The International Communist Party is NOT dead. It just smells that way.

Oh, brother.

Will everyone now run out and hit the grocery stores?

Blue collar red diaper doper babies?

Finally, a solution!
/

Trucking into and out of California sucked before this.

Yuck.

Fire them.

Fire them all.

Every. Single. One.

re: #2 SummerSong

Oh, brother.

Will everyone now run out and hit the grocery stores?

I was going grocery shopping tonight; please don't include me in the panic attack. I promise not to hoard. ;)

I really was unaware the port workers were such a political animal.

Seriously.

Fire them.

Next?

They better not get paid. In fact, they should be charged leave time. Bastards.

Brought to you by May Day and the Communist Party.

Willing to bet most of the people just consider it a day off from work.

I didn't think this was an anti-war protest, but an issue regarding immigrant rights and border issues. Michelle Malkin has lead me to think thus based on her posts today.

I hate Unions

Where is Reagan when you need him?

re: #14 mineral

sigh...

Fire them... I have no tolerance for this crap...

re: #11 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Brought to you by May Day and the Communist Party.

Willing to bet most of the people just consider it a day off from work.

Perhaps we should start calling it Mass Murder Day/

re: #3 OldLineTexan

Hillary supporters they are

Moonbat dock workers?

Okaaayy!

Can they be fired for this? because that's what ought to happen.

re: #14 mineral

Where is Reagan when you need him?

His body's spinning in its grave double time, his spirit is up there in heaven itchin' to give them dockworkers some HELL!

Which particular war are they opposed to?
/

re: #22 jaunte

Which particular war are they opposed to?
/

The war against terror.

These aren't "anti-war" protests, they're anti everything. May 1st, Mayday, the communist high holiday. Such protests are going on around the world.

So much for all those China goods.

re: #22 jaunte

Which particular war are they opposed to?
/

Change the a to an o and add a k. They're opposed to work.

I've been reading about this for weeks, but just can't get up the gumption to cover it. The Port of Oakland is so inaccessible, though the protesters are planning some kind of "direct action" there.

re: #19 NoSubmission

Moonbat dock workers?

Okaaayy!

Most definitely. The moonbats have totally taken over the Longshoreman's Union.

I'm with you guys. Fire them. Deport the illegals among them. If they make anymore trouble, arrest them.

re: #8 formercorpsman

I really was unaware the port workers were such a political animal.

Seriously.

Study your American Labor History. They always were allied with the Communists.

Idiots- now they'll have twice the work to do tomorrow.

Today is the fifth anniversary of G.W. Bush's "Mission accomplished" declaration on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln.

re: #6 Tigger2005

Fire them.

Fire them all.

Every. Single. One.

The entire union voted for it. There's no one to fire them.

It's a general strike. The unions are the employers. The Longshoremen can't be fired.

re: #13 winston06

I hate Unions

Right there with you. Their time has passed. All they are now are communist lobby groups.

Happy May Communism Day.

re: #8 formercorpsman

I really was unaware the port workers were such a political animal.

Seriously.

Are you kidding? They're radically left-wing now, just as they were in 1934, the last time they tried this.

And meanwhile, nuttery in Hawaii, too.

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

Damn commies.

My grandfather, an immigrant from Denmark, was a longshoreman. He is spinning in his grave right now.

re: #9 Occasional Reader

Fire them.

Next?

Can't do it. Union rules.

Not a single one will be fired, guaranteed. The leadership is on board.

re: #34 Pawn of the Oppressor

Happy May Communism Day.

I'll be covering the May Day festivities at Union Square today after work. Report and photos to come..

re: #34 Pawn of the Oppressor

Happy May Communism Day.

COMRADE!

War protesters my butt! This is a May Day Communist Party work stoppage. It's going to cost our economy millions of dollars.

On the flip side, Americans will feel what it's like to lose a major port, at least for a day. Look at it as a simulated terrorist WMD or ChiCom first strike.

(Hi Yall, post-and-run)

I posted before I could add "I don't know what this protest has to do with the war. If they tried to actually protest a ship's movement, I can imagine an armed marine only too glad to take them out. I hate the war, & am ready for my brother's mission to REALLY be over, but this kind of crap is nonsense."

re: #12 vxbush

I didn't think this was an anti-war protest, but an issue regarding immigrant rights and border issues. Michelle Malkin has lead me to think thus based on her posts today.

It's both -- they're fusing the anti-war aspect and the immigrant aspect.

In Oakland, the first half of the day is specifically anti-war; the second half, immigration.

re: #29 rawmuse

I am aware of history, but being on the east coast, albeit they may vote along party lines, most of these guys are vets, patriotic, 2nd Amendment type who salivate for deer season, who don't protest wars.

They strike for other reasons, but it's just unusual to get the mental image of my previous blue collar acquaintances being of the kostard, or pinko type.

this is another "day without a mexican" day is all

tomorrow they'll be back at work

and I was a member of Local 6 out of Oakland
only one time in 40-50 years did they strike, before this

re: #20 doppelganglander

Can they be fired for this? because that's what ought to happen.

Nope.

re: #31 orson

Today is the fifth anniversary of G.W. Bush's "Mission accomplished" declaration on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln.

Oh GAWD! That will be THE headline through the week end! That and the latest casualty figures. Looks like BO has been able to stuff the "Reverend" Wright down the Memory Hole after all!

They're expecting up to 100,000 demonstrators in downtown LA later today!

They'll be marching from three different starting points and converging at 6th and Broadway.

It's going to be a big mess.

re: #29 rawmuse

Study your American Labor History. They always were allied with the Communists.

EXACTLY!

re: #41 Fat Jolly Penguin

COMRADE!

See, it works everytime!

re: #27 zombie

Moonbat dock workers?

Okaaayy!

Most definitely. The moonbats have totally taken over the Longshoreman's Union.

They took over a long time ago... remember Harry Bridges?

re: #11 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Brought to you by May Day and the Communist Party.

Willing to bet most of the people just consider it a day off from work.

As long as it's also a day without pay, I'm all for it!

JAFLW

More info here...
Ocean cargo: ILWU shuts down West Coast ports in war protest

“Longshore workers are standing-down on the job and standing up for America,” said ILWU president Bob McEllrath. “We’re supporting the troops and telling politicians in Washington that it’s time to end the war in Iraq.”
...
Industry analysts have suggested that the unreliable and unstable labor force here may influence the long-term shipping and sourcing strategies of U.S. manufacturers and growers.

re: #45 formercorpsman

I am aware of history, but being on the east coast, albeit they may vote along party lines, most of these guys are vets, patriotic, 2nd Amendment type who salivate for deer season, who don't protest wars.

They strike for other reasons, but it's just unusual to get the mental image of my previous blue collar acquaintances being of the kostard, or pinko type.

