So the Army had some contract employee who didn't know how to do his job delivering mail to soldiers at Walter Reed. What a surprise. When you don't believe in government, you don't know how to govern. Someone ought to end the contracting out in our Federal service and give those mailroom jobs to members of our uniformed service. Either that, or put a real postal worker in that job. What a joke.
These guys ought to be ashamed of themselves.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Tacoma News Tribune prints letter about warrantless searches of mail
Can you believe it? Tribune prints letter from me, a union guy, about something my union did to stop this mad President and his police-state goons. I'm actually pretty shocked.
Here's the link, and the text of the letter:
Here's the link, and the text of the letter:
"On May 20, the Washington State Association of Letter Carriers passed a resolution calling for Congress to oppose warrantless searches of U.S. mail in postal custody.
This resolution was in response to the president attaching a signing statement to a postal reform bill in which he declared that first-class mail could be opened in “exigent circumstances.”
Constitutional scholars have looked at this issue and determined that no such wiggle room exists for the president. Therefore, his adding this phrase to the law is not constitutional and could lead to federal agents or their subordinates engaging in this practice.
Letter carriers have historically been viewed as the most trustworthy public officials in the federal government, because we make sure people get their mail without anyone else reading it or otherwise violating their privacy.
We all want terrorists to be stopped from attacking Americans, but doing it without a court order is unnecessary. It’s really quite easy to get a warrant to look through a terrorist’s mail. It’s much harder to get a warrant to search someone who isn’t a threat to the United States.
As letter carriers, we believe that it should remain difficult to search someone who hasn’t done anything wrong.
Isn’t it about time the president heard from his own employees about what the Constitution is all about? If his own close aides don’t have the courage to explain it to him, we letter carriers are happy to oblige."
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Stop the postal service from contracting out our jobs
Okay, folks. It was bad enough when the President wanted to open your mail without a warrant - now he wants to contract out your letter carrier so he can get some independent contractor to get a hold of your mail. I don't trust these neocons as far as I can throw em.
Senator Tom Harkin has introduced a bill that would stop this practice now. It's called Senate Bill 1457, and it would block any further privatization of letter carrier deliveries. Check out the full post over at my personal blog, The Tahoma Activist.
Senator Tom Harkin has introduced a bill that would stop this practice now. It's called Senate Bill 1457, and it would block any further privatization of letter carrier deliveries. Check out the full post over at my personal blog, The Tahoma Activist.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Washington Letter Carriers defy Presidential authority to open mail without warrant
Alright! Looks like our activism finally paid off. After passing the initial resolution in Tacoma's NALC Branch 130, the resolution was approved and passed at Convention in SeaTac this past May 20th. This means that all union officers in the State are encouraged strongly to speak with their elected representatives about this issue, which is more than we could have anticipated a few short months ago.
What it all means
This means that both the Pierce County Central Labor Council (a local branch of the AFL-CIO) and the WSALC have come out against this practice. With just a little publicity, and the passage of a similar resolution at the State AFL-CIO Convention this summer, this could really make an impact back in the other Washington. I would urge anyone who cares about this issue to contact us here and to spread the word about this to anyone you know who has a relationship with members of Congress or who is an active postal worker. We need folks to help us with this movement.
Contracting Out
On a related note, the opening of mail without a warrant isn't the only thing postal workers need to be concerned about. There is also a very real threat to our jobs in the form of Contract Delivery Services. If you haven't yet heard, the Postal Board of Governors has signed off on a pilot program of contracting out letter carrier routes to independent contractors. Though this program is starting small, it has the potential to strip jobs and benefit protections away from thousands of letter carriers nationwide. Look into this issue, because it affects not only our jobs but also the safety and the security of the mail. Next time you talk to a member of Congress or their staff, please encourage them to co-sponsor HR 282, which will stop this practice and protect us from further privatization.
Toll-free number for Congress: 1-800-862-5530
What it all means
This means that both the Pierce County Central Labor Council (a local branch of the AFL-CIO) and the WSALC have come out against this practice. With just a little publicity, and the passage of a similar resolution at the State AFL-CIO Convention this summer, this could really make an impact back in the other Washington. I would urge anyone who cares about this issue to contact us here and to spread the word about this to anyone you know who has a relationship with members of Congress or who is an active postal worker. We need folks to help us with this movement.
Contracting Out
On a related note, the opening of mail without a warrant isn't the only thing postal workers need to be concerned about. There is also a very real threat to our jobs in the form of Contract Delivery Services. If you haven't yet heard, the Postal Board of Governors has signed off on a pilot program of contracting out letter carrier routes to independent contractors. Though this program is starting small, it has the potential to strip jobs and benefit protections away from thousands of letter carriers nationwide. Look into this issue, because it affects not only our jobs but also the safety and the security of the mail. Next time you talk to a member of Congress or their staff, please encourage them to co-sponsor HR 282, which will stop this practice and protect us from further privatization.
Toll-free number for Congress: 1-800-862-5530
Friday, May 25, 2007
Full text of resolution passed at WSALC Convention 2007
Here's the full text of the resolution we passed at the Washington State Association of Letter Carriers Convention May 20th, 2007.
Oppose Searches of US Mail in Postal Custody Without a Warrant The President of the United States has attached a signing statement to HR 6407 "The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act" and
Whereas: It has been a long-standing practice that first class mail is protected from unreasonable search and seizure when in postal custody and
Whereas: Allowing unauthorized and/or unreasonable searches and seizures of mail could threaten the integrity of those entrusted to deliver mail to our customers and
Whereas: Allowing the President to engage in this practice threatens the ability of workers and organizers to operate without fear of being punished for their actions, and
Whereas: The high esteem of America's postal workers could be threatened if our customers believe we might be opening their mail, therefore be it
Resolved: That we oppose any interpretation of the President's signing statement that extends the power of the executive branch to open mail in the custody of the postal service beyond what is authorized, and be it further resolved
Resolved: That the Washington State Association of Letter Carriers in Convention assembled on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of May, 2007 in SeaTac, Washington, urge our local, state and national officers to meet with their elected representatives to encourage them to stand with us to protect the sanctity of the mail.
