http://english.pravda.ru/opinion/columnists/107459-0/
American capitalism gone with a whimper |
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The AFL-CIO, the largest U.S. union organization, concealed deteriorating finances through “creative accounting,” according to a union leader.
Tom Buffenbarger, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said in a report that the labor federation obscured its financial difficulties heading into last year’s presidential election campaign, in which it backed Democrat Barack
Obama. Net assets of the 11 million-member AFL-CIO declined to a negative $2.3 million as of June 30, 2008, from a $66 million surplus on July 1, 2000.
“A new leadership — leaders chosen by our members, leaders help accountable by our members — is needed,” wrote Buffenbarger, who is a member of the AFL-CIO’s finance committee and the president of one of the nation’s largest unions. Alison Omens, a spokeswoman for the AFL-CIO, declined to comment on the report.
The labor federation has been in talks about reuniting with Change to Win, a coalition of seven unions that left the federation in 2005 because of disagreements over finances and other issues. Buffenbarger’s report is intended to help strengthen the AFL-CIO, not prepare it for reunification, according to Rick Sloan, his spokesman.
“The report aims to increase the AFL-CIO’s clout and solvency,” Sloan said Wednesday. “We want to see the House of Labor renovated, not razed. The AFL-CIO needs a plan B.”
The departure of the seven unions to Change to Win in 2005 denied the AFL-CIO more than $13.9 million in annual revenue, the report said.
The report says the AFL-CIO should wind down its involvement in the National Labor College in Silver Spring, where labor organizers are trained. And it criticizes the federation for relying on HSBC Holdings Plc royalty payments for issuing Union Plus credit cards.
“If we are not careful, insolvency may be right around the corner,” the report said.
Buffenbarger’s report also criticizes the AFL-CIO for functioning as a “staff-driven operation” bogged down in “PowerPoints and briefing papers.”
Buffenbarger urges the AFL-CIO to be more aggressive in targeting politicians who vote against union interests. It suggests that labor’s top priority, the so-called Card Check bill, won’t pass Congress this year.
“We need an internal mechanism to declare a political boycott,” he said.
LIVONIA – Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox today officially declared his candidacy to be the next governor of the State of Michigan. Cox made the announcement while focusing on his record as a fighter who puts the people of Michigan first and his vision to bring Michigan back from the brink of economic disaster. Michigan currently has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, and approximately half of all college graduates are leaving the state.
“With Michigan at an economic crossroads, we have a choice to make. We can watch Michigan die a slow economic death or we can stand up and fight for Michigan’s future,” said Cox. “As a Marine, prosecutor, and Attorney General, I have spent my life fighting for the people of Michigan. I will be a governor who is willing to make the tough decisions to help grow Michigan’s economy and bring good paying jobs here so families and young people can stay and prosper. I am ready to lead the fight for Michigan’s future.”
Highlighting the importance of social media as a tool for bringing voters’ opinions and ideas into his campaign, Cox first announced his plans this morning on Twitter and Facebook. Cox then spoke directly to millions of voters though statewide interviews with radio, print and television media. Cox will finish the day by talking with business and community leaders from around the state at the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Conference.
“Sixty years ago my parents came to Michigan for the opportunity to live the American dream. Families flocked to Michigan for good paying jobs and great communities to raise their families in. We need to build a Michigan where people once again have those opportunities for great jobs and a prosperous future,” said Cox.
The Mike Cox 2010 campaign plans a formal kickoff tour this fall. You can learn more about Cox’s gubernatorial campaign on his recently launched gubernatorial website, www.mikecox2010.com. Cox invited voters to interact and engage with the campaign through the website, Twitter (@Mike_Cox) and Facebook.
Also see articles in the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press.