It's different out here, where they're mostly pinkos.

OK, granted I never went to Harvard or Yale, but at least here on the East Coast weren't the Docks controlled by the mafia? I know things have change some and the left coast is another world but still? Perhaps going after the MOB and weakening it was a mistake? Can you say BLOW-BACK?

Good grief, now I can't get hold of lead paint toys or poisonous drugs.
/

I guess this means the Mafia no longer supports the war?

re: #39 zombie

Can't do it. Union rules.

I don't understand your point. A union does not generally decide who gets fired. The employer does.

re: #45 formercorpsman

I know, most unions are like that. But at the top, international leadership are the Communists, wobblies, etc. I know, I belong to at least a couple of unions, and sometimes at meetings it is so bad I have to bite my tongue.

re: #35 zombie

I was being serious. I don't have the depth of knowledge of that landscape that you do, but my imagination of the dock worker is a beer bellied guy hating the corporate world, eating some cheeseburgers, and not having all that much interest in politics beyond the fiscal aspect of their vote.

Obviously I am getting some insight to other aspects I was unaware of.

I'm all ears.

re: #59 Occasional Reader

I don't understand your point. A union does not generally decide who gets fired. The employer does.

These are pinko-moonbats we're talking about -- pinko-moonbats who have had decades to infiltrate the system.

re: #44 zombie

It's both -- they're fusing the anti-war aspect and the immigrant aspect.

In Oakland, the first half of the day is specifically anti-war; the second half, immigration.

Ah. Okay, then. Twice as many reasons to be upset with them.

re: #54 Killgore Trout

Form your link:

Industry analysts have suggested that the unreliable and unstable labor force here may influence the long-term shipping and sourcing strategies of U.S. manufacturers and growers.

Heh. Through their dumb ass actions, they're going to lose their jobs to Canada and Mexico. I love it.

re: #44 zombie

It's both -- they're fusing the anti-war aspect and the immigrant aspect.

More than one cause tends to weaken a protest's strength, especially when they're so different from each other.

re: #47 zombie

That sucks. And I can't think of a way ordinary citizens could counter-protest. Thousands of products pass through that port every day; how would you know what to boycott?

re: #49 Ringo the Gringo

They're expecting up to 100,000 demonstrators in downtown LA later today!

They'll be marching from three different starting points and converging at 6th and Broadway.

It's going to be a big mess.

Holy cow! Nothing like that up here.

From your link:

The [LA] Times will have about 10 reporters and photographers out in field covering the marches and rally.

They're getting jealous of Ringo the Gringo and zombietime, and are horning in on our action!

re: #56 Nevergiveup

Can you say BLOW-BACK?

please, don't bring up Monica Lewinsky in this thread

re: #54 Killgore Trout

The transport disruption, this time though, is happening when many shippers have already decided to source goods using an “all-water” route via the Suez Canal, and call U.S. East Coast ports instead.

Heh.

Today's WAB's: WhineyAssBastards.

re: #14 mineral

Agree...Treat them like the air-traffic controllers.

re: #60 song_and_dance_man

From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.

I think the second half of that quote always attracted more people to Marxism than the first half.

Wanna be pissed off even more? The average wages per ILWU worker in 2007 were $125,561. I work in the logistics industry and have to deal with steamship lines and ports.

Trust me kiddos, those $125 grand dock workers also averaged 40 hours per week and have pension plans the average DC politician would kill to have.

They're just pissed that they know they will not be getting their usual wage increases this year as they have in past contract negotiation years. With the downturn of the U.S. economy and the re-routing of containers more and more from the West Coast ports to the East Coast ports (ILA workers, not ILWU workers), they're losing their negotiating power. (They shut down our economy in 2002 for a couple of weeks with a strike during contract negotiations.)

Samuel Gompers is still spinning in his grave...

re: #65 Semper Gumbi

Heh. Through their dumb ass actions, they're going to lose their jobs to Canada and Mexico. I love it.

Yup, there's going to be less work for them in the future.

re: #59 Occasional Reader

I don't understand your point. A union does not generally decide who gets fired. The employer does.

So the employer fires them, but he still needs the work done. Who can he hire? The Union bullies and intimdates everyone to join it. The other choice is to hire illegals and then you're stuck with that mess.

re: #59 Occasional Reader

I don't understand your point. A union does not generally decide who gets fired. The employer does.

The union IS the employer in this case, I believe.

The Longshoreman's Union is the most powerful of all the unions. Nothing happens -- hirings or firings -- without their say so.

No wonder the freeways were clearer this AM.
But if all the illegals go to LA for the march that's just going to fill the freeways back up again...so it's a wash.

re: #68 zombie

I'll be heading out in about an hour...wish me luck!

re: #59 Occasional Reader

I don't understand your point. A union does not generally decide who gets fired. The employer does.

The Union is the employer. Shipping companies/facility operators contact the Union to have dockworkers on-site when a ship needs to be loaded/unloaded. The shipping companies and facility operators don't actually employ the longshoremen.

The management of the building I work in sent around a memo to all employees detailing the May Day marches that are taking place today and that people may want to leave early to avoid the traffic delays.

I really don't have a problem with these May Day marches. I mean the people are complete morons, but it's their prerogative to be as stupid as they want to be. And as far as I'm concerned they can broadcast their stupidity all they want. What I have a problem with is the city allows this to take place during normal business hours and allow the marches to disrupt people's lives all in the name of free speech.

re: #32 zombie

The entire union voted for it. There's no one to fire them.

It's a general strike. The unions are the employers. The Longshoremen can't be fired.

According to Michelle Malkin, the Union initially supported it, then back off that support and sided with the Maritime Association along with the Arbitrator. Any walk out then is instigated by the workers themselves.

FIRE THEIR TREASONOUS BUTTS!

re: #75 Killgore Trout

Plus they're in contract negotiations- good luck with that.

re: #31 orson

Today is the fifth anniversary of G.W. Bush's "Mission accomplished" declaration on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln.

And?

re: #67 doppelganglander

That sucks. And I can't think of a way ordinary citizens could counter-protest. Thousands of products pass through that port every day; how would you know what to boycott?

Nothing much you can do about it. The only conceivable boycott you could do is exclusively Buy American.

Treat them like Ronald did with the Air Traffic Controllers.

Wow, they shut down all the ports! Okay, they win. We'll go ahead and bring all the troops home tomorrow, and everything will be totally peachy in the world.

re: #65 Semper Gumbi

Form your link:

Industry analysts have suggested that the unreliable and unstable labor force here may influence the long-term shipping and sourcing strategies of U.S. manufacturers and growers.

