Race to the Bottom

“Communities are like pieces of delicate china passed down from generation to generation. If they’re not protected and cared for they crack and crumble. The willingness of each new generation to maintain and preserve the quality of life in a community is dependent upon a large and generous middle class; those who’ve remained in the community for generations; just as the maintenance of a democracy depends upon a strong middle class,. But now they’re disappearing, and so is the quality of life in Hammelburg.  Like so many communities in the Midwest, Hammelburg is merely a way station for many of those who might assume leadership roles. It’s a misconception that the generosity of the wealthy defines a community. After all, wealth is nomadic. We can retain our quality of life without the very wealthy, but we can’t without the middle class.”

She was looking directly at him, awaiting his reaction. He suddenly had the sensation of being interrogated, the same reaction he had at his first meeting with Beth Brinson. He was puzzled as to how to respond. He attempted to make a slight adjustment in the direction of the conversation without being too obvious.

“I’m also surprised by the large number of Hispanic families”

“Well, poverty in Indiana is probably better than poverty in Mexico” she quipped.

Will looked at her, attempting to determine if she had intended to be humorous.

“We have small rental homes in this town that house as many as four Hispanic families” she continued “Two bedroom apartments that are occupied by as many as twelve Hispanic men. They come here, legal and illegal, and work long hours for low pay and no health benefits. Some leave their families behind and send money home; others bring their families so that both adults and older children can work”

“Who hires them?” Will asked.

“Small manufacturing companies, restaurants, big retail stores, maintenance and cleaning companies.”

“What about the immigration laws. I thought they were getting tougher about undocumented workers?”

“Well, the IMS comes through Hammelburg occasionally and makes a few arrests. But they’re quickly replaced. Some businesses treat them like commodities…. always available and cheap.

Will sat silent, amazed at this petite, elderly lady

Perhaps, his initial reaction was correct, he thought.  She was trying to evaluate him; knowing that he was a labor lawyer that worked exclusively with management; despite having grown up in a moderately liberal family; parents that occasionally supported ideas and policies that offended a predominantly conservative community; maybe she was trying to find out where he was located on the spectrum of economic and social policies.