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On the hallowed ground of the old Tiger Stadium at Michigan and Trumbull, some of big names in Democratic politics locally and nationally, including Vice President Joe Biden, spoke at the Labor Day festivities in Detroit before the big parade, bashing Republicans and offering uplifting words for unions.
Candidate Mark Schauer, who is running for governor, went after Gov. Rick Snyder, saying he's making a difference but the wrong difference. U.S. Senate hopeful Gary Peters took aim at the Koch brothers, who have been pouring money into the campaign Republican challenger Terri Lynn Land.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who has been criticized for not being more vocal in his support of Mark Schauer, stepped onto the stage and enthusiastically pronounced his support for Schauer and Gary Peters. And Vice President Joe Biden, flanked to the right by Teamster President James P. Hoffa, and to the left by UAW President Dennis Williams, stated that something has to be done to reverse the war on labor.
“Why in God’s name does someone who makes hundreds of millions managing a hedge fund pay only 15% in taxes, while the average GM worker pays 25% in taxes,” Biden said before thousands of union members and supporters. “America has always done best when we act as one America. When we do, the nation succeeds.” The Levin brothers -- Sandy and Carl -- and Congressman John Conyers also spoke.
Security was tight. People had to pass through metal detectors. Secret Service and Detroit Police blocked off streets. Law enforcement officers were on roofs in buildings nearby.
After the speeches, the parade began. There were union workers driving big beer trucks and the various unions including the pipefitters and sheet metal workers, musicians and teachers, and kids sitting in wagons, being pulled by their parents.
Midway in the parade, it began to pour rain. Some folks continued forward. Umbrellas popped open People used plastic and paper to cover their heads.
And some simply aborted the parade and headed to their cars.
Mark Schauer took off after his opponent Gov. Rick Snyder. The crowd was very receptive.
Sen. Gary Peters had few kind words to say about the Koch brothers, who are pouring a a lot of money into the race in support of his opponent Terri Lynn Land.
Not everyone found the speeches so exciting.
One of the more creative floats.
Who doesn't appreciate a good plumber?
Or a good pipefitter?
The sheet metal union had a cool float.
What's a parade without some motorcycle dudes?
Then unfortunately in the middle of the parade came the rain. Fortunately, it was warm out and the rain was warm.
Even Joe Biden, Mr. Sunshine, couldn't keep the rain away.
