Edwards Releases Statement on Berlin Demolition

From The Edwards Campaign:

In light of tomorrow's demolition of the mill smokestacks in Berlin, NH , Senator John Edwards released the following statement:

"The demolition of the smokestacks in Berlin is a sad testament to an unbalanced economy that only works for those at the very top while leaving the middle class and working families behind. The men and women who worked in the Berlin mill represent the very best of America: hard work and dedication.

"My father worked in a mill and I watched him work from sunup to sundown to put food on our table and a roof over our heads. Today, it's even harder for working families to get by as more American workers are working long hours with no health insurance, earning a wage that barely allows them to make ends meet. I believe that we are better than that. I believe that we can change our priorities and practice smart trade policies that put workers and families first and allow the American workforce, and towns like Berlin, to adapt, grow and continue to drive the global economy.

"When I am president, I will fight to build One America where every family has the chance to work hard and get ahead. I will raise the minimum wage and fight to strengthen unions. I also promise to never sign a trade agreement unless it includes environmental and labor standards and truly benefits American workers. For too long, Washington has focused on corporate profits instead of the needs of people who work hard for a living day in and day out. Working Americans need a president who will fight for them and that is exactly what I will do every single day when I am in the Oval Office."