Heh. Through their dumb ass actions, they're going to lose their jobs to Canada and Mexico. I love it.

indeed you are correct
ships will eventually call in MX or CA
and their respective truckers will deliver the goods to us, couresty of Nafta

and don't forget why Nafta was created:

to keep the Chicom's at bay...
folks forget we have a ready supply of cheap labor right on our doorstep in MX
once the Chicom's get too uppity over TW or any other reason
we can close our ports to them via tariff barriers, quotas, etc. and use MX labor

and now the fat, lazy, Marxist unions will dwindle away as well leaving those who get an education as the ones who thrive, not the ones who have a contract with a union

Who was the GOP New York congressman who deleted the requirement of criminal background checks from the Port Security Act? He was genuinely concerned that not enough dock workers would remain after the screening.

Communist organizers, illegal criminal aliens, and ex-cons on the docks in L.A.? The only thing worse is the jihadist recruiting in the prisons and jails, sanctioned by the state of New York.

re: #39 zombie

Can't do it. Union rules.

Not a single one will be fired, guaranteed. The leadership is on board.

That sucks zombie...

I live in a port city that would love to handle that cargo on a daily basis...send the contract over!

re: #84 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

re: #31 orson

Today is the fifth anniversary of G.W. Bush's "Mission accomplished" declaration on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln.

And?

Bush lied! Saddam Hussein is still in power.

/

re: #86 red satellite

Treat them like Ronald did with the Air Traffic Controllers.

The Air Traffic controllers union were complete wimps compared to the ILWU. The comparison is so bad as to not even use them in the same sentence.

West Coast shipping shut down? Where am I going to get lead painted toys for my grandchildren, adulterated fish to eat, and poisonous cat food? The horror, the horror.

Seriously, fire them. Every last one of them.

re: #62 formercorpsman

I was being serious. I don't have the depth of knowledge of that
landscape that you do, but my imagination of the dock worker is a beer
bellied guy hating the corporate world, eating some cheeseburgers, and
not having all that much interest in politics beyond the fiscal aspect
of their vote.

Obviously I am getting some insight to other aspects I was unaware of.

I'm all ears.

Some of the nuttiest, angriest calls Rush gets are from West Coast longshoremen. They've repeatedly threatened him with physical violence.

So that's why traffic was light this morning.

"Are you against the war"
"No"
"Too bad, cause if you were, you'd get a day off from work"
"Well, maybe I could be talked into being against it"

One of the things that you have to remember is that big labor is an extension of the democrat party. The Teamsters, for instance, actively campaign for Democrat candidates and socialist issues in every election. They used to allow the workers to decide who they would endorse, but in 1980, they overwhelmingly supported Ronald Regan. Ever since then, the union president unilaterally decides who they will endorse.

re: #31 orson

Today is the fifth anniversary of G.W. Bush's "Mission accomplished" declaration on the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln.

And your point is?

re: #74 sagamoregal

Wanna be pissed off even more? The average wages per ILWU worker in 2007 were $125,561. I work in the logistics industry and have to deal with steamship lines and ports.

Trust me kiddos, those $125 grand dock workers also averaged 40 hours per week and have pension plans the average DC politician would kill to have.

Yup. They're the most egregiously overpaid industry in America. Spoiled, coddled, and as a result have become sanctimonious leftists.

Plus, most of the port work is now automated. There is basically no danger, and little physical effort.

Do these morons demonstrating on "May Day" know how Stalin treated Unions? I think those demonstrating need to have an intensive and long tour of a Gulag.

re: #75 Killgore Trout

Killgore, that concept from a young age has always baffled me. (The actions of those we speak)

My parents taught me one of the best lessons ever by not buying me a $24.oo pair of Nike's when they became popular.

If I wanted them, I could work, come up with half, and they would pay the other.

This is simple, elementary business practice.

They will kill their own market. All one has to do, is see how other industries have withered on the vine from stifling competition.

They will be out of work, no doubt.

Okay. Send in troops and take back the ports. Then hire new workers (non-union, or at least non-crazy union).

You folks calling for firings have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.
The ILWU is stronger than almost any government oversight entity you care to name.

Terminal operators say West Coast cargo traffic has come to a halt as port workers stage daylong anti-war protests.

I know that it is the People's Republic of California, under the strict rule of marxists, communists and unions, but it seems rather rational to suggest that if someone refuses to work, that is grounds for termination.

Fire them. Every one of them.

re: #89 quickjustice

Who was the GOP New York congressman who deleted the requirement of criminal background checks from the Port Security Act? He was genuinely concerned that not enough dock workers would remain after the screening.

Communist organizers, illegal criminal aliens, and ex-cons on the docks in L.A.? The only thing worse is the jihadist recruiting in the prisons and jails, sanctioned by the state of New York.

some folks in the industry do undergo background checks, just not the ones who handle the cargo, only the ones who handle the paperwork

makes a ton of sense, eh ?

Interesting bit on Wiki about an "anti-communist" pledge that workers had to make in accordance with this law. That oath was, of course, dropped by the SC in 1965.

Taft-Hartley Act (1927)

President George W. Bush invoked the law most recently in connection with the employer lockout of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union during negotiations with West Coast shipping and stevedoring companies in 2002.

re: #79 Ringo the Gringo

I'll be heading out in about an hour...wish me luck!

Good luck!

I probably won't be going. We don't have the huge Hispanic/immigrant population that you do down there. Just overpaid dockworkers and professional moonbats.

re: #102 rawmuse

You folks calling for firings have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.
The ILWU is stronger than almost any government oversight entity you care to name.

Then they need to be taught a lesson.

re: #79 Ringo the Gringo

Thank you for doing this.

Seriously.

You may not think so, but it is a patriotic maneuver on your part.

re: #59 Occasional Reader

I don't understand your point. A union does not generally decide who gets fired. The employer does.

The union has negotiated a contract with the government, (or the companies) (?) they supply all the workers so they decide how people work and when they "wobble" the job. The job steward will answer to the local and so...it is union from top to bottom.

Pay is inflated, witness the auto workers union, some guys get big bucks for turning bolts all day.

Conditions must be to their liking or they turn the screws.

re: #74 sagamoregal

Seriously? The average longshoreman makes about as much as the average pediatrician (who had to pay for eight additional years of school and do a three-year residency)?

re: #102 rawmuse

You folks calling for firings have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.

Okay, granted.

So, in essence, a communist front group is controlling vital national port facilities. Sounds like a national security matter to me.

re: #74 sagamoregal

Wanna be pissed off even more? The average wages per ILWU worker in
2007 were $125,561. I work in the logistics industry and have to deal
with steamship lines and ports.

Trust me kiddos, those $125 grand dock workers also averaged 40
hours per week and have pension plans the average DC politician would
kill to have.

