Are the Democrats jumping from the ship?

It is a plausible question, and an interesting one at that. Are the Democrats now jumping from the bloated ship of socialist waste ever known to humankind? Are Democrats preparing themselves for the “Nuclear Option” on healthcare? The questions abound, the speculation is running rampant, and internet meme’s are burning up the bandwidth. I, on the other hand, will tell you what I do know.

First off, let us start with the local story; Michigan Lt Governor John Cherry was expected to be the person to succeed Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm at the helm of Michigan Governorship. However, Democrat Governor Jennifer Granholm’s performance as Governor of this state has been less than stellar. I ought to know this, I have lived here all of my life. Double-digit unemployment, a one state recession that towered over the national recession for many years now; put quite bluntly, there are no jobs here in Michigan. Sure, there are jobs, if you want to work in a fast food joint, making minimum wage. However, if you happen to be a 37-year-old man, looking for a decent paying, full time job, with health insurance — you are frankly out of luck.

However, to be fair, some of Michigan’s woes cannot be laid at the feet of the Democratic leadership. GM’s credit crisis cannot be blamed entirely on the Democrats, at least not the current ones in office here in Michigan. GM and Chrysler’s troubles are a direct result of the mortgage crisis, which was caused by President Jimmy Carter and President Bill Clinton and that idiotic piece of legislation that opened up the mortgage market to high-risk individuals. When the credit markets froze up, due to the stock market crash and subsequent credit freeze, the big three found themselves in the middle of it. This is my biggest issue that I have with the “Republicans” or those within the Conservative movement. They always, without fail, blame the unions for the troubles of the big three; when in all honesty, unions had zero to do with the meltdown or its effect on the automakers. The entire mess was, in fact, lack of proper regulation in the mortgage industry and the stock market in regards to credit swaps that caused this whole mess in the first place. Sorry to my fellow Conservatives, but I am just not buying that talking point.

However, it would be fair to mention that the unions did play a role in the financial woes of the big three, as did the big three’s failure to listen to the automotive experts, who saw what Japan was doing in the 1970’s and their arrogant attitudes. The big three could have saved themselves much heartache, by building smarter, higher quality vehicles. However, by the time the big three got around to embracing the ISO standards, it was too little, too late. As for the talking point of Union workers making too much money, I find it amazing how many Conservatives have axe to grind with those who simply want to make a decent working wage. Most of the people that make these idiotic claims are those who are making more than two hundred and fifty thousand a year and have no financial worries at all; but they want to rip away the comfortable living of others. Do you see now why I have not voted “Republican” yet?

Another point that I feel that is important to make, is the fact that the big three are just designing some of the most god-awful looking car nowadays. Heck, even the trucks are now getting just plain butt-ugly. Does it make any damned sense to build cars for every day Americans that look like they taken from the pages of a twenty fifth century comic book? Whatever happened to graceful, classic designs from the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s? Those were real cars back then, now all the big three can produce is glorified garbage — and do not even get me started on the idea of an electric car, now that is a idea that is going to go right straight were the Chevy EV1 went, right straight into the scrap heap.

Now back on the subject of politics, it seems that Chris Dodd, going to retire. Getting sweetheart deals on a house mortgage can do that to a fellow, especially when people in your district are losing their houses left and right. I also notice that Bryon Dorgan is also retiring; he supported Obama’s healthcare plan, which made him damaged goods. I also notice that Colorado Governor Bill Ritter is withdrawing from that race — corruption will do that to a fellow.

Now what is my personal take on these retirements and how it affects the 2010 elections? My take is this; I believe that there are going to be some very big upsets come election time. Now, I do not necessarily see a Republican wave or anything like that. However, I do see a drastic change in Washington D.C. I do also see a “defanging” of the socialist monster that exists on Capitol Hill right now. As for the Governor’s race here in Michigan, I believe that the Republicans can win Michigan, but they are going to have to work to earn the trust of the American people. It would take some very hard work and some massive breaking of some very established political rules to do it. However it can be done. The people of Michigan want real answers, real results, not political grandstanding, and platitudes.

It is going to be a very interesting 2010. I look forward to writing about it and giving you my take.

College Student to Obama "Hey, Why not legalize drugs and Prostitution to help the economy?"

