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SMEARS, INSINUATIONS AND A WALK FOR PROGRESS
By BILL McCARTHY, Communications Specialist
"CLELAND, Joseph Maxwell "Max", a Senator from Georgia; born in Atlanta, Georgia, August 24,1942; grew up in Lithonia and graduated from Lithonia High School 1960; graduated from Stetson University, DeLand, Florida 1964; received a Master's degree from Emory University 1968; served in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of captain 1965-1968; wounded in combat in Vietnam; member of the Georgia state senate 1971-1975; unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor 1974; consultant to Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs 1975, professional Senate staff member 1975-1977; appointed administrator of United States Veterans Administration by President Jimmy Carter in 1977, and served until 1981; Georgia Secretary of State 1982-1996; elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in 1996, and served from January 7, 1997 to January 3, 2003; unsuccessful candidate for re-election in 2002." Here is what Cleland had to say, in part, on a June 18, 2008 entry on the DSCC website:
PEOPLEPOWER ON WALKING FOR CHANGE
Teamsters Support New TRADE Act
In a major public announcement in Washington, D.C. on June 4th, Teamsters Union General President James Hoffa joined with members of Congress to voice the IBT’s support of the new Trade Reform, Accountability, Development and Employment (TRADE) Act. It would set regulations for negotiating trade agreements. The TRADE Act would, according to the IBT:
You can read the full IBT press release about Hoffa’s comments via this link: http://www.teamster.org/08news/nr_080604_1.asp Hoffa Commentary About TRADE Act Hoffa wrote in part, “For the past 15 years, American workers watched helplessly as millions of their jobs moved overseas. But it’s 2008 now. And Congress is looking at a new trade proposal: the TRADE Act. Even the Teamsters like it — and that’s saying a mouthful, because we’ve been fierce critics of every trade proposal since NAFTA. Deals like NAFTA, CAFTA and China PNTR aren’t really ‘free trade agreements.’ They’re deals to lure corporations away from America by promising access to cheap labor.” He continued, “The TRADE Act would rewrite the rules on global trade. It would prevent agreements with countries that offer up their workers and their environment in exchange for investment deals that benefit a few of their richest citizens.” Hoffa went on to give credit to the TRADE Act’s Democratic sponsors: Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Rep. Mike Michaud of Maine. He noted that the Act is just in early debate stages now, but that it has 52 House co-sponsors, which bodes well for the measure in future months. Hoffa wrote, “For the past 15 years, anyone who opposed a so-called ‘free trade agreement’ was labeled a protectionist. And that was the end of the story. Now, the TRADE Act allows us to present an alternative to trade rules that destroy good jobs, harm the environment and lower safety standards. It allows us to make our case that trade can spread benefits to workers as well as to Wall Street.” And he stressed, “We know change is coming. The American people are demanding it. In less than five months, we’ll have a new President. And we’ll have a new course on trade. The TRADE Act sets that course — for trade that creates good jobs and raises living standards for workers here and overseas.” It would help, he added, if America will elect the Democratic candidate for President, U.S. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, in November. “We need to elect a new leader who is willing to break with Bush’s failed policies,” he warned. Republican Presidential candidate John McCain (R-Arizona), unlike Obama, “is opposed to renegotiating the so-called free trade agreements that have resulted in 3.7-million U.S. manufacturing jobs being lost in the past 10 years,” Hoffa wrote. You can read Hoffa’s full commentary in the May 9th issue of The Detroit News via this link: http://www.teamster.org/08news/hn_080606_6.asp
By BILL McCARTHY, Communications Specialist The vote was not surprising given the horrible anti-worker policies of the Administration of President George W. Bush and his fellow Republican White House and Congressional cohorts. But it has been sad to watch the GOP continue for nearly eight years now to favor the rich and punish the middle class. This negative vote, though, moreso than many other preceding ones, was very unfortunate considering how many people could have been helped with a positive outcome. As Union Voice had pointed out in a message to all of Organized Labor right before the voting on the measure: "Unemployment just took its biggest jump in 22 years, and the number of workers who can't find work is at historic levels. Millions of jobless workers will run out of unemployment insurance benefits this