Matewan (1987) - The Union

Union meeting from the movie Matewan

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• matewan
• union
• coal
• miner
• worker
• business
• labor
• solidarity

[DukatSG1]

Thanks, happy May Day to you all as well, it couldn't be more appropriate that we have a candidate running for governor here in WV that has pledged to fight back and stand up for worker rights, it is very exciting. I'm from KY myself but have strong ties to WV. Here's the campaign commercial Rick Thompson is running right now: youtube.com/watch?v=NjTLl2r51z­U

[WVlandnwater]

@DukatSG1 wheres he from, i support any politician that stands up to protect our land and people from outside exploitation i dont care what political party they are, cause really i hate both of the national parties and both of em do no good for appalachia

[DukatSG1]

@WVlandnwater No political party can ever be 100% perfect because of the demands of different constituencies, but given a choice between one that vocally supports workers and workers rights vs one that trashes them and lies to them and tries to take away their rights, I will choose the first one anyday

[DukatSG1]

I understand what you mean though, it can be really frustrating just to get one candidate to actually fight where it counts

[MissHoov]

This is an excellent scene from a powerful movie about the West Virginia coal mine wars. I use this in my AP US History course, and my students find it to be very moving and effective. Thanks for posting this clip.

[DukatSG1]

@MissHoov Thanks for the comment; In light of what is taking place in Wisconsin this movie has even more relevance to today!

[bv468]

I grew up in that are over in Logan County and my grandfather was there when the Union was taking hold. I thought this was a great movie and they really captured the feel of the times.

It's very realistic.

[WVliberty]

this movie makes me proud to be a West Virginian and Appalachian, people that look to us as backward have no knowledge of our history and what we have done for this country

[sucharadder]

From back then to Occupy today.

[noidea63]

Solidarity!!

[greg19670]

Two great actors. James Earl Jones and Chris Cooper.

[bensmith3200]

@DukatSG1

No political candidate means any good for working people. If we want to bring change, we need to organize and agitate at the grassroots. We need to protest in the streets and strike on the job.

I don't buy the sociological explanation about "different constituencies." Both the Democrats and the Republicans represent a single constuency: big business.

I believe Marx: "The executive of the modern state is but a committee for managing the common affairs of the whole bourgeoisie."

[FluxRostrum]

I'm in this scene several times (really) can you find me?

[Anekantavad]

@mckinneyrd I'm a union officer, and I constantly refer to this film. Incredible what people had to go through just to be treated as humans.

And my people were lumberjacks (the Canadian version of "hillbillies" ... heh heh) and I consider that the best pedigree a man can have.

[WVlandnwater]

@DukatSG1 in WV we need more property rights, too many landowners have been screwed by companies and the govt., thats why i voted for clark barnes last saturday, because he stood up for landowners