I hope you will pass this on--Arch Conservative Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys (and a rumored challenger for Governor in '06) is ticked off at the OKC Firefighters Union for having the temerity to oppose one of his loyalists. In an April 21, 2003 Daily Oklahoman article, Humphreys is whining because the OKC Firefighters Union under the leadership of President Mike Anderson, financially supported opponents of Ward 8 Councilman Guy Liebmann.
"Liebmann and Mayor Kirk Humphreys are now questioning the firefighters union's influence over other council members--especially when fire and police unions have yet to agree to freeze wages while other city departments sustain 11 percent budget cuts. Liebmann and Humphreys both accuse the firefighters of increasing political contributions to control council members and get their way in contract negotiations."
Well, gee, guys, let me see if I understand you--when you take millions from your corporations and their pampered executives, it's okay, but if the working man and woman tries to exert some influence over the political process, it's suddenly a crime?
In fact, Liebmann happily took money from the Firefighters in 1995 to the tune of $1,000--and took another $1,000 in 1998 for his mayoral bid. "The relationship cooled, Anderson said, after Liebmann voted against extending paid leave to an injured firefighter recuperating from injuries he suffered fighting a fire."
Nice, Guy.
In a letter to Liebmann, he asked for the money back:
Dear Mr. Liebmann,
Since you have raised the issue of political contributions made by the International Association of fire fighters and questioned the influence we have over council members...it seems you have taken the stand that our money is somewhat dirty because it comes from unions. As the representative of the men and women of the IAFF I respectfully request that you return the $2,000 that was contributed to your political campaigns in 1995 and 1998. As it appears taking our money was wrong I am sure it would be better for you to return the money. But instead of returning the money to the men and women of the OKC Firefighters Association, we respectfully request that you donate our $2,000 to the "First Tee of the Metropolitan Oklahoma City Foundation Fund" in the name of Councilwoman Willa Johnson's deceased son.
I don't think Liebmann has returned the money, folks.
Anderson accuses Liebmann of being "typical of politicians who want to take their pictures with firefighters but who oppose us when the cameras are off."
I'll second that--we call them heroes, but we pay them like chumps. And when they "step out of line" and demand what they deserve, they are slapped down hard.
The article goes on with Liebmann and Humphreys "asking union members to question Anderson and his approach to city hall. "If I were a dues-paying member of the union, I'd be asking the leadership 'What are you getting us for our money?'"
This is a veiled threat--Humphrey wants Anderson's membership to throw him out of office as president of the union--to be beggars to their own demise.
Humphreys, much the same as the neocons running the federal government, cannot tolerate dissent. Mike Anderson is a leader who has gone to the mat for his firefighters. He has also given much support to Democrat candidates--including yours truly-- in efforts to support the little guy. He is under fire now, and even if you do not live in OKC, Mike and his firefighters could use your support.
Call City Hall (405-297-2424) and tell your Councilperson that you support the firefighters, and will be watching how the firefighters are treated. Write a letter to the editor of the Oklahoman and express your support (Editor, P.O. Box 25125 OKC, OK 73125). If you live outside of OKC, you can still show your support by forwarding this email to anyone you know who lives in OKC.
Fellow Democrats, we have to stand up for one another when these kinds of heavy-handed tactics are used. When they hit one of us, they hit all of us. Our union brothers and sisters are our staunch allies in our fight for a fair and just America.
