US

AFL-CIO Uses MLK Assassination Anniversary as Union Call to Arms

In continuing the liberal mantra linking blacks‘ struggle for civil rights to unions’ fight to maintain a stranglehold on collective bargaining privileges, the AFL-CIO is rallying its members to organize nationwide “We Are One” protest marches on April 4 — the 43rd anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr’s assassination.

“On April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, where he had gone to stand with sanitation workers demanding their dream: The right to bargain collectively for a voice at work and a better life. The workers were trying to form a union with AFSCME,” the union’s website reads.

Beginning with worship services over the April 1 weekend, and continuing through the week of April 4, unions, people of faith, civil and human rights activists, students and other progressive allies will host a range of community- and workplace-focused actions.

Join us in solidarity with working people in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and dozens of other states where well-funded, right-wing corporate politicians are trying to take away the rights Dr. King gave his life for: the freedom to bargain, to vote, to afford a college education and justice for all workers, immigrant and native-born. It’s a day to show movement. Teach-ins. Vigils. Faith events. A day to be creative, but clear: We are one.

At the event website, the AFL-CIO encourages union activists to team up with local church congregations to talk about workers’ rights during weekend worship services; encourage students and local college educators to discuss the movement; pass out pamphlets and stickers; and “tie the April 4 message to an ongoing organizing campaign” for solidarity.

Contrary to the AFL-CIO’s revisionist account, Dr. King traveled to Memphis to voice his support for the black Memphis sanitation workers because they were being paid a fraction of what their white counterparts were.  He wasn’t demanding higher pay or more vacation time.  Workers, King rightly insisted at the time, have the basic right to equality.

Today‘s union battles are significantly different from King’s fight for civil rights.  While King demanded equality, today’s unions demand wages and benefits financed by taxpayers that are far superior to their private sector counterparts. To equate this modern political squabble with King’s fight for racial equality diminishes the civil rights movement and its leaders.  The unions should be ashamed for equating the struggle for basic human rights to higher salaries, Cadillac health benefits and posh pension plans.

Fox News‘ Neil Cavuto spoke with a conservative African American Friday afternoon to get her take on the unions’ use of King’s legacy to push their agenda. Tea party supporter Lisa Fritsch called the comparison “ugly” and “invalid”:

Comments (76)

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  • BoilitDown
    Posted on March 19, 2011 at 12:25am

    If this story of the unscrupulous exploitation of MLK‘s memory doesn’t make people understand how reprehensible union leaders are, there is little hope of waking them from the trance. The union leadership that has organized this needs to be taken to an alley and treated to some of their own thuggish intimidation. Sometimes karma just isn’t timely enough to suit me, and I am a very patient man.

    Report Post »  
  • Ozymandias
    Posted on March 19, 2011 at 12:21am

    Any Union that would tie its activities and intents to Martin Luther King are merely being opportunist. Sort of like its an Opportunity to actually see a Union worker working. Unions hope to play the race card using Martin L. King death to distinguish their plight. Unfortunately for them MLK used “non violent” means to see the virtue of his struggle. MLK also had the God of the Bible as his ally and King’s arguments were supported by the scripture. Just as Jesse Jackson sought to steal MLK‘s righteous mantle by whipping King’s blood on himself while King lay dying at the Lorriane Motel in Memphsis ,TN on 18:01 April 4, 1968, the Unions are taking a shot as well.

    While King stood for equality in opportunity and wages, the Unions bid for inequality and exclusion of others who do not belong to the Unions. So what moral imperative do the Unions have? Nothing by greed and a mulatto President in their pocket.

    Report Post » Ozymandias  
  • Stronge
    Posted on March 19, 2011 at 12:19am

    Do you all actually believe this rewritten history where MLK was a conservative?

    Report Post » Stronge  
  • woodyb
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:55pm

    Just one more example of rewriting history to fit one’s own desired agenda!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Ssenkrad
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:54pm

    What a great way to honor Dr. King! I’m sure that a peaceful and loving man like MLK would love to be associated with hateful, violent, belligerent union thugs who want lush benefits at the expense of the taxpayer. The very people that MLK fought against are using his name to push their agenda. I only wish MLK was alive today to defend his name from being used for a horrible cause by these hyenas.

