President of CSEA (California School Employees Association) Chapter Resigns: Obama’s Hateful and Racist Philosophies Too Difficult to Bear
By Adrian Gillies on May 26, 2008 at 10:11 PM in Barack Obama, Labor, Media, Race, Race Card, Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., Unions, Workers, hate speech
To: CSEA Association President; Rob Feckner,
Executive Director; Bud Dougherty
Effective May 1, 2008, as matter of principle, I am resigning from CSEA as President of Chapter 645 and as a CSEA union member.
My reason for this principled decision is because I can’t support or work on behalf of a union that allows and condones bigotry and racist remarks by Keynote Speakers and does not publically and forcefully correct the error when brought to the Presidents’ attention.
On Tuesday April 29th, a paid CSEA keynote speaker by the name of Lee Mun Wah, gave a presentation to the assembled members of CSEA. Throughout Lee Mun Wah’s presentation of “multi-cultural diversity,” he repeatedly blamed European white males for the suffering of others.
In addition, I understand CSEA has not endorsed a presidential candidate, but permitted the Keynote Speaker, Lee Mun Wah, to use the CSEA platform to, by his words, endorse a presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama, defending hate speech by Senator Barak Obama’s spiritual mentor Reverend Wright, while denigrating the other two candidates.
I, sir, am a white male of Scottish heritage and personally had absolutely nothing to do with the imprisoning of Japanese American’s during WWII, or the death of Lee Mun Wah’s mother, or ANY of the racist examples he put forth. I will not be associated with an organization that permits the use of “white guilt,” calls me a bigot or ANY other form of racism and does nothing to address it.
I cannot stand by while a photo of the jet crashing into the World Trade Towers is used for marketing purposes in describing a “stereotypical” group of younger people. Among the many innocent lives to perish, I had friends die in that building that day, on 9/11/01. How dare CSEA use that tragic event, in the manner it did.
Nor can I condone, when a training “skit” is used to depict a registered Republican and a member of CSEA listening to the members of the audience laugh in condemnation, and so such disrespect. It saddens me that the CSEA leadership shows the same indifference, lack of respect and in-sensitivity for CSEA members,. that Lee Mun Wah showed. I expressed my views to CSEA leadership and was ignored. Your lack of response to my serious concerns is deplorable.
In closing, I held the belief that CSEA’s mission was about the workplace rights and well being of its union members. That belief has been damaged beyond repair because of your indifference to my real concerns, and I will make it my duty to alert media outlets that CSEA is more interested in multi-cultural racism and citizenship for illegal aliens, then the welfare of its own members.
I was and will be, deeply offended by Lee Mun Wah remarks and CSEA’s lack of response in repudiating them.
Respectfully,
Adrian Gillies
Uh, what does CSEA stand for? There are several possibilities. . .
California School Employees Association
Being a member of the CSEA. I have to say they have nothing but their own agenda. They have no concers for the members and they dont fight for our rights. They try , At all cost to give the districts what they want. I have watched this go on for 15 years now and NOBODY has done a darn thing to fix the corruption that goes on in these unions. I hope someone FINALLY does bring their downfalls to the public,media. Whatever it takes. If you are going to fight fot the small people. Get the hell out!!!
California School Employees Association
Sounds like Mr. Gilles was morally left with no other choice.
Ditto Bart’s question!
See my comment above. Also consult the title of the essay.
??????California School Employees Assoc.
I admire this man for doing what he did. We are not supposed to sink be association when it comes to Obama, but we can blanket a whole group for what happened a half century ago when most weren’t even alive. This country is becoming less and less Democratic each day. Political correctness is just another for of Communism in my book.
Hey don’t knock communism. It’s one thing if a government goes to such lengths; it’s quite another when it’s self imposed. Those living under communist rule kept their minds and their sense of humour (most of them). These people seem to be blissfully liberated from both.
Ditto. Has everyone got there head in there —-? Take off the blinders or put down the kool-aid and open your eyes and ears. Its a fine line between a communist state and a dictatorship.
I believe it’s California School Employees Association ,
Feckner re-elected as CSEA President
http://pub.csea.com/CseaHome/Default.aspx?tabid=607
Read the title to the post, the answer to your question is there.
A little off topic but somewhat along the same lines, I find it deplorable when people who normally call themselves anti-racists cannot bring themselves to denounce the wrongness of allowing the stereotype of white southern are racists to go unchecked. Yes there are some racists in the south, but there are racists every where, yet, these anti-racists cannot, just cannot acknowledged that generalizing the south as racists is a stereotype that should not be tolerated.
