Never Underestimate the Strength of a Group of Committed Activists to Change the World

Washington, DC--In response to yesterday's announcement that Lou Dobbs is resigning from his position as anchor on CNN effective immediately, SEIU issued the following statement:

"Today we are seeing what has always made America great--when a group of committed activists join forces, they can change the course of history.

"Night after night, Lou Dobbs abused his position of trust as a "news anchor" at CNN to attack immigrant workers and communities with no attention to facts or balance. His kind of divisive propaganda is harmful to our society, and should have no place on a responsible television network.

"As a result of the effective organization of the Drop Dobbs and Basta Dobbs Campaigns, activists committed to building a stronger, more just America have finally prevailed over Lou Dobbs' hateful, anti-immigrant agenda. Brave, patriotic Americans who get up and go to work every day made it clear that Dobbs does not speak for them, and because of these diverse voices Dobbs' biased, anti-immigrant attacks have finally received their fateful end.

"Dobbs is right about one thing: it is true that we are seeing 'the strong winds of change' in America. These ripples of activism are the beginnings of a growing movement of ordinary citizens, students and immigrants who will not tolerate the politics of division or the language of hate and bigotry.

"These future leaders know that hate speech can't raise wages and living standards for workers, provide affordable healthcare, fix our economy or solve immigration. They know that America doesn't need zealots; we need smart, thoughtful leaders who bring communities together to solve our nation's most critical challenges."

"SEIU looks forward to seeing CNN's new anchor John King who will undoubtedly help facilitate a solution-driven, smart and informed dialogue on how we fix our nation's challenges--including the critical work ahead to pass comprehensive immigration reform."

With 2.1 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare, and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers, not just corporations and CEOs, benefit from today's global economy.

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