In a few minutes, we will make the official announcement to the media that Change to Win is endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States.
Here are some excerpts from the remarks that Change to Win Chair Anna Burger will be delivering at the announcement:
Our members and the 40 million workers in our industries are real people who work hard picking the crops, stocking the shelves, preparing and serving our food, building, cleaning and guarding the skyscrapers of our big cities. They drive our buses and trucks.
They care for the sick and elderly and help us raise our children. They are the infrastructure of our society
For them, this election is about changing America to win a better future for our children.
We want a president who shares our vision and is committed to a practical program to translate that vision into action.
Action that will fix what happens at work by:
- Protecting the right of workers to have a voice in their workplaces
- Health care for every man, woman and child in America
- Fair trade policies to promote job growth
- Creating good jobs through rebuilding and expanding our nation’s infrastructure
- Most importantly, we want a president who shares our dream and unites Americans in building a movement for change. ….a movement with the power to turn that dream into reality.
Today, Change to Win is proud to endorse Senator Barack Obama.
I'll be posting a copy of our official statement and links to other resources shortly. In the meantime, here's the video of Senator Obama's address to our Second Biennial Convention last September, if you didn't catch it then...
And if you want to embed the speech in your blog, there's an embeddable highlight reel available on YouTube.
UPDATE (2:23PM): Here's our press release, and here's the complete text of Anna Burger's remarks from the announcement. Oh, and if you're with the media, we have downloadable high-resolution (300dpi) photos of Senator Obama addressing our second biennial convention last year for your use too.
UPDATE (4:55PM): Coverage from the New York Times' politics blog, The Caucus -- "Change to Win Gets Behind Obama":
Its member unions represent 175,000 workers in Ohio alone. Nationwide, the group represents more than five million workers. And now Change to Win, a coalition of seven unions, is jumping on board the Barack Obama bandwagon...
To maximize the help they can give Mr. Obama, Change to Win officials said the leaders of the service employees, Teamsters, food and commercial workers and Unite Here are planning to be in Ohio at the same time next week to campaign with Mr. Obama.
The coalition’s leaders praised Mr. Obama’s positions on many issues, although they added they were also pleased with Mrs. Clinton’s and Mr. Edwards’s positions on the issues.
This web page is paid for by the Change to Win Committee for the American Dream and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
Comments (147)
Comments posted to CtW Connect are the sole property of the individual posting them, and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Change to Win, its affiliated unions, or its leadership.
I am so dissapointed in your choice and my hope is that you see the disaster you will cause.
Posted by hardworking mom of 4 on February 21, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Excellent Choice!!! Thank you
Posted by Andrew on February 21, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Outstanding decision. Thank you for your courage by standing for change that will better the world for all of us.
Posted by Zachary on February 21, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Thank you Change to Win. Your choice to endorse Sen. Obama makes me so proud of this organization and for organized labor as whole. You have chosen a candidate who has seen it all from the poor corridors of southside Chicago to many rural and urban forgotten communities in this country.
I'm so proud!
Indeed, together, Yes We Can!
Posted by Michael Andrews on February 21, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 2:31 PM
It is time for change. It is time to move forward. It is time to come together and work together. It is time to change the way we think and the way we live. It is time to change the same Washington Establishment. It is time for us stand up and fight for the real America. The time has come. We are fired up! We are ready to go!
It is evident, God is already blessing Barack Obama. With Barack Obama, God is not giving us destruction or giving us the worst; God is giving us the best. Our God will always give us the best.
May God bless Change To Win for the Obama endorsement.
Posted by Ricardo Ramirez on February 21, 2008 at 2:55 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 2:55 PM
Excellent Choice. Thank you so much for doing what you can to bring about change.
Posted by Bryan on February 21, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 3:03 PM
But Tom Buffenbarger tells me that only "latte-drinking, Prius-driving, Birkenstock-wearing, trust fund babies" like Obama. So clearly, you meant Clinton.
Either that, or clearly Teamsters are driving Prius-brand rigs now. And hotel maids are trust-fund babies.
Posted by David Grenier on February 21, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 3:43 PM
I have a trust fund???
Why didn't anybody tell me before today? Sheesh! I coulda used that money...
Posted by Jason Lefkowitz on February 21, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 4:06 PM
About time! And happy that it has finally happened. We have no other choice but him.
Posted by Misc. on February 21, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 5:04 PM
The reasons you give for an endorsement are excellent. The only problem is that Obama does not embody them perfectly, nor does Clinton. Unfortunately, neither candidate has been good at demonstrating both vision and a practical process for delivering on that vision. To avoid splitting "our side" perhaps you could have canvassed your members or supporters, and reported the results without an endorsement.
Until very, very recently Obama paid no attention to organized labor, and before he was a candidate for president, he criticized the left for "demanding civil liberties but not deregulation"; and he said he was a progressive on social issues and a "traditionalist" on economic issues. (New York Times Book Review, December 24 2006, review of his book by Gary Hart.)
Posted by rp on February 21, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 5:26 PM
I will not endorse any candidate who will not say they will de-fund this occupation in Iraq and immediately bring the troops home, not tomorrow or next year or in 10 years after they might be elected! In my opinion there is not a nickels worth of difference between any of the current candidates. Why did you not endorse the only viable candidate, Dennis Kuchinich? He would have been the only trustworthy President.
Posted by LaVonna Lathrop on February 21, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 5:36 PM
I, too, am very disappointed in your endorsement of Obama. Change, hope, a new direction? Why? Just because he says so? Style over substance, a slick marketing message over a sincere and truthful approach to the issues. No thanks. An no thanks to CTW anymore.
Posted by not a lemming on February 21, 2008 at 5:37 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 5:37 PM
So sorry to hear you endorsed Obama. Hillary has a proven track record of supporting and working hard for all the issues you mention. Obama has not. He's got big corporate money behind him---it will come out sooner or later. He does not have the experience to lead our country out of the mess that the current administration has put us in. I think Obama is a highly intelligent individual, shows leadership, but he needs seasoning. He needs to spend more time in the Senate or as VP. I don't think he'll get through Congress all the supposedly reforms and change that he is preaching he can do. I do think he is sexist. As a woman, I can spot it 10 miles away--he's used sexist language against Hillary. Watch out, girls. The MSM is going to slime him if he is the Dem. nominee and I don't think he'll survive.
Posted by HillarySupporter on February 21, 2008 at 5:39 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 5:39 PM
I'm very disappionted in your choice of candidates. I will not vote your choice. I fell he is too inexperienced to run a country.
Posted by dolores emsley on February 21, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 5:42 PM
I endorse Barak Obama for President except that his stance on immigartion is WRONG. There should be no automatic citizenship for babies born in the United States to illegal aliens like there is presently-it just causes chain migration.Let's start building the fence on the U.S.-Mexican border that Congress authorized last fall but did not fund.Let's enforce our present immigration laws and try enforcement by attrition.If illegal aliens can't find jobs in the U.S.many of them will self-deport themselves back to their country of origin.There are millions of unemployed U.S.citizens who need jobs that are being taken by illegal aliens. Here's a quote I think is excellent: "Calling an illegal alien an undocumented immigrant is like calling a burglar an uninvited house guest".
Posted by David Gustafson on February 21, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Such a bad choice you've made in Obama for President. This man doesn't have the experience to lead this country. Hillary is my choice and she gets my vote for President of these United States of America. Obama should have stayed with his day job as a junior Senator.
Posted by Budd Hodges on February 21, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:13 PM
What a joke, please tell me this is a joke!
Posted by Hillary for President on February 21, 2008 at 6:20 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:20 PM
I am also disappointed in your decision to endorse Obama. I have already cast my vote for Clinton and hope to be able to do so again in November. Why didn't you hold your endorsement until a candidate had been chosen? I fear a fracture in the party could once again give Republicans a chance to prevail.
Posted by Karen McNab on February 21, 2008 at 6:23 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:23 PM
You have bought into the frenzy! I wish you people would have stopped and used your brains! BIG MISTAKE!
Posted by Voting for Hillary on February 21, 2008 at 6:24 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:24 PM
I think this is awesome. And I don't have a Prius, birkenstocks, and *shocker* never have had a latte.
Posted by Joel on February 21, 2008 at 6:24 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:24 PM
We aren't electing a PROM KING folks. Yes, Obama is a nice guy and grand cheerleader, but so was BUSH. Look what that got us.
WE NEED AN EXPERIENCED PRESIDENT!
If you insist on Obama, you had better make sure the vice president is someone you really want, because you can bet that some guy in a pointy white hat is going to lay in waiting.
Posted by Sandra Lopez Holt on February 21, 2008 at 6:24 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:24 PM
I know people that will vote for a Republican be for they will vote for Obama! What are you people thinking?
Posted by Better off with a Republican? on February 21, 2008 at 6:26 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:26 PM
I am truly sorry to hear that the union leaders decide to endorse Sen. Obama. He is not the candidate of our choice. While I respect your decision and your choice, I beg you not to urge Sen. Clinton to step down. Please please please, we like her and have high opinion of her.
Posted by Joe on February 21, 2008 at 6:31 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:31 PM
I bet most of the people on here that are saying this is a good choice are black. Wonder if they know he is half white, and if his skin would have been white instead of black, they would not be voting for him. Wow, good reason to choose a president, NOT!
Posted by White Woman on February 21, 2008 at 6:34 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:34 PM
I've been some what torn between these two candidates since John Edwards is no longer in the race and am leaning toward Hillary because whomever is elected will have to hit the ground running and she is undisputedly the most experienced in "how the executive branch" of government operates and with a "been there, done that" attitude in some instances, I feel she can get a lot done right off the bat. While Obama talks a good talk, (if he gets the nomination, i'll work hard to get him elected), will need six months to familiarize himself with the office, make appointments, and because we don't really know him as well as we do Hillary, he'll get at least a six month honeymoon with America. I makes no difference to me who CTW endorses or whom my Laborers Union ends up endorsing, I support Hillary.