Submitted by Branch 130 Tacoma, Washington
Passed at a Regular Branch Meeting on March 1st, 2007
Passed at WSALC Convention in SeaTac on May 20th, 2007
Oppose Searches of US Mail in Postal Custody Without a Warrant The President of the United States has attached a signing statement to HR 6407 "The Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act" and
Whereas: It has been a long-standing practice that first class mail is protected from unreasonable search and seizure when in postal custody and
Whereas: Allowing unauthorized and/or unreasonable searches and seizures of mail could threaten the integrity of those entrusted to deliver mail to our customers and
Whereas: Allowing the President to engage in this practice threatens the ability of workers and organizers to operate without fear of being punished for their actions, and
Whereas: The high esteem of America's postal workers could be threatened if our customers believe we might be opening their mail, therefore be it
Resolved: That we oppose any interpretation of the President's signing statement that extends the power of the executive branch to open mail in the custody of the postal service beyond what is authorized, and be it further resolved
Resolved: That the Washington State Association of Letter Carriers in Convention assembled on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of May, 2007 in SeaTac, Washington, urge our local, state and national officers to meet with their elected representatives to encourage them to stand with us to protect the sanctity of the mail.
Submitted by Branch 130 Tacoma, Washington
Passed at a Regular Branch Meeting on March 1st, 2007
Passed at WSALC Convention in SeaTac on May 20th, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Tacoma's newest monthly prints an article about our movement
Hey gang, looks like this story is making the rounds. Now if only the major media would pay attention. Read the article I wrote about this for the Tahoma Organizer.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
March 1st Press Release
This is the text of a press release I've sent to our local media outlets. Check it out, and follow my lead!
Press Release
Postal Workers United Against Tyranny
www.postalworkersunited.blogspot.com
February 28th, 2007
Bush asserts authority to open mail without warrant - local postal workers cry foul
When President Bush signed the Postal Enhancement and Accountability Act of 2007, he added his own interpretation of the law in a Presidential signing statement. As you may have heard, this signing statement effectively declares that the President and his agents have the right to open first class mail without a warrant.
According to ACLU Washington's Public Education Director, Doug Honig, this statement represents "another attempt by this administration to undermine the Constitution and the Bill of Rights," by asserting powers not granted him by the Congress or the Constitution.
Here in Tacoma, two postal workers decided to do something about it. Mark Nelson, letter carrier and co-director of Postal Workers United Against Tyranny (www.postalworkersunited.blogspot.com) , had this to say:
On February 14th of this year, the Pierce County Central Labor Council passed a resolution in support of postal workers in this effort. Click here to read a rough draft of that resolution.
Todd Iverson, Tacoma longshoreman and President of the grassroots working families' advocacy group, America in Solidarity, was at that meeting.
In his capacity as President of America in Solidarity, Todd has seen a lot of aggressive policy choices taken by this administration.
Jeff Richardson, director of Postal Workers United, had a chance recently to ask the new Tacoma Postmaster about this issue. She stated categorically that President Bush has not been granted any new authority under this law. An official press release on the USPS website backs this up.
Some of the Postal Service's customers, however, aren't so sure. Says Marilyn Kimmerling, longtime peace activist and member of the liberal singing group, Raging Grannies:
Asked about this latest Presidential signing statement, Marilyn continues:
Mark Nelson hopes that the resolution passed by the Labor Council makes an impact. He and his fellow letter carriers will be debating a similar resolution in their own union, NALC Branch 130, this Thursday. If that resolution passes, the NALC delegates will take it to their State Convention this May. The resolution calls for the union to oppose this policy, and it also urges union officers around the state to meet with their elected officials to discuss this critical issue.
Mark Nelson is excited about organizing his fellow workers, but he's hopeful that concerned customers will get involved as well. To them, he has this to say:
Doug Honig agrees:
Jeff Richardson is the founder and co-director of Postal Workers United Against Tyranny and a Tacoma letter carrier. He's written extensively about this issue at their blog - www.postalworkersunited.blogspot.com
Jeff is also the Education Director for America in Solidarity and a delegate to the Labor Council from his union, NALC Branch 130. He can be reached by phone at (253)227-6884.
Press Release
Postal Workers United Against Tyranny
www.postalworkersunited.blogspot.com
February 28th, 2007
Bush asserts authority to open mail without warrant - local postal workers cry foul
When President Bush signed the Postal Enhancement and Accountability Act of 2007, he added his own interpretation of the law in a Presidential signing statement. As you may have heard, this signing statement effectively declares that the President and his agents have the right to open first class mail without a warrant.
According to ACLU Washington's Public Education Director, Doug Honig, this statement represents "another attempt by this administration to undermine the Constitution and the Bill of Rights," by asserting powers not granted him by the Congress or the Constitution.
Here in Tacoma, two postal workers decided to do something about it. Mark Nelson, letter carrier and co-director of Postal Workers United Against Tyranny (www.postalworkersunited.blogspot.com) , had this to say:
"You know, when you were a kid, you looked up to the policeman, the milkman and the mailman, but nowadays it seems like the last public servant people can trust is the mailman. Now that people think we're gonna be prying around in their private lives, what's gonna happen to that trust? Our mail is sacred, or at least you want it to be."
On February 14th of this year, the Pierce County Central Labor Council passed a resolution in support of postal workers in this effort. Click here to read a rough draft of that resolution.
Todd Iverson, Tacoma longshoreman and President of the grassroots working families' advocacy group, America in Solidarity, was at that meeting.
"What I said was basically like this: I don't know the exact number, but it's something like for the first two hundred years of our history, there were forty-five Presidential signing statements. President Bush has signed something like four hundred and fifty! That's insane."
In his capacity as President of America in Solidarity, Todd has seen a lot of aggressive policy choices taken by this administration.
