Hundreds of working men and women gathered last night to listen to Sen. John Kerry speak about his plans about America’s future.
Members of the International Association of Firefighters, Plumbers and Pipe Fitters local union, Teamsters and Communication Workers of America were some of the groups that attended. The workers, who had been hit particularly hard during the Bush administration, were looking for answers.
“In the last four years, we have had over 350 members ‘on-the-bench’ or out of work,” said Jason Eaton of the Local 189 Plumbers and Pipe Fitters. “Before this administration, things were economically a lot better. These things run in cycles, but when Republicans come in office it seems unemployment rises and health care suffers.”
For retired workers, health care is particularly a great worry.
“I retired in 1999; since then hospitalization has increased 500 percent,” said George Rusiska, member of the IAFF.
As Kerry addressed the health care issue, the crowd began to cheer.
“We are going to stop being the only nation on the face of this planet – and the richest one at that – not to understand that health care is not a privilege for the powerful, the connected and the wealthy – it is for all Americans,” Kerry said. “Senators and Congressmen give themselves very good health care. As president, I will hold that health plan up for Americans as the gold standard. Every family’s health care is as important as any politicians,” Kerry said.
Along with health care, Kerry spoke about the importance of getting workers back to work.
“Under Bill Clinton in the 1990s, we Democrats … had the best economy this country has ever had. We had the lowest unemployment. We created 23 million new jobs,” Kerry said. “This president thinks the measurement (of growth) is when the stock market goes up. I believe it is when Americans go back to work at good paying jobs.”
The contempt for Bush’s handling of the economy was felt from many in attendance.
“I’ve voted for 10 presidents, and this is the worst administration ever,” said Bob Dolder, co-editor for the Ohio branch of the Alliance for Retired Americans.
The crowd’s anger toward Bush was paralleled in Kerry’s speech.
“God only gave us 3 percent of the world’s oil reserves, but we import 60 percent of our oil from other countries,” Kerry said. “Our security will never be guaranteed until we begin to understand that we have to put in place the principle that no young American in uniform should ever be held hostage to America’s dependence on oil.”
Kerry continued to direct his message toward Bush.
“Like father, like son, one term and your done,” Kerry said, causing the crowd to erupt in applause.
The Kerry team backs his views and is willing to take the battle to Bush.
“Kerry has a good message. He doesn’t need to get down and dirty in the trenches as we have seen with the Republican attack machine,” said Kathy Roeder, Ohio spokeswoman for the Kerry campaign. “Be absolutely sure he will fight on the issues. He’s not, for one second, going to let Bush get away saying he is creating jobs or say he is doing something on health care when he is not. So we are going to be honest, talk about the issues and fight.”
