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Title: Uh oh! We're out of humans
Source:
Project USA
URL Source: http://projectusa.org/ezine/2005/04-06-AGCA.html
Published: Apr 10, 2005
Author: Craig Nelson
Post Date: 2005-04-11 00:36:10 by Zipporah
Keywords: humans, Were
Views: 105
Comments: 7
Uh oh! We're out of humans After adjusting for inflation, that's a stunning 60% decline in wages. And over the last 20 years, while these already low-end jobs were in their 60% freefall, what did we hear from the Wall Street Journal, Alan Greenspan, and the immigration lawyer industry? Why, America has been in the grip of a desperate labor shortage this whole time! With the possible exception of newspaper editorialists, however, most Americans understand that even if there were such things as labor shortages, wages wouldn't plummet while one was occurring. If it were really true we'd run out of Americans, that all across the land stacks of 4 x 8 panels were rotting on the ground because there was no one available to nail them up, then the wages offered to someone to get him to install the panels would tend to rise, not plummet. The San Diego Tribune article continued, "The immigrant influx came at an opportune time for the construction industry, according to industry representatives. They report a simultaneous decline in interest in the construction trades among U.S.-born youth." (Pop quiz for newspaper editorialists: Even lacking math skills, what inference can be drawn from the paragraph above?) It's hard work. You get dirty, it's unsafe, you've got to pass a drug test, show up on time, and work in all kinds of (weather) conditions, said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGCA). The AGCA lists as one of its priorities for the 109th Congress: Respond to the workforce needs of the industry with effective immigration reform. Given the AGCA gave one thousand dollars to Congressman Chris Cannon in the last election, it's not difficult to guess what their idea of "immigration reform" is. I called their office in Virginia at 703.548.3118, introduced myself, and asked for Stephen Sandherr. When he picked up, I introduced myself again, we talked a bit about hiring practices in the general contracting industry. He said, sure, like any industry, there are a few bad apples, but most general contractors are good about filling out the paperwork to ensure workers have the legal right to work in the United States. They don't want to break the law. I told him I agreed that most employers do not want to break the law. I told him I understood the dilemma the government has created for employers. They are faced with a choice between breaking the law and being driven out of business by competitors who break the law with impunity. I told him I imagined the majority of general contractors would welcome an across-the-board crackdown on illegal hiring if they could be assured it would be consistently applied on a sustained basis. After all, I said, the overwhelming majority of Americans oppose amnesties and want our immigration laws enforced, and, hey, general contractors are Americans, too. His became less friendly. "We support President Bush's plan for immigration reform," he said. "Who are you again?" "Well, I don't want to get into a political debate," said Mr. Sandherr who gave $2,000 to President Bush for his last campaign, and whose industry dumped $3,746,779 into the political debate during the last election cycle. I started to explain why it would be wrong for the country to adopt President Bush's idea that as long as there is a willing worker anywhere in the world, and a willing employer in the United States, the federal government should see that they get together. I wanted to explain how general contractors, instead of making themselves a rich but despised class of people, could support responsible immigration policies and firm enforcement. They could level the playing field within the industry, help preserve a livable future for their own children, and still be rich. But he interrupted, "I don't have to listen to you bashing Bush," and hung up on me. You might have better luck getting the message across 703.548.3118 or maybe you can just fax this ezine to 703.548.3119. Americans are retaking control of our immigration policy. One crucial step is stopping the Cannon AgJOBS amnesty (more interesting stuff on that next week). Over one thousand people have signed on to the ProjectUSA letters to their Senators and Representative expressing opposition to this outrage. There is still time for you to sign on, too, since the Senate has gone into recess until next week Pass it on! Beat the Wall Street Journal! Beat the New York Times!
Abundant claims of labor shortages A Washington DC construction supervisor told Jerry Kammer of the San Diego Tribune that since the surge in illegal immigration from Central America to the Washington, DC area began roughly 20 years ago, the pay for installing 4 x 8 panels has dropped from $4.50 per panel to $3.00. 
I told him, and said I knew that a great weakness of democracy was its inability to consider the long-term. Politicians focus on their next elections. Businessmen focus on the next quarter's profits. But, as citizens, given there are nearly five billion people in the world living in countries poorer than Mexico, if we are going to be responsible at all, we'll enforce our immigration laws.
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#1. To: Zipporah (#0)
This pie graph is worth repeating.
I have a feeling there will be more outbreaks of whatever in these nations. I doubt that high population will continue much longer.
I think you're right. Difficult to prove, but remember what Prince Philip wishes for: His Royal Virus "In the event that I am reincarnated, I would like to return as a deadly virus, in order to contribute something to solve overpopulation." "We Need To 'Cull' The Surplus Population"
I visited the UN site a couple of times. They have some interesting papers on population control.
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#4. To: robin (#1)
#5. To: Don (#4)
Reported by Deutsche Press Agentur (DPA), August, 1988.
Printed in The American Almanac, August 25, 1997.
#6. To: robin (#5)
Replies to Comment # 6.