Posted by tm on February 21, 2008 at 6:40 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:40 PM
I do not agree with your choice! He doesn't know anything!I hate to say it,but I might have to vote republican this time!No, make that I WILL VOTE REPUBLICAN if he gets the party's nod.BAD,BAD,choice!
Posted by Bill Cunningham on February 21, 2008 at 6:40 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:40 PM
Wake up America! Obama is the only choice!
Posted by Heather on February 21, 2008 at 6:41 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:41 PM
Yeah right! Health care for everyone, what a joke! Health care if you can pay for it, oh wait, we already have that! Fools!
Posted by Don't vote Obama on February 21, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Score another one for the Repulicans!
Posted by American on February 21, 2008 at 6:49 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:49 PM
is this the Obama who said he wouldn't run because he's too green?
i think maybe he is and i think i know very little about his track record.
does anyone know much about him?
Posted by mac on February 21, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 6:52 PM
Thanks, Change to Win. I admire the bravery it took to step away from the talk of "experience" and endorse Sen. Obama. What most people don't realize, and what HE does realize, is that it doesn't take an experienced politician to change Washington or to lead this country. It takes every single one of us. WE the people, the workers, the ones who get up every day and keep this country cranking. For too long we left our country in the care of those with "experience" and they've raised our taxes, given our money to lobbyists, and not achieved anything to improve education, healthcare, or the economy. Now is the time for the "experienced" to realize that it only takes a little bit of smarts, some hard work, and millions of people willing to tow their line in order to get the things done that we need. It's not THEIR responsibility. It's OURS. That's what Obama reminds us. I encourage everyone to go to barackobama.com and check out his Blueprint for Change. Hope isn't empty folks. And it's not a political party or a President that gets things done. It's us.
Bonnie S.
Ohio
Posted by Bonnie S. on February 21, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:03 PM
I think both senators would bring great improvement to the White House and I do think that Senator Obama is appealing to a broader base of voters. I am an undecided Democrat in Pennsylvania who had been leaning towards Senator Obama, but his recent statement about supporting individual gun ownership disturbed me. I know, I know, they all feel a need to pander to the Gun Lobby, but living next to Philadelphia where gun mayhem is a daily occurrence, this disturbs me.
As I said I am undecided and definitely on the fence, probably not making up my mind until April when we vote here.
Posted by Kenneth Mattos on February 21, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Can a Muslim be a good American?
I find this a very good question, without prejudice simply read the following and if in doubt research it for yourself!! This is very interesting and each of us need to read and digest it from start to Finish! Maybe this is why our American Muslims have been so quiet and not speaking out about any atrocities.....
This question was forwarded to a friend who worked in Saudi Arabia for 20 years.
Can a good Muslim be a good American?
The following is his reply:
Theologically - no. . . . Because his allegiance is to Allah, The moon God of Arabia .
Religiously - no. . . . Because no other religion is accepted by His Allah except Islam (Quran, 2:256) (Koran)
Scripturally - no. . . Because his allegiance is to the five Pillars of Islam and the Quran.
Geographically - no . . . Because his allegiance is to Mecca , to which he turns in prayer five times a day.
Socially - no. . . Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him To make friends with Christians or Jews.
Politically - no. . . Because he must submit to the mullahs (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and destruction of America , the great Satan.
Domestically - no. . . Because he is instructed to marry four Women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34)
Intellectually - no. . . Because he cannot accept the American Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.
Philosophically - no. . . Because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran does not allow freedom of religion and expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.
Spiritually - no. . . . Because when we declare 'one nation under God,' the Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as Heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in The Quran's 99 excellent names. - - - Therefore after much study and deliberation.... Perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country. - - - They obviously cannot be both 'good' Muslims and good Americans.
* * * Call it what you wish,. it's still the truth.* * * You had better think about it. + + + The more who understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future. The religious war is bigger than we know or understand. . .
And Barack Hussein Obama, a Muslim, wants to be our President? You have GOT to be kidding! Wake up America !
Obama has been quite clear if he wins this Presidential election, he will be sworn in on the Quran---not a Bible!
Posted by Leon A. Pollock on February 21, 2008 at 7:20 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:20 PM
I'm happy to see people commenting on the CTW blog! Where have you all been all this time. CTW Connect has been up for a year if not more. I guess it takes a presidential endorsement to get people on the blog, but don't stop there!
Posted by Jason Gooljar on February 21, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:34 PM
I am very sad to hear that you have jumped on the media hype bandwagon. Why would you endorse a candidate who didn't even THINK about laborers or unions until it helped his campaign. Seems a little self-serving to me. If this novice wins the nomination, I will be sitting out the election rather than voting for him. These endorsements do nothing but fracture our party even more. I wish you would see that he can't make good on all the promises he makes - it is near impossible! (and he's even started backtracking on some of them now).
It saddens me deeply.
Posted by NickSP on February 21, 2008 at 7:40 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:40 PM
The Real Barack Obama
Thursday, February 21, 2008 10:06 AM
Michelle Obama’s comment that, for the first time in her adult life, she feels proud of America helps crystallize who Barack Obama is.
To be sure, the wife of a candidate is perfectly free to have views that are distinct from her husband’s. But on a matter that is so fundamental to one’s being as love of country, it is difficult to imagine that Michelle Obama would publicly twice make such a statement suggesting disdain for America unless she felt it comported with her husband’s views.
Equally important, her statement aligns perfectly with the hate-America views of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s minister, friend, and sounding board for more than two decades. On the Sunday following 9/11, Wright characterized the terrorist attacks as a consequence of violent American policies. Four years later, Wright suggested that the attacks were retribution for America’s racism.
“In the 21st century, white America got a wake-up call after 9/11/01,” Wright wrote in his church magazine Trumpet. “White America and the Western world came to realize that people of color had not gone away, faded into the woodwork or just ‘disappeared’ as the Great White West kept on its merry way of ignoring black concerns.”
Wright has been a key supporter of Louis Farrakhan, and in December, honored the Nation of Islam leader for lifetime achievement, saying he “truly epitomize[s] greatness.”
Farrakhan has repeatedly made hate-filled statements targeting Jews, whites, America, and homosexuals.
Those who think two of the closest people to Obama could publicly make anti-America statements unless Obama himself felt that way, are fooling themselves. To date, Obama has proven himself to be nothing more than a great orator, rendering the statements of those around him even more important in illuminating his true character and agenda. During his Senate career, he skipped 17 percent of the votes and sponsored only one bill that became law. That bill was to promote “relief, security, and democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
Bereft of official accomplishments, Obama has distinguished himself mainly by being against measures that protect American security, such as finishing the mission in Iraq. If we were to leave Iraq quickly, as Obama vows he would do, it would become a launch pad for al-Qaida attacks on the U.S.
Obama avoided voting on extending the Protect America Act, thus putting America at risk when immediate interception of terrorist communications is required. Last August, Obama voted against a measure that would have allowed the U.S. to continue to monitor overseas conversations of terrorists like Osama bin Laden without first obtaining a warrant.
If his radical vote had prevailed, bin Laden would have been given the same rights as Americans.
To this day, Obama has not distanced himself from most of Rev. Wright’s comments. In a statement supposedly issued to address the matter, Obama ignored the point that his minister and friend had spoken adoringly of Farrakhan and that Wright’s church was behind the award to the Nation of Islam leader. Instead, as outlined in a Jan. 17 Newsmax article, he disingenuously claimed he thought the magazine bestowed the award on Farrakhan for his efforts to rehabilitate ex-prisoners.
Neither Wright’s encomiums about Farrakhan nor the Trumpet article mentions ex-prisoners.
Similarly, after John McCain’s wife Cindy responded to Michelle Obama’s remarks by telling a Wisconsin rally, “I have, and always will be, proud of my country,” Barack Obama told a radio interviewer that his wife did not say what people think she said. He then proceeded to rewrite her comments, claiming that she had meant she was encouraged by the “large numbers of people” who have gotten involved in the political process. Michelle Obama then made a similar revision of her remarks.
In her speech in Milwaukee, Michelle Obama said flatly, “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country, and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change.”
And what has been wrong with America up to now? That it gave Michelle the opportunity to attend Princeton and Harvard Law School? That it gave Barack Obama the chance to attend Harvard and Harvard Law School and become a U.S. senator making more than $1 million a year from book royalties?
Was it that America stopped Nazi Germany from continuing to murder millions of Jews? That America has provided Africa and other countries with $15 billion to combat the spread of AIDS/HIV and that another $30 billion is on the way? That 46 percent of all Americans classified by the Census Bureau as poor own their own homes, 76 percent of them have air conditioning, and 75 percent of them have at least one car? Or that America allows us to express our views freely without fear of being put in jail, as is the case in Russia?
A lawyer, Michelle Obama is perfectly capable of expressing herself precisely. In fact, she spoke from a written speech.
Those who do not want to believe she meant what she said — and that Barack Obama could not be so close to Rev. Wright if he did not himself believe in much of what he has said — are in denial.
The real Barack Obama is starting to emerge, and for those of us who are grateful to America for everything it represents, it is not a pretty sight.
Ronald Kessler is chief Washington
Posted by Leon Pollock on February 21, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:41 PM
You've got to be kidding!! A Muslim who won't even salute OUR flag---What have you done? My hope is that I hope the American people look at the real picture.
Posted by Cindy Andrews on February 21, 2008 at 7:42 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:42 PM
Change To Win Way To Go. I was wondering when you guys would be heard from.The Hillary supporters have no clue what a disaster Bill's support for NAFTA has been for the American worker while exploiting the Third World as well.This is with no discernable gains other than spirialing profits for the mega corps at least until things become so unraveled that no one can afford to buy any of their products any more. The Public Sector unions like AFSCME and CSEA/PEF have their heads up their behinds with their pathetic endorsement of Hillary because they think the tax dollars they survive on are always going to be there.I want to join SEIU now and become even more involved.Help me out here.