A pretty funny follow up to my last posting. (and now for my next magical trick.. *chuckle* *snicker *grin*)

Here’s the video, which comes via AllahPundit:

Of course, if the United States was Governed by Libertarians; this would already be the case. But as long as we have the nazi fascist religious right running things, there will always be drug laws. But eh, those are the breaks I suppose. Got to give the kid credit, he does have guts, I would have never asked anything like that to a teacher — much less the President! 😯

Memo to General Motors: Good Going Douche Nozzles!

Ed Morrissey and I have not agreed much on G.M. and the status of the bail outs that they received from the Government. But it appears, that for a change, I agree with Ed; mark your calendars, because this does not happen often. Ed reports over on HotAir, that General Motors has taken the money, that was funded by taxpayers; like Ed, Me, and yes, you and has spent it —- overseas. Needless to say, there some lawmakers that are not very happy about it either.

ABC NEWS Reports:

Specifically, at a time when the nation’s unemployment rate has soared to levels not seen in decades and GM is cutting thousands of U.S. jobs, the company’s CEO is considering spending millions from its U.S. coffers — fattened by $50 billion in taxpayer aid — on its overseas operations, a possibility that has outraged critics and lawmakers.
“I don’t think most Americans believe that when the taxpayer bailouts were happening it was intended for that purpose,” said Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y. “It was intended to protect the American economy — not take the money overseas.”
GM’s Chief Executive Fritz Henderson recently announced that the bailed-out automaker might use its U.S. funds to help restructure its European unit Opel, noting that the financing agreements with the Treasury for the $34 billion of bailout funds already spent allow GM to spend any subsequently earned funds as its executives see fit. Some $16 billion remaining after its bankruptcy has strings attached.
[…]
GM has other plans to expand its business abroad. In August, GM China announced a $293 million venture, while last month GM South Korea announced a new infusion of more than $400 million. The automaker also recently inaugurated a $300 million transmission plant in Mexico.

So, is General Motors making money here in America? Uh, No.

General Motors Co. says it lost $1.2 billion from the time it left bankruptcy protection through Sept. 30, far better than previous quarters and a sign that the auto giant is starting to turn around.

….and how’s that account going?:

Chief Financial Officer Ray Young cautioned that the second- and third-quarter figures don’t comply with U.S. accounting standards and shouldn’t be compared with previous earnings.
GM says it is re-valuing its assets and liabilities and should comply with accounting standards next year.

Ouch.

While I was at the doctors with my Dad earlier today; I happened to mention this to him and another gentleman that worked at the same plant as my Father. Needless to say, their reaction to this was less than, um, shall we say, happy? My Dad replied in terms that I cannot write on this blog. To say that both of those guys were a bit ticked, would be an understatement.

Ed Morrissey cracks:

Let’s get this straight. GM gets tens of billions of dollars in taxpayer money and gets an Obama-managed bankruptcy — and stops complying with accounting standards? My goodness, they really are Government Motors!

In the past, I have given Ed Morrissey a bit of a hassle when he would criticize the auto workers and to an extent the Auto Companies. However, I feel this criticism is much warranted. Call it a hunch, but I tend to believe that the U.A.W. and the workers at the various G.M. plants, especially the one’s here in Michigan; are not going to be too thrilled that the company is taking it’s money and investing overseas; instead of investing it here, where the jobs are actually needed. No matter how you slice it; this was an extremely boneheaded move on the part of General Motors and it deserves the criticism it receives from ALL quarters.

Hey America, Welcome to my World!

Just wanted to be nice about it.

Welcome to my World!

Via The Old Grey Lady:

The United States economy shed 190,000 jobs in October, and the unemployment rate reached a 26-year high of 10.2 percent, up from 9.8 percent in September, the Department of Labor said Friday in its monthly economic appraisal.
While the pace of job losses has slowed significantly since the peak of the recession last winter, the unemployment rate, which measures the number of people actively seeking work, continues to climb, and economists do not foresee relief until well into next year.
“There’s no doubt that the slashing and burning of jobs has abated quite a lot,” said Allen L. Sinai, the founder of Decision Economics, a research firm. “The economy is recovering, but it is a very soft recovery.”
The biggest losses came in the construction, manufacturing and retailing sectors. Health care companies added 29,000 jobs to their payrolls, and the number of temporary workers increased by 34,000 — a significant gain that could indicate employers are beginning to expand their businesses again.
The Labor Department also revised September’s losses to 219,000 from 263,000.
Dean Baker, a director for the Center for Economic and Policy Research, said he did not expect declining unemployment rates until next spring. “We may be looking at very high levels,” Mr. Baker said, “barring a policy response, for several years into the future.”

