Politico Gaffe Becomes Organizing Tool In Wisconsin Recall Effort

[babylonsister]

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/politico-gaffe-becomes-organizing-tool-in-wisconsin-recall-effort.php?ref=fpnewsfeed


Politico Gaffe Becomes Organizing Tool In Wisconsin Recall Effort

Brian Beutler February 20, 2012, 11:57 AM 10367 141



When President Obama spoke to workers in Wisconsin last week, Politico accidentally made itself the story. The paper’s reporter mistook the Wisconsin state flag for the seal of a local union, and cited it as an illustration of President Obama’s pro-union bias.

Politico cleaned the egg off its face by wiping the story from the Internet. But the gaffe made the rounds among actual union officials in the state and now that the laughter’s subsided, they’ve turned it into a membership drive.

“When national news blog Politico came to Milwaukee to cover Pres. Obama’s visit, they incorrectly identified the Wisconsin flag as the “flag for the local union, Wisconsin 1848.” Many people got a chuckle at the embarrassing mistake, but we think it really represents something larger,” reads a new AFSCME petition. “So let’s say it loud and say it proud! Join as a charter member of “Wisconsin Local 1848” today. We’ll share up-to-the-minute information on statewide issues that affect us all.”

And there’s a t-shirt to go along with it.

Ironically, Politico’s error occurred at a time when national unions are frustrated at President Obama for supporting two pieces of legislation — a long-term FAA reauthorization, and the payroll tax cut bill — both of which cut against labor interests.

[Angry Dragon]

1. I ask what is wrong with the pro-union bias

Democrats are pro-union.
If they are not then they have no business calling themselves democrats...............

[southernyankeebelle]

2. Ditto. Hold your head high democrats and support your unions.

[zipplewrath]

3. I truly believe

There is an opportunity for a second workers revolution. At the intersection of OWS and labor unions is an opportunity. I don't claim to be smart enough to know what it looks like, but it would seem that there are workers concerns beyond just collective barganing. With the demise of defined benefit pension plans, it would seem that workers cooperatives could form to fill in the empty space. It does seem that some union should be running a "monster.com" type service, especially one for anyone with a certifiable manufacturing skill (journeymen, apprentice, etc.) We have left the training of mechanics and techicians to the for-proift "technical schools". Seems major unions could be running these instead for less money. "Credit Unions" that are "worker friendly" in some sense or another would seem a natural response to the predatory lending practices of the commercial banks. "Union Stores" that are big box in nature but focused on "fair trade" suppliers. Basically look at the broad spectrum of economic issues facing the working class and addressing them through cooperative efforts.

I have had friends who have had hostile work places, up to and including capricious termination. Lawyers have been paid, but the reality always is that individuals don't really have the economic clout to confront large employers. Union like cooperative structures could be formed to assist such people. Instead of "union dues" people could buy "personal unemployment insurance" which didn't so much pay you a wage, as address the reasons you became unemployed and work towards resolving the situation.

[Tippy]

5. I agree.....

[saras]

4. Duh. If you're anti-corporate, then who represents your collective interest? Unions.

[DCKit]

6. And Politico officially joins the race to the bottom. nt

[UCmeNdc]

7. I find it funny because it is clear Politico meant to smear President Obama

It seems Politico was out to start a smear campaign and in the process embarrassed themselves.

[Lex]

8. That mistake by Politico is jaw-dropping stupid.

Didn't it occur to ANYONE at Politico it could be the state flag, given the 1848?