The Seafarer and the Queen

(Press Associates, Inc.)By Mark Gruenberg, WASHINGTON (PAI) Seafarers President Michael Sacco donned white tie and tails on May 7 as the only union leader at GOP President George W. Bush’s state dinner for Queen Elizabeth II.  While Sacco was surprised by the invitation, he was “appreciative and honored in representing the union,” his spokesman said.  Sacco and his wife, like other guests, got to shake hands with and have pictures taken with the Queen. With Sacco present, Bush addressed the union at its Piney Point headquarters last Labor Day. Bush renewed his support of both the Jones Act, which requires U.S.-made goods bought by the government to be carried in U.S.-flag ships, and of the Maritime Security Program, which ensures U.S. ships carry arms and equipment to U.S. troops overseas.  Both programs increase Seafarers’ jobs and enhance national security, the union said. Queen Elizabeth II at the White House State Dinner, photo by Reuters