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Can't Walk and Chew Gum?

President Lyndon B. Johnson once described an opponent as unable to "walk and chew gum at the same time." Today that phrase fits the United States Senate.

Legislation to provide extended unemployment and health insurance for aviation workers was killed yesterday. When only five Republicans joined fifty-one Democratic Senators, a motion to cut off a threatened GOP filibuster failed. The bill was then withdrawn by its sponsor, Senator Carnahan.

Why didn't the Democrats force the GOP to make good on its threatened filibuster?

Why, if Republicans wanted to spike the $1.9 billion aid package, didn't the Democratic leaders say "talk for as long as you want ... tell aviation workers they do not deserve our help ... show them Marie Antoinette still lives?"

But they did not call the Republican's bluff. They were snookered.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle told union leaders "you are where our hearts are." We want to "to continue the dialogue ... to protect the jobs we got." But he also warned us last week that "we can't be wishing and hoping."

Daschle even went so far as to say "I did not receive one phone call or one suggestion. Perhaps, it is my fault for not calling labor."

He was called. He just could not deliver.

The Senate's message to aviation workers is clear: Go stand in the unemployment line, wait your turn, and someday - maybe next year - we will toss you a lifeline.

Senators and Congressmen need to hear from you ... directly and forcefully. Don't just call. Make an appointment to see them in their state or district offices during the weekend of November 3, 4 and 5th.

Bring along a few (hundred) of your friends. Let them know that if they can't walk and chew gum at the same time, you will find someone who can.

10/14/01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worker Relief Gutted From Airline Legislation

'Marie Antoinette Would be Proud.' Says Machinists Union president Buffenbarger or Senate Airline Pact.

Washington DC, October 12, 2001 - "Marie Antoinette would feel right at home in the U.S. Senate today," declared Machinists Union president Tom Buffenbarger, after lawmakers failed to deliver relief for more than 100,000 airline and aerospace workers facing unemployment in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

An amendment introduced by Sen. Jean Carnahan (D-MO) to provide health insurance, job retraining and extended unemployment insurance for laid-off aviation workers was stripped from a Senate bill late yesterday when Democratic leadership caved in to a small band of conservative Republicans threatening a bill-blocking filibuster.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle made a commitment to union leaders last week to "use the next available vehicle to add the Carnahan amendment." But he also warned, "we can't be wishing and hoping."

"The Senate's message to aviation workers is clear," said Buffenbarger. "Go stand in the unemployment line, wait your turn and someday - maybe next year - we'll toss you a lifeline."

"This disgraceful action comes after the Senate moved with jaw-dropping speed to provide billions in aid to millionaire airline executives." said Buffenbarger. "This entire episode represents the darkest side of corporate welfare and special interest lobbying.

"We intend to make workers nationwide aware of what happened in Washington this week. We will hold the leadership accountable for the promises they made and failed to keep. We will not forget those who turned their back on U.S. workers in their hour of need.

"The legislators responsible fully deserve to be compared to the high-living French aristocrat who said, "Let them eat cake" upon hearing French citizens were starving and without bread. They would do well to recall Antoinette's fate."

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Greg Enright