Um, Why should there be any policy response? I believe that we are already tapping our resources to the limit now.

On Thursday, in anticipation of the unemployment report, Congress overwhelmingly voted to extend benefits for jobless workers for up to 20 weeks. That will soothe the short-term financial pain of many families, but demands for a new wave of government relief may intensify if companies continue to cut back.

Yes, let’s encourage people NOT to look for a job and continue to spend ourselves into a hole; by being a nanny state.

So far, the federal stimulus package has injected billions into local economies, giving states money, for instance, to finance construction projects or retain teachers. The housing and auto sectors have been propped up with government credits meant to encourage spending. But weak consumer demand and hefty labor costs are still forcing many employers to cut positions and reduce hours to survive.

So much for Hope and change!

The article goes on trying to defend President Obama, which is so typical for the New York Times, but it is quite obvious, this President has failed on all fronts, the stimulus, the bailouts —- everything. He is, in fact, a black Jimmy Carter.

Ed Morrissey says:

This is now Obama’s economy. He owns the double-digit unemployment level, having bought it with the $787 billion stimulus plan that he promised would keep unemployment no higher than 8%.

I agree with that. Obama simply continued the bailouts that President Bush started, which was a huge mistake.

The AP Reports:

But the loss of jobs last month exceeded economists’ estimates. It’s the 22nd straight month the U.S. economy has shed jobs, the longest on records dating back 70 years.
Counting those who have settled for part-time jobs or stopped looking for work, the unemployment rate would be 17.5 percent, the highest on records dating from 1994.

Now, if I were a partisan Blogger, I would simply sit here and blame Obama for it all. However, I am a bit more smarter than this. This all goes to Carter and then to Clinton. This video from the Wayne County Republicans will explain:

These unemployment numbers are just a ripple effect of all of this. Bush had a hand in it, as well as Obama. This is what happens when you elect faux Conservatives as Republicans and it is what happens when you elect Socialists.

It is quite obvious I am in the wrong profession

I wonder if they are hiring?

After you practice for years and get to Carnegie Hall, it’s almost better to move music stands than actually play the piano.
Depending on wattage, a star pianist can receive $20,000 a night at the 118-year-old hall, meaning he or she would have to perform at least 27 times to match the income of Dennis O’Connell, who oversees props at the New York concert hall.
O’Connell made $530,044 in salary and benefits during the fiscal year that ended in June 2008. The four other members of the full-time stage crew — two carpenters and two electricians — had an average income of $430,543 during the same period, according to Carnegie Hall’s tax return.
At Carnegie Hall, which has featured on its three stages such varied musicians as Duke Ellington, Bob Dylan and the Berlin Philharmonic, only Artistic and Executive Director Clive Gillinson makes more than the stagehands.
Gillinson earned $946,581 in salary and benefits in the fiscal year that ended in June 2008. Chief Financial Officer Richard Matlaga made $352,139, while General Manager Anna Weber received $341,542.
via Carnegie Hall Stagehand Moving Props Makes $530,044 (Update1) – Bloomberg.com.

Of course, there is a good explanation for this:

The stagehands benefit from a strong union: Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees demonstrated its clout in November 2007 when its members walked off their Broadway jobs and closed 26 shows for almost three weeks. The strike ended after stagehands and producers agreed to a five-year contract that both sides called a compromise.
Joshua B. Freeman, a U.S. labor historian at Queens College and author of “Working Class New York,” said the union’s power to shut down a vital part of New York’s entertainment industry gives it leverage in negotiations.
“They have a credible threat of withdrawing their labor,” Freeman said.

Not that I have anything against Unions as a rule; as my Dad is a retired General Motors worker and a U.A.W. member. But holy Moses, most my Dad ever pulled out that job was $20.00 an hour at the time of his retirement; and these guys are making three figure salaries? The funny thing is, my Dad most likely did more work than this turkeys ever do in a day. Let me tell ya, that assembly line business is tough work, at least it was back when my Dad started back in the day. My Dad drove Hi-Low for the most part or as it is called in some circles; a Forklift, which he loved to do, he hated that line, he did work on the assembly for a while, and it just about killed him. Dad would always tell me; “Son, you do not want to work on that line, it is tough.”

