#OCCUPYTUCSON

Bryan L. Eichhorst Armory Park, Tucson, Arizona T - 520.850.7747 E - bryan.eichhorst@gmail.com

October 21, 2011 Bryan L. Eichhorst Dear Mr. Frank Mendoza and the Teamsters of Local Union Number 104, I write to you on behalf of myself and only myself. This letter is merely an attempt to rectify my own emotional outrage at what has become the new status-quo. It is also an expression of hope that the return of labors influence and the hopefulness they represent may once again bring our country prosperity and general sense of justice. Born twenty-one years ago and raised in a family filled with union members, I recall a number of visits to the picket line with coffee in hand. My visits and conversations with the brave individuals on strike was something to look forward to. The occasional solemn journey to witness the strength of united working people fighting for what they deserve became a joyous occasion and an early lesson in morality. Thirty-five days ago there were a small number of mostly college-aged protestors who attempted to gather on Wall Street in the name of ending the seeming endlessness of corporate power. Thanks to the intervention of the New York Police Department, they were denied entry to the financial district and instead descended upon a small private park near Ground Zero called Zucotti Park. The protestors have refused to leave; the quiet shouts of a few young people have now resonated into a chorus of thousands all over the globe. As I walked into Armory Park on the first day of Tucsons own rendition of the Occupy Movement just under a week ago, I was immediately reminded of the cold nights spent on the picket line supporting my father. Granted, the protestors message isnt quite as concise as a union picket lines. Their immediate power to influence change is questionable and the diverse set of voices involved sometimes seem to convolute the most basic emotion of anger towards inequality. These are issues we are all dealing with and pray to overcome soon. But are these not similar criticisms that the fight for collective bargaining has earned over the years? Have you not been criticized by the media for having too many demands and been ostracized by politicians for being burdensome to their own goals? Wasnt there a time when it seemed like a group of downtrodden and

hard working people gathering illegaly to demand a basic quality of life seemed completely futile? Hasnt the labor movement been constantly defined by their unity and acceptance of all hard working people regardless of background, religion, or political affiliation? I feel that the struggle we young people have dedicated ourselves to is, in its most basic form, the same that you have already lived through. Honestly, we are a bit lost and seem to constantly second guess our own power. What I ask of you is this: will you help us? Will you teach us? WIll you guide us? Will you join us? I realize that in this current political and economic crisis that the last thing a targeted group wants to do is join another cause. It is my hope that you look past the practical issues to participation and instead realize the potential benefit for all of us. We have numbers and we have attention. Any time you need support, solidarity, or simply another person shouting, dont think twice to ask. I will be there and my brothers and sisters in the fight will be there. My generation hopes that one day we may find some sense of accomplishment and earn the respect that you have gained for yourselves. The biggest fear I hold is that the nonsense laws injuring the hardest working and least paid will be passed. These bills written by corporate lobbying firms are filling every legislature across the country; if they are not halted soon, I may never have the opportunity to join a union of my own and earn the sense of accomplishment you have found yourselves. As we stand in solidarity with you, I humbly request that you do the same for us. The Occupy Movement is growing up quickly and learning countless lessons in this harsh reality quickly. The original Occupy Wall Street protesters maintained a fledgling status until they finally began to march alongside the unions; after marching with the transit workers, the airline pilots, the letter carriers, and the unionized employees of Sothebys, we suddenly had a sense of purpose. The New York movement found their sense of tradition, history, and a model by which to follow. The next day everything was different. March numbers grew exponentially, media coverage exploded, and the average citizen finally understood that this was something different while also being something familiar. We are fighting for the same things that you have always fought for. We are hoping for the same future that you hoped for. We need your help. Despite conservative jeering, media insults, and countless criminal charges, we are here at Armory Park. We will be here night and day until we are satisfied. Will you join us? Thank you for your years of service for the community, for being leaders and role models for myself and my peers, and for working so hard to guarantee a livable future for everyone. I eagerly await your response and hope for your appearance at the occupation. Union Pride! Sincerely yours, Bryan L. Eichhorst

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