws.
. . .what better advocate could opponents of RTW ask for than the President of the United States? Let's show him some support for his position!
bigtree
(86,005 posts)100 or so recs today on a post designed to make President Obama look like he's anti-union; on the day of one of the largest union protests in decades in Michigan; a day after the president traveled there and spoke out in opposition of 'right to work' and in favor of organizing. I get it. let clear support like this pass so we can go back to bashing the administration instead of rallying behind the largest platform in the land. I just don't get why we let support like this pass by until we can find the latest poutrage to distract from it.
done here.
renate
(13,776 posts)It just shouldn't have been as close as it was. Look at the difference between the two men. Which one of them loves not only America but Americans more?