It is good work, when you can get it! Speaking of which, where I do I sign up for a job there? 😉

Others: Fausta’s Blog, Gothamist, ArtsBeat, and The Corner on National …

End of the line for G.M. Saturn

Truly a sad story:

General Motors Co. will shut down Saturn now that a deal with former race car driver and auto dealer magnate Roger Penske has collapsed, marking the end of a brand that was supposed to revolutionize the way small cars were built and sold in America.
The deal with Penske was supposed to be finalized Wednesday. But the unexpected end came when his company, Penske Automotive Group Inc., was unable to find a manufacturer to supply vehicles for the brand’s dealerships. GM had agreed to keep building Saturn models like the Aura, Outlook and Vue through at least 2011, but after that, Saturn would have to come up with its own products.
Penske’s tentative deal buy Saturn was announced in early June.
“This is very disappointing news and comes after months of hard work by hundreds of dedicated employees and Saturn retailers who tried to make the new Saturn a reality,” GM CEO Fritz Henderson said. He said Saturn and its dealership network will be phased out.
via GM to Shut Down Saturn as Penske Walks WXYZ-TV / Detroit

I remember when G.M. introduced this line of vehicles back in 1990. My parents almost bought one of those ugly cars; I personally could not stand them. I thought they were just plain ugly. I see that they have improved the look of them; quite a bit. But, more importantly, I remember thinking if G.M. ever hit hard times that these cars would be the first to go. Tragically, it turns out that I was correct. My father also had the chance to go to Spring Hill, TN to the plant down there. Luckily instead, my Dad chose to go to the Detroit/Hamtramck assembly plant instead. I feel for all of those people who went down there; to make a better life for themselves and now they find themselves out of work. Some Conservatives may want to mock this; I am not one of them. I do not believe in mocking anyone’s misfortune.

Some Conservative bloggers would use this opportunity to bash the unions and the Democrats and Obama for their politics and policies; I am just not going to do it. There is a time and a place for that; and quite frankly, this just is not one of them. As a Son of an autoworker; I know the feeling of Dad being laid off, not knowing if he was going to be working again or not. I have been there. So, I am just not going to politicize this at all. I will leave that the other heartless bloggers, who get their kicks on trashing those who actually work for a living; unlike some of the bloggers who trash them. I could name names, but I think you know who I mean.

My Prayers are with the people of Spring Hill, Tennessee and the people working for Saturn. May God be with them, during this extremely difficult time.

Gore-backed firm takes money from Government to build car that nobody can afford.

This is an outrage!:

A tiny car company backed by former Vice President Al Gore has just gotten a $529 million U.S. government loan to help build a hybrid sports car in Finland that will sell for about $89,000.

The award this week to California startup Fisker Automotive Inc. follows a $465 million government loan to Tesla Motors Inc., purveyors of a $109,000 British-built electric Roadster. Tesla, like Fisker, is a California startup focusing on high-end hybrids, with a number of celebrity endorsements that is backed by investors that have contributed to Democratic campaigns.
Fisker’s Karma hybrid sports car, above, will initially cost about $89,000.
The awards to Fisker and Tesla have prompted concern from companies that have had their bids for loans rejected, and criticism from groups that question why vehicles aimed at the wealthiest customers are getting loans subsidized by taxpayers.
“This is not for average Americans,” said Leslie Paige, a spokeswoman for Citizens Against Government Waste, an anti-tax group in Washington. “This is for people to put something in their driveway that is a conversation piece. It’s status symbol thing.”
via Gore-Backed Car Firm Gets Large U.S. Loan – WSJ.com.

Ten years ago, my reaction would have been, “So what?” But now that I am a bit older and much wiser; when it comes to politics, this just sends me through the roof. Why the hell are my tax dollars being used to build a car, that no one that I know of, including me; could even afford? I hate to break to you all, but I just do not have $89,000 laying around to buy a car. Much less an electric car! 🙄

The just totally reinforces the idea, that the Democratic Party does not give a flying flip about the average common man anymore. They are simply out to fulfill their own warped agenda and if they happen to step on anyone in the process, so be it. I mean, look at Al Gore; the dude has gotten filthy rich on peddling paranoia about Global Warming. This another one of those investments for himself. The sick part is, he is using tax dollars to further that warped agenda of his.

