Joe Hill 2011

[modestybl]

Run time: 02:33 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1GCc1Ma8Jw   Posted on YouTube: March 12, 2011 By YouTube Member: tagmike Views on YouTube: 44   Posted on DU: March 23, 2011 By DU Member: modestybl Views on DU: 2496

 

My young friend Mary Mikesell has updated an old song that is
all too relevant today. Check it out. People like Mary give me
some hope... however distant. Listen to the words.

And we should all look up who "Joe Hill" was (is)...
go ahead,  do it!

He hasn't died...

[modestybl]

1. Should have a listen here, and not just pass by...

...and pass it along!

[modestybl]

3. The past isn't past

And our history is still very much our present...

[modestybl]

2. Do we have the courage?

..it makes all the difference...

[modestybl]

4. The events of the last 48 are very discouraging...

...but it has been worse... much worse.. read the history of labor in this country, and don't give up the fight!

[rasputin1952]

5. Years ago, I was a Shop Steward, (SEIU Local 6, Seattle)...

and on the Contract Negotiations Team. On Labor Day, SEIU would hold a large Cook Out..."Joe Hill" would play, and people would be inspired.

When we went into negotiations with Hospital Management, I played "Joe Hill" when we first caucused...I was the "kill" guy, the Bean Counter. My job was to recall the #'s and the facts, then in caucus, figure out what we would concede. The hospital had a very high priced "inion buster" atty, they paid a ton on money fort this guy, but he wasn't all he was cracked up to be. When things got a little rough, and he was getting on his high horse, I asked him, matter-of-factly, "how much do you weigh?" This brought a round of indignation, as I expected, but I asked again, "how much do you weigh?" His answer was, "282 pounds, and just why?"

I leaned forward and said, "if you came into our ER having a coronary event, it would take three of us to handle you, not including the ER doc. At least one of us would be injured in some way, even though we have ways of dealing with people of weight and in severe pain. You were brought here from Chicago to tell us, we are paid too much and don't do enough to earn our keep. We would do everything in our power to keep you stable, alive and hopefully send you back to Chicago on a flight that did not include a box. Here is my point, what they paid you to come here and tell us that we are not highly skilled, dedicated individuals that care about you and every other human being, is an affront to our dignity."

Management asked for a caucus...when we came together again, we conceded what we were ready to concede, and got a wonderful 3 year contract that gave us more than what we wanted. In out caucus, I was called "crazy", after the concession meetup, I was hailed as a genius...and I owe a lot of it to "Joe Hill".

[modestybl]

6. That's a great story... thanks!

...and a good lesson for the rest of us..

[modestybl]

7. Amazing how taking a stand can change the world...

... look at the reaction to Obama's speech this week. Suddenly the political universe appeared to open up to logic and reason - and maybe Progressive ideas!

Courage!

[modestybl]

9. ...and keep at it!

[freshwest]

13. Outstanding, thanks for sharing that.

[modestybl]

8. And for the folks in Benton Harbor, MI...

...they are at their most vulnerable, when they seem their most invincible...

[SusanaMontana41]

10. I've read Mr. Hillstrom's story. You're right: He is NOT dead! n/t

[modestybl]

11. Pass it along...

... our past is still so relevant... and not even PAST!

[modestybl]

12. Amazing what even a small show of courage can accomplish!

...pass it on...

[modestybl]

14. Or just stand with those who make a stand...

[modestybl]

15. for everyone's edification...

http://www.kued.org/productions/joehill/voices/

...

[Randy_P]

16. 'modesty'bl is an interesting username for you.....

.....

[modestybl]

17. I am only the messenger here...

[modestybl]

18. seconded

[MikeMc]

19. Go, Wobblies!

Local # 5, IBEW.

[modestybl]

20. Their trial in Chicago...

... was less than 100 years ago. Same war, same oligarchy class waging war on the workers...