Day 2 of the AFL-CIO Convention
by Jon Flanders
An eventful day, although I must
confess that I skipped quite a bit of the plenary session. What I did sit for
wasn't especially memorable. Caroline Kennedy made an appearance in a tribute
to her uncle Ted.
The first discussion of
resolutions took place, only to be interrupted by a long speech by Pennsylvania Senator
Bob Casey. Fortunately for me, I ran into Joann Wypijewski who is covering the
proceedings for Counterpunch. I recommend her article on Trumka's takeover
highly.
Joann is starting work on a book
looking at the decline of the U.S. economy, using her ancient 1963 Valiant
convertible as a character. I hope to get a picture of her in it before the end
of the convention.
I attended the workshop on
organizing the unemployed in the afternoon.
The big story today of course is
the appearance of Michael Moore. He was late for his reception, due to a TV
interview, but he did show up to a delighted audience of several hundred packing
a ballroom while listening to a series of warmup speakers which included the
Steelworkers Leo Gerard, the Mineworkers Cecil Roberts and of course the
California Nurses Rose Ann DeMoro.
After Moore spoke at the
reception, we marched a number of blocks to the theater for the U.S. premiere
of his new film, “Capitalism: A Love Story.” The march really felt like a
"movement" event with roaring chants, police cars and signs held
high.
I can report that the movie is
excellent, a no holds barred critique of capitalism that undoubtably will be
the most controversial of Moore's career. I was particularly happy with Moore's
treatment of the Republic Windows and Doors sitdown. And in the discussion
afterwards, Moore, while unwilling to give up on the Obama administration, said
he would support fully a mass march on Washington in response to the right wing
offensive in the streets.
I'll attach a few photos below.
If they don't come through in your email, check the discussion group on the
web.
