Winter 1999
Volume 106 - No.4
Winter 1999
Volume 106 - No.4
Communications
'Chatting Charlie'
Dear Editor,
I received my BLE Locomotive Engineers Newsletter for November 1999 today, and, since I try to view the BLE web-site on a daily basis, I was familiar with most of the material printed. The highlight, in my opinion, of this month's newsletter, was about Chatting Charlie. I just about fell out of my chair laughing at this depiction of Little and his puppet -like union.
For those of you that are perhaps too young to remember, I took it as a takeoff on the old "Howdy Doody" show from the 50's and 60's. Problem is though, " Howdy Doody" had more sense and direction than that puppet "Chatting Charlie" can ever hope to attain. But, lord oh mercy, it's amazing what five little cartoon frames can do to get a message across. Whoever did the work on this--good job.
Now, can someone please check into having these "Chatting Charlie" puppets manufactured, pull string and voice over included, for immediate sale. I think the response to it would be overwhelming, especially by the "puppet's" own people, as they are slowly learning the real truth. Remember Brothers and Sisters, it's one battle at a time concerning "Chatting Charlie's" self described war on the BLE.
Time Capsule
Dear Editor,
Today while looking through my grandfather's archives of BLE.material I came across a 1955 BLE Time Book. The first page said " With Compliments of the Oldest Rail Union in America..." Pages two through eight were titled "Facts About the BLE". I found it quite interesting.
After a brief explaination of our history it says "A Recitation of Eventful Dates in the Rail Labor Movement Could be Grouped in Historical Order around 12 Major Areas of Achievements in which the BLE has led." It lists 12 areas in which we have led and continue to lead. Point No. 11 says "Sponsorship of New Labor Organizations: Maintenance of Labor Movement Solidarity Without Relinquishing Exclusive Rights of One Craft."
To explain point No. 11 it says: "Helped Firemen In Its Struggle" the BLE also aided other employes to organize. For example, you may not know that the BLE on October 18, 1888 issued a check for $23,927 to Eugene V. Debs, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen "to assist that organization during financial difficulties." This was just 18 years before the word "Engineman" was added to that organization's original name, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Fireman.
I find it interesting that the UTU loves to quote Mr. Debs when we in fact bailed his organization out. How do you think he would really feel or say about what this renegade (UTU) union and their actions?
Insuring Public Safety
Dear Editor,
I write to advise you of the excellent work your members do in Colorado. Your BLE members have led most of the efforts to improve motorist, pedestrian and public safety along the rail corridors in our mountain state - for this, I am personally appreciative.
Likely, Locomotive Engineers George Last and Steve Patterson have related how their newly created Operation Lifesaver curriculum for fire/EMS literally saved one of my Littleton Fire Department crews May 17, 1998. None of us thought that the payoff of essential rail safety training for emergency crews would come so quickly.
George, Steve and other BLE members continue to work on global issues that affect Locomotive Engineers in the Rocky Mountain west:
All of these activities were initiated and facilitated by your BLE members. The BLE can be very proud of it's lead role in rail corridor safety in Colorado.
Please let me know what I can do as a state OL coordinator to build on and further enhance your members' many safety initiatives.
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2000 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers