Martinsville, Virginia and its Henry County sister became industrialized early in the 20th century. A long and cooperative partnership between manufacturing and local government has long been a driving force in the development of the community.
The changes brought about by NAFTA are the greatest challenges that the area has faced in decades. For the first time, previously healthy and successful companies are closing, no longer able to compete with foreign labor working for a fraction of what Americans must earn to survive. The textile industry has been especially hard hit.
States located on the border with Mexico claim to be enjoying economic success. They fail to see that the cost of their success is brought about by the bankruptcy and closings of hundreds of companies based in other states.
Ultimately, there will be changes. People without jobs do vote. In Virginia, candidates who promise to work against unfair trading agreements are enjoying success.
Nafta is simply another example of Federal largess, which no longer content with foreign aid, foolishly give away the industrial strength of this nation. We the people elect these mental midgets, we can un-elect them as well. Ultimately this global giveaway will end, but it will come to late for families who have lost homes and livlihoods, as their jobs left for Mexico.
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