Newly sworn-in IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean made the following statement today in response to the unfolding chaos in Washington:
“January 6, 2021 will be written about, discussed, dissected, and debated for as long as this republic exists. The events that unfolded in our hallowed Capitol were recorded and broadcast to every corner of the globe. The guardrails of our democracy held, and our democracy survived. People were arrested, injured, and five tragically lost their lives in an effort that was at worst an armed attempt to overthrow our government, and at best a radical effort to disrupt our centuries-old tradition of the peaceful transition of power.
“As a military veteran, I have served my country. As a proud IBEW member, I have served my community. And as the Business Manager of IBEW Local 1245, I serve the membership of this great local. In times like these, I look to the Declaration at the beginning of the IBEW Constitution:
Our cause is the cause of human justice, human rights, human security. We refuse, and will always refuse, to condone or tolerate dictatorship or oppression of any kind. We will find and expel from our midst any who might attempt to destroy, by subversion, all that we stand for. This Brotherhood will continue to oppose communism, Nazism or any other subversive “ism.” We will support our God, our Nations, our Union.
“We, the brothers and sisters of IBEW, have provided the muscle, sweat, and occasionally the blood that built this nation. We have put our lives on the line stringing the wires and laying the pipes that have revolutionized the American way of life. We have bettered the living conditions of our fellow Americans through our hard work. But it will take a different kind of hard work to show this nation how to heal.
“We will do that by showing how people of all colors, creeds, religions, and political affiliations can not only coexist, but thrive. Since 1891, we have built an organization that allows each and every one of us to prosper. We have remained united because of our diversity and despite our differences. And we have proved that when the men and women of this nation unite, great things are possible. We will proudly display our unity as an example for our children, our neighbors, and our communities.
“As one of the nation’s most powerful trade unions, a heavy responsibility rests on our shoulders. As the largest, and arguably most powerful Local within IBEW, we are in the spotlight now more than ever. I believe our membership will shine in that light and lead by example, showing the best that this great nation has to offer.”
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