From the Wobblies of the 1930s, to groundbreaking environmental laws in the 1970s, our region has shown it has a conscience. In late November, we will be on a global stage with the participation of 135 member nations, more than 30 observer nations and thousands of reporters. The United States has never hosted a larger trade meeting. Many demonstrations are planned during the week, giving our region an opportunity to show the world that citizens with dissenting views can and will be heard, and accorded both respect and dignity. But let us move beyond words and lead by example.
King County supports organized labor.
These accomplishments are not achieved overnight. Not in this country, and certainly not in countries that have far less. It is trade that provides the standard of living we enjoy. Up to one third of King County residents are directly employed by trade, and these jobs support the rest of the economy. This creates jobs not only here, but also throughout the state where agricultural and timber products support other regional economies.