BUSH: BAIT & SWITCH: OHIO: Tax Cuts=Jobs: NO: Tax Cuts=Pink Slip

[ShaneGR]

Less than five months ago today "President" Bush decided to make a trip to Ohio to promote his economic "stimulus" package to the people. This was after Baghdad fell and before the carrier landing. Bush chose to visit the Timken plant, it made sense because the owner of Timken is a big Republican contributor. Here's a picture of Bush giving his speech:


Text of the speech can be found here:
http://www.timken.com/media/speeches/bush.asp

(snips)
One of the problems we face is not enough of our fellow Americans can find work. There's too much economic uncertainty today. And so three months ago, I sent Congress a package that would promote job growth and economic vitality. For the sake of our country, for the sake of the workers of America, Congress needs to pass this jobs growth package soon. (Applause.)

nd that's why I thank you for letting me come and talk to you about some of the problems that we face here in America. I appreciate the Timken family for their leadership, their concern about their fellow associates. They're working hard to make sure the future of this company is bright, and therefore, the future of employment is bright for the families that work here, that work to put food on the table for their children.

It's the people's money. (Applause.)

And when you have more of it, it drives up demand for goods and services. And that's important, given the productivity increases of today. You see, there's pressure on employment. The more productive the work force becomes – if productivity arises – rises like it's doing now, it means a worker can produce more. And unless there are folks willing to buy more goods and services, a company is not likely to hire. Productivity increases mean you can get by with less workers. And so the only way to create the conditions necessary for additional job expansion is to increase demand for goods and services. And the best way to create demand for goods and services is to let people have more of their own money. And that's why tax relief is important in the year 2003. (Applause.)

FAST-FORWARD FIVE MONTHS INTO THE FUTURE OF TIMKEN:
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/business/6809003.htm

(snip)
Slowing production by the Big Three U.S. automakers has caught up with The Timken Co.

The company Thursday said it will eliminate 900 jobs worldwide by year-end, revised its earnings estimate downward and announced the head of its automotive division has left.

The bulk of the job cuts -- 700 -- will come from the automotive division, Timken said, and division president Karl Kimmerling has left after a 24-year tenure.

The Canton bearings and steel manufacturer makes parts for numerous vehicles, including the Ford Expedition SUV, the Dodge Ram pickup truck and Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan.

Timken declined to provide specifics on where the job cuts will occur, but said they will be predominantly in the manufacturing sector and be a mix of salaried and blue-collar employees.



Wow, that tax break really stimulated the use of pink slips!

[ShaneGR]

1. Bump

Because I'm the only thread on Bush here.

[Maudlin]

2. The Photo-Op of Death

strikes again...

[ShaneGR]

3. You know, it is really weird.....

The aircraft carrier, all of the stupid signs with JOBS and OPPORTUNITY on them.... they just look REALLY dumb now.

[hatrack]

7. They looked dumb from the get-go

Now they look like dumb lies, like dumb deception, like the phony photo-op fodder they always were.

Given that, I think the more postings of Chimpy and his one- and two-syllable slogan backdrops that pop up everywhere conceivable on the Web, the better!

[Philostopher]

4. And the 'morans' here in Ohio

Will keep on listenin' to their hate radio and votin' for the very people who bend them over a barrel every time. It can't be in the water -- I live here and drink the water and they never fool me. Wonder if they're putting something in the Cheez Wiz?

[ShaneGR]

6. Let me guess, you live in the SW????

Somewhere near Cinci or Dayton?

Just a guess, I'm up here in the NE. There's a much different vibe from the people up here.

[xchrom]

5. if you're a republican

you can never have too many people out of work.

[ShaneGR]

8. Yeah

Seems that way.