AFL-CIO Building Trades--Helmets to Hardhats--Truly Supporting our Troops

[louis c]

When I hear the plastic patriots in this country continue to support George W. Bush's disastrous decision to send our sons and daughters, and our friends sons and daughters, into a conflict that had no reason, rational or plan, I get sick to my stomach. But it becomes even more painful when they continue to blindly support this failed policy by sending more men and women to Iraq, all the while they, as Bush, keep their own loved ones at home. They seem to believe that support for our troops means support for the president and placing a magnetic yellow ribbon (most likely made in China) on the back of their automobiles. Anyway, I had to start off with a good old DU rant before I get to my point.

I'm a committed labor guy. I've been at DU for over three years. As a labor guy (IBEW president and AFL-CIO council member)I have followed a program by the labor groups which sums up my philosophy on this subject. "I hate the war, but I love the warriors". After all, they're our family. As we like to say it in the labor movement "our brothers and sisters". To this end, the AFL-CIO, together with their trade affiliates participate in a program called "Helmets to Hardhats". As the program declares, "Helmets to Hardhats helps place quality men and woman from the armed forces into promising building and construction careers..(which) entitles you to competitive salaries with consistent raises, pension plans, excellent medical benefits and flexibility."

So, the bottom line is this. Tens of thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans have already been given apprentice training and have entered some of the most rewarding jobs in America, courtesy of a program administered by Labor Democrats and that number keeps growing. The same groups that administer the "Helmets to Hardhats" program, donated millions of dollars to anti-Bush Democratic candidates and put tens of thousands of political volunteers in play to wrest control of our government from the very folks that foolishly placed our children in harm's way without a plan or a thought. That's why I like to use the phrase "Hate the War but love the warrior". If you have any children or friends who would like to participate in this worthwhile program you can contact the program at:

Link:
www.helmetstohardhats.org

or call [phone]

[louis c]

1. kick in the evening

[EC]

2. kick,,,,

Thanks for all the hard work...it paid off..

[JanMichael]

3. How do you feel about US unions doing this?

http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?ItemID=1584

I suppose if the AFl-CIO wants to play with the Imperialist pigs then I'm all for the Wobblies.

[louis c]

4. As I have read the story

it seems that the jury is still out.

I have book marked this thread, and will discuss this with members who are more knowledgeable on international actions by the AFL-CIO, and then reply.

Thanks for your concern, but I'm sure there's an explanation.

Remember, just because a government is "Leftist", doesn't necessarily make it pro-union. Just look at the "house unions" in communist China.

[Hubert Flottz]

5. K&R Louis C.

As a 33 year AFL-CIO building trades member I salute your effort.

I would add, the safest possible work places and up to the minute safety training and the quality vocational training programs, which are updated quite often during the worker's career, to your list..."competitive salaries with consistent raises, pension plans, excellent medical benefits and flexibility."

[louis c]

6. Thanks