Here is my question to Al Gore and his countless number of supporters; Mr. Gore are you planning on using Union Labor to build these cars with? After all, the Democratic Party has used the big labor vote as its resident useful idiot for many years, have they not? It is kind of like the African-American community, because seeing the Democrats cannot keep the Negros in slavery anymore, they have to use them for something; so, why not votes?

Yeah, I know, what I wrote up there was potentially offensive; it is no more offensive than the millions of babies that are slaughtered at the hands of the Socialist Liberal Democrats, who enacted such legislation. It is no more offensive that the millions of Children, that are molested at the hands of homosexuals; of whom that party enables.

Mr. Gore, I await your answer. Of course, I will not hold my breath, least I turn blue and die.

Prayers Needed

Over at Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler:

My friend LC Azygos’ cousin could use some divine intervention.
She got laid off in January as so many other people, she’s got three kids, and she’s still unable to find a job. Apparently Porkulus didn’t “create or save” her job. Sorry, I just can’t help it sometimes.
Obviously, LC Azygos and the rest of the family have done all they could and continue to do so, but what the lady really needs is a job. So some prayers for her, and all the others who have been put out of a job due to the wonders of Obamanomics, would be very much appreciated.
I know, we’re all hurting right now, but in our hurt we still have that line to G-d. We’ll never lose it. Time to pick up the phone. I know I will.

I can relate, say a prayer for me too. 🙁

Dear Heavenly Father, please help our friend’s cousin find work so she can support her family on her own the way she wants, nay needs to. I do not ask for free presents, nor does she, I only ask that she and so many others like her have the opportunity to earn a living, because in so doing, we learn the joys of sacrificing for something bigger than us.
We do not ask for handouts, but every once in a while we could use a hand up. And, once we have that hand up and are once again able to take care of ourselves and ours, we will, with Your blessings, be able to extend that hand of help to others, sharing Your love, paying it forward, being living testimony to the unconditional, eternal love that is You.
I ask that, humbly, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
Amen.

Amen.

Update: Letter from the Attorney of the Conservative Black Beaten by SEIU thugs

Here is a letter from the Attorney of the Black Conservative man who was beaten by SEIU union thugs.

This comes from the St. Louis Tea Party Blog: (H/T Gateway Pundit)

August 7, 2009
Dear Mr. Hennessy:
I am Kenneth Gladney’s attorney. Kenneth was attacked on the evening of August 6, 2009 at Rep. Russ Carnahan’s town hall meeting in South St. Louis County. I was at the town hall meeting as well and witnessed the events leading up to the attack of Kenneth. Kenneth was approached by an SEIU representative as Kenneth was handing out “Don’t Tread on Me” flags to other conservatives. The SEIU representative demanded to know why a black man was handing out these flags. The SEIU member used a racial slur against Kenneth, then punched him in the face. Kenneth fell to the ground. Another SEIU member yelled racial epithets at Kenneth as he kicked him in the head and back. Kenneth was also brutally attacked by one other male SEIU member and an unidentified woman. The three men were clearly SEIU members, as they were wearing T-shirts with the SEIU logo.
Kenneth was beaten badly. One assailant fled on foot; three others were arrested. Kenneth was admitted to St. John’s Mercy Medical Center emergency room, where he was treated for his numerous injuries. Kenneth was merely expressing his freedom of speech by handing out the flags. In fact, he merely asked people as they exited the town hall meeting whether they would like a flag. He in no way provoked any argument or altercation, as evidenced by the fact that three assailants were arrested.
We hope that Kenneth fully recovers from his injuries; however, he is in great pain at this time. We will be pursuing legal action at our discretion. This was a truly senseless hate crime carried out by racist union thugs. Regretfully, Representative Carnahan’s statements blaming Kenneth for being a disruptive force are wholly untrue and slanderous. We would like to think that an elected official in Representative Carnahan’s position would gather accurate information before carelessly rushing to judgment.
Kenneth supports conservative ideals, although he subscribes to no particular political party. We are calling on the SEIU, Representative Carnahan, and President Obama to condemn the racist actions of these union thugs. In the days to come, we will be investigating whether these thugs are working at the behest of Representative Carnahan and how strong their alliances to various organizations–such as ACORN–may be.
We hope the St. Louis Tea Party and tea party organizations around the country will protest Representative Carnahan’s offices and also protest SEIU offices in every major city across the U.S. These Democratic strong-arm tactics must end now.
Regards,
Attorney David B. Brown

