Who Isn't Going to Lead

I believe the idea of a nationwide transportation strike is the right thing to do. I've been watching closely on forums and message boards, and during the April 1st attempt at a shut down, the construction company I work for shut our trucks down for the week. As expected, this didn't have much effect. There wasn't sufficient leadership and organization to have the massive impact we all hoped for. So, I've been looking around for the "leadership" we need. Turns out, it's gonna take a substantial amount of cash for someone to step up, and reach every truck driver, and convince the majority of us that shutting down is the thing to do. Still haven't found that leader. What I did find was who ISN'T going to lead. Teamsters. Not a peep from them. They have supposedly over 1 million members, but not a whisper from a single one. They do, however, endorse Barack Obama for president. They did make a march in California this month for worker's rights and safety. Wow. Seems to me that the Teamsters were at one time, looking out for truck drivers, whether they were union or not. Now, it appears that the Teamsters union is simply a political player, boldly and loudly participating in politics. Helloooo....it's the politics that's gotten us into the mess we're in today!
I have no quams with members of the Teamsters, if you belong to the union, great. You should, as a member, use your voice to get the unions back on track, doing what they're supposed to be doing. REPRESENTING it's working members, not dabbling in politics.

 

You're right, Yoda, we do have a right to voice our opinion, even when it's a negative one.
I for one, have fought for this country, serving in the USMC. If you think for one second I want "brown shirts" to wear, you're way off base. I love this country, and am still willing to sacrifice anything to serve it. Don't question my patriotism, because it is unwavering.
I am very much aware of what Teamsters purpose WAS, and what it has become. The purpose of unions in the beginning was to be a voice for the working men and women of this country, to represent and stand up for rights, safety, and a better life. Teamsters has become big business, and a political power. You don't have to believe me, just visit their website. It's easy to find, I'm sure you can do it.
You believe the government will do what the majority of Americans want it to do? You don't think the majority of Americans want someone to step up and do something about this recession? Look at the facts man. Big oil is turning over highest profit margins in history, month after month. NOTHING is being done about it. It isn't just up to truckers, it's up to EVERYONE to say, "WE'VE HAD ENOUGH!" But, someone has to take the lead. I'd hoped maybe a strong organization like Teamsters would take that lead, but obviously, they won't. Maybe we, the people of the USA, should follow YOUR example, Yoda, and sit quietly, and not say what we want. I'm sure that'll let the government and big oil know we're not happy with the current recession.
As for your last line, Yoda. The limits we set forth in our government does not limit the government from increasing taxes on us, does it? Nor does it prevent the government from reducing taxes. The government can do alot to help minimize damages caused by this recession. I for one, believe the oil reserves being released is NOT the answer, either. That's a quick fix. A solution lies in allowing access to untapped oil deposits, activating the hundreds of refineries that are shut down, and seriously pursuing oil shale refinement. Even alternative fuels need a serious consideration. Oh, and lets not forget big oil and the profits they're making. I bet a serious congressional inquistion would turn up some shady dealings. But, we know that isn't gonna happen. So, who WILL stand up?

 

I'm not suggesting the government control prices. I do believe the big oil companies are taking advantage of our dependence on oil, and are charging whatever they want. There's plenty of oil to be had, and plenty of refineries that are shut down. If the government won't pressure big oil to address these issues, who will? How about the transportation industry, the #1 consumer of oil? This is the point so many are trying to make, and they only way we have to make it, is to take a stand, here and now.

By the way.....how do you feel about Teamsters endorcing Obama? I wonder how many teamster drivers endorce Obama.......

 

I think the goals are the same, just different approaches. We may disagree, Yoda, but you're an intelligent individual, and I respect your input.
You're alright.