"This is another example of President Bush's clear disdain for workers in America. I have nothing to hide, but I think we have to be careful about Big Brother. We're getting closer to Orwellian levels of government...I'm not so paranoid to think that they're going to spy on everyone, but I think that what they're doing is threatening our liberty."
Jeff Richardson, director of Postal Workers United, had a chance recently to ask the new Tacoma Postmaster about this issue. She stated categorically that President Bush has not been granted any new authority under this law. An official press release on the USPS website backs this up.
Some of the Postal Service's customers, however, aren't so sure. Says Marilyn Kimmerling, longtime peace activist and member of the liberal singing group, Raging Grannies:
"We're a targeted group. The FBI infiltrated our chapter in Portland. We're named in a lawsuit against the administration for spying."
Asked about this latest Presidential signing statement, Marilyn continues:
"He's making it up as he goes along! I don't think that's the right of the President, to make up laws as he goes along. He doesn't veto laws that Congress brings to him, and then in the fine print he reserves the right to do as he pleases. He makes the whole Congress meaningless."
Mark Nelson hopes that the resolution passed by the Labor Council makes an impact. He and his fellow letter carriers will be debating a similar resolution in their own union, NALC Branch 130, this Thursday. If that resolution passes, the NALC delegates will take it to their State Convention this May. The resolution calls for the union to oppose this policy, and it also urges union officers around the state to meet with their elected officials to discuss this critical issue.
Mark Nelson is excited about organizing his fellow workers, but he's hopeful that concerned customers will get involved as well. To them, he has this to say:
"Contact your elected representatives. Voice your concerns. Tell them that you're disturbed. We don't know what these people are gonna be doing unless we can make the Congress step up and do their job: a little oversight!"
Doug Honig agrees:
"Citizens should speak publicly about this issue. Pass resolutions, encourage their representatives to look into this practice, write letters to the editor, especially if they see an article about this. It's important that you let other people know what's going on."
Jeff Richardson is the founder and co-director of Postal Workers United Against Tyranny and a Tacoma letter carrier. He's written extensively about this issue at their blog - www.postalworkersunited.blogspot.com
Jeff is also the Education Director for America in Solidarity and a delegate to the Labor Council from his union, NALC Branch 130. He can be reached by phone at (253)227-6884.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
New resolution language
Okay, the delegates committee for the State Convention met, and we set up a resolutions committee to work up the language for the resolution. Here it is in its (nearly) final form:
Resolution to Oppose Warrantless Searches of US Mail
Whereas: The President of the United States has asserted the right to search our citizens' mail without a warrant, and
Whereas: The Congress, in passing the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2007, has specifically forbidden such searches without a court order, and
Whereas: The Fourth Amendment requires that no warrant be issued except on "probable cause", and
Whereas: Allowing the President to engage in this practice threatens the ability of workers and organizers to operate without fear of being punished for their actions, and
Whereas: The high esteem of America's postal workers could be threatened if our customers believe we might be opening their mail, therefore be it
Resolved: That we will oppose the President's interpretation of this law, and be it further
Resolved: That we will urge our local, state and national officers to meet with their elected representatives to encourage them to act quickly in reversing this policy, and to share the results of those meetings with our membership.
This should get passed this Thursday. If you all get anything passed, let me know!
Resolution to Oppose Warrantless Searches of US Mail
Whereas: The President of the United States has asserted the right to search our citizens' mail without a warrant, and
Whereas: The Congress, in passing the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2007, has specifically forbidden such searches without a court order, and
Whereas: The Fourth Amendment requires that no warrant be issued except on "probable cause", and
Whereas: Allowing the President to engage in this practice threatens the ability of workers and organizers to operate without fear of being punished for their actions, and
Whereas: The high esteem of America's postal workers could be threatened if our customers believe we might be opening their mail, therefore be it
Resolved: That we will oppose the President's interpretation of this law, and be it further
Resolved: That we will urge our local, state and national officers to meet with their elected representatives to encourage them to act quickly in reversing this policy, and to share the results of those meetings with our membership.
This should get passed this Thursday. If you all get anything passed, let me know!
Friday, February 2, 2007
Send in your reports of mail being opened
We'd like to compile a list of reports of mail being opened. When you send in a report, give us as much information as you can, put a (p) next to anything you would like to be made public, and we will share it with the investigators in Congress. If there is a news story associated with the incident, send us that as well.
Here's the latest news stories:
Homeland Security Opening Private Mail - MSNBC
History Professor's Mail Opened by Homeland Security - the Progressive
The Government is Reading Your Mail - Salon.com
Bush Wants to Secretly Read Your Mail - The Dakota Voice
Will Big Brother Be Opening Your Mail - Socialist Worker
Here's the latest news stories:
Homeland Security Opening Private Mail - MSNBC
History Professor's Mail Opened by Homeland Security - the Progressive
The Government is Reading Your Mail - Salon.com
Bush Wants to Secretly Read Your Mail - The Dakota Voice
Will Big Brother Be Opening Your Mail - Socialist Worker
I did my best to push the issue with my union
Well, I did it. I went to my union meeting and fought for the following three proposals.
One, that we pass a resolution opposing the President's use of signing statements. That was pretty easy. The branch will usually pass resolutions because they know they're not going to achieve anything.
Two, that we form a special committee within the branch to organize our opposition to this move. The committee, the Civil Rights Committee, would be tasked with spreading the news in the media, researching more information, and reporting back to the branch. After a friendly amendment to scratch talking to the media, we voted. It failed, due to a lack support from the branch officers and the overwhelming disapproval by the retirees.
And Three, that we as a body endorse the Solidarity Charter of Postal Workers United Against Tyranny.
This also failed, as the group were unwilling to endorse a group they know nothing about. Therefore, I will have to work to inform my brothers and sisters about this group and what we're trying to achieve.
I've sent in a letter to our newsletter, so hopefully some folks that care about this will attend next month's meeting, in which I will resubmit these proposals.
Tell us how you're doing on your end, and we'll print anything you want made public. Send your submissions to this address!
