I recall an old union saying that's timely this election year [View all]

[Pototan]

When I worked as a union business agent and assisted in unionizing drives, I liked to use this speech that contained a specific phrase that was quite effective.

It would go like this. A question would come from the workers who would ask, "what can you promise us if we join the union?" My answer would go something like this, "You will have a voice in the workplace. You will have an advocate who will speak in your behalf, rather than act alone. You will choose from among you a couple of fellow workers who will be part of the negotiating team. You will not pay any dues until you ratify the first contract, and that ratification vote is a secret ballot and only the workers at this facility get to vote. But most important, you will have a seat at the table. And let me leave you with this one last thought, if you don't have a seat at the table, you most assuredly will be on the menu."

Let me say to my African American friends, my Arab and Muslim American friends and other minorities who polls show are moving to Trump, albeit in a marginal manner. To those withholding their support for the Democratic nominee, let's make this clear. Joe Biden and the Democrats may not produce or support every one of your positions or issues, but you have a seat at the table. Biden and his administration will listen and balance your position against those of other members of our coalition. He will do the best he can to produce, even though the Republican and cultist opposition puts up a fierce resistance.

Should we lose this election, [and to be sure, you are part of the "we"] we all will be on the menu.