Nerditorial: The Importance of Being Earnest (About All Levels of Government)

I have long held the belief that who we elect as President is less consequential than who we elect at the state and municpal levels. Not that the Presidential election is unimportant. Quite the contrary. It is essential. But that who you put in your state's Governor's mansion, and who you put in your State Legislature, is even more important.

Case in point: Michigan.

Michigan is now on the cusp of becoming a so-called Right To Work state.

How did this almost unimaginable state of affairs come to pass?

It's simple, really.

Because a whole bunch of Michigan folks voted to put Republicans in control of the State Legislature and the Governor's Office.

I am at a loss as to how the electorate of Michigan could possibly have expected any other outcome.

This is a hard way to confirm what some of us already know... that Republicans hate them some unions. And when in power, they will act to inflict political damage on unions whenever they can. Even in Michigan.

This is abundantly clear to me but let me spell it out anyway. If the GOP will make Michigan a Right To Work state, there is no place they won't act to render a Right To Work state.

So, be advised, all you independent voters out in Washington state... you go ahead and flirt with these Republicans all you see fit. Just make sure that your retirement nest egg is fully feathered before you do so.