 |
|
Add to My Group
|
December 8, 2008 at 13:33:21
Promoted to Headline (H2) on 12/8/08: by Rob Kall Page 1 of 2 page(s) |
|
 
|
5
3
2
Martin Luther King would be proud. What a difference a president makes. With a few words, workers protesting move from being at risk of being accused of terrorism to becoming national heroes. It took just a few words from President-elect Obama to set an extraordinarily different tone. Perhaps more than anything he's done or said, Obama's response to a question at yesterday's press conference, announcing his latest appointee, exemplifies, in a palpable way, the huge difference between a president who walks to talk about caring about workers, versus one who stiffly issues empty proclamations. It look like the laid off workers in Chicago who are sitting-in at the Republic Windows and Doors factory which gave them three days notices, after, for some, 34 years of dedicated work, represent the beginning of a movement, a message we can not only rally around, but have faith that OUR PRESIDENT supports. This doesn't mean that we can assume that Obama will support or approve of any kind of escalation of what the workers are engaged in. But what a concept-- a president who hears what protesters say... and then, damn, it brings tears to my eyes, actually supports them. 
There are those on the left who have challenged Obama's appointees. Some even say that Obama's presidency is no different than Bush's. That's what Nader and McKinney supporters have suggested might be the case. Well, yesterday, we saw concrete evidence that the world has changed.Â
A little background; The layoff hit 250 workers. Some of them have been staying at, sleeping at the factory since it was closed this past Friday. The NY Times' Monica Davey reports,
"They want the poor person to stay down,"- said Silvia Mazon, 47, a mother of two who worked as an assembler here for 13 years and said she had never before been the sort to march in protests or make a fuss. "We're here, and we're not going anywhere until we get what's fair and what's ours. They thought they would get rid of us easily, but if we have to be here for Christmas, it doesn't matter."-
The workers, members of Local 1110 of the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, said they were owed vacation and severance pay and were not given the 60 days of notice generally required by federal law when companies make layoffs. Lisa Madigan, the attorney general of Illinois, said her office was investigating, and representatives from her office interviewed workers at the plant on Sunday.
"...Still, as they milled around the factory's entrance this weekend, some workers said they doubted that the company was really in financial straits, and they suggested that it would reopen elsewhere with cheaper costs and lower pay. Others said managers had kept their struggles secret, at one point before Thanksgiving removing heavy equipment in the middle of the night but claiming, when asked about it, that all was well.Workers also pointedly blamed Bank of America, a lender to Republic Windows, saying the bank had prevented the company from paying them what they were owed, particularly for vacation time accrued.
"Here the banks like Bank of America get a bailout, but workers cannot be paid?"- said Leah Fried, an organizer with the union workers. "The taxpayers would like to see that bailout go toward saving jobs, not saving C.E.O.'s."-
In a statement issued Saturday, Bank of America officials said they could not comment on an individual client's situation because of confidentiality obligations. Still, a spokeswoman also said, "Neither Bank of America nor any other third party lender to the company has the right to control whether the company complies with applicable laws or honors its commitments to its employees."
"...Throughout the weekend, people came by with donations of food, water and other supplies. The workers said they were determined to keep their action "" reminiscent, union leaders said, of autoworkers' efforts in Michigan in the 1930s "" peaceful and to preserve the factory."
The workers were visited by two members of congress--Â Representatives Luis V. Gutierrez and Jan Schakowsky, both from Illinois, and Rev. Jesse Jackson.Â
"This is a nonviolent wake-up call to all of America," the Chicago Sun Times reported Jackson observed. "It's the beginning of a bigger movement to resist economic violence."
President-elect Obama commented, in his press conference, yesterday,Â
"When it comes to the situation here in Chicago with the workers who are asking for their benefits and payments they have earned, I think they are absolutely right.
"When you have a financial system that is shaky, credit contracts. Businesses large and small start cutting back on their plants and equipment and their work forces.
"So, number one, I think that these workers, if they have earned their benefits and their pay, then these companies need to follow through on those commitments. Number two, I think it is important for us to make sure that, moving forward, any economic plan we put in place helps businesses to meet payroll so we are not seeing these kinds of circumstances again."
 But let's take the follow-through on commitments line a bit further. How about congress. They handed, without supervision, $700 billion to Paulson to dole out to his friends in the finance industry. And they've taken it and used it to pay dividends, throw parties, invest in buying up smaller operations. Just about everything except helping the people at the bottom-- you know the bottom that Obama seems to talk about every time he mentions dealing with the economy from the bottom-up.Â
1 | 2
Rob Kall is executive editor, publisher and site architect of OpEdNews.com, President of Futurehealth, Inc, more...)
The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author
and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
 Contact Author |
Contact Editor |
 View Authors' Articles |
|
|
|
|
| 45 comments |
|
Obama's Most Progressive Act Yet; Solidarity With the Chicag
Bravo to President Elect Obama. I have been critical of Obama's choice of cabinet, but this single act of verbally supporting the Chicago Factory workers goes a long way to shoring up his credibility. This is the kind of President America really needs. America is all the people, not just the top 10%. by Rolland Miller (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 227 comments [78 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 2:26:30 PM  (0+)
|
|
Reply: A Pin for Your Baloon
http://www.alternet.org/election08/110396/ by William Whitten (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 4880 comments [1685 recommended, 28 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 6:53:55 PM (0+)
|
|
The heart must be the mediator of the mind and hands.
