Pacifism as pathology, or pathology as pacifism?

If only the wobblies had thought to use hugs and leader-worship instead of strikes and direct action, we might still be fighting for the 40-hour work week… [dispatch]

A union leader hugging Harper. In Canada. We are not allowed to make this up.

Buzz pledges Harper hug to rally auto industry aid

Wed, February 1, 2006

By Norman de Bono
London Free Press

Buzz Hargrove can’t wait to give prime minister-designate Stephen Harper a hug.

The Canadian Auto Workers national president said yesterday he wants to meet the new federal leader and lobby him to support the national automotive industry the same way outgoing Prime Minister Paul Martin did.

Hargrove grabbed national media attention for his support of Martin during the federal election campaign — and also urged his members to support any candidate of any party that stood a chance to defeat the Conservatives.

At one point in the campaign, Hargrove hugged Martin to show his support for the Liberal leader.

Hargrove had stated a Liberal win would have been good for the automotive industry because the party had an economic incentive strategy to support automakers.

Harper has said tax cuts, and not financial aid, are the best way to support business and industry.

“I would love to be proven wrong, I would love to see them do what is necessary to strengthen the Canadian automotive industry,” said Hargrove.

“I will give him a hug if he does.”

On Monday, Hargrove sent Harper a letter requesting a meeting. He will follow up soon with a phone call asking for a meeting, he added.

Hargrove was speaking at a celebration by GM Canada yesterday marking the two-millionth vehicle made at Cami Automotive in Ingersoll.