year. And for every two job seekers, only one job is available. "But President Bush is so committed to his failed economic policies that he's promised to veto any attempt to extend unemployment insurance benefits for working families on the brink of disaster. Believe it or not, here's his policy: 'Increasing and extending unemployment insurance benefits when unemployment is this low would be unprecedented and counterproductive because it would reduce the incentive for workers to find new employment.' "Talk about out of touch! With soaring gas, food and health care costs, even a short period of unemployment can devastate a working family. But the worse this economy gets, the longer it's taking people to find jobs. And working families are suffering." Prior to the vote, Union Voice had urged Union readers of their email to tell their Congressional representatives to vote to extend the unemployment insurance benefits for jobless workers by passing on the following message:
It looks like the message was ignored by many of the House members. And it looks like the Bush Administration is going to pursue its anti-Labor agenda right until November 2008 when the American public sends the Republican Party packing at the polls. You can sign up for the Working Families e-Activist Network at:
ONE COMPELLING REASON WHY THE IBT IS BACKING OBAMA McCAIN'S TERRIBLE RECORD! By BILL McCARTHY, Communications Specialist (June 3, 2008) The Teamsters Union is strongly endorsing Democratic U.S. Presidential candidate Barack Obama (D-Illinois). His record is one main reason. You can read about that on the IBT's Website. However, the IBT is at the same time also strongly opposing Republican U.S. Presidential candidate John McCain. That is because of his record, too — which from the standpoint of not just the Teamsters, but the entire Union Movement, is abominable. A McCain Presidency would be a disaster for Organized Labor. The AFL-CIO has an excellent review of the terrible McCain record available to look at via the Internet. McCain is indeed a Viet Nam War hero, but he is no hero as far as far as voting on issues dear to the hearts of working people is concerned. Consider the following excerpt from an AFL-CIO release sent out to all of Organized Labor today, via its e-Activist Network — and use the link provided in the release to access the posting of McCain's record.
IBT FEATURES 174 MEMBER ROLLY BRAZEL IN TEAMSTER MAGAZINE
We had covered Rolly’s Army Reserve experiences in a 2007 issue of the Local 174 Teamster Record and the story was also on our Website. The IBT News Service folks back in Washington, D.C., read about him and condensed our story into a nice feature in the International’s Magazine. A digital photo of the page on which the story appeared is shown accompanying this Website entry. For ease of reading, though, the text in the page's photo is printed regularly below. It is always nice to read news about Local 174 in the TEAMSTER Magazine, and through the years, there have been many stories about what our Seattle Local has been and is doing. One thing about Local 174 as regards the IBT overall Team — it is an important, vocal, and extremely noticeable Local. So, read about Rolly again, this time through the IBT prism. ********
TEAMSTERS STRONGLY BACKING GOVERNOR CHRIS GREGOIRE FOR RE-ELECTION
By BILL McCARTHY, Communications Specialist Governor Gregoire spoke at the Joint Council 28 Semi-Annual Delegates Meeting in Tukwila earlier this month. It was not a campaign speech, but rather, an in-depth chat about her ideals and ideas. As 174’s Delegates found out, she had a lot to say during her approximately 15-minute long positive, optimistic, forward-looking address. She has previously formally voiced all of what she said at the JC-28 Meeting on other occasions. One of them was on January 15, 2008 — only a few weeks earlier — during her annual State of the State address to the Legislature. Consider the following excerpts from her State of the State commentary — and you'll get to know your Chief Executive a bit better. ********** WE’VE MADE GREAT PROGRESS“In the past three years, we have tackled tough problems and made great progress to improve the lives of Washingtonians, and we are not done. … “Of all the wonderful things I’ve learned as Governor, the most important is that you — the people of Washington — make our State what it is today. You have this spirit — this knack for problem solving and innovation. You don’t just talk about problems; you get things done to build a better future for our families. I see it everywhere. I see it now in the rain and mud of Lewis County and the wind-ravaged landscapes of Grays Harbor. “You know, our work here in Olympia isn’t nearly as hard as the work of our families at home. Raising a family. Running a business. Protecting the environment. Farming the land. Keeping loved ones safe. Getting a good job. Providing health care to the family and