Re: Inspiring rally for immigrants' rights in Queens NY

[Jon Flanders <jonathan.flanders@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I came down from the Capital District of New York(Albany area) on buses
organized by our local area labor federation. We had a mix of students,
professors, labor activists, African Americans, and immigrants on our
buses. The Freedom Riders stopped in Albany on last Tuesday for a rally
and dinner.

I agree that the cops and the city made a hash of the rally with the
fencing. The rally took place in what is a big open meadow, but the
fences made it a maze. Politically this had the effect of never allowing
the people to really feel like a part of a big mass movement. We really
need to move on stopping this infringement of our rights. I think we are
in danger of people starting to take this sort of crowd control for
granted. I would also point out that it has inherent dangers. One of
these days an incident will take place that will cause people to move
rapidly to escape, and people will be killed in the crush against the
steel barriers.

While the AFL-CIO's John Sweeney was the main labor leader to speak at
the rally, clearly the unions who must confront the changing nature of
the workforce were the main forces at the rally. The more native in
composition organizations like the Machinists, Steelworkers, Autoworkers
and Electrical workers were not visibly present on the stage or on the
ground. I would mention that in our area, our local organizing committee
met in the new teachers(NYSUT) union building under the watchful gaze of
Albert Shanker's portrait. This is a significant development.

For our local contingent the day was quite enjoyable. It was interesting
for me to have a discussion with a Laborer's union rep on our bus. They
are in the forefront of the construction trades unions reconsideration
of the immigration issue.

Jon Flanders









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