Dave Warren plays the martyr
Permalink +Thu, Jun 02, 2011, 6:45 pm // John Servais
Update June 3: A reader has provided the 4 minute audio of Dave's comments.
Dave Warren, the defacto leader of local unions regardless of his retired status, insulted the audience last night at the public meeting to hear opinions on the coal port. Jeers did not drown out his remarks during his allotted three minutes - contrary to John Stark's reporting in the Herad. The audience, who had been directly insulted, groaned and then moaned. A normal human reaction. Listen to the tape for yourself at minutes 123 to 127 of the audio posted on the city website. Leading up to his insult, Dave used words like "despicable" and "fracturing." He was not interrupted. He paused for effect. He asked for it. He got it.
Dave gave a lengthly whine about how unfair the audience and Re Sources was. Then he ended with this zinger at the audience: "Let me express my disappointment how quickly members of this community can so easily turn their backs on the unemployed, working families, and union members." Of course, the audience was mostly made up of working folks, with no doubt some unemployed, and even union members - who also expressed concerns about the project. Yes, they groaned. There were no jeers per Stark's skewed reporting.
This happened at the Municipal Court during a meeting called by Mayor Dan Pike to allow citizens to express opinions about the coal port. The room was packed and many people had to stand outside. Gateway Pacific has plans to build one of the largest coal loading ports in the world here in Whatcom County in order to export coal to China. Local residents in Bellingham and the rural county have serious environmental concerns. They expressed them last night.
In his comments, Warren accused Re Sources, and executive director Bob Ferris, of "despicable" behavior and of "fracturing" the relationship between local unions and local environmentalists. Sorry Dave, but I was at your February 17 meeting at the Norway Hall when your packed audience of union members booed, jeered, and interrupted Bob Ferris continually. They behaved like thugs. Anyone not supporting the coal port was treated with aggression and contempt. I learned that when I spoke out, and later told Warren he should control his members. He just smiled. Then later he came over to me and said we should meet. Sorry Dave, meeting with you is a waste of time. For years you have encouraged boorish behavior by your members.
Dave said last night he and the unions wanted a "respectful discussion" of the issues around the coal port. Well, that was not the case at the February meeting. There, Dave exhorted his union members to get behind this project. Period. No talk of discussion. Just rah-rah and damn any opposition. The meeting was an emotional rally for the coal port, and anyone opposed to the project had good reason to be fearful of a physical confrontation.
At that February meeting, Dave Warren was also insulting and showed contempt for anyone not supporting the coal port. He fractured any relationship that existed with enviros. He yelled that the unions "put boots on the ground for the Democrats" and expected their support, to the cheers and yelling of his union members. No discussion of issues. No expressions of "reasoned discussion" like he was pleading for last night for the benefit of the press.
Also at the February meeting, our mayor, Dan Pike, jumped up to announce that he "supports" the coal port project. He went on about what a good project this was. Dan said not a word about coal trains through Bellingham. Dan probably didn't really even know what he was supporting. He had a room full of union members and he wanted their votes. It was only days or weeks later that he got on to the issue of coal trains through Bellingham. Dan is now quiet about his early full support for the coal port.
Last night, Dave Warren was treated more politely than he and his union mob treated Bob Ferris at the February meeting. More politely than they treated anyone who questioned the coal port at the February meeting. Of course, there was no Herald reporter at the February meeting - and so Dave was not playing to the press.
Listen to the audio from last night for yourself. Unfortunately, the city is still using old technology and we cannot download the audio and then listen to portions on our computers. You have to listen for two hours to get to Dave Warren's rant. He wanted to insult the audience and get them to react. They did react and John Stark of the Herald gave Dave cover. Sad and deceptive reporting.
Related Links:
-> Audio at city website of the 3 hour and 15 minute public meeting-> 4 minute audio of just Dave Warren's comments - thanks to a reader
Comments (3)
To add a comment, click here to login or register.
