Today was not a good day for leadership.
First it was Calderon. You know — the Mexican President, Felipe Calderon? His administration has attempted to rid Mexico of the narco-traffickers using thousands of Mexican troops and hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. aid, but cartel members have killed thousands in an effort to maintain control of the lucrative drug trafficking routes. More than 18,000 people have been killed since Calderon launch his military offensive in 2006.
Then in an unprecedented mucho ballsy move he comes to the U.S. today and complained about Arizona’s immigration law (SB1170), when all the state wants to do is protect itself against a flood of illegal immigrants from Calderon’s country! And, how about that Congress’s standing ovation for the Mexican leader?! Adding insult to injury in this twilight zone was President Obama complaining whining about Arizona trying to do something about a problem he- President Obama and the federal government- have created and choose to ignore. George W. didn’t help. Combined with the fact they can’t be bothered to read the law that they’re criticizing. If they did, they’d find out that parts of Arizona’s law are word-for-word the same- exactly- as the federal statutes on immigration. I’ll save my viewpoints on how Mr. Calderon should spend his time trying to create opportunities for his own citizens, so they’re not driven by poverty and desperation to sneak into this country illegally for another day. The fact is that this “pony show” is all about pandering to Hispanics for votes.
And speaking of pandering…
Polaris Industries Inc., (parent company of Victory motorcycle) announced today that it will establish a new factory in Mexico’s Monterrey/Saltillo area. Talk about great timing on doing your part for the American economy — exporting American jobs along with the factories. This major realignment will begin immediately and will lead to an eventual sale or closure of the Polaris’ Osceola, Wis., manufacturing operations. Polaris stated the realignment allows it to invest in and outsource certain “nonstrategic” component manufacturing processes while improving on-time delivery to customers, and providing savings in logistical and production costs. Make no mistake, it is all about the money.
Scott Wine, CEO of Polaris, stated in a press release:
“Pursuing opportunities in new markets outside the United States, while concurrently evaluating our cost structure to improve our long-term competitive positioning, are key components to our growth strategy. This decision was based on a thorough review of our worldwide operations and will allow us to improve our ability to meet the quality, delivery and cost standards desired by our dealers and customers.”
Harley-Davidson has made it public they are also considering a move out of Wisconsin. Inconceivable? Think again. Polaris plans to have their factory in Mexico operational beginning in the first half of 2011. Can H-D be too far behind?
My philosophy is that if my neighbor doesn’t have a job, sooner or later I won’t have a job either.
Photo courtesy of Harlistas.
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Polaris, the MN-based maker of motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles announced today that it’s winding down the Victory brand effective immediately to concentrate on its better-performing Indian Motorcycles business.
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