    Report Post » Ssenkrad  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:28pm

    Lame……………..

    Report Post » Rational Man  
  • ICANHANDLETHETRUTH
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:21pm

    I agree with her 100 %

    Report Post »  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:18pm

    Bring it on little boys, you will be surprised at the greeting party you are going to get.

    Report Post »  
  • jumpinjackflash
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:14pm

    There is a defnate agenda here. Time will tell exactly what that agenda may be. Pray.

    Report Post »  
  • peezee
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:13pm

    If they can call to arms, so can we. They would do well to remember that.

    Report Post »  
  • STUBBYK
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:07pm

    There was a time when I believed unions were beneficial to the working man. Especially in the areas of worker safety and a fair wage for a fairs days work. Working conditions improved and America prospered. As the unions gained power they used that power to co-erce those they worked for for more and more benefits. In order to pay for these increased benefits the price of the products that were produced went up but the quality went down. Once a worker joins the union and is paying dues it is almost impossible to fire them no matter how unsuitable they are at their position. There is no longer any personal pride in doing a job. Now it is just putting in your time and collecting a paycheck. I’ve worked for both union and non-union shops. In the union shop your only chance to advance is be a friend of the shop steward which can get you an easier position and a little more money or have enough pull to become a steward yourself. In the non-union shop I was graded on my own merit. Needless to say, because I valued my job and could be counted on to do what I was hired to do, my hourly compensation was 1 1/2 times more than the same type work in the union shop down the street. What I’m trying to say is if you have self-reliance you don’t need anybody to speak on your behalf. Stand on your own two feet and do your best.

    Report Post »  
  • saviorammo
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:04pm

    Keep push’n jerkweeds. You have no idea what the push back will be like. MLK stood for freedom for everyman, not special rights for worthless, spineless jellyfish.

    Had enough yet America?

    Report Post »  
    • BIGJAYINPA
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:25pm

      Unfortunately you are fighting a stacked deck. I‘m afraid the masses won’t tear themselves away from American Idol long enough to see what is being done to them. This was a great country once but we failed to heed Franklins warning. “A Republic, if they can keep it” Sorry boys we let you down.

      Report Post » BIGJAYINPA  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:03pm

    These union thugs have no shame. They are grasping at anything that they think will get the public on their side. Don’t be fooled. What they are upset about is the so-called abuse of the “fat cats” who are trying to break their strangle hold on different States governments. The “fat cats” are us, the tax payers.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • Dahart
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:47pm

    “ collective bargaining privileges”
    This is how we need to start referring to it. A privileges not a right!

    Report Post » Dahart  
  • americansfightingforcommonsense
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:39pm

    MLK would be deeply saddened by the discusting use of his legacy by the progressives. He was a hero who cared for his fellow man equally. Never would he have went along with these socialists and communists that have hijacked the Democrat Party. Dems have lost their way and are now just going with the flow of the far far far left.

    Report Post » americansfightingforcommonsense  
  • matt708
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:39pm

    Piglosi, Reid Napolitano and Holder sounds like this man wants revolt and fighting, sounds like domestic terrorism, let’s put a stop to it if you have the guts

    Report Post »  
  • NOTYERHUCKLEBERRY
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:36pm

    Remember the difference between “inalienable” and “civil”. Civil rights are granted by a government and can be removed.

    Report Post »  
  • Whostolemypig
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:32pm

    Too funny!!! These liberals don’t have a leg to stand on so they hijack one. Eventually hard working blacks will get tired of paying the bills these bums run up. All the hard working black I know already think the likes of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are jokes.

    Report Post »  
  • johnniereb
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:30pm

    James Earl Ray was convicted of MLK’s murder. JER was a staunch supporter of George Wallace, a Lefty Democrat, which have always had commies and socialists in their party. What I cannot believe is that no MSM are reporting this lie by fatman Trumka and his hordes of unionist redshirts. Shame, shame, shame on our MSM for supporting this lie and denigrating the great MLK. I am sure JFK and Robert are turning in their graves.

