Sunday, March 1, 2015

Live long and prosper

I could not let the passing of Leonard Nimoy go without saying a few words.
I grew up with Star Trek.
Spock was my favorite character.
Half Vulcan, half Human, logical and emotional, the two sides often pulling at each other, but ultimately, living within him in a restless harmony.
I think at times many of us can see this in ourselves.
He had a philosophy to deal with these internal struggles, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."
How many throughout history have lived and died by this principle, perhaps without ever knowing why, other than that to them it was right.
How many have sacrificed when they knew others needed that sacrifice, placed the needs of the many before their individual needs or wishes.

I was having a discussion with some nurses about our proposals on wages, unveiled just the other night as we start negotiations.
Many questions came up about specific situations, specific people's concerns.
I understand their concerns, but no one proposal is equally fair to each and every member.
The overriding principle must be the needs of the many.

The labor movement must remember this principle.
Members of a local, locals of a union, and unions within the movement, we all must remember this principle.
There is no room for placing one's own interests above the interests of the movement.
None.
The needs of the many must outweigh the needs of the few.
Live long and prosper Spock.

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