A Message from Business Manager Chris Erikson
Critical thinking is the ability to choose the most effective course of action toward a desired objective. Local 3, IBEW has been teaching Critical Thinking for more than 50 years. Every “A” journeyperson who graduated the “A” Apprentice program since 1978 has earned a college degree. If there was ever a time to apply those skills it’s now.
There’s real concern in America that our Democracy is at risk given the actions of the present administration on the extreme right, and conversely the mayoral election in NYC has a Democratic Socialist at the top of the Democratic Party’s ticket on the extreme left. Where does that leave you?
Wikipedia defines “democratic socialism” as “a left-wing economic and political philosophy that supports political democracy and some form of a socially owned economy, with a particular emphasis on economic democracy, workplace democracy, and workers' self-management within a market socialist, decentralised planned, or democratic centrally planned socialist economy. Democratic socialists argue that capitalism is inherently incompatible with the values of freedom, equality, and solidarity and that these ideals can only be achieved through the realization of a socialist society. Although most democratic socialists seek a gradual transition to socialism, democratic socialism can support revolutionary or reformist politics to establish socialism. Democratic socialism was popularised by socialists who opposed the backsliding toward a one-party state in the Soviet Union and other countries during the 20th century.”
“To establish Socialism,” did you read that part? Not me, not ever. Trade unionism is all about freedom, equality, and solidarity. Strong unions are how we continue to flourish and have progress in our capitalist society. I believe organized labor is the only answer to corporate greed and the wealthiest top 1% who could care less for the working class in America. If the choices are a dictatorship or socialism, I choose Trade Unionism and we all should be prepared to fight for it. Keep the Union Strong.
