Who Speaks for Us

Well, the short answer is, “We do.” The ability to speak to power is one of the most basic and fantastic rights enjoyed by American citizens. True, it can be difficult to be heard and even more difficult to receive satisfactory answers to some of our problems, yet the fact remains we can petition our elected and appointed officials. And usually, the more petitions the better.

 I mention this because recently a group of PMPA (Precision Machined Products Association) members exercised their right by meeting with White House officials and local representatives in Congress to voice their frustrations and concerns about manufacturing sustainability. The group was organized through the Government Affairs Committee of the PMPA and the association’s D.C.-based lobby, The Franklin Partnership.   

 There is strength in numbers, which is one of many justifications for membership in a trade association, such as PMPA. As jaded as many of us have become toward the seeming deafness of our government, the truth is the system is a two-way street. They cannot know what they don’t know, and if we don’t tell them, they will never know.

 I applaud the PMPA members who took time away from their businesses to visit Washington and exercise their right to speak to power. Jefferson advocated strongly for an informed electorate and the antithesis of that are informed electors. It’s up to us to inform them. Click here to read a detailed report on the visit.