lets set a date

[4x4]

Ok here is what we need to do
1. Set up the date 90 days from now, So we set it for 25th of August , thats 1 week prior to labor day.
2. We start talking about it now, we get the word out if something is not done by this date we shut the country Down, we talk to every politician , every media outlet, every trucker driver, every Company, every Union, every organization this is whats going to happen...
3. The day of the shutdown we gather masses of people in different rally points across the country Big trucks stops fields along highways we park the Trucks, the vehicles.. we get the medias Attention this way.
4 Instead of Blocking traffic we have Vehicles do the 15 Mph under the speed limit that the law requires on all major Highways. we have vehicles go side by side and create a major traffic jam across the country, now we are not breaking the Sherman Anti trustlaws we are slowing down traffic and the drivers driving these Vehicles are taking safety precautions.

we have to make sure within 60 days that its all over the Airwaves, it has the Medias attention and the World..and that everyone is talking about at dinner, at card games, at the Bar...Gossip goes along way.

these are just some of the Ideas but we need to spread the word now and we can come up with more Ideas and Solidify them or readjust them as we all see fit....

[IIronman]

Well..sounds all good to me..One more thing to consider..IF you reach established clubs or organzinations..you reach a whole bunch of people all at once

[Greyfoxx]

I, We tried to set the date for July 4th .....
To give us time to register for the 4th of July parades, others thought that as to far off, so I suggested we all just start shutting down when and if it worked best for them.

There is a communication problem here. If all truckers were union the message would go out and the shut down would happen over night. In the UAW & the IBEW we have wildcat strikes right in the middle of a work day, the shop steward would walk onto the the job call the strike and everyone walked right them and there, and if you didn't you had hell to pay. And paying hell meant you didn't work out of that union again.

But the corporate hired PR companies by the truck load, and they started their mass campaigns of telling workers that the Unions were bad, very bad, had the mark of the devil, was evil, was a bunch of commees ..... and like all sheep the workers came to believed the propaganda machine after having to lessen to the lies over and over and over again, and now you have what you have ...... no voice, no say, no nothing but forums like this that can't get enough people off their dead asses long enough to do any good in fighting the fight, not even to copy the Boycott signs to put on the cars and trucks. That isn't to say the a few patriots aren't out there doing their job and the job od the deadbeats. Just how many on the forum are really contributing to the truckers struggle, or for that matter America's struggle. The slacker are as much the problem as our lapdog Congressmen who can't get their hands out of the oil company's pocket long enough to even look at the evidence that everyone to being gouged by the oil companies.

I'm sure there are those who come to this site, look around and then sign off feeling bad that they haven't the courage to call, write, or email their lap-dog legislator and remind them of what they really are .... a bunch of treasonous bastards who aren't doing the job the were HIRED to do, who instead of being reelected should spend some time in jail contemplating their contribution for the pain Americans are feeling right this very moment. They allowed the merger of the major oil companies telling us that it would increase competition, it did just the opposite, and the are still taking bribes and still all them campaign contributions.

Sleep well America.

[Bullwinkle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greyfoxx I, We tried to set the date for July 4th ..... To give us time to register for the 4th of July parades, others thought that as to far off, so I suggested we all just start shutting down when and if it worked best for them. There is a communication problem here. If all truckers were union the message would go out and the shut down would happen over night. In the UAW & the IBEW we have wildcat strikes right in the middle of a work day, the shop steward would walk onto the the job call the strike and everyone walked right them and there, and if you didn't you had hell to pay. And paying hell meant you didn't work out of that union again.

There is no way you could properly educate as many truckers as possible for a shutdown on July 4. It takes more time than that. 90 days might not be enough time, but it is a much better option that July 4.

As for Union and the communication problem, Yes, there definitely is a communication problem, but that is where these organizations are trying to improve. Pointing out that there is a problem with communication isn't telling any of us something we don't already know. This is why they are giving a larger timeframe to try to make a better effort toward communication.

[Greyfoxx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullwinkle There is no way you could properly educate as many truckers as possible for a shutdown on July 4. It takes more time than that. 90 days might not be enough time, but it is a much better option that July 4. As for Union and the communication problem, Yes, there definitely is a communication problem, but that is where these organizations are trying to improve. Pointing out that there is a problem with communication isn't telling any of us something we don't already know. This is why they are giving a larger timeframe to try to make a better effort toward communication.

Mr. Bullwinkle .....

It was six week ago that I suggested July 4th.

