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Sons of Liberty - New Jersey
themerchantmouse@aol.com
Sons of Liberty Broadside, December 17, 1765
Massachusetts Historical Society
Welcome to the Sons of Liberty webpage.  I decided after the debacle of the last general election in 2012 to put up this webpage in order to have a voice.  Like many of you I have felt completely helpless against what unfortunately has happened - the second term election of Barack Hussein Obama, and what I believe to be the consequences of this election

The purpose of this webpage is myriad.  One of the most important reasons is for me to be able to write about what is going on in our country and to speak with likeminded Americans who want to be heard and also to know the comfort that there are people out there who think similar to you.  My first article for this page is "Thoughts on the Presidential Election of 2012."  I wrote this piece in November 2012 right after the election and as you will read, I have serious concerns about our future.  In the comings days, I'll write on political issues as well as morality issues, since they are truly linked.

President George Washingon said in his 1796 Farewell address:  "Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who, that is a sincere friend to it, can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?"

So here, forthwith, is my commentary in the blog to the right.  Let me know what you think.  

Gerri Gibney










"You Get What You Asked For"

by Gerri Gibney on 08/23/13

“You Get What You Asked For”

 

The other day I was asked “are you still writing your blog?”  And, last night I got the same question.  The “guilts” started to take over, but not too much, since after all it is summer.  But, after reading about a recently passed bill in the District of Columbia in July, I realized it’s time to get back to business.

 

The bill I am referring to is called “Large Retailer Accountability Act of 2013” which requires big retailers such as Wal-Mart to pay starting wages that would be 50% higher than the District’s minimum wage, and to provide health care.  Yes, you read the last sentence correctly.  There is now a law in DC that tells a private corporation how much they must pay their employees. 

 

I decided to read the law myself, just to make sure I was getting the correct information, and it is true.  Here’s a short recap of the bill; (1) The Council of DC’s policy is to promote living wage jobs, (2) Some large retailers pay low wages and don’t provide health care.  By adopting living wage standards, the District can ensure that economic development better meets the community’s need for family-supporting jobs.  (3) Responsible retailers face growing pressure to cut back when their competitors are permitted to pay low wages and no benefits.  Result could be increased costs to the District when businesses that provide health care are replaced by those who do not and instead rely on city health clinics, public hospitals, and publicly funded programs such as Medicaid.  (4) It is appropriate to set a standard for larger businesses in the retail industry because (A) large retailers are better able to afford the cost of paying a living wage than many other kind of employees (B) a number of large retailers in the region are already paying a living wage, evidence that it is feasible for employers in this industry to create good jobs while still operating profitability (C) large retailers generally are less likely than other kinds of businesses to respond to such regulation by closing or reducing employment because the retail industry is more location-dependent, and (D) in other cities, the enactment of living wage laws has had no negative impact on retail employment and development.  (5) In order to safeguard the public health, safety, welfare and prosperity of all Washingtonians, the District must establish a code of conduct for responsible retailers in our community ensuring that large retailers pay their workers a living wage and provide affordable health benefits.

 

As I am typing this law, I can feel my heart pounding and my total frustration and anger rising.  Is it possible that such a bill could be put forward in the United States of America?  Do any of the eight people (8-to-5 vote) who voted to pass this bill have any concept about economics, free enterprise, capitalism, or liberty?  Do they know anything about our system of government?  I know the answer to my question; they don’t.

 

I looked at other cities that have passed various “living wage laws,” there are about 125 municipalities, including Hudson County and Jersey City, New Jersey in this mix.  You won’t be surprised to learn that many of the cities that have such laws are in the State of California.  As a matter of fact, San Francisco was named and touted by the DC Council as one of the successful cities who had a living wage law on the books.  San Francisco’s law includes a proviso for health care, and if the employer does not pay health care they are required to pay $1.25 per hour into the city’s public health care system!  We all know where California is headed, and is there any wonder why?

 

By the way, since November 1998 the City of Detroit, that shining example of good, decent, prosperous government has had such a law on their books.

 

Going back to the DC Bill, look at number 4 (C) which speaks of large retailers less likely to close or reduce their work force since they are “location-dependent.”  Just love that phrase “location-dependent,” since it reminds me of another phrase that I have used many times; “don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.”  If this is what the District of Columbia wants, so be it.  And, please, gently close the door.

 

Wal-Mart has announced it will not build another three proposed stores in the District, and if they have any sense they will close the existing ones.  How many jobs will that mean to the District?  After all, “You Get What You Asked For.”

 

Gerri Gibney

August 23, 2013

 

Comments (1)

1. Richard said on 8/23/13 - 07:04PM
Another phrase also comes to mind "Be careful what you wish for , you might get it!" Detroit ... What a roll model. soon they will be forcing where to live & shop.


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