Kerry and the Firefighters: Why?

[Tim_in_HK]

Can someone explain the connection between Kerry and the Firefighters Union? They show up in force for him, but I don't know why.

Thanks!

[kcr]

1. Lots of firefaters are vets

n/t

[ShaneGR]

2. Because the Firefighters Union endorsed him

And quite frankly, they turned out to be the smartest of all 100 AFL-CIO unions, up until now. Think about it, Andy Stern of SEIU is practically screwed because of what he did.

[Tim_in_HK]

3. Yeah, the endorsement . . .

Have to say, that seems to be one cohesive union!

I was just wondering if there was a connection beyond the endorsement (e.g., Kerry saved some kitties from a burning building, etc.).

Good for Kerry. That one has worked out for him in spades.

[FXDS]

4. On C-Span

On C-Span the other day there was a firefighter talking about how John Kerry was the only politician that came to ground zero without cameras or reporters. After 9/11 Bush took the big photo op and blew the bullhorn in the guy's ear (everyone remembers this right?) The firefighter also spoke about how they had gotten no help, not one dime from the Bush administration.

John Kerry went down to the ruble of the trade centers and helped out. Not a photo op!

Thats what the man said!

[sandnsea]

6. Worcester Fire

"Over 75 firefighters ran into what some have called "the perfect fire" and six of them never came out. One was Mr. Leary's first cousin, Jerry Lucey and another Lt. Tommy Spencer, was a childhood friend and high school classmate."

http://www.learyfirefightersfoundation.org/history.html

As I recall, he was half-way around the world when he heard, turned his plane around and went back. No press, no fanfare. He just does the right thing.

"Massachusetts' fire fighters have always been able to count on John Kerry. After the Worcester tragedy, he kept his promise to turn those lessons into real legislative action. He didn't just help heal our community-- he led the efforts to tell our story on a national level so that firefighters have the updated technology, equipment and resources they need to stay safe."

Bob McCarthy, President
Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts

He really is the Real Deal. The vets know it, the firefighters know it, Iowa farmers know it. I don't know what it'll take for people on DU to know it. Some day I guess.

[Straight Shooter]

7. And if Dean had done it, he would have been accused of grandstanding

Kerry was right to go there, absolutely. But who else showed up and hasn't gotten press about it?

I don't know what his position is on backing Hillary and Rangel about the allegations of the EPA cover-up over the air contamination following Sept 11. Something to check out. I'm guessing he's endorsing it.

[sandnsea]

8. So not the point

I'm not talking about 9/11. I'm talking about him actually working for legislative changes after the Worcester fire. Some more of that "nothing" Howard was talking about. Well, Howard cut funding to firefighters in Vermont, so I guess that's the only kind of doing he understands.

He's worked with these people his entire life. Consistently. He is always there. Always. For everybody. Gays, women, children, environmentalists, minorities, workers. Everybody. It's sick what people have done to him in this primary.

[liberalhistorian]

15. I agree, as a former Dean

supporter I look back now and wonder why I ever was for him in the first place. I've known all about Kerry for years, and am thrilled he's doing this well in the primaries. I think a Kerry/Clark ticket would be just what we need to get the First Squatter the hell out of the WH where he doesn't belong in the first place.

[blm]

14. There are definite problems for Dean and fire fighters. They don't like

him because as governor he held a grudge against the fire fighters union reps there and would NEVER meet with them even after 9-11.

Sorry, but holding petty grudges happens to be Bush's character flaw, too. The nation needs leaders who respect the sacrifices of others.

[Tim_in_HK]

9. I forgot about the Worcester fire

That truly was horrendous. Good on Kerry for the support at that time.

[WiseMen]

5. The FireFighters Union Endorsed Kerry Early and Stuck w Him Through the

hard times.

There was an early bond based on Kerry's long-time support for federal assistance to fire and police services "first responders" as a prosecutor and then as a senator.

Kerry book "The New War" emphasized what has now become touted as "Homeland Security" with an emphasis on more elegantly coordinated
emergency services, and he has pushed for a more high-tech and expanded "first responder" network.

But, beyond this, I think a strong bond grew between Kerry and the Fire-Fighters because as a Union they rallied to support Kerry when they were totally out-gunned by the big Unions supporting Dean and Gephardt.

Could say much more. Leave it to others.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

10. IAFF Endorsement of Senator John Kerry for President

Statement by Harold A. Schaitberger
General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters
Endorsement of Senator John Kerry for President
September 24, 2003

I am proud to announce that a few moments ago the IAFF Executive Board, the senior leadership of the fire fighters union, voted unanimously to endorse Senator John Kerry for President of the United States.

