Post-Election Food for Thought

The 2024 General Election is over. The companion article on page 5 is my statement following its outcome. I respect the many differing views held by our members and that every member undoubtedly voted for what they believed was in their best interests. What follows are some election observations and thoughts on the challenging road ahead under a new presidential administration:

• There is no sugarcoating that, buffeted by the high cost of living, corporate price gouging, the failure of either political party to address the fundamental needs of workers, and the success of divide-and-conquer tactics, millions of working people voted for a convicted felon and corrupt billionaire who opposes any minimum wage, union rights, women’s rights, a clean environment, public postal services, and who uses bigotry to divide us.
• Don’t take my word of the danger ahead. John Kelly, Trump’s longest serving chief of staff, recently said that Trump is a fascist and would govern as a dictator. Kelly, a retired Marine Corps General, was particularly concerned about Trump’s declarations regarding “the enemy within,” and Trump’s threats to unleash the U.S. military on his domestic political opponents.
• Project 2025, produced by the right-wing Heritage Foundation and drafted with the participation of 140 former Trump staffers, is the blueprint for a new Trump administration. It is loaded with attacks on veterans, workers, women, unions, children, and democratic rights.
• In a tight race where 10 million fewer people voted than in the 2020 presidential election, the low turnout is an indication that millions of voters are frustrated and disillusioned with the two main political parties.
• In Missouri, pro-worker ballot initiatives for paid sick leave, higher minimum wages, and defense of women’s reproductive rights overwhelmingly passed. Yet the very same working-class voters elected politicians who vehemently oppose every one of these issues. It is clearly the common issues that unite us, not party labels.
• In politically conservative Nebraska, factory worker and union leader Dan Osborn ran for Senate, exposing that Congress is “made up of millionaires doing the bidding of billionaires.” He fell just short of a major upset, but the voters reacted enthusiastically to an independent choice. We need more such campaigns in the future.
• Endless funds of the super wealthy and corporations have far too much influence in our elections. Yet, until now, billionaires like anti-worker, anti-union Elon Musk did not get directly involved on the campaign trail. They are now laughing all the way to the bank as the 10 richest individuals gained $64 billion in financial gains in the election aftermath; Musk alone gaining $26 billion.
• With no working-class based party in the U.S., we are faced with the lesser of two evils. Without a political home, we are lost in the political desert, thirsty and hungry. It is natural to seek the safe haven of an oasis. Oases are often a mirage, as this new administration will undoubtedly prove itself to be. We need to build an independent party that is controlled by, and accountable to, working people not Wall Street.

The reality is that, whichever way this election came out, the working class and union movement have much work ahead to gain our fair share of the fruits of the wealth we create and to truly win justice for all.

Through Democratic and Republican administrations, our struggle always continues. But with a Trump White House and control over the legislative and judicial branches of government, and his proclamations to rule as a dictator from “day one,” the seas ahead will be rocky and stormy. We cannot stick our heads in the sand just hoping the storm will blow over and all will be well. Every attack on the rights of workers, unions, veterans, children, democratic rights, and our planet should call forth powerful resistance of solidarity and unity around our common interests. See you on the front lines! ■