Posted by R.A. Moffitt on February 21, 2008 at 7:45 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:45 PM
Thank you very much for endorsing Barack Obama! I have been waiting for the Laborers International Union and hopefully they soon will. I hope every union makes sure all its local business agents are certified as voter registrars to register voters for the fall election.
I would also appreciate it if this blog had a moderator to correct factually untrue comments by posters. Barack Obama is a Christian and never has been a Muslim. Even if he were, it would make no differnce because being a loyal adherent to the Muslim faith is in no way incompatible with being a loyal American citizen. Anyway, we no longer have loyalty tests for public office, only a declaration that one will support and defend the constitution.
Posted by Jim McGough on February 21, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Just like the tops in the AFL-CIO you split from, you're still stuck endorsing Democrats. We in the Canadian sections of the CTW unions endorse the New Democrats; why can you people not get behind a serious independent working-class campaign? McKinney for President!! Power to the People!
Posted by B. Ross Ashley on February 21, 2008 at 7:49 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:49 PM
Senator Obama has been my candidate of choice since before he announced his candidacy, and I have seen nothing since then to change my mind. He possesses an active intelligence that approaches each problem not by asking what has always been done in such a situation, but to see what kind of solution may actively be applied. Just because something has always been done a certain way does not mean that he will do it that way, and THAT is what we need in America right now so we salvage our democracy and return this nation to its rightful place as an example for the rest of the world to follow. This is a man whose time has come and that time is now.
Posted by John Zimmermann on February 21, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:53 PM
I am deeply disappointed in your choice of Obama -- a choice of style over substance.
Hillary has the substance -- the experience, the judgement, the gravitas.
I am a lifelong Democrat and have always voted for the Democratic candidate for President, but if Obama is that candidate, I will NOT vote for him. I will vote for John McCain (a moderate even though he needs to appear more conservative to win over the extreme right wing of his party).
Posted by Rev. M. Mallner on February 21, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:53 PM
When you could have chosen a Democratic candidate who was unabashedly ready to take on the corporate and entrenched interests in Washington, you chose not.
When you could have made an actual difference in the primaries, you chose not to.
Congratulations, Change To Win. You have chosen to be about winning rather than serious transformational change. Please don't call me later when your chosen candidate has let you down.
Posted by edgery on February 21, 2008 at 7:54 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 7:54 PM
I feel that I owe a vote for Obama to Martin Luther King who gave his life for equality. With Obama as President, that would be the next step and I cannot imagine a more powerful step.
Posted by June Swan on February 21, 2008 at 8:08 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 8:08 PM
Muslim? It is my understanding that has been refuted. Go to http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp . To repeat this falsehood is a great disservice to all of us.
Posted by Kenneth Mattos on February 21, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Bravo, CTW! It takes courage and conviction to stand up and say "it's time for a change." That's what the labor movement has been about since it began.
Those who hold to small-minded, bigoted attacks against Obama need to check their facts. I'm sure the members of the Trinity Church of Christ (where Barack and his family worship) would be shocked to find that they are Muslims who can have no allegiance to the U.S. and who refuse to salute the flag.
This is not only an insult to Senator Obama and his family but to every Muslim, Christian and agnostic who believes in tolerance, freedom of religion and acceptance of others. Perhaps some of these "real Americans" need to go back to school and study the Constituion, the Declaration of Independence and the REAL history of the United States of America.
Get REAL! Real Americans are open-minded, inclusive and accepting of others. I am proud to be a real American!
Posted by Debra on February 21, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 8:28 PM
I try not to get too involved in the comment threads unless somebody posts information that is clearly libelous or defamatory. We value the free flow of ideas and opinions, and heavy moderation tends to stifle that. Besides, as you can see, other commenters have already corrected the "Obama is a Muslim" nonsense.
However, if it will help clear things up, here is a metric ton of proof that Senator Obama is not a Muslim.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/699995,obamachurch121607.article
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_barack_obama_muslim.htm
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1007/6314.html
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/22/obama.madrassa/
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp
http://www.barackobama.com/factcheck/2007/11/12/obama_has_never_been_a_muslim_1.php
We now return you to your regularly scheduled flame war :-)
Posted by Jason Lefkowitz on February 21, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 8:40 PM
I am a teamster. I am a retired army veteran. I am white. I am american. I am an Independent who voted for George Bush twice. Above all I am one of GOD's children. I believe it's time we unite. The only candidate that can help us do this is Barrack Obama. Experienced or not. My forefathers did not know what to expect when they left thier motherland to form this country. But I'm positive they did not want our beloved and greatest land to be governed the way it has been now. This is no time for predjudiced and no time for status quo. Barrack is not status quo. He will bring change and I believe it will be for the better. I am proud to support the "Change to Win" endorsement.
Posted by Michael L. Eppler on February 21, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Barack talks about change. But he believes in the Free Trade agreement. How has that helped the labor industry? This was a very foolish step to endorse so early. Obama has become a cult figure and people are following like lemmings. His wife sounds a bit racist and he mouths the same ideas over and over. I don't think he is very knowledgeable about the issues and he certainly doesn't have the depth of understanding that Hillary has of how the world operates.
MY l guess is that he won't make any changes , or very few and I doubt they benefit me.
Posted by Jane Dal Pino on February 21, 2008 at 9:42 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 9:42 PM
I am disappointed and angry. You too have decided to go "chic". You may have polled the people you turn to for actions before announcing your choice.
You chose to follow empty words. I hope you will not come to regret your decision.
Posted by Aliza Keddem on February 21, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 10:08 PM
I am proud to say that I also support Barack Obama and am glad that "Change to Win" also is supporting him. Hillary Clinton touts her 35 years working for you and me, (the middle class). However, I am not seeing all that she says she has worked to give me. To me, she represents the "same old thing". Business as usual in Washington DC. Barack speaks of "Hope" and I believe in "Hope" as he does. I think Obama is sincere in saying that he will work for changing "politics as usual" in Washington DC. I also know that this is not something that will happen over night but I do believe that it will happen. The American People became complacent but I think they are ready to work for the change that is so desperately needed. Cudos to you for supporting the candidate that I think is going to be best for the hard work that is ahead of our future President.
Posted by Betty Ann Manock on February 21, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 10:25 PM
I am mystified by the monniker of "Black Man" for Obama Barack when he is as much white as he is black. He has one white parent. What's the deal? I don't mean to be insensitive but is he just choosing which race to proclaim himself according to what is the most sensational and likely to get him votes? Is the media conveniently getting amnesia as well? We all know how much THEY like sensationalism! I think it's fine to support the candidate of your choice, but why are we focusing on one race to the exclusion of another? Everyone needs to stop calling him the "black" candidate. If the presidency isn't about race, but qualifications, then why is he being labeled this way at all?
Posted by Vanessa on February 21, 2008 at 11:05 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 11:05 PM
I salute Change to Win for rejuvenating the US labor movement, and I salute your recognition that Barack Obama is the most likely candidate to rejuvenate the US progressive movement.
His speeches are inspiring, but more important he can think on his feet about key issues. I highly recommend the vid of him being interviewed at Google: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4yVlPqeZwo .
Hillary Clinton is a very smart person whose motivations and intentions are good. She would make a fine President.
However, I think Barack is more like Bill than Hillary is: he really does have a feel for the issues that blends reason and compassion.
In any event, this is shaping up to be an epoch-making election for American workers.
Posted by Rick Drain on February 21, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Dear Change To Win these was a good choces to indose Barack he will be a good President I had a change to work on the camplain i Milwalkee on the 19th by walking the street and leaving fryler at the Home and i would do it again.
Again Good Chores
Denise
Posted by Denise on February 21, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 11:46 PM
High "fallutin’" oratory (and a questionable one at that) is sufficient when one is preaching to a congregation in church. It’s even okay if all one wants is to excite activism. But such engagement when it is, at best a façade, for a vacuous or misinformed agenda is not merely deceitful; it is dangerous when all this lofty rhetoric fails to deliver reality.
Hillary Clinton has shown a progressive stance over the years, including her work with the Children's Defense Fund and a host of children's welfare issues. Her universal health care proposal, while not as far-reaching as that of Edwards, still goes a long way toward securing us universal health care -- health care coverage for everyone. Obama's proposal falls way short of anything decent and apparently relies on the goodwill of the health insurance industry -- a pipe dream by a naive candidate.
Hillary is not perfect -- but who is? I disagreed with her vote on the Iraq resolution in 2002, but 76 other senators voted along with her. Obama may be likable but, at best, he is naive.
We need a president who can address the ills we face as a country and as a world -- some of it the result of Bush's dismal presidency -- and deliver change, not just talk about it. Talk is cheap. And I'd rather have a work horse than a show horse!
As an African American myself, I would be elated to have one of my ethnicity aspire to the US presidency. Unfortunately, what we have here is a half-baked offering.
Sadly – most sadly – you at the lead of CtW apparently have become hapless, nitwit victims of a mindless, media frenzy. God help us – and save us from ourselves!
anozie abara
Posted by Anozie Abara on February 21, 2008 at 11:54 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 at 11:54 PM
This is to early and we should have stuck to our guns and waited until we had a clear winner. Now that Hillary is targeting the super delegates and if she gets what she needs at the convention then once again labor will have an up hill battle. To early to tell but i think it was a bad move.
Posted by Joe on February 22, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Good show! I have always voted republican. It's time for some change. I'll vote republican next time. Although, we must keep Russia and Iran from filling the power gap in Iraq. If we fail we will pay.
Posted by Gregory Kile on February 22, 2008 at 12:40 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 12:40 AM
I don't care if he worships monkeys, this is a terrible mistake for our country!
