Right or wrong. Ya gotta do what is right. Right?

[Bob Randall]

As I have said prior to today, I will not trash TDU herein or in any other forum. I have too much respect due to the greatly positive changes the organization has been directly, as well as indirectly, responsible for. Much of its staff has sacrificed greatly and worked extremely hard and long. Now...it does seem likely to me that at some point the organization's strategies may have changed as well as its goals. All of this as a result of reform having been greatly achieved. That record is undeniably clear. I'm guessing/assuming that new ideas were put into action as a means of continuing to effectuate improvement of the Teamsters. I'm not going to even attempt to judge that record of "improvement" at all since SOB has become the General President. That is not my point here. What I am suggesting is that since SOB has openly supported Trump (a clear hater of unions) and has supported Right To Work that TDU must rethink its position. Aside from corruption within the union I can't think of a more despicable act than supporting RTW! This clearly exposes where SOB's heart is NOT at. Whereas the need for reform is not nearly at a level that it had been at for decades (thanks in great part to TDU) the need for an opposing voice and organization has come to be at a very high level once again. It ain't gonna get bettter under SOB or a GEB that does not have the balls to openly criticize. TDU has the structure. Granted, some of its members may well support SOB as a result of this silent voice as well as a result of changed strategies. However, there is a structure there that would serve as a force if the stand were to be taken. It would certainly cause some division among the organization. However, in light of the direction that the IBT (Teamsters as a whole) is heading under SOB there is clearly a right versus wrong there. I've always believed that TDU was right.

[Gimliboston9]

Sounds like you are trying to convince yourself of something. TDU is no longer TDU! Paff knew exactly who O’Brien was, he made a choice to support him and manipulated the steering committee into agreement. What is it you don’t see?
O’Brien legacy , threats , supplements forced through after being voted down, blind support of Hoffa , thuggery,obnoxious behavior at conventions, failed pension funds, NDA ( remember when TDU called it “ brownout” ) supporting trumps positions, racial lawsuits, posting pics of a gun to a woman’s head, his hiring practices , the list goes on and on.

TDU silence is unforgivable and you know it.

[Bob Randall]

It's difficult for me to understand the repeated opposition from those members here that I am so much in agreement with excepting the TDU sentiments. Others have raised the question of TDU as well. 'Labor Notes', other publications, etc. Having the IBT lead the Teamsters in the right direction should be the point of concern. It simply seems to me as if there is energy that could be put into a much more worthy, sensible concept. Drink some herbal tea. Breeeeeeeeeeeath. Yeeesh!

[Gimliboston9]

It is difficult for me to understand that you don’t seem to see the TDU of old in the 80’ and the 90’s with their effort to reform this union and the TDU of today are two completely different organizations. The post Carey TDU that continually reported on the miss deeds in our union up until the endorsement of O’Brien is also not the TDU that you speak of. We can agree to disagree, just follow the breadcrumbs TDU/Paff made Oz possible , Oz/Obrien made Trump possible , TDU silence on O’Brien supporting Trump labor policy is inexcusable.
“ The hottest places in hell are reserved for who, in times of great moral crisis maintain their neutrality “ Dante

To quote you “It simply seems to me as if there is energy that could be put into a much more worthy, sensible concept“

I agree, we need to restore TDU’s role to its original doctrine by replacing the leadership which has failed us in the last several years.

[Bob Randall]

Ahhhhhhh. The only thing that I will contest is "Oz/Obrien made Trump possible". That orange headed pecker was gonna win regardless of choice of endorsement. That said..."neutrality" is complicity here. Inexcusable. Even while recognizing SOB's coddling of Trump leading to that election I never...in my wildest...would have expected support for RTW! Despicable!

[Gimliboston9]

It is this simple , O’Brien has been the same thug for decades , he has repeatedly shown us exactly who he is , his antics at conventions are on record and despicable. Why would it surprise you that he would do anything? He has threatened members for decades , he harassed candidates at the convention Pope , Taibi ( charges filed) and Belk ……the list goes on and on.
Let me add this those who endorsed him knew exactly who he was and had previously exposed him many times for his misdeeds! Now they are silent .

[Faust]

TDU is dead.

A new reform organization needs to be built.

The name TDU is mud!

[NYNick]

I believe it simply needs new leadership with a reinvented focus.

[WTF891]

They won't change without new leadership. It's become an unprincipled organization who's only motive is generating cash. They will never stand against O'Brien. Sad.