LABOR AND IMMIGRATION
Labor Day is a day set aside in 1894 to appreciate the economic and societal impact of hardworking Americans and to reflect on the progress our country has made as a result of the American workforce. Some say that Peter J. McGuire, cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, came up with the idea for this working man's holiday. Others argue that it was Matthew Maguire, secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. The confusion in the person responsible reflects the problem with unions that have existed from their inception...socialism vs capitalism. Maguire was a socialist and McGuire was a capitalist. Pres. Cleveland was encouraged to not recognize Maguire for that reason.
The U.S. labor movement has been fueled by the passion and fire of socialists, anarchists, communists, and leftists of many types. Socialists have been active since the very beginnings of the nationally organized movement. For decades, labor saw illegal workers as the enemy. The AFL-CIO wanted them kept out, believing that an expansion of the available pool of workers was bad for unions. The low wages that undocumented immigrants earned made it even worse. This was the labor federation's official position for decades and through the 1990s.
The U.S. labor movement has been fueled by the passion and fire of socialists, anarchists, communists, and leftists of many types. Socialists have been active since the very beginnings of the nationally organized movement. For decades, labor saw illegal workers as the enemy. The AFL-CIO wanted them kept out, believing that an expansion of the available pool of workers was bad for unions. The low wages that undocumented immigrants earned made it even worse. This was the labor federation's official position for decades and through the 1990s.
Prior to the 2000 Democratic platform, many prominent Democrats opposed illegal immigration. Democrats Byrd, McGovern, Bill and Hillary Clinton were among them. Pres. Clinton had said that Americans were affected and disturbed by the large numbers of illegal aliens entering our country, holding jobs that citizen might hold, and imposing burdens on taxpayers for public services. Hillary voted to build a fence on the border, as did Obama, Schumer, and 23 Senate Democrats.
But by the time the 2000 Democratic platform was presented, Democrats had a pro-immigration stance although recognizing possible downsides. They promised to protect the farmworkers. Interesting enough, the AFL-CIO reversed themselves calling for undocumented immigrants to be granted citizenship. This came about because the service workers unions (those who work for the benefit of the elite) were calling for more recognition. |
In just 4 years, the 2004 Democratic platform reveal that they had forgotten their concerns to protect U.S. workers and instead supported total amnesty for illegal immigrants and promised a pathway for their citizenship. They followed up in 2008 by hiking the number of immigration visas to be given and making unrestrained mass immigration possible.
By 2016 there were no Democratic sceptics and those who opposed massive immigration were considered racist. Even Bernie Sanders was called a bigot when he said open borders made everybody poorer, driving down wages and taxing welfare.
Why did everything change? We understand that the labor union membership began to decline in the private sectors but increased in public sectors suggesting increased ties with state and federal agencies. We also understand that the Democratic Party understood that the majority of immigrants would vote Democratic.
The problem is the effect of massive immigration on workers and their families. Cities are changing in demographics. Compton, known as a predominately black neighborhood in LA, has a population that is 2/3rds Hispanic. In fact, Los Angeles County is overwhelmingly Hispanic. This means that often people don’t even recognize their neighborhoods any more. They don’t share the same language, culture, and values. |
I have seen this happen in Denver. My family lived in an integrated neighborhood with people who were all citizens. Then suddenly more and more Hispanic people who rarely spoke English and many who were not citizens moved into the neighborhood. There was no consideration for other people’s property. Children were raised differently. Noise increased; crime increased. There was no communication. The “unity in the community” no longer existed. It was distressful and demoralizing.
The only places that aren’t affected are the places the elites of society live. Upper income Malibu is 87% white. In New York City, which is ethnically diverse, former mayor Bloomberg lives in an 82% white neighborhood. Obama lives in an area that is 90 % white. So, while Democrats are calling for diversity, they don’t practice it.
Low skilled workers don’t compete with the affluent for jobs. They become the inexpensive household help; becoming maids, gardeners, nannies, chauffeurs, etc. And the elites have little or no communication with them. The wealthy, though, don’t have to feel guilt over their excessive wealth because they are helping the underprivileged. They are heroes.
The only places that aren’t affected are the places the elites of society live. Upper income Malibu is 87% white. In New York City, which is ethnically diverse, former mayor Bloomberg lives in an 82% white neighborhood. Obama lives in an area that is 90 % white. So, while Democrats are calling for diversity, they don’t practice it.
Low skilled workers don’t compete with the affluent for jobs. They become the inexpensive household help; becoming maids, gardeners, nannies, chauffeurs, etc. And the elites have little or no communication with them. The wealthy, though, don’t have to feel guilt over their excessive wealth because they are helping the underprivileged. They are heroes.
But what about the American citizen that may need that job. Not contacted nor advertised for, because it is not as convenient and conducive to employ a citizen, who might complain or overhear embarrassing information. Most help is recommended by other elites. Immigrants matter to elites, not struggling middle class.
It is the hard work of all laborers, no matter the occupation, that has made our country great. Being able to work in safety, with appropriate pay and compensation, and protection against the loss of jobs has required great sacrifice on the part of workers and concessions and action on the part of government. Unfortunately, our government under the Democratic Party cares more for illegal immigrants than patriotic citizens.
Unions have worked along with the labor force to protect workers and their rights. This generally worked well, but somewhere the decision was made that American workers don’t matter as much as domestic workers, employed by the rich and famous. Or, perhaps, the socialistic influence in the unions have taken control. Socialism demands the destruction of capitalism and, perhaps, this helps us to understand why unions now support the Democratic party’ socialistic policies and massive immigration.
KLN
KLN