Posted by obama wins WE LOSE on February 22, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Congratulations CTW for a very brave and wise choice. I like Hillary fine and will vote for her in the general if she is our candidate, but she does not excite passion, energy or hope for our country like Obama does--just more of the status quo. I especially applaud Anna Burger and hope that NOW does not beat up on her for not endorsing Hillary. And to the whitewoman poster who said the only ones supporting this choice here are black I say baloney--I am a white, educated,middle aged FEMALE and could not be prouder to be supporting BARACK OBAMA!!!
YES WE CAN!
Posted by Cindy on February 22, 2008 at 9:58 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 9:58 AM
Kudos for an excellent choice! Barack Obama excites, inspires and guess what, he's gonna win! (He can't lose, because we've got too much at stake here). The "Mo" he's creating isn't a "flash in the pan" either. This is for real, the real deal. I'm a white, middle aged (54) woman, and I haven't been this excited since I was a college student in the '70s. There you have it, my age and my educational background, and I'm proud to support Barack!
Posted by Debbie Lackowitz on February 22, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I am very disappointed with your choice and, yes, embarrassed by your choice. What could you be thinking??? Or are you thinking??? You've played right into his "Empty Rhetoric" and his many promises. The man is handing out promissory notes that we will never collect on! Where is the intelligence I found so refreshing in the union? It is certainly not evident in your choice of canidates! Because he suddenly jumped on the union bandwagon (when in the past he has been proven to be anti-union), you felt this was a reason to endorse him? Come on people! Wake up! As far as Obama being called the "Black Canidate", the man is .6% African American. He seems to choose the race card when it is to his benefit. He will not salute the flag of our proud country (have you noticed he always turns his back to the flag?), he chooses to support the working class of America, when he knows nothing of that sector, and now he is going back to his roots? Only since he began running for the presidency! Please, please tell me, this announcement is a mistake, and a huge one at that!! You should have polled union members before this, or did you think of that and decide that its better to just have them blindly follow your endorsemnt (as many immigrants will!)??!! I can't even find the words to express my anger and disappointment! MLC (ONCE proud union member!!)
Posted by MLC on February 22, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Supporting Obama is the only sensible choice, and you've made an excellent decision. Well done.
Posted by Matt on February 22, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 11:43 AM
No wonder our unions are going to shit, with endorsements like this, I hope all union brothers & sisters use their own judgement and not a blanket endorsement my the union
Posted by Robert Wichert on February 22, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 12:10 PM
What is his stand on pro life,
Posted by RICHARD PRO LIFE SUPPORTER on February 22, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 12:21 PM
A lot of style and no substance, supported by a media mogul, is great at taking ideas besides words from others and using it for his own advantage and treating it like it was his own - you as well as America have got it wrong. From the Bush extreme we go to the Obama extreme. Let's hope he can breathe air into is words. Let's Hope this Change isn't a mistake.
Posted by RJM on February 22, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 12:24 PM
I keep hearing this word "change." Change what? I don't want the three branches of government changed.
I keep hearing about being a great country again. We always have been. What's this return stuff all about?
Why won't Obama say the Pledge of Alligence? Place his hand over his heart during the Pledge?
Why does Obama's wife say, now that he's running for President, “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country, and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change.”
Why is she ashamed of her country?
Can anyone give me some straight answers? Answer why I should endorse Obama, an un-American?
Posted by Charlie on February 22, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 12:28 PM
I am so disappointed with your choice of Obama. I strongly believe that Obama is not what he says he is. The only viable candidate for president was Dennis Kucinich who clearly represented THE PEOPLE, not corporations. However, you also have been fooled into supporting this look-good, sound-good, but say-nothing, do-nothing who is being pushed at us by the corporate-controlled media. The people in this country have allowed themselves to be herded like sheep by the media. It is the media that is selecting the president, not the people. This is not an election. Elections have died. It does not matter who wins, the people lose because the people have no true choice.
Posted by Sharon on February 22, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 12:31 PM
How can we endorse a candidate when this man cannot make the Pledge of Allegiance respectfully! If he is unable to utter those sacred words, how can he stand up for the same ideals? How can he represent the people if he is unable to make that pledge? What is so shameful for placing your hand over your heart for this pledge? I want a president who Pledges Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands!!! Let us be One Nation Under God.
Posted by ttemp755 on February 22, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 12:41 PM
...
You have both fallen victim to another one of those "urban legends" that people have been sending around. You can actually watch him say the pledge on the floor of the Senate with his hand over his heart here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svo9mutE6TM
And the photo that some people have been circulating claiming that it shows him without his hand on his heart during the pledge is a fake too. The photo was taken when a singer was performing the national anthem, not when they were reciting the pledge. Video proof from ABC News here:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3759803
Technically the U.S. Flag Code says that you're supposed to put your hand over your heart when the national anthem is played. But go to a ball game sometime and you'll see how few people have read the U.S. Flag Code lately -- not to mention that people violate the Flag Code all the time, usually without realizing it. Here's a page with a photo of President Bush violating the Flag Code by standing on a carpet with the flag on it, for example.
This blog post makes a good point about these falsehoods that people forward to their friends via e-mail:
Posted by Jason Lefkowitz on February 22, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 12:48 PM
TERRIBLE CHOICE AND YOU WILL FIGURE IT OUT WHEN HILLARY TAKES TEXAS AND OHIO.
Posted by BOB on February 22, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I couldn't help but notice that you didn't announce your endorsement until Obama's nomination is all but assured. Hmmmm!!!
Posted by Charlie on February 22, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 1:00 PM
The Republican party is in shambles-I fear we will not be able to take advantage and win the White House with Obama. I think Edwards resonated with middle-America more so than the other two. However, I will do my best to throw out these corrupt, lawbreaking, arrogant, deceitful,and ignorant right-ring bastards. If ony dueling were allowed in this county;I would be the first to sign up.
Posted by tmf on February 22, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Why didn't you ask me for MY input? I don't agree with your decision at all. I'm supporting Hillary, NOT Obama! Doesn't what I have to say matter? Where does a union get off supporting a candidate without asking its members for input first? Shame on you! I'm starting to wonder why I'm in this union anymore. Who's bright idea was this, anyway? I want names of the people who decided for the rest of us to endorse Obama. I'll be looking forward to receiving the names of EVERY member of the union whose idea this was.
Posted by Debra Kelley on February 22, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Obama may be your choice, but he is NOT mine. I believe in Hilary and my loyalty will stay with her.
Posted by Dawn Santos on February 22, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Shame on you for falling into the media trap of endorsing a candidate just because he "inspires" you. Cinderella and Snow White inspires me and I sure wouldn't want them for President.
Deep inside all you Obama's "know" that Hillary is the only qualified candidate, but you're so mesmerized by Obama's great Academy Award speeches full of hot air that you can't see beyond that. He reminds me so much of Bush's arrogance and sarcasm and he's head has gotten big. I promise you that without Hillary's supporters he won't win the party. And he deserves that for the way he's allowed the media to dog her chances and discredit her credentials due to them being either sexist or anti-Clintons.
Good luck to you all. If Hillary is out I and my 72 members of my family and distant family members will not vote at all.
YOU UNIONS FORGET "WHO" HAS BEEN SUPPORTING YOU ALL THESE YEARS, "HILLARY" NOT OBAMA, HE JUST NOW CAME INTO THE PICTURE FOR HIS CONVENIENCE.
SHAME ON YOU.....
Posted by Deborah in San Antonio on February 22, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 1:25 PM
This is the first time in my 29 years of being a member of ufcw that i am totally shocked at the endorsement. Of course there isnt much to chose from this time so i guess you picked the one who may cause the least amount of damage. May God have mercy on our country.
Posted by john in georgia on February 22, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 1:45 PM
My immense dissapointment is in seeing the negative comments here regarding CTW's endorsement of Sen. Obama, and especially the comments from "lifelong Democrats" who state they will vote for McCain, if Obama gets the Dems nomination! It's hard for me to comprehend that a Democrat would rather vote for Bushs' chief butt-kisser, who is NOT a moderate, as some claim, but has been a Bush rubber-stamp for the bad legislation and failed policies of the past 7 years. McCain supports the Iraq war, including the unending occupation of Iraq. McCain wants to "bomb, bomb, bomb Iran", as well. McCain was a regular on the campaign trail with Bush in 2004, and as such bears partial responsiblity for getting the worst President in memory re-elected to a second term. Puh-leeze!!! And you call yourselves Democrats?!! You are more akin to little children who are not getting their way, and proceed to pick up their toys and go home! Or maybe a child throwing a tantrum and breaking the other child's toys, just to "get even"!
Personally, last nights' debate in Texas made me prouder to be a Democrat than I have been in a long, long, time. Especially at the end when Hillary said that no matter what happens, she is honored to be up there with Barack--- and he immediately turned to her and they enthusiastically shook hands. That showed enormous class, and showed the real difference between our top two candidates and their's (McCain). I guess if people want to cut their nose off to spite their face by voting for McCain, it's their right to vote against their own self-interests. It's been done the last two elections, so it won't be anything new. But, please get out of the way, because the freight train that's coming is not going to stop for you!
Posted by S. Sepulvedo on February 22, 2008 at 1:54 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 1:54 PM
If Obama doesn't win than I will vote for McCain, The Cliton legacy is " Do not ask what your country can do for you ask what you can do for me" The Cliton phonies!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Manny D on February 22, 2008 at 2:01 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 2:01 PM
To S. Sepulvedo :
I don't care who votes for who, but what I'm angered about is our union's endorsement without input from ALL the members first! That's what pisses me off. Where do the 'higher-ups' get off choosing for ALL of us?
Good point you made about Clinton and Obama shaking hands, though-I agree it was a very classy thing to do.
Posted by Debra Kelley on February 22, 2008 at 2:01 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 2:01 PM
Manny D wrote:
If Obama doesn't win than I will vote for McCain, The Cliton legacy is " Do not ask what your country can do for you ask what you can do for me" The Cliton phonies!!!!!!!!!!!!
Manny, I think you meant 'CLINTON', not 'CLITON'. 'CLITON' is a part of the female anatomy.