[rebel]

My first reply was one word - YES. I'll keep this short. If and when Y'all decide on a date (I've no problem with 8/25) and any other relevant info, I'd be willing to print 8x11 flyers and post them in every truckstop and rest area on I-26 from Tenn. line to SC line, repeatedly 'cause we know they won't stay long. Maybe your major ones could be gathering point for 8/25? This might help get word out to those of us who hate #@!^% computers. Just a thought, just wanna help. BTW, TTW, I've figured out how to see what I'm missing, (go advanced) signed computer illiterate

[Bullwinkle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greyfoxx Mr. Bullwinkle ..... It was six week ago that I suggested July 4th.

Was this a date that was settled on by any group, or just a date that you came up with? I never seen any big movement here to go forward with a July 4 date.

[BANDIT]

Well, I've sat here tonight and read over all the postings on all of the threads tonight, and I'm glad to see that all the gradeschool bickering that went on last night and all the playground bully (puffed up chest) bad-assed language and name calling has been deleted. I'm sure we all Thank You for at least doing that for the good of this Forum. As far as starting a plan for another Shutdown, I think maybe ya'll need to do what I just spent the past couple of hours doing, reading back through the posts on the different threads. When you're done, you tell me whether you really think this is a likely possibility. I remember somewhere back in the recent past that we decided to start a Boycott of Exxon/Mobile & Pilot. We said that was the first battle we needed to win. To stop the oil companies from driving us out of business with outrageous fuel prices. It started off great and was growing. All of a sudden I don't hear a damn word about the Boycott or anyone protesting at Exxon stations or at Pilot Truckstops, NOTHING. What the hell happened to "One Battle at a time"? Now everyone is on the way to jumping all over the damn place again and wanting to fight all the battles at the same time. We haven't even come close to winning the first damn battle yet. Ya'll walked off the damn battle field just when the fighting started. You're talking about a NationWide Shutdown again. You can't even stick with a simple Boycott of a couple of gas stations and truckstops, how the hell are you going to shut the entire trucking industry down? I'm all for the Shutdown, don't get me wrong. I just don't think ya'll are ready for it.
#1...You are never going to pull a nationwide shutdown off and keep it legal. It will never happen.
#2...You won't do it by sitting in front of a computer to get the word out and organize an industry whose members spend most of their time behind a steering wheel, not a computer.
#3...I have seen TTW sit here and step up to be a Regional Rep. to help organize and get people together and on the same battle field. She has worked hard, and has sit here and begged repeatedly for people to step up and join her in being a Rep for their areas. She Got TWO in all this time. TWO !!! That's a disgrace. Where the hell are all the rest. You can't get Regional Reps. to help out right here, how the hell are you going to shut down the entire country?
We need to sit back and realize that if we even try to do another major shutdown and fail miserably again, there is no more chances...The American public lost damn near all the confidence and respect they started to have for us after the last Dudd. It will real soon get to the point that they don't back us at all. We can't afford to lose them.
You will never have a Nation Wide Shutdown by letting the governent and the police tell you how you can do it. When you get to the point that You Are Ready To Tell Them How You're Going To Do It, You just might make it work. I could go on and on and it probably wouldn't do any good, so I'll let someone else step up and give us his or her opinion, and hopefully we can all learn something constructive tonight before it's too late for all of us.

[BANDIT]

I've stepped up and given my opinion and reasons of why it won't work right now, maybe someone will step up and change my mind and convince me it will.....I Hope ! ! !

[Bullwinkle]

Bandit, you make very good points.

As for the boycott of Exxon/Mobil, I forwarded that to two other websites that are non trucking related to help get the word out. I personally am not buying anything at all from these stations. As for talking about it on the forum, I think that is where a problem comes in with anything we do as a community. As soon as we stop talking about it, people begin to assume we are no longer doing it. I really don't know what to do in this case because people can only say so much about one topic. The group here initiated a boycott, I got on board and supported it, as did many others. And these people are still boycotting, even though they aren't making posts about it everyday.

Maybe the issue is there needs to be some structure set up even with boycotts. Maybe when something like this is started, there is someone who takes charge of updating a specific thread on how things are going with the boycott. ( As usual, I am just thinking out loud here).

As for the shutdown, as I already posted, I am very skeptical of it working, but I am hopeful that it will. I think there needs to be so much more initiated other than just a date. Education is the key, and success depends on a strong organization that is represented throughout the United States, and I think success also depends on multiple organizations working together behind the scenes and coming to an agreement on a date before the date is ever announced.

There is so much dedication and fire within the members here, I just wish there was a way to have everyone on the same page and ready to line up together for not just a battle, but a war, with no turning back.