helping a neighbor. Those are the tough jobs. HELPING OUR PEOPLE FLOURISH“Our job here in Olympia is to offer help where needed to allow the spirit of our people to flourish. And we are doing our job! We have rejected politics as usual, we have knocked down Government barriers, and we have provided real change to help people. As a result, the State of our State is strong. By unleashing the strength of our people and staying true to our values, we will make Washington even stronger in 2008. … “Just three years ago, when I came to office, Washington was struggling with $2.2 billion shortfall that threatened to halt any progress on needs from education to health care. Those were tough times, indeed. But we have met the challenges head on, made the tough decisions, and adopted fiscally prudent and economically sound policies for our families, our communities, and our future. Today, I am proud to stand before you and report that we have turned things around and made real progress. “In the past three years, we have spent wisely and carefully to give our kids a better education, make families healthier and safer, and helped bring family-wage jobs to this State. And we have done all that while turning a huge budget deficit into a huge surplus. “Here in Washington, I’m proud to say our State has taken steps to equip our economy to face whatever the future holds. The collapse of the housing market in other states is affecting the market here too. But I’d say to those folks wanting to buy a house — our economy is strong. For those Washingtonians who are in fear of losing their homes, I’d say, let’s do something about it now, and come up with ways to help keep you in your homes! And watch out for the flim-flam artists. … OUR RAINY DAY FUND“We have recorded a very important first — the first constitutionally protected Rainy Day Fund in Washington history. And in 2006, we set aside one of the largest budget reserves in State history. Speaking of the Rainy Day Fund — partly because of it, our bond rating was just raised. Our higher rating can lower borrowing costs for such things as schools and prisons. National rating agencies are seeing what we already know. We are making progress by spending wisely and prudently. … “Washington’s good business climate is one of the main reasons that Fortune Magazine just recently declared Washington the fourth best state in the nation to start a small business. The fact is, we have made the changes needed to dramatically turn our State’s economy around and make it one of the strongest in the nation. … MAKING WISE INVESTMENTS“Just like families, we are making wise investments for the future and saving for less prosperous times. For too long, State Government spent in the good times, and then made painful cuts when the economy slowed. We are getting off that roller coaster, and we’re making progress! … “I know what a steady paycheck means for Washington’s hardworking families. Here in Olympia, we have helped working families by making sure Government is a partner, not a barrier, to creating more good jobs in this State. Forbes magazine, the flagship of American business media, recently highlighted how we are breaking down barriers by cutting red tape and paperwork, starting one-stop licensing, and providing small business help. That’s just one of the reasons Forbes now ranks us among the five best states to do business in the country! … OUR STATE AND FOREIGN TRADE“Sometimes Washington businesses need a helping hand with foreign trade. I have traveled thousands of miles on trade missions to help open up markets for our products and recruit new businesses. I’ve put on aprons in stores from Mexico to South Korea to sell Washington cherries, French fries, and apples, and I’ve hoisted a glass of Washington wine to promote tourism in our wine country. "Working together, we’ve increased exports from Washington by 50 percent. In the past 12 months, we have exported $47 billion worth of great Washington products. Here at home, I not only see our creative spirit, but we are busy nurturing it, from green industries to global health. NEW INNOVATIVE GROWTH“We have thrown out the old economic-development model and moved it into communities where the next big thing just might be born tomorrow. We are seeing exciting new growth in innovative businesses — from solar energy components in Moses Lake to medical technology in Seattle and Spokane, to carbon dioxide-free motors made in Kennewick. “In Grays Harbor, local people are writing a story of innovation and regeneration with the birth of new industries. Tell me this — back in the 1980’s when the timber industry faced multiple challenges — who would have imagined Grays Harbor County would pick itself up and make itself a center for clean energy solutions that will transform our world? Now that’s the special spirit of Washington! PROVIDING SKILLED WORKERS“Washington entrepreneurs also need skilled workers. We’re