One, that we pass a resolution opposing the President's use of signing statements. That was pretty easy. The branch will usually pass resolutions because they know they're not going to achieve anything.
Two, that we form a special committee within the branch to organize our opposition to this move. The committee, the Civil Rights Committee, would be tasked with spreading the news in the media, researching more information, and reporting back to the branch. After a friendly amendment to scratch talking to the media, we voted. It failed, due to a lack support from the branch officers and the overwhelming disapproval by the retirees.
And Three, that we as a body endorse the Solidarity Charter of Postal Workers United Against Tyranny.
This also failed, as the group were unwilling to endorse a group they know nothing about. Therefore, I will have to work to inform my brothers and sisters about this group and what we're trying to achieve.
I've sent in a letter to our newsletter, so hopefully some folks that care about this will attend next month's meeting, in which I will resubmit these proposals.
Tell us how you're doing on your end, and we'll print anything you want made public. Send your submissions to this address!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Conyers hearing on signing statements took place today
Here is the story from the Contra Costa Times. Let's hope and pray that this issue is not swept under the carpet by the mainstream media. This could very well lead to the impeachment of the President of the United States, if it is shown that he knowingly and willfully broke the law.
Here's Congressman Conyers' opening statement on the matter.
Here's Congressman Conyers' opening statement on the matter.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
John Conyers to hold hearing on signing statements
This is it, gang! Looks like our activism has paid off. Congressman John Conyers, new heard of the House Judiciary Committee, has scheduled a hearing for next Wednesday on the issue of President Bush's signing statements. Brad Blog has the scoop on this one.
Now's the time to call Mr. Conyers and the other members of the House Judiciary Committee and demand that they get to the bottom of this warantless opening of mail situation.
Toll-free number for Congress: 1-800-862-5530
Direct line for Conyers: (202)225-5126, Email: John.Conyers@mail.house.gov
Now's the time to call Mr. Conyers and the other members of the House Judiciary Committee and demand that they get to the bottom of this warantless opening of mail situation.
Toll-free number for Congress: 1-800-862-5530
Direct line for Conyers: (202)225-5126, Email: John.Conyers@mail.house.gov
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Radio Outreach
Hey gang, this week I managed to get on the Thom Hartmann Show, the Ed Schultz Show, and Equal Time, with Frank Blair and Audrey Chase. Check out all these great programs, and feel free to call in yourself and talk about the issue. If we don't raise the ruckus early and often, this issue WILL be forgotten.
JANUARY 16TH UPDATE:
I got onto Bobby Kennedy's Ring of Fire today! They tape the show during the week for playback on the weekends, so hopefully they play my clip this Saturday. In the Seattle area, Ring of Fire plays from 2 to 4 PM Saturday and Sunday. Sadly, KPTK preempts half the show with Cougar Sports from time to time, but I guess that's why God invented podcasting.
Follow my lead! Call those shows and get this issue back into the news!
For talking points, check out the News Links page.
JANUARY 16TH UPDATE:
I got onto Bobby Kennedy's Ring of Fire today! They tape the show during the week for playback on the weekends, so hopefully they play my clip this Saturday. In the Seattle area, Ring of Fire plays from 2 to 4 PM Saturday and Sunday. Sadly, KPTK preempts half the show with Cougar Sports from time to time, but I guess that's why God invented podcasting.
Follow my lead! Call those shows and get this issue back into the news!
For talking points, check out the News Links page.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
What can I do?
That's the question you may be asking yourself, now that you know what the President has decided to do. Opening our mail without a warrant? How can we possibly stop that from happening?
Here are a few ideas that I've tried and you may want to also try:
Call in to your favorite radio show
Write a letter to the editor of your local paper/s or union newsletter on the subject
Bring up the issue as a point of discussion or as a resolution against at your union meeting or AFL-CIO meeting
Call your members of Congress
Stage a demonstration - pick a catchy slogan, make t-shirts, round up a gaggle of radicals to storm your congressmember's local district office, whatever
Tell your friends and family
Tell your coworkers
For talking points on the issue, check out some of the links we've listed on our News Links page. There you'll find plenty of articles as well as a few opinion pieces on the issue.
If you come up with something that isn't on this list, or you'd like to tell us about it and even get your letter printed here, send all correspondence to tahomaactivist@yahoo.com
Here are a few ideas that I've tried and you may want to also try:
Call in to your favorite radio show
Write a letter to the editor of your local paper/s or union newsletter on the subject
Bring up the issue as a point of discussion or as a resolution against at your union meeting or AFL-CIO meeting
Call your members of Congress
Stage a demonstration - pick a catchy slogan, make t-shirts, round up a gaggle of radicals to storm your congressmember's local district office, whatever
Tell your friends and family
Tell your coworkers
For talking points on the issue, check out some of the links we've listed on our News Links page. There you'll find plenty of articles as well as a few opinion pieces on the issue.
If you come up with something that isn't on this list, or you'd like to tell us about it and even get your letter printed here, send all correspondence to tahomaactivist@yahoo.com
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Tell us what you are doing to reverse this awful decision
We want to know what sort of reactions you get from your members of Congress, or if you get letters to the editor printed in the newspaper, or anything else you can tell us about how you're dealing with this issue.
Today I got on the Thom Hartmann Show, and tomorrow I plan to raise the issue on Ed Schultz. I figure that if we seize on this quickly and demand action soon, we can make the President look even worse than he already does and push back on the issue of Awesome Executive Power, aka "The Unitary Executive" Theory.
Send us your reports, and we will print them!
Today I got on the Thom Hartmann Show, and tomorrow I plan to raise the issue on Ed Schultz. I figure that if we seize on this quickly and demand action soon, we can make the President look even worse than he already does and push back on the issue of Awesome Executive Power, aka "The Unitary Executive" Theory.
Send us your reports, and we will print them!
Thursday, January 4, 2007
What is Tyranny?
Tyranny is the subversion of democracy by the powerful against the weak. This President, George W. Bush, has clearly shown himself to be a tyrant through his abuse of the military, his abuse of the powers of law enforcement, and his total disregard for the mandates of Congress, as evidenced by his so-called "signing statements". His latest "signing statement" is the worst yet, asserting that he and his agents have the right to open our mail at any time, without a warrant.
