A message to the two Al's
I have been a Local member for 14 years (L-36) here in our Nations Capital and over the years I have received letters from the International at election time. The letters seem to disseminate to the membership the same message; “Vote Democrat, and if you don’t the nations professional fire fighters are in great jeopardy.” Scare tactics are a consistent approach for the IAFF come election time. This seems to be the shared methodology of the Teamsters and Democratic Party. Unfortunately these tactics influence members. I believe I speak for a large number of brothers and sisters in that the heavily one-sided International is again trying to align its membership into believing that the Democratic nominee is the only candidate who supports professional fire fighters.
To suggest that Al Gore is the only nominee who supports fire fighter initiatives is misleading. Because Al Gore has publicly announced that he is committed to championing issues for fire fighters, should not automatically infer that the other candidates are against fire fighters. Has the IAFF asked the other candidates if they will support the health and safety of our Nations fire fighters? I can hardly imagine their response would be negative. The IAFF newsletter identifies Republican house members as signers of bills that promulgate fire fighter initiatives. We have a great number of Republican friends in the House and Senate, more than the IAFF would care to admit.
IAFF campaign pamphlets of the last election stated that,“ It’s more than just about gun control and abortion rights, its about issues that directly concern our professional fire fighters.” Though I whole-heartedly agree that issues concerning professional firefighters are important, they are not the only issues a fire fighter should ponder when selecting a candidate. Issues concerning money in our pocket, both during our career and into retirement are important. Issues concerning our children’s education are important. Issues concerning affordable and responsible health care are important. Issues concerning the right to protect our families from a criminal element are important. Issues concerning the security of our Nation are important. Issues concerning the morality of our nation as a whole are also important. These are all issues that have a great impact on our families.
Al Gore supports the current tax code and has expressed disfavor of a tax cut for the working man and woman. The current tax code is anti-business, anti-growth, anti-family, anti individual, anti-investment, anti-success, and basically, anti-American. Al Gore is against cutting capital gains taxes. How many fire fighters invest in the stock market/deferred comp? How many fire fighters have sold a house and walked away with equity, only to be consumed by capital gains taxes? The capital gains tax affects anyone who invests their hard earn money, contrary to the liberal /socialist who professes that the folks that advocate cutting capital gain taxes are fat cat corporate types. The capital gains tax effects people like you and me, (Firefighters). Class envy is another tool in which the Al Gore types use to promulgate their agenda. What better way to gain a following than to convince one class of people that another is disregarding them.
In closing, I will add that my defining issue come election time will also be integrity. Al Gore has demonstrated to the American people that he is willing to stand idle, while his cohort denigrates the office of the Presidency. (A president that was twice endorsed by the IAFF). His direct involvement in this administration’s scandals demonstrate his inability to possess worthy traits required to lead this country into the next millennium.
I petition my brothers and sisters that come election time you vote smart. Don’t be fooled by a partisan union. Research the truth and decide which candidate will benefit you, the fire fighter, and your family. God Bless!
Fraternally yours, (but independent thinker)
Gregory Turnell
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