November 1, 2005 - IP Tom Buffenbarger and Thomas Frank, author of Whats the Matter With Kansas?, kicked off the 2005 IAM Communications Conference in Wichita, Kansas talking to nearly 70 delegates about social class, religion and the issues that lead voters in states like Kansas to consistently vote against their own economic interests.

“The hard working families of Kansas have had to lower their expectations and downsize their lives,” said Buffenbarger.

Frank detailed conservatives’ efforts to position themselves as the party of the working class.

“The cultural war is actually class war and the conservatives have made themselves the champions of the working class, despite the fact that it is liberals who have for years stood up for the working class,” said Frank.

“How in the world can conservatives claim to hate elites when they excuse a corporate world that continues to screw the working class over.”

Buffenbarger called on both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to pay attention to America’s working class.

“It is time for lawmakers to stop preaching and start legislating. Come down off your pedestal so we can show you what we want – a chance to work,” said Buffenbarger. “If you want to talk to us about values then talk to us about our work, our families, our community and our country.”

The Communications Conference is chaired by General Vice President Robert Thayer and features the presentation of awards to the winners of the IAM Newsletter & Website Contest.