Romney & Solidarnosc: Not So Fast

by Michael Sean Winters

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Last week, the Romney campaign was wrapping itself in the heroism of Lech Walesa and the Polish trade union Solidarnosc which played such a critical role in toppling the Polish Communist Party and, with it, the Soviet Union and the mountains of lies that had been built up and exposed over the decades.

But, Solidarnosc wants everyone to know that they do not want to wrap themselves in Romney's mantle. As spokesman for the group said, "Regretfully, we have learned from our friends in the American trade union central AFL-CIO representing over 12 million workers about Mitt Romney’s support for the attacks against trade unions and labor rights. In this respect, I wish to express…our solidarity with American workers and trade unions. [Solidarity] will always support the AFL-CIO in their struggle for the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively.” Republicans fall all over themselves praising Pope John Paul II and President Ronald Reagan for their role in toppling communism, and that praise is warranted. But, we should not forget that the AFL-CIO gave constant and concrete assistance to Solidarnosc as well. Not sure Romney or anyone on his campaign is going to give the AFL-CIO a shout-out though.

The Nation has the full story here.

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