Anger stems from ’80s, ’90s outsourcing
One cause of this year’s election’s angry voters, both Trump and Sanders supporters, can be traced back to the ’80s and ’90s when U.S. manufacturing was outsourced to the Far East. The rationale for the moves was that lower costs in the Far East would lead to lower-cost goods in the U.S. market — to the benefit of the domestic consumers. In addition, the U.S. government was convinced that displaced U.S. workers would find alternative employment in the U.S. “New Economy.” The problem is that the former manufacturing workers did not have the educational background or work skills required for the new jobs and, as a consequence, had to accept low-paying service jobs. These workers’ lifestyle was irreparably damaged by the loss of direct manufacturing and support industries jobs. This situation still has a significant impact today, as nothing has been done to improve their prospects, hence the anger.
IAN SHAW, CUMMING
Get out and vote or don’t complain
We have a process in this country, particularly in this state to change things we do not like. A legislature should represent its people and it is up to us to shape that in a way we want. Whether you agree or disagree with some of the recent actions in the state, only we as the people can change things one way or another. We are in an election year and this is how you hold politicians accountable; every statehouse seat and a third of the senate is up for election. If you want to change it, you have that power. Vote, get out the vote and work for the change you see as necessary. If you do not vote, please do not complain.
MARTY HARMON, HIRAM
