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What We're Made Of December 2001 IBEW Journal Now is when we find out what we're made of. It's tough to write the traditional end-of-the-year column in 2001. It's hard to think about candles, wreaths, and presents right now. While the year had more than its share of victories and uplifting moments-not the least of which was our 36th International Convention-the current state of events leaves us shaken and concerned. But not beaten...not by a long shot. The economic downturn that began in late 2000 didn't seem so bad, because we always seemed to be on the verge of climbing out of it. Now it appears that we are heading deeper into the hole of recession once again. And, as usual, working people seem to be too low on official Washington's list of concerns. In the post-September 11 world, airlines and corporations have gotten or are trying to get bailouts, subsidies and tax breaks. Those who lost their jobs get good wishes, but precious little in the way of extended unemployment benefits or health care subsidies. Official Washington gets antibiotics when anthrax letters strike. Postal workers have to watch some of their colleagues die before they get medication. "It's no time for politics as usual!" cry the nation's leaders. But the message hasn't gotten through to the corporations, who invoke "national security" to justify their greedy claims. Beware the right hook wrapped in a star spangled glove. Meanwhile, terrorism hangs over the civilized world like a dark cloud. About two and on-quarter centuries ago, the great patriot Tom Paine wrote: "These are the times that try men's souls." And women's souls, I might add. It is no time for the sunshine patriots that Paine warned of. This is time for the true and loyal sons and daughters of North America to come forward. This is the time to see what we are made of. The rhetoric of past years and past speeches was not empty. We have said before and we will say again that nothing will be handed to us. We must fight to protect ourselves at home and abroad. It is time for the United States to act boldly against terrorism. And it is time for us as a Brotherhood to act boldly to defend our rights and our livelihoods. This is no time to slack off on organizing. It is not time to withdraw from legislative and political action. It is not time to fight for anything less than fair and equitable contracts at the bargaining table. If going about our lives is the best way to fight this new kind of war, then we will do our part by continuing to stand up for our members and all working people. We will press forward with new initiatives in 2002. We will meet challenges to our members head on. We will pursue organizing with vigor. And we will do our part to stand up for the United States and Canada on the world stage as well. Our union is full of proud, patriotic people. We have made that abundantly clear throughout our 110 years, and we, the International and local leadership and our members, displayed it again in the months following September 11. We are made of strong stuff, tempered with compassion. The truly strong know that compassion and fortitude go hand in hand. I hope that all of you have a safe and happy holiday season. May it be a much needed interlude of comfort in these times. Renew your spirit and your energy. Whether you are Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, agnostic or atheist, look into your soul and find courage and peace from within. We will need it in 2002 and beyond. God bless you and keep you for the holidays and always. Edwin D. Hill |
And it is time for us as a brotherhood to act boldly to defend our rights and our livelihoods. |
Presidents Message