Riley Sweeney // Fri, Jun 03, 2011, 8:08 am
Mark Lowry, the actual, not former president of the Northwest Labor Council had this to say in response:
“David Warren is my friend, and I know where his heart is at, but he doesn’t speak for Labor in Whatcom County, I do. I am meeting with representatives of the Sierra Club in my office on Tuesday in order to shore-up the strained Labor/Environmentalists alliance. We need to agree to disagree without vilifying each other. “It’s over” is probably accurate in terms of Labors’ relationship with Re-Sources, but not our commitment to those that advocate for the environment. It is simply too important. The radical right would love for us to declare war on each other, and that will not happen on my watch.”
“David Warren is my friend, and I know where his heart is at, but he doesn’t speak for Labor in Whatcom County, I do. I am meeting with representatives of the Sierra Club in my office on Tuesday in order to shore-up the strained Labor/Environmentalists alliance. We need to agree to disagree without vilifying each other. “It’s over” is probably accurate in terms of Labors’ relationship with Re-Sources, but not our commitment to those that advocate for the environment. It is simply too important. The radical right would love for us to declare war on each other, and that will not happen on my watch.”
Marian Beddill // Fri, Jun 03, 2011, 3:51 pm
The audio mp3 file can be downloaded - I just did so. Startt the player, then command “Save Page”.
Douglas Smith // Sun, Jun 05, 2011, 8:43 am
I have been pondering the “devide and conquer” aspects of giant monied interests i.e. Peabody coal, BNSF railroad and what they can do vis-a-vis progressives of both the environmental and labor movements. When progressive people should be uniting against the corporatocracy and differing priorities (each of which are legitimate in their own right) are used against us. This is a tough one.
It seems to me that organized labor (a good and necessary thing) and the commited environmental justice movement (also a good and necessary thing) have a common enemy that ought to be easily recognized. And that would be the forces that exploit both entities for one thing. Profits at the expence of democracy and the environment.
It seems to me that organized labor (a good and necessary thing) and the commited environmental justice movement (also a good and necessary thing) have a common enemy that ought to be easily recognized. And that would be the forces that exploit both entities for one thing. Profits at the expence of democracy and the environment.
Padden Trails is Chuckanut Ridge Lite
Wed, Feb 22, 2012, 12:04 am // Guest writer
Yet another neighborhood wants the Planning Department to protect public health, safety, and general welfare
3 comments; last on Feb 22, 2012
Congressional Candidates and Overstreet’s Town Hall
Sun, Feb 19, 2012, 4:37 pm // Riley Sweeney
Riley at The Political Junkie attends a forum of Congressional Candidates, and a town hall meeting in Lynden0 comments
Squalicum Mountain development gets favors from county
Sat, Feb 18, 2012, 2:03 pm // Guest writer
No EIS - no real county planning concern about developing Squalicum Mountain and degrading Lake Whatcom water even further.
0 comments
Chilling Effect on Comments Created by Council Chair
Fri, Feb 17, 2012, 6:54 pm // Wendy Harris
Attempts by the County Council Chairperson to move the open public comment period to the end of a Council meeting will reduce public input.0 comments
A Vision for Fairhaven
Thu, Feb 16, 2012, 2:38 pm // John Servais
The Fairhaven Neighborhood Plan gets its first open meeting tonight - where anyone can present their ideas for the future.
0 comments
This Is What Conflict Of Interest Looks Like
Wed, Feb 15, 2012, 11:38 am // Wendy Harris
Lesa Starkenburg, former County contract attorney for GMA appeal, demands recusal of Council members who oppose development proposal by her private client, Nor'West Gravel1 comments; last on Feb 15, 2012
The Big Business of Breast Cancer
Wed, Feb 08, 2012, 8:14 am // Guest writer
There’s no profit in searching for causes, and we know there's no real cure. But there's big money in the detection and treatment of breast cancer.