    Report Post »  
    • 4PERCENTER
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:31pm

      Thank you Johnnie! Liberals should note: there was a socialist and communist party here a few years ago. It dissolved because all the leaders got jobs with the demon-crats. Research the top 25 leaders of the former socialist and communist party in America and see where they are now!

      Report Post »  
  • RamboTheDog
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:17pm

    My rights are given to me by God, and guaranteed in the US Constitution – I will not let anyone take these rights from me.

    Union collective bargaining rights are endowed only by politicians and not gauranteed in the US Constitution..therefore these ““rights”” can be taken away anytime..GET OVER IT!

    Report Post » RamboTheDog  
  • mauijonny
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:14pm

    What SHE said (Lisa in Neil’s vid)

    Report Post » mauijonny  
  • dealer@678
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:09pm

    Shame they have to pervert what MLK actally stood for

    Report Post »  
    • 4PERCENTER
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 11:15pm

      DEALER
      The more they pervert it, the more God will stack the deck against them. They will be so far in the red when they get up from the table, they will discover that red is the heat from the flames of HELL lapping at their behinds! Have you noticed that EVERY move they make, and EVERY word they say now, digs them deeper, drops their IQ, increase their BO, makes satan’s cash register sing? Oh, and NOW they want support from The Church! Well you notice they only go to the Black churches, so Black people, here they come! If you let them make Jesus’ “…Father’s house an house of merchandise”, He is going to tears some stuff up, “up in h’yeah”! Mark His Word!!!
      @BIGJAYINPA After reading the book, It‘s ok to leave the Plantation and seeing the DVD What Black Men Think, sadly, I almost agree. BUT, I serve a MASTER that I KNOW is still in control, and I KNOW everything will be alright! While there is surely more than one Rev. King, Jr. Who knowS how many the abortionestas have slaughtered, but people get the leaders they deserve – America is not ready (deserving) yet!

      Report Post »  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:09pm

    eventually the black population will get tired of being used and lied to and the effort by the left to keep them in the dark will fail

    hopefully there will still be a country left in which they can succeed but i am afraid by that time, opportunities that once were available for all will only be reserved for the elite and whom ever they deem worthy

    Report Post » Psychosis  
    • BIGJAYINPA
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:20pm

      I’m not so sure Psycho They been used abused and lied to for so long by their liberal masters that I”m afraid the ability to think for themselves has been taken out of them. They really belive that their only hope is to be cared for on the Liberal Plantation. Any that shows the ability to think or care for themself has to be destroyed before it spreads to the rest of the herd. Several generations at the public trough and an education system geared toward making them fail is hard to overcome. I’m afraid it is to late for them and maybe too late for us.

      Report Post » BIGJAYINPA  
  • chips1
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:04pm

    Doesn’t a call to arms discriminate against people with only one arm?

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:57pm

    Seen this earlier on Drudge Report; to link a union cause with the works of MLK is the worst of the worst that can be done by the progressives and the unions.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:03pm

      So will Jesse Jack@$$on be around to wipe his ‘wet’ hands on his shirt ? Again ???

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • absolutely
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:04pm

      The sad part is that the people that killed MLK were more than likely left wing, marxist, communists. I’d be willing to bet anything, they weren’t conservative or republicans. Absolutely

      Report Post »  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:31pm

      AFL-CIO Uses MLK Assassination Anniversary as Union Call to Arms
      ————
      Call to arms ?
      In remembrance of a man who stood for
      NON-VIOLENCE?

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Cheekymnky2
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:36pm

      @ Absolutely:
      Thanks to Markos over at the Kos:

      In the book, “The Making of an Assassin: The Life of James Earl Ray,” George McMillan details Ray’s background;

      He came to love German politics. He carried a picture of Hitler, his idol. He would show it to people (page 100). Jimmy talked ‘Hitler politics’ (page 101). Jimmy had become an impassioned proponent of the Nazi philosophy. His pledge to Nazism was itself peculiarly satisfying (page 103).

