Help DKG Solidarity Group celebrate Valentine's Day! This story is part of a series of I ❤️ DK Guild posts written by Community members to show their support for the writing, activism, and site services work of DK Guild members. All of us together make Daily Kos the most vibrant progressive community on the net. Let's do everything we can to keep it that way!
Being born and raised in the Valley of Heart’s Delight (aka San Jose, CA), I grew up with Cesar Chavez as a local hero. My father, now retired, was a union plumber at UA Local #393. His father was a union painter, working for the state.
I learned early the benefits of organized labor as my father and grandfather were both able to provide a comfortable home for their families. And also the importance for consumers to stand in solidarity with workers. During the grape boycott, we did not buy grapes. When the grocery workers went on strike, we did not cross the picket line, “those are our friends and neighbors.” Consumers and workers, just like at this site, are all part of the same community.
By the time I joined the apprenticeship program in the mid-80s, unions were in decline. Reagan had vilified unions and the public bought in. I spent the following decades pushing back where I could. How could people not see CEOs getting wealthier while workers’ standard of living declined, and still not understand the need for workers to organize?
I had been visiting and reading Daily Kos for a few years, but it was during the Wisconsin Uprising I was inspired to create an account in 2011. Felt there was some subtle anti-union rhetoric in the comments that needed some pushback. Even in the Democratic Party, the idea that unions were no longer needed or as important was creeping in. I disagreed.
After joining Daily Kos I discovered an online community of like-minded people. My wife and 9-year-old daughter both created accounts. We met online and off with others from the site, both community members and staff. Some have become personal friends.
We appreciate the site kos founded, the home base for our activism. I also know the writers and other staff are passionate about the site. As a union contractor, I’ve had to deal with downturns in business; layoffs are never pleasant for either side. My hope is Daily Kos management continues to work with the Guild to find a path forward considering the wants and needs of all involved.
How to Support the Daily Kos Guild:
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Recommend this story—help it reach and stay on the Trending list.
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Leave a comment, even if it is just a word or two, to let them know you are an ally. Memes, gifs, union logos, photos, emojis, anything—say hello!
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Follow the DKG Solidarity group!
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Send a Kosmail to @DK Guild to let us know you’re with us
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Share a link to all stories posted within the DK Guild Solidarity group on all social media, and tag us @DailyKosGuild on Twitter and Instagram.
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Use these hashtags when possible: #DailyKosGuild #NegotiateWithDKG #Solidarity
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Follow @DailyKosGuild on Twitter and Instagram.
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Please also follow individual Daily Kos writers and Staff on Twitter and Instagram.
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Please sign the DK Guild petition: Tell Daily Kos to uphold its mission, values, and commitment to working people, and share the petition link with others
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Share this story with pro-union friends and family through texts, email, and personal conversation!!
Previous diaries from today’s “I ♥ DK Guild” series:
Daily Kos Guild Statement on voluntary buyout terms and process by Daily Kos Guild
I ❤️ DK Guild: This is community by Brandi Buchman
I ❤️ DK Guild: A German Gingerbread Heart in Solidarity With the Workers of Daily Kos by citisven
I work for Daily Kos: What we do is important, and it takes all of us by Adam Whitley
I ❤️ DK Guild: Look for the union label by belinda ridgewood
I ❤️ DK Guild. Really. by BeninSC
I ❤️ DK Guild: Support your local union by bubbanomics
I ❤️ DK Guild: The dignity of work by DrLori
I ❤️ DK Guild: One voice can easily be lost. Many together? Not so much by Jon Sitzman
I ❤️ DK Guild: My recent union story by samanthab
I ❤️ DK Guild: Here's a Valentine's Day message from a retired long-time News Media Guild member by Charles Jay