Posted by Debra Kelley on February 22, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 2:06 PM
this colition is about the people- we will be part of the american-Obama revolution!
Posted by Manny D on February 22, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 2:06 PM
After Edwards, Obama is the best one. Good choice CTW. As for Hillary having more experience, she may, but it's of the bad sort.
Posted by Mike on February 22, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Was disappointed in your endorsement. You guys should have remained neutral. They are both great candidates. I have felt like a human ping-pong ball this election year. I started off favoring Al Gore and stayed with him until he declined to run. Then it was Kucinich, Richardson, Kucinich, Richardson, Biden, Hillary, Biden. I finally stuck with Biden until he bowed out. Since then I have been neutral-leaning towards Hillary and neutral leaning townars Obama. Now I am just neutral. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by bob on February 22, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Manny, I think you meant 'CLINTON', not 'CLITON'. 'CLITON' is a part of the female anatomy.
Posted by Debra Kelley on February 22, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Debra I am sorry - but is just typo's - as long as Obama wins
Posted by Manny D on February 22, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Just because ctw made this mistake doesn't mean everyone needs to follow. This country is so gullible and this guy is so wrong for this country. We are in bad shape today and this will only make us go even further down hill. Does anyone realize his history. I realize there isn't much to choose from but this is definitely the wrong choice. I feel sorry for the United States, we've sunk to a new low.
Posted by Tom L on February 22, 2008 at 2:14 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 2:14 PM
This country is in disarray: Our soldiers are going to war over and over again. Homelessness is at an all-time high and growing. Previously booming cities--Saginaw, Michigan for instance-- were abandoned by companies for cheap labor outside the U.S. There are more people with mental illness in jails and prisons than hospitals. The poor get poorer, middle income folks are on a slippery slope, yet the rich get richer and richer. I'm voting Obama.
Posted by Yolanda Alvarado on February 22, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 2:23 PM
To Yoland Alvarado: As a life-long resident of Saginaw, MI,----- I'm with you, sister!
Posted by S. Sepulvedo on February 22, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 2:39 PM
Posted by Charlie on February 22, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Charlie , to have active rolls, it has to be a grassroot movement- this is the only way to make a difference, to better which way the country goes- Obama is the only canidate that reflects a true grassroot movement. That is my reason.
Posted by Manny D on February 22, 2008 at 2:43 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 2:43 PM
Obama all the way!! good choice! For the people that are crying because of this endorsement :) too bad ^_^ I will never vote for Hillary!
Posted by flora meyer on February 22, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 3:07 PM
I would have hoped Mrs Clinton be our next leader.But it seem's like it is going to be Mr Obama and that's good I just cant stand the far right. Look how they are making Mc Cain jump and they say speak and they say good boy now go over there and sit. But with Mr Obama he is his own man he doe's not have to do what the far right tell's him to do. So I am going to vote for Mr Obama. We NEED A REAL HERO HIS NAME IS OBAMA
Posted by steve pulcino on February 22, 2008 at 3:09 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 3:09 PM
i agree he is the best person but does he have enough experience. he doesnt no that much about government and how it runs. just being a senator does not give him the experienc needed. just my opinion
Posted by darrel farnham on February 22, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 4:17 PM
All politicians make promises, then forget about most of them once they are elected.
Just because Obama shares a dream, doesn't mean that he will pursue it.
Posted by IR on February 22, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Read my lips..."Not gonna happen".
He's not ready to make any kind of change except for a diaper maybe. You can tell he wants to and thinks he can, but he's not ready. People...he's just not ready!!! Clinton is our best choice. I did early voting on Tuesday, and I voted for Hillary! I'm 57 and have been voting since I was 18. Obama, it' just not your time child.
Sylvia
Posted by Sylvia Young on February 22, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 5:25 PM
I am very disappointed in your backing of Barack Obama. One reason is his wifes comment how unhappy she has been the last 26yrs of living in the USA. I see how my union dues are going to back a canidate that I never had a voice in helping choose. Its way to early to back him. I believe he is all TALK, and knows that issues to speak. After all, why do I want another democrat running our country, isnt it the democrats that backed NAFTA??
Posted by Todd on February 22, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Sad to say it, but i think there is more racism left in the US than i want to beleive. As a white guy who grew up hanging out with a crowd that was extremely racist, I was influenced by them, my ignorance. Well, I gre up, learned we a blead the same color and treat people as I'm treated....I think a lot of the people here that posted negative stuff should check their motives.
Great decission CTW, even though I think the whole CTW/AFLCIO split was non sense...
Posted by Sad to say on February 22, 2008 at 6:27 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 6:27 PM
With your decision to endorse Barack Hussein Obama, I've made a decision of my own.
Please delete my Email address from all your mailing lists.
Thank you.
Posted by Richard L. Diebold Sr. on February 22, 2008 at 6:49 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 6:49 PM
The primary is a real horse race. So why pick the horse thats NEVER been in the big race; and why endorse so late in the race? There is no logic in banwagoning now. The bottom lines is this: the Clintons know how to win the White House and know how to win in with democrats and republicians in Congress. Obama may win the primary with your help and then John Mccain will become the beneficiary of your efforts when he becomes president. I hope that does not happen, but I am certain it will.
Posted by Tim Laborer Leader in Ohio on February 22, 2008 at 6:58 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 6:58 PM
I will not be voting for Obama, even though CtW is backing him. I don't agree that he is the Great Hope for America, no matter *what* his ethnicity may happen to be. He hasn't got the background or the experience to be President, yet. He may someday, but not now in my opinion. I would have thought that the Union would wait to back whoever the Primary chooses as the Democratic candidate.
As for showing class on Thursday at the debate, I agree that Sen. Clinton showed grace and diplomacy. She's undoubtedly got my vote and support. Too bad I can't go along with my Union's premature decision.
As a life-long Republican until the first term of Bush, I couldn't stomach any longer being a Republican. Now, I'm thinking maybe being Independent is looking pretty good...
God help our country, because we're in for a long 4 years if McCain or Obama gets elected. One can't recall what he had for breakfast...the other doesn't have the moxie or experience to get around Washington. The Oprah factor doesn't make a President ... but we'll see!
Posted by Deb Bryant on February 22, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Dear CTW,
Where is any mention about our nations brave servicemen and women that provide our nation with protection from enemies foreign and domestic?
I recognize these brave Americans with great respect- because without their daily courage and sacrifice this nation WOULD NOT BE.
Shame on Senator Obama and those who endorse him.
For until I see and hear some (way over due) respect given to our brave American service personnel, well
ya'll can take your change and stick....
Sincerely, Victoria
Posted by Victoria Frantz on February 22, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Sorry I dont agree Hillary 2008
Posted by Ron Turner on February 22, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 7:36 PM
The most important issue is the murdering of un-born children. No sincere Christain (and other religions also) would vote for one who chooses to allow a baby to be killed. There is no pro-choice! The baby ALWAYS gets killed. I ask. How will you like it when the day comes, and it will, that you child can choose to kill you Obama and Hilary?
Posted by Patricia on February 22, 2008 at 7:55 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 7:55 PM
On election night (Bush-Gore race), I gathered with friends to watch the returns. When the news networks announced a Gore victory in Florida there was elation in the room. Democrats had held the White House!! Then the correction. Florida was announced for Bush. There was a depressing silence in the room. A sadness swept over us. I am once again feeling that same sadness. It looks like Barak Obama will be our nominee. I am not sad for that. I am sad for Hillary. I never could figure out why there was such animosity toward her. And I cannot figure out the mindset of those who say if Barak does not win they will vote for McCain. If you put the Obama platform beside the Hillary one, there are very few differences. So please, both camps, tone down the negative rhetoric. John McCain will take this country in a very different direction than either Obama or Hillary. What I am saying is that the Democratic Party is the kinder party. We are the party with a heart. Please let us all be kinder toward one another. And for goodness sake, please respect both candidates. Being ugly in print is really very unbecoming of Democrats, be they party leaders or rank and file. If you are a Black American or a young American, it is OK to be excited about your candidate. This is a great moment for Black Americans. It is also OK to vote for Hillary if you are female. It is a great moment for females in America. This is very exciting and energizing for the Democrats. But in the end, we have to put aside our disappointments. This is one we have to win. This is an electoral pivot-point. Keep that in mind before you vote Republican.
Posted by Bob P. on February 22, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 at 10:08 PM
I'm sorry you have endorsed B.O. Hillary is my first choice. If not her, I would have no problem voting for John McCain. I think the country and the world is to fragile to experiment with an untested leader.
Posted by Larry C on February 23, 2008 at 2:27 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 at 2:27 AM
Sen Obama is a great motivational speaker but he has not offered specifics on how he would carry out his plans for change. In contrast, HILLARY has provided detailed information regarding her plans to make changes to help working families. She has always been a champion of women, minorities, and working folks. We must move beyond words -- must look for the nitty-gritty in how change will be made. HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT!
Posted by LaVaunne Miller on February 23, 2008 at 8:17 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 at 8:17 AM
This is a decent thread, but I can't believe how ignorant a small portion of you actually are.
The Obama-muslim thing, completely absurd. Anyone who believes that garbage ought to be stripped of their rights to vote. You can be pulled over for Driving While Intoxicated, so why can't you be prevented from Voting While Stupid. Check facts before you blindly believe these trash emails.
OBAMA is not a Muslim!
Secondly, unrelated to Obama, why in the world can't a Muslim be President of the United States? I'm a christian, it wouldn't bother me one bit. This nation was developed on the basis of freedom of religion...not just the Christian religion.
Thirdly, that "One Nation Under God" statement in the Pledge was only added in the 50's under Eisenhower. It's utter crap and would have turned the stomachs of all of our forefathers and the people who died to create this democracratic republic.
All of you christian zealots out there need to get over this Muslim bias. Because a small cell of radicals did something bad to a country that includes other non-radical muslims, doesn't mean we get to persecute like we did to the Japanese during WWII. Doesn't history teach us anything?
