Oops: Caterpillar lays off thousands after Porkulus passes
posted at 3:07 pm on March 17, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Last month, Barack Obama challenged Congress to pass his stimulus package at a visit to the Caterpillar plant in East Peoria, Illinois, claiming that the company’s CEO assured him that it would allow Caterpillar to rehire laid-off workers. CEO Jim Owens disputed that, saying that the stimulus wouldn’t have enough effect, and that more layoffs would come regardless of whether Congress passed the bill. So who was right?
Caterpillar Inc, the world’s largest maker of construction and mining equipment, notified an additional 2,454 workers in three states on Tuesday that they were losing their jobs as the company continues to try to bring production in line with plummeting demand.
And guess who got cut?
The bulk of the job cuts — nearly 1,600 in all — will come in Illinois at the company’s plants in East Peoria, which makes track-type tractors and pipe layers, and Aurora, where it makes hydraulic excavators and wheel loaders.
After the visit, Rep. Aaron Schock, who represents East Peoria, claimed that exactly zero of the workers at the Caterpillar plant responded to Obama’s call to communicate their support for Porkulus. They apparently had more sense than President Obama.
Update: I had Rep. Schock’s first name incorrectly as Adam, not Aaron. My apologies for the error.
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It is very clear that the stimulus has failed.
It was clear that it would fail before it was passed, but now it is official.
myrenovations on March 17, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Didn’t they hear that the porkulus bill passed?
Vashta.Nerada on March 17, 2009 at 3:10 PM
More episodes of The Gong Show – coming soon! Sooner than you wanted!
beatcanvas on March 17, 2009 at 3:11 PM
This assumes it had anything to do with economic stimulation in the first place, which it did not. As for whether its true intent was successful, we’ll know 3 years from now.
World B. Free on March 17, 2009 at 3:12 PM
AdamAaron SchockFIFY
Christien on March 17, 2009 at 3:12 PM
As I said on another thread.
Obama Lied More Jobs Died!
milwife88 on March 17, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Please remind me, how much are my children paying for this whole Stimulus package again?
I guess I’ll break it to them at dinner time that there payments didn’t buy a thing.
HarryStar on March 17, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Facts are above obamas pay grade.
the_nile on March 17, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Good point.
myrenovations on March 17, 2009 at 3:13 PM
D’OHbama.
Patrick S on March 17, 2009 at 3:13 PM
So does my borderline senile chow dog. Set the bar a little lower, whydon’cha…?
Kent18 on March 17, 2009 at 3:13 PM
DUH, that is because manufacturing is dead in this country and there was nothing in the stimulus to stimulate manufacturing, unless you call redecorating office buildings and dog parks something that would create a job.
Pork = death to manufacturing.
You can’t blame this on Bush.
workingforpigs on March 17, 2009 at 3:13 PM
I credit barry with fixing the economy. – Getalife 3/10/09
lorien1973 on March 17, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Did this really surprise anyone? The economy is going to keep going down until it finds a bottom. Nothing the government can do will stop it. It might make it take longer to get there, but it will still fall. That is why I am against any and all market controls on the free-market. They usually only make things worse and lengthen the recession/depression.
txaggie on March 17, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Did they get that fancy shtimulus logo on their pink slips?
Brat on March 17, 2009 at 3:14 PM
The REAL conservatives in Washington and around the nation need to put as much distance and distinction between themselves and this ‘administration’ and the RINOs as they can, while they can. They need to do it loudly and visually.
AubieJon on March 17, 2009 at 3:14 PM
After meeting with bho, the ceo of Cat had a tiny bit of brain cells still active to know what the new taxes would mean to that company. Too bad no one at bho has any idea or probably doesn’t care what they are doing to employers (you know the ones who hire!).
L
letget on March 17, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Yeah. The fight is not with democrats/obama, it is with everyone in DC and in government.
lorien1973 on March 17, 2009 at 3:16 PM
workingforpigs on March 17, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Duh, comes to mind! Cat is a private industry… they aren’t stupid and are not going to be pushed to stay open.
upinak on March 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2157672/posts
Many of those jobs are being re-located to Texas.
Texas is still right to work.
Even if the workers make lower wages they might keep
more money because Texas has no state income tax.
When will the union run, blue states who love to tax
everything that moves “get it”?
izoneguy on March 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM
I had to destroy the free-market, before I could save Caterpillar.
- Barack Obama
OhEssYouCowboys on March 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM
The Dept Of Defense briefed the president this morning, they told OBAMA that 2 Brazilian soldiers were killed in Iraq . To everyone’s surprise, all the color drained from Obama’s face.
Then he collapsed onto his desk, head in his hands, visibly shaken, almost in tears.
Finally, he composed himself and asked, ‘Just how many is a brazilian?’
