Those who doubt the connection between the communist party and the unions need only to read accounts of a recent awards ceremony to see how both groups view each other.

On Sunday, December 5, the Communist Party USA gave awards to a pair of labor leaders and a former state legislator and assistant attorney general.* Among the recipients was Connecticut AFL-CIO head John Olsen, who not only gladly accepted the award, but garnered “loud applause” when he said he stands with CPUSA.

CPUSA’s webzine People’s World reports Olsen was given the award at the Voices for Jobs, Equality & Peace – People’s World Amistad Awards Concert celebrating the 90th anniversary of the CPUSA.

“James Hillhouse High School auditorium was filled with the fabulous jazz sounds of Jeff Fuller & Friends, labor songs by Bill Collins of the Rabble Rousers, and poetry by Baub Bidon and Ken Brown,” the article describes the event. But besides offering a mental picture, it also gives a glimpse of Olsen’s acceptance speech, in which he says he will stand with the Communist Party:

“Anyone who stands with me for workers’ rights, I stand with them,” said John Olsen to loud applause as he acknowledged the Communist Party and took a strong stand against fear mongering and baiting, including the anti-socialist baiting of President Barack Obama.

The article goes on to praise the union for its work, and explains how important the union is in fighting for CPUSA causes:

The AFL CIO and local unions are now developing their legislative agendas.  For the first time in 22 years, a Democratic governor was elected in Connecticut.  It is widely recognized that union members made the difference in voter turnout.

However, especially with the state budget crisis, grass roots organizing will be needed to forestall cuts and layoffs and to demand expanded revenues by taxing the very rich.

Research shows that Olsen has been popular in the Democratic Party. In 2009 he gave a speech at the JJB Dinner, an annual Connecticut Democratic Party event, and was introduced by newly-elected senator, and state attorney general, Dick Blumenthal:

Olsen’s bio confirms he is currently a member of the Democratic National Committee and has served in numerous leadership roles for the Connecticut state Democratic Party including chairman.

Also of note, he served as a superdelegate at the 2008 Democratic convention, where he supported Hillary Clinton. And while in the video above it appears he has switched his allegiance to Barack Obama, now it appears he’s also willing to support the Communist Party.

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2010/12/09/afl-cio-leader-gladly-ac...