providing those workers through greater training and education opportunities. “The bottom line: we’ve created 218,000 new jobs in the last three years. That, my friends, is the population of Tacoma and Moses Lake combined. The unemployment rate this year was the lowest in Washington State history. That’s right — we’ve gone from one of the highest unemployment rates to the lowest in just three years. How’s that for progress? … DOING IT OURSELVES“I hear from working moms and dads all the time that without health care, they fear their families are just one serious injury or illness away from bankruptcy. And they’re right! The wealthiest nation in the world must relieve some of this fear and suffering. “But since we aren’t getting the help we need from Washington, D.C., we are doing what we can ourselves — the Washington Way. Like providing health insurance to kids. Three years ago we were cutting health insurance for kids. We now cover 84,000 more kids and are on our way to covering all children by 2010. … “Why is this so important? Because as any mom or dad knows, healthy kids do better in school and in life. And health insurance helps keep kids out of emergency rooms where costs are much higher to taxpayers. Fundamentally, it’s our moral obligation to provide health care to the children of our State when their families can’t provide it! … The State’s new, free drug discount card has saved more than 70,000 people an average of $33 per prescription, and an overall savings for them of more than $2 million. I hear from people all around the State about what a difference this discount card makes. … CRACKING DOWN ON BAD GUYS“I launched Operation Crackdown. For the first time, the State provided funding so that local law enforcement can partner with the Department of Corrections and track down and arrest sex offenders in violation of their parole. In the first two weeks alone, we arrested 50 sex offenders. “I used my emergency fund to implement electronic monitoring for Level 3 sex offenders because I believe strongly that law enforcement must know where high-risk offenders are at all times. And by next year, we will have built nearly 4,000 prison beds, which represent the biggest prison expansion in State history. “At the same time, we are working very hard to keep former inmates from returning to prison through our Offender Re-entry Initiative of last year. We need to better inform Washington families about where sex offenders are living, and automatically e-mail families if a sex offender moves into their neighborhood. We also need to expand and continue Operation Crackdown and require DNA samples from every single sex offender in our State. … AND SPEAKING OF EDUCATION“We are creating a world-class, learner-focused, seamless education system that gives our kids a chance to get a good job. Three years ago, voter-approved initiatives to cut class sizes and increase teacher pay were shelved. “But when I took office, we took them off the shelf, and we’re investing in smaller classes, paying more to keep and attract our great teachers, and setting high standards for our schools. “The chance of a better life shouldn’t be limited to those lucky or rich enough to have early learning opportunities. We’ve helped thousands more children attend preschool and all-day kindergarten so they get the foundation needed to succeed in school, the job, their community, and life. “As parents, we already know that the most important influence on student learning is the quality of the teacher. We’ve invested in teacher-excellence and it’s working. More than 1,800 Washington teachers now have national certification, which is recognized as the best measure of teacher effectiveness. Only four other states had more new certified teachers than Washington last year. A record number will go through the certification process this year, and next year we expect a near doubling of national certified teachers. … “Let’s make sure every young person in Washington knows that if they work hard, they will have the chance to compete with anyone, anywhere in the world, for jobs in the new global economy found right here in Washington. HIGHWAY CHALLENGES“As we commute to those jobs, we know our highways have big challenges. But we are making progress. At the end of 2004, just 12 highway construction projects were completed. Three years later, we have completed 128 highway construction projects — from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to the widening project on I-405, and from a new State Route 17 Interchange in Moses Lake to new lanes to speed up traffic on State Route 543 at the Canadian Border in Bellingham. Ninety one percent of them were on time and nearly as many on budget. It might not get the ink, but that’s real progress! “The tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis was a wake-up call to this nation. Prime exhibits in Washington are the viaduct in Seattle and the 