This is a crime.
These so-called "signing statements" are a direct challenge to the power of the United States Congress to make and pass law. By claiming in these statements that provisions of the laws passed by Congress will not be enforced, or will be contradicted by agents of his administration, George Bush is spitting in the faces of every elected official in Congress, and by extension, he is spitting in the faces of every voter in America who elected those individuals to represent their interests.
This kind of tyranny is the exact opposite of what we should be living under in this country. America was designed by our founding fathers to have checks and balances, so that no President could ever have so much power that they could terrorize their own people.
By allowing this President to create these signing statements, and to enforce them with his enforcement apparatus, we are essentially giving him license to trash the Constitution and violate his oath of office. We would be fools to continue to allow this to go on.
Thankfully, postal workers are not fools. And we will not sit by and watch this President trash our hard-won freedoms, despite what the right-wing pundits may say. This is not about catching terrorists. If it were, the President could get warrants to search our mail, just like he has to to tap our phones or to read our email. This President has all the tools he needs to catch terrorists. This is about scaring people into going along with his policies. If they are afraid he will read their mail, they'll be less likely to think "dangerous" thoughts and to organize against him. In this way, his tyranny grows.
If we are smart we will stop this activity now, before it grows so much that we can't stop it. If we stand up to Bush on this now, we might have a chance at making it end. But we have to act now,. and call our members of Congress, and demand that they do something to end this practice of spitting in the face of our collective will. The Congress belongs to us, just like the office of the President belongs to us, and no man, no matter how seemingly righteous, should ever be allowed to take from us our freedom to speak and exchange information.
The time has come to stand firm in defense of our democracy. As patriotic American workers, it's the least we can do.
Let's make the founding fathers proud, and end this violation of our American values. Let's speak on behalf of all those who should speak out, but haven't yet, for fear that they would be targeted by this insane and illegitimate President.
The time has come.
This is a crime.
These so-called "signing statements" are a direct challenge to the power of the United States Congress to make and pass law. By claiming in these statements that provisions of the laws passed by Congress will not be enforced, or will be contradicted by agents of his administration, George Bush is spitting in the faces of every elected official in Congress, and by extension, he is spitting in the faces of every voter in America who elected those individuals to represent their interests.
This kind of tyranny is the exact opposite of what we should be living under in this country. America was designed by our founding fathers to have checks and balances, so that no President could ever have so much power that they could terrorize their own people.
By allowing this President to create these signing statements, and to enforce them with his enforcement apparatus, we are essentially giving him license to trash the Constitution and violate his oath of office. We would be fools to continue to allow this to go on.
Thankfully, postal workers are not fools. And we will not sit by and watch this President trash our hard-won freedoms, despite what the right-wing pundits may say. This is not about catching terrorists. If it were, the President could get warrants to search our mail, just like he has to to tap our phones or to read our email. This President has all the tools he needs to catch terrorists. This is about scaring people into going along with his policies. If they are afraid he will read their mail, they'll be less likely to think "dangerous" thoughts and to organize against him. In this way, his tyranny grows.
If we are smart we will stop this activity now, before it grows so much that we can't stop it. If we stand up to Bush on this now, we might have a chance at making it end. But we have to act now,. and call our members of Congress, and demand that they do something to end this practice of spitting in the face of our collective will. The Congress belongs to us, just like the office of the President belongs to us, and no man, no matter how seemingly righteous, should ever be allowed to take from us our freedom to speak and exchange information.
The time has come to stand firm in defense of our democracy. As patriotic American workers, it's the least we can do.
Let's make the founding fathers proud, and end this violation of our American values. Let's speak on behalf of all those who should speak out, but haven't yet, for fear that they would be targeted by this insane and illegitimate President.
The time has come.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
The Solidarity Charter
To join Postal Workers United, or to lend your support as an organization, all you have to do is sign the Solidarity Charter, tell us how we can contact you, and go forward into the world with renewed vigor and commitment to the Constitution.
Below you'll find it in its entirety. Cut and paste it into your email, sign it, and send it to us with "Solidarity Charter" in the subject line, and you'll be a part of the team!
Solidarity Charter for Postal Workers United Against Tyranny
We, the undersigned postal workers and postal unions of the United States, hereby agree to the following points:
One, that the President has overstepped his constitutional authority to execute the laws passed by Congress, through his recent signing statement attached to the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, in which he states that the Executive Branch may open mail without a warrant in "exigent circumstances";
Two, that the President has admitted publicly that he's used an earlier signing statement to justify unconstitutional searches of Americans without warrant;
Three, that we strongly disagree with this interpretation of the Constitution, and will work to pressure Congress to investigate this statement to determine whether or not the President has actually acted in violation of the law as written;
and Four, that we will also work to encourage the public that the privacy of their communications are secure, as long as the workforce of the Postal Service continues to be well-trained, highly ethical, and accountable to the laws and the Constitution of the United States.
Below you'll find it in its entirety. Cut and paste it into your email, sign it, and send it to us with "Solidarity Charter" in the subject line, and you'll be a part of the team!
Solidarity Charter for Postal Workers United Against Tyranny
We, the undersigned postal workers and postal unions of the United States, hereby agree to the following points:
One, that the President has overstepped his constitutional authority to execute the laws passed by Congress, through his recent signing statement attached to the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, in which he states that the Executive Branch may open mail without a warrant in "exigent circumstances";
Two, that the President has admitted publicly that he's used an earlier signing statement to justify unconstitutional searches of Americans without warrant;
Three, that we strongly disagree with this interpretation of the Constitution, and will work to pressure Congress to investigate this statement to determine whether or not the President has actually acted in violation of the law as written;
and Four, that we will also work to encourage the public that the privacy of their communications are secure, as long as the workforce of the Postal Service continues to be well-trained, highly ethical, and accountable to the laws and the Constitution of the United States.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Contact your member of Congress
Your representative in Congress needs to know that you oppose the President's unlawful use of these so-called "signing statements" to directly contradict provisions of law.
