May 1 Protest: The world says, ‘Thanks’
First thing in the morning, the docks were eerily silent. Soon, the calls and email started pouring in to our international and local union offices – more than 1,000 phone calls and emails came in from all over the world. Here is a small sample of the many kind words we heard from people everywhere.
“Many of us feel so helpless because there are so few ways to be heard. You guys did what you were able to do, and it rang out loud and clear. This is absolutely inspirational. Best wishes to you all.”
– Doug Rogers
“It’s good to see someone with guts to stand up for what they believe in.”
– K.H., mother of Iraq veteran, Cleveland, Ohio
“It’s nice to know there are people like you, willing to forgo your pay for a noble cause. As a fellow American and prior soldier, I thank you.”
– Tony
“I want to thank you for your brave, and in my view, highly effective protest of the Iraq war. My husband and I are very pro-union for a lot of reasons, and you’ve just given us another great reason to proudly say Union YES!!!”
– M.J., wife of soldier in Iraq
“Perhaps the Bush administration will hesitate to attack another nation like Iran because of your action. Semper Fi.”
– Dan Callaghan, father of a Marine
“My old man walked with Harry Bridges in San Francisco in ‘36. … He would be proud of you today.”
– Stan Cooper
“I took a personal day from my work as a teacher to show my support for your action. I told my class all about it. We need more unions like yours.”
– Elin Hansen
“Thank God for the right-minded people with enough courage to stand up and do the right thing. I am so moved I am speechless.”
– Sylvia Hamilton Kerr
“I commend your dedication to the common good of the American people and the courage of your convictions in the face of multinational corporate power. Thank you so much for your valiant efforts.”
– David Navarro, Madrid, Spain
“As they say here in Texas, ‘Ya done good!’”
– Dawn Shepler, Austin, TX
“Your actions spoke volumes about true patriotism and courage.”
– Bigi Greenhut, Rockland, MD
“I took the day off to support you. I work in the shipping industry, and too bad if they did not like it that I was out today.”
– M.L., Galveston, TX
“Thank you for having the courage to stand up for America. My wife and I would like to contribute to the ILWU strike fund. Please let us know how we can do this.”
– Edwin Pell
“By expressing support for our troops in the only way that is meaningful, bringing them home, you have shown that the true spirit of unionism is still alive in the U.S.”
– Arno Vosk, M.D., Williamsport, PA
“Three cheers for true patriots in our country.”
– Joanne Wood, Sterling, IL
“Kudos! It takes a major pair to do what ya’ll just did. You make me proud to be an American. You have my eternal respect and admiration.”
– Travis Finch
“You showed the whole world that labor unions are not merely about commercial interests, but also the public interest. I hope it will speed the ending of the most terrible war.”
– Allan Puzianowski
“Way to go, you folks at the ILWU. Reminds me of the Boston Tea Party - and look what that set off. You are brave souls. God Bless each and every one of you.”
– Becky McCarley
“You give hope to those of us who are students, that the future may yet be bright, and that we are not alone in the struggle for a better future.”
– Joseph Montgomery, Grand Valley, MI
“Reading this news gave me back some hope. You are my heroes! In spite of the threats and intimidation, you have proven that America is still a free country.”
– Shanna Bublitz, Spokane, WA
“We should all have the courage to do what your members are doing.”
– James and Evelyn Rivers, Oneonta, AL
“I had almost given up hope that there were people left in our country that had the balls to stand up for our rights as American citizens.”
– Jim Trujillo, AK
“It is very heartening to see Longshore workers once again standing in resistance to the corporate/military machine that sometimes seems unstoppable.”
– Jared Dreyfuss, Sebastopol, CA
“We at the Puyallup Tribe of Indians want to you to know we support your actions. We think it’s excellent what you’re doing. Keep up the good work.”
– Brenda Harker, WA
“You make me proud to be an American.”
– Peter Vadnai, NY
Links to more ILWU Supporting our Troops:
May 1 ILWU news release and protest video
Military personnel and their families have been listed by initials only.
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