For people living in the rust belt. What kind of platform would you like the democrats have?

[scarabchuck]

Originally Posted by NLVgal

This. ^^^

Can you imagine what would happen to our economy and crime rate if all the young males in this country could become skilled craftsmen, airplane mechanics, EMTs, electricians, IT support guys, etc. at 35k or so per year?

Restaurants would thrive, crime rate would drop. More demand for American goods and services due to more Americans having some money. It might be kind of like the 50's that everyone seems to miss so much.

Our youth has been brainwashed into thinking a "trade" is below them. I have some friends that are in the Elevator business. Currently all the older techs are starting to retire and they can't find enough people to back fill them. This is a union job, you start out as an apprentice making $27 and hour and can reach mid 30's before even becoming a journeyman. At the moment most of them are working 50-60 hour weeks. That is some serious coin, not to mention 401k, benefits etc. The thing is, you are working for that money, it isn't easy and it's dangerous.

[scarabchuck]

Originally Posted by evilcart

Nobody expects you to be swayed Petch so dont get too worried. And frankly if you are paying 920 a month maybe you should just buy private coverage...

(i have no idea at all what mine costs)

Chances are , that is private coverage. My wife and I pay close to $800 a month. Had we picked from the exchange , the same coverage would have been a minimum of $1200.