This is especially funny since he obviously has no understanding of billion or trillion either.
(just kidding)
Keemo on March 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM
Maybe we should get a stamp, like “American Made” and start putting it on things saying “stimulus created”. We need to start counting the dollars or billions of dollars this administration is costing our children.
workingforpigs on March 17, 2009 at 3:18 PM
The tricky part in this is that spending $1 trillion will add $1 Trillion-ish to the GDP, but does not show the liabilities incurred. The MSM will tout the increase in GDP over the next 2-3 years, but will probably pay little attention to the amount on interest payments that consume our federal budget.
WashJeff on March 17, 2009 at 3:19 PM
You mean, like the Recovery sticker that Biden is in charge of?
myrenovations on March 17, 2009 at 3:19 PM
zackly
workingforpigs on March 17, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Well clearly CEO Jim Owens is a paid Bush operative who is just killing these jobs make President Teleprompter look bad. He probably enjoys doing it!!!
HATERS!
Seriously, how do they manage to maintain that kind of insane tone every day? My head hurts and I need a drink.
landshark on March 17, 2009 at 3:20 PM
I forgot, we can blame it on Biden, he is bo’s bitch.
workingforpigs on March 17, 2009 at 3:20 PM
The ACTING president’s teleprompter is not going to like this.
tarpon on March 17, 2009 at 3:21 PM
They won’t get it – they’ll use card check to unionize the right to work states instead.
Vashta.Nerada on March 17, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Just another item in a long list of failures…it is incredible how many mistakes are made by this President in his first term…wait it’s only been a little over 50 days?
Well, don’t worry, he is working day and night to control those rogue radio talk show hosts.
right2bright on March 17, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Ergo, we need Porkulus II: The Attack on the Grandchildren’s Piggybank.
rbj on March 17, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Barry: Wrong. Jim: Right. Barry: Arrogant fool. Jim: Prescient executive officer.
RepubChica on March 17, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Jack Cafferty was unavailable for comment.
JammieWearingFool on March 17, 2009 at 3:25 PM
Maximus Porkulus!
upinak on March 17, 2009 at 3:26 PM
i miss george w bush. and i terribly miss what a hillary clinton as president could have been.
Ghoul aid on March 17, 2009 at 3:27 PM
If the FTA with Colombia (a huge market for heavy equipment) was ratified, Caterpillar would no longer be subject to the killer tariffs on their exports there.
Colombia, on the other hand, does not pay killer tariffs to export their products to the U.S.
But the unions don’t like free trade — kills jobs, you know.
cheeflo on March 17, 2009 at 3:29 PM
Understatement of the century.
FuriousAmerican on March 17, 2009 at 3:30 PM
The administration has failed. It’s time to withdraw.
My collie says:
CyberCipher on March 17, 2009 at 3:30 PM
Fixed it for ‘ya……….
Seven Percent Solution on March 17, 2009 at 3:31 PM
Seriously, LOL’ed =)
msmveritas on March 17, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Yesterday I noticed on my pay stub that I had an extra $17 as my federal taxes decreased.
Is that my stimulus kicking in already? I thought I wouldn’t see it until the April Fool’s day paycheck.
Anyone else?
myrenovations on March 17, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Major effect on the trucking industry. Long haul and wide load drivers will be without a run. Take a look at the expressways now, hardly any trucks, weigh stations closed, billboard signs for sale, hardly any wood being transported. All bad signs.
Coastal Paradise on March 17, 2009 at 3:34 PM
You know who Obama needs to fix this thing? Tony Rezko, that’s who. He’s really good with money stuff.
a capella on March 17, 2009 at 3:36 PM
………..let me make sure I’ve got this correct while I’m putting peanut butter on my day old rye toast………nothing The Messiah has ever said – NOTHING – has been true. Everything out of his mouth is a lie. Now, do I have that right?
Cinday Blackburn on March 17, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Did they get that fancy shtimulus logo on their pink slips?
That symbol needs to be picture of a prisoner dropping the soap.
gsherin on March 17, 2009 at 3:38 PM
This story tells the tale, to me, of this entire election. Now, many of you will not like my take. Forewarned.
The Republican party was clearly out of favor. We needed a change.
The American voters didn’t like anyone. They hated Congress. They hated Bush. They were “war-torn”. Tired.
Just out of gas. Bush was honorable to me, and I never once voted for him.
Ditto for me now with Obama. I really can’t stand the guy. I never liked him, not in the primaries or now.
but….sort of like Bush with me…
I think I’m going to adopt the same attitude.
I just love sharing my opinions. However, I’m just amazed by the attitudes of posters that they really have the answers.
my, my………
Really?
I have a limited view of global politics. and I read.