2 comments; last on Feb 11, 2012
An inexpensive way to save children’s lives
Tue, Feb 07, 2012, 1:41 pm // John Servais
Bellingham is slowly installing flashing yellow lights for school zones. This is far better than trapping drivers with speed zone cameras. But, no city revenue.
2 comments; last on Feb 09, 2012
UPDATE: City of Bham Moonlighting Issue - More Documents
Mon, Jan 30, 2012, 10:58 pm // Riley Sweeney
Riley updates us on the latest facts coming to light about City of Bellingham employee moonlighting2 comments; last on Feb 01, 2012
Compliance, Noncompliance and Invalidity in Whatcom County
Sun, Jan 29, 2012, 10:16 pm // Wendy Harris
The County's rural planning actions have not just failed to comply with the GMA...they have contradicted the goals of the GMA.3 comments; last on Feb 05, 2012
A Worm’s Eye View of our local WorkSource Center
Wed, Jan 25, 2012, 9:42 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley visits the local WorkSource center and interviews the regional director
0 comments
Watch out for basement flooding
Thu, Jan 19, 2012, 9:03 pm // Paul de Armond
Stormwater surge may back up sewers
5 comments; last on Jan 21, 2012
The Political Junkie interviews Kathy Kershner
Thu, Jan 19, 2012, 4:29 pm // Riley Sweeney
Riley discusses the Jail, Jack Louws, and an impartial council with our new Council Chair
1 comments; last on Jan 20, 2012
SOPA - A Step in Destroying Democracy
Thu, Jan 19, 2012, 12:17 am // John Servais
NWCitizen.com went black for Wednesday, Jan 18, 2012, as a protest against proposed legislation, SOPA and PIPA. Here is what was posted.1 comments; last on Jan 19, 2012
Why SOPA is so terrible
Tue, Jan 17, 2012, 6:28 pm // John Servais
On Wednesday, thousands of websites will go dark to show opposition to SOPA. I will be posting a single article explaining who SOPA is so bad.0 comments
Planning Commissioner Mocks Environmental Concern For Coal Terminal
Sat, Jan 14, 2012, 11:06 pm // Wendy Harris
Planning Commissioner Onkels should recuse himself from review of environmental impacts at GPT.3 comments; last on Feb 08, 2012
Jack Petree, Olympia, the Whatcom Council and Obama’s Inner Circle
Wed, Jan 11, 2012, 8:04 am // Riley Sweeney
Latest from the Political Junkie on a variety of subjects
7 comments; last on Jan 15, 2012
Commmunity Governance at its Best
Mon, Jan 09, 2012, 8:27 pm // Tip Johnson
We have a new mayor!
4 comments; last on Jan 10, 2012
Property Rights Protected Under Lake Whatcom Stormwater Proposal
Sun, Jan 08, 2012, 11:02 pm // Wendy Harris
The County's proposed stormwater regulations for Lake Whatcom will increase development without improving water quality2 comments; last on Jan 20, 2012
Riley Rouses Row Over Domestic Violence
Sun, Jan 08, 2012, 1:21 am // John Servais
Issue is County Council member Kathy Kershner and how our social service programs are funded.3 comments; last on Jan 08, 2012
Some thoughts on the Occupy Bellingham issue
Sun, Jan 01, 2012, 12:05 am // John Servais
A third note on Jan 1 about the Herald photos with links. And previous thoughts on the trivia around the militarized evictions.9 comments; last on Jan 10, 2012
Kelli Linville has taken oath as mayor
Fri, Dec 30, 2011, 2:07 pm // John Servais
Kelli assumes office of mayor at midnight Dec 316 comments; last on Jan 02, 2012
Bellingham Herald removes comments
Fri, Dec 30, 2011, 11:59 am // Wendy Harris
Decide for yourself if this blog comment, posted under my own name, should have been flagged and removed from the Bellingham Herald Online Edition.1 comments; last on Dec 30, 2011