The irony of it is that on one hand multi-culturalism says we must except all culturals as human beings. No problem so far. The next part, in it’s current form, is to single out one group so all others can claim victim status.
No one should accept any kind of racism and each person is accountable for their own actions.
Minority and special interest groups are lining up to claim victim status, and they are dictating to the majority.
It is rare to witness someone standing up for reason these days, I applaud your efforts.
I also applaud your efforts. Lets get your message out to the masses.
Let us not forget Northern California was where Obama gave his famous they cling to speech. I love California, but a large portion of the Democrats in Northern California are off the deep end.
One word: Billador.
I lived in Northern California. San Francisco was where the talk was given. Close to the north but not quite. Not the rural areas that he was referring to. Let’s say you’re right and those Dems there are off the deep end. You get their votes by what? Insulting them? You don’t have to agree with their personal views. But addressing their economic concerns probably would go further than calling them bitter and clinging to their religion and guns. Telling them what you can do for them would probably help. Dissing them, not so much. In case you’re wondering I know where Yuba City and Marysville are. I’ve been there.
candymarl;
It was a gathering of Chapter Presidents from all over California held in LA.
You are correct when saying “Telling them what you can do for them would probably help. Dissing them, not so much”.
No - you’re wrong. The majority of Californians are moderates. We voted for Arnold, a moderate Republican for governor. It’s like New York where only in a few coastal cities is it ultra liberal (and drink Obama’s kool-aid) - the majority are actually very in the middle and that’s why Hillary carried the state by 8 percentage points. It’s the media’s stereotype of Californian liberals just like their stereotype of hillbilly rednecks in the South. We gotta stop these stereotypes if we are to move forward as a progressive, modern society.
We gotta stop these stereotypes if we are to move forward as a progressive, modern society.
Bingo!
This is more about the State wide leadership of a Union than it’s members, who are really decent honest hardworking people.
The folks that Senator Obama was talking to that weekend were not rank and file. Hardly.
Adrian:
I have the highest respect for your membership, and cherish the memories of organizing with your people in SLO Co.
You are clearly a decent man, but these days, decency looks like heroics.
Pacific John;
decency looks like heroics.
True, and it pisses me off.
That speaker exemplifies the kind of behavior Mr. Uniter inspires everywhere. Haven’t we seen this somewhere before? The current “I am a uniter not a divider” guy in the white house?
You know what we are looking at here? The other side of the nutball extremist coin. And if you notice, the “followers” are just as mean, do the dirty work, react like a mob and are generally dispicable.
Somebody wants to replace George Bush (R) with George Bush (D).
Perfect way to describe it Uppity! I so agree.
Somebody wants to replace George Bush (R) with George Bush (D).
Yes. It is time for a change.
I love California, but a large portion of the Democrats in Northern California are off the deep end.
They are racists, but racists that get away with their racism by pretending to be anti-racists.
All of them?…bull
Congrats to you, Adrian Gillies. It is a good thing to live by your ethical standards. Bravo!
The letter is written to CESA president Rob Feckner. Adrian Gillies resigned.
It is absolutely appalling, in all probability, Obama will be the Dem nominee. Are party leaders not concerned about this man?
Just saw the definition of CSEA in the title (duh) sorry for my thick head. Do you know where 645 is located? CSEA is a HUGE union in California representing all non-credentialed school employees. It will be interesting to see if this goes any place; CSEA has probably a pretty broad racial and cultural membership since it represents all the workers in a school setting who support what is happening in the classroom—bus drivers, food service, maintenance, secretaries et al. Mr. Gilles is now one of my heroes and I hope he reads these comments because I think what he has done is just remarkable and I am giving him a standing ovation right this minute. Please keep us posted on what happens to him and the stand he has taken.
Sonoma County
I applaud Mr. Gillies for standing up and doing the right thing! Bravo, sir, Bravo!!!
I second that!
Good to stand up for your principles, I agree, and good to have an income. You could consider turning this over to the EEOC and suing for a hostile work environment.
Sounds like a potential Discriminatory Practice under federal law.
http://www.eeoc.gov/
Hats off to you Mr. Gillies.
You write:
What on earth were they trying to do with the photo??
This is outrageous….
The session right after the Keynote Address was from a CSEA executive and made a presentation using stereotypes “the older person” , the “baby boomer’s” and “Genx”. The photo of the plane hitting the south tower was used to describe how to recruit “Genx” people. The person was using this to imply fear as a motivator. Right after listening to 90 minutes of “white guilt”.
