I researched all the groups on this list.These are the ones I found interesting. I found out that N.E.A which is the National Education Association. it is the nation's largest employee association who try to advance causes for public education. Their mission is that they believe everyone deserves an education. There is 3 million members. The issues that are at hand today are preventing bullying, school safety, funding, and N.C.L.B No Child Left Behind. The next was A.F.T American Federation of Teachers which is professional teachers champions fairness, democracy, economic opportunity, healthcare and public services for students, families, and our communities.I agree with these groups and their issues. S.E.I.U is largest union for healthcare, public service and is the most diverse with 56% of members are women. There is also 40% of African American.
I saved the one I was interested in for this: The International Brotherhood of Teamsters. There are 1.4 million members who work in freight and airline industry. I did extensive research on this group. The issues they are facing includes: Retirement, Transportation, Labor, Anti-Trust and Workplace, trade, Environment and super fund. I learned they were started in 1903 from two leading drivers associations. Jimmy Hoffa, was president from 1958-1971 when he resigned. From early on Hoffa was involved with organized crime. He was imprisoned and sentenced to 13 years in 1967. At one time during Hoffa's leadership the union was largest with 1.5 million members. the way he did business may not of always been legal, but he accomplished things. Hoffa disappeared in July 1975 and was declared legally dead in 1982. The mob was involved, but due to body no one was ever charged with Hoffa's death. He ruffled someone feathers indeed.
I feel if they want the power it is there. The work has to be done and a lot of debating to reach the goals they are reaching for. Some times it isn't enough and sometimes it is to much. Who can really say for sure?
I posted on Mona Manwill, Stacey Clark, and Taylor Wilson
That is interesting that Hoffa was involved in an interest group. You would think he would be too busy or not care about the interest of others. That is definetly shocking to me. These are very large interest groups you researched and all i believe are for a good cause. Yes i agree if the group wants power they need to earn it and work hard for it.
ReplyDeleteYes I have always found Hoffa interesting especially the disappearance and the mafia/criminal associates that was involved.
DeleteRobert DeVaney
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, who can really decide if there is too much power there or not. I do believe that if they want to the power than it is there. I mean after petitioning and the power of population they can easily persuade anybody. That is the same thing I said in my blog. Sometimes I believe it is too much and sometimes too little.
the nea sounds great!! i like the no child left behind and the bullying issues alot. i dont think anything is more important than our children and their education and opportunities
ReplyDeleteYour post goes to show that many interest groups are looking out for people. Sure there are some that are corrupt and are only trying to help themselves, but groups like the National Education Association are doing good work for the public. I researched the International Brotherhood of Teamsters too and I found it interesting that Jimmy Hoffa was involved with them. On the final thought, it is really hard to determine when any line is crossed and how much power they should or shouldn't have.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the power distribution of an interest group really depends on how much they involve themselves in the public agenda. The less they seem to be in the limelight, the less political power they seem to have. I thought it was very interesting the information you gave about Jimmy Hoffa. I'd never heard of the interest group before this chapter, let alone about the president and his infamous history, but it is interesting to hear more the personal aspects and history of an interest group. I think that the actual group has a lot to offer from what you explained about them in regards to the issues they focus on, and it made me want to do more research on the group.
ReplyDeleteHey Donna! I'm really interested in your paragraph about Jimmy Hoffa. I've heard a little bit about him myself but never really took interest until now. I’d really like to get more speculation on who may have been responsible for Hoffa’s death because, since he was such a significant member of the IBT, he seemed to have had an impact that someone did not like. If the government had something to do with his death or is covering up something about it many people would like to know and from the sounds of it that could be a possibility.
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