NLRB’s precedent will hurt union states too Re: “House bill would block govt case against Boeing,” Sept. 13
The National Labor Relations Board’s case against Boeing is a strong example of unintended consequences.
The NLRB alleges that Boeing chose South Carolina, a right-to-work state, to build its new Dreamliner in reprisal for union strikes in Washington state. But when the layers of the onion are peeled back, it quickly becomes apparent that the NLRB’s lawsuit has major negative implications for all — including pro-labor states — by putting thousands of labor employees in jeopardy if and when other companies look to expand.
Although the NLRB agrees that no jobs will be lost in Washington, it continues to insist that Boeing move its production facility back to the state, which would set an extremely dangerous precedent. Any manufacturers in right-to-work states, like Virginia, would naturally be unenthusiastic about expanding into pro-labor states for fear that any future growth into other markets would bring swift reprisal from the NLRB.
This policy essentially grants unions veto power over plant relocation efforts and hamstrings the possibility of new firms relocating to right-to-work states, which will cause the potential loss of thousands of jobs. If we are truly going to make changes in Washington to grow jobs and spark economic recovery, hampering a company’s ability to relocate where it chooses is less than prudent.
M. David Skiles
Fairfax
Less government meddling needed to create jobs
Re: “Obama abused the public trust to fund pet solar firm,” Editorial, Sept. 11
Any shock over favoritism in the Solyndra loan scandal forgets the current administration’s approach toward free enterprise.
Federal agencies routinely create new, burdensome regulations for the very businesses our economy needs to create jobs right now. Obamacare, Dodd-Frank and EPA smog regulations are all prominent examples of our “Federal Family” stifling free enterprise from doing what it does best: make this country prosperous and powerful.
Favoritism — whether bailouts, special loans or more than a thousand Obamacare waivers — discourages the self-reliance and traditional ingenuity that built our incredible nation. By freezing the creation of new regulations and ending crony capitalism, government can stop interfering in the free market and allow this economy to grow.
Michael Wilt
Staff attorney,
Washington Legal Foundation
Social Security is a safety net for capitalism
Re: “Of course Social Security is a Ponzi scheme,” Sept. 10
Honesty in discussing Social Security is important, but accuracy more so.Star Parkerconfuses Social Security with investment plans and ignores the many minor adjustments that can keep it solvent.
Social Security is a disability and income insurance program to which investment plans can be added.It is also a safety net, an anti-poverty program for millions whose working lives provided subsistence and little else.
Capitalism is fabulous but imperfect. It does littlefor people whocan’t work anymore, and nothing for millions more when individual (Enron) or collective (2008 crash) failures destroy individual investment plans. An insured safety net is essential in a modern society.
Mike Jewell
Reston
