Where from here?

Many thanks to both Gregg Shotwell and Richard Myers for these comments. Mr. Shotwell has provided his razor sharp perceptions and consummately democratic leadership to SOS throughout this difficult struggle, and Mr. Myers has long shown himself to be an able spokesperson for the interests and rights of working people.

Conducting a post mortem after a losing struggle can be an excruciatingly painful experience, and perhaps more time must pass before those who gave so much of themselves for so long are fully ready to examine what was done, and what was not, what went well, and what did not. But there is nothing more important at this point, (or at some point), than extracting every measure of value from this struggle as we can, by making every effort to understand what happened. Nothing is as valuable as triumph and success, but defeat also can have great value if the lessons it offers are taken from it. 20/20 hindsight does not help win the battle already lost, but understanding whatever mistakes might have been made, or opportunities that might have been foregone, as well as remembering what produced the most success, can prepare us for the battles yet ahead. And make no mistake. Mr. Myers capably points us the way here. A mere battle is lost, but the long War continues. Let's learn what we can from our experience in this one battle, and use what we learn to defeat a powerful and able foe in the next, and the next, until Victory is ours in this War.

Like Mr. Myers, I am an 'outsider' here. I am not an autoworker. (I am a carpenter). But I have been here listening, and occasionally offering some thoughts, since this SOS discussion forum was first formed. The crucial importance of this struggle was always apparent to me. It has been very frustrating for me to watch from the perspective of some distance, and to wonder why certain things weren't being done, when it seemed so apparent that they were sorely needed.

It was always clear to me, from the very outset, that this was a losing battle, and even as I have watched in admiration as brave warriors have fought this battle with no regard for the impossibly long odds, I have hoped that a consciousness would develop among those who fought that the task at hand was to make this losing battle a part of a winning strategy in the wider War. I have many thoughts that I would like to share in that vein, but I am going to hold my tongue for now. The wounds of battle are yet fresh, and those who have fought so hard and so courageously need their own time to recover. The bitter pangs of defeat will pass. The resolute will of brave warriors will always rise again. As long as breath is drawn, the bitter taste of defeat will never be accepted by those who feel their ancestors watching them, and see their children counting on them. The Spirit of free women and free men cannot be kept down. As long as brave hearts are still beating, courageous Spirit will overcome defeat and fight on. 

Where from here? Let's gather each other from discouragement. Let's continue to feel the power in our connectedness. Let's lend our strength when we are strong, and accept strength from our sisters and brothers when we are not. Let's pull each other up from discouragement, and regard this question with serious resolve. Where from here? A mere battle is lost. The War goes on.

Zwarich