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Labor’s New Leader

The AFL-CIO stakes its future on Richard Trumka.

By David Moberg

Richard Trumka—coal miner, lawyer and new president of the AFL-CIO—took the stage after his election at the federation’s Pittsburgh convention in mid-September to the strains of the defiant Tom Petty refrain, “I’m going to stand my ground, and I won’t back down.” Clearly, Trumka wanted to convey a new style of labor leadership, one tougher and more militant than that of… return to article

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    I remember when Trumka was head of the United Mine Workers. He fought tooth and nail for his members and his members supported that kind of militant leadership. Now that he is head of the AFL-CIO we shall see if brother Trumka remains the same as he was back in the day. For our sake I hope so.

    One idea that I would propose to President Trumka is for him and the heads of the labor federation to give serious consideration to helping develop a viable third party. A viable third party made up of trade unionists, environmentalists, civil rights activists, community activists, populists, and other progressives. It is quite clear that blind allegiance to the Demoratic Party has resulted in very little return. In the mental health field there is a saying; “Insanity is repeating the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome.” This is especially true when it comes to organized labor’s addiction to the democratic party. It is time to kick this dangerous habit and get real! CHANGE CAN COME ABOUT, BUT WE MUST BE WILLING TO DO IT!

    Germany Posted by Frank (Pancho) Valdez on Oct 19, 2009 at 7:58 PM

    “One idea that I would propose to President Trumka is for him and the heads of the labor federation to give serious consideration to helping develop a viable third party. A viable third party made up of trade unionists, environmentalists, civil rights activists, community activists, populists, and other progressives. It is quite clear that blind allegiance to the Demoratic Party has resulted in very little return.”

    Well said… but, we can’t wait for Trumka to act.

    We need to begin taking on these Democrats.

    The time has come to serve notice on the Democrats and Obama:

    No peace; no votes.

    No real progressive health care reform; no votes.

    We need to challenge these Democrats in their own primaries and as independents, etc.

    United States Posted by alanmaki on Oct 30, 2009 at 3:24 AM
    Page 1 of 1 pages
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