Jesse Jackson: Republic Windows sit-in is the dawn of a "new movement"

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.chitowndailynews.org/Chicago_news/Jackson__Republic_Windows_sitin_is_the_dawn_of_a_new_movement,19612


The Rev. Jesse Jackson meets today with Republic Windows and Doors employee to try to help them settle their pay dispute. / Photo by Megan Cottrell

BY MEGAN COTTRELL
December 07, 2008 | 1:00 PM

Workers at Republic Windows and Doors crowded into the small company lobby to hear the Rev. Jesse Jackson speak in support of their sit-in, which began three days ago.

"These workers are to this struggle perhaps what Rosa Parks was to social justice 50 years ago," Jackson says. "This, in many ways, is the beginning of a larger movement for mass action to resist economic violence."

Jackson says he came to the factory to show his solidarity for the workers, who were laid off Friday as their company closed its doors. Company officials say they had to close because the Bank of America denied the company's request for $5 million credit.

Jackson accused the banks of hoarding the money given to them by the federal government as part of the federal bailout and not using to help American workers, like Republic's.

Bank of America received $25 billion in federal bailout cash, which Republic workers say obligates it to support the company.

"We're going to have a self induced depression because we are trying to change our economy from the top down," says Jackson. "It must be changed from the bottom up."

FULL story at link.

[skepticscott]

1. Or, more likely

Jesse saw a chance for a photo op and left skid marks getting there...

[JDPriestly]

3. The photo op is a way to help a good cause. I have nothing against

photo ops for good causes. At least Jesse Jackson is not advocating for violence and war. He is advocated that Bank of America spend the cash they have been given to stimulate the economy and create and maintain jobs in America.

[skepticscott]

5. I wouldn't have anything against it either

except that it seems like all Jesse does these days is wait around for opportunities like this to try to look relevant.

[steelworkers]

6. i must say i never cared for him

[Idealism]

2. Much as I think the guy is a scumbag opportunist

At least its for a good cause

[Peace Patriot]

4. Go, Jesse! What a great guy, always there for the people, with the ability to

articulate things clearly and get headlines, on issues the corpo/fascist press really doesn't want to cover. He said it so well--the best statement on it yet. BofA has an obligation to use the billions of dollars given to them by the AMERICAN PEOPLE to help the American people. And Jesse is so right that this is a "self-induced" depression. Totally manipulated by the rich for the rich. I heard BoA took the money and invested it in China. Anybody have a link on that? I've lost the thread it was in.