JEFFERSON CITY - Jerry Beck founded a successful manufacturing company, and he's running for U.S. Senate saying he believes that the increased outsourcing of American manufacturing will lead to catastrophe.
"If we do not bring out manufacturing and our jobs back to this nation, this nation will collapse," Beck said. "I believe it will collapse within a year and a half or before. It could even collapse after this election, within 30 to 60 days after this election."
Beck was born in 1939. As a young man he attended Northeastern Missouri State Teacher's College, but dropped out to join the United States Marine Corps in 1958 -- an experience he credits with shaping his whole character.
"It influenced me to have a love and a respect for our country," he said. "Because when they hit the beaches, they gave their today so you and I and everybody else could have their tomorrows, you know."
He served for four years. Upon his return to Missouri, he worked as a contractor before founding Millennium Manufacturing, a company that makes air purifiers. He was president of Millennium for over 30 years, and currently lives in La Monte.
Beck claims his experience as a businessman would make him an important voice as a Senator.
"We have, in Washington D.C., no single businessman," he said.
Beck has also spoken against what he sees as excessive government regulation of the private sector, corruption in Washington, abuse of the earmark system, health-care reform, and the stimulus package.
"You cannot borrow money to stimulate the economy," said Beck. He added that "earmarks are mainly made to increase the revenue of candidates on campaign."
On October 15, Beck participated in a debate with Missouri's other three candidates for U.S. Senate. Near the end of the debate, the floor was ceded to Beck for a rebuttal. He put a hand to his brow, sighed, and summed up his campaign message six words.
"We are in serious trouble, everybody."
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