Bill Press on Bush proposal to reclassify fast food jobs as manufacturing

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

From page 94 of "Bush Must Go" by Bill Press. Buy this book.

Seriously.

Here's the excerpt:

Declaring that "outsourcing" was good for America was not the only anti-labor provision of "The Economic Report of the President," which Bush signed and sent to Congress in February 2004. The same report seriously suggested reclassifying fast-food jobs as manufacturing jobs. That was one way Bush could boast of "new manufacturing jobs created by my administration" - even though there was no guarantee that former steelworkers or autoworkers would be happy flipping burgers at McDonald's.

Bush's ludicrous proposal prompted Michigan Congressman John Dingell, tongue planted firmly in cheek, to congratulate Bush's top economic advisor Gregory Mankiw on his innovative approach to job creation. His letter begins:

"Dear Dr. Mankiw,
I noticed in the recently released Economic Report of the President that there was some consternation in the defining of manufacturing. It could be inferred from your report that the administration is willing to recognize drink mixing, hamburger garnishing, French / freedom fry cooking, and milk shake mixing to be vital components of our manufacturing sector.

I am sure the 163,000 factory workers who have lost their jobs in Michigan will find it heartening to know that a world of opportunity awaits them in high growth manufacturing careers like spatula operator, napkin restocking, and lunch tray removal."



Congressman Dingell's official web site:

http://www.house.gov/dingell/



Congressman Dingell (l) receives an award from Alan W. Bowers of Disabled American Veterans for his Army service in World War II.