BLOG Extra!!! The Joey and Bobby Show

This is the exchange that Brother Bob Neis and the Joe Hill LTD Project exchanged three days ago in the aftermath of Joe Hill #50. If you don't know what we are talking about read #50. Live in solidarity
Joe Hill

>From: Bob Neis
>To: Joe Hill
>Subject: response to your response to me
>Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2004 15:06:44 -0700

>Joe,
>You are right, I misread the sentence. And I don't know who you are as an individual, but as an activist for the 757 members at LTD, you are one of the hardest workers, most diligent researchers for your cause, that I know of. I didn't mean to hurt or rile you up by my "even for you" comment. I do apologize for the comment.

> >Now, about scabs. The term doesn't bother me. I think it is appropriate to use the term when people cross picket lines and perform the work of strikers. And like you, I wouldn't be surprised if Hamm & Pangborn ask admin. people to drive if we're out. And some will do it. And I'll right there trying to stop them.

> >Which brings me to my final thought. You said I don't know you. I say you don't know me very well either. I've been a union officer in the past. 10 years, actually. I stepped down when it was time to let others lead. I've been a proud union member since 1976 and will be one till I die, or retire, whichever comes last. Do you remember the 22 month battle with Phyliss? I was right at the table fighting her all the way. I was never prouder to be a union member. You say that not many drivers get to "hob nob". True. But I have my reasons for being bus stop asst. I can list them if you'd like, but not one of them is so I can hob nob. After almost 28 years of herding a bus around Eugene, I look forward to the days when an extra board driver gets O.T. while driving my work. > >You alluded to the fact that you didn't know if I would stand with my brothers and sisters during a strike. Was that supposed to hurt? I guess you don't know me either.

>In solidarity,
>Bob Neis
>driver

My Dear Brother Neis,

Yes you did rile me. I am sensitive and sometimes rash. It is the passion in me. You are right, I do not know you as well as I should and I prefer to not to make judgements. It was wrong of me to say hob nob or any other characterization of you.

I am aware of your valiant and loyal union work. I did know that you were an officer and leader of this union. I remember the 22 months but only as a green horn with a lot to learn from Brothers like you.

Thank you for your kind words. They mean more to me than you know. Also I want you to know that the four admin employees I named, I like them all. I was not impugning them and I feel I did more to impugn you than I did to them, and for this I am sorry. The Joe Hill LTD Project can be impulsive and mean - but it should never be so against a fellow unionist. I erred in your case.

In Solidarity and embarrassment,
Joe Hill