Obama Criticizes Agriprocessors

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., talks during a rally at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport, Iowa, Monday, Aug. 25, 2008.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Obama Criticizes Agriprocessors

By Becky Ogann

DES MOINES (AP) - An embattled kosher meatpacking plant in eastern Iowa is reacting to more criticism, this time from presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

Obama's comments about the Agriprocessors Inc. plant in Postville came during a stop in Davenport on Monday.

Asked about illegal immigrants in Postville, Obama called for a crackdown on employers who take advantage of undocumented workers and hire children to perform dangerous work. He says the only reason the company hires those workers is to avoid paying decent wages and providing benefits.

Agriprocessors attorney Nathan Lewin called Obama's statements shocking.

He says everyone on the Agriprocessors' payroll receives wages and benefits at or above industry standards. He adds that the company hires only workers over age 18 and those caught lying are fired.
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Tuesday, Aug 26 at 11:54 AM He's out of touch ! wrote ...

Obama was way out of line here. He commenting on something he knows nothing about. This just goes to show you how inexperienced he is, how could he posibly run this country?? It will never happen. There are still too many prejudice people left to vote a black man into office. He is another on of these politicians that wants to jump on the band wagon that supports public opinion instead of getting his facts first. Free rides from the media are always welcomed by political candidates!

Tuesday, Aug 26 at 2:58 PM Deb CR wrote ...

Prejudice is an ignorance, which is what you sound like 11:54. It was a proven fact that minors were working at P'ville and they were underpaying the illegals-wake up and quit believing all the lawyers-they are "paid to hire liars." Get your facts straight....!

Tuesday, Aug 26 at 3:35 PM Whisky_NW wrote ...

Interesting that he places all the blame on the employer. Don't misconstrue, Agriprocessors are way out of line, but it takes two to tango. Obama is weak on immigration and that needs to be made clear. Don't forget that "undocumented workers" is just a euphemism for "Illegal Alien". Every one of them broke the law before they were hired. As to the previous comment, prejudice is not what is going to keep Obama out of the White House, but I hope that poor policies & lack of experience will.

Tuesday, Aug 26 at 5:03 PM Alfred Joes Boy wrote ...

There goes the AIPAC vote.

Tuesday, Aug 26 at 11:56 PM bill wrote ...

well obama does not like illegal workers here in iowa how about that. he might just lost the mexican voters oh no

Wednesday, Aug 27 at 3:15 PM jake wrote ...

2:58 wrote "It was a proven fact that minors were working at P'ville and they were underpaying the illegals. Were was it proven i was there for a few years and not once did i see someone working who was under age maybe you get your facts straight

Monday, Sep 1 at 6:00 AM white snake wrote ...

At least he did not insult Iowa like Alaska "“After 19 months of traversing through every state except Alaska,” Obama began, referencing the home state of John McCain’s vice presidential pick Sarah Palin and earning laughs. “Which now that I think about it, we’re going to have to go there now.” nor wish harm on us like he is to Louisana.

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