      According to McMillan, James Earl Ray was determined to go to Germany and give up his U.S. Citizenship, and he signed up to join the Army at age 17.

      By then he was giving the Heil Hitler salute in public, did it when he visited home (page 104). His first army assignment was at Nuremberg, where he served as a jeep driver in an MP unit (page 106). As MP he would beat up black GI’s who flirted with Germans (page 110). What appealled to Jimmy in the first place about Hitler was that he would make the U.S. an all-white country, no Jews or Negroes (page 106). Jimmy had really believed he could be in on reviving the Nazi Party page (112).

      http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/04/04/490319/-Why-Did-CNN-Lie-About-James-Earl-Ray

      Report Post »  
    • nothingbuthetruth
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:39pm

      Commies killed JFK, yet all we hear is that is was a conspiricy to take the light off the truth. These commies have no shame, stop using MLK for your agenda

      Report Post »  
    • brliantedj
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:07pm

      I’m pretty sure JFK was killed for his stance on THE FEDERAL RESERVE, check your facts and you‘ll see LBJ couldn’t wait to “UNSIGN” that bill. He didn’t want his brain to be on the back of Lincoln!!

      Report Post »  
    • colonial10
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:12pm

      Shame on them. I‘m sure if Martin was around he’d find a way to unite everyone again. He understood these people better then we do. He looked into there eyes when they were filled with violence and stood his ground with peace. What Martin stands for is different then what todays unions stand for.

      Report Post » colonial10  
    • 4PERCENTER
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:21pm

      When will the Black man get a spine and quit letting the White man use Rev. Dr. Martin King, Jr. to promote slavery? Rev. King, Jr. was a Republican. That is why President Johnson called him the N-word on tape, during a briefing with his aids to figure out how to ‘shut him up’ – and we see how they ‘shut him up’. The rights of union slave masters have nothing to do with Rev. King, Jr’s. philosophy. He was against everything liberals support. That’s why his entire family is in the Conservative camp, and the few that aren’t are chasing money and failing, as we see little or nothing of them. There were no Blacks to speak of trashing the Capitol in Madison. The only protest in US history, more White than the ‘Madison Shame Festival’, was the last klan march…

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:22pm

      It is sickenning to me that ever since LBJ, the liberals have found a way to further enslave blacks by buying their votes, and keeping them “in their place’ as impoverished Americans who have to struggle to achieve what white Americans can achieve more easily. You tell a race of people long enogh that some OTHER group of people are against them, of course they are going to believe it. And it could so easily be turned around. The liberals have stripped these people of their sense of self-worth, self-esteem, the satisfaction of doing a good job that is appreciated. Instead, the liberals have told them they are somehow “owed’ and further excludes them, by their own misguided choice, from all Americans being just AMERICANS. Not “white American, African American”, etc.
      I, as a conservative and tea party-er (more like Constitutionalist), want to see ALL in this country succeed who have the motivation and skill to do so! We are missing out on some great minds and thinkers who believe their only shot against “white America” is to sling drugs in their ghetto community. This is WRONG! Refer to the movie “Renessance Man” for a great example of this.
      “Black” Americans, see the chains they (liberals) have shackled you with. Stand against them and be truely free as YOUR Constitution demands!

      I pray for a true America where we all are free and there is no distinction between color or race. The only way this will happen is to stop letting them buy your votes to keep you enslaved.

      Semper Fi, America. We shall overcome!

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:59pm

      P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:41pm
      I realize finally that we are going to have to fight these ignorant racists godless groups.