520 bridge. We need to take them down, not leave it to Mother Nature! We have begun construction on the most vulnerable portion of the viaduct and we expect removal of the south structure within three years. … “In Spokane, people have been waiting for a new North-South Corridor. With the people of Spokane, I’m committed to finding a new way to fund that project and make it happen. And I’m working closely with Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski to jointly build a new Columbia River Crossing between Vancouver and Portland. And we are on our way to building new ferries to ensure the safety of our ferry passengers. “With our robust growth and employment, we won’t solve our transportation problems overnight. Sometimes we forget that in the old days the Federal Government paid for 90 percent of our roads and bridges. Those days are gone. But we’re making progress to address congestion, to maintain the roads we have, and to do it all with safety utmost in mind. As we witnessed with the flooding and recent closure of I-5, we know about the dire threats posed by global warming. I believe we have a moral responsibility to protect our planet, and provide a cleaner, more sustainable world. The Federal Government continues to drag its feet, but we will lead. We’re already driving private investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, alternative fuels, and green buildings. We’re among the fastest growing wind-power generators in the country, behind only California and Texas, and we have the largest biofuels plant in the country in Hoquiam. We are witnessing significant investments in solar manufacturing — particularly in our rural communities. Renewable Energy Corporation in Moses Lake makes a component of solar technology and employs 250 people! We’re saving our planet and creating green-collar jobs. Now that’s progress in a State and world that needs to reduce greenhouse gases and save our planet for our children and grandchildren. … LOOKING BACK AND AHEAD“As I look back, and more importantly, as I look forward — I know we are making tremendous progress to keep Washington the place to thrive and raise a family.… “Washington has the most remarkable people, ready for the most exciting opportunities, at any time in State history. We’re come a long way, from tough times and dour prophecies, to put our State back on track toward a safe, prosperous, healthy future. “But believe me, we’re not done yet! Claiming victory now would diminish the challenges ahead, and we are not going to turn back. Let’s continue to work as partners with and for the great people of this State. “Let’s give a well-deserved rest to partisanship and politics and replace them with progress and prosperity. Let’s build on the spirit of Washington’s people.
SOME THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER WHILE YOU OBSERVE MEMORIAL DAY ON MAY 26, 2008 By BILL McCARTHY, Communications Specialist
On Memorial Day, we honor our Nation's fallen men and women who died defending our Country in wartime while members of our Military Service. Solemn, serious ceremonies are held at cemeteries, in churches, and at gatherings of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Fire Fighters, Police, and other community-related citizens and their formal or informal organizations. The holiday has a colorful history. You can read about it in depth if you wish by using the following links: http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html The Memorial Day holiday is also, to be sure, a time of pure fun for U.S. families. It often features picnics, music, parades, demonstrations, television shows, sporting events, and any number of related community events and get-togethers. The holiday also heralds the coming of summer each year. This year, while you have your normal Memorial Day enjoyment, remember especially our fallen Service men and women who have lost their lives in the "War on Terror" — in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, other Middle East countries or nation-state locales, and elsewhere across the globe. And remember the wounded Armed Forces members who survived injuries but now have to cope with terrible lifelong injuries and often an unsympathetic society back home. And remember the silent sufferers — the families and friends of the killed or wounded Service men and women — who are affected so dramatically and for the rest of their lives by what has happened to their loved ones "in battle."
IBT MAGAZINE FEATURES FLOOD RESCUE EFFORT
(May 13, 2008) In case you missed it, Local 174 and the other groups involved in rescue efforts involving the recent Central Washington flooding were featured in the March-April 2008 issue of the IBT's TEAMSTER Magazine. Following is that article.
When recent flooding in the Pacific Northwest hit area homes and businesses, Teamster Joint Councils, Locals and members sprung into action to help those in need.
