The reason for this shutdown is not to hurt this country in any way shape or form. But is in fact a peaceful method of sending a message to Washington, D.C. That we do indeed need help & our industry is the backbone of life in America as we know it.
The why of it covers issues that you & I as truckers, both O/Os & Co. drivers face on a daily basis. These problems range from excessivly long hours, separation from family, substandard pay, inadequate benefits, increased living costs and the failure of any one to address those issues.
"The government is going to have to realize we are doing everything we can. The government is going to have either put refiners online, negotiate some more with OPEC, or give us a tax break," Chris Rice explains.
Who's Responsible?
LIE: Bush promised to fund research on hydrogen-powered cars so that we will be "less dependent on foreign sources of energy" and "improve the environment."
FACT: The Bush administration has "been working quietly to ensure that the system used to produce hydrogen will be fossil fuel dependent – and as potential dirty – as the one that fuels today's SUV's." Up to 90% of all hydrogen will come from oil, nature gas and other fossil fuels. Bush also is paying for this program by stripping funding for programs that help automakers develop high-mileage cars and other energy conservation programs. (Daily Mis-Lead 04.28.04)
LIE: I'm a big proponent of clean coal technology to make sure we can use coal in a clean way. (2nd Debate)
FACT: In 2000, Bush promised he would increase jobs and spend $2BB over 10 years on clean coal technologies. Bush abandoned this pledge and his FY05 budget substantially cuts funds for basic coal research (30%) and the Clean Coal Power Initiative (70%). (The Herald Dispatch 10/3/00, Department of Energy Budget Request FY2002-2005).
The when of it, is when we as an industry send a Strong message to the otherwise FOOLS in Washington, D.C. that "enough is enough".
I and thousands of you have been telling people for years now, that a change needed to take place. I have received more than a thousand e-mails from truckers who wrote to let me know they are ready to go on strike now.
Well, here's your chance to Stand Up for Yourself & let The World know We will Stand Strong. "One for all and all for one".
I would like to go one step further and have everyone in the country strike. We are the strongest nation on earth, yet our infrastructure is failing.Our economy is terrible. Housing sector is depreciating. Unemployment is high. Banks want bailed out (with taxpayer money). Food, utilities, fuel all higher, still no-one does anything. I wonder how long it would take for industry and government to realize that the people are the greatest asset?
"The date for the shutdown is September 2nd, 11th and 12th .... nationwide, get the word out ... tell every driver you know and then some ... talk about it in the truck stops, yell it out on the radio ... e-mail everyone that has an e-mail address," the driver said.
"This strike is world wide now, not only are we striking but drivers from other countires are doing it as well, as we are all striking for the same reasons. We are already backed into a corner, and we have ran (sic) out of options," added Gator 714.