Contact the SEIU and demand that they renounce this violence:

TELL THE SEIU THAT WE OPPOSE VIOLENCE
SEIU
5585 Pershing Ave.
Suite 130
St. Louis, MO 63112
PHONE: 314.367.0013
FAX: 314.361.8704

Contact the AFL-CIO and demand that they condemn this act of violence:

AFL-CIO
815 16th St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006

Contact these unions and DEMAND that they condemn this act of violence:

Name: Air Line Pilots Association
Address: 1625 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 703-689-2270
Website: www.alpa.org

Name: Amalgamated Transit Union
Address: 5025 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: 202-537-1645
Website: www.atu.org
Name: American Federation of Government Employees
Address: 80 F St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-737-8700
Website: www.afge.org

Name: American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada
Address: 1501 Broadway Suite 600
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-869-1330

Name: American Federation of School Administrators
Address: 1101 17th St., N.W. Suite 408
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-986-4209
Website: www.admin.org

Name: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Address: 1625 L St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036

Phone: 202-429-1000

Website: www.afscme.org

Name: American Federation of Teachers
Address: 555 New Jersey Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-879-4400
Website: www.aft.org

Name: American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
Address: 5757 Wilshire Blvd. 9th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 323-634-8100
Website: www.aftra.org

Name: American Postal Workers Union
Address: 1300 L St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-842-4200
Website: www.apwu.org

Name: American Radio Association
Address: 1755 East Plumb Lane Suite 111
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: 510-281-0706

Name: American Train Dispatchers Association
Address: 1370 Ontario St. Suite 1040
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-241-2770

Name: Associated Actors and Artistes of America
Address: 165 W. 46th St.
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-869-0358

Name: Actors’ Equity Association
Address: 165 W. 46th St.
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-869-8530
Website: www.actorsequity.org

Name: American Guild of Musical Artists
Address: 1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212-265-3687
Website: www.musicalartists.org

Name: American Guild of Variety Artists
Address: 363 7th Ave. 17th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-675-1003

Name: Screen Actors Guild
Address: 5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 323-549-6675
Website: www.sag.org

Name: The Guild of Italian American Actors
Address: Canal Street Station PO Box 123
New York, NY 10013-0123
Phone: 212-420-6590
Website: www.giaa.us

Name: Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union
Address: 10401 Connecticut Ave.
Kensington, MD 20895
Phone: 301-933-8600
Website: www.bctgm.org

Name: Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
Address: 917 Shenandoah Shores Road
Front Royal, VA 22630
Phone: 540-622-6522
Website: www.brs.org

Name: California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee
Address: 2000 Franklin Street
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 510-273-2280
Website: www.calnurses.org

Name: Association of Flight Attendants
Address: 501 Third St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-434-1300
Website: www.afanet.org

Name: California School Employees Association
Address: 2045 Lundy Ave
San Jose, CA 95131
Phone: 408-473-1000
Website: www.csea.com

Name: Communications Workers of America
Address: 501 Third St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-434-1100
Website: www.cwa-union.org

Name: Farm Labor Organizing Committee
Address: 1221 Broadway Street
Toledo, OH 43615
Phone: 419-243-3456
Website: www.floc.com

Name: Federation of Professional Athletes
Address: 1133 20th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-756-9100
Website: www.nflpa.org

Name: Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics and Allied Workers International Union
Address: 608 E. Baltimore Pike
Media, PA 19063
Phone: 610-565-5051

Name: International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada
Address: 1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018

Phone: 212-730-1770

Website: www.iatse-intl.org

Name: International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers
Address: 1750 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-383-4800
Website: www.ironworkers.org

Name: International Association of Fire Fighters
Address: 1750 New York Ave., N.W. Third Floor
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-737-8484
Website: www.iaff.org

Name: International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers
Address: 9602 M.L. King Jr. Highway
Lanham, MD 20706
Phone: 301-731-9101
Website: www.insulators.org

Name: International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
Address: 9000 Machinist Place
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Phone: 301-967-4500
Website: www.iamaw.org

Name: International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers
Address: 753 State Ave. Suite 570
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-371-2640
Website: www.boilermakers.org

Name: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Address: 900 Seventh St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001-3886
Phone: 202-833-7000
Website: www.ibew.org

