Honor America's working people

Our Teamster brother Charles Wilkinson posted a terrific essay on Local 222's Facebook page. He calls on our leaders to side with working people (what a concept!) Here's the whole thing: 

Many of the conservative leaders in Washington D.C. and also in state governments across our nation have made a grievous, unpardonable error by failing to honor, support, and ally themselves with the working people of America. Gaze upon the landscape about you. Everything in our line of vision is either a part of nature or created by the hands of a working person. Homes, stores, roads, bridges, fences, schools, automobiles, and so much more.... In dry climates, many trees, lawns, and flowers were planted by a woman or man with an eye dedicated to beautification. The homes and buildings are filled with furniture and appliances formed by the hands of a working individual. With the assistance of nature, all of the items in our grocery stores were likewise produced and transported by those wonderful people. Our lives and culture would be very empty indeed, were it not for the working class in America. We must also include our school teachers and the educational system as part of this stunning portrait that is our nation, for America would never have become the proud nation it is without these courageous working people, and there are so many others: law enforcement, firefighters, the list is endless..... At one time there was respect for the work ethic of Americans and they could expect a fair return and a sense of dignity for their efforts. Now, there are those who tell us that working people should probably not expect to own a home or be able to count on a retirement income. Adequate health care may no longer be available and there might not be a middle class to be a part of! How can this be? Who has decided that this will be the future for America? It is time for those people with the strong, honorable hands to take a stand.

By the way, you may want to check out the Teamsters Facebook page and the Stop the War on Workers Facebook page. Our members have lots of useful information and wise thoughts to share.