OK DUers, time for the "guilt trip"!!!

[senseandsensibility]

Over the past 24 hours, I've attempted to start two threads about Labor Day (which is TODAY). I got a grand total of one response( shout out to Droopy!) to one of the threads. The second one sank without a response.

I know that it can't be true that y'all are falling for the repuke conspiracy to eliminate labor as an issue. IT CAN"T BE TRUE. But on today of all days, I would think that there would be a little bit of interest in the * administration's all out war against working people. In addition, I would like to know why we, as a party,are not using these issues to win votes. * has actually brainwashed average working people in this country into thinking that he represents them, and they are going to vote for him because we do not not make it clear that HE DOES NOT.

This is what is at stake, rights that the Democratic Party had fought for for decades and even shed blood for: a 40 hour work week, a safe working place, overtime pay (already partially eliminated) , maternity leave, protection against sexual harassment, handicapped workers' rights, paid vacation and sick leave, a safe pension and Social Security system and more. PLEASE, DUers, do not tell me that there is no interest in these important issues on this board. If that is true, then no wonder * is successfully "B.S.ing" people who are not as well informed as us. Let's be proud of the Democratic Party's historical record on workers' rights, and let's spread the word! Anyone agree? Anyone?? :dem:

[wryter2000]

1. Sure, I agree

I just don't have much to add to what you've said. :shrug:

[senseandsensibility]

2. I don't know if that's why

people aren't responding(they don't have much to add, and they just assume that we all agree), but the larger point of my post is how can we gain traction with this issue and make it work for us? It would seem to be easy with all the facts on our side.

[qwlauren35]

6. It only gets noticed...

When it's in jeopardy.

Right now just having a job is such a major issue that the quality of one's job is secondary. In fact, much of the things you're mentioning (pensions, maternity leave, overtime, etc.) are NOT available to a lot of today's working Americans if they are working through temp agencies, or aren't quite up to 40 hours.

Kerry says he's going to bring back jobs. Maybe he should remind people that a "good" job includes the benefits that many Americans have been doing without for the last 4 years.

[senseandsensibility]

7. Yes he should

What is this malaise that is settling over our country, causing people to believe that it's okay to send our good paying manufacturing jobs overseas, and the same time, reward the top two percent with tax cuts? Why are we accepting this? We need more plain speaking on this issue.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. We would be nowhere without the unions

I remember the sacrifices made by Walter Reuther, who was beaten bloody by Henry Ford's goons. I know what working conditions were like in the coal mines when my great grandfather was killed in a mining accident. I know about the "good old days" were like before Social Security-when people who worked hard all their lives wound up sick with no money and ended up killing themselves so as not to be a burden on their family.

If we don't vote out as many Repukes as possible, the rights of working people everywhere will be continued to be eroded, and we'll be back to the times I just described.

[senseandsensibility]

4. Absoutely

You obviously get it, and I'm sure other DUers do, too. This is a winning political issue people, if we just knew how to use it!

[qwlauren35]

5. I am very conflicted on this issue...

When I look at Europe, and their standard 6 weeks vacation, I wonder what we're doing wrong... and then when I look at India and China and Mexico... and their pathetic weekly wages, I wonder what we're doing wrong...

But you're right, maternity leave alone should be an issue that galvanizes women to vote Democrat. I can't think of many mothers who didn't take full advantage of it where they could.

As someone in the semiconductor industry, we were beaten over the head with Workplace Safety, and sometimes it seemed absurd... until someone died. And then we all felt guilty, and we all got on board. You are right, we are lucky to have safety laws. And workman's comp.

I won't say anything about "safe" pensions. They aren't any more...

And while I applaud sexual harrassment, there seem to be more and more racial incidents...

I'm not convinced that this is my top issue. But you're right; it needs to be on our agenda.

[NMDemDist2]

9. kicking it again

[Feanorcurufinwe]

10. It's hard to get much of a response around here when everyone agrees

with you. Now if you'd posted an anti-union comment I'm sure you would be flooded with answers.

[senseandsensibility]

11. I understand

I'll try that next time! But seriously, as far as the larger question goes, how can we get more traction out of this issue? It should be a big, big winner for us!

[Feanorcurufinwe]

12. The same way we get traction on every other issue

one to one with our friends, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances. It's all up to us, either the people are going to exercise their rights in this democracy and make their voice heard or Bush wins. I think people are waking up to the fact that they need to be involved in their democracy.

[blondeatlast]

13. Couple in the Lounge, one specifically saluting Union labor.

But I understand your feelings.

I salute my Union brothers and sisters.

Thanks for all you do for all of us, including non-Union workers like me (I'm not eligible).

[senseandsensibility]

15. Thanks for the support

And I understand that not all workers are unionized (even fewer will be if * wins this time), but non-unionized workers have benefited from union's hard fought gains over the past decades. Thanks to the battles won by unions, ALL workers are guaranteed the forty hour work week, maternity leave, workplace safety, etc.:)

[blondeatlast]

16. wish I could make my colleagues understand the importance of

Unions.

Worse yet, I live in Arizona, a right to work state--ugh.

[in_cog_ni_to]

14. I AM PROUD of the Democratic Party's record

on worker's rights. Those are some of the talking point I throw at repukes all the time.

Also, the parade I was in on Saturday..... ALL LABOR UNIONS!!! YAY! It was PURE heaven! I was marching for my Congressman to be....Tari Renner...GO Renner!

Anyway, it was a parade for and by the Laborers. It was sweeeet. NO REPUBLICANS! WooHoo! It was a great day.

Great post and I'm really, really sorry I missed your other 2 posts that sank. :(