Toledo union journal. [volume] (Toledo, Ohio) 1942-current, 1950-06-02

49, - Gosser." He isn't. On the
contrary, he is convinced
that Gosser is a victim of the
5 most murderous conspiracy
that he has ever witnessed.
Nevertheless, he is convinced
m that Dick Gosser is god
~ dam fool" and he feels sorry
S@@ - ~ for him-and for the entire
Pete AVara Toledo labor movement.
Il
WHEN MY FRIEND left began to reflect
w on his conclusions. What goes in this
,,,bo1e Gosser "case?" Why the unprecend-
entedly vicious attacks against him? Could
he have avoided all this trouble? Could ne
have become respected citizen OF our
community maybe even labor statesman
"a title usually accorded those union leaders
who seem to have knack in getting along
with everyone, including the employing class?
Where did Gosser make his mistakes? why is
II that today so many of our rank-and-tlle
members, several of our local union and unit
officers are either opposed TO Gosser outrlgnt
or refuse to plunge into the bitter fight to help
him even though all these people know that II
was under Gossers leadership that most OF
their wage contract and other gains were
made?
I1VEN THE MOST cursory review OF the past
IL several years will indicate to anyone that
Richard Gosser was not always the devil in
carnate" that the Blade The Times - Paul
Block. Jr., - and the employers are now try
ing so frantcally to portray him. On the con-
trary. Richard Gosser was highly respect
ed citizen" of Toledo. He was welcome In all
strata of society. The biggest and wealthlest
EMPLOYERS sought his favors. Politicians went
out of their way to be friendly to him.
Even Paul Block, Jr., the man who today
attacks him with blind fury at every possible
chance. sang his praise. AS recently as 1947.
The Blade editorially called attention to the
"virtues of Mr. Gosser" and praised him as
a great and constructive labor leader who
should be elected to the vice-presidency of the
UAW-CIO.
The truth of the matter Is that Paul Buock's
praises in The Blade was downright embaras-
sing to Dick Gosser. After all the workers
knew from bitter experience that In any cru
ciaI fight and when the chips were down The
Blade, The Times Paul Block, Jr., were
always in opposition to them. SO, Ii was not SO
simple for Dick Gosser to explain this sudden
gushing 4 affection on the part of MIR. Block.
But Dick Gosser "weathered the storm" and
duly became vice president of the mighty
UAW-CIO.
TyVEN AFTER THIS memorable performances
IA on the part OF Paul Block, Gosser remain
ed "respected" and accepted" labor leader
In Toledo for quite awhile Then suddenly the
honeymoon" was over. The Blade The Times,
Paul Block took off on Dick Gosser. Why? Be-
cause Dick Gosser, being a person with very
strong convictions and ideas, disagreed with
Paul B lock with respect to City Manager
Schoonmaker. Paul Block was determined to
drive Schoonmaker out of office. He said so,
TO many people, in just so many words He
must co." the Little Ceasar declared and went
TO work on the gentleman Gosser, unlike a
lot of so-called friends" OF Schonmaker's,
fought back He opposed Block. He did so be-
cause he felt Schoonmaker was doing decent
job for the people of Toledo.
Paul Block won. schoonmaker was driven
out of office. That was a lesson for all politi-
clans. Yes, from now on every politician knew
what would happen to them IL they crossed
blades with Paul Block.
Following this encounter m others in
rapid succession Dick Gosser, as a member OF
LMC., went TO the aid of the American News
paper Guild whose membership make up the
editorial and business staffs of The Times
and The Blade. Block had to give more than
he wanted TO give. Gosser, more than anyone
else, responsible Tor that little deal
Paul Block hated him for that.
And, incidentally, from that time on as far
as The Blade and The Times were concerned,
the l. NC. lost its usefulness in Toledo labor
disputes. Paul Block never forgets and he
seems to have vengeance that is timeless.
A MOTHER BITTER CLASH between Block
N and Gosser came about when the city pay
roll tax was about to be voted on Gosser was
not against the payroll tax as such. All he ask
ed for was certain exemptions on people who
make less than $4,000 per year. ! am sure he
would have been willing to settle for the same
Ala.I h. I'D
eral income tax laws.
But, no. Block and his cohorts were deter
mined TO tax every penny of everyone's In
come. That sounds "fair," but what the
hell Is fair about taxing persons income IL
he makes, let us say $500 year -. $1,000 a
year 1. or $40 year.
Dick Gosser's position was sound and based
strictly on the principle of taxation In accord
ance with ability TO pay" But he was crucifed