Herald Permits Censorship of Pro-Occupy Bellingham Comments
Fri, Dec 30, 2011, 11:14 am // Wendy Harris
Anyone can "flag" a blog posting, resulting in immediate removal of your comment, regardless of merit. This is occuring for comments supporting OB.1 comments; last on Dec 30, 2011
City Exceeds Scope of Occupy Bellingham Eviction
Wed, Dec 28, 2011, 8:26 pm // Wendy Harris
The City infringed on the public’s right to peaceful assembly in a public park by enforcing an inappropriate public safety law2 comments; last on Dec 30, 2011
Dan Pike Issues Order to Evict Occupy Bellingham
Tue, Dec 27, 2011, 11:55 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley questions Pike's timing, and Occupy's choice of tactics2 comments; last on Dec 28, 2011
Updates from The Political Junkie
Tue, Dec 20, 2011, 2:19 pm // Riley Sweeney
Where Riley provides more info on the City of Bellingham employees moonlighting issue and Crawford's ethical troubles
0 comments
Dock Increases Risk of Invasive Species on Lake Whatcom
Sun, Dec 18, 2011, 8:43 pm // Wendy Harris
Relocation of a dock to Bloedel Donovan Park underscores failure to protect Lake Whatcom from invasive species0 comments
Sam Crawford Faces Ethical Concerns . . . AGAIN
Thu, Dec 15, 2011, 12:44 pm // Riley Sweeney
Local blogger Shane Roth files ethical complaint over Crawford's sweetheart deals
3 comments; last on Dec 16, 2011
Planning Commission Fails to Remove Cherry Point From Birch Bay Mitigation Plan
Wed, Dec 14, 2011, 7:05 am // Wendy Harris
Claiming it is unfair to treat large property owners different than small property owners, the Commission refuses to remove industrial areas from buffer mitigation proposal.0 comments
Rick Perry, Can We Talk?
Tue, Dec 13, 2011, 9:58 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley has a conversation with Rick Perry
2 comments; last on Dec 16, 2011
For Gift Ideas, Think Beyond Parker Brothers
Sat, Dec 10, 2011, 9:32 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley discusses his love of board games and some good gift ideas
2 comments; last on Dec 11, 2011
The Political Junkie needs your input
Thu, Dec 08, 2011, 12:47 pm // Riley Sweeney
Please take my reader's survey, I'm planning 2012
0 comments
Loophole Benefits SSA and Undermines Birch Bay Mitigation Proposal
Wed, Dec 07, 2011, 7:00 am // Wendy Harris
Tell the Planning Commission to eliminate this loophole2 comments; last on Dec 14, 2011
Washington United for Marriage: It’s Time!
Tue, Dec 06, 2011, 11:12 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley attends a public meeting on equality
0 comments
The Cole Train: Loads of BS
Sun, Dec 04, 2011, 4:53 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein the sooty prospect of economic necessity rears its ugly head
2 comments; last on Dec 04, 2011
Update on Cherry Point Buffer Mitigation Proposal
Fri, Dec 02, 2011, 1:08 pm // Wendy Harris
Planning Staff's recommended revision will not prevent SSA from reducing wetland buffers.0 comments
UPDATE: City’s response focused on favoritism, not lost revenue
Wed, Nov 30, 2011, 5:51 pm // Riley Sweeney
More on the city employee moonlighting issue0 comments
TPJ Exclusive: Little Documented Oversight for City Employee Moonlighting
Mon, Nov 28, 2011, 4:29 pm // Riley Sweeney
The Political Junkie breaks a story of employee moonlighting within city of Bellingham
7 comments; last on Nov 30, 2011
Deer me!