Get over yourself already, trying to turn America into a Christian nation is not going to get you a better seat in Heaven. That's just as diluted as thinking 50 virgins are going to great you after a suicide bombing. Common sense, people. I'll go ahead and use the phrase that was so hip in your circles a few years ago: What would Jesus do?
I am a proud, Barack Obama supporting, Springsteen listening, working American. We will be rid of Bush in November, and Barack Obama will be the next President of the United States.
Posted by Jake on February 23, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Congratulations, as a union member (not CTW-affiliated) I applaud CTW's endorsement of Senator Barack Obama. But there are two key reasons for union members to back Obama that I wish you had mentioned:
1. Hillary Clinton's chief campaign strategist Mark Penn is the head of a union-busting public relations firm, among whose key victims have been employees of the industrial laundry Cintas who have been struggling to organize and gain union rights with UNITE HERE and the Teamsters. The Clinton campaign has paid Penn some $10 million, according to the NY Times.
2. The chief legacy to working people from the previous Clinton regime is NAFTA, which destroyed and exported hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs and further impoverished the people of Mexico. NAFTA essentially destroyed small-scale agriculture and local industry in Mexico, forcing countless people from that country to leave their homes and homeland to avoid starvation. This is the source of the bulk of the immigration problem. And every American worker who in the past 15 years has lost a job that left the country, or suffered the defeat of a union organizing campaign or a pay cut imposed by a boss who threatened to move to Mexico, can thank the Clintons.
When Hillary says "It took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush," she's right -- Poppy Bush failed to pass NAFTA, but Bill Clinton, through massive bribery of members of Congress (with both public and corporate funds) got it passed. Yes, "It took a Clinton" to get the biggest attack on U.S. jobs ever through Congress!
Posted by Al from Pennsylvania on February 23, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Charlie was right about 'Change to Win' waiting to Obama was almost assured before they endorsed. There was only three unions, one of the 'Change to Win' federation (United Brotherhood of Carpenters) who boldly took the stance of an early endorsement of John Edwards. It is shameful that the labor movement is willing to settle for a 'half a loaf' instead of a candidate who could bring real change to working families. You should have lined up behind John Edwards you fools!
Posted by Pat Boston on February 23, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I beleive John Edwards was the candidate who spoke out against the recent passage of the Peru free trade agreement. Both Hillary Clinton and Obama voted to send more American jobs to Peru. Things really stink for the American worker on every free trade agreement the Clintons'gave us and now Obama jumped aboard the sinking ship to Peru. The American Labor Movement can never get together on anything, so we continue to take it up the butt and settle for a few bread crumbs that fall from the corporate democrats table. I don't think we even get a half a loaf!
Posted by Wes in Ohio on February 23, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 at 12:16 PM
The biggest problem we have in this country and the whole world for that matter is MONEY. There's only one candidate in all the parties with the where-with-all to deal with the problem and the UFCW chooses Obama. Did you even think about the situation we are faced with and what it would take to resolve it? We are faced with a meat grinder that has been going on for almost 100 years and promises to devour us and and our future, that has nothing to do with political affiliation ....and you choose to back the lamest candidate. The one least likely to change anything and the grinder moves on.
You need to rethink this and back someone who'll make a difference.
Posted by Charlie on February 23, 2008 at 1:51 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 at 1:51 PM
As a practicing Roman Catholic that has read the Quran and knows Islamic history I would like to clear up some misnomers written here about Islam. Islam believes theirs is the only true religion. They believe Jesus was a prophet with power over the holy spirit, but not god and praying to him is sinful. They believe Mary was a good woman and women should behave like her and again she is not to be prayed to. They believe the Quran is the word of god dictated to the Great Prophet and can't be challenged. They believe you should help your neighbor believer or not for it makes your life better. They believe Jihad is used against those that want to destroy Islam i.e. Serbian ethnic cleansing. They believe in revenge. They believe innocents can be harmed for a righteous cause. The line that follows says the families of the innocents can take a just revenge i.e. Afghanistan. Their Great Prophet did not slaughter the non-believers in his controlled territories. In fact they sought his expert guidance to settle their own disputes. He lost two battles and made peace with his Persian enemy. That Persian enemy mostly converted to Islam within 150 years without the death, destruction and chaos of war. The Turkish empire saved the Jewish people of Spain during the inquisition and relocated them in Greece. The Wahabi sect in Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of terrorism and mis-interpretation of the Quran that led to the birth of Al Qaeda. No country in the world has a higher % of its population supporting terrorism. Militant Wahabi fundamentalism is the cause of the worlds problems with Islam. Their proliferating madrassahs all over Pakistan should be checked and is a high priority that should be pursued behind closed doors by our state dept. I know whom our enemy is and support the recent predator drone fired hellfire missiles in Pakistan that got no.6 in Al Qaeda Al Libbi. If you want to know which candidate supports insertion forces with drone aircraft to bomb Pakistan, its Barack Obama.
Posted by James Chirico on February 23, 2008 at 1:58 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 at 1:58 PM
Where was CHANGE TO WIN and the Laborers union when the United Brotherhood of Carpenters stood up like a real union and endorsed the most labor friendly candidate, John Edwards, who has four the last five years spoke out on Americas' corporate greed machine. Hillary and Bill has done nothing but given us lip service. NAFTA has given Ohio the biggest shaft in fifty years of Presidents. The Communist China favored nations trading partner? What a joke and slap in face to the American union man! Now Obama jumps on the sinking ship to Peru. That tells me more lip service to the working man. Shame on all unions for NOT supporting Edwards!
Posted by Tom from Columbus, Ohio on February 23, 2008 at 3:21 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 at 3:21 PM
I too thought John Edwards was the best candidate for union working families. I don't think your late endorsement will mean much. I remember when unions stuck together and turned the page for Walter Mondale. I guess that was when we had leaders with a backbone...
Posted by Karen Sue on February 23, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 at 7:41 PM
I recommend reading his book "The Audacity of Hope" when you get a chance. I generally avoided taking the time to read these autobiography types because they were written by ghost writers, but this one has real class and talks about both experience and solutions. I don't think he "preaches" at you too much.
Posted by Frank Lornitzo on February 23, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 at 9:50 PM
I'm very disappointed in your endorsement of Obama.I personally am not impressed with him. What makes your think that what he says he can deliver? Sure he is a smooth talker until he gets backed in a corner durning a debate then he really does start alot of stuttering doesn't he. Hillary is alot more qualified to clean up the mess from Bush that he has left and stand with the working class people and not the rich and big businesses.Why would the teamesters back him when he is not against the immagration bill and thinks it is all right for the Mexicans to also have a right to be able to truck goods back and fourth over the border with no restrictions to take away their jobs like they already have in this country. I really don't see why people are beliving Obama's speechs. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! BILL AND HILLARY DID ALOT MORE FOR THIS COUNTRY AND THE WORKING CLASS PEOPLE THAN ANY OTHER PRESIDENT, THINK ABOUT THE MESS WE ARE IN NOW BEING IN A WAR WE SHOULD NEVER HAD BEEN IN AND ALL OUR JOBS GOING OVER SEAS BECAUSE OF BUSH !!! SO ASK YOURSELF DO YOU WANT ANOTHER MESS ARE DO YOU WANT A EXPRIENCE PERSON RUNNING THIS COUNTRY. MY VOTE IS FOR HILLARY A REAL PERSON FOR CHANGE.
Posted by Terry on February 23, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 at 10:37 PM
I don't know what planet Terry was on when Bill Clinton signed the NAFTA bill. What followed was the WTO, Fast Track, CAFTA. These were the biggest union job killers this country has ever experienced. Yes, Bill was a mouth peice for corporate America, not union families. If Terry lived in Michigan, Ohio or any industrial state he could see first hand what a great shaft slick Willie gave us. The giant sucking sound came with a giant bang. How could anyone say Bill Clinton was a great president for union families must be from another planet or a corporate lobbiest. I bet Terry drives an import!
Posted by Union Joe on February 24, 2008 at 6:39 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 at 6:39 AM
I am a disabled veteran who proudly served my country and was injured in the line of duty.
You people are out of your mind if you think an african american muslem who thinks he is to good to put his hand over his heart during the national antheim would make a good commander and chief. Allowing him to run at all is an insult to the american way of life
Posted by Claude Truitt on February 24, 2008 at 5:40 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 at 5:40 PM
I was very dissapointed and shocked with your recent endorsement of Obama. The Clintons have always been a strong force where workers rights are concerened. Your loyalty or should I say the lack of to the Clintons and your members dissapointing. Did you people ever think to ask the members who they thought would better represent them, i guess not. I REALLY THOUGHT THE TEAMSTERS HAD MORE BACKBONE THAN TO JUMP ON THE HYPE WAGON WITH THE REST OF THE GROUPIES. I WILL NOT BE JUMPING WITH YOU.
Posted by rejeanna gwynn on February 25, 2008 at 2:26 AM
Posted on February 25, 2008 at 2:26 AM
I am dissappointed in your endorsement. The Clintons have proven themselves time and time again to be loyal to union members and their cause. Show me what Obama has done for union workers, not what he says. I don't need any more speeches, I want results.
Posted by STEVE GWYNN on February 25, 2008 at 2:44 AM
Posted on February 25, 2008 at 2:44 AM
I am a staunch Democrat, and a firm believer in the union, I was very disappointed and a bit furious in the endorsement of Obama as the workers choice. I personally will not vote for him. I do not see what all the hype is. The country need more than just promises and hope, we need someone that can actually make and knows how to initiate change. How anyone could believe what he says is beyond me. I am surprised how his followers can believe in him since he has admitted to borrowing quotes or parts of speeches. I want to hear his words his thoughts, also have you notice in the debates he pretty much paraphrases Hillary’s responses adding very little, and when he is challenged he tries to turn it around on her by making it look like she is bullying him. The crowd falls right into his hand. Obama talks about change, and “yes we can”, but can he? It’s easy to make promises, but getting down to making promise reality takes know how. As American voters we need to select a candidate that can beat McCain and who can make immediate change; let us go by their resume, not by mere promises. Let’s get off the bandwagon and vote for someone that can immediately initiate change and is a true believer in the welfare of American people. My vote goes to Hillary Clinton for President.
