Commentary – Page 2

We the Workers!

How many Americans have suffered and even died so that we could enjoy this past 3-day weekend? Labor Day is one of those holidays that we all take for granted. Consider for a moment what our lives would be like if the labor movement hadn’t persisted and prevailed.

Paid vacation, overtime pay, sick leave, social security, child labor laws, worker’s compensation, pensions, whistleblower protections, workplace safety, military leave and so much more has been made possible through the labor movement, particularly organized unions.

The labor movement should be required learning for all students as it is a very important part of American history. Most Americans have no appreciation of the sacrifices that so many workers have made over the past centuries to improve our working conditions. Often, workers were risking their lives just to earn an honest day’s living. Those who participated in strikes (demanding better pay, safer work conditions, etc.) demonstrated true valor as they were often beaten, arrested or even killed in the process.

During America’s industrial revolution, worker safety was not a consideration for industry leaders. Workers were not just under-appreciated but truly expendable. Mules and donkeys were considered far more valuable by companies than men since laborers were plentiful and could be counted on to work for cheap.

Until the early 1900s, the vast majority of employees worked 12 to 14-hour days. Labor unions had been fighting for decades to reduce the work hour requirement. In 1866, the National Labor Union called on Congress to create an 8-hour workday. It failed to pass but the idea grew in popularity among the labor force. A year later, Illinois passed a law capping the workday at 8 hours. When employers refused to comply, workers went on strike. Finally in 1940, the Fair Labor Standards Act was amended, thanks to lobbying efforts by labor unions, limiting the workweek to 40 hours.

Workplace disasters were commonplace. When workers were injured or killed on the job, companies would do their best to place the blame on the victim. Courts typically sided with companies. Any compensation awarded was minimal. Consequently, industrialization proceeded with little regard for human safety.

In 1911, a fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York. The factory doors had been locked–a standard practice of industry employers to discourage unauthorized breaks–and 146 workers perished. The owners were not arrested or put out of business. They were merely forced to pay a few dollars for each worker killed. In the end, they profited off the deaths of their employees through an insurance claim on the building. Two years later, one of the factory owners had once again endangered the lives of his employees by locking the factory doors. He was simply fined $20.

That same year, the Department of Labor was established and began tracking work-related injuries and deaths. A few decades later, the Bureau of Labor Standards was established to promote health and safety for working men and women. When the Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA) was finally signed into law in 1970, it established the Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Over the years, the Administration has implemented safety measures and standards that have protected tens of millions of workers.

Even after the formation OSHA there have been deliberate efforts by industry and businesses to eliminate or reduce workplace protections. Organized labor has continued to fight to protect the safety and health of workers.

We owe so much to the labor movement. Yet, there is an indifference, even hostility, today towards unions. Perhaps it is because so few Americans belong to them. Perhaps it is because of a concerted effort by business and industry to weaken and discredit them over the decades. Union participation is at an all-time low in America as they are simultaneously under political assault by conservatives who want to eliminate the ability for workers to organize.

Individuals, standing together for the common interests of workers, can successfully fight against oppression and greed; but in order for these efforts to be effective, we must stand together. Unions were and are the backbone of our labor movement. And we owe them our gratitude and support.

Failing to Unite: The Un-Presidential Remarks of Donald Trump

We have certain expectations for our Commander in Chief. Despite what we witnessed on the campaign trail, we had hoped, as President, Trump would respect the dignity of the highest office, demonstrate decorum, and comfort this nation during times of crisis. Unfortunately, during these past weeks, we have watched incredulously, as Trump, acting very un-presidential, said and did the unspeakable.

The events that occurred in Charlottesville, VA this month underscore Americans’ need for strong leadership and the importance for our leaders to disavow hate, racism and bigotry.

Dozens of self described white nationalists bore torches, a symbolic gesture to Ku Klux Klan marches of yesteryear, and chanted phrases like “Jews will not replace us” and “Blood and Soil” (a favorite slogan of Adolph Hitler) as they marched in Charlottesvile. Organizers maintained that the event was intended to oppose the removal of a Robert E. Lee statue in what is now called Emancipation Park. However, racist, antisemitic chants quickly revealed the true purpose of the gathering.