Name: International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers
Address: 501 3rd Street, N.W. Suite 701
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-239-4880
Website: www.ifpte.org

Name: International Longshore and Warehouse Union
Address: 1188 Franklin St. 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-775-0533
Website: www.ilwu.org

Name: International Longshoremen’s Association
Address: 17 Battery Place Suite 930
New York, NY 10004
Phone: 212-425-1200
Website: www.ilaunion.org

Name: International Plate Printers, Die Stampers and Engravers Union of North America
Address: 906 Dennis Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20901

Name: International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers

Address: 1950 W. Erie St.
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 312-738-0822
Website:

Name: International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
Address: 620 F St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202-783-3788
Website: www.bacweb.org

Name: International Union of Elevator Constructors
Address: 7154 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
Phone: 410-953-6150
Website: www.iuec.org

Name: International Union of Operating Engineers
Address: 1125 17th St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-429-9100
Website: www.iuoe.org

Name: International Union of Painters and Allied Trades of the United States and Canada
Address: 1750 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-637-0700
Website: www.iupat.org

Name: International Union of Police Associations
Address: 1549 Ringling Blvd. 6th Floor
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-487-2560
Website: www.iupa.org

Name: Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
Address: 444 N. Capitol St., N.W. Suite 800
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-638-5355
Website: www.d1meba.org

Name: Professional Aviation Safety Specialists
Address: 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 702
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-293-7277
Website: www.passnational.org/

Name: National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Address: 1325 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-628-5451
Website: www.natca.org

Name: National Association of Letter Carriers
Address: 100 Indiana Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-4695
Website: www.nalc.org

Name: National Postal Mail Handlers Union
Address: 1101 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-833-9095
Website: www.npmhu.org

Name: Office and Professional Employees International Union
Address: 265 W. 14th St. 6th Floor
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 800-346-7348
Website: www.opeiu.org

Name: Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association of the United States and Canada
Address: 11720 Beltsville Drive Suite 700
Beltsville, MD 20705-3166
Phone: 301-623-1000
Website: www.opcmia.org

Name: Seafarers International Union of North America
Address: 5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Phone: 301-899-0675
Website: www.seafarers.org

Name: Sheet Metal Workers International Association
Address: 1750 New York Ave., N.W. Sixth Floor
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-783-5880
Website: www.smwia.org

Name: Transport Workers Union of America
Address: 1700 Broadway 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10019-5905
Phone: 212-259-4900
Website: www.twu.org

Name: Transportation Communications International Union/IAM
Address: 3 Research Place
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 301-948-4910
Website: www.tcunion.org

Name: United American Nurses
Address: 8630 Fenton St. Suite 1100
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301-543-8320
Website: www.uannurse.org

Name: United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada
Address: Three Park Place
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-269-2000
Website: www.ua.org

Name: United Mine Workers of America
Address: 8315 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: 703-208-7200
Website: www.umwa.org

Name: United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial & Service Workers International Union
Address: Five Gateway Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-562-2400
Website: www.usw.org

Name: United Transportation Union
Address: 14600 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44107-4250
Phone: 216-228-9400

Name: United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers
Address: 1660 L St., N.W. Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-463-7663
Website: www.unionroofers.com

Name: Utility Workers Union of America
Address: 815 16th St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-974-8200
Website: www.uwua.net

Name: Writers Guild of America, East Inc.
Address: 555 W. 57th St. Suite 1230
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-767-7800
Website: www.wgaeast.org

Contact these unions and ask them, do they approve of violence against Black men expressing their opinions?

Al Sharpton’s Organization:

National Action Network
Crisis Department
106 W. 145th Street
Harlem, New York 10039
(212) 690-3070
(877) NAN-HOJ1

A Blogger friend of mine needs help

realme His name is Sammy, He is Jewish.

I razzed him once about something and pissed him off. After a while, I felt like a dick and apologized. After we became friends, I learned much about Sammy, I found out we had much in common.

Anyway, Sammy’s now looking at some hard times right now; I can relate; many can, times are tough. I however, have a safety net of sorts. Sammy does not, he is toughing it out and making due. Job prospects are bad and he might have swallow hard and do the Walmart thing.

If you can head on over to Sammy’s Blog and give a buck or two. Consider it an act of charity to a man, who is not drinking the Kool-Aid.

Click here to read Sammy’s Blog Posting.

…..and Thank you.