Singers performed well and deserve big thanks
I want to thank the 60 people who sang in the no-rehearsal community chorus on Dec. 9 at the Community Church. I so enjoyed your performance and hope you did also. It was great to sing some choruses from Handel’s “Messiah” with some new friends.
Thanks to the soloists and our accompanist. Have a blessed Christmas!
KAREN FRANKENFELD Bella Vista
Manufacturers, retailers working against laborers
The manufacturing industry views labor costs as an operations expense to be reduced for increased profits. Retailers ask the manufacturer to drop prices as consumers demand lower prices. Then both manufacturer and the retailer cut labor costs in an effort to maximize profits. The result of their efforts is an increasing demand by the consumer for lower prices. What the manufacturer and retailer have failed to take into account is their employees are also consumers and the demand for lower prices is driven by low incomes in the workforce.
The failure of the manufacturers and retailers to see this simple truth drives them to seek lower labor costs in foreign lands. And now the result is those dollars for low wages are not even returning to help the American economy and there are even fewer workers in America earning enough to be good consumers. The jobs report, however, looks good since more people are taking work anywhere they can or as extra jobs to try and survive. What is not very apparent is more jobs do not mean more dollars entering the economy. In fact, despite more jobs, earnings are reported to be moving downward even as jobs are increasing.
“Job, jobs, jobs,” someone once promised. But it isn’t jobs that are missing in the economic picture of America. Rather it is a living wage for workers in the jobs that are available. American paychecks are what truly fuel the American economy. When employers seek to reduce the flow of pay to workers in an attempt to make greater profits, the short-term benefit of saving on costs may result in the long term as a reduction in the profits they seek. Maybe the hope is someone else is paying their employees enough for them to spend on the products or services offered. It’s possible, but this number, too, is shrinking and as it does the competition will become greater for those consumers.
The riots in Paris are not about jobs, they are about wages and taxes. A cautionary tale for America?
REY HERNANDEZ Rogers
Experience in hospice rooted in compassion
In this “season of giving,” please consider Washington Regional Hospice and Willard Walker Hospice Home as a recipient for your gifts.
We recently walked with our Linda through her cancer journey and without the support of WRMC Hospice would have never been brave enough to care for her at home. We would have missed out on that very special, loving though difficult time that we had left with our dear friend. At each step we were met with the utmost care, compassion and skill.
Each week Vickie came to assist Linda with bathing. She was a big infusion of light as soon as she stepped in the door. I will always remember them laughing through what was a difficult task. Linda was always buffed, fluffed and relaxed after Vickie’s visit.
Kimberly, a registered nurse, and all the other on-call nurses promptly returned our calls day or night 24/7. They reassured us, guided us in care or just came right out no matter what the time or weather.
The staff at Willard Walker Hospice Home were equally caring and skilled. Physicians, nurses, aides, housekeeping all seemed to have endless patience and time. Clearly Linda’s comfort and dignity were their highest priorities. And always they treated us and her friends with kindness and respect and made sure we were informed and comfortable.
We are so very fortunate to have such resources in our community.
With deepest gratitude,
CINDY PARRY JAN VAN SCHUYVER Fayetteville