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WHY THE IBT IS BACKING OBAMA By BILL McCARTHY, Communications Specialist
The Delegates Meeting started with a visit by Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire, who is running for re-election this year and is strongly backed by Joint Council 28, Local 174, and all the other JC-28 Locals. This was just a visit, though, not an official campaign stop. She thanked the Teamsters for their support and talked about her accomplishments so far as Governor and her hopes for the future. JC-28 Legislative Director Owen Linch and JC-28 Lobbyist Mike Ryherd also spoke, filling in the delegates on the Joint Council's plans for political action as the General Election nears. But the main topic of the day was the IBT's endorsement of Obama. A videotape message made especially for the JC-28 Semi-Annual Meeting by IBT General President James Hoffa was shown, and then an excellent summary of why the IBT is backing Obama was presented by Christy Bailey, staff member of the IBT's Field Action Department. Here are the main points made by Hoffa on tape and Bailey in person: WHY THE TEAMSTERS ARE BEHIND BARACK
Barack Obama is the only presidential candidate who can right the destructive wrongs of the past eight years. Looking at Obama's record on trade issues and issues dear to working families — such as his commitment to passing the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) — the choice was clear for the Teamsters Union. After polling our membership and surveying our regional and local leaders, the 1.4 million member Teamsters Union is proud to endorse Senator Obama in his bid to become president of the United States. He has a genuine concern about not only our country's trade policies, but about the hardworking men and women whose livelihoods and families are affected by them. The good that will come from an Obama presidency is limitless — especially when looking at the destruction of the Bush years. Let's join together and change the direction of our great nation. Let's choose the alternate path. Let's elect Barack Obama!
LOCAL 174 PART OF BIG IBT PORT ORGANIZING RALLY
(April 24, 2008) On Thursday, April 17, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa, International Vice Presidents Al Hobart, Jim Santangelo, Chuck Mack and Randy Cammack and other Teamster leaders conducted a rally at the Port of Los Angeles to fight for workers’ rights. The rally emphasized the IBT's continuing nationwide Port Organizing Campaign, and it coincided with a march with other unions, activists and many other groups. The IBT noted before it, that it was is "an important event to send a message that the Teamsters will fight for the Port drivers of Los Angeles and Long Beach" and "to show we are out front in Organizing For Power! [Note: Please check out the slide show about this rally via the link on the 174 Website's Photo Gallery section. In the meantime, following is the IBT's official press release about all this.]
WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY APRIL 28
BACKGROUND
Since 1989, the labor movement has observed Workers’ Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job. As we remember those who died in workplace catastrophes, suffered diseases due to exposure to toxic substances or injured in dangerous working conditions, we rededicate ourselves to the fight for safe workplaces. As such, a typical theme for Workers Memorial Day has been "Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living." Decades of struggle by workers and their unions have resulted in significant improvements in working conditions. But the toll of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths remains enormous. More than 56,000 workers die annually from workplace injuries and illnesses; another 6 million are seriously hurt. April 28 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and has been recognized as an international day remembrance for dead and injured workers since 1996, when a Global Union delegation lit a commemoration candle to highlight the plight of workers at the United Nations. It has been officially endorsed by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). Eleven countries or territories formally recognize April 28 as a national observance day: Argentina, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Spain and Taiwan. A Workers' Memorial Day is observed in nearly 100 countries. RECENT COMMENTS BY IBT PRESIDENT JAMES HOFFA
WE OWE A LOT TO OUR WORLD WAR II ERA ROSIE THE RIVETERS (Local 174’s 100th Birthday is coming up February 19, 2009. We are concentrating on historical news this year as it approaches. Local 174 member Kandy Paulson, aware of this, submitted the following editorial after attending a March 2008 event at the Museum of History & Industry in Seattle honoring some of our so-designated “Rosie the Riveters.”) By KANDY PAULSON, Local 174 Member, Hos Brothers
The soldiers, sailors and airmen needed planes and submarine nets and other things to help them in the Battle. Many women answered the call and came to Seattle and the surrounding area to help the War Effort by building planes, making submarine nets, working in labs, and repairing military vehicles. I can’t imagine what it was like to go from being a full-time housewife or a girl fresh out of high school — and moving to a new place by yourself. That’s what many women did in the 1940’s. These women are what we now know as “Rosie the Riveters.” CHILD CARE, PAY LEVELS AND HUSBANDS HONORING OUR ROSIES THE ROSIES HAD A LOT TO SAY |
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