Putting Our House -- and Senate -- In Order

Kennedy praises AFSCME members for "Leading the Fight" to elect legislators friendly to working families.

Senator Edward Kennedy brought Convention delegates to their feet repeatedly as he reminded them of the need for AFSCME members to work hard to elect politicians friendly to America's working families.

"If we don't take back the House and Senate, every working family in America is at risk," Kennedy told a cheering crowd of delegates, guests and their families.

In his Tuesday morning address, Kennedy saluted AFSCME for its leadership in bringing working-class issues into the November elections.

"AFSCME [has] taken the issues to the towns and cities of this country," said the Democratic senior senator from Massachusetts.

Labor's friend. Pres. Gerald W. McEntee introduced Kennedy, saying, "In his 34-year Senate career, he has always fought the good fight. He proposed national health care 25 years ago. He has always reminded us that the first priority of this country must be a commitment to economic and social justice."

More recently, right-wing extremists have attacked workers' health and safety, education, job training, the 40-hour week and pension protections. "[The right-wingers] want $120 billion in tax breaks for the rich and a tax increase for working families with kids," Kennedy said. "What have they got against children? ... It's wrong and we're not going to let them do it."