TM causes no fear

[Bob Randall]

Trust me. TDU has no reason to fear TM. Don't take that statement to mean support for TDU's change from a watchdog organization to one that supports SOB. Never will happen. From my perspective TM makes the same mistakes that other young, leftwing (very) groups make while attempting to grow and accomplish well intended goals within the Labor Movement. In my limited experience with the group (Zoom), some seem to be angry at, and biased toward, just about anyone that is, or was, an officer or agent. Unwilling to listen and consider. Regardless of experience related to reform. In my limited experience it seemed obvious that there is hardly any real-life experience within some of the group that repels any shared experience almost immediately. Clearly, they have had a bad experience causing the lack of trust. However, the obstinance prevents them from learning. Additionally, their apparent far left ideology that is always intentionally on display serves to turn off many of those that might possibly be interested in supporting the group. Teamsters simply are not ready for that. These common mistakes can certainly be attributed to their youngness and will be responsible for the group's failure to grow and accomplish... however well intended they may be.

[Jose Francisco Negrete]

In response to comrade Bob Randall with all due respect.

•Officers: To say “angry at, & biased towards” is not accurate. We can agree that any officer making over $200K doesn’t really reflect the rank-and-file and that is why this site has continued the over $250K Club. Are there some good officers, yes. When one becomes an officer, most lose their connection to the shopfloor. They go from steel toe boots to Italian leather shoes.

•Unwilling to listen and consider: We, Teamsters Mobilize/TM steering committee, have discussed this. I have personally have brought this up. Moving forward, we will listen to criticism and advice and consider them.

•Any real-life experience within some organizations… causing the lack of trust: The “lack of trust” is not accurate description. If you have been in other organizations and seen them fail, you try not to repeat the same mistakes. Talking about “real-life experiences” those in TM. Have some of us ran or are running for our local respective union office yes but that is not our singular goal.

•Leftist Ideology: TM comes from the class struggle unionism perspective. We will never abandon that. Didn’t TDU abandon there socialist ways for power. I am a son of undocumented immigrants so what is happening with all these ICE kidnappings hits a nerve with me. I am glad and encouraged that TM stands against these Trump Gestapo raids. If that stands turns people off then they don’t understand the concept of solidarity & an injury to one is an injury to all.

tM is young and we will make mistakes, but we will learn from them.

[PatseyPerrone]

Here's a piece of advise, you can have the best intentions and the best ideas but people stop listening when you say "comrade".

[Gimliboston9]

Negrete, the swasitka was an Asian Indian symbol, it was also used by the Apache nation all in benign fashions yet it will only be seen as a negative symbol of Nazi Germany. The same can be said of the term Comrade , it has been demonized beyond use. Not saying it is right to do so but Patsy Perron is correct , most of the people you are trying to message stop listening once you use it. May I suggest Brother/ Sister .

[Bob Randall]

"Officers:" Agreed. However, "most" is key here. There are those that did not fall into that category. I personally sensed an anger, even if repressed, toward all from some of the group. The level of animosity and attitude should not get in the way of listening and making considerations from those with light years of similar experiences and opinions. That point seems to have been missed here.

"Unwilling:" "Listen and consider". I believe that you have brought it up. Time will tell.

"Any real-life experience": Inevitably comes with youngness. "Lack of trust:". Apparent and justified. Can't let it get in the way. Overcome it and pick your spots.

"Leftist ideology": Never suggested to "abandon" it. Nothing in my post comes close to suggesting that. Again, ya gotta pick your spots. As long as people having a level of animosity for it (for whatever reasons) feel as if it's being pushed as part of TM's movement, within Teamsters, the audience and the reception is greatly lessened and becomes counterproductive. This has been proven countless times over many years. Never said "abandon". There is a way to say things and present ideas that accomplish rather that deter. Unwillingness comes with lack of experience and obstinance. The unwillingness places the cart before the horse.

[The251Teamster]

Pretty spot on.

[Nobsteamster]

From my memory of you on our zoom call Bob, you offered very little suggestions, only that we were doing everything wrong. I offered we set up a separate call with you so that you could offer help and suggestions to us. You didn't take us up on that. If you would like to give us suggestions we are open to that.

[WTF891]

You sound very open minded. Bob should take you up on that offer. He has a wealth of knowledge.

[AlJackson1962!]

Teamsters Mobilize members, I’m glad you are all in the struggle for a democratic, transparent, and militant Teamsters union. We need you all! We didn’t fight 50 years for Teamster reform in order to support a pro-fascist Teamsters GP!

[Bob Randall]

Agreed!!! I needed 10 characters. Hee, hee!