Four Years Later: Reconciliation with Ken Franklin
Honestly, I was very reluctant to respond—as I always am for various reasons I shall not belabor.
His message was about the stomach-turning treasonous fear-mongering of our president and vice president—and the need to organize a powerful #VoteNO campaign.
After a few interrogatory text messages from me, he responded in a way that I could not refuse.
Instead of his usual refusal to participate in organizing efforts I am involved in, he indicated that would change immediately.
I am always open to working with coworkers in their organizing efforts. But for various reasons outside of my control, coworkers being involved with me often causes severe allergic reactions (smile).
I am comfortable with the skin I am in—and am not concerned about those who dislike my odd personality or looks. All I care about is that the members control the union and can collectively punish our stingy employer for their Contractual and Human Rights violations.
After listening to the brother talk to me last night, I found myself facing myself: Will I reject a sincere apology from others while hoping others accept my apology when I mess up?
That's right.
He offered an apology.
It's true!
Brother Ken apologized for throwing me under the bus in 2019 during our Contract Campaign—and his ongoing shunning of my organizing efforts since then. He apologized to me for letting down the membership and giving in to "the system" instead of following their will. He explained how he morally failed by giving in to pressure by Deborah Cosey-Lane, Mark Weems and Attorney Tanay.
I have NEVER heard the brother apologize to anyone for anything.
Not only did he apologize once, but he apologized twice.
Apologizing to me is beneficial to our relationship. My acceptance is beneficial for our relationship. No doubt: Both of our souls will fare better on the Day of Judgement.
However, he also needs to publicly apologize to the membership.
I will leave that up to him and The God to handle.
None of this means we are in total agreement on various acts he engaged in (especially regarding the strike authorization vote, the Second Chance Program, the Pandemic and the Midway Four).
Yet, apologizing is an important step in the Atonement Process. I have publicly called for this same thing regarding CTA mismanagement and with fellow union officials.
Notwithstanding Brother Ken taking this important step in the Atonement Process, I am still running for Local 308 president. I have seen too much corruption, been a victim of it and would be a fool if I did not run.
I want to see ATU Local 308 liberated from CTA control and be a part of the transition from a business "company" union into a Revolutionary, member-controlled organization of CTA workers.
I also don't want any union president blocking me—or any other steward and official who members trust—from helping members as per the Local 308 bylaws. This frustrating tactic is totally undemocratic and only helps CTA mismanagement control the workers.
So to take a chance with letting Brother Ken get another shot at president would be a huge mistake in my mind. After all I have experienced—in just one year on the Local 308 Executive Board—I trust no candidate or official. However, I do trust the members. They have stood by me, vouched for me and inspired me to fight for them alone.
So let it be clear: I am not backing out of this run for Local 308 president. In fact, I am enhancing it up by pledging to work with Brother Ken on the issues of union democracy and organizing militant collective action.
Should I win, I will gladly assist him—like I do for all members, stewards and officials—in helping members organize for what they want. I will back him and them unconditionally—unlike what they have done for me and others.
Four years later is better than never. I certainly am glad to begin the process of reconciliation with Brother Ken.
May the best man win!
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