Cyclists support Obama

JENKINS TWP. – A small group of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts gathered Saturday at the UFCW Local 1776 office to show their support for the American manufacturing icon and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.

Wilkes-Barre Council Vice-Chairman Tony Thomas Jr. was one of those motorcyclists participating, although he stressed he was not there on behalf of the city, but rather as a motorcyclist, Harley enthusiast and United Steelworkers Union member. Harley-Davidson has a manufacturing plant in York.

Thomas voiced his disapproval of Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain’s decision to vote against purchasing American-made motorcycles for use by some federal employees.

“(McCain) voted against the people that work and spend their money in Pennsylvania by not choosing American-made motorcycles in our Secret Service, defense agencies and Homeland Security,” Thomas said.

The Wyoming Valley was once a manufacturing hub with people able to produce merchandise while earning a decent living, Thomas said, but most manufacturing jobs have left the area.

“Hard-working families … are now working in the shopping centers for minimum wages. All the good-paying jobs have been shipped overseas …,” said Thomas, adding that Obama’s economic plan would eliminate tax cuts for companies that send American jobs overseas.

Clear 26°

News

Harley-Davidson enthusiasts rally for manufacturing icon, senator’s stance on U.S. jobs.

Place Quick Ads