Kennedy Rails Into Conservatives Trying To Block 9/11 Bill To Hurt Workers
Kennedy Rails Into Conservatives Trying To Block 9/11 Bill To Hurt Workers
The White House has threatened to veto a critical 9/11 Commission security bill if it includes legislation giving federal airport screeners collective bargaining rights and whistle-blower protections.
Senate conservatives have argued that providing basic workers’ rights to TSA employees endangers our national security. “It’s absolutely absurd,” said Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC). “Terrorists don’t go on strike. Terrorists don’t call their union to negotiate before they attack.”
Today on the Senate floor, Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) ripped into the right wing for suggesting that our first-line defenders would sacrifice America’s security. “What is it about the other side that questions that these are men and women of dignity that will do their job when this nation is threatened?” he said. “As the smoke was coming out of the buildings in New York, when we saw the collapse of the first buildings and men and women under collective bargaining agreements were asked to go into those fiery infernos, no one was talking about collective bargaining agreements! They were talking about doing their duty to the United States of America.”
Watch it:
The good news: the Senate held the line and voted 51-48 to approve the workers’ protections.
Transcript:
KENNEDY: Mr. President, first of all I commend this good senator for bringing this amendment. It’s important to understand what this amendment does not do. What this amendment does not do, it does not provide a right to strike, it does not provide a right to bargain over pay, or does not prevent the TSA from responding to emergencies, and it does not prevent TSA from responding to new threats. This amendment does none of that, even though it’s been distorted and misrepresented.
As the good senator has pointed out, what are the existing attrition today? Look at the different security agencies. Immigration and customs correctional officers, Secret Service and Border Patrol, and transportation security. This is the national security threat, Mr. President. The idea that the TSA has this kind of turnover, that is the nature of the threat, having to get new people after new people after new people after new people, because workers don’t have the right to speak and don’t have the right to be able to bring their grievances.
And what’s the result, Mr. President? In this agency we find out after the lost time and the injury rate, this leads the pack. What does it show? What does it show? It shows that it’s poorly administered and the workers are not being treated fairly or not treated with respect. McCaskill amendment is very simple in what it does. Here it is, Mr. President. The border patrol agents have these kinds of protections, FEMA has these kinds of protections, immigration and customs have these kinds of protections, but unless we have the McCaskill amendment, we will not have the range of these protections for the Transportation Security Administration. The others have it, but not this.
What is it about the other side that they have against working men and women? How insulting that these men and women will not put the security of the United States first? At the time when we had 9/11, under the Defense Department, they moved hundreds and thousands of civilians all around this country. They were all under collective bargaining agreements. Not one grievance was filed, not a single one. These men and women understood their duty. They understood the threat. They were patriotic — they were patriotic amendments.
What is it about the other side that questions that these are men and women of dignity that will do their job when this nation is threatened? What is it about it? It certainly wasn’t there at 9/11. Their brothers and sisters that worked for the Department of Defense agency were moved all around. They were prepared to do everything they were asked to do.
And finally, Mr. President, finally, as the good senator has pointed out, as the smoke was coming out of the buildings in New York, when we saw the collapse of the first buildings and men and women under collective bargaining agreements were asked to go into those fiery infernos, no one was talking about collective bargaining agreements. They were talking about doing their duty to the United States of America. Let us permit these workers to do their duty. Let’s give them the kinds of protections, let’s give them the kinds of respect and dignity that the McCaskill amendment gives them.
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The American people should go on strike until the COngress does what we tell them – protect workers rights, provide universal health care, withdraw the troops, stop the war, impeach BUsh
March 7th, 2007 at 7:05 pmRepubs despise America’s workers. It shows by the vote that they are bought and paid for by anti-worker corporate america.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:16 pm48 opposed – that’s disgusting. hope they get a chance to thank a union cop or firefighter in person someday (and yes, I mean that in a not-nice way)
March 7th, 2007 at 7:19 pm#1 I second that.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:20 pmDamn right.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:23 pmThose workers on 9/11 were not thinking about their union when they risked their own lives to do their jobs. It’s insulting that the rightwing believes every American thinks the same as they do – their own benefit comes first.
The Republican mantra – looking out for number one.
I agree, having the vote so close is a disgrace.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:25 pm“Terrorists don’t go on strike. Terrorists don’t call their union to negotiate before they attack.â€
How in the hell does this statement have any logical merit. The basic premise is that the terrorists will be using the airlines to perpetrate their attacks and since the TSA employees MAY be on strike the terrorists will have free rein. What is missing is the fact that if the TSA employees are on strike one of two things will happen. One: the airlines will quit flying thereby eliminating the risk of a terrorist attack from the air. Two: The striking Democrats will be replaced by their Republican Supervisors and of course the Supervisors won’t let one of those damnable terrorists on one of our airplanes. Bottom Line: It makes absolutely no difference except ifor who believes they have control. The same old Union/Management argument. My solution: stay home and play with the kid’s Granny.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:26 pmRepugniscum Facist A$$wipes always behave and think this way!!!
