I've pondered starting this thread for months for I know there will be arguments. But here is what I want to say-
Its election time for a large number of politicians here in the US. Many of the "attack" ads for both the democrats and repbulicans target the opposite candidate for NAFTA and losing US jobs in many fields to other countries with reduced tarrifs. NONE (at least here in NC) have mentioned the veritable horde of legal and illegal immigrants coming mainly from Mexico and Central America. I assume large doantions are being made from large Contractors/Builders
For those who dont know I work in construction. I am a framing contractor. That means I build houses. Over the last 6 years the "Mexicans" have virtually taken over every phase of residential construction. (When I say "Mexicans" I generalise. Most people around here dont know the difference between a Guatamalan and a Mexican hence the categorising) While the US economy may not be in the best of shape the housing industry has been running strong. Houses are not getting any cheaper. Yet the price of framing a house has gone down significantly. Over $1/per square foot. That is a lot of money. Why? Because we are being undercut/underpriced by Mexicans. It is hard to compete with a group of people who live at least 4 to a household (VERY often 10+ in defiance of state law). They have little in the way of expenses that way. For those who think they are contributing a large amount to to the local economy they are partially correct. They do buy food/cloths/videos here. But most money is sent back to Mexico. They are "construction mercenaries". The Hispanic population in Charlotte North Carolina alone went from 8000 to 80,000 from 1990-2000 alone. You can add at least another 40,000 now.
I am rambling, perhaps its the beer. [img]smile.gif[/img] I have been told by more than a couple young people that they would not want to go into construction because they dont feel there is an opportunity for them anymore. I have people coming onto my job who I would be more than happy to hire but cannot because I dont get paid enough to be able to add another person. When you are being undercut with pricing so much that you cannot hire people to get the job done faster something is wrong. The guys who work for me deserve more money.
So why are the politicians ignoring this? Because they are scumbags. Each and every one of them as far as I'm concerned. There are days when I could almost advocate anarchy. I get over that but the bitterness stays.
For those of you who think I hate or am bigoted towards Meixicans/Central Americans/Hispnaics you are wrong. I have worked with them and have a couples friends among them. They are hard working and most friendly if you are friendlt to them. And I am friendly to them. I just think something has to be done before a US citizen is unable to find a job in the construction trade. I have met more than a few young people who said they would not want to go into construction because they think there is no longer any future in it. So instead they get jobs at Blockbuster video for $6/hour. Those who do not want to got to college see no hope. There WAS good money being a craftsman and still is. Sometimes I get a good week. But it should be better, for both myself, my employees,the people I cant hire, and the people I would hope to hire someday.
Sorry for rambling. I probably missed half of what I wanted to say. I'm sure it will be pointed out. I will answer then .