Dear Colleagues,
Every election seems to be the most important nowadays. I came across this Pericles quote in the current issue of the Funny Times:
“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you”
Politics has taken an interest in us lately, and for those of you who are planning on sitting out this election because you are not happy with something or someone, then you are, by default, helping out the opposition. Our livelihoods are at stake in this (and it seems every) election. We are on the verge of a crisis whether you want to see it or not.
-A Romney presidency will not improve conditions for our students or us. The possible damage to our profession with the expansion of private school vouchers and attacks on unions over 4 years is unfathomable.
-Mandel in the Senate will work for privatizing everything, including our jobs.
-If Republicans pick up just ONE more seat in the Ohio House they will have a Super Majority. Translation – no laws will be subject to referendum. There will be no opportunity for a citizen’s veto for bad legislation like there was with SB5. Hello “Right to Work.” Goodbye any security, protection or voice we have through our contract. Gone!
-Issue 2 – a yes vote wins the right to have a non-partisan group create legislative districts instead of whatever party is in power at the time. Ohio is usually equally split in population, but the minority party is scrunched into only a few districts. This creates highly polarized politicians who do not answer to the mainstream of their own party or of the population. Vote Yes – perhaps we can reverse this trend.
If you are still reading, thank you. Here are few suggestions about what you can to make a difference:
1) Make sure you vote. Voting early or absentee is even better because you will help campaigns focus on other people.
2) Get the word out to family and friends to vote. Copy the clutch for them.
3) Drive friends, family, church members, or anyone willing to hop in car to early voting – especially the elderly. Make a field trip of it. If you can’t do this early, then do it on election day (although it will take longer)
4) Phonebanking – spend an hour at the Obama office in Cleveland Heights or wherever is convenient. It makes a difference. There is also phonebanking that can be done through Sherrod Brown’s office, the Cleveland Teachers Union, The North Shore Federation, and other places I am sure. Pick a place that is convenient.
5) Canvassing – Going door to door to friendly homes is a key in elections today. You will be given talking points and a list of houses. Take a partner. If no one answers then you leave literature. These events take place each weekend through our Obama office or other places if you prefer.
6) Put up yard signs.
7) Wear buttons.
8) Come to the Cretan Party Center, 3853 West 168th Street, this Saturday, October 20. Gather at 11 AM, canvas for the Cleveland Schools Levy and get people out to vote. Return at 1:30 PM for food and listen to AFT President Randi Weingarten at 2 PM.
What are you willing to do so that when we wake up on November 7th we don’t have the same reaction we had in November 2010 when Strickland lost by an average of 2 votes per precinct? Everyone should be willing to spend at least an hour before elections trying to make a difference. Can we count you in?
In Union,
Ari Klein
CHTU President