Pen-llers might be interested... H.Grob ---------- Forwarded Message ---------- From: David Kettler, INTERNET:[EMAIL PROTECTED] TO: HEATHER GROB, 74762,1427 DATE: 11/10/94 9:21 PM RE: Re: Prop 187 in perspec Talk of building power on public employee unions underestimates their vulnerability and presupposes a concrete political program that I have not read in any of the vituperations against the centrists or celebrations of labor and progress, at least not yet. I think that union activity in defense of objectors of conscience against implementing 187 is exactly the right first response--and social uses of law are not excluded. The issue is then personalized without sentimentalism or rhetoric: solidarity first of all with the teacher or social worker or health worker who will not in conscience heed the unjust law. Things follow from such campaigns, but they are sustainable and do not ignore where people's heads are. David Kettler On Thu, 10 Nov 1994, Paul Johnston wrote: > On the dark side: true, implementation of the measure is likely to be > delayed through the courts. But in the long run that's a loser. The > movement behind Proposition 187 is in part "anti-government", and using > legal mechanisms to frustrate "the will of the people" will fan the > flames. If we rely on lawsuits alone still more ominous measures will > come down the road. > > On the bright side: whatever elese it is, progressive power in California > (and elsewhere) must be built on cross-cultural solidarity, and organizing > resistance to prop 187 is an excellent opportunity to build that. We're a > long ways from progressive power (whether we define that as > Feinstein/Clinton or something more...), but the organization and > cross-cultural solidarity and humanitarian values and spirit of resistance > built here could be an important building block. > > Also on the bright side: public sector unions are at the best--and their > members' morale highest--when they're fighting for public needs that > reflect the values of their members. Sentiments like Steve Sloan's are > powerful. What an opportunity to tap into the values and ideals of > teachers, social workers, health care workers and others trying to work in > public service! > > On the dark side: defining the battle over public services in California > as "do illegals get them" was a brilliant and dangerous move from the > right, and it's a trap. It isolates the interests of immigrants from > those of natives, and diverts attention from the long-term assault on > public services (as well as worker rights, jobs, etc.) for everyone in the > state. Is there any way to redefine the issue a way that will embrace a > viable majority? It may be that on this issue we're bound to be a > minority. If that's the case, so be it: the issue is too important. To > avoid the trap, though, we've got to stop letting the enemy define the > terms of the fight, but define the issues on our own terms. > > Where are the campaigns for public services that can do this? > > P.S. Does anyone know of 187-related listservs or bulletin boards? Pro OR > con?
