While our previous posts in this Is It November Yet series have been decidedly non-partisan, we’re about to get all kinds of partisan up in here. You know where the back button is and I suggest you use it now unless you’re willing to read and respectfully reply.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is endorsing Barack Obama for President. While we do not let FireDad’s union dictate our lives, I can’t say that I disagree with their support. That said, if they were backing McCain, well, let’s just say we’re happy that they’re not backing McCain. It would be impossible to do so when you begin to look at the issues that are pertinent to professional firefighters..
McCain is not working family friendly. Moreover, he is not fire family friendly. Perhaps you are not a fire family. Perhaps you don’t know any other fire families. But they’re out there. Contrary to what I wish, fire fighters are not rich. Despite saving your families and putting their lives in danger on a regular basis, the pay isn’t outstanding, outlandish or really all that great. But these men and women do what they do because it is a passion and they believe in what they do.
And when it comes down to it, only one candidate has a 100% record on the core IAFF issues. And it’s not John McCain. Barack Obama co-sponsored and voted for collective bargaining. McCain, of course, voted against the IAFF’s collective bargaining bill in 2001 and neglected to show up to even vote in 2008. Apparently we either don’t matter or don’t even register with McCain on his Important Things list.
Obama’s plan protects our employer-paid health care. McCain wants to make employer-provided health care benefits part of taxable income. You know, since we’re already making so much money in the fire service!
Obama opposes mandatory social security coverage and actually fought to protect the pension and retirement benefits of Illinois firefighters. I want someone protecting our pension. I really, really do. If mandatory coverage was approved for Social Security, firefighters’ pay would be reduced by over 6% in taxes, thus reducing pensions, benefits or pay. Really? You want to pay us less and put our pensions and benefits at risk? While these men and women are out there, putting their butts on the line for you? That’s what you think our family deserves, McCain? Maybe they just won’t respond when you dial 911. Oh wait. Yes they will. Because that’s what firefighters do. They respond where needed, no matter the pay.
There are other things, from Obama supporting firefighters (and other public employees) overtime pay to how jobs are handled. You can read about all of the issues here at Fire Fighters for Obama.
I know that not all of my readers are fire families. You’ve got your own families to worry about in this difficult time. You’re making your decision on who to vote for based on your own personal needs, wants and issues. You are weighing your own pros and cons. And I am proud of those of you who are taking the time to compare and contrast not only the Presidential candidates in this election but the important local issues on your November ballots. But, perhaps, if you could consider not just my family but those of the professional firefighters in and around your areas. Those of you who are serviced by paid departments, I ask one question: do you really want to risk less funding if it is your house that is on fire?
A note from a recent union flyer:
How you vote is a personal decision. The AFL-CIO has carefully researched both candidates and believes Barack Obama is the best choice for working families. Whatever your decision, get out and vote.
The FireFamily also supports this statement. Research. Decide. And get out to vote!
Every Tuesday through November 4, 2008, we will be discussing something political here on Stop, Drop & Blog. Our weekly series is entitled “Is It November Yet” because, well, we’re excited for change, ready for the number of posts in our Google Reader to go down and overwhelmed with the wealth of information to search through. I have no clue what we’ll be talking about next week. Hopefully it isn’t about any drama-llama replies to this post.
9 Responses to “Is It November Yet: Fire Issues”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
I’m going to go post a link on my blog to yours because you put it very eloquently.
But when people are thinking of how it affects them, don’t forget that in many of our regions they aren’t just fire. Do you want less paramedics showing up when your family is ill? How about that car wreck that just happened because of the drunk driver?
If they can not support their family then many will have to quite the service which is heartbreaking. It’s a true passion and one we can not afford to lose or lives are at stake.
Vals last blog post..Why women MUST vote!
Interesting post. I don’t know you personally but I know we read one another’s blogs. From my impression by reading I would have put you in a certain category based on how things are in my part of the country. I would have pegged you as voting the other way. It makes me realize that there are soooooo many issues out there that each candidate represents. Certain ones are important to different people. I am not in a fire family so that is not an issue that was on my radar. Thanks for sharing.
Christy@pipandsqueaks last blog post..Dentist
[...] to do more research on many topics for and against both sides as I do like to know my facts. But Stop, Drop and Blog put together an incredible post that really sums up some major key factors on how this election can [...]
As a professional firefighter, who lurks on your blog (I am birth mom), I have to respectfully disagree with your position. I don’t completely agree with all of McCain’s beliefs but I have to say that he would make a much better leader, especially for firefighters because first and foremost, he has served as a public servant by serving in the military. He has actually risked his life for Americans and has been on death’s door, something that firefighters do on a daily basis. Obama has never put his life on the line for another, especially as a career. I trust someone who has ‘been there, done that’ to lead this nation over someone who has not.
John McCain has ALWAYS been PROUD OF HIS COUNTRY. John McCain is a man of honor, sense of duty, integrity and courage, with a streak of independence…..much like many firefighters in this country. He believes in many of the things that we as firefighters believe in and the way most of us conduct our daily lives.
On 9/11 we were attacked by terrorists that took the lives of many, many emergency workers. How can you say that a man who launched his political career in the home of an unrepentant domestic terrorist should be trusted with commanding the most powerful military force on the face of the earth ??? How can firefighters who have been personally touched by terrorism vote for someone who has been tied to someone who is an admitted domestic terrorist? That should be enough to scare the hell out of any firefighter.
Obama’s support of federal legislation for collective bargaining.
I have nothing against collective bargaining, but I think it is an issue for local and state governments and their citizens to decide. Many public entities are supported by tax levies approved by the voters……….Local voters not by those on a federal level.
McCain also vote for FireACT and Safer grants, both grants provide funds for equipment and manpower for fire departments. That looks like support to the fire service to me.
Besides, when has the IAFF ever supported someone other than a democrat?
Twitter: firemom
says:
@Kelli Mills: I was going to debate each of your points but I don’t find it necessary to hit on all of them. My posts stands well enough on its own as does your comment. We’re obviously two very different women when it comes down to this election.
Instead: the IAFF has endorsed Republican congress men and women. It’s not my fault if those that choose to run for President have a history of voting one way or the other.
Twitter: firemom
says:
@Christy@pipandsqueak: I smiled. Thank you for your comment. There are some who think like me around these parts but, yes, we seem to be in a minority. Alas, I still have hope.
Twitter: firemom
says:
@Val: That’s a good point. I sometimes forget to include paramedics in fire talk because our medic company is privatized. All the same, these issues are important. Thanks for the link as well!
McCain is also not very teacher-friendly either.
I love this series and this post was SO informative for me.
Chrystals last blog post..World Famous Class
[...] Last week got too serious for some readers so we’ll back off from the actual issues this week to talk about kids and the electoral process. Every year since he’s been alive, BigBrother has accompanied me to the polls. To be fair, last year, whilst greatly pregnant with LittleBrother, it wasn’t a purposeful decision to take him along. It was a scheduling conflict. Such is life. [...]