perquiaga
83 posts
Oct 17, 2009
1:03 PM
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On Backroads of Montana episode 110 “wool and Wind” which aired Saturday, September 26th at 5:30 pm on Montana PBS, an interesting issue was noted that was not an intended issue of the shows subject matter, an issue that has the potential of severely damaging the U.S. Economy. The problem is widespread in many parts of our nation, especially the southern portions of our country. I was not surprised to discover that we see this occurring in Montana.
The problem: The hiring of foreign workers to work American jobs. In the case of the show, sheep farmers near Absarokee, Montana with about 1000 head of sheep hire two Peruvian sheep Shearer’s. They are provided room, board, and a wage. On the surface this may not seem like such a problem, especially since the U.S. Government states these workers do jobs that U.S. Citizens refuse to do. However, as noted on Backroads of Montana “Wool and Wind” these laborers work in the U.S. for three years, (their workers visa is for three years.) go back home to their country for a while then return to the U.S. on a new workers visa. While working in the U.S. they have no expenses per se therefore send the majority of their earnings to their families in Peru.
The end result of foreign labor on U.S. soil is that American labor looses jobs, the American economy looses a vital element of economic growth; the re-circulation of money in our economy, a potential drain on Americas struggling health care system, greater potential for terrorism and hostile insurgency, potential for entrance into the U.S. of disease, and etc…
The excuse, by the U.S. Government for allowing this, is that only foreigners will do this work. The truth is that businesses often pay sub-minimum wages, therefore can only hire illegal immigrants or temporary workers on workers visas. If legal minimum wages were paid for these jobs, there would be many takers, especially in economic times such as current, where the U.S. is seeing unemployment higher than in decades, (9.8% for September, 2009, with a real rate near 17%) and when we are about to see so many who have used up all their unemployment benefits, end with no income. It is predicted by many economists that another 3 to 4 million homeowners in the U.S. over the next 6 to 12 months will be facing foreclosure. If people have jobs they at least have a fighting chance to keep their homes.
This is only one example of how our government is failing to consider the best interest of the overall population or our country – the moral question of what is best! What we see and will continue to see until the people stand up and say “No More!” is a blatant disregard for the people and their thoughts on what is best and moral for our country. Do any of you feel your thoughts and opinions have been heard on Health Care Reform? Do you feel you’ve been told enough to give intellectual input on Health Care Reform? Did you know that on October 12th an insurance lobbying group issued a dire warning: that in ten years, the average family could pay 4,000 dollars more than originally projected to reform health care. What about Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Korea, etc…? Do you feel as if our President and Congress really care about what I/you/we feel when they seem to be pushing bills through too quickly for the people to understand the impact?
I for one feel a strong discomfort, more than ever, with our government. I remember when as a child in the 60’s most folks had a certain lifestyle comfort level not seen today. The average middle class family was able to buy a home, feed the children, and enjoy life a little on a single paycheck. There was a certain degree of job security, major medical policies were somewhat cost effective for the average family, and children were well attended to by mom because she usually didn’t have to work to make ends meet. With all the government spending resulting in the increase of our national deficit, I see serious problems with inflation a year or two down the line, as well as increases in taxation for the average middle class American.
I can’t solely blame the politicians, for it is the people who elect them, they will do what is in their best interest if we don’t keep them in check. If we the people are complacent in choosing our leaders, then not only will we suffer, but our children and their children are in for a very rough ride.
The moral discussion needs to return in politics!
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Phillip Erquiaga
EaglesVoice.com
perquiaga@eaglesvoice.com
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