Six Months Later

As I write this, we have just passed the six-month anniversary of September 11. The date serves as a chilling reminder of the day when the full force of global terrorism shattered what we now know was North America’s false sense of security.

The flags may not be as numerous these days, but more important than symbols is the patriotism that has found fertile soil in the hearts of Americans everywhere. And I daresay that Canadians too look at the Maple Leaf with more pride and appreciation these days as well.

We didn’t stagger for very long. I drove by the Pentagon the other day, and it is remarkable how much progress has been made in repairing the hideous wound inflicted on that fortress-like building. Most (but sadly not all) of that work has been done by the union building trades.

In New York, the damage was far greater, and the work is taking longer. But that most remarkable of cities has shown great strength in bouncing back with its spirit intact. The world will never forget those who lost their lives while going about their daily work. That includes our fallen brothers from Locals 3 and 1212 as well as the outstanding fire fighters and other rescue personnel who have taken their place as symbols of national courage.

America did not play the role of victim very long. Our troops are now in the field, defying the predictions of naysayers who predicted disaster in Afghanistan. That country need not be a quagmire, if your intention is not to conquer, but to surgically remove a cancer. The malignant tumors on humanity known as al Qaeda are being excised even now by our outstanding men and women in the field, and those of our brave allies.

We salute President George W. Bush. His handling of this crisis has been at once measured and decisive. His ability to bring this large and diverse nation together in common purpose has been remarkable. And, despite some grumbling by the usual suspects, he has shown leadership in the international community as well. There is an old saying in American politics that politics stops at the water’s edge, and that has never been truer.

But—and you knew this was coming—there is a lot of room between the water’s edges in North America. That space is where we live and go about our daily business of trying to make life better for ourselves, our families and our communities.

There’s another old political phrase—the loyal opposition. No party, no individual, and no faction has a monopoly on patriotism. Even in times of international crisis, life goes on; business must be conducted. In the six months since September 11, we have seen Enron become the poster child for corporate greed, read the President’s budget that slams working families, and watched the President swell the ranks of anti-labor people in key jobs in his administration. President Hill said it well in a speech late last year: Watch out for the right hook wrapped in the flag.

Later this year, citizens of the United States will go to the polls to elect Senators, members of Congress, state legislators, and countless local officials. Within their ranks will be some of our own members. We’ll have lots more to say on this subject between now and November 5, 2002. But remember this: your vote is your precious right. Your right to vote is part of what those brave soldiers are fighting for. Your freedoms, including the freedoms of speech and assembly, are what separate us from the raving, so-called religious fanatics of the world.

Stand up for America. Stand up for Canada. Wave the flag. Support the troops and our commander-in-chief. But don’t ever put aside your right to think for yourself, speak out about injustice or oppose the President when he’s wearing his political ten-gallon hat. That too is your patriotic duty.

Jeremiah J. O'Connor
International Secretary-Treasurer