Obama's heart may be in the right place, but it remains to be seen if his brain or hands are. Remember, it was Bush's compassion that wanted to liberate the Iraqis, and we all know how good that turned out. Why bail out the banks and the auto industry and not the window manufacturers? The union employees forced the wages up, which forced the price of the windows up, which made the factory uncompetitive. Obama wanting the factory to 'pay' isn't going to solve anything, just like Robin Hood never solved anything. The more you steal from the rich, the more the rich take from the poor. We need to transcend this class warfare, not embrace it. While the occupation was peaceful, it would have made more sense to go back in and make windows and ship them out for free to homes that need them. The world needs windows and skilled workers; fighting over money is counter-productive. We have been whipping this dead horse for 230 years. Also, it is totally nuts for him to encourage civil disobedience. Will it be okay if I occupy the White House? His statements just reveal how naive he is up the scope of the problems. While I still have hope that he can learn, and I agree he is WAY BETTER than the alternative, we are not out of the woods yet. Following Bush can make anybody look like a genius in comparison. Obama needs to recover what was lost, and move forward. He has not framed the issues properly at all. Also, micro-managing the economy may play well on TV, but it really doesn't accomplish anything. This is more style than substance, I'm afraid. The hypocrites always have trumpets sounding when they walk down the red carpet to drop a penny in the poor-box. Don't fall for this faux solidarity. The governor showed up at the plant. More BS. It was the governor that mismanaged the local economy. And now he is punishing the Bank of America for lending to the factory. Jesse Jackson has shown up with turkeys, etc. What a grand farce. by Steve Consilvio (18 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 184 comments [4 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 2:35:32 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: Top Down, Bottom Up. Left right, right left.
Hm. It may be easy to get too discouraged. We are only discussing here, but you have a point. I was thinking, if workers met within a factory instead of nationally and internationally. That seems like undue pressure, unless the company is international. Just like every other system, the unions need major tweeking. I don't think an all or nothing approach is advisable, and/both seems to be more to my taste. People do need to connect on the internet internationally to decide what is fair and reasonable. Workers as well as management need to learn how to treat each other. Frankly unions haven't been very progressive in educating it's members or itself. What else is new, we all come from the public school system? by Harold Barre (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 55 comments [7 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 12:39:12 PM (0+)
|
|
When Obama offers more than words then
When Obama offers something more significant than just words THEN we can say he's done something for the people at the bottom. Thus far i've only witnessed him bail out those on the top. How about bailing out tax payers? Or giving tax payers ownership over these institutions our money is bailing out? Until Obama actually does something to improve the lot of the people on the bottom his words are just beautiful empty words. MLK was more than words. Obama does not deserve the MLK comparison at this point!!!! by marcelino sepulveda (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 2:39:05 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: MLK/Obama's faith in diplomacy
Actually, MLK was a lot of empty words, too. He was an angry preacher, who pretty much swallowed whole the myth of manifest destiny. He didn't really love his enemy, or build a bridge between the blacks and the whites. Obama's faith in diplomacy crashed and burned when he said we should step up efforts in Afghanistan to find bin Laden. If you won't negotiate with your enemy, then who can you negotiate with? by Steve Consilvio (18 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 184 comments [4 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 2:51:02 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: No words are empty
Actually, MLK was a lot of empty words, too. He was an angry preacher, who pretty much swallowed whole the myth of manifest destiny. He didn't really love his enemy, or build a bridge between the blacks and the whites. I disagree with this comment because Martin Luther King Jr's words gave people hope and the courage to stand up against an oppressive and unjust system. He walked the talk by putting himself on the front line against some of the most hate-filled and racist people in this nation. He didn't despise his enemies, he could have easily done as Malcolm had suggested and returned the blows of his enemies with violence but he chose non-violence. I could go on and on about MLK but I want, his life speaks for itself, what many of us have today speaks volumes of what his words has produced. His life was not in vain and neither was his words. In many ways whether people disagree or agree with Obama, he is like MLK, for the one simple fact that he is putting his life on the line, he will have to face the same hate-filled racist people that MLK faced, his words has already given hope to many not only in America but across the world. Regardless of what may come nothing can erase the hope that he has given to those who dared to reach for their dreams. by Sharon Roach (15 articles, 0 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 184 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 4:41:43 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: way to say it sharon!!!
he even gave hope to the whites who were stuck in the middle and wanted peace by TRADESMAN (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 12 diaries, 335 comments [40 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 5:25:11 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: Thanks, Sharon.
