Joe Balint Sends Greetings and Thoughts from Hong Kong

After 30 years of work building the world's finest engines, I am finally enjoying my retirement. I am so thankful and proud to be a retired member of the UAW.

I am just finishing a 30 day trip to the Philippines, and another 20 days in Hong Kong. During this trip I have done it all. Extremes from walking through rice paddies at the end of the world in Ajuy Philippines, all the way up to watching the "Symphony of Lights" in Hong Kong...They play music at the civic center and hundreds of skyscrapers light with laser lights, and move with the music.

One morning, I was shocked by a China newspaper article. This country actually pays companies to move to low wage areas so the company can make more profit. Also it compensates that companies suppliers for added cost of shipping its product to the moved company. This causes me concern for my remaining brothers and sisters still working in UAW plants. I am concerned for their happy retirement. We need increased activism in our own government to level the playing field.

I noticed in the Philippines the amount of poor and desperate. Thousands dream of going to America. My fear is that with worldwide promotion of corporations, and trickle down poverty for persons of all nations, that the dream that I am living at the moment will not be available to Children of the future.

I hope that I have encouraged my fellow union members, while at the same time enlightening them a little.

I am thankful for each and every one of you, and may God Bless you all.