Why, oh why, did my Dad discourage me from following in his footsteps (union carpenter) & instead push me into going to college? Here I am 10 years later with college loan debt out the wazoo & trying to pay it off on less than $35,000 a year.

re: #93 ec marm

West Coast shipping shut down? Where am I going to get lead painted toys for my grandchildren, adulterated fish to eat, and poisonous cat food? The horror, the horror.

Seriously, fire them. Every last one of them.

Great Stalin used to have a very effective method of resolving labor difficulties. The lucky ones were taken out and shot...

re: #107 Rogue198

Then they need to be taught a lesson.

Who is going to do it? W? BHO? AlGore? Herself?
Don't make me laugh.

Je bemte! Today is the anniversary date of my husband's arrival in America from Serbia. He celebrates his trading of socialism for capitalism each year, like a birthday.

re: #102 rawmuse

You folks calling for firings have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.
The ILWU is stronger than almost any government oversight entity you care to name.

Ok, so fire the workers and move the military in to control the situation when the union riots.

Bitching and whining is no match for an assault rifle.

re: #103 LanceKates

I know that it is the People's Republic of California, under the strict rule of marxists, communists and unions, but it seems rather rational to suggest that if someone refuses to work, that is grounds for termination.

Fire them. Every one of them.

It's time to liberate California from Marxist rule.

re: #114 rawmuse

Who is going to do it? W? BHO? AlGore? Herself?
Don't make me laugh.

Granted...still needs to be done.

Grant me my Paulian moment please...a guy can dream ;)

re: #102 rawmuse

You folks calling for firings have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.
The ILWU is stronger than almost any government oversight entity you care to name.

Stronger than the free enterprise system, which would have people lined up for blocks to take jobs at that rate of pay? I think not.
Finding someone with the balls to fire them would be the hardest part. Replacing them, the easy part.

re: #85 zombie

Zombie, I have always thought this was a great idea.

It even crossed my mind to pursue some type of web venture that would push this.

I think if it was marketed correctly, it would fly.

One inherent problem though is convenience.

re: #118 The Other Les

It's time to liberate California from Marxist rule.

hell yeah. I don't know how conservative california people handle it.

re: #108 formercorpsman

OOps, Sorry I dinged you down. when I first read your post I thought is said Pathetic, not Patriotic. Gotta get my eyes checked.

Please, someone ding him back up?

re: #102 rawmuse

You folks calling for firings have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.
The ILWU is stronger than almost any government oversight entity you care to name.

Very true. Aside from the US military, they're one of the most powerful organizations in the country of any kind.

The have a complete stranglehold on our economy, and they know it.

re: #120 ec marm

Stronger than the free enterprise system, which would have people lined up for blocks to take jobs at that rate of pay? I think not.
Finding someone with the balls to fire them would be the hardest part. Replacing them, the easy part.

Which is exactly why the unions work with state congress to require union membership.

I assed a union building yesterday. It was covered with Obama signs. Big suprise there. More commies for Obama.

re: #126 BrianA

I'm considering assing a union building today myself.

"The transport disruption, this time though, is happening when many shippers have already decided to source goods using an “all-water” route via the Suez Canal, and call U.S. East Coast ports instead."

We NEVER route any of our containers through the West Coast ports. We've moved our containers to all-water service to NJ/NY ports (which are still mob, union controlled - but what isn't these days?) and avoid paying $200 fees per container recently legislated by the local gov'ts in Long Beach/L.A. and the state for "clean air" programs.

The Panama Canal is undergoing many billions of dollars of construction to widen the channels so that the new HUMONGEOUS and always increasing in size ships from Asia can traverse the P.C. In ten years time, the West Coast ports may be a blimp on the radar screen. Right now, L.A. (physically it's in San Pedro, CA) and Long Beach ports account for about 80% of the containers that enter our country. The power of the ILWU union will just move over to the East Coast ILA union. Mob-controlled unions and ports are a couple that will never divorce.

re: #126 BrianA

I assed a union building yesterday. It was covered with Obama signs. Big suprise there. More commies for Obama.

Aren't you afraid of being charged with indecent exposure?

When I was a little kid, all May Day meant to us was treats and dancing around a May Pole. Those innocent days are long gone.

*SIGH*

re: #127 Last Mohican

I'm considering assing a union building today myself.

Freudian slip.

re: #116 LanceKates

Ok, so fire the workers and move the military in to control the situation when the union riots.

Read your history. This has all been done before. Guess who prevailed?

re: #131 BrianA

Freudian slip.

Yup, and a funny one!

re: #132 rawmuse

Read your history. This has all been done before. Guess who prevailed?

The air traffic controllers?

re: #132 rawmuse

Read your history. This has all been done before. Guess who prevailed?

People have a right to peacefully assemble. They do not have a right to shut down a port or resist arrest.

Problem should be quickly fixed

re: #112 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Why, oh why, did my Dad discourage me from following in his footsteps (union carpenter) & instead push me into going to college? Here I am 10 years later with college loan debt out the wazoo & trying to pay it off on less than $35,000 a year.

Manual labor jobs in general now pay about two- to three- times what desk jobs pay. The general equation is, the greater your education, the less you earn.

It's been that way for decades now. Didn't your father know? Even I realized it back in college.

The class system is completely reversed in this country. The supposedly low-paid grunt-work jobs are actually the elite high-salary jobs.

"...fat and lazy"?

Now wait a minute there. They work 30 hours a week just like everyone else.

re: #134 ec marm

EC Marm, read a little upstream. The ATC were small potatoes compared to the ILWU.

Look, I am not defending these creeps. I am acknowledging that in this game, they have all the marbles.

re: #116 LanceKates

Ok, so fire the workers and move the military in to control the situation when the union riots.

Bitching and whining is no match for an assault rifle.

As has been said several times already: The union IS THE EMPLOYER. The workers can't be fired, because they hire themselves.

The dock employers should have gotten together and issued the following memo:

"All employees are entitled to their opinions on politics and economics, no matter how wrong or misguided. However, we are capitalists. If you do not show up for work without being excused, you will be dismissed.

"Incidentally, we are only issuing this memo in English. Being unable to read the memo will not be considered a valid excuse for being unaware of this warning."

re: #112 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Beer, it is funny.

I am in medicine, and the average person thinks I am just making money hand over fist.

I have not had a raise in more than 7 years, I pay a part of my own insurance that increases every year, along with my property tax, and even while we have an active contract for reimbursement with BCBS, they will breech it, and decide they are paying less for certain services than they did the year before.

re: #117 song_and_dance_man

BTW, the average pay is around $120,000 a year and they are only required to work 4 hours a day. At least that is what I heard.

4 hours MAX. And most of that is sitting around pressing buttons on a control panel.

re: #139 zombie

As has been said several times already: The union IS THE EMPLOYER. The workers can't be fired, because they hire themselves.

still don't have a right to shut down the port.

