Jobs and social justice: An undeniable connection

Last quarter, the U.S. economy grew at 4.1%. Many of the “experts” insisted 4% growth could never be achieved again.

• CNN on 10/11/16; “ Trump promises 4% growth. Economists say no way.”

• Wall Street Journal 1/26/17; “Donald Trump’s 4% growth target is easier said than done.”

• L A Times 5/19/17; “ If Trump thinks he can get more than 3% economic growth, he’s dreaming!”

Shortly before the 2016 election, President Obama admonished Mr. Trump to stop predicting a booming economy if he were elected, stating, “He claims he is gonna bring jobs back from overseas. How’s he gonna do that? Does he have some kind of magic wand that will cause companies to move their operations back to America?” He also stated, “Donald Trump claims he can achieve 4% growth, which is just not true. Two-and-a-half percent growth is now the maximum, and people have to realize the norm is more like 1%.”

Circumstances prove the naysayers wrong. Mr. Trump’s economic policies are working, not just moderately, but astoundingly well. His opponents insult our intelligence by insisting America’s economic success is a result of the consistent growth from Obama era policies. No fair minded observer could possibly believe that after watching eight years of a “slow go, no go” economy during the job killing, anti-business Obama era.

The current situation should be of particular delight to the leader of the Social Justice movement, Pope Francis, who stated this in July of 2014 in an address to a group of young people:

“We cannot resign ourselves to losing a generation of young people who do not have the dignity of work… A generation without work is a future defeat for the country and for humanity… We must fight against this, and help each other to find a solution, through help and solidarity…”

Consider the current situation.

• Unemployment is now at near record lows. Black and Hispanic unemployment has NEVER been lower.

• More jobs are available in America then people to fill them.

• Economic optimism among job creators and investors is the highest since 2004.

In the frustration that stems from their own failed policies, “social justice warriors” who have taken over the Democrat party insist that the only solution is big government programs, high taxes to fund them, and more and more government control of our lives.

Not true.

How many of us can look objectively at the performance of big government and point to successful systems that perform efficiently and fairly? How many of us would give Congress a favorable rating in a performance review?

Socialism always fails. Always has, always will.

But how about the Democratic leadership  in America who tell us that all the economic progress only benefits the rich? That the tax cuts are mere “crumbs” and just help line the pockets of the already wealthy?

Nothing could be further from the truth. Statistics and my own experience tell me that free markets and the free enterprise system are the best friend of the working person.

As a lifelong member of the Carpenters Union, I served several years as a trustee, as a shop steward, manned picket lines, and twice sat on the negotiating team at contract time.  What I learned from these experiences is that achieving a favorable contract is 100% dependent on a favorable work situation. Lots of work around, successful contract. Tight construction market, lucky to avoid a cut.

In closing, America has a clear cut choice in November. We can support freedom, limited government, and the free market system that is improving American lives at almost every social-economic level.  Or we can choose to turn away from freedom, and return to high taxes, low employment, regulatory strangulation by bureaucrats, and socialist programs that penalize hard work and reward indolence. The choice is ours. Please choose wisely. God Bless until next time!