Next Monday, John and I will be together at a fire station in New Hampshire to formally kickoff the “Fire Fighters for Kerry Campaign,” accompanied by hundreds of professional fire fighters and their families from the Granite State and across New England. Then, we will move on to Iowa, South Carolina, Arizona, and other early primary states to join our members there on our road to electing John Kerry as our next President.

While America’s fire fighters have many reasons for supporting Senator Kerry’s candidacy, there are several that form the basis of our endorsement today. First and foremost, John Kerry represents the values that we, as fire fighters, embody and embrace. Just as fire fighters work on the front lines, under fire every day, so has John Kerry faced hostile fire as the gunboat he commanded fought its way up the Mekong Delta. Just as fire fighters have been hailed as heroes for their courage and their sacrifice, so has John Kerry been decorated as a war hero and recognized by his peers and his nation for his guts and his bravery.

Just as fire fighters are acknowledged as America’s domestic defenders, so has John Kerry proven his commitment to homeland security, backed by his extensive experience in defense issues and foreign affairs. Just as fire fighters protect the public from every conceivable emergency and disaster, so too has John Kerry protected the public for 30 years as a United States Senator, a hard-nosed prosecutor and a wartime Naval officer. John Kerry understands the true meaning of service and duty just as fire fighters do. We trust John Kerry because he is one of us. John Kerry can win and he will win.

That’s because America’s fire fighters, the 260,000 men and women of the IAFF, who live, work, and protect 80 percent of the nation’s population in thousands of communities will be helping him across all 50 states and throughout all 435 congressional districts in this country. The latest polls show that John Kerry can defeat George Bush and help put our country back on track at a time when our nation is at a crossroads and the Bush Administration has thrust our nation into the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. When we have watched a $5.6 trillion budget surplus evaporate into the highest federal deficits in history, after only two and a half years of Bush’s reign.

When 41 million Americans are without health insurance and many of them must call 911 and use our fire departments and costly hospital emergency rooms for basic medical care because they simply cannot afford a family Doctor. When the number of unemployed Americans has grown by 49 percent since Bush took office, and, when cash-starved state and local governments are being forced to layoff fire fighters and cut other essential municipal services to their citizens.

At a time like this we need someone with vision, integrity and experience to pull us out of this economic decline. And, the International Association of Fire Fighters knows that John Kerry has what it takes to do the job. He is a proven leader. He knows how to navigate Washington. He learned the hard way in Vietnam, in the courtroom, and in the halls of the U.S. Senate.

America’s fire fighters will be on the front lines of the Kerry campaign across this nation in the coming weeks and months just as we are on the front lines everyday to protect the safety of all Americans. And now John, let me give you the first “Fire Fighters for Kerry” T-shirt. I assure you that the public will be seeing a lot more of these gold and black shirts as this campaign moves forward to secure your nomination and ultimate victory on Election Day.

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/releases/pr_2003_0924.html

Yes, we have seen a lot of those shirts.

[Tweed]

11. Maybe because he put out Dean's fire so effectively?

They appreciate a job well done I guess.

[liberalhistorian]

16. Dean put his own fire out,

he did that to himself. He is nowhere near as electable against Shrub as Kerry, and I think Dems are finally starting to realize that.

[JI7]

12. he was always there for them

and now they are there for him. as denis leary said kerry showed up as the only one or one of the few to help them without any media being present. the firefighters were one of kerry's earliest and biggest supporters. there was no question on who to endorse with kerry in. it was an easy thing for them. that ice hockey game which was shown with kerry right before the new hampshire primary was something kerry had done a few times before. it was a charity event. nothing new for him or them in that.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

13. Bread and butter support by Kerry

being returned in kind by the unions.

[liberalhistorian]

17. Just like the man whom Kerry saved

in Vietnam, at the very real risk of his own life, living in Iowa and coming out to support him during the primaries. What goes around, comes around. Do for others, and it will be done for you, however long it may take. Screw and/or ignore others and you will eventually be screwed and/or ignored, no matter how long it may take.

[blm]

18. BINGO...and the Fire fighters can't wait to to get back at Bush

and the same with the veterans.

[DancingBear]

19. Thanks, everyone

I remember that Worcester fire, and I remember hearing (long after the fact) about what Kerry did. I was going to speak of that in this post, but you all did it much better than I.

Thanks.