And it fails the American people. That’s why all they can do is bash Sen. Clinton:
What the Republican field fails to realize is that the America that Goldwater and Reagan defended against the presumed predations of government no longer exists. When Barry and Ronnie walked the earth, most Americans had enduring relations with their employers (ensured, in many cases, by a union contract), and their employers often provided them with health benefits and a pension. Most banks and corporations had not yet traded in their American citizenship for a new global identity that places millions of Americans’ jobs and pay levels in competition with those of billions of workers in distant climes.
Clearly, the private sector that Barry and Ron extolled while denouncing government ain’t what it used to be, and Americans know it.
great blog, Oliver!
I’m wondering where you got your stats for “most” Americans having enduring relations with their employers.
Based on my personal experience there was probably a larger percentage of individuals who worked for small businesses than there are today–and today’s number is formidable. Some of them did stay with their local business employer for a long time, but many did not.
And while Americans do job hop more now than ever before, many lower- and middle-income folks back in the 50’s and 60’s changed jobs when they grew dissatisfied or bored or needed better work or got fired.
But you are right about it being a different private sector today.
While lofty rhetoric is certainly fascinating, evidence and facts would make a better case for your argument. Any sort of numbers, sources other than opinion pieces, or logical arguments would be ideal. Perhaps some evidence to show that employees having less long-term relationships with employers has changed the dynamics of economics?