If you are a member of a union, it is safe to assume you are keeping a close eye what is going on in Wisconsin.
Take a look at the following segment of legislative language:
This is from State Senate Bill 5349.
Not the Wisconsin State Senate...
...the Washington State Senate.
It was introduced by a Republican.
And it is now a dead bill in Washington.
Know why?
Because Democrats are in the majority of the State legislature.
That's why.
If the Repubilcans had their way, and had control of the Legislature... or the Governor's office... you might find yourselves scrambling like your brothers and sisters in the heartland right now.
Turns out, elections do have consequences.
Also, turns out that the celebrated nickel's worth of difference between a Democrat and a Republican can sometimes actually mean something. Particularly when you don't have two nickels to rub together.
Take a look at the following segment of legislative language:
...the legislature intends to repeal the ability of state employees and other nontraditional groups to collectively bargain with the executive branch over compensation.
This is from State Senate Bill 5349.
Not the Wisconsin State Senate...
...the Washington State Senate.
It was introduced by a Republican.
And it is now a dead bill in Washington.
Know why?
Because Democrats are in the majority of the State legislature.
That's why.
If the Repubilcans had their way, and had control of the Legislature... or the Governor's office... you might find yourselves scrambling like your brothers and sisters in the heartland right now.
Turns out, elections do have consequences.
Also, turns out that the celebrated nickel's worth of difference between a Democrat and a Republican can sometimes actually mean something. Particularly when you don't have two nickels to rub together.
Do not assume that we do not have two nickles to rub together. We have carried the water for the democrats for decades. We have put boots on the ground for the candidates of the democats org by the thousands. We have funded your campaigns. We appreciate this very material event. But I caution you all at this formative moment; take nothing for granted here. History is being made, HERE,--NOW. We are keeping score.
ReplyDeleteGranted.
ReplyDeleteAnd point well taken.
But when you count on your hand the number of times the Democrats have tried busting unions... how many fingers do you have left over?
Now count the number of times the GOP has tried busting ya.
How many fingers do you have left over now?
Just askin'
We appreciate the Wisconsin 14. That looks like moral leadership to us, and it looks like someplace that labor can hang it's collective hat on. But it is not lost on us that we are currently facing a challenge to basic collective bargaining and the value of a contract with the State run by a Democrat governor right here at home. Questions of who owes who what ring somewhat hollow pending resolution of some very fundamental questions. We stand at the cross-roads of history.
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to S.B. 5349 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5349.pdf
ReplyDeleteIt was sponsored by Honeyford, Morton and two other Republican senators. Fortunately, it didn't get a hearing.
What we are watching is SB 5405. It is sponsored and supported by Democrats and has passed out of committee. This is what we need help with. If the uber-right is successful in "cutting the labor movement off at the knees", what hope do the Dems have in opposing corporate domination of the political landscape. FOR FREAKIN' CRYING OUT LOUD, DON'T HELP THEM!!
ReplyDelete