Ohio's problem..we're becoming a BLUE state. (Lorain, Mansfield: live in, renewal)

[GeminiGal]

Originally Posted by chance2jump

i'm just another blue collar worker who has watched job after job leave the us, watched mi become devestated, and am seeing my dollars cover less and less at the grocery store.

nafta

[chance2jump]

Originally Posted by GeminiGal

nafta

No, no.. The rise of fuel costs, which then in turn made the cost of heating, utilities, groceries, and basic needs increase, was not a NAFTA initiative.

[GeminiGal]

Originally Posted by chance2jump

No, no.. The rise of fuel costs, which then in turn made the cost of heating, utilities, groceries, and basic needs increase, was not a NAFTA initiative.

I was refering to your quote about job after blue collar job leaving the state of OH and devastating MI. And yes, with those jobs leaving at an alarming rate then the COL becomes unbearable. It all started with NAFTA.

[GeminiGal]

Originally Posted by GeminiGal

I was refering to your quote about job after blue collar job leaving the state of OH and devastating MI. And yes, with those jobs leaving at an alarming rate then the COL becomes unbearable. It all started with NAFTA.

Oh, and lets not forget that UNIONS play a huge part in the downfall of MI as well. Is OH the next state to take a huge tumble. I hope not.

[chance2jump]

Originally Posted by GeminiGal

Oh, and lets not forget that UNIONS play a huge part in the downfall of MI as well. Is OH the next state to take a huge tumble. I hope not.

No worries, I'm with you on the unions in MI. They've done more harm than good. I believe unions have their place and the good ones do their job to protect the workers. I do recognize where they are beneficial, or even could be beneficial in non-union occupations. In the case of MI, I believe they've gotten out of control and had a big helping hand in the current economical state.

[skyegirl]

Originally Posted by chance2jump

Actually...

The SOCIALIST countries of Europe have been doing quite well. Last I knew, the Euro was valued higher than the American dollar. Socialism just means that those at the very top can splurge a little and contribute a few extra dollars for the "commonwealth" so that those at the bottom don't have to carry as hard of a burden.

Are you saying that those of us in the blue collar jobs don't have the right to live well (having my heater at 70 would qualify here), eat decently (mmm... ground BEEF, not turkey!), and enjoy our evenings after a long day at work... instead, we must cut back drastically, keep our thermostats at 60, drive less, and thrift shop for groceries? My husband and I make a comfortable living for our lifestyle. But with prices going so high, we're scraping. And don't get started on our health / medical expenses. We're covered under "very good plans" yet have to come up with several hundred dollars every year for stuff our insurance won't cover. Why is it we spend over $200/mth for insurance that wants to deny our claims? Or, because we're "blue collar" and if we want to survive "well" - we must work around the clock at several low end jobs or live with roommates to share the expenses. (roommates - see: socialism). And no, we don't have car payments or credit cards. Wow... to have a car with working AC... now THAT would be a luxury!

Capitalism has made America greedy and spoiled. The mentality is "I want MORE, MORE, MORE!! But... don't you dare tell me to give back to the community that helped me become successful!" We don't NEED $5K tvs, $2K car stereo systems, or $600K houses. That kind of lifestyle is glutony and over the top. But, what do I know... I'm just another blue collar worker who has watched job after job leave the US, watched MI become DEVESTATED, and am seeing my dollars cover less and less at the grocery store.

You are absolutely right, it is very frustrating. That's why I voted for Obama, and if he sucks, I will vote for someone else in 2012.

[hdwell]

So the projected winner in Ohio is Obama, I just heard. Will Ohio be right or wrong this time about winning Ohio about election? You have quite a track record.

[totsuka]

It's been blue for generations...some people don't see change...big companies..smoke stack jobs, unions..big paying blue colar jobs are a thing of the past...i left akron 30 years ago and everytime i visit i can see the city decaying..schools are gone...but people still vote for the same leaders..no changes...and now obama shows up...sure he is going to save you...guess again..u will hear from him again in 3 years when he runs for reelection...

[sr1234]

Originally Posted by Slash83

Look, all of our cities are ran by Democrats. This state is in the crapper. Period. It's only going to get worse. Maybe the casinos can help. Maybe our mayors should take a trip to Kentucky, Texas, or Tennessee - just a few strong in this country - to see how real states and cities are ran and developed.

Not the casinos!!! Trust me...I live in PA! We were promised that our property taxes would be done away with if we voted for gambling. One of the worst decisions ever. We only get $200 checks per year and the rest of the money goes out to wasteful pork (gambling operations or stadiums). Crime, corruption, and the size of government are growing because of the casinos. People are moving out of the areas so the housing market is down. Tons of people were hired at the casinos to begin with and now many are let go or the positions are only part-time. It was a huge mistake.

[nickw252]

After getting duped into voting for Bush twice I helped Ohio become a blue state in '06 and '08. No regrets thus far.