I don't care if it is all-sainted California, home of the radical left.

It is getting VERY close to time for 'talks' to be over and action to begin.

re: #139 zombie

The union IS THE EMPLOYER. The workers can't be fired, because they hire themselves.

And as has been said before; they don't own the port, do they? So if they are blocking use of the port and strangling the nation's economy, send in the boys with helmets. They have no right to do that.

re: #123 Semper Gumbi

Don't worry about it.

I every once in a while use the dings.

My technical expertise for things internet is acceptable, but lacking.

re: #144 Occasional Reader

And as has been said before; they don't own the port, do they? So if they are blocking use of the port and strangling the nation's economy, send in the boys with helmets. They have no right to do that.

exactly.

re: #126 BrianA

I assed a union building yesterday. It was covered with Obama signs. Big suprise there. More commies for Obama.

Sounds like there were enough asses in there already.

why would dock workers be anti war protesters?

We have done this before.

re: #143 LanceKates

Lance, for a flyover Bible-clinging hick, and a waffle-eating East Coast atheist, we sure seem to be on the same page here!

re: #144 Occasional Reader

And as has been said before; they don't own the port, do they? So if they are blocking use of the port and strangling the nation's economy, send in the boys with helmets. They have no right to do that.

Like you said, if the commerce of this country is not a matter of national security, then what the hell is?

re: #136 zombie

Manual labor jobs
in general now pay about two- to three- times what desk jobs pay. The
general equation is, the greater your education, the less you earn.

It's been that way for decades now. Didn't your father know? Even I realized it back in college.

The
class system is completely reversed in this country. The supposedly
low-paid grunt-work jobs are actually the elite high-salary jobs.

No, my Dad was from the Depression-era & to him a college education meant that you were somebody. I think I'd do well in a manual labor type job - I love working with my hands (no comments, OR).

re: #140 Tigger2005

The dock employers should have gotten together and issued the following memo:

"All employees are entitled to their opinions on politics and economics, no matter how wrong or misguided. However, we are capitalists. If you do not show up for work without being excused, you will be dismissed.

"Incidentally, we are only issuing this memo in English. Being unable to read the memo will not be considered a valid excuse for being unaware of this warning."

For the last time:

THE UNION IS THE EMPLOYER. The dock companies contract with the union itself.

Only the union can fire longshoremen - -and the union rules basically prevent anybody from ever being fired for basically any reason. Besides, the Union is behind the strike in the first place.

re: #150 Occasional Reader

Lance, for a flyover Bible-clinging hick, and a waffle-eating East Coast atheist, we sure seem to be on the same page here!

Yes indeed. Kind of like when Lando realized that joining with the Rebels to save Han and defeat the empire was the right thing to do.

re: #150 Occasional Reader

Lance, for a flyover Bible-clinging hick, and a waffle-eating East Coast atheist, we sure seem to be on the same page here!

Irregardless of your differences, it is nice to see you two getting along.

/ ducks

re: #144 Occasional Reader

And as has been said before; they don't own the port, do they? So if they are blocking use of the port and strangling the nation's economy, send in the boys with helmets. They have no right to do that.

That's what will happen.

But the ships still won't get unloaded.

re: #149 rawmuse

We have done this before.

I referenced that in comment #35 above!

re: #77 zombie

The union IS the employer in this case, I believe.

The Longshoreman's Union is the most powerful of all the unions. Nothing happens -- hirings or firings -- without their say so.

At least they're not involved with the Mafia, because that would be bad.

Can I question their patriotism now? yeah yeah, I know shitbag union rep says they support the troops, but "I support the troops, bring them home now" sounds like a position a 5 year old would take.

re: #153 zombie

For the last time:

THE UNION IS THE EMPLOYER. The dock companies contract with the union itself.

Only the union can fire longshoremen - -and the union rules basically prevent anybody from ever being fired for basically any reason. Besides, the Union is behind the strike in the first place.

Then the dock companies can sever that connection. I can't imagine any dock company being so stupid as to sign a contract that says "We'll pay you whether you do anything or not."

Fire the union. When they protest, have them arrested for tresspassing.

re: #152 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

I love working with my hands (no comments, OR).

Why, this is a reference to your frequent onanism!

Oh, sorry, didn't see the parenthetical.

Reagan fired all the air traffic controllers, remember that

Bwaha

re: #154 LanceKates

Yes indeed. Kind of like when Lando realized that joining with the Rebels to save Han and defeat the empire was the right thing to do.

I guess I have to restate now:

Lance, for a flyover Bible-clinging hicknerd, and a waffle-eating East Coast atheist, we sure seem to be on the same page here!

re: #122 LanceKates

hell yeah. I don't know how conservative california people handle it.

We fight it the best we can...unfortunately, far too many of these fights are delaying actions. With a State Legislature, State Supreme Court, Federal Court, and a Governor who are predominately leftards, victories are far and few between. What victories do get gained via the electorate and propositions, the courts unravel and negate.

We've got about a $20B budget deficit and we spend between $15B and $22B annually on illegal immigrants - health care, benefits, incarceration, education, etc. The situation today is, IMO, worse than it was when we recalled Davis and put Ahnold into Excremento. Ahnold's only added to the mess.

We also have a pretty ineffective Republican State Party leadership. They prefer to accommodate as opposed to going to war.

re: #102 rawmuse

You folks calling for firings have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.
The ILWU is stronger than almost any government oversight entity you care to name.

EVEN STRONGER THAN ILLEGAL WIRETAPPING?!?!?!?

/moonbat

re: #150 Occasional Reader

I think it shows how far off the deep end California is if a beltway elitist snob with a weak spot for exotic women and a flyover country christian hick with a weak spot for armed women can agree that if someone isn't doing their job (be it the longshoremen or the union that puts them there) then they ought to be canned. (or caned, depending on the country)

They're going to piss and moan and whine? They're tresspassing. Arrest them.

Who in California has balls to do the right thing?

Anyone?

...

re: #162 Occasional Reader

I guess I have to restate now:

Lance, for a flyover Bible-clinging hicknerd, and a waffle-eating East Coast atheist, we sure seem to be on the same page here!

No matter how you flatter me, OR, I'm still not going to go gay for you.

As I always say; I don't need a union, I have that other thing... ability.

I remember all sorts of Union shenanigans. I am not going to mention them here. I like my kneecaps.

I am so glad I am not working any more
this would have messed me up Big TIME at my old job

Strikes should only be called for three reasons:
1) Disputes over wages;
2) Disputes over benefits; and/or
3) Disputes over working condition.

Anything else is irresponsible political posturing at best, and sedition at worst.

I agree with Zombie.

At the heart of it, despite them not owning the docks, they have a stranglehold on everything else involved with it.

