utcome, this episode did not deter later labor involvement. However Irish organizational practices became non-violent, taking on a more progressive stance. There were a few Irishmen who notably aided the labor rights and union movements. Terrence V. Powderly (1849-1924) was the leader of the Knights of Labor, the first national labor organization. He encouraged workers to join trade unions and to fight for their rights as employees. He later became the United States Commissioner General of Immigration.(27) Peter James Maguire (1852-1906) was another union pioneer. He helped found the American Federation of Labor and was its first secretary and vice president. Irish women have also played substantial in Americas labor movement.(28) Elizabeth Gurley Flynn (1890-1964) co-founded the American Civil Liberties Union in 1920, and then went on to be the leader of the U.S. Communist Party.(29) Irish American participation in Americas union and labor movement has been and continues to be of vital importance and benefit to the well being of American society. (30)As one can see, Irish immigrants have greatly affected American society and history. They have come a long way from the years when they were viewed as leeches, bringing filth, disease, and drunkenness. They rose to power as political leaders, and union promoters . Some stereotypes still remain in the publics mind, however. Take for example, Minnesotas governor, Jesse Ventura. In an interview, when asked about the confusing streets of St. Paul, the governor attributed them to the drunk Irish. Despite the stereotypes, the Irish have acted positively for our country. They changed and molded America, as they gradually became more accepted, and made a name for themselves, not just in politics, labor and industry, but in sports and education as well. The University of Notre Dame is a prominent Irish-Catholic school, while Babe Ruth (1895-1948) was know for his baseball abilities and Jac...
