Here’s a “from the field” account of the first day tour activities, by Mike Mitchell:
“Rally down St. Louis, Mo. Went close to 300 hundred people there, seven buses. A list of great speakers: President Leo Garrard, Senator Clair McCaskill, Rev. Jessie Jackson, the Mayor among others.
The crowd was very responsive to the speakers, and lots of petitions [were] signed. We served hot dogs, pop and water and got lots of media coverage: news papers and TV. There were Steelworkers , UAW, CBTU and SEIU [members] present at the Rally.”
And here’s how Rachel Bennett Steury saw it, riding on Bus #3, as she put it: “the place to be”!
“Hey, I wanted to send an update on our first day out on the tour. It had its kinks but we worked through them all together. Bus 3 has an awesome group of activists working to make these events successful. USW SOAR brother Mongo has been diligently talking with the crowds at each event to get folks to sign our “Made in America” petition. He hands out buttons to those who sign the petition, so needless to say, he has a 1,000 to 0 winning streak. Brian, our UAW Local 2335 brother on the bus has been helping with banner set up, petitions, and will be speaking about his job and layoff at the events tomorrow. Cheryl: my sister, my friend helps with banners and signs and anything else that needs a woman of steel’s touch. Tony, being the media coordinator, not only works the phone, but also works the mic and speaker, so that our speakers can be heard loud and clear. Rob, our multi-media producer on the bus also helps out in any way he can, hauling boxes from McBride Hall to handing out t-shirts all while writing and taking pictures for the website. And last but not least Benny, our driver who is cautious but diligent in getting us to our locations on time. What a great crew!
Our Merrillville IN event drew about 200 Steelworker activists and several speakers including USW Executive Vice President Tom Conway, District 7 Director Jim Robinson, US Steel’s Public Policy Manager and Senator Lonnie Randolph. There were also elected officials who joined the rally at the last minute so they could wish Bus #3 well as we started our adventure down I-65. Chants of “BUY IT HERE…BUILD IT HERE…BUY IT HERE…BUID IT HERE” could be heard far and wide. Blanca, and Steve, and Becky helped lead the crowd in synchrony.
South Bend had a warm welcome for Bus 3. UAW Local 5 greeted us with a cookout and fellowship. Micky Mick, Corry and the gang really cooked it up, and sent us on our way with snacks for the long road ahead. There were several people from the South Bend labor movement that attended and spoke, including the North Central Labor Council President Bob Warnock and Jobs with Justice Coordinator Joe Carbonne. Jim Robinson made it clear that he cared about autoworkers, and steelworkers and tire builders and paper workers and those are the folks he rallies for. A professor from the Notre Dame Higgins Labor Research Center laid out the raw facts of Wall Street Bailouts and Main Street recovery.
There are several folks that have helped thus far to help us with logistical emergencies that I’d like to recognize. Rubino’s Music, Sound and lighting in Merrillville opened their doors an hour early to provide us with a last-minute microphone adaptor. Dan from the Mishawaka Guitar Center successfully searched long and hard for a microphone and cable that were both made in the USA. Sara from the Volcano Italian Restaurant in South Bend eased our day with tons of garlic bread and a smile. Many thanks to those who help those who help.”
Thanks, Rachel and Mike! What a busy and inspiring day! We’ll bring you field accounts of Day Two of the Keep It Made In America Tour, soon. Stay tuned.