Truly, the only way to effectively combat economic marxism, is to scrutinize where your dollar is spent, even if it depends on evaluating the domino effect.

re: #163 Athos

appeasement is becoming the REpublican motto in FAR too many states.

They want to "bring the troops home"? Perfect. We should drop in a Ranger battalion to meet them.

If any of you think that Gov. Ahnold is going to do the first thing about any of this, you need to wake up.

Unions MAY have served a purpose at one point in our history.

Today? They are nothing but a strong arm to enforce dependence (and, therefore, slavery).

re: #165 LanceKates

I
a beltway
elitist snob with a weak spot for exotic women and a flyover country
christian hick with a weak spot for armed women can agree

...

I watched Cassandra Crossing last night - Sophia Loren with a sub-machine gun. That should satisfy both parties.

Bolivia's Morales: “eliminate capitalism” to save planet and mankind

re: #174 rawmuse

If any of you think that Gov. Ahnold is going to do the first thing about any of this, you need to wake up.

aren't our ports... under federal control?

The following four things are happening simultaneously:

(1) hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens are currently marching in the streets all over America, demanding the right to stay here and work.

(2) American union longshoremen who are making $125,000 a year are lounging at home by their personal swimming pools, declining to come to work, and the whole West Coast shipping system has ground to a halt.

(3) Ten percent of the population of Mexico lives in the United States, and I think the money they send home is something like the second-biggest industry in Mexico.

(4) The U.S. economy is in a recession. Americans are losing their jobs and can't afford health care.

re: #149 rawmuse

We have done this before.

Ahnold doesn't have the cojones to call up and send in the National Guard.

He would probably whine that he would, if they weren't all in either Iraq or doing the Fed's job at the border while lacking needed equipment because of the deployments.

re: #177 BabbaZee

Bolivia's Morales: “eliminate capitalism” to save planet and mankind

"I shall call him... 'Mini-Me'".

re: #178 LanceKates

aren't our ports... under federal control?

Like I said up thread, you really think W is going to send in the National Guard? I don't.

re: #33 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Right there with you. Their time has passed. All they are now are communist lobby groups.

Yup! My father had to be in the union and was pissed that his "dues" went to the DNC as were other members that were forced into the union. Thats right... forced. Nice to know that the union hyprocracy of having to join a union or not working exists in may closed shops.

Funny to note is that the union propaganda newsletters and papers supporting the workers party..err...demorats frequently ended up in the lunchroom garbage.

re: #30 Sharmuta

Idiots- now they'll have twice the work to do tomorrow.

Twice as much work tomorrow?
It's obvious you've never belonged to a union.

I gotta go. (non-union) Work. Later, Lizards!

re: #177 BabbaZee

Bolivia's Morales: “eliminate capitalism” to save planet and mankind

Eliminate mankind.

re: #181 Occasional Reader

"I shall call him... 'Mini-Me'".

WTF is with his hair? Is he in a South American Beatles tribute band?

re: #179 Last Mohican

The following four things are happening simultaneously:

(1) hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens are currently marching in the streets all over America, demanding the right to stay here and work.

(2) American union longshoremen who are making $125,000 a year are lounging at home by their personal swimming pools, declining to come to work, and the whole West Coast shipping system has ground to a halt.

(3) Ten percent of the population of Mexico lives in the United States, and I think the money they send home is something like the second-biggest industry in Mexico.

(4) The U.S. economy is in a recession. Americans are losing their jobs and can't afford health care.

Correct on points 1, 2 and 3.

As to point 4, we're not in a recession. Our economy is so strong that people scream recession when we only grow by 0.6%. Also, the number of people who 'can't afford' healthcare is 47 million americans.

That includes, per the people who put out the number:

Illegal Immigrants (20 million)
Elderly and college students who choose to not have healthcare (17 Million)
"Working Age" people who choose to not have healthcare (5 million)

So, that leaves 5 million people in the country who do not have healthcare who actually want it.

5 million out of about 290 million.

That's a percentage that, more or less, lines up with unemployment. (See where I'm going with this?)

Have the Navy run the docks until the whole thing settles down... Arrest the leaders for sedition. Send the rest back to work or they lose their jobs. Break the Union for trying to cripple the country. It's one thing to strike for safer working conditions/non-serf status/more money against a private company etc ala the coal miners of centuries past and quite something else to hold the Nation hostage over politics. One is a right to better ones condition and the other is sedition.

yeah, this help end the recession, etc. good thinking folks.

re: #190 song_and_dance_man

I shall call him Tatu

Behead those who insult Herve Villechaize!

re: #182 rawmuse

Like I said up thread, you really think W is going to send in the National Guard? I don't.

Do you have a point? Or are you just purposely trying to be a defeatist?

Should we just give in to any democrat or liberal at any time? Take on an attitude of appeasement?

It has to stop somewhere. The more we let it slide, the more violent the backlash will be.

re: #44 zombie

It's both -- they're fusing the anti-war aspect and the immigrant aspect.

In Oakland, the first half of the day is specifically anti-war; the second half, immigration.

So tell them that we'll hire green card immigrants to do their jobs if they don't get their sorry asses back to work.

re: #191 gtiness

this help end the recession

They don't want to end any recession (which we're not quite in, anyway). "The worse, the better" - old Bolshevik saying.

re: #113 The Other Les

Great Stalin used to have a very effective method of resolving labor difficulties. The lucky ones were taken out and shot...

You mean he sent them to worker's paradise?

re: #181 Occasional Reader

ahahHA
that's hysterical
are those Beatles Wigs ?
LOL

If I were in the President's shoes... Lame Duck... can't have a third term... media already hates me... I'd strike hard at the unions.

What the hell is the media going to do? Call for impeachment? President Bush has faced that since November of 2000.

re: #190 song_and_dance_man

hee hee hee squared x infinty
thrice

re: #188 LanceKates

Correct on points 1, 2 and 3.

As to point 4, we're not in a recession. Our economy is so strong that people scream recession when we only grow by 0.6%. Also, the number of people who 'can't afford' healthcare is 47 million americans.

That includes, per the people who put out the number:

Illegal Immigrants (20 million)
Elderly and college students who choose to not have healthcare (17 Million)
"Working Age" people who choose to not have healthcare (5 million)

So, that leaves 5 million people in the country who do not have healthcare who actually want it.

5 million out of about 290 million.

That's a percentage that, more or less, lines up with unemployment. (See where I'm going with this?)

Yes, I do. You're evil and cling to guns and religion. You need change.

/Michelle

re: #187 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

WTF is with his hair? Is he in a South American Beatles tribute band?

