Susan John speaks to the Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride

Susan John, State Assemblywoman, spoke to a full house at the Colgate Rochester Divinity School Auditorium Monday night, as the National Immigrant Freedom Ride came to Rochester. <!--break--> <p>Susan John, State Assemblywoman, spoke to a full house at the Colgate Rochester Divinity School Auditorium Monday night, as the National Immigrant Freedom Ride came to Rochester.</p> <p>She spoke of her past, saying that she knew what it was like "to be different -- I have never forgotten that as a servant of the people."</p> <p>Ms. John is chair of the State Assembly's Labor Committee and said, <a name="largest">"Agriculture is still the largest industry in New York State."</a></p> <p>Speaking to the 135 freedom riders present, many of whom are farm workers, John said, "In New York State, farm workers do not have the right to organize in a labor union -- That is a disgrace. ... The law says you're not entitled to the same rights as any other worker. -- This is not right."</p> <p>The crowd assembled was enthusiastic, and broke into spontaneous chanting and cheering at various times.</p> <p>At the end of her presentation, she looked to her right and said, "This little girl sitting in the front -- if she comes back here (in 10 - 20 years) I want it to be to celebrate what was accomplished. It is for her that we do not tire. ... We can do it!"</p>

<p>Susan John, State Assemblywoman, spoke to a full house at the Colgate<br /> Rochester Divinity School Auditorium Monday night, as the National<br /> Immigrant Freedom Ride came to Rochester.</p> <!--break--><p>Susan John, State Assemblywoman, spoke to a full house at the Colgate<br /> Rochester Divinity School Auditorium Monday night, as the National<br /> Immigrant Freedom Ride came to Rochester.</p> <p>She spoke of her past, saying that she knew what it was like "to be<br /> different -- I have never forgotten that as a servant of the people."</p> <p>Ms. John is chair of the State Assembly's Labor Committee and said,<br /> <a name="largest" id="largest">"Agriculture is still the largest industry in New York State."</a></p> <p>Speaking to the 135 freedom riders present, many of whom are farm<br /> workers, John said, "In New York State, farm workers do not have the<br /> right to organize in a labor union -- That is a disgrace. ... The law<br /> says you're not entitled to the same rights as any other worker. --<br /> This is not right."</p> <p>The crowd assembled was enthusiastic, and broke into spontaneous chanting<br /> and cheering at various times.</p> <p>At the end of her presentation, she looked to her right and said,<br /> "This little girl sitting in the front -- if she comes back here (in<br /> 10 - 20 years) I want it to be to celebrate what was accomplished.<br /> It is for her that we do not tire. ... We can do it!"</p>