Boatnerd Discussion Forum

be it republican or democrat - please call, write and complain to your congressman regarding the steel dumping. it's time we level the playing field in the steel industry. American jobs are what we are talking about here. posting on this site many express your anger but, a call or letter to your congressman is what is needed. a call or letter to John McCain's office regarding the Jones Act wouldn't hurt either.

Without trying to get too political here, I once asked an elderly gentleman I knew that had been in politics for over 45 years about why he as a democrat had so many republican friends. His response was simple and to the point, "After all my years in politics, I can tell you that although we are wearing different uniforms...we are all playing the same game." In the some 25 years since I heard these words I have come believe that few words spoken to me have held as much truth.

Seriously, however, the gradual but steady decline of this nation's steel industry has taken place over several decades of both Democrat and Republican administrations and congresses. We should protect our vital industries in this country but not to the extent that such private enterprises become dependent upon government subsidies. That being said, tariffs or caps should be placed upon certain imports to allow a level playing field. Unfortunately this is a huge and complex problem that requires an equally complex solution.

[quote="edm"]Watching these facts unfold ( steel dumping ect. ) and worker lay offs bring tears to my eyes. What will it take for the Republican controlled congress to act to protect these jobs ? John McCain wants to repeal the Jones act which would put more workers out of work. I've been writing and calling my congress people here in Michigan expressing my utter disbelief in their in-action to protect these vital jobs.It looks like we could use a bit of support from the many boat nerds here on this subject ![/quote]

John McCain is the only politician, republican or democrat, to go after the Jones Act. His actions are his own, not the line of his party in regards to the Jones Act.

The President and his Pacific free trade agreement that he is currently perusing is exactly the wrong thing to do. Any other time steel dumping has taken place previous administrations, republican or democrat, enacted tariffs to level the playing field. This administration is doing exactly the opposite.

My point here is their is blame to level at more than just the evil republicans in congress.

What will it take for the Democratic president to act to protect these jobs? These things happen no matter who controls what. There are those who believe the Pacific trade act will make this situation much worse.

The scary thing about the shutdown for those involved is that it is for at least 2 years. No guarantees after that. Watching the video on the news, it's a lot of young people involved. They'll probably have to go elsewhere for employment.

Watching these facts unfold ( steel dumping ect. ) and worker lay offs bring tears to my eyes. What will it take for the Republican controlled congress to act to protect these jobs ? John McCain wants to repeal the Jones act which would put more workers out of work. I've been writing and calling my congress people here in Michigan expressing my utter disbelief in their in-action to protect these vital jobs.It looks like we could use a bit of support from the many boat nerds here on this subject !

Just heard this on the local news. Not good.

http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/S3807271.shtml?cat=10335