It is a sad day when 9/11 is used in a marketing presentation for Union membership recruit. GW and his band of #in$%^ did this to go to war. I’ll be damned if I supported it’s use in this way as mere prop to make a point.
I am speechless….
Thank you Adrian.
To All; Thanks for the comments and feed back.
I had exchanges from a number of people after this Keynote Address from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, people from all over the State of California. The common response was a range of “how moving” to disgust. Mostly disbelief at being a captive audience for this event and disgust.
I made an effort to bring this to Rob Feckner attention over several days during the conference.
It impossible to condone and even harder to explain to my CSEA chapter members what it was like.
Unions serve an important function and I have witnessed many times during this campaign, where the rank and file are treated like pawns by the leadership. I will not be one, but look forward to a day when it’s only about getting help for the worker who fell of a roof, retaining health-care, better wages or even just the opportunity for an education.
Leadership has consequences, but without principles it is called something else.
Mr. Gillies I appreciate you informing us of these circumstances and any difficulties you may incure because you stood for principles as these are increasingly uncertain times economically and politically. I can only imagine how repugnant this was for you and your anger is justified as the corruptive manipulation of Unions is always barrell bottom politics paricularly when all unions are so vulnerable due to steady erosion by Govt. and Corporate interests. The manipulation of White Guilt is a standard tactic in the Cone Formula of Black Liberation Theology and it’s political application by Obama’s campaign. I like you, refuse to assume guilt beyond my personal responsibility and refuse to be ashamed of the History of my Cultural ancestors whether they be American or European. This is racism and using these Racial tactics in this national campaign is harming our country and our children. It is FASCISM. You sir are an honorable man and have served the public interst well with the publication of this story. I wish you luck and I will pray for your good fortune and in these trying times we all could use a little extra help. I admire you. Seek comfort in the simple fact that you are in great and formidable company of courageous opponents of tyranny that in this country stretch back to our Founding Fathers….Must be the Scot in you…Your ancestors would be proud.
” The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing….” Edmund Burke. Letter To William Smith
I love California, but a large portion of the Democrats in Northern California are off the deep end.
They are racists, but racists that get away with their racism by pretending to be anti-racists.
***********************************************
clinton all the way, are you smoking crack?
i live five minutes south of san francisco, we hate obama, you obviously dont know northern california…
only the city of san francisco and a couple of others here voted for obama, the rest went for hillary. but just like obamas generalization about pa., people generalize about the bay area…
we are just simple hard working bitter gun toting folks, who have been pushed out of the housing market, by rich liberal transplants from around the country to san francisco. which is i might add, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and i’ve been to a great many of them myself…
but again, san francisco is just a single city, and we are not racists.
i am native american and mexican, i’m surrounded by whites, reds, browns, and yellows…
really get it together please…
I know. Some very nice people live up north. Don’t worry. All of us Democrats don’t look at mere geography and judge people. I guarantee I’ve lived in more states and visited more countries than Obama has. I kinda like Americans being one my self. But that’s just me.
To paraphrase: I support America when she is right. I work to right her when she is wrong.
I was referring to the people who attended the meeting where Obama made his bittergate speech, maybe I could have been more specifice. My comment was to “a large part of them” It was not an absolute, and them is defined by the reader. So why not think again before you ask if someone is smoking crack. Or has the Obamatron vile rubbed off on you and that is the only way you now know how to talk to people?
Wow - if he could walk out as president of a racist-condoning environment so quickly, why did it take Barack 20 years? Oh wait - he’s still a part of that church, never mind…
And what is up with this feeling of victimization? Yes, there are racist whites, just like in every race. But gosh darn it, the majority of people were not slave owners nor do they actively work to keep Blacks or other ethnic groups down every day! In actuality, many work for equal rights for everyone every darn day of their lives - that is, Hillary Clinton. Yes, there is inequality, but instead of moaning and complaining - step up and do something about it like the Clintons do and have done for the past 30+ years of their lives. Complaining never got anyone anywhere.
Kinky Ogremann!!!!!
LOL!
And Donkey Brazziere!!!
I’m starting a list of great names!
arian,
was this your resignation?
i belong to the ‘INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MACHINIST’, or IAM,
we are airline employees, and our union supports hillary clinton.
i admire you brother adrian,
for those that have no idea, it is no small thing to hold office in a union, if you think hillarys campaign is rough, you should see a union election.
i have nothing but respect for you, and can only
imagine how this must hurt…
its crazy adrian, never seen anything like this in my years of voting.
its a war, and you have drawn a line in the sand, i respect you. hopefully your prepared to keep one eye looking out behind you, dirty tricks and all…
funny thing, you know you could use race and screw this loser if you wanted to, and you know what i mean…
but again, you are not that kinda guy…
so again sorry and my deepest respect…
Yes, It was my resignation letter.
