I am a union member and I am politically active.
Now, you probably already have pictures of the stereotypical card-carrying union thug, but this could not be further from the truth. I belong to a union because the people I work for are bullies, and unlike my neighbors, I have both the opportunity and ability to join a union. Like the WWII propaganda slogans declared, “United we stand/Divided we fall.” Strength in numbers protects my co-workers from harassment, job loss and intimidation. Our wages have gone up while those non-union jobs around us have been downsized or outsourced.
I am politically active because I know that with the stroke of a politician’s pen, my job could be gone. I know that with the stroke of a politician’s pen, my taxes, my rights, my way of life could all be changed in the still of the night, while we all slumber.
I am working to educate my fellow union members in order to provide more informed voters, so that we can all actively participate in the election process. This government is of the people, by the people, for the people—and the first step is voting in the right people. Take this responsibility seriously; I do.
— Mayelle Mann
Asheville
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