I certainly am confused by the derivatives. Apparently, so was Wall St., I’m in good company.
Good gravy.
I just figure at some point, power is power. That group is in control. Listen. It’s not the end of the world.
I didn’t judge Bush that way.
I won’t judge Obama, either.
I’m really glad it worked. I did not wish to see us fail in Iraq.
I’m just not that into politics.
I lived through Viet Nam. That was and remains…..a true heartbreak.
So, Bush stood firm. He won. We won.
AnninCA on March 17, 2009 at 3:41 PM
“The bulk of the job cuts — nearly 1,600 in all — will come in Illinois ”
So we are supposed to think that The Idiot hates the people of Illinois less than he hates people elsewhere in the country?
The truth is that he hates all successful people equally.
notagool on March 17, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Of course there is only 20 billion of actual projects in the porkulus bill
the rest is for
condoms
birth control
abortions for overseas poor people
a couple of mosques to be built (call it osamas revenge)
1 billion for the palestinians
God knows 100 million for the mouse in san fran sicko
and your surprised that catapillar is laying off workers?
Im not ..
there are already 10 thousand catapillars sitting idle
and only 20 billion for actual projects..
Did you think all of the companies were going to just rush out and buy all brand new cat 5 d’s?
Nope i am not shocked only disappointed at
THE SHEER STUPIDITY OF DEMOCRATS , LIBERALS AND AMERICANS..
You morons your all stupid..
jcila
jcila on March 17, 2009 at 3:48 PM
This administration is lost
Harry Reid
Bevan on March 17, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Best. Caption. EVAH!!
crazy_legs on March 17, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Looks like Plugs already has it covered:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/03/emblems-to-stam.html (scroll down a little for the emblem)
The gearset is a perfect fit for Porkulus in any version – you can spin them all day long, but with them not meshing you’ll get no work output from them.
Blacksmith on March 17, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Yup….Democrats Kennedy then Johnson got us up to our necks there, then the press reported we were being defeated when we had just literally destroyed the Tet insurgents, then the anti-war left crapped and spit all over returning soldiers, then the Democrats abandoned the South Vietnamese, letting the communists overrun and enslave them.
Damn right it was a true heartbreak.
Patrick S on March 17, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Barry waved his magic wand, and Caterpillar turned into a butterfly, and flew south to Mexico.
Steve Z on March 17, 2009 at 3:58 PM
LOL!!
29Victor on March 17, 2009 at 4:00 PM
So when will this ‘saving jobs’ deal come about? Heard lots of promises on it, but just can’t seem to find the ‘saved’ jobs. Now money going to firms laying off people or threatening to shut down after they get ‘bailout’ cash… that I see.
ajacksonian on March 17, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Y’all are forgetting Barry saved 25 jobs in Ohio.
Dubn8tr on March 17, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Heckuva job, Barry!
Tantor on March 17, 2009 at 4:15 PM
I hope that every one of those people that had to get laid off was an Obama supporter. Change they wanted…….. change they got.
74SeventeenSeventySix on March 17, 2009 at 4:16 PM
I’ll second that. If Bud Light would only make a new series….
sailingdutchman on March 17, 2009 at 4:21 PM
ahh, more lies being exposed. I’m going to watch each of the major network news broadcasts tonight. You think this story will lead? second? third story? last?
marklmail on March 17, 2009 at 4:21 PM
This of course will be fully reported and analyzed in the Main Stream Media. John, Katie, Brian, Wolf and all the rest will be right on this.
rsl775 on March 17, 2009 at 4:29 PM
The entertaining/comical part to me is to see how they spin each story WHEN they cover it. If they can’t figure out an anti-Republican spin, they just ignore it.
marklmail on March 17, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Guess Mr. Obama will have to ask his Hollyweird friends what it means when something doesn’t play in Peoria or even East Peoria.
eaglewingz08 on March 17, 2009 at 4:34 PM
izoneguy on March 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM
mum’s the word buddy…being old enough to remember the rusted out Buicks sitting in front of our job sites on Mondays with guys from Ohio, PA and Michigan sleeping off their runaway scrape, this is starting to look like deja-vu all over again. One guy had the foresight to bring the pick-up mounted plow he used to clear snow. When he pulled up, having never seen one, we thought he was going to do lot clearings with it. I recall several “Will the last guy out of Michigan please turn out the lights” bumper stickers. We are seeing every states license plate again. It made our Oilers games against Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Cincinatti seem like both sides were home teams. Ah the memories. Most of my best buddies came from up there so I know we can get along. Just leave your unions again please.
