WHEN: Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 10 AM – 12:00 Noon
WHERE: Bladensburg & Queens Chapel Rd, NE
E.R.A.S.E. (End Racism And Stop Exploitation) is holding this rally at the Firefighters’ Union to call attention to the question frequently raised by its’ members - “Where is the Union?” In spite of the many complaints firefighters have raised of unfair treatment by the Fire Department Administration, the union’s response has been negligible at best.
The Union has some 5,000 members, including approximately 1500 retirees. Its 7-member Executive Board has only one African-American member, John Sneed, who appears to be recently the only Board member who responds to the needs of the Union membership. It is well-known that Dan Dugan, Executive Board President, is working closely with Fire Chief Dennis Rubin, and it is believed to be the principal reason complaints fall on deaf ears. Some people have said that the Union does not have enough workers and that is the reason it does not follow through for its members; that the Union legal team is often not present or unsupportive. One of the solutions that a number of firefighters have been discussing is withdrawing their dues, and/or complaining to the International to reorganize the local.
This situation is unbelievable, given that the history of Unions is that they were created by the working class to protect and defend the interests of the working class and the vulnerabilities that they bring to the workplace. It is believed that all Union members pay less than $60 per month in dues for a service that most of them say they do not receive. We cannot say that racism plays a role in this, but when we look at the outcome, there is no doubt that race does matter. A judicial review of the actions of the Union over the past few years would make the PG County Fox 5 series on ‘Firefighters Gone Wild’ look tame.
This flyer is hard to write because of E.R.A.S.E.’s concerns about the working class’ historical fight against those who would exploit them. And, to cite the Union as one of the culprits, given that under the present Administration there is little to no Union support and the Councilmember who has oversight gets his support from the Union creates a real dilemma for our valiant, selfless firefighters and EMT workers.
SHAME, SHAME, SHAME!
E.R.A.S.E.’s demands are for:- A judicial review;- A citizens review board established;- A Congressional inquiry; - Get rid of the do-nothing union;- Lt. Lehan out of our neighborhood;- And Fire Chief Rubin and Deputy Chiefs Brian Lee and Lawrence Shultz out of our Community (all of them MD residents).Friends, Neighbors,
you can help! by
· Checking out our blog at Abolishracism.blogspot.com (comments are welcomed)
· Joining E.R.A.S.E., End Racism And Stop Exploitation committee
· Post or Copy this flyer and help spread the word!
The committee, E.R.A.S.E. is a community-based organization of black and white taxpayers, clergy and members of the middle and working class whose understanding of the historical facts around racism and its effects on our community has forced the group to come together to do what it can to minimize or neutralize the effects of racism on our community. We understand the economic, social and political implications of ideas that will demonize non-white people to favor a white supremacist nation. In its name, E.R.A.S.E. embodies our identification of the cause for racism to exist, and that is to exploit its victim and create an atmosphere whereby people of white descent can maintain a social, political and economic advantage or upper-hand over those who are not defined as white. It is understood that these ideas of racism, based on ignorance and anti-social deviant behavior, are represented by a very small group of Europeans. Therefore, we call on ALL people to ERASE this scourge from its institutionally based support system in order to make this country whole and just!!
Call the councilmembers below and demand they look into this situation!!
Chairman Vincent Gray, 724-8032
At-Large Councilmember Kwame Brown, 724-8174
At-large Councilmember Phil Mendelson, 724-8064
Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander 724-8068
Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry, 724-8045
Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, 724-8028
ANC7D05 Commissioner Rick Tingling-Clemmons, 397.2277
Help E.R.A.S.E. Break the Jaws of Racism!
For more information or to help: erase-racism@hotmail.com
abolishracism.blogspot.comJoin E.R.A.S.E. and other Anti-racist Fighters – Come join us July 23, 2008!!
Elevate-The-Soul Online Radio (Rick Tingling-Clemmons Interview on Racism Included)
Bottom Line
Nothing Less
4 comments:
I have posted a few times on different topics and posted only my views and how I see things. I am white and never in my life have I had in my blood hatred for any race. My belief when I speak of someone like in the fire department, is that no matter if your black or white do your job and do it to the best of your ability. If you time after time have a record of not performing your duties then expect something to be done about it. If you have been accused of things that you didnt do, then take the appropiate steps to make things right. It seems that throwing the race card out is the first thing that comes to some peoples minds, when in fact they need to look at there own self and ask themselves, am i in the wrong or was I discriminated against for my race, sex etc.....
I am without a doubt a person who sticks up for his ownself, as in todays world you have to, because if you dont no one else will. When i feel that i personally have been accused or treated unfairly I dont first look at it as being a matter of race or color. Now if all the facts are in and it is determined that race or color played a part then Ill take the appropiate steps to deal with it. It is your right to have this site and fight for what is right, but get the whole story first then determine whether race or anything else had something to do with what happened.
Now I will whole heartedly agree with you that Rubin and Schultz need to leave. They have done nothing but ruin this department and take the focus of what we are to another level. I only know thru rumors about the Union President and his close relationship with the Fire Chief so I cant say anything. Theres nothing wrong with the Union President working with the Fire Chief on certain matters after all he still is an employee just like everyone else. Now if it is determined that there relationship is hurting the members of the department then yes something needs to be done. We all know Unions in general have a history of doing criminal things and doing things that dont benefit and hurt the ones that pay there dues. I suggest since most people sit around and complain that if you do have a legitimate problem with the Union as it seems you do, then do go to the International where im sure you will get some attention.
If the fire dept. has zero tolerance how come they tolerate zeros.
I maye because the zeros run the department...duhhh
I wonder what response the Rube gave Mendleson in his fact finding mission. Honestly how can a guy keep his occupation when there is no quality in his work.
Post a Comment