This website has a great interface for finding and contact your representatives in Congress. The best way I've found to communicate with them is by contacting the district office closest to your home. Sending letters and phone calls there is much faster and more effective than dealing with their people in Washington, unless of course the issue is so urgent that you have to reach their staff right away.
This issue needs to be publicized, so MAKE THOSE CALLS NOW!
This website has a great interface for finding and contact your representatives in Congress. The best way I've found to communicate with them is by contacting the district office closest to your home. Sending letters and phone calls there is much faster and more effective than dealing with their people in Washington, unless of course the issue is so urgent that you have to reach their staff right away.
This issue needs to be publicized, so MAKE THOSE CALLS NOW!
Join the Club
Are you a postal worker? Do you have strong feelings about this latest violation of our God-given freedoms by the illegitimate, insane President of the United States, George W. Bush?
Then today is your lucky day. To join Postal Workers United, all we need is some basic information about you (all information will be kept secret by me and the other members of our board and will not be shared with government agents or anyone else for any reason, unless you agree to it ahead of time):
1. Name
2. Where you Live
3. Where you Work (City and/or Station)
4. Craft (Clerk, Carrier, Mailhandler, etc.)
5. How you heard about us
6. When you first decided Bush was a tyrant, and why
7. Any voluntary associations you might have that could help this effort (Labor Council, Sierra Club, etc.)
8. Best way to contact you (phone, email, etc.)
Send this information to me here at tahomaactivist@yahoo.com or call me at 253-227-6884 to get an address to send it to.
Thanks for your interest, and have a great day!
Then today is your lucky day. To join Postal Workers United, all we need is some basic information about you (all information will be kept secret by me and the other members of our board and will not be shared with government agents or anyone else for any reason, unless you agree to it ahead of time):
1. Name
2. Where you Live
3. Where you Work (City and/or Station)
4. Craft (Clerk, Carrier, Mailhandler, etc.)
5. How you heard about us
6. When you first decided Bush was a tyrant, and why
7. Any voluntary associations you might have that could help this effort (Labor Council, Sierra Club, etc.)
8. Best way to contact you (phone, email, etc.)
Send this information to me here at tahomaactivist@yahoo.com or call me at 253-227-6884 to get an address to send it to.
Thanks for your interest, and have a great day!
The War at Home
Greetings, fellow workers:
Before I get into the meat of this article, I'd like to thank everyone who voted in last month's election, everyone who donated toys to our toy drive, and everyone who saw it in their heart to donate time and money to the less fortunate this Holiday season. Our commitments to our community, and to your union, are two of the most important obligations we have.
Usually in this space, I write about the activities of the Central Labor Council and the broader Labor Movement. Today I am writing directly to you, the rank-and-file union member, about an issue that affects ALL of us:
President Bush wants to open your mail without a warrant.
That's right. The President of the United States has asserted, in contradiction of two centuries of American law and in violation of the fourth amendment to the US Constitution, that he has the right to open your mail without a warrant.
This is an outrage.
As postal workers, we are held to the highest standards of integrity and respect, representing for our customers the most honorable face of government. With the President's unconstitutional interpretation of this important Postal reform bill, he has put our time-honored reputations in danger. Imagine what your customers will think of you when they think you might be reading their mail.
This is a crime against democracy. This is a crime no President should be allowed to get away with. The President, in his unconstitutional "signing statements", has asserted rights prohibited by the Constitution, and now we're the ones in the line of fire.
We must stand against this President's insane refusal to obey the rule of law. We must resist, as a union, as the sacred defenders of the first amendment to the Constitution. We must speak out with all the breath we have inside us, and we must not rest until our victory is won.
I've set up a website where you can find several ways to fight back on this issue: writing letters to the newspaper, contacting members of Congress, etc.
www.postalworkersunited.blogspot.com
Come to the site and sign our petition compelling Congress to register their rejection of this illegal and unconstitutional violation of our God-given rights.
We must unite against this tyranny before we have no democracy left. We have no choice. The time has come to defend our American principles before everything we've ever believed in is gone.
In Solidarity,
Jeff Richardson
Delegate, Pierce County Central Labor Council
Before I get into the meat of this article, I'd like to thank everyone who voted in last month's election, everyone who donated toys to our toy drive, and everyone who saw it in their heart to donate time and money to the less fortunate this Holiday season. Our commitments to our community, and to your union, are two of the most important obligations we have.
Usually in this space, I write about the activities of the Central Labor Council and the broader Labor Movement. Today I am writing directly to you, the rank-and-file union member, about an issue that affects ALL of us:
President Bush wants to open your mail without a warrant.
That's right. The President of the United States has asserted, in contradiction of two centuries of American law and in violation of the fourth amendment to the US Constitution, that he has the right to open your mail without a warrant.
This is an outrage.
As postal workers, we are held to the highest standards of integrity and respect, representing for our customers the most honorable face of government. With the President's unconstitutional interpretation of this important Postal reform bill, he has put our time-honored reputations in danger. Imagine what your customers will think of you when they think you might be reading their mail.
This is a crime against democracy. This is a crime no President should be allowed to get away with. The President, in his unconstitutional "signing statements", has asserted rights prohibited by the Constitution, and now we're the ones in the line of fire.
We must stand against this President's insane refusal to obey the rule of law. We must resist, as a union, as the sacred defenders of the first amendment to the Constitution. We must speak out with all the breath we have inside us, and we must not rest until our victory is won.
I've set up a website where you can find several ways to fight back on this issue: writing letters to the newspaper, contacting members of Congress, etc.
www.postalworkersunited.blogspot.com
Come to the site and sign our petition compelling Congress to register their rejection of this illegal and unconstitutional violation of our God-given rights.
We must unite against this tyranny before we have no democracy left. We have no choice. The time has come to defend our American principles before everything we've ever believed in is gone.