The Unite the Right rally, held the following day, was far less ambiguous. The event, organized by members of the Nationalist Front, openly invited the Ku Klux Klan, Neo-Nazis and other white supremacist and hate groups. Prominent attendees included Richard Spencer and former KKK Imperial Wizard David Duke. Rally attendees, emboldened with semi-automatic weapons, carried swastikas and confederate flags and chanted racist and anti-Jewish mantras.

Escalating tension among Rally participants and counter protestors prompted city officials to cancel the event. Unfortunately, the day ended in tragedy when a white supremacist drove his car into a crowd of counter protestors, killing one woman and injuring 19 others: A clear act of domestic terrorism.

When Trump failed to condemn the hate-inspired rally and even suggested some level of equivalence between those who marched and those who protested. He failed to acknowledge the victims in his remarks. He never called the mother of Heather Heyer, the 32-year old who was killed in the attack, to offer his condolences, nor did he call the event a terrorist attack. He failed to denounce white supremacy in his remarks and instead suggested that blame lay on all sides.

In a rare act of repentance, Trump, on Monday, read a prepared statement denouncing white supremacy and hate groups. Unfortunately, his compassion was short lived.

One day later, Trump defiantly claimed both sides were to blame (even though it was a white supremacist that caused the deadly attack) and openly sympathized with the white supremacists and Neo-Nazis. He went so far as to suggest that many who marched on Friday and Saturday, (those bearing swastikas, confederate flags, Hitler quotes and other Nazi-inspired symbolism) were “fine people”. He implied that the white supremacists that marched are the same as those who were protesting against hate, intolerance, antisemitism, racism and bigotry.

Trump failed the simplest of tests. He was asked to unequivocally denounce racism, hate and white supremacy…and he capitulated. Trump is known for his quick and severe condemnations. He has mocked a disabled reporter, referred to POWs as losers (because they were captured), attacked a Gold Star family and has taken to Twitter to attack actors, news media, politicians, and foreign leaders.

In this instance, he clearly failed to demonstrate moral leadership. He refused to stand up for all those who have fought against racism and fascism.

Instead, he chose to appease his far right base. With his most recent remarks, he empowers hate groups and legitimizes their vile agendas. He was rewarded with public praise by David Duke.

Regardless of party affiliation or ideology, we all must stand against hate and racism. Our forefathers fought the Civil War to end slavery and keep our nation united; millions of Americans (with over 400,000 giving their lives) fought fascism in WWII. Have we forgotten?

Susquehanna Valley Progressives is calling on political leaders here in the Susquehanna Valley to reject the ideology of far-right hate groups and denounce the idea that those who seek equality and peace are equivalent to those who celebrate white supremacy, slavery and antisemitism.

Call your congressman and state legislator and demand a public statement.

We must know our leaders represent core American values: freedom, liberty equality and unity.

Nicole Faraguna is a founding member of the Susquehanna Valley Progressives.

Cuts to Medicaid Hurt Innocent and Vulnerable People

The party that claims to be “pro-life” is attempting to strip life-saving coverage and care from society’s most vulnerable and needy. Cuts to Medicaid, reductions in subsidies, and elimination of essential benefits will result in sub par coverage for some, no coverage for many and billions in tax breaks for the wealthy.

It’s time to state the obvious: The republicans are not the “pro-life” party, they are the “pro-lifestyles of the rich and famous” party.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Republican attempts to repeal all or portions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will reduce the number of people covered by 22 million to 32 million in the next decade. This is in addition to those who already lack coverage, resulting in nearly 60 million uninsured. Republicans claim that those who go uncovered will do so simply out of choice. However, the CBO refutes this theory. In fact, Republicans are eliminating the choice for many because without subsidies they will no longer be able to afford coverage.

The cuts to Medicaid are particularly cruel, impacting those most vulnerable in our communities: the elderly, the disabled, special needs children, the mentally ill and the poor.

Massive reductions to Medicaid mean states will no longer be able to subsidize assisted living and nursing facilities for the financially or medically needy, leaving many families to grapple with caring for aging loved ones.

Medicaid funds school and public services that benefit children with special needs. Pennsylvania schools received approximately $135 million last year to provide support services. Slashing Medicaid funds would make it difficult for schools to accommodate these students while placing an additional burden on state and local taxpayers.