My main problem with Rob is that he writes these very wordy articles, whereas OEN is supposed to be NEWS and OPINION, not a site for writers to practice their skills. Which is to say, I didn't finish the piece, because I also think Rob is gaining in insight and perspective, and he probably won't be putting up these long articles forever, articles that would pack a much better punch if they were about 1/3 the words. And I didn't read the words by Rob which you quoted. Then scanning the comments, I read yours. You are so right about Martin. I went to a sermon by MLK in Cambridge, Massachusetts in the spring of 1960, and I don't remember a word he said. But that summer drivning back to my home in Texas, I almost detoured down to Mississippi, where SNCC was registering black voters, two years before SDS got involved. (I'm a white person, and I didn't remember a word MLK said driving back to Texas that summer, either.) But I know....it was just sitting in that Church and having that brave man's words wash over me that did it. Rob may not have been born in 1960. You are so right. Obama is putting his life on the line as much or more than MLK did. And in my humble opinion, no one can gainsay that. by GLloyd Rowsey (104 articles, 65 quicklinks, 60 diaries, 828 comments [4 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 7:12:02 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: No double-standards.
I agree, Malcolm was worse. But there is no doubt that people can be brutal to one another, regardless of their skin color, too. When MLK talked about character, he was right on. When he talked about color, and America, it was just more old myth compounding. Blacks are no more a victim than any other group, and the only way we will all get along is to love one another. He wanted to be judged on the content of his character, not the color of his skin. That is the way I am judging both MLK and Obama, and myself, too. No double-standards. Talking about other people's sins is easy. We have to be willing to confess our own, too. by Steve Consilvio (18 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 184 comments [4 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 10:36:46 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: Common Enemy
Today we all have a common enemy the ruling 10% who would like to enslave us all, color does not matter to them in their eyes we are all fair game. Until we can glean some kind of courage as these Chicago workers have and make a bold stand we will continue to stand by, do nothing but grumble amongst ourselves while they are tightening the shackles around our feet. I will say this for Malcolm, I agree sometimes we have to make our stand "by any means necessary" it may come to the point that we all have to sacrifice and withhold taxes, stop spending with certain corporations just to get the message across. Presently, they have us in the pocket, we will buy whatever junk they put on the market while at the same time grumbling about the ruling corporate powers. The only power they have is what we give to them now that's what I call a double standard. by Sharon Roach (15 articles, 0 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 184 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 8:04:12 AM (0+)
|
|
Reply: MLK started with battles --- then the revolution on Empire
Yes, right on, this may be just a single point, retail battle with this one corporation on one small aspect of economic oppression. But this could energize Obama (like it did Dr. King) to move up from retail, street level single battles, to the wholesale recognition that the 'corporate financial Empire' is the signal, singular, and seminal force behind all of our sorrows of empire (abroad AND at home)--- or as Hannah Arendt said in the era of the Nazi Empire, "Empire abroad (always) entails tyranny at home." by Alan MacDonald (11 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 131 comments [43 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 3:04:48 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: A Good Sign
Yes, this is a good sign. If Obama can really would the walk the walk of this talk, I would really have the inclination to support him. It is the first and only thing to give me pause in an otherwise harsh critique. I understand that he is a Constitutional scholar. If he truly is, and actually honors the true worth of that document, in both spirit and construction, perhaps we could see a greatness that would bowl me over. If he can even inch us closer by taking us back to pre-Bush, I would be delighted. But that will mean big problems with the elites, which always brings danger. All is in flux, the future is never certain...but our bets are on a long shot here. Good luck everybody. by William Whitten (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 4880 comments [1685 recommended, 28 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 5:54:47 PM (0+)
|
|
There are so many ironies surrounding the Republic incident
First off, windows factories with cars as customers are biting the dust. Half Republic's business was in cars, and the other half connected to refitted housing. The location reminds of Haymarket, although the workers do not. In the Land of Lincoln and an incoming president, Illinois is not lost in the musing. What is relevant is who from Congress rallied as the governor must appoint a new junior Senator from Illinois. This is a governor just short of indictment, however. My personal hope is Jessie Jackson Jr. will be chosen, based on what I saw of TV coverage on him during the campaign. However that may play out in Illinois, I see Republic workers' caper as a morale boost for workers laid off all over the country. My driver's husband got the boot a couple of weeks ago from a company which supplies parts mostly to GM. Her daughter is working for a company which makes windows similar to the way Republic did, and is glad to hang on--her husband just lost his job at a leisure boat company. Only one such plant is open in this part of the country so friendly to them because of TVA power and available lakes. And I could tell what's happening in East North Carolina where my brother lives. There are so many personal encounters, and others which I could hear, except I think many folks are keeping a stiff upper lip through Christmas. Inauguration is too far off to think about. As you've said often, Rob, stories count. When John Edwards tried to call poverty by its real name (and attempted to make it real with concrete cases) no one seemed to take it seriously. Now, a year later, just about the same time as the recession officially presented itself, let's keep an eye on the weather forecast. Before we get to April there will be some cruel months to think on. by Margaret Bassett (45 articles, 2909 quicklinks, 42 diaries, 1849 comments [99 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 2:47:31 PM (0+)
|
|
ROB
