This appears to be just another chapter in the violent history of compulsory unionism -- the Teamsters record for this behavior is unparalleled. The story of Rod Carter is all too typical of Teamster tactics:

Carter, a linebacker for the 1989 University of Miami Hurricanes and former 10th round draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys, continued to work during the strike in order to support his family, despite the objections of union officials.

After Rod Carter appeared on the evening news to explain why he did not support the strike, he received a threatening phone call at his home. Phone records proved that the phone call was placed from the house of the Teamsters Local 769 president Anthony Cannestro, Sr.

The next day, a group of union militants tracked Carter down on his delivery route, drew him out of his UPS truck, and severely beat and stabbed him. After the bloody attack but before any arrests, at least one assailant was returned to the picket line to continue participating in strike activities. Union officials later used union funds to bail out the assailants and helped to line up legal representation (as had been promised in advance of the violation).

Carter filed a lawsuit against the Teamsters Local 769 union for encouraging and condoning the violence. The lawsuit charged the attackers and union officials with civil conspiracy, assault and battery, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and loss of consortium. And the suit charged the Local 769 with racketeering.

The Teamsters have led the all other unions in violence for many years. I doubt that the Somerville police started this melee.

Bismarck