[rebel]

I'm ready. I ain't skeered of the law but it'd be nice if they'd see things our way since WE THE PEOPLE are the boss. And I started boycotting Exxon since the Valdez wreck. I'll get off the soapbox and just say any of you want me to help, I'll do everything I can. E Pluribus Unum

[gearjammer]

well we have at least two owners of other sites here and we heard from one of them so how about it silversurfer are you on board and will you promote the 25 date on your site and talk with the groups you are in touch with??

Also where is truckerstrike 08 been lately she sure has a lot of people that watch her site for info and we could sure use her help if this is what we decide on.

[lunachic]

Hi Bandit,
Someplace last night I gave my vote, It was no. I belive we should stay with the boycott, and in our case it would be foolish since it would distroy us. Even though the end will come anyhow, But the truck as our fight is a way of life.
We will not be able to pull off a shutdown. I understand what everyone is saying, but the fact is alot of you are not involved in trucking.
Besides our roadtax being due next month our tag is up in aug. Does anyone want to guess what it will cost us?
I belive we should go forward with the boycott, and as many times as i have said this is a election year, We need to boycott along with fuel something that will bring attention.
For the o/o to park at this time is giving up. I know alot wont agree with me and I wish I could find my post from last night.
It's not a cop out. It's what it is...................................

[gearjammer]

Also we need to move foreward so as a tenative date is set its now time to discuss how we are going to get the word out, as mentioned we are relying on the internet way to much, just because the people on here are computer literate doesn't mean that most truckers are, a lot don't even have a computer.

As I stated I personally am going to order a self inking stamp,red in color and it will say
NATIONAL TRUCK SHUTDOWN
AUGUST 25th
for more info go to
www.truckersforum
with Bullwinkles permission of course

[Bullwinkle]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gearjammer Also we need to move foreward so as a tenative date is set its now time to discuss how we are going to get the word out, as mentioned we are relying on the internet way to much, just because the people on here are computer literate doesn't mean that most truckers are, a lot don't even have a computer. As I stated I personally am going to order a self inking stamp,red in color and it will say NATIONAL TRUCK SHUTDOWN AUGUST 25th for more info go to www.truckersforum with Bullwinkles permission of course

Are we truly set on 08/25?
Is there an effort being made to bring other organizations on board with this date?
Oh, and you forgot the .net in your link

[SilverSurfer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gearjammer well we have at least two owners of other sites here and we heard from one of them so how about it silversurfer are you on board and will you promote the 25 date on your site and talk with the groups you are in touch with?? Also where is truckerstrike 08 been lately she sure has a lot of people that watch her site for info and we could sure use her help if this is what we decide on.

I am on board with promoting any actions, events or call-to-actions. If this is an action that all of us feels compelled to pursue...I will do everything in my power to help. But I must point out my apprehensions regarding the source calling for this shutdown due to previous experiences.

1. This MUST be an action by all individuals/groups/sites/organizations as a unified effort with no specific individual in charge of making statements, or decisions affecting the whole. There is first a need for a statement of why (reasons and demands) this shutdown is being called for, and all of us must stay on subject when promoting, or presenting statements to government and media. And the statement MUST NOT contain eroneous, or foolish, statements. I have not seen this yet.

2. No changing in mid-stream. Once action and reasons are initiated...it's set in stone and stays on subject. All involved needs to understand the importance of success regarding this.

3. Date for shutdown...should be set for a specific reason, not because it's 90 days from now. I know there's a primary sometime around that date. It's my opinion to set whatever date for this shutdown call for the day of that primary, this is only my input regarding the day - not my intention of dictating the picking of a date. I have not seen any justified reason for this particular date, but if this is the date...this is what I will support and promote.

4. This is my biggest concern. No statements of blockades, violent actions, vandalism actions...anything that does not fall within our constitutional rights. Outlaw actions, as I refer to them, should be kept quite and only discussed among the individuals that choose to pursue them. I realize that some types of action will eventually be necessary, but should not be made publicly known for the effectiveness of those actions. This I have already seen occur in the past few days - the calling for outlaw actions.

5. The last concern I have is making statements public regarding how many are involved or how many will be participating...statements of this nature. NO STATEMENTS WHICH CANNOT BE SUPPORTED WITH ACTUAL INFORMATION. I have already experienced the subterfuge of statments regarding numbers...the over-inflating of true numbers. I have also seen this again recently regarding the Skeanatalis action. I believe the true numbers should be represented no matter how small they are. The effectiveness of this action will only be clouded by lies. The reputation of individuals, or groups, will be damaged by these types of statements...this is my opinion.

