Kerry will NOT speak in Boston Monday, honors police picket line

[Bluebear]

John Kerry has cancelled plans to speak to the U.S. Conference of Mayors rather than cross a police officers' picket line. WBZ-TV 6 pm news.

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[cal04]

1. NY Times article

Kerry spokesman David Wade told reporters Saturday afternoon that Kerry would not give his scheduled Monday morning speech because of protests at the conference. Later, Wade said the campaign was monitoring the situation and still hadn't decided whether he would speak. ``He's never crossed picket lines in his time in public life,'' Wade said.

Boston police officers, pressing for a more generous contract, marched outside the Sheraton Boston Hotel Saturday morning where the mayors from across the country are holding their annual meeting.
The Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, which has a history of endorsing Republican presidential candidates, is seeking a raise of about 17 percent over four years. Boston's Democratic mayor Thomas Menino has offered 11.9 percent.

Two weeks ago, picketing city union workers caused a three-day delay of renovations to the FleetCenter for the Democratic National Convention, and protests are planned during the convention itself next month. In addition to picketing the hotel and other events during the mayors' meeting, the police union has rented a 68-foot yacht and plans to cruise past the waterfront library with a giant banner that reads: ``How Many Mayors Does it Take to Sign a Contract?''

The police union has been without a contract for two years.
Menino has said he wants to resolve the contracts but can't promise the police union money that the city doesn't have.

[Rose Siding]

11. They want a 17% raise and won't take nearly 12%?

That *seems* like a fair compromise. Are Boston PD hideously underpaid?

Two years isn't long to go without a raise these days. CA teachers were fortunate not to take a cut.

I hope they get the raise but I'm glad the mayor sounds fiscally responsible. I wonder if there are bennie issues.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

12. Another question might be, "How far behind was the Boston PD....

...AFTER their last raise?"

I'm surprised that anyone thinks that the police and fire departments are fairly paid ANYWHERE in the country. Firemen, police and teachers are the VERY LAST people we should be pounding on in America today.

If you want to blame somebody for putting every single state and municipality into the mess we find ourselves today, look no farther than the NeoCons who cut $1 billion in Federal funding from EVERY single state, then gave a tax cut to the wealthy, and THEN got us into the quagmire in Iraq based on a pack of lies.

And guess what? It's only going to get worse if the NeoCons are allowed to stay in Washington, DC.

[Rose Siding]

13. Absolutely- a great question

I meant to convey that when I asked: "Are Boston PD hideously underpaid?"

I've heard they usually endorse repubs and so suspect the possibility of a motive to mess with dem functions. That's some ugly irony to be supported by one party and turn around and stick them in a very noisy way.

[Tellurian]

2. Good...send them an essay and have someone else read it!

then take the day off, put your feet up and vege..

[Career Prole]

3. "He's never crossed picket lines in his time in public life,'' Wade said.

Excellent, and he's wise not to start.:)
JK...all the way!!
:kick:

[Bluebear]

4. Menino better settle this or Kerry may not speak at Democrat convention

Would THAT not make the news! REAL support for police, firefighters and EMT's instead of using their dead bodies in ads like Bush does?

[mom cat]

5. Good move John. It will be helpful if Boston's finest sees you as a

friend not a foe in July! Unlike Bush who likes to be photographed with uniforms while screwing them, Kerry is standing up for them where it really counts... the pocketbook. Good Job John..

[2Design]

6. showing support for unions instead of like Reagan

[Democat]

7. Good for John Kerry

Not let's get this issue with the police resolved soon.

[Myrina]

8. He should speak at a picketer's rally instead.

Across the street, or nearby, to show his support for the working stiff. Stand with them and make a statement, don't just ignore the opportunity.

[Rebellious Republican]

9. Wow what a thought, you should send it to Kerry's HQ!

That would really piss off Rove!:evilgrin:

[AlCzervik]

15. I agree and hopefully it will turn

the republican police union into a democratic one.

[cosmokramer]

10. Good for him!

This act wins big points in my book.

[davsand]

14. Kerry's stock just went up with me.

Good job, John Kerry! It is about time somebody stood with the people who work for a living in this country! Plus, our first responders have been raped by the chimp and his minions. They exploit them in the wake of tragedy then cut federal funding for them...

I don't cross picket lines, either. (Heck, if anything, I've been known to stop and walk the line with them if I can.) This ONE act makes me feel a LOT better about working for Kerry.


Laura

[DemoTex]

16. Solidarity, JFK! Thanks.

I just hope you respect other unions when you are the prez.