Today in Labor History Dec 4 FDR announces the end of the WPA 8.5 million jobs, Cesar Chavez & more

[Omaha Steve]

December 4

President Roosevelt announces the end of the Work Projects Administration (WPA), concluding the four-year run of one of the American government's most ambitious public works programs. It helped create jobs for roughly 8.5 million people during the Great Depression and left a legacy of highways and public buildings, among other public gains - 1943

UAW President Walter Reuther elected president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations - 1951

And this:
December 4, 1951 - United Auto Workers President Walter Reuther was elected president of the CIO, the Congress of Industrial Organizations. The CIO organized millions of workers in auto, steel, rubber and other major industries in the 1930s and 1940s. Four years later, Reuther led the CIO into a merger with the American Federation of Labor to form the AFL-CIO. He continued as president of the UAW and was an early leader in bringing together labor and the civil rights movement.

Cesar Chavez jailed for 20 days for refusing to end United Farm Workers' grape boycott - 1970

Labor history found here: http://www.unionist.com/today-in-labor-history & here: http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?history_9_12_04_2010

[howaboutme]

1. Why no WPA today?

I wish someone would explain why the federal government has not set up a WPA today where projects could be done that need to be done (and there are many), and these projects would benefit generations to come (as WPA did before) and it would be far better for the unemployed. The pay could be increased above unemployment benefits.

Instead of just handing out money and going deeper into debt for future generations why aren't trying to improve the country at the same time?

As a side question why doesn't the government encourage savings or war bonds that paid a decent interest as they used to? I think I know the answer to that which is the Federal Reserve wants the public putting their money into the casino of Wall Street.

[limpyhobbler]

2. Petition for a new WPA - takes two minutes

Take one minute to sign this petition to revive the WPA: http://www.wh.gov/jja

The Whitehouse responds to popular petitions. It needs 150 signatures to be visible in searches.

If you think the government needs to get serious and actually create some jobs, please read this petition and sign it.

Here is a shortlink: http://www.wh.gov/jja

It just takes a minute to get an account to sign petitions So let your voice be heard.

It doesn't get any easier than this.

Also there are alot of other good petitions on there that need signatures.

And you can start your own petitions too.

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P.S. Everybody send the link out on your twitters and facebooks. Spread the word.