CUA!!!
March 7th, 2007 at 7:28 pmAnother classic! Nobody does it like Ted.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:30 pmAnother drunk.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:42 pmFlaco, another terrorist.
March 7th, 2007 at 7:53 pmBroD, Flaco,
March 7th, 2007 at 8:11 pmMy son was a late responder (he got there after the collapse of building 2) but he was there handing out breathing masks to the police and firemen who had responded. NYC was totally unprepared for this disaster, but Con Edison responded almost immediately. They also dispached their hazardous waste teams to the area to insure that PCBs did not enter the equation.
You are proud of him because he did what was right!
March 7th, 2007 at 8:22 pmExcellent!!!
Please note the single Republican who voted in FAVOR of this bill: Arlene Spector.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:40 pmSen. Burr is a liar. Unionized fire, police and others were among the first responders in 9/11 and have remained so ever since.
Sen. Burr is not interested in unions, workers, or even national security – at least on this point. Like Mr. Cheney, he is out to break unions. Apart from demanding a fairer share of a firm’s profits, they have the audacity to demand to be reckoned with. Something Mr. Cheney finds offensive in courts, laws, US Attorneys, employees and other countries.
Sen. Burr is not just against unions at the TSA. He is against them at Wal-Mart, the auto factory, and the chicken and catfish factory. He and Mr. Cheney take great pride in having stripped DHS workers of union protection when they set it up. Mr. Cheney has attempted to do this elsewhere in the federal government.
This is not about national security, or even direct cost. This is about economic warfare. The fewer people that recognize it, the easier it will be for them to win.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:41 pmI wish TP would post YouTubes instead so I can get the code and pass on awesome clips like this!!!
March 7th, 2007 at 8:47 pmI don’t even have to look, because I know my Senators voted against this bill.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:52 pmRepublicans never support workers.
Like they never support veterans.
If you don’t make enough to pad their wallet, they do not support you.
March 7th, 2007 at 8:58 pmIf you don’t make enough to pad their wallet, they do not support you.
Comment by Wayne
Idaho Senators don’t support most of the people in Idaho — even though most of the people in Idaho keep voting for them.
Sad really….
March 7th, 2007 at 9:05 pmSorry Zooey, I feel for you. Mine voted for, even corporatist Kohl.
March 7th, 2007 at 10:16 pmTP, you missed the bit where the White House ordered the EPA to lie to the responders and residents near ground zero that the air was safe to breath….
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0823-03.htm
March 7th, 2007 at 10:32 pm#12, Walt, many kudos to your son for going above and beyond.
This isn’t about being anti-union. And nobody thinks that if the terrorists start attacking, THEN the TSA union would go on strike.
This is just a ridiculous argument; Sen. Kennedy is switching the order of things around. If a terrorist action was taking place, of course a TSA union wouldn’t strike… but if the TSA union *would* strike, a terrorist action would be much easier (highly trained workers not on the job).
March 8th, 2007 at 12:32 amMost Terrorists love Teddy. Their goal is to kill as many Americans as possible and ol’ Teddy is one ahead of most. To them, he is someone to look up to because 1) he has killed before and 2) he helps them do their job every day he goes to work.
March 8th, 2007 at 7:08 amKeep on good Sir.
Senator Kennedy speaks for the middle class, the backbone of American society and is a huge thorn in the side of the neocon agenda.
America loves Ted.
March 8th, 2007 at 8:31 am51-48? I’d be very surprised if Lieberman voted with the Dems on this one.
Anyone know where we can see how each Senator voted on this?
March 8th, 2007 at 8:42 am.
To quote Sen. Kennedy: What is it about working Americans that you find so offensive? I am glad that there are those like Senator Kennedy who are willing to fight for the middle class.
March 8th, 2007 at 9:03 am[...] At least one Senator spoke his piece against attempts to block the union provision: Kennedy Rails Into Conservatives Trying To Block 9/11 Bill To Hurt Workers [...]
March 8th, 2007 at 9:08 amI highly respect Kennedy for the fact he stands up for what he believes. He is wrong on this issue, but he knows it. Allowing our first line of defense to strike when they want isn’t doable. It is fun seeing he try to argue for it though. Is he honestly going to point out that since they didn’t strike on 9/11, they won’t strike in the future? That is a really weird arugement. Either way, keep up the fight Kennedy.