I do not know just yet what kind of President Mr. Obama will make. I do know that I cannot think of a single president going back to FDR that would have sided with the workers on this issue, and I am overjoyed that Obama took a public stand in favor of civil disobedience by a union when they were being denied their pay. At the very least, he is a man of unceasing courage, for the obvious reasons. If Reagan had been president, I'm sure the national guard would already have shot these union members for treason. But to the point. What gets me irked, is that every time someone says anything good about Obama, these trolls come out from under the bridge to take a couple of pot shots at him to try and steal any good feelings that he might engender in people by good words or deeds. I'm not an Obama fan, but even I get tired of the same crap from the same people over and over and over again. OK. We heard you. We know what your position is. Now go make your wife more miserable. She is used to it. Let the rest of us have a little hope now and then. by W.M.L. (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 537 comments [52 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 3:11:48 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: Amen
I was tempted to include a STFU admonition to the usual negaholics. I can picture it. Obama said something historic here. But he only said it. Next he signs legislaton, but he is criticized because he didn't (yet) enforce it. Next, he signs legislation, enforces it, insures it is carried out, and he is criticized because we can't tell yet if it actually works. It's ironic. I expect to go to the Take Back America Conference this year and celebrate. I'm pretty happy about he current status of politics. Sure it could be a lot better, but compared to where it was, I'm ecstatic. Those who voted for McKinney or Nader had no hope. Maybe they gave up on hope and now that the signs of light and progress are becoming more manifest, they need to douse the light to hold on to what they are familiary with-- negative, hopeless attitudes. We embrace what we know and fear that which we are unfamiliar with-- some of us, anyway. Not me. I'll try out new. by Rob Kall (952 articles, 4177 quicklinks, 374 diaries, 2087 comments [45 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 3:49:08 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: Interesting, if vastly incorrect take
on third party voters Rob. We are third party voters because we have hope, hope in the process, hope in the new party structures. Where we might be accused of being negative, and as a cranky old man, I can certainly see this, is in having to deal over and over with the emperors' new clothes. Your talk is big Rob, but the actions of the Democrats have been pretty feeble of late. We can listen to the words of the politicians all day long, but it is in their actions that they lay themselves open to us. Obama made one very good statement. Now let's see if he will back up his words. Just sayin' The cranky old man. by Jack Harrington (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 675 comments [68 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 6:22:03 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: yep.
Cranky old man, I am a fan. Compounding the problem is the fact that The Emperor is no Adonis. If he were, we could at least stand bemused by the prettiness of the exhibition. But unfortunately the display is neither effective nor artful. Much as I really love the fact that somebody who studied at Harvard and taught at the University of Chicago is our President-Elect [ie a THINKER], I am slow to consider rhetoric more than incentive towards desired result. I have ample experience with Frenchmen, Irishmen, and Spaniards. Of the three, Spaniards are the most gifted at telling a woman what she wants to hear, and the least likely to deliver. I can simultaneously enjoy their oratory and keep my bank account out of their grasp. by Jennifer Hathaway (16 articles, 15 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 758 comments [220 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 6:50:49 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: forget parties
Personally, I have yet to read or hear an argument as to why anyone should label and align themselves with one "party." There are goods and bads in any grouping, but honesty and integrity should be appreciated universally. Issues and actions count. Taking a right, or left, or a green or a progressive stand -- following party lines??? Just when will we start thinking for ourselves and standing on our own without joining a group to lend our thought backing. When will we think and act globally -- maybe that's a party I could join. And some of the heat in these exchanges are not about the actual issues but about this party thing. So why not just drop it and focus on the issues without names? Will the logic or persuasion alter because the writer doesn't mention progressive or left? Could we go global? Obama is closer to that then some and further away then others. He seems to be headed in the general direction, though, and if the herd follows, that's a good thing. by sometimes blinded (4 articles, 106 quicklinks, 14 diaries, 614 comments [51 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 9:35:10 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: Something else for you to think about Rob
Picture, if you will, a four space grid. Upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right. In the upper left we have those people who might best be described as Yes-Yes types. When asked or tasked, they always respond "yes" and they always show up for the work. In the lower right we have the no no types. They never respond positively and they never show for the work. Upper right are the Yes-No types. They almost always show support initially, but like the no no types, they are not there when it is time for the rolling of sleeves. Finally, in the lower left box we have the No-Yes types. They initially say no, this won't work, and then give you a long tickler as to why. Then they figure out how to deal with the problem areas, and when it looks workable, they climb on board and are often your best, most energetic, creative and productive workers. So as to your negaholics, well, most of them would probably be No Yes types, like me. You all in the pollyanna (yes yes) group just haven't given us much to go on yet. Just sayin'. Hope it helps, something I developed as a team building concept for organizational excellence, back in the late 80's. The cranky old man by Jack Harrington (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 675 comments [68 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 11:51:28 PM (0+)
|
|
He's not President yet!
What these negative commenters ignore is the fact that Obama is not yet the President. All he can do right now is talk -- recommend, support, advise -- he cannot legislate. It will be interesting to see, however, as this situation plays out, how his "talk" reflects that. It will be disappointing if Saturday's comment is his only one. by Lynn Hirshman (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 41 comments [6 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 4:51:34 PM (0+)
|
|
UH?
