UMWA’s Roberts lights up convention

CECIL ROBERTS, THE International President of the United Mine Workers of America, energized the convention with a passionate address that quoted Bible passages and castigated the rich and powerful who demand cutbacks in social programs while giving up nothing themselves.

“When you hear Republicans say (but Democrats say it sometimes, too) everything’s on the table, I want you to know, that’s a lie. The millionaire’s money is not on the table. The billionaire’s money is not on the table. The CEO’s salary is not on the table. GE, the largest corporation in the world, paid zero taxes to the federal government.

“I’ll tell you what infuriates me. I have a 92-year-old mother – her Social Security’s on the table; her Medicare’s on the table. Who’s going to stand up and speak up for my mother?

“Where are the principles of the Democratic Party [who should be saying], Wait a minute! Cecil Roberts’ 92-year-old mother is just as important as that CEO who’s running GE!”

Roberts offered high praise for the Boilermakers’ International leadership. “Today I stand here proudly with your president,” he said. “You have some of the best leadership in the labor movement. These people are visionaries along with your president, President Jones. These people are the blood of your blood, the flesh of your flesh, and the soul of your soul. They have shown the way for all of us.”