DanMan on March 17, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Friends, my husband is still employed by Cat at a NC plant. Not only are laid-off workers not coming back anytime soon, the remaining employees are facing at least one week of mandatory shutdown per month through June. There will be two weeks of shutdown in July. None of this time off is paid….but hey, I’m sure that stimulus is going to kick in. Any. Day. Now.
varnson on March 17, 2009 at 4:41 PM
btw, I’ve got about 125 pieces of that fine Cat iron and a few Komatsus and Volvos sitting around not moving…anybody need a hole moved?
DanMan on March 17, 2009 at 4:43 PM
And so it goes… Day 57 of Barry’s “War on Prosperity”
phreshone on March 17, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Let me be the first to say to Obama voters: do not use paint thinner while attempting to remove your Obama/Biden 08 bumper stickers from your cars.
jeff_from_mpls on March 17, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Gotta lay ‘em off before they can hire ‘em back. BO will just take credit for even more jobs created once the economy comes back (in spite of government efforts).
TexAz on March 17, 2009 at 5:05 PM
BHahahahahahhahha!!!
Southern by choice22 on March 17, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Obama’s recession!
Johan Klaus on March 17, 2009 at 5:08 PM
Yesterday, the news was about how the spendulus actually cut programs by forcing union wages on states that took the blood money.
Today, this.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
I laugh at those who voted for change.
Change alright. From getting a paycheck to getting a pink slip.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
madmonkphotog on March 17, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Here’s hoping that they keep them.
It’s a convenient way of Identifying Idiots on the road.
Southern by choice22 on March 17, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Do we as Americans qualify for Asylum in other countries now… please say it is so.
workingforpigs on March 17, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Oslime-a has ruined it for decent black skinned politicians in the future. Had he simply run as a democrat instead of The Great Black Messiah, his failure would be borne on his own shoulders. But after the despicable way he campaigned, those who are distrustful of black folk, will dig their heels in next time claiming that blacks are inferior and unable to handle leadership.
It’s a crying shame! I have several neighbors who would do 1000 times better than that vile “magic negro”.
csdeven on March 17, 2009 at 5:21 PM
How much do you want a bet that most of these laid off workers voted for Obama?
The 2008 election will go down as one of the greatest hoaxes ever, and Obama will wear it forever too.
Richard Romano on March 17, 2009 at 5:28 PM
I don’t wish any American loses their job, but I wonder if this the change Illinois voted for?
Hog Wild on March 17, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Start the investigations into Caterpillar, pronto.
sethstorm on March 17, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Better than 0.
sethstorm on March 17, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Let me guess, White House Spokes-idiot Robert Gibbs blames Rush.
RobCon on March 17, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Oh, we can.
The Bush administration picking a very China-friendly Elaine Chao for a labor secretary. Not like she’d have a conflict of interest with not moving any work to the Far East.
sethstorm on March 17, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Out with Burris and Durbin. Aaron Schock for Senate! Can I get an amen?
RobCon on March 17, 2009 at 5:54 PM
I don’t know about an “amen” but I will totally give you a “couldn’t hurt to try”.
myrenovations on March 17, 2009 at 6:36 PM
no it isnt, it cost 800BILLION FUCXING DOLLARS to save 30 jobs in OH
UNREPENTANT CONSERVATIVE CAPITOLIST on March 17, 2009 at 7:21 PM
darktood on March 17, 2009 at 9:51 PM
What is The Ones pay grade anyway?
Grade 1 – Porkulus Bill 1
Grade 2 – Porkulus Bill 1 and 410BLN Budget
Grade 3 – Porkulus Bill 1 and Porkulus Bill 2
Grade 4 – Both Porkulus Bills and the 410BLN Budget plus many trillion budget deficit
Grade 5 – Yet to be figured.
As darktood at 9:51PM puts it they are all above the facts and truth which in this case is the hurt America is going through.
Conservatives got to get back on track. WE GOT TO!
OneConservative on March 17, 2009 at 10:56 PM
I don’t think Ohio got that big of a share, and if it did, it most certainly wouldn’t be going to many of the “red” parts.
I’ll take 30 revenue enhancement officers(if at the very least) saved over losing them. They can always stop you for going 10 over that 45->25 when us locals know full well when to slow down.
sethstorm on March 17, 2009 at 11:04 PM
You seem to be making the assumption that Obama’s Trillion dollar giveaway was intended to have some positive effect on the economy as a whole.
I am sure that Obama’s friends and allies are quite certain that the giveaway has done *exactly* what it was intended to do.
18-1 on March 17, 2009 at 11:21 PM
someone send this to geraldo. i remember the moron on fox & friends repeating the one’s mantra that caterpillar will rehire layed off workers if the crap sandwich was passed.
anna on March 18, 2009 at 12:26 AM
Ladies, did you notice that Schock looks a bit like Chris Isaak on some photographs?
el gordo on March 18, 2009 at 1:31 PM