Medicaid also empowers adults living with disabilities; such services allow disabled individuals to live at home, attend school, and access the necessary medications and healthcare services they need to live productive lives. Trump’s healthcare and budget proposals threaten their very livelihood. Senator Casey attempted on Wednesday, through an amendment, to protect coverage for those with disabilities; Republicans unanimously opposed the measure.

For many living with mental health or drug-related, conditions, Medicaid-subsidized services are the difference between life and death. In one version of the Republican plan, states could opt out of mental health coverage and in another version Medicaid would no longer be required to cover the ten essential benefits, which include drug and mental health treatments. Either way, families struggling to find help for their loved ones will have limited or no options.

All the proposals put forth by the Republicans agree on one thing: eliminating the federal mandate. This is the ACA provision that requires individuals to choose between purchasing healthcare and paying a penalty. The problem with eliminating the mandate is that it discourages low-risk people from purchasing healthcare – the very same people who help stabilize costs for the rest of us. Without a mandate, premium costs will likely skyrocket, leaving healthcare coverage unobtainable for many. The CBO predicts that without the mandate, premiums would rise by 20% just in the next year.

President Trump has called the republican health care plan “mean” while simultaneously pressuring Congress to pass anything, regardless of the consequences. Frustrating matters more, his budget calls for massive cuts to Medicaid. Trump’s administration will place undue pressure on states to fund Medicaid services—¬this, while many states, including Pennsylvania, are failing to balance budgets.

The good news is if you’re extremely wealthy, the Republican plan will reduce your taxes. According to CNBC, Republicans will deliver nearly one trillion dollars in tax cuts, the majority of which will go to the nation’s ultra wealthy. Billionaires will pay significantly less taxes while tens of millions of Americans go without health insurance.

If pro-life is about protecting the most innocent and the most vulnerable, where is republicans’ empathy for children born into poverty? Where is their compassion for those living with disabilities? How can they turn their backs on the elderly and the mentally ill?

Healthcare is a necessity of life these days. Without it, Americans suffer and even die. Supporting healthcare for all is as pro-life as you can get. Take a moment and thank Senator Casey and Governor Wolf for standing up for Pennsylvanians and their right to affordable healthcare.

ACA Repeal Hurts Average Americans: Tell Congress Slow Down & Listen Up

Republicans in Congress have ceremoniously voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) over sixty times in the past seven years without ever proposing a replacement…until now. Republicans’ repeal legislation, which they plan to push through without any public debate, takes the affordable and the care out of the ACA. As a result: average workers, women, senior citizens, middle class families and those with pre-existing conditions are the clear losers.

It’s important to remember why healthcare reform was a priority in 2009: at the time, insurance premiums were rising well beyond inflation; Americans were being thrown off or denied health care because of pre-existing conditions; and medical expenses were the number one cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States. In the 2008 presidential election, health care affordability was a key priority for most voters.

Republicans, who have vowed to repeal the ACA since its passage, maintain that cost is their primary concern. Yet their proposal dismantles the ACA’s revenue- and cost-savings provisions while maintaining many of the expensive benefits; this creates an unsustainable system that is likely to drive insurance rates way up.

Republicans plan to eliminate both the individual and employer mandates, both of which have contributed to the ACA’s stability and affordability. Without the individual mandate, there is no incentive for young, healthy people to purchase insurance. This results in a pool made up of aging individuals with pre-existing conditions¬and, inevitably, higher premiums.

Removing the employer mandate, means large companies no longer have to offer coverage to full-time workers. It’s estimated that over one million Americans had acquired insurance through this provision.

The Republicans’ retention of certain ACA provisions means higher premiums; yet they offer no solutions, as the ACA did, to sufficiently address rising costs. Plus, older Americans will pay much more and anyone who allows their plan to lapse will pay excessive fees once they resume coverage.

The repeal allows people with disposable income to put substantially more money into Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). This is great for someone like me who is looking for a possible tax incentive; but for a family saving for college or just trying to get by, this caveat offers no benefit. For a healthy person, an HSA can be a great way to save for future health issues. For someone with a chronic illness, HSA funds can be quickly depleted.

