Illinois Senator and 2008 Presidential Candidate Barack Obama walked the Congress Hotel Picket line with the workers of UNITE-HERE Local 1 on Monday. The workers at the Congress have been on strike for over four years and this was not Obama's first time walking the line in solidarity with them. His presence invigorated many of the strikers and brought an incredible amount of media coverage to the struggle. While I was able to stay out of the camera's view during most of Obama's visit to the line, I was leading chants over the bullhorn when he arrived and my voice appeared in many of the TV spots highlighting the event.
While the media were certainly drawn to the picket line by the presence of a 2008 presidential candidate, the event was not purely political or simply a stunt. Sen. Obama spent a good portion of his time actually walking on the line and talking with the workers there. The union has repeatedly emphasized to us interns how important it is to build relationships with the workers in the shops. Seeing the union emphasize the same points to Sen. Obama demonstrates both how serious and how genuine this approach this approach to organizing really is. Organizing requires trust and trust requires relationships, which is a reminder every politician needs and makes one think that more candidates should spend time on a picket line.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Congrats, Beau, on walking the line with Barack Obama. I've read both of his books and he seems quite genuine with his upbringing and his points of view. I think all of us doing this internship can be proud that there is a presidential candidate (and a strong one at that!) who started out his career doing ... community organizing in religious congregations!
OK, so obviously you know my bias on where I stand with Sen. Obama. Besides, he's the first person I voted for who actually won his election (I've had bad luck since starting to vote in 1998).
And I think you hit the nail on the head with what UNITEHERE says about connecting to workers. It's easy for any of us to get caught up in the big names in this movement: the big names in religion, politics, entertainment, and the labor movement. I'm starting to come across some people this summer in the union who won't call you back if you're 'just an intern,' but I think the best at what they do are able to prioritize their calls - but still call everyone back.
Congrats again on making the news and thanks for your updates!
Post a Comment