Sat, Nov 26, 2011, 3:30 pm // Tip Johnson
O.K. Who's in charge of all these ungulates?14 comments; last on Dec 01, 2011
County Proposal Includes New Cherry Point Buffer Mitigation Requirements
Tue, Nov 22, 2011, 9:29 pm // Wendy Harris
The County's new mitigation proposal is unlikely to be adequate for Cherry Point's industrial impacts to habitat buffers3 comments; last on Nov 24, 2011
New links
Colbert Super PacCurrent Interest
Bham Camera ScamColbert Super Pac
Local Blogs & News
Bellingham HeraldBham Politics & Economics
Bhm Herald Politics Blog
Bob Sanders
Cascadia Weekly
Citizen Ted
Ferndale Record
Foothills Gazette
Get Whatcom Planning
HamsterTalk
KGMI
Latte Republic
Lynden Tribune
MikeatthePort
Northern Light
Northwest Review
Sweeney Politics
Twilight Zoning
Wally Wonders
Western Front - WWU
Whatcom Watch
Local causes
Bham Camera ScamBham CofC political blog
Chuckanut Mountains
Citizens of Bellingham
City Club of Bham
Community Wise Bellingham
Conservation NW
Cordata & Meridian
Futurewise - Whatcom
Jail - local mega plans
Lake Whatcom
N. Cascades Audubon
N. Sound Conservancy
Neighborhood Schools Coalition
No Leaky Buckets
NW Holocaust Center
RE Sources
Transition Whatcom
WA Conservation Voters
Publisher recommended
Americans Elect 2012Bham Politics & Economics
Community Wise Bellingham
Guardian Unlimited
Paul Krugman - economics
Redistricting WA state
Sweeney Politics
Watts Up With That? - climate
WikiLeaks.ch
NwCitizen 1995 to 2008
Early Northwest CitizenWeather & Climate
Cliff Mass Weather BlogClimate Audit
NW Radar
Two day forecast
Watts Up With That? - climate
Cascadia
Crosscut SeattleJoel Connelly
Orcinus
Portland Indy Media
Seattle Indy Media
Washington Votes
Leisure
Adventures NWEdge of Sports
Entertainment NNW
Famous Internet Skiers
Sailing Anarchy
Worth checking out
Al-Jazeera onlineAlaska Dispatch
AlterNet.org
Americans Elect 2012
Antiwar.com
Arab News
Asia Times
Atlantic, The
Buzz Flash
Common Dreams
counterpunch
Daily Beast, The
Daily Kos
Daily Mirror
Drudge Report
FiveThirtyEight
Foreign Policy in Focus
Guardian Unlimited
Gulf News
Haaretz
Huffington Post
Innocence Project, The
Intrnational Herald Tribune
James Fallows
Jerusalem Post
Juan Cole
Le Diplo
Media Matters
Middle East Times
MoveOn.org
Nation, The
New American Century
News Trust
NMFA
numbers
Online Journal
Palestine Daily
Palestine News
Paul Krugman - economics
Personal bio info
Politico
Progressive Review
Project Vote Smart
Reuters
Sea Shepherd
Slate
Talking Points Memo
The Onion
Tom Paine.com
truthout
War and Piece
WikiLeaks.ch
ynetnews.com
Governments
Auditor election pageBellingham
Bham - PFD
Candidate Filings
Election Results
Redistricting WA state
Skagit County
The White House
WA State Access
WA State Elections
WA State Legislature
Whatcom Auditor
Whatcom County
Other - for whatever
Ban Red Light CamsBushFlash.com
Chickehhawks
Coal quandary
Doonesbury
George Bush
Info Clearing House
Mainstreampolitics
Michael Moore
Nat Geo on Coal Trains
Reality News
The Crisis Papers
Third World Traveler
Unity08
Washington Outsiders
Less active
Bellingham RegisterCarl Weimer
Eye on Whatcom
John Watts
Post-Oklahoman Confessions
The American Telegraph
Quiet, offline or dead
David HackworthGitmo prisoner 345
Mega Awesome
Not in my county
Parkenfarker
Pro-Whatcom