Oh shit
lol

re: #193 LanceKates

I am not dreaming. You, on the other hand...

re: #197 BabbaZee

ahahHA
that's hysterical
are those Beatles Wigs ?
LOL

"All your money, I will tax from you"
"All your money, I need revenue."
/old Rush parody

re: #200 incanus

Yes, I do. You're evil and cling to guns and religion. You need change.

/Michelle

She's welcome to come try and change me. I keep a bible nearby, and a pistol on my hip.

Of course, Morales is just nervous because his, er, socialist paradise policies are prompting the most productive part of Bolivia to seek a divorce.

re: #126 BrianA

best Typo of the day. should be a rotating title, that one!

re: #202 rawmuse

I am not dreaming. You, on the other hand...

so, your answer is "Yes, I am a defeatist. I believe that we should just give in to the Democrats and liberals and marxists and communists and socialists and unions every time they say jump, we ought to say 'how high Master?'"

re: #203 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Ahhahhaaa

re: #204 LanceKates

She's welcome to come try and change me. I keep a bible nearby, and a pistol on my hip.

Someone needs to make a bulletproof Bible - they'd clean up with you bitter clingers!

Morales is a George in the SA traveling show of Beatlemania

/not real, but an incredible simulation!

re: #210 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Someone needs to make a bulletproof Bible - they'd clean up with you bitter clingers!

Heh. I have found leather holsters with a cross embroidered on them.

re: #203 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

"All your money, I will tax from you"
"All your money, I need revenue."
/old Rush parody

"Aymara hold your haaannnd!"

('cause he's, you know, indigenous, from Bolivia, and... okay, it was a stretch)

re: #210 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

Someone needs to make a bulletproof Bible

Our first reading is from the Book of Kevlar...

re: #25 kc8ukw
longshoremans' union displaying anti-americanism by not working on may day-resulting in commie goods from china not being unloaded causing sales slowdown of same goods. how funny.

re: #128 sagamoregal

The Panama Canal is undergoing many billions of dollars of construction to widen the channels so that the new HUMONGEOUS and always increasing in size ships from Asia can traverse the P.C. In ten years time, the West Coast ports may be a blimp on the radar screen. Right now, L.A. (physically it's in San Pedro, CA) and Long Beach ports account for about 80% of the containers that enter our country. The power of the ILWU union will just move over to the East Coast ILA union. Mob-controlled unions and ports are a couple that will never divorce.

Don't forget the new Colonet container mega-port that Mexico is building. When it comes online, many containers are going to offload there, just 150 miles South of San Diego. The ILWU is in the last days of its glory, its death throws will be a sight to watch in the coming decades.

If they didn't show, fire them. If they are illegals have the INS take them into custody and deport them TODAY. Unless they have a legit reason that has been on going such as a medical issue where they haven't been in for several days.

re: #204 LanceKates

You're only saying that because President Bush's failures have made you bitter. It's his fault, not yours.

Now pardon me while I spoon some more imported lingonberry confiture on my gourmet waffle.

Funny, with all of the ports and docking facilities up and down the east coast, we don't get this sort of crap.

re: #196 Kosh's Shadow

You mean he sent them to worker's paradise?

There are virgins in Communism.

re: #219 EC Marm

Funny, with all of the ports and docking facilities up and down the east coast, we don't get this sort of crap.

Say what you will about Tony Soprano, he's a patriot!

I'm off for my daily waffle ration.

re: #223 Occasional Reader

I'm off for my daily waffle ration.

These aren't waffles, these are just square pancakes!

re: #222 song_and_dance_man

Che Che Che Chenges

PATCO!

PATCO!

PATCO!

re: #207 LanceKates

First of all, go fuck yourself. Now that I have that out of the way, let me ask you again, which President do you seriously think is going to call in the troops?

re: #216 CyanSnowHawk

The ILWU is in the last days of its glory, its death throws will be a sight to watch in the coming decades.

The marxists of Oakland and Los Angeles will do everything in their power to spend billions to keep the ILWU bought and satiated.

It's really no different than the idiot D politicians in the rust belt who are supporting the unions breaking the companies that provide the jobs as opposed to supporting the companies trying to get the unions to accept pay cuts in order to remain competitive.

It will implode on them - but it will also be very ugly for the rest of us.

re: #205 Occasional Reader

Of course, Morales is just nervous because his, er, socialist paradise policies are prompting the most productive part of Bolivia to seek a divorce.

Looks like it could be a South American Katanga War in the making.

re: #212 LanceKates

Heh. I have found leather holsters with a cross embroidered on them.

You need the pistol Ben Wade carries in "3:10 to Yuma" (couldn't find a good picture, sorry ... it has an ivory cross in the grips).

re: #227 rawmuse

First of all, go fuck yourself. Now that I have that out of the way, let me ask you again, which President do you seriously think is going to call in the troops?

Booo... bad form.

re: #230 incanus

You need the pistol Ben Wade carries in "3:10 to Yuma" (couldn't find a good picture, sorry ... it has an ivory cross in the grips).

Heh.

I'm getting to be enough of a gun nut that my next handgun purchase will be a model that Crimson Trace laser grips can work with.

re: #233 song_and_dance_man

Fugly Orgly!

Does this mean the lead painted, contaminated crap that comes mainly from China will not be unloaded? What is wrong with that? I really don't give a flying fig. I wish nobody would buy ANYTHING made in CHICOM China. Of course that won't happen but I can dream can't I?

re: #236 bolivar

Does this mean the lead painted, contaminated crap that comes mainly from China will not be unloaded? What is wrong with that? I really don't give a flying fig. I wish nobody would buy ANYTHING made in CHICOM China. Of course that won't happen but I can dream can't I?

careful. China will sue you like they're suing CNN.

re: #231 LanceKates

Listen, cupcakes, today is the Day of the Strike. The Strike has not exactly been a secret. It has been planned since, oh, at least, last May 1.
If anyone was going to do the first damn thing about it, don't you think it would be happening today? Sorry to hit you with the Large Clue Bat.

re: #238 rawmuse

Listen, cupcakes, today is the Day of the Strike. The Strike has not exactly been a secret. It has been planned since, oh, at least, last May 1.
If anyone was going to do the first damn thing about it, don't you think it would be happening today? Sorry to hit you with the Large Clue Bat.

Personal insults are the refuge of those with nothing to say.

Is typing in all caps next?

re: #236 bolivar

Does this mean the lead painted, contaminated crap that comes mainly from China will not be unloaded? What is wrong with that? I really don't give a flying fig. I wish nobody would buy ANYTHING made in CHICOM China. Of course that won't happen but I can dream can't I?

Sure as hell hope they are not getting paid for this crap? Better not be - they are already overpaid for what they don't do so - better watch it the goons will get me. feh!

re: #227 rawmuse

let me ask you again, which President do you seriously think is going to call in the troops?

