"These are the times that try men's souls."  Roughly one year after Thomas Paine published "Common Sense" in January of 1776, which was a call to arms for America for Independence from England, he used this phrase in "The Crises" to help inspire and galvanize the Continental Army to not give up their struggle against the mighty British Empire.

This same phrase could be used in the times we are now enduring.  However, it could have also have been used many times throughout the history of our country.

The economy of our nation has always been one of upward and downward movements.  There were and will be times of prosperity and times of privation.  As our ancestors, we too shall pull through these difficult times.  The past couple of years have been trying not only on our Teamster Brothers and Sisters, but arduous for all working Americans.  Be that as it may, there is a "light at the end of the tunnel."

We will witness more organizing and a new spirit of union activity which will significantly play an active roll in reinvigorating the American economy.

Perhaps now is the time for our nation to focus it's attention again on what unions have sough for, fought for and gained for decades; fair wages, good working conditions, health care and other benefits - for the rest of the hard working men and women of these United States.