Trying to get Union Support for Dr. Paul

I have low expectations of the impact of this open letter to Teamster President James Hoffa, but I figured I had nothing to lose. If nothing else, maybe it would help other union workers supporting Dr. Paul to speak out. Enjoy!

December 16, 2007

Kevin W. Van Linden
Secretary-Treasurer
BLET Division 683
Address Deleted

James P. Hoffa
General President
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
25 Louisiana Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C.
20001-2198

Re: An Open Letter Regarding the 2008 Presidential Election

Dear General President Hoffa,

I am writing to you today to express my opinions on the upcoming 2008 Presidential Election and the candidate that I believe would be the best choice for union endorsement. The importance of this election for the working men and women of America cannot be understated.

In the 14 years that I have been a union worker, I have noticed that when it comes to selecting a Presidential candidate for union endorsement, the prevailing wisdom seems to be that we need to find a Democrat who will enable the passage of some new ground-breaking, pro-labor legislation, which will reverse legislation created on behalf of corporate interests to benefit executives and destroy the working class.

Indeed, in an effort to gain our support, the current Democratic Presidential contenders have posted online their solutions for solving the problems of the working class. These solutions range from supporting various tax cuts for the middle and lower class, endorsing pro-union legislation to allow non-union workers to more freely organize, and raising the minimum wage.

However, as nice as these solutions may sound to the union voter, none of them truly address what I believe to be the primary enemy of the working class—Inflation! Inflation is the depreciation of the value of the currency. Since 1982, inflation has increased by 58%, an average of 2.32% per year, while the sum total of wage increases (excluding COLA’s) from National Agreements for Locomotive Engineers for the same time period have increased only 54%. If the current average rate of inflation holds, I can expect that at least 67% of the last General Wage Increase to be wiped out by the expiration of the contract.

While the inflation numbers stated above are from government sources, many in the know do not take them seriously. In actuality, we are experiencing real life inflation in the neighborhood of 10%. Our Government is constantly tinkering with the inputs and methods of calculation of the CPI and other numbers to present things in a better light. Reputable organizations such as www.shadowstats.com report honest statistics by using numbers with unchanging inputs and methods of calculation.

As union members, we provide real value to those who engage our services, but ever-increasing inflation is shortchanging the value of our labor and our contracts. Therefore, I believe it is time for everyone, unionized or not to take the high ground, holding our elected officials accountable for their fiscal practices and force them to gain control of deficit spending. .

It is with these issues in mind that I believe that Congressman Ron Paul is the best choice for President. He’s the only candidate addressing the issue of inflation that is robbing the poor and middle classes. Congressman Ron Paul is the only candidate in either party putting forth a viable solution to our inflation problem - a return to the Gold Standard.

Additionally, his diligent defense of our national sovereignty has led him to co-sponsor legislation, such as HCR 40, to prevent Federal funding for the Trans Texas Corridor (NAFTA Super Highway), which would enable big business to undermine Teamster Rail and Truck workers, as well as bypass union Longshoremen on the east and west coasts.

Furthermore, Ron Paul is opposed to unfair free trade agreements, such as NAFTA and CAFTA, and would withdraw our nation from the World Trade Organization (WTO), which via treaty, has the power to override any pro-American Worker legislation that Congress enacts, by deeming it as “unfair.” No other candidate, Republican or Democrat, has broached this issue or address the fact that these treaties supersede our Constitution.

One wonders how committed the rest of the presidential contenders are to bettering the standard of living of working men and women in this country.

Ron Paul’s stand on these issues, and others, have led me to believe he is the best candidate for the endorsement of organized labor. I feel that as President, Ron Paul will make good on his promises and work hard to restore the American standard of living.

I ask you, Sir and Brother, to inquire about these things for yourself and for your serious consideration of this proposal.

In Solidarity,

Kevin W. Van Linden
Secretary-Treasurer
BLET Division 683