Republicans will cut the subsidies that have allowed ten million Americans to afford coverage. Their proposal relies on tax credits that do little for those who earn little and does not go far enough to cover rising insurance costs. Under the republican plan, most Americans will see a significant decrease in subsidies, making it all the more difficult to afford comprehensive coverage.

The repeal plan would defund Planned Parenthood, eliminating essential health services for men and women, including cancer screenings, family planning, and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.

Defunding Planned Parenthood would also severely limit low-income women’s access to contraception. The republican plan further targets women’s reproductive rights by prohibiting tax credits for private health insurance that includes coverage of legal abortions. These provisions would essentially eliminate a woman’s freedom of choice.

The fate of Medicaid, under this plan, is especially alarming. If Republicans decide to eliminate the Medicaid expansion (as some conservatives are proposing), millions would lose access to healthcare. At the very least, the plan would place federal caps on Medicaid spending, shifting the burden, over time, to the states.

There are many unanswered questions. Republicans want to fast-track their repeal plan with zero input from stakeholders and the public. In comparison, the ACA benefited from over 180 public meetings and hearings in Congress, plus hundreds of local town halls across the country.

Health care affects us all. It’s an issue far too important for the public to not be fully involved; people should have more input and influence than the special interests that too often sway the decisions of our political representatives. We need an open and transparent debate¬not one held behind closed doors.

Please call Representatives Lou Barletta and Tom Marino and demand ample opportunity for public input. Demand they host town halls before they vote on this bill.

Nicole Faraguna lives in Herndon and is a co-founder of the Susquehanna Valley Progressives.

Threatening the fabric of our democracy by Dave Hafer

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution forbids the government from establishing a religion or prohibiting the free exercise of religion. Constitutional law also prohibits government authorities from favoring one religion or discriminating against another religion.

To my knowledge, this is the first time an American president has initiated a campaign of persecution against members of a religious faith. By issuing an executive order prohibiting Muslim war refugees from entering the country, President Trump has officially begun a government program of blatant discrimination, not only against refugees, but against American citizens of the Islamic faith as well. This is a clear violation of constitutional law.

The path to this unprecedented behavior began early in Trump’s presidential campaign when he singled out certain individuals and groups with abusive threats against their civil rights, using crude gestures and bigoted phrases. Trump attacked invalids, members of the press, racial minorities, women and Muslims.

Trump implied at every opportunity that all citizens and immigrants belonging to the Muslim religion are potential terrorists who represent a violent threat to American security. His wild and irresponsible rhetoric was aimed at mobilizing support from the perpetrators of white nationalism and their minions of fear and ignorance.

So far what we have witnessed from the Trump administration is the erratic, autocratic behavior of a radically narcistic presidency careening down a path to a monumental collision with constitutional law.

Within the first month of his administration, Trump has compiled an egregious record of uncivil behavior. He intimidates reporters at news conferences, throwing temper tantrums when he can’t give articulate answers to questions about issues confronting his administration.

From his personal attacks on federal judges to insulting remarks aimed at foreign leaders. Trump has become an affront to the standards of protocol American presidents are supposed to respect.

Refusing to release his tax returns or allow a full disclosure of his foreign investments, Trump has consistently resisted separating his personal financial interests from his duties as president. For his cabinet, he selected a lineup of unqualified, ethically challenged billionaires who came loaded with conflicts of interest. In effect, Trump has set the stage for what may be the most corrupt administration in American history.

When a president violates the law or proves too incompetent to serve, Article II, Section 4, of the Constitution provides for a process of impeachment: “The President shall be removed from office for and conviction of Treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors.”

Trump invites impeachment on the grounds he violated the First Amendment by singling out a religious group for persecution in addition, his refusal to disclose his financial activities in foreign countries could make him liable for violating Article 1, Section 9, which prohibits a president from receiving an emolument or money from a foreign state.

Congressional support for a thorough investigation of Trump’s questionable activities that could lead to impeachment proceedings is dependent upon what and how often representatives hear about the issue from their constituents.

Getting rid of Trump now through an orderly constitutional process is preferable to waiting for him to self-destruct during a national crisis. We need to inform Congress that delaying an investigation is not in the best interest of our country.

In the meantime, citizens who believe justice is best served by following the traditions of constitutional law should exercise every opportunity to question, protest and resist the destructive policies of an administration that threatens to unravel the fabric of our democracy.