Posted on 06/17/2003 2:39:39 PM PDT by Prospero
|
June 16, 2003 The Honorable George W. Bush Dear Mr. President: Over the last ten years, North Carolina has suffered economic losses from natural disasters and the current recession. As state policymakers and citizens of North Carolina, we thank the federal government for its past assistance in disaster relief and the recent federal funds authorized for state aid, a necessary boost as we face increasing expenditures for Medicaid and state budget demands. While we are hopeful that our economy will make a sound recovery, we believe that such recovery will be aided with attention to North Carolina’s manufacturing base. Traditional industries such as textiles and apparel, tobacco, and furniture have experienced thousands of lay-offs within the past few years. Although we recognize that several factors contribute to these job losses, members of the North Carolina Senate want to ensure that our unique and significant concerns as North Carolinians are addressed in ongoing trade discussions. We realize that trade policy is utilized to bring incentives to the American economy and also to create opportunities for international dialogue concerning political as well as social issues. Therefore, we understand the principles underlying trade policies pursued by this and recent federal administrations. Yet, we cannot support trade agreements that damage industries that have always served as the basis of North Carolina’s economic life. As our nation’s economy continues to transition into a new age of technological advancements and service industries, it is necessary to give state economies time to manage the resources essential for such change. North Carolina has taken several steps to ensure a successful transition into biotechnology and other fields, and we are optimistic that our efforts will enhance our economic recovery. In the meantime, North Carolina needs trade agreements that are fair trade agreements. We ask that your administration continue to work to protect from unfair competition the textile and furniture industries and develop economic opportunities for all Americans. We thank you for your time and efforts as you thoughtfully consider our requests on behalf of North Carolina’s citizens and its traditional manufacturing base. Respectfully,
|
I have no idea why I'm even bumping this question. Although this is the Senate of North Carolina at least some Republicans are willing to stand up for this state. God knows Giddy won't do it. She's too busy getting 'donations' from WalMart to be concerned about jobs here in NC
Sounds like one of those factionalized Soviet Socialist Conventions where one side argues for more mass graves while the other, kinder, gentler side makes a case for larger concentration camps.
In either case the peasants are not consulted.
Best regards,
My senator signed that letter. Maybe that's because the two of the three remaining factories in the county hew represents closed down permanently last year. Over 1000 people out of work. The only factory left makes thread, and who knows how long they will last.
Unemployment is over 13% here in my county - highest in North Carolina, and maybe the whole nation.
Why is it OK for federal government to run huge deficit and to force states into austerity policy at the same time? Is it part of the "stimulus package"? Is the central government so superior to the local ones?
The idea is to imprint an electonic/other signature onto all raw textiles produced in NC/America so that China & Vietnam have to use US cloth/raw materials to make their clothing, which they are already obligated to do according to the free trade agreement, but they cheat a lot 'cause we can't catch 'em.
It's ready to go into a study phase now.
They see her as a carpetbagging liberal, one step above Hillary. At least Dole was born and raised in NC. And she's certainly been a strong conservative in the Senate, including being the only woman senator to vote against Roe v. Wade and supporting every tax cut on earth, but her detractors have the idea that she's a pro-choice "moderate" thanks in part to Jim Snyder's self-serving attacks, and nothing will shake them from that view.
She's also in Jesse Helms' seat, and there ain't nobody gonna fill those shoes.
A better question would be, "Why does any so-called conservative - especially one on this forum - actually like her?".
She has never seen a big government program that she didn't support, and AFAIK, has never held a job in the private sector.
She gave us mandatory "attack" seat belts in our cars.
She made private flying in America almost like flying in Europe, where you have to get permission from the government to fly just about anywhere.
She is anti-gun.
IOW, she is anti-freedom and pro-socialist.
Thanks for the info... but I still say they will find ways around it.
Also, what about other countries such as South Africa and Lesotho?
I've read that there are some textile companies that have set up there.
CD, China and Vietnam have just been mentioned as the biggest problems. I don't know how widely applied the testing would be, but once the textiles are signatured they could be ID'd from any country. Depending on how "smart" they can make the signature, it could be easy or extemely difficult to get around.
That's interesting.
I've read about a possible solution in some of my design trade publications... RFID tags.
AFAIK they aren't small enough to be hidden in every type of fabric yet, but I might be wrong.
"It's wrong to let people carry concealed weapons...While I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I simply cannot accept that in modern America you need an AK-47 to defend your family. I won't shy away from the tough issues, even if some in my party don't like it."
from Dole Alters Gun Control Stance published in the WP on Nov. 23, 2001.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.