Where are Washington jobs?

SEATTLE--Some 1,000 people gathered here from across the state of Washington on July 23 to send a message to the politicians: We need jobs, and we need them now!

The rally was organized by Working Washington--a coalition led by the Service Employees International Union, Washington Community Action Network and One America, an immigrant rights group. It was also supported by Move On.

Held inside the Brockey Convention Center at South Seattle Community College, the rally heard briefly from U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott and King County Executive Dow Constantine.

Most of the rally was taken up with people lining up at microphones to tell the politicians what the jobs crisis had done to them and what should be done about it. People were clearly angry at the overall lack of response from politicians to the economic crisis.

The stories people told were moving and harrowing. One woman said:

I am 61. I had hoped to retire in three years. Two of my children lost their jobs and couldn't afford their homes. They and my five grandchildren had to move in with me--all in my small house. Their unemployment checks cover the food, but I have to pay for everything else. We have people sleeping on couches and floors. I don't know how long this will go on. My children have been on their own and surviving well. But now they can't support themselves. We need jobs for everyone now.

Others expressed their frustration, saying, "Where are the jobs?" and "Why should we sacrifice when the rich don't?"

Many detailed their job histories--working steadily for years or decades with little problem, but being thrown on the trash heap by the Great Recession. They still have the skills to contribute to society but are not allowed to.

In spite of their anger, most people seemed sympathetic to the Democratic politicians on stage and saved most of their animosity for the Tea Party, the Republicans and big business. Every mention of these groups led to hearty booing.

However, some people had clearly grown impatient with the continued inaction of even the "progressive" Democratic politicians. "I'm tired of politicians saying they are listening to us," said one. "How can the Democrats allow this to happen to working people?" asked another participant.

The goals of some of the participants were clearly more radical than most of the organizers. One woman's chant of "Power to the people" met with widespread applause. A few people called on Congress to "End all the U.S. wars," while one man said, "People in the U.S. are smart. Why can't we figure out a better way to deal with people than by dropping bombs on them?"

The rally ended with many people returning to organizing workshops that had been taking place throughout the day. Many seemed ready to continue the fight for jobs with further organizing and further rallies--even if the strategies and tactics are still to be worked out.