I am behind any action that is called upon by anyone, if I see it will advance our efforts as a whole...100%. I do feel it's necessary to impress upon all, the position The American Driver will be taking in regards to Mark and his group though. We will support and assist where ever we can, but I will not allow another situation to develope, which is obviously still a problem, between us. The American Driver will be restricting direct communication with the PA group. We will promote, support and assist in any way we can. We will be paying attention to what they put up on their site, or post to forums...information needing to get out to the public...but will research and evaluate any statements before publishing to our site or communicating to contacts we have (legislative assistants, representatives, PR/lobbyists, etc.) This I feel all here will agree to be extremely reasonable due to the past endeavor my brother and I became involved with regarding the PA group. To also make certain there's no misunderstandings...communication with anyone is welcomed by me, and my brother. We are always open to discussions and suggestions, but we have severed our communications with Mark and his group for very valid reasons and will not change our position on this issue. Our reputation as to who The American Driver is, and represents, is extremely important to us. I hope all involved will understand this.

So, Gearjammer...I'm with y'all. In the words of Larry the cableguy --
Git-r-done.

-ss-

[BANDIT]

GdMornin Everyone......I've been reading over the posts here since I gave my opinion last night. You all have some very good points, but I haven't been convinced by anyone yet that this Shutdown thing again is a workable deal. I have some questions:: first of all, why do you all feel that you need to set these dates to coincide with other notable dates, as holidays etc. Don't you realize you will get more cooperation and more attention if you pick your own Special Date out of the blue. It's up to US to make that Date a Notable One by our actions. On these special days (holidays) most people are caught up in doing their family things that most do on holidays to worry about shutdowns and world problems. They sit at home and have picnics and spend time with the family. That has been one of the major problems everytime...too many just sitting on their asses at the house and not making any NOISE. TTW has said it and I have said it time and time again. We have to get out and make NOISE. We have to create a disturbance that gets everyones attention in order for the majority to know what is being attempted. Moose, I understand what you are saying about people losing interest on what is going on when we stop talking about it here, and that is another problem....There shouldn't be that point where we just stop talking about what we are attempting. It should be an ongoing thread...people reporting on progress...people telling of what they are doing to make it bigger and better,,,for instance, I have been out with Boycott signs on my vehicle harrassing the hell out of the local Exxon stations. Parking at their pumps, parking in their driveways, parking in font of the station on the street. Handing out fyers to people who are still pulling in to buy their gas and patronize them. Is it illegal, yes some of it is, as I have found out when they had the cops come out and speak to me. But some of it isn't and even for the part that was illegal, I never got arrested and never got fined, I was in two occasions told by the cop that came out that he actually backed what I was doing. Now, the point I'm trying to make is,,,,,,,Again, you can't make a damn thing work by sitting home on your dead asses and wait for someone else to stick their neck out for you. You have to get out there and show people what you are angry about and try your best to get the word across and get them on you side in the fight....It can't possibly work any other way.....Does anyone understand what I'm saying? NOISE>>>NOISE>>>NOISE, You Have To Make A Lot Of Noise To Be Heard
Oh, by the way, most of the people that I handed those flyers to told me that they really hadn't heard anything about a Boycott against Exxon/Mobile, and now that they had they would be going elsewhere. Point Made!!!

[BANDIT]

I want all of you that are for this Shutdown to understand that I'm in no way trying to Rain On Your Parade. If ya'll can do this thing and do it right, It Might Just Work. I just don't want to see us "Shoot Ourselves In The Foot Again". We already have bullet wounds in one foot from that last Dudd, if we shoot the other foot, we're done,,,can't even walk anymore, let alone RUN.

[IIronman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BANDIT I want all of you that are for this Shutdown to understand that I'm in no way trying to Rain On Your Parade. If ya'll can do this thing and do it right, It Might Just Work. I just don't want to see us "Shoot Ourselves In The Foot Again". We already have bullet wounds in one foot from that last Dudd, if we shoot the other foot, we're done,,,can't even walk anymore, let alone RUN.

Well..why not call the 1 April a trial run..we learned..(I hope) ..if you got lemons make lemonade!

[4x4]

Thats why we need 90 days bandit
1 to get the word out there
2. to talk to Companies and get them aboard
3. the The noise we make should be in designated spots so people can find us across the U.S, A high visible area thats very accessible to the media.
4. Also a Boycott as well to then like one that being talked about now..We boycott till then and if things arnt done we Shut Down Aug 25th.
5. I believe in doing all this during the summer it will force our politicians to go inot a special Session Just to resolve these issues.