Posted on 10/24/2007 6:31:16 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
This past month, the Bush Administration opened the U.S. border to trucks from Mexico. Trying to soften the blow, they called it a "pilot program" but it clearly sacrifices the economic security of American workers and the safety and health of the U.S. public on George Bush's altar of free trade.
There is no better example of how big money has corrupted government decision making than cross border trucking. This scheme is opposed by the Teamsters and the entire labor movement, opposed by environmental groups and the Sierra Club, opposed by Public Citizen and a host of other non-governmental organizations, opposed by the Owner Operator and Independent Driver Association and overwhelmingly rejected by the American public.
Even Congress said no, the House of Representatives voted against cross border 411 to 3 in late August and the Senate also said no this past month by a 74 to 24 margin.
Given all of this, it begs the question — for whom and why? The most honest answer I've seen came from Janet Kavinoky, director of Transportation Infrastructure for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: "It's high time the program gets going, there is substantial money to be saved by American companies."
True, it's all about money. Bush and friends colluding with trans-national multibillion dollar corporations like Wal-Mart and Target.
Don't be misled. This has nothing to do with lower consumer prices and everything to do with maximizing profits. I don't begrudge a company making money, but in this case it comes at the expense of U.S. truck drivers and increased risk to American highway users. To say American truckers are at a competitive disadvantage economically states the obvious. Mexican drivers will be lucky if they receive the U.S. minimum wage. But there are also regulatory disadvantages that are unfair to U.S. truck drivers and pose serious safety risks for highway users.
Consider this — to get a commercial drivers license in the U.S. an applicant must pass six tests: written exam, driving skills test, physical exam, drug test, criminal background check, and personal driving background check If the applicant fails either background check — no license.
What about Mexico? They're better today than five years ago but don't come close to the U.S. standards. They have no data base to track driving records; no lab certified to do drug tests; and even license issuing has caused considerable suspicion.
In their haste to open the border, the Bush team has taken the safety regulations mandated for American truck drivers and given Mexican drivers a pass — not fair and not smart. It makes you wonder whether they are really serious about our borders, national security, highway safety, quality jobs and a level playing field for American workers.
The Teamsters are yes to all of the above and will continue to hold George Bush accountable for breaking the law — in the halls of Congress, with the public and in federal court.
And he dead on right about this issue. Jorge just doesn't give a damn.
It will take an accident involving a school bus full of kids to stop this crap.
They said all the same things about canadian drivers - it never happened.
Where are the environmentalists on this one?
Concur.
” Given all of this, it begs the question — for whom and why? The most honest answer I’ve seen came from Janet Kavinoky, director of Transportation Infrastructure for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “It’s high time the program gets going, there is substantial money to be saved by American companies.”
And that’s what all the so-called free trade and free market push is about: making more money for US corporations by giving the access to the lowest possible labor costs, port facility costs (in Mexico) and now the lowest possible truck driver costs.
Bush’s policies often demonstrate a stronger regard for Mexican citizens than US citizens. At this point I believe we’d all be better off if he resigned his office and moved to Mexico. Cheney would carry out the same Iraq/Iran policy. Perhaps a President Cheney would demonstrate a little more backbone on immigration and border protection.
Wrong! American trucks hauled freight into Canada long before Canadian truck were allowed to operate down here.
Lots of 18 wheelers bearing CANADIAN and MEXICAN licenses rolling up and down I-45 and I-10 through Houston! Drove in from San Antonio Monday and counted 22 Mexican trucks and 16 from Canada between SA and HOU.
Ya’ll ever find out what happened to the 9 big-rig drivers
that bugged-out from the I-5 tunnel fire in Cal. ????!?!?!
Dutch Girls with wooden shoes ???
Hell No !!!
Mexican Truckers in Stolen Trucks !!!
Spot-on Who...
Then there’s this little matter of insurance. What happens when one of these Mexicanos has a wreck?
Whomever shall ye sue?
No stolen trucks. The 9 drivers were just illegals who didn’t want to risk getting shipped back home.
No stolen trucks. The 9 drivers were just illegals who didn’t want to risk getting shipped back home.
~~~
You may have info that I have not seen because the last I
heard the ownership of the trucks was unknown...(FR)...
Link ??
I find it strange that the drivers of family members in the California tunnel accident have not been identified. I’ll wager that the missing dead are Mexican nationals who could have caused that accident.
“Consider this — to get a commercial drivers license in the U.S. an applicant must pass six tests: written exam, driving skills test, physical exam, drug test, criminal background check, and personal driving background check If the applicant fails either background check — no license.”
He makes it sound harder to get a CDL than it actually is.
There is no criminal background check required for a CDL, but there is one for a hazmat endorsement.
The “personal driving background” check refered to would only mean the that the individual has a valid driver’s license (no current suspensions, revocations etc.)
The physical exam and drug test referred to are both pretty limited in scope, for example the pre-employment test is a 5 panel test, covering only marijuana, cocaine, PCP, opiates and amphetamines/methamphetamines. Lots of illegal/controlled substances that are not tested for.
The physical exam is not in-depth, basically just checks eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, general physical condition and has limited lab tests on urine for sugar and specific gravity. Drivers must pass this physical at least once every two years.
The written exam and driving skills tests are not difficult, most people pass these as they are finishing their truck driving school.
What about Mexico? They're better today than five years ago but don't come close to the U.S. standards. They have no data base to track driving records; no lab certified to do drug tests; and even license issuing has caused considerable suspicion.
Either we think the U.S. restrictions are important and worthwhile, or we don't. If they are not, the solution should be to eliminate them and/or scale them back, not bypass the process by allowing foreigners and transnationals to operate with fewer restrictions.
The same goes for Prescription Drugs and the FDA, and any other number of subjects.
The standard set should be for all drivers. Same as the law. A law is nothing but paper if it is not enforced.
The same goes for Prescription Drugs and the FDA, and any other number of subjects.
I disagree. This is exactly the thinking of the free traders. Make it easier to get them across the border for money. Gotta keep that money flowing.
Regardless of what the communist and socialist in our country want, they win when we lower our standards. Just think of any doctor with any degree coming from a third world country and practicing here. What about nurse licenses or any licensed people? Do we drop requirements?
We have to fight this injustice.
I agree with you.
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