Hello, Alchemist.  I'm from the U.S.  Thanks for your view and 
input.  I would like to know what your or others' opinions on
the support of the Bush Energy Plan by the International 
Brotherhood of Teamsters and the United Mine Workers of America,
both members AFL-CIO, CLC respectively.  And the UMWA's stance 
against the Kyoto Prtotcol of 1997.  Please remember, that 
miners are just average working - class, middle - class 
Americans. That is 1.3 million mining jobs, according to the 
UMWA, which could be jeopardized by the Kyoto Protocol.  And 
James P. Hoffa (Teamsters) proudly supports the Bush Energy
Plan.  The IBT is the largest private - sector labor organiza-
tion in ther U.S. with 1.6 million members.  And then there are
loggers and those who transport raw lumber.  The majority are 
also union.  And the "terrible" oil companies who pay good 
union wages to oil rig workers, roustabouts, pipeline workers, 
etc.  After the building of the Alaskan Pipeline in 1974, the 
average unon wage rose from $9.00 / hr. to $14.00 / hr.  This is
27 years ago, just because of the building of the pipeline; the 
wage goes up $5.00 / hr.  No wonder James P. Hoffa supports the
Bush Energy Plan, as do many Teamsters.  So to say that Mr. Bush
is not interested in the well - being of working families in
this country is not well - founded.  And many people who work
in the freight / logistics / transport industry are also union.
They are also just average Americans.  John Q. Public makes
$22.00 / hr. driving a rig during the week and then buys a home
and contributes to the tax base of his community.  I really 
don't see how that is a bad thing.  This is why I am amazed how
organized labor always clings to the Left.  The Left has no 
interest in making sure that these industries operate 
efficiently AND be able to pay John Q. Public $22.00 / hr. to
drive that rig.  President Bush shows interest in both sides
as Bill Clinton did not.  Secretary Chao was a great choice as
Labor Secretary, also.  To keep the jobs you have to keep the
industry.  There are two sides to every coin and Mr. Bush covers
both as Bill Clinton couldn't.  Thanks for your time. Dantzscher