Posted by Janet on February 25, 2008 at 3:16 AM
Posted on February 25, 2008 at 3:16 AM
I think Obama is the right candidate for the presidency for our nation. He brings a new vision,
new hope and will bring back the American dream that so many gave up on. Its time for change.
No desrespect to Sen. Clinton, but if we elect her
its not going to be a single race for the white house but husband and wife team back in the white house and this is not good.
We need some fresh new blood, and a fresh breath of air. I know change is not easy for some, but our kids, grandchildren deserve a change for their future.
Mh
Posted by Marie Hill on February 25, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Posted on February 25, 2008 at 10:12 AM
I am extremely upset with your choice. My father was a big union worker and I am glad he is not here to see what you have done. Union members have great passion for their fellow union members and I was always taught to fight for the unions. I do not feel Senator Obama will do anything for the union workers. He does not have the passion and the heart to help them. Senator Obama said it best when he said "do you think I am trying to dupe the people." I certainly do! He is compared to Bobby Kennedy, but Bobby Kennedy had the compassion and the caring I do not see in Senator Obama. All I see is an ego trip for him. I want action not platitudes. I will not vote for him. Shameful decision.
Posted by Carolyn Lange on February 25, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Posted on February 25, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Seems like it is gonna be Obama. So let's think about running mates. I suggest former Senator Bill Bradley. He has the strengths that Barak needs for a balanced ticket. Proven experience, a great mind and is known for thinking "outside the box". He also has a great jump shot.
Posted by Bob P. on February 25, 2008 at 9:01 PM
Posted on February 25, 2008 at 9:01 PM
I really hate my old union SEIU Loc 6 in Seattle. What a bunch of stupid people. They talk a big talk but well they suck at it's job. ABM walk's right over them
Posted by steve pulcino on February 26, 2008 at 4:07 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 at 4:07 AM
Bill Bradley was also a cheerleader for NAFTA-I havent heard his position on trade in awhile.
Posted by tmf on February 26, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Posted on February 26, 2008 at 10:30 AM
There were many cheerleaders for NAFTA. NAFTA is only part of the problem, tmf. What would help workers a whole lot would be good solid national health care as part of a national safety net. Though being employed in an ingrained character trait for most Americans, many stay in jobs they hate for the health care benefits. Creating "green-tech" jobs with Federal Gov't policy would also employ many skilled workers. Heavily Taxing the obscene salaries of Corporate leaders and giving tax breaks to middle income Americans would put more purchasing power in the hands of those who need it most. Eliminating tax breaks for Benedict Arnold corporations that pull up stakes and leave the USof A would be rolled back into finding employment for those not employed. If we allow Republicans to hold the White House, it will be the middle class who pay dearly for this recession. If the Democrats take the White House, there will be a rollback of those tax breaks for the wealthy and maybe we can even slap a further surcharge on their wealth to further level the playing field and get this country fiscally solvent again. World trade is here to stay, my friends. The genie is out of the bottle. George Bush has dug us a hole (a crater is more like it) that will be a hard one to dig ourselves out of quickly. We are deluding ourselves if we think we are the world giant we were at the start of George Bush's first term. So we are not going to bully the world economically into going our way. The value of the dollar is an embarrassment. The world has lost its confidence in America, the world leader. Countries are looking at other currencies for value. We might THINK that we can change things by "breaking bad" on NAFTA, but G. Bush has turned us into a great big sluggish banana republic. America is now the Jabba-the -Hut of Mother Earth; an economic, slovenly, self-indulgent country on the verge of a very tragic decline. We have to change. We have to rid us of the Republican mindset that has pillaged our national wealth and brought us to the juncture in American history.
Posted by Bob P. on February 26, 2008 at 8:30 PM
Posted on February 26, 2008 at 8:30 PM
you guys have got to be kidding me, obama for president! he has no idea about forgin policy or labor for that matter. you have sunk to a new level just to win. May God have mercy on this country if he wins. you guys have lost your mind, makes me question if i want to affiliate with you at all.
Posted by political mom on February 26, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Posted on February 26, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Shame on the Unions and teamsters not asking our input on this before they endorsed obama WTH were they thinking it's a disgrace and a slap in the face for me and my union families. This is for UNION JOE as he calls himself.I'm not on any plant but you must be from one if you back obama for president. I have been a UNION worker for over 35 years a strong UNION supporter all the years I've been working!! Let me tell you Clintons have always been for the working families,it seems to me we were always better off good pay,insurance etc. You want to talk about job killers then look at BUSH he is not for the working man he has been opposed to UNIONS from the start and also wanted to be able to make the middle class work for as many hours as the company's want you to without the anything over 40 hours overtime just straight pay.Like I said before obama makes alot of speeches and things sound good (no idea what he is doing just talking to make the young people think he is a God of change) he has no experince to run this country.Speaking of God do you think he believes in God? He believes in the Karan not the Bible (what do think he was sworn in on in the senate)Sure NAFTA was a bad deal but you can't blame it all on the Clintons their were others too,as far as the jobs you lost in your state I personally didn't see it where I live while Bill was president.Since BUSH companies have been racing each other to go over seas with our jobs!! I also don't drive a import either only american made,and not rich either so I'm tired of people like you whining about your problems like no one has any but you,If you didn't like you job get another one or better yourself for a higher paying one or move to another state.I bet your one of those that are getting a goverment handout from my paycheck.WE do not need a republican or obama running this country period.We need a person with a strong backbone to fight for us middle class workers and families and it's not obama it's Hillary !!
Posted by Terry on February 27, 2008 at 4:51 AM
Posted on February 27, 2008 at 4:51 AM
OBAMA IS NOT A MUSLIM! HE DOES NOT BELIEVE IN THE QUARAN! HE IS NOT A MUSLIM! HOW MANY TIMES DOES THIS HAVE TO BE REPEATED TO GET IT INTO YOUR THICK STUPID SKULLS! READ A NEWSPAPER! GET EDUCATED! AGAIN, OBAMA IS NOT A MUSLIM! I REPEAT, OBAMA IS NOT A MUSLIM!
You are just falling for a fear-mongering e-mail hoax sent out by the CLINTON camp. Don't trust her lies!
OBAMA '08
Posted by Jake on February 27, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Posted on February 27, 2008 at 10:33 AM
to obamha 08, then who is he and what is he. he is a joke, he could not answer any forign affairs questions if clinton didn't answer them first. all of you people are in for a rude awakening. this country will be a lost cause.
Posted by clinton 08 on February 27, 2008 at 8:48 PM
Posted on February 27, 2008 at 8:48 PM
Terry are you saying that NAFTA, the WTO, Fast Track and CAFTA are helpful to union working families. I ask everyone to go to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters website and watch their DVD on Globalization. You need to be aware of the negative effects exactly what these trade deals have done to our country. Please Terry with all respect, take five minutes and view this. There is a link on the 'Change to Win' homepage on the right of the page under Carpenters or you may go to www.carpenters.org and click the Globalization link. I encourage everyone that reads this to veiw it. ALL Union members need to be informed and educated about the issues that truly face us...
Posted by Union Joe on February 27, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Posted on February 27, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Obama and Clinton are both campaigns of substance, with very little disagreement between the two. They are essentially the same candidate. It just becomes a matter of who you want to spread the gospel of the democratic message.
Obama has the upper hand on NAFTA and the war in Iraq. Clinton DID support NAFTA and I have the list of quotes to pull up for you if you need proof. She has spoken very favorably about any number of times. And now she has completely flip-flopped on the issue, which is fine, but at least be honest about it. And regarding the war, Clinton has no grounds to stand on. She voted for it. She can paint the picture any way she wants and scream bloody murder "I was duped by GW Bush!", but it will still be the same in the end. She voted for the war. Obama did not.
Healthcare is a draw. Clinton's plan is slightly better, but has no chance of EVER getting passed. So what's the point? And what makes that better?
Obama's plan has a limited mandate and a MUCH better chance of getting passed. Therefore, one could make the argument that in the end, his healthcare plan is actually better.
And the whole experience thing is total crap. Hillary has only been in the Senate for a few years longer than Obama. That amounts to basically nothing. And being the First Lady does not count as experience. Do you know what one of the First Lady's primary resposibilities is supposed to be as outlined by precedent...coordinating the daily meals. That is how sexist America still is. But still said, if being First Lady grants you experience then we'll be looking at electing Laura Bush in 4 years. Give me a break.
Do the research people, don't just support one candidate blindly. I have thousands of reasons to stand behind Barack Obama.
OBAMA '08
Posted by Jake on February 28, 2008 at 9:07 AM
Posted on February 28, 2008 at 9:07 AM
i believe obama said he would attack pakistan if needed, did he not? Anybody that knows anything about forgin policy knows that this can not happen. do your research on that, and tell me where he stands on these issues.
Posted by clinton 08 on February 28, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Posted on February 28, 2008 at 11:27 PM
"Check out this quote from Bill Clinton in 2004:
"Now, one of Clinton's laws of politics is this. If one candidate is trying to scare you and the other one is try get you to think, if one candidate is appealing to your fears and the other one is appealing to your hopes, you better vote for the person who wants you to think and hope."
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0410/25/pzn.01.html
If this isn't irony, I don't know what is."
