Today in Labor History

[Carnos Jax]

What are you, on crack? Do you just string words together thinking people will believe whatever you say because you think you're Jesus Christ? You could substitute corporate America in your little flow chart and it would be truer. So, are you gonna stop working for private enterprise?

[$tevie]

He is so freaked out that Obama got bin Ladin that he's lost what little mind he had. Plus, I think he's been drinking.

[rjmacs]

Dakota wrote:
rj, I am not against unions. At work I could join a union but I choose not to. I don't want to live by collective decisions of a group. My problem with the unions is that they have a corrupt relationship with elected officials. Union dues->campaign donations->union contracts->campaign donations etc.There is not an equivalent model in the business world. Businesses donate almost evenly, mostly as a protection fee.

Oh, yeah - i didn't mean to imply that you are against unions, Dakota. Sorry if it came across that way.

I think the decision not to live by the collective decisions of a group is a really personal one, and one you have a right to make. I think it's risky to talk about all unions as though they're the same, and their relationships with elected officials as the same, though. Some unions have public contracts, some don't. And i think you'll find that unions, like businesses, will contribute to whatever candidate makes them the best promises. Public safety unions often back conservative candidates who support police, fire and rescue services while teachers and plumbers give to the liberal candidates who support public education and higher wages, etc. In the same way, businesses who are promised favorable tax incentives, land deals, or contracts often will support their favorite candidates regardless of political party or position. At the end of the day, it's about wielding political influence for both groups. Also, both unions and businesses sometimes will try to hedge their bets and give to both sides, especially if it's not clear who the winner will be. Sneaky devils!