Please take a time-out from DEAN, DSM and other important issues to "sign" the solidarity message, below, to the six Iraqi trade unionists who risked life and limb to come to the US for a two-week
tour. One of them has fallen ill and is currently hospitalized. They could all use a show of support from us. They're not going to be in the US for long, so do it now.
PLEASE add your name to the solidarity message below by recommending this diary. And, by all means, post a personal message in the comments section. It will all be put onto CDs for presentation to the Iraqi union leaders to take back home and share with their members.
Many of us post things here in D/Kos that go by the wayside. You can be assured that your show of support here will be read and appreciated by the Iraqis.
More...
BACKGROUND INFO
As if bombing and invading their country and killing tens of thousands of civilians weren't enough, the US occupation of Iraq has been a nightmare for Iraqi workers. US Labor Against the War (USLAW), which organized the Iraqi unions' June 10-16 US tour, documents shocking details about the effects of war and occupation on Iraqi workers:
· skyrocketing prices for food and fuel;
· 50-70 percent unemployment;
· wages driven down to as little as $35 a month;
· shifts as long as 11-13 hours;
· elimination or reduction of food rations;
· electricity, healthcare, clean water and basic services in short supply;
· hazardous security putting Iraqi lives at even greater risk;
· an outbreak of labor strikes met with fierce resistance by occupation forces;
· kidnapping and murder of labor officials by insurgents.
And that's just the tip of the cluster bomb. If you haven't already, check out this previous diary for more information.
The bottom line is, WE OWE THEM BIG TIME. So, everybody, please, join in this small demonstration of solidarity by adding your name to the "recommend" list and posting personal messages of support in the comments section. This diary, including the solidary message, the "recommend" list and your comments will all be put on CDs, sent to USLAW, and given to each of the six IraqI trade unionists before they leave the US. Not much time left. Do it now. Thank you.
MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY TO IRAQI TRADE UNIONS
Words are insufficient to completely express our deep appreciation and sheer awe of your courage under fire. That you have survived at all after decades of intimidation and suppression by Saddam Hussein is in itself a miracle. That you now somehow manage to persevere in the face of challenges from both the military/industrial occupation and the insurgents is nothing short of phenomenal.
Americans will never fully comprehend what you and all the people of your country have gone through, but we can say this with absolute certainty. WE OWE YOU. We owe you our support, we owe you reparations, we owe you for taking a stand in the face of an unconscionable aggression that Americans, much to our dismay and discredit, did not prevent.
There's a slogan in our labor movement that's been around almost as long as the movement itself: "An injury to one is an injury to all." Be assured that we--union and non-union alike--heed those words and stand with you in solidarity in your fight for justice and democracy.
/s/Members of the Daily Kos (list attached)
June 12, 2005, Washington, DC: At the Plymouth Congregational Church, Reverend Hagler (2nd from right) gave a passionate, rousing welcome to the Iraqi delegates, calling for a united anti-war movement and further solidarity building projects like this tour. As he concluded his speech, all six of the delegates rushed to the stage, embraced the Reverend warmly and grabbed his hands in solidarity and raised them as the crowd roared and rose to its feet. It was a beautiful, moving moment.
Update [2005-6-18 15:31:7 by Juno]: Thanks to Savage on Fri Jun 17th, 2005 at 17:06:03 PDT
Unfortunately, we've received some bad news. Abed Sekhi was hospitalized this morning in Baltimore with what the doctors believed was a brain aneurism. After a day of tests, however, they determined that it was not and are now "cautiously optimistic" that he will be fine. They would like to hold him for up to a week.
Adnan Rashed is determined to continue with the tour. They both came to the US with the intention of building solidarity with workers and activists here and they plan to do that. Traven and Adnan will be in New York for tomorrow's events, and will continue on schedule without Abed. USLAW organizers in DC and Baltimore are ensuring that Abed is not alone and there are a few Arabic speaking doctors and staff at the hospital who are assisting. USLAW also has travel medical insurance for all delegates. It is highly unlikely that Abed will rejoin the delegation.
If you can, please send messages of support to him. Call the University of Maryland Medical Center at 410-328-6971 for his room number and address. I know he and Adnan have greatly appreciated the hospitality and solidarity they've felt since they arrived, and we've been honored to meet these courageous, warm, and dedicated trade unionists.
Abed Sekhi is a founding member of the IFTU. Please send your good thoughts and wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Brother Sekhi today.
Thank you, Savage. I called last night. He was in the Intensive Care Unit. The staff member that answered the phone said he's doing OK, but obviously could not say much more than that. He took my message, wishing Abed Sekhi a speedy recovery.
Abed Sekhi in this photo, fourth from right:
Landing in Washington, DC: From left to right Traven Leyshon (USLAW Escort), Falah Alwan (FWCUI), Amjad Ali Aljawhary (FWCUI), Faleh Abbood Umara (GUOE), Gene Bruskin (USLAW Co-Convenor), Adman al Saffar (IFTU), Abed Sekhi (IFTU), Hassan Juma'a Awad Al Asade (GUOE), Rami El-Amine (Interpreter), and Thomas Bacon (USLAW Tour Coordinator)
FYI: I posted a similar diary yesterday, but it only asked for D/Kos members to post comments of support. Few did; perhaps they didn't have time. So, if you are pressed for time or can't think of something to convey personally, that's fine, just add your name to the solidarity statement by recommending this diary. To those of you who posted comments yesterday, thank you VERY much. Your comments will be included on the CDs.