Posted by TylerRoseTX on March 1, 2008 at 1:34 AM
Posted on March 1, 2008 at 1:34 AM
Thanks UNION JOE for telling us all about the negative effects of free trade that the Clintons so proudly gave us in the 1990's. I had almost forgot that it was Bill Clinton that shafted us with not only NAFTA, but the WTO and CAFTA. After I watched the video that you spoke of ('Globalization' on the United Brotherhood of Carpenters webpage) I now know what has happened to my state and all the good paying jobs we lost. TERRY does need to view this too and he would not be supporting Hillary or Bill Clinton. I too was a Hillary supporter, but have now switched to Obama. Thanks again UNION JOE...
Posted by Babe from Dayton, Ohio on March 2, 2008 at 1:18 PM
Posted on March 2, 2008 at 1:18 PM
ABC - Anybody But Clinton.
I'd rather have it that CtW was backing a genuine labor ally - like Cynthia McKinney, for example. Someone who's always been there with us on organizing, trade, the works. But I'm glad to see you bucking the Clinton machine, as it is. We've had enough of these two crime families running the country.
Posted by Oso Rojo on March 8, 2008 at 8:54 AM
Posted on March 8, 2008 at 8:54 AM
I am still amazed at the ignorant people spouting the Muslim lies. Please wear you white hoods on election day.
Am also disgusted with people telling me Hillary is experienced and a real Democrat. She sat on the Wal-Mart board!!!!! Campaigned for Goldwater in her 'youth'. She has union busting lawyers as senior staffers.
Clinton gave us NAFTA and worse fast tracked GATT. John Edwards was my first choice but I won't vote for president if HILLARY is the nominee.
Senator Obama is our only choice.
Posted by ray lynch on March 12, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Posted on March 12, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Wow, big surprise ! My union has endorsed the most left-wing candidate. Just another rich Democrat who rails against rich Republicans .... hello class warfare. This man will open our borders even more than now. Remember, he wants to give licenses to ILLEGAL immigrants. And the racist church that he is a member of had a day honoring Louis Farakhan. Also remember that his representative told the Canadian government that all his talk about NAFTA was just campaign rhetoric ... oh, and then there's Mr. Rezko. All this and as sure as night follows day the unions will start spending lots and lots of MY money to get him elected. Bottom line, Mr. Obama is an empty suit ... and a anti-American bigot.
Posted by dug on March 12, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Posted on March 12, 2008 at 4:53 PM
The bottom line here is Obama is still my candidate although we need to buttonhole him on a permanent anti NAFTA stance.As I said before the shutting down of NAFTA is crucial to any economic recovery here or anywhere else in the world.Perhaps just as crucial as ending the war which is bankrupting us as we speak.For those of you who think this weakens us in some way against terrorists think again because there is no money left to prosecute this war any longer anyway.One of Bin Ladens stated goals on 9/11 was to send Wall Street into a tailspin creating economic chaos.Wall Street proved to be much stronger than he or we realized at the time.Unfortunately the Bush/Rumsfeld/Wolfowitz triuvirate did it to us by committing us to a longterm political and military quagmire called Iraq.This isn't the time for any candidate to waffle on getting us out of both mistakes.
Posted by R.A.Moffitt on March 12, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Posted on March 12, 2008 at 10:14 PM
First off I AM A PROUD STEWARD of Local 227.....I support MY union as they have supported me.I know what Change To Win did in Kentucky.I was there from the get go.We (my brothers and sisters in solidarity)fought the right to work monster.We stood up for the common worker.WE made a change.WE stopped"Pardon Me Ernie",and put a real governer to work for Kentucky.I WILL stand behind MY brothers and sisters in the choice they make.I do not follow blindly,but love the ones who have loved me first.This union has taught me to be smart,independent,and to think on my feet.I have never beem so welcomed,loved ,or respected as I am now.You need to ask yourself at this moment...............do you want to make a difference?Do you want to be the hero?Here is your chance.We have ,and will continue to be the cowboys in the white hat.We stand up ,and we believe.We make things happen.If you've been led here it must have been because of MY union.MY brothers,and sisters rejoice.It's been a long hard fight.We've slayed the hordes of greedy demons,and will continue to do so.We are power.Dont get lazy now..............we've got a long hard road ahead.I dont care if it's Clinton or whoever.................if MY union supports it ,it must be right.Dont let me down.Dont make me not want to believe.Support the solidarity that has long supported you.Remember people have died,and gave everything for your chance to be heard.Please dont let it be in vain.With solidarity ,and undying support ,Kenneth Glover......Proud steward of U.F.C.W local 227 Equity Group,Albany,Kentucky
Posted by Kenneth Glover on March 13, 2008 at 6:27 AM
Posted on March 13, 2008 at 6:27 AM
For all the Clinton supporters out there: Please do some research and stop spouting her campaign commercial lies.
Look up Mark Penn and the union busting law firm Burson-Marstellar he works for. This is the kind of person Hillary surrounds herself with. There is more if you really want information.
Money has destroyed the political system in this country and none of them, including Obama, are innocent. The Clinton's are both Republican-lite and it's really time for new blood.
Posted by ray lynch on March 13, 2008 at 7:35 AM
Posted on March 13, 2008 at 7:35 AM
Obama’s Race Against Race
By Nicolas Powers
From the April 25, 2008 issue
A black man runs from a howling crowd. If he’s caught he’ll be torn apart. If he reaches sanctuary he’ll be loved. This ritual is the Sacred Lynching. It’s a scene from Olaf Stapledon’s science fiction book, The First and Last Men. Set in the future, humanity has mixed and few people are “white” or “black,” and the ritual is a nostalgic celebration of racism in a post-racial world. It resembles our own supposed post-racial politics, and I see Senator Barack Obama as that last black man on earth trying to outrun our media mob.
TO READ FULL ARTICLE:
http://www.indypendent.org/2008/04/25/obama%e2%80%99s-race-against-race/
Posted by The Indypendent on May 8, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Posted on May 8, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Does it really surprise some of you that the UFCW endorses Obama? The UFCW (and the AFL-CIO) ALWAYS write blank check endorsements to whoever the Democratic candidate is, regardless of their actual voting record or their qualifications. I mean seriously, name for me the last time they endorsed a Republican for President (or other major office).
As a recently elected asst. steward, I will do everything I can to ensure the rights of my fellow workers are upheld and will not be misled or mistreated by the company I work for. But that does not mean I am going to jump on the Obama bandwagon just because the big labor bosses say so. And they cannot ignore the fact that there are many conservative/Republican rank and file members of the UFCW that are tired of being swept under the rug by the UFCW leaders.
I have always identified more with the Republican candidate than the Democratic candidate on the issues, such as right to life, right to bear arms, completing the mission of securing freedom for the Iraqi/Afgani people and winning the war on terror, and someone who is committed to appointing qualified justices to the Supreme Court who will do their job of interpeting the Constitution and not just make up laws as they go along.
John McCain is light years ahead of Obama in qualifications and I am a proud supporter of McCain for President. The UFCW needs to spend less time telling us how to vote and more time getting us workers the best contracts possible and to ensure that the corporations that provided us our jobs do not abuse our services or our rights. It's the corporations and the union contracts that determine what pay/benefits we get, not the government. It's no concidence that the unions were at their strongest/most effective when they did NOT take sides in partisan politics.
Posted by Estil on May 26, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Posted on May 26, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Estil must not have heard about the contract that was given to Airbus instead of Boeing! McCain was behind that!
Obama is the only candidate that will work responsibly for the good of ALL Americans, and also improve our relations with other countries.
Thanks CTW!
Posted by Kay on June 3, 2008 at 3:00 AM
Posted on June 3, 2008 at 3:00 AM
change to win, WIN WHAT? A PERSON THAT HAS NO IDEA WHAT IN THE WORLD HE IS DOING? A PERSON THAT IS A TERRORIST IN HIS OWN RIGHT! A PERSON WHEN PUTTING HIS FOOT IN THE WHITE HOUSE HIS RADICAL MENTORS AND FRIENDS WILL FOLLOW! A PERSON THAT DOES NOT KNOW THE TRUTH FORM A LIE! A PERSON THAT WILL TAKE ALL OF OUR FREEDOMS AWAY! A PERSON THAT CAN NOT EVEN LOOK AT THE SYMBOL OF AMERICA, OUR FLAG! A PERSON THAT WILL SURLY DESTROY THIS COUNTRY! THAT IS OBAMAS CHANGE FOR AMERICA, TO TAKE US STRAIGHT TO HE--!
Posted by ruth on October 18, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Posted on October 18, 2008 at 11:03 PM
obama was with fanny and freddy, he helped the failer , he was the cause of it all, they lent morgages to people that could not afford them, is that who you want to run this country? but i guess if you like the hand outs, you will, but in the end we will have to pay in one way or another,(dearly) ACORN, and who belongs to ACORN(obama) he lied his as- off in that one too! obama is stuck in being eight years old, man the guy near ages! obama cant remember being rev. wrights chruch when he was preaching hatred, yea sure we believe that one! the terrorist groups are just waiting and hoping obama wins, why? you fools don't know, let me tell you . he is one of them, he is muslim, he will jion them in getting rid of AMERICA and it's people , and he will help destroy Isreal! you are his fools and you are playing his game, but you to will lose, for when he is done with you, you to be rid of! NO JOKE!
Posted by ruth on October 18, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Posted on October 18, 2008 at 11:13 PM
AS FOR VIOCE IN THE WORK PLACE, IF OBAMA WINS WE WILL HAVE NO VOICE! we will have OUR FREEDOMS GONE, GONE! there will be only one voice, and that will be obama! get ready to kiss the ground for allah folks, obama is no christian! he is a friend of our enemies!
Posted by ruth on October 18, 2008 at 11:22 PM
Posted on October 18, 2008 at 11:22 PM
there were people going around in our neighor hood knocking on doors to get you to vote for obama! they saw me and some of my family up on the porch, they didn't get too close to us when they saw our signs out on the lawn! MCCAIN! my son-in-law said , look who's coming, i said let them come, i'll tell them what they could to with obama, but they truned and went the other way, CHICHEN!
Posted by ruth on October 18, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Posted on October 18, 2008 at 11:27 PM