DENVER, Aug. 26 DNCC-R.Golden-rmks
DENVER, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of a speech, as prepared for delivery, by Robin Golden at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, August 26, 2008:
Scheduled for delivery: August 26, 2008 - 5:00-6:00 pm MT
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080331/DNCCLOGO )
Good evening Denver. I am Robin Golden from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am president of UAW Local 2344. Ten years ago, I started working for an auto parts manufacturer. I am an end-of-the-line inspector: I make sure our products are safe before they get into the cars that Americans drive.
When I first took my job, the economy was growing and business was booming. It looked like I had a great future there. I believed if I worked hard and did good work, I would have a job until I retired.
In two weeks, I will be unemployed. My job is being shipped to Mexico, along with the jobs of most of my 430 hourly co-workers. That means every single member of my local will be unemployed in two weeks. I am not just losing my job; I am losing my union--and all the benefits it has brought me. I feel like I am losing my chance to get ahead.
Meanwhile, in Washington, Senator McCain voted for tax breaks for companies that outsource jobs. Senator McCain voted against supporting those companies whose products are made by American workers like me. It's time for a change.
I've just been diagnosed with diabetes and my health insurance runs out three months after I lose my job. Paying for it out of pocket will be one-third of my unemployment benefit. It's time for a change.
Gas and grocery prices keep going up, and everyone's paychecks are buying less. Families all around us in Michigan are losing their homes. I've sent out resumes to try and find a new job, but I haven't even heard anything back. I can't even think about retirement any more. It's time for a change.
I have worked hard my entire life. My wife works hard as a librarian. We clip coupons. We make sacrifices. Because we love America, we want to protect and strengthen the American dream. We want a fair chance to get ahead for all who work hard. I want a president who represents working-class families, not big oil companies. I want a president who knows that organized labor helped build the middle class, and that organized labor helps keep our middle class strong. I want a president who will keep American jobs here at home.
The change we need is Barack Obama for president. Americans, unite! Let's come together to send someone to Washington who will work for American jobs, American energy independence and the American dream. Let's come together for Barack Obama!
SOURCE 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee
