To live in a world where peace abounds, is as Shakespeare so aptly put it, "a consummation devoutly to be wished". How truly wonderful it would be if we labour leaders, associations, doctors, nurses, dock workers, teachers, working people, in fact, all of us, would really espouse the concept of peace, instead of merely giving it lip service.
Those of us who care what happens in our world to all our brothers and sisters, can identify with their pain, their loss, and their longing for a chance to live in peace with their neighbours. Peace should always be a right, not a privilege. Our children have a right to live in a world where bombs will not maim or kill them. They have a right to be free to live in a secure place where explosions and carnage will not end their lives. In fact, we all have that right.
The ILWU Longshore Division's decision to shut down the Western U.S. ports is a highly courageous one, and one to be lauded, as it is in aid of stopping the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is a proud union that has such caring for others! You are all to be congratulated, and we stand in support of your actions.
May your Mayday actions be successful, and may they take root in people's hearts, especially in the cause for peace.
In Solidarity,
Ilka I. De Diego,
President of CUPE 1230 (Canadian Union of Public Employees) (University Of Toronto Library Workers)