>Having seen the obituaries of Kirkland in both the NY Times
>and the Wall Street Journal, why do I get the impression that
>he was much more enthusiastic about organizing Polish workers
>than he was over organizing American ones?
>
>Having presided over the decline of the AFL-CIO into virtual
>irrelevance, it is perhaps not surprising that the leading media
>spokespersons for big capital are mourning his passing.
Ain't that the truth. Though I like the WSJ's response to that - that since Sweeney hasn't stemmed the decline of organized labor either, it's probably inevitable. Latest to weigh in, that great friend of labor at 1600.
Doug
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Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 09:18 -0400 From: The White House <Publications-Admin at Pub.Pub.WhiteHouse.Gov> Subject: 1999-08-14 Statement by the President on the Death of Lane Kirkland URL: http://www.pub.whitehouse.gov/uri-res/I2R?urn:pdi://oma.eop.gov.us/199 9/8/16/2.text.1
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary ___________________________________________________________________________ ForImmediate Release August 14, 1999
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Lane Kirkland, one of the towering figures in the American labor movement. For nearly five decades, he was a guiding force for workplace fairness, dignity, and innovation, and a catalyst for international democracy.
Lane led the AFL-CIO during 15 of the most challenging years in labor's history. With skill, determination, and unparalleled intellect, he reunited the major unions and reaffirmed labor's place at the table of American democracy. With his unflagging support of free trade unionism internationally, especially in Poland, he helped hasten the fall of the Iron Curtain while showing America that it is possible to stand up to communism abroad while standing up for working men and women here at home. From his days as a merchant marine during World War II to his work on the Board of Directors of the Institute of Peace, he was always ready and willing to serve his country. I valued his friendship, strong support, and keen advice. He was a great American, and he will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Irena, and his family in this time of mourning.
30-30-30