Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Brothers and Sisters,

When Abraham Lincoln warned our country that “a nation divided against itself cannot long stand,” he spoke of a nation that was divided over great principles.   A union of communities whose bonds became unglued, a national spirit, unhinged.

After we complete our deliberations here in Chicago this week and we leave to continue the discussion and debate the issues affecting our Union or this Nation -- I’d like us to remember 3 things: First, -- that we are not a labor movement “divided against itself,” -- not over great principles, -- not over our common ends, but we’ve disagreed on means, over the paths we should take to achieve our ends.

Second, that the “glue” that has bound us together, appears to have softened, but it has not evaporated.  We should carefully consider that fact as we search for new ways to bond ourselves together, -- and as our common enemies look to bring about our destruction.  Solidarity -- Brothers and Sisters, must be our watchword, now and always.

Third, let’s resolve to continue working as hard as we know how -- as I’ve seen happen time and again both here and during the months in getting here -- to settle our differences and work to see that our paths continue toward the common goal of fighting for America’s -- and the world’s -- working men and women.

In the words of the prophet Isaiah, “Come, let us reason together.”

Those words, I should add, give me reason to ask you to join me in thanking our president, John Sweeney, for his conduct throughout.  In the midst of many tumultuous months of rancorous -- sometimes personal -- debate, I have watched at close hand the way in which John Sweeney remained calm, listened, and searched time after time to meet adversity with action -- to handle criticism with composure.  Not many of us labor folks here, -- even used to the vigor and passion of our movement as we are, -- could do what John has done.  And President Sweeney, I applaud you for it.  You went more than halfway John, and I think everyone here should know that, -- in trying to keep us together with your reasoned, patient and thoughtful approaches.  That was your duty, you did not shirk from it, and you deserve our thanks.

Brothers and Sisters, having grown up in the vigor and passion of our labor movement -- I have to say to you, that I’ve also learned to respect those with whom I’ve disagreed during this debate.  I’ve appreciated the challenge presented to each of us, to re-think what we do and how we’re doing it.  To be sure, I do not agree one iota with the conduct of some, or the intemperate words of others, during this tempest.

But that doesn’t mean I lack respect for new ideas because of the source, nor am I one to shoot the messenger.  I’ve known and worked with members of all the unions in the Change to Win group for many years now, from the labor struggles in my home state of Pennsylvania.  Over that time, I’ve learned to respect those individuals for their insights and energy, and, yes, I respect them for their role in forcing a debate that we must have over a situation that none of us welcome -- the present state of the labor movement and the direction we decide to go.

But we have decided, we have chosen our direction and if that is not the path that others choose, I cannot help that, nor will I argue the point forever.  My door, however, will always be open, my heart will always yearn for Solidarity, my plea will always be for unity.  We have many difficult challenges ahead of us, many struggles yet to win.  We need each and every labor leader – bound by our common interests – listening to the words of the prophet, and following the example of our federation’s president.  With the understanding that there are no great principles dividing us, let’s calmly reason together, patiently work together, and firmly stand as one, for the mutual benefit of those people whose very lives depend on our solidarity.

The duty we owe to those we represent demands no less.

Thank you.