Unions and War

So what does the politics of the Iraqi War and a Faculty Labor Union at a state run University have to do with each other? Obviously a lot at the University of Rhode Island. I have obtained the following letter sent out by Frank Annunziato, URI/AAUP (American Assosicaton of University Professors) Executive Director:

From: Frank Annunziato, URI/AAUP Executive Director [mailto:fraaaup@etal.uri.edu]
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005 1:23 PM
To: fraaaup@etal.uri.edu
Subject: Iraq War Resolution Vote...Reminder

Dear Colleague,

Just a reminder that you will have until 4:30 PM, Wednesday, December 21, 2005 to vote on the following resolution:

The URI/AAUP calls for the "speedy withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and the resources being spent on the war in Iraq be redirected to improve the lives of working men, women, and their families."

The URI/AAUP Executive Committee has voted in favor of this resolution and urges all our colleagues to vote "Yes."

The Executive Committee felt that the time has come for the URI/AAUP membership to take a stand on this war in order to convince our Congressional leadership to be more bold in demanding to bring our troops home. The resolution also calls for a reordering of our economic priorities from bullets and oil to education, health care, housing, rebuilding New Orleans, etc.

Only URI/AAUP national members may vote on this resolution. The Executive Committee felt that the AAUP does not have the authority to conduct a referendum among the entire faculty. That authority belongs to the Faculty Senate. However, the URI/AAUP can authorize a referendum among our membership.

To vote on this resolution, you must appear in person to the AAUP offices, 302 Roosevelt Hall. Nancy Murphy will have a ballot for you. After you vote "yes" or "no" you will place your ballot in a secure ballot box. We guarantee a secret ballot.


IF YOU ARE NOT A NATIONAL MEMBER AND WANT TO VOTE IN THIS REFERENDUM, YOU MAY JOIN THE AAUP AT ANY TIME, INCLUDING WHEN YOU COME TO OUR OFFICES TO VOTE.

The URI/AAUP Executive Committee hopes that all of you will show up to vote, regardless of how you may personally feel on this issue of national and international significance.


Dr. Frank R. Annunziato
Executive Director
University of Rhode Island Chapter
American Association of University Professors
302 Roosevelt Hall
Kingston, RI 02881-0819
(401) 874-2534

The arrogance that permeates from this letter is unbelievable. No balance. Just an assumption that everyone else shares your same disregard for an entire population to have the opportunity to live in freedom. Or to fight terrorists in a foreign land rather than our streets in our cities.

I guess liberals can't wait to jump on the latest insanity bandwagon that's circling Washington at any particular moment.

Now a question on the legality of the vote. I am still conducting research in this area and I am not a lawyer; but isn't it curious that state computers and state time can be utilized for such activities? Activites that, too many citizens, weakens our national resolve to win a war. A war that the majority of this country wants won.

These instances need to be exposed for all to see. So here it is.