Fecteau: Trump’s Big Business Boondoggle
Email to a friend
Permalink
Monday, December 05, 2016
Matt Fecteau, GoLocalWorcester Guest MINDSETTER™
President-elect Donald Trump recently had a huge announcement. After discussing the issue with Mr. Trump, Carrier Corp. nixed a plan to relocate approximately a thousand jobs over the border to Mexico. On the surface, Mr. Trump used his acute negotiating skills to keep the Indiana based heating and cooling conglomerate from sending jobs over the border, but the story doesn’t end there.
Mr. Trump’s supposed negotiating acumen left a lot to be desired. The American public will have to pay Carrier roughly $7 million in the form of tax incentives, and training grants to save around 1,000 jobs almost all in Indiana. Though not as reported, Carrier would still be sending jobs overseas just not these specific jobs. This deal was so bad even Republican firebrand Sarah Palin lambasted it.
This does set a disconcerting precedent. The United States has always sought to attract companies to relocate domestically. This is the first time in modern history that the United States, led by President-elect Trump, has fundamentally bribed a company to stay. Moreover, other businesses have an incentive to threaten relocation, so they can negotiate a similarly lucrative package.
This is a stark contrast from Mr. Trump’s campaign promises. He promised stiff tariffs on companies operating on American soil that relocated outside United States. He also promised the voters he would work for them, and not be subservient to corporate interests; this was just sleazy, half-baked rhetoric.
This reeks of a backroom deal meant to make Trump, and his corporate partner in crime look like angels. Mr. Trump gets to show off his alleged business prowess. Carrier can announce they are committed to the American workers, and let’s be cliché, the American dream. What isn’t there to like? Oh yeah, the price tag; the American people are the losers, and big business wins yet again.
When we elected Trump, we didn’t get a savvy business man; we elected a shrewd public relations guru. This deal is just a dog and pony show meant to be a PR stunt in lieu of anything truly tangible. When he formally announced the deal, Mr. Trump delivered a triumphant victory speech to thousands. If it was a win for the American worker, as he claims, it was pyrrhic and expensive.
This is what Trump did his entire career; he makes a mediocre or even poor product, slaps his last name on it, and wala, tells everyone it is the best thing since sliced bread (just like he did with this deal). Make no mistake, there are around a thousand happy workers keeping their jobs, but at the expense of the American taxpayer and others will still lose their jobs.
The United States cannot afford to financially seduce every company considering relocation, but it looks like that is the norm with Mr. Trump as President. Does anyone still wonder why Mr. Trump filed so many bankruptcies?
Where are the fiscal conservatives here? Except for Mrs. Palin, I haven’t heard a peep from them. This horrendous deal stinks of everything that small government conservatives so despise, the government picking and choosing winners and losers, and a massive subsidy for big business. I guess it is excusable to them if it is a Republican boondoggle with pleasant optics.
Matt Fecteau ([email protected]) of Pawtucket, Rhode Island was a Democratic candidate for office in 2014 and 2016. He is a former White House national security intern and Iraq war veteran.
Related Slideshow: Trump in Worcester
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Trump fans like this young supporter made signs of their own to show their support for the Donald. They could be seen dotting the line waiting to enter the DCU Center.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
For Trump fans that left their gear at home, there was nothing to fear. Vendors took advantage of the passionate crowd, lining up near the entrances and selling buttons, hats and t-shirts like this one.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Star-spangled gear could be seen often outside and inside of the DCU Center. This Trump supporter really worse his love for the Donald on his sleeve.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
It wasn't all good cheer for Donald Trump. Protestors lined the streets near the entrance of the DCU Center, and could be hear chanting various anti-Trump sentiments.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
This young man's pants left no doubt. He is a big fan of two things—Donald Trump, and the United States of America.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
These four Trump fans wore their support proudly on their chest, and they weren't the only ones. Many fans could be seen sporting Trump hats, shirts, buttons and more as they filed into the DCU Center.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
These two said they were proud to support Donald Trump in his bid for the Presidency.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
You could call this protestor a "one-issue voter." He mixed calls for the return of his favorite discontinued soft drink in with chants criticizing Trump's immigration stance.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
For these Trump fans, it was a family affair. The whole bunch turned out to support their favorite candidate.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
The cold weather didn't bother this Trump fan. He said he decided to purchase a Donald Trump-branded jacket or sweatshirt inside the DCU Center.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
These two Trump fans were "red"-y to see their hero in action!
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
These clever protestors turned Donald Trump's famous catchphrase around on him.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
There were plenty of young fans on hand for Donald Trump's speech in Worcester. These two made their feelings on Trump, and his immigration stance, very clear.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Trump had the chance to see him name up in lights on the DCU Center jumbo-screen. It must have been quite the thrill!
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Donald Trump made his entrance at roughly 7:30 PM to nearly deafening applause. He paused for a moment to soak it all in.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Trump walked confidently to the podium after being introduced as the large crowd cheer and chanted his name.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Trump fans inside were loud, and cheered the Donald often. They also made sure to snap their own photos of their favorite candidate while they had the chance.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Trump fans in Massachusetts came from near and far to get a glimpse of Donald Trump live and in person.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Standing room only—the DCU Center was nearly filled with supporters who got on their feet early and stayed there for most of Trump's hour-long speech.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Even inside the DCU Center, Trump could not escape the protestors. These unhappy attendees attracted a lot of attention, but were whisked out of the arena by security after only a few seconds.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Trump said time and time again to the crowd gathered in Worcester that he would "make America great again" through smart immigration and trade policies.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Trump said he was glad to be in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and pleased fans by talking about the greatness of hometown hero Tom Brady.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Trump was all smiles when one of his jokes drew big laughs from the crowd of supporters.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
Trump supporters chanted his famous slogan, "make America great again," before, during and after his speech at the DCU Center.
Prev
Next
Donald Trump at the DCU Center
When Donald Trump finally finished his speech, he drew the loudest applause of the night. Fans waved signs, chanted his name and tried desperately to snap one last photo of their departing hero.
Related Articles
Enjoy this post? Share it with others.
Email to a friend
Permalink
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It