I took Zero pleasure in standing on principle. I can’t think of a single person at the chapter level that I met that was not “good people”. Everyone at that level made an effort to NOT discuss presidential politics, as the conference was about training elected Chapter level people to do a better job. It was the State leadership that went down this road.
I tried to address it when it occured. I was “blown off” and left to wonder if the state leadership would not take the time to listen then, when would it?
Adrian and SKMF,
CSEA and SEIU have been in hot water for ignoring the rank and file.
The IAM members I met at Hillary events were very strong and upbeat vocal about what she can do for union workers and they didn’t and wouldn’t use the race card, the sex card or the patriotism card to make their point clear - IAM counting on Clinton.
As an AFSCME member, I am delighted with the fairness of their choice and the polling done for a year prior to their endorsement. Also they will not back down and are still full throttle for her.
The Teamsters got quid pro quo for oversight for their endorsement.
AFSCME knows beyond any doubt who is best for our labor force and for our country.
The CSEA keynote, if on video or transcript should be shown to the rank and file.
Union must speak out about disenfranchisement, therefore it is against their very nature to support ob and his feet dragging on Mi and Fl.
I would be outraged if my union allowed that kind of keynote. That he defended Wright and denigrated McCain and Hillary is cause for an uproar. I hope you have some support among your brothers and sisters.
Bravo to you for standing up for what is right against such hate speech and political railroading.
The filth that Mr. Gillies was exposed to is typical of what is found in many K** approved blogs and Big Orange itself.
The sad fact is, there’s a segment of American society that despises their country and its people - especially ones with white skins whom they see as the source of all evil in the world.
I remember very well known k** approved liberal blog owner in particular that hoped MS-13 would torture and kill white people and rejoiced when white girls were found murdered.
Yet these people call themselves enlightened and morally superior.
Though I can’t see the difference between them and the Aryan Nation or a Salafist.
Different sides of the same coin IMO.
And when their ilk like stone cold western hating racists like Mr.Wah opens his politically correct mouth, it gives conservatives just that more ammo to prove that unions are hotbeds of anti-Americanism and why we need to get rid of them.
Maybe this Chinese speaker would have been happier living under the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere ? Since we have seen how well non-white people treat each other.
There was nothing “politically correct” said by Lee Mun Wah–what he displayed, instead, was loathesome and disgusting racism by singling out, and denigrating the “whites”. Too bad he wasn’t booed off the podium (I wish people would start bringing–and throwing–rotten tomatoes to show their displeasure at those on stage, the way they used to: a messy but satisfying form of protest).
obama will NOT be the dem nom
Adrian:
Yeah. Lee Mun Wah. Professional speaker. StirFry Seminars.
http://www.stirfryseminars.com
All the sexist, cultist thugs of the Obama campaign should be sent to sensitivity training. They are all date rapists who hate women.
StirFry Seminars indeed. This person has given similar presentations to many departments of the US government and Fortune 500 companies.
He was the first Buddhist I’ve ever met that spoke in this way.
Adrian,
Buddhist is just Wah’s “Packaging Label”. That guy is DEFINITELY not a Buddahist - No Way - No How!
That may be so–and I don’t mean to fault Buddhism–but I’ve met some pretty creepy, self-absorbed, greedy, Type-A Buddhists in my time, both male and female, which stunned me! Also, isn’t this form of “belief” also inherently chauvinistic? Just asking.
My aunt lives near a Buddahist monastary in Mass. They do believe in sparation of the sexes, but I think that comes from cultural rather than religious beliefs. The whole point of Buddahism is to detach from earthly desires, so sex would seem to be among the strongest of those desires they would have to work hardest at to elminate within themselves.
The Buddhists I have taught and known are primarily of Asian origin.
I have not met any Buddahists who ever criticized anyone else. They are usually humble and self effacing. They truly believe that those of us who cling to our emtional desires have at least a few more lifetimes to cycle before we “get it”. Yet never, in over 20 years, have I met a preachy or condemnary Buddahist. And I have known Buddahist students who had horrible things happent to their family members - especailly during the “Cultural Revolution” and also after Tienemen (sp?) Square.
The American Buddahists near my aunt have not reached anywhere near the inner peace the Asians exhibit, and tend to be more brash. But still it is done humorously, not with criticsim or condemnation.