(If you haven’t read my other posts, Kennedy is honestly my favorite congress member because he actually votes like he talks. He always stands up for what he believes and I wish more would do the same. Of course I don’t see eye to eye with him but a rare day, but that isn’t the point. He would have my vote in a second if he ran for President)
March 8th, 2007 at 9:24 amAnyone know where we can see how each Senator voted on this?
.Comment by Mugsy — March 8, 2007 @ 8:42 am
mugsy, see the 51-48 link above… yes, LIEberman voted with the dems…
the only repug to “do the right thing” was specter…
but, why is LIEberman listed as “D” instead of “I” ??? anyone know?
March 8th, 2007 at 10:08 amTerrorists don’t vote either, so why not get rid of democracy, and terrorists don’t want America’s useless products like Coca Cola, McDonalds, Nike and Microsoft have to offer so let’s get rid of them too, shall we. When I come to think of it, all the terrorists want is a life in harmony in a world in harmony. A just world is all it takes for everyone’s anger to disappear, but injustice, dishonesty and inequality is oh so loved by some….let’s call them the knowledge-intolerant.
March 8th, 2007 at 1:01 pmTed Kennedy is a jackass. Every time he talks, I know to turn off the old brain. Most unions are outdated and unnecessary anyway. Unions have vitrually crippled all major American airlines (car industry as well). Of course, all the libs (See, I can come up with cute political nicknames too- like repugs (pure genius)) think this union is a great idea and makes perfect sense. Of course, they don’t stop to think of the business side of this equation. Any person that knows anything about business might deem it unwise to burden airlines and airports with more unions. Especially since outrageous union benefits are a HUGE problem in that industry. But alas, I forgot we are in the pie-in-the-sky, socialiast world of libs.
March 8th, 2007 at 2:57 pmPerhaps Sen Burr (R-NC; I’m guessing “R” stands for Retarded) isn’t aware that the Postal Service employees are allowed union representation but part of our union agreements explicitly PROHIBIT STRIKING. Perhaps, also, the Senator isn’t aware that the Postal Service IS part of the government (although the Postal Service isn’t directly under government control–postal operations must be funded independently of the Federal budget, but the USPS still undergoes federal oversight). Somehow, in spite of union representation, the Postal Service has managed to resolve pay disputes and workers’ grievances without strikes.
March 8th, 2007 at 3:27 pmI am glad that there are those like Senator Kennedy who are willing to fight for the middle class.
Comment by Karim — March 8, 2007 @ 9:03 am
Huh? Why do we need a drunkard fighting for the middle class? Why do libs think that people are just too stupid to help themselves? The middle class simply live outside of their means. The middle class does not need Sen Kennedy to help them – they need to stop using credit cards to live and start saving. We live in a “cradle to grave – social safety net” society at our own peril.
March 8th, 2007 at 4:20 pmhttp://www.peace-action.org/
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March 8th, 2007 at 5:43 pmTogether, we have the power to change the world.
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Comment by rachel kinnardi — March 8, 2007 @ 5:43 pm
Screw Peace – give war a chance!
March 8th, 2007 at 5:53 pmTHIS WAS A MAJOR BITCH-SLAP TO THE FACE OF THE repugnant-repub rightwingnut fudge-pachyderms in the Senate, AND RIGHTLY SO–IF YOU F*CKING CREEPS WANT TO BE CALLED “republicans” BY ME, YOU HAD BETTER GET YOUR ACTS STRAIGHT AND YOUR BUGGERED ASSES IN GEAR AND WORK FOR AMERICA INSTEAD OF AGIN’ IT!!!!!
March 8th, 2007 at 9:38 pmAs long as citizens can’t see the forest Thur the trees and let both political parties blow smoke like this and we fall for it we will be finished as a nation in short order. Both parties are bought and payed for by the same group of people, there is very little difference between either party. They both have used 9-11 as an excuse to waste more of our tax money to feed their corporate masters and we are no more prepared for a terrorist attack than then. The democrats aren’t concerned about unions or working conditions anymore, it is just smoke. If either party cared about this nation they would secure our borders and enforce immigration laws, if the democrats worried about workers and unions how would so many illegal aliens be working in construction, meat packing, at any labor where union workers used to work at and supported a family. How could they let citizens pay for illegals education, health care, housing? Those taxes should be paid by the corporations who profit on the slave labor (illegal aliens) not working taxpaying citizens. This both parties are allowing and using this smoke to draw your attention away from what they are really doing selling you and our nation down the river, just like good magicians.
March 11th, 2007 at 1:17 am