by Danny L. Barton, President
 It's all politics. Whether it's the water we drink, the electricity we consume, the schools our children go to, or the gas prices we pay, it's all politics. Everyday, millions of Americans go to work, pay their taxes, live under the law, yet continue to be squeezed by the failure of the politicians that are suppose to serve them. Rising gas prices, health care that is simply unaffordable, and a long and protracted war that continues to bring this country to one of its worst periods in American history.
Ten years ago, CEO compensation was 100 times more than what the average worker in this country makes a year. Today, CEO compensation exceeds 421 times the average American worker. The CEO of Exxon Mobile, who was making 50 million a year in compensation, just walked away with a 400 million dollar severance package when leaving the company, yet were paying over three dollars a gallon. The former CEO of Coca-Cola, after only three years on the job cashed in with over 100 million dollar severance package. Companies declaring bankruptcy, terminating their union contracts, then continuing to operate like nothing ever happened, leaving its employees and the shareholders out in the cold. Millions of Americans losing their life savings and their health care and nobody in Congress seems to care or want to do anything about it. There are simply too many problems with the way this country is being led.
We can continue to add to the problem or be part of a solution. The nation is calling the worker to do more.
Its time the American worker stand up and demand more from the people they elect to represent them. Not getting involved is not good enough anymore. Letting someone else do the work is not good enough anymore. Nobody will listen to the faint sound of Labor.
We can no longer stand by and let others determine our destiny.
This November will be an important step to restoring the American dream. We must be mobilized, we must be prepared, and we must be willing to sacrifice in order to achieve our objectives. A grassroots effort like never before is what its going to take to make politicians listen not to the faint sound of Labor, but the Deafening Roar of Labor.
Issues like right to work, affordable health insurance, and a protected pension are worth getting involved for, worth fighting for.
I urge each and every one of you to become involved like never before. I believe we can make a difference. Its time we demand better. Hold your politicians accountable and be active in your struggle to bring democracy back to your neighborhood. I'm afraid if we don't start now, our children and our grandchildren will be the first not to do better than their parents and their grandparents. |