President Hu Jintao of China?
His economy is gonna take a bigger beating than ours.

re: #239 LanceKates

Personal insults are the refuge of those with nothing to say.

Remember that next time you call me a defeatist.

re: #1 rawmuse

The International Communist Party is NOT dead. It just smells that way.

But most of the crap sitting on the ships is from Red China. Haven't they figured that out?

Shakespearean Insult Generator

I shall live to knock thy brains out.

Have a Nice Brawl
See Y'all later

re: #242 rawmuse

Remember that next time you call me a defeatist.

Stop being one.

re: #237 LanceKates

I am not worried - they have bigger fish to fry. The latest thing with contaminated Heparin was the last straw. I can put up with lousy quality toys and trinkets that turn your skin green - just don't buy them but when vital medicine used in hospitals is no damn good THAT is just too damn much to endure.

f them all I look for the CHICOM label and do not buy. This is getting very difficult though - many foods we buy every day have CHICOM components in them - juices, noodles of various kinds and sauces. I know it is a waste of time but I have the satisfaction knowing I am not making some fat-bellied CHICOM mucketymuck getting fatter on my contribution.

re: #244 BabbaZee

{babba} you are the best still am laughing from earlier can i get reparations from you for the image burned in my head?/

re: #246 bolivar

I am not worried - they have bigger fish to fry. The latest thing with contaminated Heparin was the last straw. I can put up with lousy quality toys and trinkets that turn your skin green - just don't buy them but when vital medicine used in hospitals is no damn good THAT is just too damn much to endure.

f them all I look for the CHICOM label and do not buy. This is getting very difficult though - many foods we buy every day have CHICOM components in them - juices, noodles of various kinds and sauces. I know it is a waste of time but I have the satisfaction knowing I am not making some fat-bellied CHICOM mucketymuck getting fatter on my contribution.

I remember when Walmart pushed "Buy American!"

when their sales started to drop because Target carried foreign crap, Walmart followed suit.

Now people crap on Walmart's name for doing what Target did, but better.

re: #205 Occasional Reader

Of course, Morales is just nervous because his, er, socialist paradise policies are prompting the most productive part of Bolivia to seek a divorce.

My mother is Bolivian. Most of my relatives there are rooting for Santa Cruz.
And they are in La Paz!

re: #228 Athos

The marxists of Oakland and Los Angeles will do everything in their power to spend billions to keep the ILWU bought and satiated.

It's really no different than the idiot D politicians in the rust belt who are supporting the unions breaking the companies that provide the jobs as opposed to supporting the companies trying to get the unions to accept pay cuts in order to remain competitive.

It will implode on them - but it will also be very ugly for the rest of us.

Those are the death throes (spelled correctly this time I think) to which I refer. It ain't pretty when a powerful organization does not see its demise on the horizon and reacts to the decline too late, and many will be hurt. When the work and the contracts for that work go away, there is not much the ILWU will be able to do about it.

re: #248 LanceKates

I remember when Walmart pushed "Buy American!"

when their sales started to drop because Target carried foreign crap, Walmart followed suit.

Now people crap on Walmart's name for doing what Target did, but better.

LanceKates, it is getting almost impossible to find many commodities that are NOT made in CHICOM China. I want a barbeque grill - darn near anything I can afford is made there or most of it is. Have we truly priced ourselves totally out of the market? Thanks a helluva lot unions - your contribution to the current mess is not unnoticed nor will we forget it anytime soon.

re: #250 CyanSnowHawk

Those are the death throes (spelled correctly this time I think) to which I refer. It ain't pretty when a powerful organization does not see its demise on the horizon and reacts to the decline too late, and many will be hurt. When the work and the contracts for that work go away, there is not much the ILWU will be able to do about it.

Kind of like the loss of life attributed to the arrogance of "The Titanic is unsinkable!"

Uh, sorta drive by post as Lunch is awaiting and I'm sorry but I haven't read this thread, but don't port workers belong to a Union? And does anyone know which candidate that Union is supporting?!

re: #253 realwest

Gee that wouldn't be osama I mean Obama?

re: #251 bolivar

LanceKates, it is getting almost impossible to find many commodities that are NOT made in CHICOM China. I want a barbeque grill - darn near anything I can afford is made there or most of it is. Have we truly priced ourselves totally out of the market? Thanks a helluva lot unions - your contribution to the current mess is not unnoticed nor will we forget it anytime soon.

Unions take the brunt of it. There is also the idea that labor is so cheap in China that even without unions, it might still be cheaper to buy their stuff.

The problem is, moreso than with oil, we are funding a country that is communist and is in league with those who want us dead.

On the other hand, it was through capitalism that Reagan dealt a crushing blow to soviet Russia.

re: #254 bolivar I honestly don't know (I rarely keep up with Union endorsements since Union members have a way of voting their own conscience).

re: #245 LanceKates

Stop being one.

I simply recognize the Way Things Are. The good guys do not win every battle. And, hey, as long as we are on the subject, here is a prediction.

In the year 2009, the ILWU are going to pull the exact same stunt. I am really going out on a limb for that one. So, LK, put that in your day planner, that way it will not come as such a shock to your tender sensibilities.

re: #247 phoenixgirl

ROTF
No reparations for you!

From the Shakespearean Insult Generator

Your virginity breeds mites, much like a cheese.

Taken from: All's Well That Ends Well

Gotta go

re: #257 rawmuse

I simply recognize the Way Things Are. The good guys do not win every battle. And, hey, as long as we are on the subject, here is a prediction.

In the year 2009, the ILWU are going to pull the exact same stunt. I am really going out on a limb for that one. So, LK, put that in your day planner, that way it will not come as such a shock to your tender sensibilities.

more insults because you have nothing to add.

Here is the position you are putting up:

They're going to do it anyway, why bother saying anything about it? We can't win, so why bother fighting?

That's, uh, defeatism.

re: #253 realwest

And does anyone know which candidate that Union is supporting?!

The Dems of course. So if they can get the economy to tank between now and election day, so the Dems can get out the "It's the economy, stupid" bumper stickers again, it's all good. In their view.

Have the unions ever supported a conservative?

re: #261 EC Marm Thanks EC, but I already figured union = Dems; I meant specifically which Dem?!

OH and btw, how many ports on the Left Coast are owned by Chinese companies (e.g., Long Beach, thank you Bill Clinton)?

re: #264 realwest

unrelated:

I had a friend who lived in long beach who refused to leave the city because if she entered a rural area, the cops would kidnap and kill her, then hide her body, because 'that's what they do.'

re: #259 LanceKates

more insults because you have nothing to add.

Here is the position you are putting up:

They're going to do it anyway, why bother saying anything about it? We can't win, so why bother fighting?

That's, uh, defeatism.

It's called Sanity.