Declaring war on the 80% of the American population who is not in any union, nor wants to be seems to be a losing position IMO.
Hoffa may be a "tough guy" and have a bunch of thugs surrounding him, but when it comes to a "war".....he cannot win.... I don't even think the threat of violence will help him, since I am reasonably sure that there are many in the Tea Party, while not stooping to violence, would not hesitate to confront violence if it were thrust upon them.
Mr Hoffa needs to pay more attention to the old adage:...you need to watch what you wish for...it may just come true!
My experience with unions is that genuine ‘tough guys/thugs’ are few and far between. The vast majority are wannabees that act as they do thinking/being told that the union will provide bail/lawyers/court costs etc if they are arrested. Take that away and they return to the meek sheep that they really are.
None of that ilk are ready to go to the mattresses. Nail a couple with “serious charges”, make them stick and the rest will reconsider those ‘union benefits.’ They are cowards. If it comes to violence, bust a couple up —brutally— during the violence they instigate and they will stop...fast. Very few of them...very many of us AND NO ONE SAW NUTHIN!!! ;)