I don't think he can actually legislate even after he takes office....what he CAN do is encourage responsible legislation. The actual lawmaking is supposidly done in Congress, last I heard. by Roger (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 465 comments [22 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 6:05:01 PM (0+)
|
|
Good article
Thanks for submitting. Unions deserve to come back with a vengeance. Not that they provide all of the answers. They don't. Look at the sweeping failures of the teachers' unions where only pennies of every dollar get to the actual students for whom the money was originally intended. But unions for the most part demand, at least in theory, recognition of their workers. In general, they have been dogged by the republicans who just can't seem to hoard enough money for themselves at the top. Outrageous the salaries and bonuses of CEO's. Some make in ten minutes what the average worker makes for the entire year. Why? Because they are so smart and special? My ass. Because they are connected. Because the system for the most part is unfair. The country desperately needs strategies to spread and share the wealth not just pass it onto generations of the rich, all of which does nothing more than increase disparity between the haves and have nots. Look how this has grown in the last eight years alone. We should tax the living hell out of the wealthy. To really level the playing field the death/inheritance tax should be upped to 95%. At least. Make that 97%. Let these people really know they can't take it with them when they go or leave it to their spoiled brat children, people who have never worked, who don't know what it is to work for a living, to earn their keep, for generations upon generations, people born on third base thinking they hit a triple. It'll make them more altruistic while they are here on earth, (and a little less willing to start wars they have no interest in fighting themselves). Let's not forget either to demand FULL INVESTIGATIONS OF 9/11 AND IRAQ WAR. NO PARDONS! We got a lot of work to do. Call your reps. Stay in their face. Make it happen. All of it. If you see an article that makes sense to you, send it to your rep. It's easy and all it takes is a second. Demand an articulate, pertinent response with no double talk. Demand to know their position if they have one, if they agree with you, if they're going to represent you in the next vote. If you don't get the response you want, let them know you might be just one individual but they're on your sh*t list. Take my congressman, for example, Bill Delahunt, D-MA, nice guy, means well, seems to work hard, but totally unresponsive to going after corruption at the top. Falls right in line with Pelosi, our own worst enemy, who effectively stripped us of our most basic right. There is no more important a priority. Is Delahunt on my sh*t list with Pelosi? You better believe it. If he doesn't care about me and what I think, then I don't care about him. Make the system work for you the way it was designed to. For every complaint you have, make sure your representative is aware of it. Every time you hear an argument or a video on YouTube you like and happen to agree with, send it along to your rep. Let them know you want to be counted and you're paying attention. We the People gotta get back into this ball game. by Nick van Nes (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 595 comments [150 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 6:05:55 PM (0+)
|
|
Here in Chicago ...
I'm here in Chicago. I have a lot that I wish I had the time to post. I expect the sit-in to continue over the next couple of days so Wednesday or Thursday I hope to post details on what's happened from the "bottom-up" perspective. The Sun-Times and the NY Times illuminate the situation well. I'm consumed by final exams and final projects. I'm taking on an internship with CitizenKate.TV. I will be expanding upon my past with OpEdNews and my work with Polidoc Productions. There's a lot going on. I should be helping OpEdNews cover this great development. The workers deserve to succeed. Bank of America should not be allowed to get away with this. The owners of the factory do not deserve to get away with it either. But, look at this---these workers are primarily Hispanice or African-American. And let's not forget the role that may have played in the owners' and Bank of America's decision to do what they are doing. I would like to let the thing about third party voters go, Rob. But, sorry, I can't. Third party voters had more hope and were less cynical than Obama supporters were. We believed in a better way forward. That's not to say Obama's way forward isn't good. When compared to Bush, Obama's way forward is stellar. But so what? It's all relative. Objectively and scientifically, the hope we have must be defined by the policy changes we want to see realized. I wanted to see Nader's issues become a central part of Obama's agenda. I wanted those issues to be a part of the next president's agenda. I wanted the power to be shifted from the few to the many. And what's wrong with that? What's wrong with having a passion and yearning for something more than the conventional politics Obama offers? Nothing. And there's nothing wrong with approaching Obama's appointments and proposed policies for his presidency with skepticism and criticism. To not be skeptical or critical is foolish. This is our opportunity. Let's not squander it. The workers here have given us something grand. It could set off a lot. But, will it? That depends on us, the people. It depends on whether Obama's words translate into actions. It depends on whether Obama chooses to be a transforming and challenging personality. I'm on Obama's side. I want him to do what the people want him to do. But, I also know reality. I know what he voted for and did on the campaign trail and in the Senate. And I am here with others to make sure that if he does what we do not want him to do, we the people will rise up and challenge him in the same way that we the people challenged the Bush Administration. Chicago activists are holding an action on the 60th Anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. It's called, "Now More Than Ever, No Wars for Empire." The national UFPJ meeting will be on that same day (Dec. 13th). We are the change we've been waiting for. If we think it, let's believe it, and if we believe we the people have the answers, let's show courage and put our feet to the ground and get to work. by Kevin Gosztola (302 articles, 146 quicklinks, 81 diaries, 1082 comments [77 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 7:03:58 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: See my comment above, to Sharon Roach's comment,
Kevin. Your writing challenges Rob's for facileness, and I do not mean that as a criticism. But what good will it be for OEN - with what, 25,000 readers - to be moving in the direction of 100 other websites that have excellent writers-researchers posting to them, first off? Moreover, your politics are much closer to mine than Rob's are, or are likely to be in the future. Rob is a Democratic Party Believer, you know. Of course, if Barak stays alive and continues to grow, even the Democratic Party may be reborn....And that is not a consummation devoutly to be feared. by GLloyd Rowsey (104 articles, 65 quicklinks, 60 diaries, 828 comments [4 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 7:29:52 PM (0+)
|
|
ROB, YOUR EPIPHANY IS WELL FOUNDED. THANK YOU!