In Solidarity,
Jeff Richardson
Delegate, Pierce County Central Labor Council
Presidents seeks to spy on our mail without a warrant
I just discovered that the President of the United States added another of his famous "signing statements" to the recently passed Postal Reform Bill. In this statement, he asserts the right to open our mail for any reason, without any judicial review.
Opening our mail without a warrant? What's next? Inspecting our private parts without a medical degree?
This time the President has gone too far. Speaking as a letter carrier and as an employee of the United States Postal Service, I want to tell this insane and illegitimate President that I will never, under any circumstances, surrender anyone's mail to anyone for any reason, without a court order, signed by a judge. The security of our mail is one of our most important freedoms, and without it, freedom of speech simply cannot survive.
Claiming that he has the power to open our mail without a warrant, in direct violation of the law just passed by Congress, is a direct challenge to the Constitution of the United States, and will undoubtedly provoke a serious reaction from postal workers, and postal customers, nationwide.
This is one postal worker that refuses to submit quietly to tyranny. Hopefully I am not the only one. I would encourage every other postal worker who reads this to speak out, and loudly, until this statement is retracted.
As far as why the President feels the need to inspect our mail without a warrant, ask yourself why would he do that? Could it be that he doesn't want a judge knowing who he's spying on?
Maybe he wants to be able to open John Conyer's mail without a judge knowing about it. Considering all the investigations the Democrats will soon be conducting, should we really let the President get away with snooping on our mail, above everything else he's already gotten away with?
Jeff Richardson
Delegate to the AFL-CIO
National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 130
Tacoma, WA
Opening our mail without a warrant? What's next? Inspecting our private parts without a medical degree?
This time the President has gone too far. Speaking as a letter carrier and as an employee of the United States Postal Service, I want to tell this insane and illegitimate President that I will never, under any circumstances, surrender anyone's mail to anyone for any reason, without a court order, signed by a judge. The security of our mail is one of our most important freedoms, and without it, freedom of speech simply cannot survive.
Claiming that he has the power to open our mail without a warrant, in direct violation of the law just passed by Congress, is a direct challenge to the Constitution of the United States, and will undoubtedly provoke a serious reaction from postal workers, and postal customers, nationwide.
This is one postal worker that refuses to submit quietly to tyranny. Hopefully I am not the only one. I would encourage every other postal worker who reads this to speak out, and loudly, until this statement is retracted.
As far as why the President feels the need to inspect our mail without a warrant, ask yourself why would he do that? Could it be that he doesn't want a judge knowing who he's spying on?
Maybe he wants to be able to open John Conyer's mail without a judge knowing about it. Considering all the investigations the Democrats will soon be conducting, should we really let the President get away with snooping on our mail, above everything else he's already gotten away with?
Jeff Richardson
Delegate to the AFL-CIO
National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 130
Tacoma, WA
Letters to the Editor
Here you can find all the letters our members have written to their newspapers and union newsletters.
For some details, check out these newslinks on the subject.
Newspapers
Postal workers should oppose Bush's treason, by Jeff Richardson
President seeks to spy on our mail without a warrant, by Jeff Richardson
Union Newsletters
The War at Home, by Jeff Richardson
For some details, check out these newslinks on the subject.
Newspapers
Postal workers should oppose Bush's treason, by Jeff Richardson
President seeks to spy on our mail without a warrant, by Jeff Richardson
Union Newsletters
The War at Home, by Jeff Richardson
Postal workers should oppose Bush's treason
Here's the latest letter I've sent to the News Tribune on this issue:
I'm a letter carrier here in Tacoma. Recently, President Bush's signing statement authorizing the opening of citizens' mail without a warrant has me extremely concerned.
Today I had the opportunity to confront the new Postmaster of Tacoma during work. I asked her directly whether this signing statement truly allowed the President to do this.
She said no. She said that the President misspoke, and that the media had blown this into a bigger deal than it really is.
Why don't I believe her? Could it be because the President has already been caught admitting that he's spied on Americans without warrants?
This is one postal worker who won't take it lying down.
Labor Council tonight!
I plan to get a resolution passed tonight at Pierce County Central Labor Council in solidarity with our cause. I would encourage you all to do the same at any body that you are a part of.
Resolution to Oppose Presidential Signing Statements Authorizing Warrantless Searches and Seizures
Whereas, the President of the United States has asserted the right to search our citizens' mail without a warrant,
And Whereas, the Congress, in passing the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, has specifically forbidden such searches without a court order;
And Whereas, the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution requires that no search be warranted except on “probable cause”;
And Whereas, allowing the President to engage in warrantless searches and seizures threatens the ability of our workers and organizers to engage in the independent political activities required for their success in expanding the power and effectiveness of the nation’s Labor Movement;
Therefore Be it Resolved that the Pierce County Central Labor Council declares this an unjust and unconstitutional violation of law;
And Be it Further Resolved that we will oppose any attempts by this President to interpret the law in this way;
And Be it Finally Resolved that all workers and representatives of the people must be encouraged to do all they can to oppose this subversion of our democracy and the theft of our natural-born rights as the free people of this republic.
Resolution to Oppose Presidential Signing Statements Authorizing Warrantless Searches and Seizures
Whereas, the President of the United States has asserted the right to search our citizens' mail without a warrant,
And Whereas, the Congress, in passing the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, has specifically forbidden such searches without a court order;
And Whereas, the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution requires that no search be warranted except on “probable cause”;
And Whereas, allowing the President to engage in warrantless searches and seizures threatens the ability of our workers and organizers to engage in the independent political activities required for their success in expanding the power and effectiveness of the nation’s Labor Movement;
Therefore Be it Resolved that the Pierce County Central Labor Council declares this an unjust and unconstitutional violation of law;
And Be it Further Resolved that we will oppose any attempts by this President to interpret the law in this way;
And Be it Finally Resolved that all workers and representatives of the people must be encouraged to do all they can to oppose this subversion of our democracy and the theft of our natural-born rights as the free people of this republic.
Special Reports
Here's a list of reports from members and friendly organizations.
