Volunteer State Cozies Up to Nissan
By: Molly Secours
Tennessee Tribune
Originally posted 11/14/2005
After reading the headlines these past few weeks it is easy to understand how we became the "Volunteer State."
On Friday of last week the front page headlines in the Tennesseean blazed "HOW WE GOT NISSAN." Several pages of statistics comparing how Tennessee stacks up against California and what an excellent business decision it was on the part of Nissan executives to relocate its manufacturing facility from Gardena to Nashville.
In addition to lower wages, cheaper electricity bills, comparatively lower real estate costs, Nissan will also receive $6.5 million in tax credits ($5k per employee) as a 'gift' for 'volunteering' to move to Tennessee. How could they refuse?
But it's not just Nissan corporate that will benefit. Any employees relocating from California will experience a 20% decrease in cost of living--which is good news since they will receive a 20% cut in pay. But they will pay no income tax.
There seems to be no end to this blissful union. Except for the comments in an article a few days prior wherein the legendary Nissan executive, Yutaka Katayama called Nissan's move "a big mistake". The Nissan Executive says the move to middle Tennessee will hurt the company he helped build and that it will disrupt lives and risk a public relations nightmare.
Can you believe this guy? He's worried about all the faithful employees in Gardena who have spent the last several decades working hard as a member of the Nissan family. It appears Mr. Katayama values people more than profits--go figure.
Well Mr. Katayama needs to toughen up if he's going to come to Tennessee. He doesn't realize that Tennessee doesn't go in for that sentimental crap. Perhaps he needs to come and do an internship with a real business man--say Governor Phil Bredesen.
Just one look at the Tenncare cuts and Mr. Katayama will understand that there is no place for 'coddling' those who rely on you. No matter what commitments have been made in the past and no matter how defenseless and vulnerable the people are, the bottom line comes first. I guess that's what the passage in the Bible means: "the first will be last and the last will be first"?
It's people like Mr. Katayama who just don't get it. They don't understand how much Tennessee saves by abandoning Tenncare. Forget that one person dies every 36 hours or that many smaller hospitals will go into financial crisis and some may close due to being overburdened by poor people who no longer have medical coverage. As the 200,000 people cut from the Tenncare rolls clearly demonstrates, never ever carry around dead weight.
And Mr. Katayama, don't you see how fabulous it is that by not having an income tax--which might otherwise go to schools or healthcare for the poor--we can lure large corporations to set up shop and give them colossal tax credits. Just watch and learn.
For instance, on the cover of Wednesday's Tennessean, you would have seen Dr. Pedro Garcia wrestling with which of 7 schools to close permanently and which 490 teaching jobs to slash in order to save $25 million dollars. In Tennessee, Dr. Garcia has made the governor proud and gets an "A" on Capitol Hill for being a prudent business man.
You don't understand how this is good business, Mr. Katayama? Ok, pay close attention. When you close more schools, enlarge the classrooms so that teachers must work harder and longer for less pay, then everybody is doing their fair share. Remember, this is the volunteer state and everyone must pitch in.
What about the students, you ask? What about them? For those who don't blossom in overcrowded classrooms, we have plenty of 'alternative' schools for them. And we have a zero tolerance policy so teachers don't have to be burdened with forming closer relationships with those who need special attention. And besides, the juvenile justice business is up, up, up and we can build more facilities to house them--no problem. All it costs is money and time.
Speaking of time, don't worry about driving too fast when you get here because just this week we learned that nearly two-thirds of Tennessee Highway Patrol officers tapped for promotion under Governor Bredesen 'volunteered' money to his campaign--or had relatives that contributed. So if you get stopped, just flash your Nissan badge, wink and be on your way. Next to volunteerism, loyalty is our next best quality.
So, quit quibbling, lighten up and come to the "Volunteer State". We promise you will be very comfortable. In fact our governor's wife, Andrea Conte, just raised 6 million dollars of the 10 million that will be spent refurbishing the Governor's Mansion. From the sounds of the plans, it promises to be very cozy digs when finished.
It seems that two years and thousands of hours were invested in planning the scope of launching the capital campaign to raise private funds. But, perhaps you know that already since Nissan is one of the local contributors to the renovation. Wow, this is really cozy isn't it?
Ten million sure is a lot of money, but the first lady assured us that the first part of the restoration will include making the front entrance and amenities in compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act. That's really great. Perhaps she is planning to host a 'last supper' dinner for some of the former Tenncare members with chronic illnesses who can no longer afford their medications.
Welcome to Tennessee!
Molly Secours is a writer/filmmaker/speaker and frequent co-host on "Behind the Headlines" on WFSK 88.1 FM. She can be reached at: mollmaud@comcast.net or www.mollysecours.com
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