Well stated. I think of Gandhi first when I read your article! by Eliot Gould (16 articles, 0 quicklinks, 28 diaries, 200 comments [3 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 7:04:26 PM (0+)
|
|
It was a good act
and a signal to the parties involved. But if the workers get nothing it will all be in vain. BTW, for that gentleman who said something about White House: the White House staff can and should occupy it if they are suddenly told to just.. pack and leave. by Mark Sashine (72 articles, 19 quicklinks, 269 diaries, 4101 comments [130 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 7:43:34 PM (0+)
|
|
hope at last
FINALLY, at little hope. Let's hope it continues. by W. Christopher Epler (Bill) (291 articles, 59 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 763 comments [44 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 7:56:55 PM (0+)
|
|
I can think of something more progressive
and I wrote a diary entry click here saying so. Getting paid for time owed doesn't seem all that revolutionary to me. Taking over and operating the factory does. by wagelaborer (6 articles, 1 quicklinks, 9 diaries, 307 comments [34 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Monday, Dec 8, 2008 at 10:00:44 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: True enough,...
but the provision of justice is paramount. These workers are not just in for themselves, either. Whatever their individual motivations, they are showing America that the union movement is not dead, despite thirty years of Republican abuse that continues with their efforts toward the UAW. These Republic workers are also showing America the value of unionism in an economic climate where many, if not most other workers are wishing that they had the benefits of union membership. In doing so, they deserve the support of all Americans. Today, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich instructed all Illinois governmental units to pull their accounts from the Bank of America and to stop doing business with that institution. These bankers (meant in the most highly perjorative sense) have had their snouts deeply buried in the trough of taxpayer money, but they can't bring themselves to loan some of that largesse to keep America working. That would seem to cast a great deal of doubt on the accuracy of their corporate name. by John Sanchez Jr. (9 articles, 0 quicklinks, 25 diaries, 1791 comments [148 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 12:02:48 AM (0+)
|
|
Hmm
Perhaps if Obama started looking at the root cause for the economic problems, I might be somewhat optimistic. Paying lip service to some poor shmucks whom have lost their job is fine, but it seems people are stretching looking for the hope and change here. I mean, he talks about solutions using tax dollars which are already accounted for given our 70 trillion in unfunded liabilities and 11 trillion national debt, and borrowed money which makes the country hostage to foreign investors and the banksters at home, weakens the dollar, and as a free trade globalist, he has proposed nothing to stem the 40 year declining living standards among the middle class caused by capital and jobs being exported to countries which pay their workers less. Obama has supported what is now up to a 2 trillion bail out (money we must borrow from the banksters and foreigners since we don't have it), and counting, with no stipulation that credit be eased or that the money must stay in the US. No wonder the banksters love him. Now if Obama decides to print debt free money to fund infrastructure and domestic projects, and loan to industries at low interest to create jobs, then I will hop on the Obama band wagon. Not until then. by pft (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 601 comments [7 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 12:30:57 AM (0+)
|
|
Negaholism, positivity
Hello friends I want to post here not so much in response to Rob's article per se, but to the contents of comments here. It was mentioned that in being positive and hope-oriented, Rob "gave us nothing to go on". I want to say that I have run into this attitude again and again. "What planet do you live on?" has been written as response to my articles, and other things to that effect, any time I have actually proposed a positive solution and a hope-oriented message. What "nothing" Did Rob give us here? It's the person who said that who simply refuses to see the content and take the gift which comes with it. That's his choice. A good one? You be the judge of what's good for you, yourself. Then there's the attitude, again posted here (and elsewhere), which makes a case for skepticism as the only "realistic" way to think. I want to challenge that assertion without denying the harsh realities we are up against, either. It's true that life has black and white, good and bad. Of course. But that's just it: It's bad AND good. It's not just one OR the other. Negaholics believe that negativity is the ONLY reality to be considered. Ahh my friends, neither position is true. It is the blending of hope and "reality"---which includes dark AND light too---that is the "reality". We must not forget that life holds hope. In fact, that light IS the greater reality. Think about it. Do most people you run into desire to kill, pillage, invoke mayhem and chaos wherever they go? It's not most people who operate this way. Again, think about it. Most people desire to do good, imperfect though they may be. I'm going to be really honest here. In my experience, and in my belief, it is the light which ultimately wins. Because we humans are made of light in our core. The dark is not our core nature. We stray from the light and are knocked off our path by tugs of pain, things that are not true to our ultimate nature. Ultimately, every (Sane and normal) human being desires to do good. Even if they may practice evil it's usually not by intention. It's usually by weakness, ignorance, or other such matters. But most people naturally desire to work for good, love, peace, truth. Do most people love themselves if they whip their kids, leave the factory workers to die, etc? I don't think so. They are in denial, my friends. Denial of their light and their good. But it's still there. In most of them, that is. Now let's not pretend that there are those abnormal types who love evil and thrill in it. I think we've all seen Bush light up with elation when announcing hte Iraq war escalation, laughing up his sleeve at just that moment, giggling the words "I am a war president" on camera in Fahrenheit 911, etc. This is ABNORMAL my friends. Let's make no mistake about it. We've been unconstitutionally ruled by a violent criminal type for the past eight years----two of them actually. Why else would they send our kids to war lacking adequate body armor, etc? **No wonder we are all jaded!** In all honesty, those who dismiss positivity as "polyanna" and "unreality" are the ones who lose credibility, at least in my eyes. Instantly jumping all over anything positive as "unreality" and shooting it down only shows those negaholics to be dumb and stupid, in my very honest perception. I have learned to ignore those comments and not to let them influence my thinking anymore. Because in my experience, the light wins. Almost every time. It may take time, but it does eventually win. WW II stopped. The Concentration Camps stopped. Ghandi won. The wrong-doings of the wrong-doers comes back to bite them in the rear end. That's why the Republicans lost the last two elections (not that Dems are doing all good things, believe me, either). We are in a long-term process here, but it's all going to come around to the right balance again. It's only a matter of time. by Kathryn Smith (110 articles, 2 quicklinks, 43 diaries, 542 comments [23 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 1:41:57 AM (0+)
|
|
what progressive "act"?
