Jake Jabs gets political
Many of us who are sick and tired of unpleasant political commercials clogging the TV airwaves have found ourselves in the strange position of looking forward to the day when American Furniture Warehouse owner Jake Jabs' spots once again rule the dial. Now, however, we're being faced with an unexpected hybrid: political ads spotlighting Jabs.
Yep, a Jabs promo in support of Amendment 47, the so-called "right to work amendment," have begun appearing in recent days. At this point, the commercial hasn't gravitated to YouTube, and neither does it appear at DefendOurEconomy.org, the pro-47 site mentioned at the tail end of the ad. However, it features Jabs speaking in the same folksy manner he uses to peddle sofas -- except in this case he opines that fewer new businesses are coming to Colorado these days because most of the states around us have right-to-work laws. Then, after a final pitch, he offers a hearty "thanks" for listening.
Jabs isn't only boosting 47 on video. Today at 11 a.m. at American Furniture Warehouse's corporate offices -- 8820 American Way in Englewood -- he's holding a news conference to explain "why he has decided to publicly support Amendment 47," according to an AFW press release. Hope he announces that the next commercial will show one of the tigers that used to turn up regularly in his commercials maul a union organizer... -- Michael Roberts
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Gee, you think Jake will talk about how much Amendment 47 will help the Chinese, for whom -- as the Post's Al Lewis so accurately stated -- his stores are pretty much just a regional distribution network?
Posted On: Tuesday, Oct. 7 2008 @ 11:19AMHow much does Jake pay his warehouse employees? Does Jake assist the employees with health insurance or are they on their own? Can they afford insurance with their wages? Is there an Employee stock ownership plan? Do the profits trickle down?
I worked for a man who once said, "I can't work with the union, but I sure as hell can't work without it!"
Amendment 47 is very deceptive. It claims to prevent working people from being forced to join a union against their will. Working people are understandably outraged. However, since 1977, no working person can be forced to join a union according to federal law.
http://colorado.mediamatters.org/items/200710050001
Why would they create a bill that fixes a problem that doesn't exist? To anger working people, and thereby gain their votes for the amendment.
And here's the real point of attack: Amendment 47 is aimed at taking away the ability of unions to assess fees to members fund their activities.
Someone might think that's OK, maybe unions can just represent those who stay in the union and pay dues. But federal law requires that unions represent non-members as well as members. That could put unions in a crunch, and in some cases it could severely damage union viability.
Amendment 47 isn't about "rights". It is about creating conditions that threaten the very existence of unions. I'll be voting no on Amendment 47.
richard myers
IBEW 2300 retired
Well, unions have done a great job for the American and British car manufacturers. Thats why Japanese automakers are struggling
Posted On: Friday, Oct. 24 2008 @ 8:56PMI worked for AFW for several years and I can assure you that the idea of having a Labor Union come in and tell Jake how to run his business scares the you know what out of him. Before letting that 'folksy howdy y'all' smile mislead you I strongly suggest you do your own research into the issue.
Posted On: Monday, Oct. 27 2008 @ 5:23PMI worked for AFW for several years and I can assure you that the idea of having a Labor Union come in and tell Jake how to run his business scares the you know what out of him. Before letting that 'folksy howdy y'all' smile mislead you I strongly suggest you do your own research into the issue.
Posted On: Monday, Oct. 27 2008 @ 5:23PMAll I have to say about mister Jake Jabs is that he will never get a dime of my money. I have seen some of his funiture manufacturing facilities in other states. (Idaho, Utah) They are right to work states. The wages at those factories are less than average. He just wants to move his factories here to Colorado so he doesn't have to pay the truck drivers and pay for the fuel to get his cheap furniture here. If he could get away with paying his employees minimum wage and save money on shipping he would be the happiest person in the world. More money for him. He is the very reason Unions were formed to begin with.
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 3 2008 @ 2:41PMi don't know why you wouldn't believe what this guy tells you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NInjGVSc-VE
Hey asshole, he has just much right to his opinion as you do. That why we have a democracy or do you believe its your way only.
Posted On: Friday, Mar. 20 2009 @ 2:20PM