From their eye expressions, I have seen when a Buddahist is offeneded or put off by something, but I have never heard it expressed in a degrogatory fashion toward anyone. They are the epitome of courtesy and gentleness.
They are the epitome of courtesy and gentleness.
This has been my experience as well, so imagine my “surprise” to hear this from a Buddahist!
Transending race, for me, is about focusing on the “Human Condition”, which as member of a union was about the conditions the members “toil” in.
Anyone can claim to be whatever “religion” they want. Claiming to be something and actually living by your professed convictions are 2 different things. The perfect example is Obama. Without sounding judgemental, he does claim to be a Christian yet he listened to 20 years of hate retoric from his spiritual advisor. And we are suppose to believe he never got that vibe from Reverend Wright. Liar once shame on you liar twice shame on us. I would have at least a spec of respect for him if he would say something that even resembles some truth. Hillary all the way.
Adrian,
Your many comments show that you focus on the human condition. Your courage in this article is just so inspiring.
And I fully agree that transcending race is to focus on the human condition, no matter what color of the rainblow the skin color is.
I simply find Mr. Wah’s actions so unbuddahist - its almost comparable to a Catholic guzzling wine in Church and callng it “Holy Communion”.
Catholics don’t guzzle wine, they sip it–that’s a rather offensive statement, Nellie! I’m surprised you would make it.
Oh, and the annoying Buddhists I met have all been North American.
Raised a Catholic, myself, I prefer not to follow any group or doctrine. I’m more in line with Richard Dawkins, and prefer to live and let live.
We must stand up to the media, to the DNC and, too, say no to Sen. Obama and his racist strategy for bullying votes out of Democrats. It is abhorrent the strategy of rubbing raw the wounds of racism. Now Obama is trying to incite Latinos by repeating the false statistic that says hate crimes against Latinos are increasing ten-fold.
Obama seems to truly hate “whitey” and many other colors as well. He is a hateful man and is doing nothing for us, for a progressive agenda, or for the future of America.
Hillary is the strongest and best politician I have seen in my lifetime. Even with money, media and pollsters lying to get her out of the race — still she wins. She’s a for sure 8 year Democratic leader if only the DNC is not stupid enough to give the nomination to a dangerous and reckless candidate.
Ann-
I agree. It seems as though our country is being highjacked. Hillary is the best candidate by far. The DNC needs to do the right thing. I think they are to afraid of what will happen if Obama doesnt get the nomination. The DNC’s handleing over this entire process is embarrasing. They really think we will have a united party. But unlike the obamaniacs we will not be convinced just because the media says it is so. They have redefined the democratic party and ignorantly left out the major players. Go Hillary!!!
Adrain,
Your story is tremendously powerful and extremely well done. What an inspiring article to wake up to this morning.
As others have pointed out above, you could create some problems for CSEA leaders. At a minimum, having this written in various Union Journals just might give other members the courage to speak out, and stand up for their own personal convictions.
Your courage and principles are are turly soul stirring examples of what “Real Men” and “Real Leaders” are.
Thanks for sharing this.
That would be the only exceptions to the rule that MOST Asian Americans are solidly behind Hillary.
This guys MOM was killed or died while being interred??? I guess he has a reason to be mad but NOT to make a UNION into his own personal agenda platform.
That is wrong. He should be ashamed. I guess his MOM would have been the one to teach him how to be humble. No matter.
I’m glad the other guy stood up. It was his right and duty (I would say).
Obama is the most REGRESSIVE candidate we’ve had since Wallace was running.
Wow……this is major. Obama has triggered off backlash like nobody I’ve seen in my lifetime! The ripples are spreading out now.
Ripple of Hope
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
Robert F. Kennedy
Wow! What a perfect quote. Thanks for the reminder.
I would like to wish personal and heartfelt “Thank You” to Adrian Gillies. What a wonderful man..Doing what is right..
Wow! It going to be a great Day!
Thank you Mr Gillies.
It is inspiring to hear people such as yourself taking a stand.
Honor and principles are easily talked about. But how many of us have been in a public situation which forced them to act on behalf of those principles, such as you have?
Obviously, that can’t be answered with any accuracy.
Those who have….know that they could be the one suffering a whistleblower’s backlash. Rather than the people or organization that they are speaking out against.
Which makes it even more honorable you made your stand.
Thanks again.
I am going to frame the quote you posted from Robert F Kennedy.
Thanks for your kind words.
It fits perfectly.
I haven’t thought of that quote in several years, and it’s one of my favorites.
It literally gave me goosebumps when first hearing it.
You reminded me of the geniune intent of that speech.