Words are only words until put into action. Obama likes to appear as all things to all people. To quote a man he admires "there he goes again." Sorry, until he actually DOES something that shows his committment to the working class, the jury on his intentions is still out. by jersey girl (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1201 comments [734 recommended, 12 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 6:07:04 AM (0+)
|
|
Reply: If that is the case,...
what is the purpose of your posting here? Could it be that you expect just words to influence someone's thinking and behavior? by John Sanchez Jr. (9 articles, 0 quicklinks, 25 diaries, 1791 comments [148 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 8:29:20 AM (0+)
|
|
Reply: Mr Sanchez
I hold those in power to a higher standard than those who post comments on sites such as oped. Dont you? If you don't, why not? We are all entitled to our opinions. I wasn't aware that oped was all about cheerleading with no opposing views. Or is it? by jersey girl (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1201 comments [734 recommended, 12 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 8:46:34 AM (0+)
|
|
Reply: Nice try at ducking the point,...
which is that words here are no more powerful in their ability to persuade than words from politicians are. So, if you believe your words have that power, then the "just words" uttered by politicians may be safely assumed to carry the same power. If you don't believe that, you must be holding them to a much lower standard. by John Sanchez Jr. (9 articles, 0 quicklinks, 25 diaries, 1791 comments [148 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 12:06:17 PM (0+)
|
|
political acts are designed to influence
manipulation is the object... always....// Happened in Chicago, eh? The time was certainly right …. days before Christmas At the Republic Windows and Doors factory in his old stomping grounds Of course, true believers ‘heart’ Obama.…. It could never be calculated say they.… Of course one can imagine that the true, inner and caring self of Obama is leaking out and about a bit. That in spite of all his hideous appointments, hideous earlier statements about various topics and his votes on various bills like the telecom and Patriot, Military Commissions.…that in spite of all that... his heart is …. at least sort a pure … and nobility is in there some where … after all, listen to him talk!! But for me.… I think Roosevelt said it better.…. In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way. Franklin D. Roosevelt by richard (0 articles, 5 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 1359 comments [399 recommended, 8 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 6:57:06 AM (0+)
|
|
Reply: Thanks or proving my point
If you, in another life, were single, and presented with the most beautiful, perfect specimen of the sexual gender of your choice, who offered her or his self to you, I predict you would complain that he or she had a digestive tract with sh*t in it and demand something more perfect. by Rob Kall (952 articles, 4177 quicklinks, 374 diaries, 2087 comments [45 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 8:27:43 AM (0+)
|
|
Reply: Rob.. what point was proved?
The workers are the heroes in this story. If all the americans thrown out of their jobs did the same, we'd see a real people's revolt in this country and the corporations and politicians would have to actually DO something and not just spout lovely rhetoric to keep the masses at bay. It's real easy for Obama to commend them for their brave and necessary stance. After all, the economy is horrible and americans are losing their jobs in record numbers. He has to throw a bone to the people to keep them happy doesn't he? Or is it to keep them in line ? Sorry, those of us not ready to fall in line for Obama aren't negative. We believe our own eyes and ears and not some fairytale that the msm is trying to lull us back to sleep with. We've seen what he's done so far and it ain't pretty. by jersey girl (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1201 comments [734 recommended, 12 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 8:37:33 AM (0+)
|
|
Keeping up
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." It's the price of everything, I'd say. We need to keep up on all the breakthroughs in every field to improve our health, mental and physical, to be of use to ourselves and others. The reason I say is that science says, to find the joy and wisedom inside, we have to pass through the compassion area in the center of the brain. A changed person affects those all around them, their friends, their friends, friends and their friends, friends, friends. A changed world needs changed people, not finger pointers. Opednews is keeping up and we need to also. Not read everything, but enough. I would like to see more articles on the science of change and the mind shift under way. Our knowledge of it is the center of any real change. Doesn't that make sense? Change minds, change the world? The motivation is that compassion comes with the incredible joy and creativity of right brain and whole brain thinking, something money can't buy. That fits in well, as we don't have any. by Harold Barre (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 55 comments [7 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 12:21:52 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: YAY!!