Bill of Rights Defense Committee - 1/07/07
Bill of Rights Defense Committee - 1/07/07
Newslinks
Here are some links to articles about Bush's signing statement and why it's such a huge problem. [If you have some good info you don't see here, please put the link in the comments below]:
Full text of Bush's statement (source: White House)
About.com
CNN.com
San Diego Union-Tribune
ACLU Press Release
Boston Globe
St. Petersburg Times
LA Times (opinion)
Op Ed News (opinion)
Media Matters for America (media critique)
Full text of Bush's statement (source: White House)
About.com
CNN.com
San Diego Union-Tribune
ACLU Press Release
Boston Globe
St. Petersburg Times
LA Times (opinion)
Op Ed News (opinion)
Media Matters for America (media critique)
Message from the Bill of Rights Defense Committee
Here's a report we just received from the Bill of Rights Defense Committee, a group committed to defending what's left of the Constitution from the president and his lackeys in Congress:
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for letting us know about your effort to raise public awareness through your blog! Great that you're focusing on this issue of the President stretching the law to suit his own purposes. We've been in touch with some legal experts on Capitol Hill who tell us that though President Bush might easily have written something about how there are already laws in place to enable the opening of mail in an emergency -- but that would have to happen via a warrant (either before or after the opening of the mail). Bush is clearly stating that he doesn't see a warrant as a necessary tool.
BORDC is now creating a page on our website to deal specifically with the President's signing statements, including this latest one that asserts his authority to open our mail, and will definitely link to your blog on that page. Here's the link to our upcoming signing statements page: http://bordc.org/involved/signingstatements.php
Also, I work as the west region organizer for the Bill of Rights Defense Committee from my home in Eugene, OR. So, I'm not too far down the road from you. There is an active Bill of Rights Defense Committee group in Tacoma, in fact. Mostly they are involved in work involving the detention facility, and asserting basic rights for those who are detained. They work with a coalition of groups to bring public attention to the escalating detention of individuals. If you're interested in learning more about the local work, please let me know and I'll put you in touch with Tim Smith, who's my contact up in Tacoma.
Thanks so much for letting us know about your blog! Let's stay in touch!
Hope
Hope Marston
Bill of Rights Defense Committee
Western Region Organizer
PO Box 51434
Eugene, OR 97405
541 683-1604
hmarston@bordc.org
http://bordc.org
Union Resolution
Resolution to Oppose Presidential Signing Statements Authorizing Warrantless Searches and Seizures
Whereas, the President of the United States has asserted the right to search our citizens' mail without a warrant,
And Whereas, the Congress, in passing the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, has specifically forbidden such searches without a court order;
And Whereas, the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution requires that no search be warranted except on “probable cause”;
And Whereas, allowing the President to engage in warrantless searches and seizures threatens the ability of our workers and organizers to engage in the independent political activities required for their success in expanding the power and effectiveness of the nation’s Labor Movement;
and Whereas, the high esteem of America's postal workers could be endangered if our customers are afraid that we could be opening their mail;
Therefore Be it Resolved that the [insert name of union here] declares this an unjust and unconstitutional violation of law;
And Be it Further Resolved that we will oppose any attempts by this President to interpret the law in this way;
And Be it Finally Resolved that all workers and representatives of the people must be encouraged to do all they can to oppose this subversion of our democracy and the theft of our natural-born rights as the free people of this republic.
Whereas, the President of the United States has asserted the right to search our citizens' mail without a warrant,
And Whereas, the Congress, in passing the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, has specifically forbidden such searches without a court order;
And Whereas, the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution requires that no search be warranted except on “probable cause”;
And Whereas, allowing the President to engage in warrantless searches and seizures threatens the ability of our workers and organizers to engage in the independent political activities required for their success in expanding the power and effectiveness of the nation’s Labor Movement;
and Whereas, the high esteem of America's postal workers could be endangered if our customers are afraid that we could be opening their mail;
Therefore Be it Resolved that the [insert name of union here] declares this an unjust and unconstitutional violation of law;
And Be it Further Resolved that we will oppose any attempts by this President to interpret the law in this way;
And Be it Finally Resolved that all workers and representatives of the people must be encouraged to do all they can to oppose this subversion of our democracy and the theft of our natural-born rights as the free people of this republic.
About Us
Postal Workers United Against Tyranny is a grassroots organization of workers committed to defending our jobs and our freedoms against the relentless assaults of the Bush administration.
We are not affiliated with any union or branch local of any union. We are wholly responsible for our views and our actions, and are not under the guidance of any outside entity.
Now that we've got the legal stuff out of the way, PWU is you and me. We have to get organized, we have to get the resolutions passed, we have to write the letters to the editor and get on radio shows and raise hell. We're the ones who have to make this movement happen.
Check out our What We I Do? page to get involved. Also, if you'd like to join our mailing list, send us an email here.
If you aren't quite clear on what tyranny is, or why we should care, check out my post "What is Tyranny?"
We are not affiliated with any union or branch local of any union. We are wholly responsible for our views and our actions, and are not under the guidance of any outside entity.
Now that we've got the legal stuff out of the way, PWU is you and me. We have to get organized, we have to get the resolutions passed, we have to write the letters to the editor and get on radio shows and raise hell. We're the ones who have to make this movement happen.
Check out our What We I Do? page to get involved. Also, if you'd like to join our mailing list, send us an email here.
If you aren't quite clear on what tyranny is, or why we should care, check out my post "What is Tyranny?"
Pass this Resolution
Here's a link to the resolution I put forward at Labor Council. We should also write one for union members to take to their unions.
Labor Council Resolution
Union Resolution (make sure to put in your union's name before you take it in)
Labor Council Resolution
Union Resolution (make sure to put in your union's name before you take it in)
Contact Us!
Please send us an email at tahomaactivist@yahoo.com - anything you send us might be put up on the site, so let us know if that is NOT okay. We won't share your private details with anybody, so don't worry about that.
Keep up the great work!
Keep up the great work!
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