Can GEB find the courage?

[Bob Randall]

There are certain members of the IBT GEB that I had gained a certain amount of respect for. Some as a result of running with. Some as a result of working with. There are current Local officers and agents that I have come to respect as well as a result of working with. That experience makes me certain that your hearts are in the right place while recognizing that SOB's ideology is directly contrary to what the Teamsters ideology must be in order for us to sustain ourselves as an effective union as well as to grow. I can only ask that you find the courage to do the right thing.

[AlJackson1962!]

Bob: The courage is supposed to be a requirement of the job they were elected to do. If they have sat on their hands this long already, they have shown they either 1) have no courage, or 2) they fear personal loss for standing up to O'Brien, or 3) they like things just the way they are. VP John Palmer is the only one that I'm aware of that has spoken truth to power. Matt Taibi had,, by the time he was elected to the GEB, already shown the members of Local 251 that he 1) has no courage, 2) that his $200,000 plus in multiple annual salaries are fine with him, and 3) he likes things just the way they are.

Dave Robbins, retired Local 251

[Gimliboston9]

When we used to look down to Providence it was not only because it was south of us, it was because they used to hide behind TDU and let themselves be run by Paff and Levin. I guess the salary issue is no longer a concern of TDU .

[Bob Randall]

Hi Dave. Nice to "see you" again. It's been a while. Thanks for sharing those thoughts with me absent name calling of anyone and vile, self-serving shit. Statements such as those divert my attention greatly. I don't consider myself to be much of an intellectual. However, if I were to be one, those types of statements couldn't have much of an impression with respect to gaining my support. I'm extremely proud of the work that TDU performed prior to my retirement. Though since my retirement I have not been aware of much with respect to the IBT or TDU. With the exception of SOB's recent sellout. Cripes! IMO Carey was the greatest leader of our time. When Carey was removed I was open with my feelings that TDU should always hold to the principle of never again giving all of the keys to the shop. Carey being the key holder at that time. I believe that TDU accepted that principle even though the organization may never have greatly publicized it? It does not appear to me that the organization has held to that as I no longer see it as a watchdog organization. (Remember our mistake with Ron? I was part of that mistake.) I have great respect for Ken. I never had any issue with Levin. It simply appears to me that that TDU is balancing its relationship with SOB with good intent. I simply don't agree with that. SOB clearly is not a long term solution, if any at all. If, and when, he fucks up for good TDU will be in a difficult position as its principles have likely changed. I'm curious about the culture of the rank and file TDU members as a result of this change. In another post I believe that you may have said that Levin is a 251 member? If so, please explain??? The three points that you listed pertaining to GEB members should not have been unexpected. That will always be a given. Thus, the need for a constant watchdog. Again, good to see you.

[Yard Dog]

It's all about the money. Nobody really cares.

[AlJackson1962!]

Bob: I stated previously that David Levin advised me that he is a Local 25 (twenty-five) member ; not a 251 (two fifty-one) member.

Dave Robbins