      I have been watching your posts closely and i think you are one who has hand his finger in the trigger well for some time. You claim to “not be to blame” but it sounds more like you are itching to start some “stuff’.
      I pray for you. IF the time comes to defend our homes and communities, then so-be-it, but until then, stay calm, stay focussed and have your mind on DEFENSE, not “reason for slaughter”
      Danger signs are popping up all over you, bro. Go see a minister and get right with God. This may be very important for you.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 11:34pm

      Mysacred…

      I am not going to speak ruffly with you as I think you mean well.I will be OK but I want to say with me its kinda like being in a fight with a wild cat. You want someone to just shoot even though they may hit you instead of the wild cat, because sombody has got to get some relief. I can not take one more day of this ignorance and destruction of innocent life. Its time for it to stop. And yes I will take it more than one more day but to state the obvious is not wrong. Is it? And don’t worry about my relationship with God. Thanks for your concern and perceived sincerity.

      Report Post » P C BE DAMNED  
    • ClassicalLiberal
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 11:35pm

      Fascism-keynesianism-socialism.

      Mussolini said,
      “Fascism recognizes the real needs which gave rise to socialism and trade-unionism, giving them due weight in the guild or corporative system in which diverent interests are coordinated and harmonised in the unity of the State.” -Doctrine of Fascism

      Economic fascism is the modern socialism. No total abolition of money, prices, and property. Private property in name only…
      http://traditionalliberalism.blogspot.com/2010/09/fascism-keynesianism-socialism.html

      Report Post » ClassicalLiberal  
    • restorehope
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 12:29am

      Poor MLK. The progressives are distorting his legacy by revising it to fit their socialist goals. To them, he is just a useful tool that can be exploited. That is outrageous because it diminishes all the good things MLK stood for. How dare they make his life a lie. Progressives need to leave history alone.

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 1:04am

      Awesome. My reply to you, PC BE DAMNED has been removed. Wish i would have copied it but I didn’t. I have no idea why it was removed, that post preached and advised caution, and patience, and for you to wait tril the fight cam to you.
      It was one of my best post in my opinion, and should have stayed strong.
      I have my doubts about the agenda of the blaze crew, as many stong posts seem to be removed without provocation, and when you complain there is no response.
      If you can read this before it is removed, PC, know that many of us are frustrated, but do not EVER act for that is what the left wants. For just ONE of us to get stupid. Don’t be that guy. Stand vigilant and prepared in your house and wait for the wolves to come to your door.
      And pray they never arrive.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 1:34am

      cheezwhiz
      Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:31pm
      AFL-CIO Uses MLK Assassination Anniversary as Union Call to Arms
      ————
      Call to arms ?
      In remembrance of a man who stood for
      NON-VIOLENCE?
      ———————————————————

      That was my very first thought. Hehehehe… great catch!

      Who do you want to run for POTUS in 2012?
      http://tinyurl.com/4rv8xsm

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • VerySeniorCitizen
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 8:30am

      So, its OK for Beck to use the anniversary of the “I Have A Dream” speech to fire up HIS base on 8/28, but it IS NOT OK for the Unions to rally on the anniverasry of MLK’s death. PLEASE, someone tell me WHY this is such a bad thing?? I would guaranty that if MLK was still alive, he would be front and center to help the ‘workers’, rather than the corporations.

      If you remember anything about MLK, it was that he was a supporter and promoter of Civil Rights – and workers rights ARE Civil Rights. Without healthy, happy workers companies would NOT succeed!

      Report Post »  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 9:45am

      Aaaaahhhhhh……….A good dose of senility in the morning. Thanks again VERYSENIOR !!!!

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • jzs
      Posted on March 19, 2011 at 10:44am

      Hitler and Stalin hated unions and got rid of them under there tyranical rule. Unions are disliked by people (government, the rich) who want the common working man to be powerless.

      http://politifact.com/ohio/statements/2011/mar/08/sherrod-brown/sen-sherrod-brown-says-hitler-stalin-and-mubarek-a/

      And here’s a nice joke for today: An undocumented worker, a unionized public employee, a member of the Tea Party and a CEO are sitting at a table. In the middle of the table is a plate with a dozen cookies on it. The CEO reaches across and takes 11 cookies, looks at the Tea Party member and says, “Look out for those two… They want a piece of your cookie.”

      Report Post » jzs  
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