I love what you say here Harold, and as eloquently as you say it! And you are so right. It's the solution. by Kathryn Smith (110 articles, 2 quicklinks, 43 diaries, 542 comments [23 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 12:35:11 PM (0+)
|
|
I second This "When Obama offers more than words then"
Wake up liberals...it's one blindly optimistic pledge after another...nobody ever learns anything. When Obama offers more than words then When Obama offers something more significant than just words THEN we can say he's done something for the people at the bottom. Thus far i've only witnessed him bail out those on the top. How about bailing out tax payers? Or giving tax payers ownership over these institutions our money is bailing out? Until Obama actually does something to improve the lot of the people on the bottom his words are just beautiful empty words. MLK was more than words. Obama does not deserve the MLK comparison at this point!!!! by marcelino sepulveda (0 articles, 0 quicklinks by Paul Donovan (3 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 12 comments) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 1:00:44 PM (0+)
|
|
Kathryn
What reality are you so excited about? Perhaps you could share why you so enthusiastically support Obama ? Because his "image" projects hope? Where on earth is the reality in THAT thinking? From his recent votes to his choices for cabinet, the man has not shown ONE iota of a progressive bent. Certainly nothing to be all excited and hopeful about. I'm asking you to please give me a few tidbits of "reality" that I may be missing? Seeing the facts as they exist and not as you wish them to be is reality. When Obama starts acting like a progressive, I'll give him his due. Until then, he's just another politician put in power to serve his corporate masters. by jersey girl (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1201 comments [734 recommended, 12 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 1:43:15 PM (0+)
|
|
whose reality....
Jersey Girl, Once again, you speak reality. The others, they speak wish fulfillment, dreams and illusions. This is likely the last post on this thread. And few if any will note it. But I did want to respond to Rob. Rob, in his bio, makes a big deal of his history as a psychotherapist … but I wonder. He easily forgets the truths leaned from research regarding the cognitive theory regarding depression. Initially, it was presume that depressed folks were depressed because of their predilection to look at the world through depressogenic glasses … who saw the world as worse than it actually was.… hence underpinning their depressed mood .. which was thought based in persistent, perceptual, interpretative error. …. Well, as research will have it,…. it turns out that hypothesis was in error. Rather, it appeared, depressives were more accurate in their interpretations of reality than the pollyanna(s) who ran about looking only or mostly at the positive. That’s Rob, you see. He wants so very very much to see the positive in Obama (is there any substantial amount?) that he will happily and blithely ignore what is actually happening. Oh, and just because I am more accurate perceptually than Rob, I believe, I am not particularly depressed …. because I do not tend towards that emotion. Neither do I tend towards the ‘negative’ … only the realistic and empirically accurate. However, Rob is very adept at committing complex ad hominem against others with whom he disagrees, but in actually, all he is doing is defending his pollyanna view about Obama, et. al., because he does not appear to have the fortitude, the will, to see the negatives that are there … preferring, rather, to sweep them under the rug of obfuscation, of unrealistic ‘hope’, of denial of current fact and denial of the lessons of history. The denial of the machinations of politics and denial of the reality of who really runs this country. It ain’t gonna be Obama. It has not been the ‘president’ or the ‘congress’ or the ‘courts’ for an awful long time. So, in response to someone who does look at those sweepings, Rob can only opine that I would prefer to focus on the sh*t in the digestive tract rather than be hypnotized by the illusory beauty of the face.… As one doctor who has actually cleaned the sh*t off the rear of an Alzheimer’s patient, I can attest, the sh*t is there. And you may as well deal with it realistically rather than trying to transform it magically into a bed of roses. Oh, but by the way Rob, the mother of our son, the other clinical neuropsychologist in our town, is indeed a beautiful woman, a wonderful therapist, an excellent researcher and loving mother of our boy... now nearly a man. We may not be married, but we are good friends. And, no, I do not think often of her sh*t except when she asks me to pay for her share of his orthodontics.….. ;-) by richard (0 articles, 5 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 1359 comments [399 recommended, 8 rejected]) on Tuesday, Dec 9, 2008 at 8:23:12 PM (0+)
|
|
Reply: a few studies
have covered the turf on negativity you mention. They do not make a concensus on depression. Your closing words gave me a good laugh. Thanks. by Rob Kall (952 articles, 4177 quicklinks, 374 diaries, 2087 comments [45 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 at 7:20:46 PM (0+)
|
Want to post your own comment on this Article? 
|
||||
|
||||||||||||||
News (0) 
Funny (0) 
Supported (0) 
Interesting (0) 
Inspiring (0) 
Valuable (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tell a Friend:
|
Copyright © 2002-2009, OpEdNews |
