UAW Local 31

Members - Don Marshall, Richard Martins, Veronica Boyd,
A. J. Shumate and David Barnhart

CAP REPORT
Sisters and Brothers of Local 31,
           
 

The November mid-term election is creeping up on us and the time to take action against those who oppose organized labor, all that we have fought for and all that we stand for is coming up quickly.  What is at stake are the voices that will represent us and help determine our fates as proud union members, and we have to consider the choices of candidates before us.  There are a few questions we have to answer before we decide:
 

“Do you want a person to represent you that accuses the President of the United States of racist tactics?  Well, Representative Steve King, a Republican (and Tea Party favorite) from Iowa did just that in saying that President Obama prefers black people over white people, citing one case where a white police officer wrongly beat a black man.  Do you think King represents your best interests?
 

“Do you want a person to represent you that apologizes to the CEO of British Petroleum (BP) for our government cracking down on BP because of the Gulf oil spill crises?  Well Representative Joe Barton, a Republican from Texas, addressing BP CEO Tony Hayward at a House hearing concerning the spill and BP’s inadequate response to cleaning up our environment and aiding all those whose livelihoods have been damaged or destroyed by his company said, “I do not want to live in a country where any time a citizen or a corporation does something that is legitimately wrong is subject to some sort of political pressure that is – again, in my words, amounts to a shakedown.  So I apologize.”  The next, Hayward was seen at an English sailing regatta on his private yacht.  And it was disclosed that Representative Barton has received over $100,000 in campaign donations from oil and gas interests since the beginning of 2009, and since 1990, political action committees of the oil gas interest industry and people who worked for it have given more than $1.4 million to Barton’s campaigns, the most of any House member during that period.  Do you think Barton represents your best interests?
 

Closer to home, do you want a person to represent you that thinks that health insurance companies should be able to deny coverage to adults with pre-existing conditions?  Well, Representative Roy Blunt, a Republican from Missouri and Senate candidate, believes just that.  Of course, it should be stated that congressman Blunt takes money from WellPoint, one of the largest health insurance companies, for his campaigns.  And to be fair, it should also be pointed out that Blunt has taken over $1 million from big oil companies and their lobbyists.  Oh yeah… Blunt also opposes any reform to the big financial corporations on Wall St.  Why?  Does over $2.5 million answer that question?  Do you think Blunt represents your best interests?  Those of us who live IN Missouri had better decide quickly, before it’s too late.
 

The labor movement mobilized and won huge gains in 2008 by getting those who represent US, the average workers in America.  Unfortunately, all that could be removed in a single day.  We must stand together, protect what we have and strive to make gains in improving our lives and those who come after us.  But to do that, we need all help we can get.  Please consider giving to CAP for increasing your donation if you already do), and volunteering to help the labor-supported candidates in our area and around the country.

In Solidarity,
Your UAW Local 31 CAP Committee
Don Marshall
Richie Martins
Veronica McLaughlin-Boyd
A.J. Shumate
Dave Barnhart