"Unlikely Duo" Everett Herald, August 18
Senator Patty Murray praised Pres. Bush for attacking Airbus's taxpayer subsidies for developing the new jumbo A380. Repeat... Senator Patty praised Bush last Friday. She seems to be seeking her place as "the Senator from Boeing," going on the attack for Boeing in several recent speeches.
Reporter Brian Corliss over plays the "unlikely duo" aspect and errs in saying that Bush put himself at odds with Evergreen Freedom Foundation. The Bush statements cited are all in favor of trade and competition and against taxpayer subsidies. Evergreen agrees with him - and Murray - on this point.
Evergreen is now focused on the Washington state subsidies - that they were passed without full disclosure to the Legislature; that the state is illegally hiding the conditions. But Bush is silent on Washington issues.
But Bush shouldn't ignore what Washington has done: Corliss covers the fact that Airbus says that the Washington tax breaks and subsidies might violate WTO treaties. So it is much larger than a state issue.
Corliss also can't imagine that Bush is opposing Airbus because he believes in competition, not taxpayer subsidies, as he says. Corliss projects a political play for Washington votes.
Posted by Ron Hebron at August 19, 2004 11:23 PM | Email ThisSecondly, there is ample evidence that it does little to improve the condition of the impoverished worldwide ( I think you ought to cross the border at say, el paso, and visit a malquadora).
As to better prices, it's relative.
Middle class wage stagnation and erosion is a fact brought on by our rapid de-industrialization and move to service economy.
I draw your attention to this little bit of irony:
http://www.domin8air.com/alo3/weblog/2004_08_15_archive.html#109295747121508942
We have cheap goods yes, but many still can't afford them, vis on the consumer debt/bankruptcy crisis.
Aquiescing to the WTO is the givaway of American soverignty, and strips every american of his right to formulate trade policy by exercising his vote for the candidate of his choice.
Posted by: Steve Ramsey on August 22, 2004 12:33 AMYou can't be serious about our financial situation. On almost any comparison, our citizens are better off than almost anyplace in the world. Just what country would you trade places with?
Our prospects are as bright as the sun. Handwringing is for losers.
Posted by: Gary B on August 22, 2004 12:23 PMAverage Hourly Earnings from the Bureau of Labor
2003: | | | Nominal Constant
Dollars Dollars
July $517.44 | $279.24
Aug. $517.78 | 278.08
Sept. $517.78 | 277.33
Oct. $519.99 | 278.96
Nov. $522.55 | 281.09
Dec. $519.12 | 278.80
2004: | | | |
Jan. $523.56 | 279.68
Feb. $524.58 | 279.48
Mar. $525.59 | 278.53
Apr. $525.38 | 277.98
May $528.29 | 277.61
June $525.84 | 275.45
July $529.09 | 277.30
Stur in some Bush tax cuts ( increasing take home pay)and American's historical upward mobility with accompanying wage gains and you have a good old American success story. The glass is half full.