End tax incentives for outsourced jobs

On Sept. 28, Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic bill to end tax deductions for companies that close their U.S. plants and move overseas. Democrats failed to find 60 votes needed to clear a Republican procedural hurdle against the measure, which would have also given employers a tax break to hire new U.S. workers.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has pledged $75 million to help Republicans get elected. We know a portion of that money comes from foreign countries that want America to keep outsourcing. We do not know how big a portion because the Chamber refuses to reveal that information. In a 2007 interview with VentureOutsource.com, Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is quoted as saying, “... the Chamber strongly believes manufacturing and service companies alike should have the freedom and flexibility to source and trade across our country and around the world.

In what is considered the biggest threat to our democracy, the Republican-dominated U.S. Supreme Courts' recent Citizens United decision made it possible for corporations to donate unlimited amounts of money for campaign contributions. International corporations are using that decision to buy elections for Republicans so they can continue to protect off shoring/off sourcing. As proven on Sept. 28, Republicans favor the outsourcing/offshoring of American jobs.

If you want to keep jobs in America, we need to pass this bill. The only way it will be passed is if we Americans give Democrats a filibuster-proof Senate. Do not let foreign interests threaten our democracy and take our jobs.

John D. Morgan

Arlington Heights