During every presidential election, the public is bombarded with claims from each candidate regarding who is best qualified to represent the United States on a variety of key issues that affect Americans nationwide– terrorism, global warning, foreign policy, healthcare, education, and the economy. However, the major concern for most of us centers around our health and personal financial well-being.

We are simply concerned about paying our bills, feeding our families, having access to quality health care, enjoying an occasional family vacation, furthering our own education, and sending our children to college. The debacle in the mis-handling of the current public health and economic crisis shows that the supposed “economic bonanza” – reflected in a low unemployment rate during the first three years of the Trump administration – did not necessarily translate to higher incomes or increased job security for most working Americans. The truth is that the middle-class incomes have been declining for the last 30 years. At the same time, labor union membership has also declined; and there is a definite relationship between the two. Union membership peaked in the 60’s and 70’s, and workers enjoyed a decent wage with job security, health and retirement benefits, and disposable income.With that disposable income, they were able to purchase cars, homes, televisions, and clothing for their families – most of which were American made. When we are able to spend our money on union-made, American-made products, everyone wins! Large corporations make profits when workers purchase their goods which, in turn, creates more job security and an improved quality of life for everyone in our country. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, someone came up with the “not so bright” idea of giving more profits to the top 1%, relying on this small group to create more jobs and, in turn, allowing prosperity to “trickle down” to everyone else. “Trickle down” economics did not work then, and it does not work now! Just look at the behavior of the stock market – while millions of Americans continue to stand in long lines at food banks, the big players on Wall Street amass ever-increasing fortunes. This is a clear reflection of what these large corporations have done for decades. Instead of investing in U.S. jobs and factories, production was frequently moved to other countries.

This strategy increased the profit margin of the top 1% but did nothing to create American jobs, and prosperity certainly did not “trickle down” to the rest of us. To make matters worse, we all helped these wealthy corporations by buying these “cheap” products produced in other countries, thinking we were saving ourselves a few bucks. In reality, we only hurt ourselves. While many believe they cannot afford to pay more for union-made, American-made products, the truth is – we cannot afford not to purchase our own products! We have a choice on November 5, 2024, and we must choose the correct path or direction for our country.

I believe Joe Biden is the best choice for both my personal family and my Union family. The UFCW has endorsed Joe, and this choice is both easy and clear. I urge you to do your own research and reach your own decision; but please remember the outcome of this election is vital to the working families of America. Get the facts, and you will agree there is really only one choice in this election!