The Big Labor Letter

These letters are not being posted in any sort of order. I wrote this one on 17 Jun 2011, but it is still an ongoing issue:

Dear Senator Warner (also sent to Senator Webb), 17 Jun 2011
I’m writing today to voice my support for the Boeing Company in their effort to build a manufacturing plant in South Carolina. I am once again disappointed and dismayed in the Obama Administration. Their seeking to thwart Boeing appears to be based on political reasons. As you know, South Carolina, like Virginia, is a Right-to-Work State. As such, I would hope you would support the State of South Carolina in trying to create jobs while at the same time supporting Boeing’s right to build a plant wherever it wants to. For goodness sake! These are jobs are being created in the U.S. – if only this administration would oppose creating overseas jobs so violently! Boeing added 2,000 jobs to its plant in Washington State as it was making plans to expand to SC. Please do what you can to stop the NLRB from preventing Boeing from expanding its operations to SC, and support SC in its quest to create jobs for its citizens. Not doing so, signals to me that you and President Obama are putting politics before common sense solutions to our economic problems and the lack of promised job creation continues. If the President is serious about creating jobs, this is a no-brainer.

Sincerely,
Palma Hutchinson


In response to my email, Senator Warner wrote:

Dear Mrs. Hutchinson,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the National Labor Relations Board. As we work in the Senate to meet the enormous challenges facing this country, including efforts to strengthen our economy, create new private sector jobs, reduce the federal deficit and establish energy independence, your views and those of your fellow Virginians are very important to me.

I am honored to serve Virginia as your United States Senator. My top priority in the Senate is to provide efficient and effective constituent service to all Virginians. Please be sure that my office will review your comments carefully as I consider and vote on relevant legislation.

Again, thank you for contacting me. For further information or to sign up for my newsletter please visit my website at http://warner.senate.gov.

Sincerely,
MARK R. WARNER
United States Senator

My reaction: In other words, Senator Warner, if you don't have to vote on it, you are not getting involved and don't really have an opinion.

Senator Webb's response:

Dear Ms. Hutchinson:

Thank you for contacting my office regarding a National Labor Relations Board complaint issued against the Boeing Company. I appreciate your taking the time to share your views with me.

Based on reports to date, I have concerns regarding this case. As the National Labor Relations Board proceeds, my staff and I will continue to monitor this situation closely. In addition, I support Virginia's right-to-work laws and believe they should be protected.

As the Senate continues to address labor issues, please be assured that your views will be helpful to me and my staff. I hope that you will continue to share your thoughts with us in the years ahead.

I would also invite you to visit my website at www.webb.senate.gov for regular updates about my activities and positions on matters that are important to Virginia and our nation.
Thank you once again for contacting my office.

Sincerely,

Jim Webb
United States Senator

My reaction: Well, that's more like it! At least Senator Webb took a stand and voiced an opinion and he is concerned.