HHHHHHHHHMMMMMMM you really think your going to ever see $1.00 gal of gas or even $1.99???? when we have been paying $3.55 gal !!! in the last 5 years my heat for my house has doubled from $800. 00 a year to $1600.00 a year !! food has ski rocketed why do you think that thats why the government wanted to give more food stamps out for low income people!! from have a lot to say!!!!!
hard for me to feel too sorry about things because a lot of people (mainly downstate) got greedy when the auto industry was rolling (look at all of the $400K-$500K+ new homes downstate) and now their greed is catching up with them (layoffs, home foreclosures, etc.). we as a society (not just in Michigan but in America) need to learn to live more modestly and within our means. we need to learn to enjoy the simple pleasures in life (family, friends, natural resources, etc.) rather than fancy homes, cars, etc!
I agree with you I would take there jobs for much less at least its a job.
my ex husbands brother was a pipe fitter for Chrysler and he was paid $35.00 hr and that was 16 years ago I could not imagine what it is today.. companies need to come up to northern Michigan and many many people would take these kind of jobs at a much lower wage..
I also agree with you on the fancy homes, cars, etc. I know some people even up here that there in so much debt that they want or need to work just about every weekend then they show up in a new car I don't understand that one ..
I received this in an e-mail last week. It couldn't hurt:
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In a recent issue of Hour Detroit magazine, there was the following quote:
'If we all spent $10 a week on Michigan products, we could put $36
million every week back into the state's economy'.
The idea is to shift $10 per week of your grocery budget to products that are from Michigan companies.
There are a lot of Michigan owned grocery stores that are supporting other Michigan businesses on their shelves. Spartan stores are a cooperative, this means that if you buy a Michigan made product from a Spartan affiliated grocery store, you are getting a 'triple dip'. The product is made in
Michigan, the grocery store is independently owned by a Michigan family, and Spartan Stores headquarters is located in Grand Rapids. Other independently owned stores are a 'double dip'. This includes stores like Randazzo's and Westborn markets. Meijer is based in Grand Rapids,
so also counts as a double dip. Stop shopping at Wal-Mart and sending our dollars out of the country. Buy only or as many of Michigan made or Michigan distributed products as possible.
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We must support our great state first and foremost.
The jobs sent out of the country, which decimated this state, through the Regan NAFTA package will never, ever be on these shores again. We are importing Chinese goods, and in those same ships, returning scrap metal to the Chinese. It is up to us to change the way we purchase goods and services. Demand American. Demand Michigan products, especially services preferably from your own hometown rather than the big box stores.
I don't see gas going to under $2.00 again, but am willing to eat those words, gratefully, even gleefully.
I see where you are going with this and I agree totally. I just wish it was easier to find products Made in the USA. I always end up spending a lot of extra time at the store looking at labels to find such products. I just bought another frying pan the other day and it was about the tenth one before I finally found a made in the usa product. But I guess as an American it is my duty to seek them out. I also have frequented the website www.madeinamerica.com and used them to find companies that are selling products made here. How dissapointing it was to call some of the companies to order stuff and find out they weren't still making them here. Anyways enough rambling for now.
Forgot to add this: I understand, Angie, your frustration with the Auto Industry and the overpaid workers. I was a contract worker with one of the big three for many years. I did all the same work as the regular employees, but had none of their benefits or rate of pay. However, in our effort to turn Michigan's economy around, it will, unfortunately, have to begin with the bigger cities. Ludington, being a tourist town will feel the effects once the larger cities get back on their collective feet. Another option is to attract larger corporations to the west Michigan area. The big foot houses and condo's have already put their imprint down in town, so I wonder if the city commission is planning on taking more steps to attract industry here?