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The problem is elections do not cure the ills of public unions. So far the only solution’s to public unions has been the bankruptcy of the municipalities.
They have become an out of control monster that run up huge budget deficits, take money from roads, water systems, sewers, increase taxes, cause layoffs, and eventually bankrupt the entire system.
While I support private unions and the institution of collective bargaining, public unions are a disaster, and in complete contrast to the interest of the public.
You don't outlaw public unions. That is un-American as it gets.
You go to them like adults and you tell them exactly what you can budget for wages and benefits and you negotiate a fair wage and an equitable benefit package. What is so difficult about that? If they don't accept it then they can go on strike for NO wages. Not a popular option.
People don't like being dictated to. Go into the negotiations and explain the problems of the city/state to the union leadership and tell them "this is what we have to spend, let's figure out where this money goes together".
Union people do not want to go on strike, but they do want to be treated fairly. Why should some cubicle dweller get a raise but a man who works hard physical labor not get one? What is so special about a fat-ass who sits in a chair all day writing emails? Why do people hate the people who actually do real work so badly these days?
The problem is elections do not cure the ills of public unions. So far the only solution’s to public unions has been the bankruptcy of the municipalities.
They have become an out of control monster that run up huge budget deficits, take money from roads, water systems, sewers, increase taxes, cause layoffs, and eventually bankrupt the entire system.
While I support private unions and the institution of collective bargaining, public unions are a disaster, and in complete contrast to the interest of the public.
I agree.
However, the best available recourse is the election politicians - from city council members to mayors, to state legislators and governors, who will roll back the extortionist power of Public Employee Unions.
I believe that is happening. This recall election in Wisconsin is just the tip of the iceberg. Public Unions are SO evil and vile, and tax paying citizen are SO tired of being raped by them, that politicians will get elected BECAUSE they promise to dismantle said unions.
However, the best available recourse is the election politicians - from city council members to mayors, to state legislators and governors, who will roll back the extortionist power of Public Employee Unions.
I believe that is happening. This recall election in Wisconsin is just the tip of the iceberg. Public Unions are SO evil and vile, and tax paying citizen are SO tired of being raped by them, that politicians will get elected BECAUSE they promise to dismantle said unions.
Won't work.
The unions use workers dues to bribe politicians with campaign donations.
What happened in Wisconsin is the exception and unfortunately not the rule. For every politician with the guts to stand up to the unions, there are 100 who do not.
We cannot count on the backbone of politicians; we need laws to protect the public.
Won't work.
The unions use workers dues to bribe politicians with campaign donations.
What happened in Wisconsin is the exception and unfortunately not the rule. For every politician with the guts to stand up to the unions, there are 100 who do not.
We cannot count on the backbone of politicians; we need laws to protect the public.
This is just downright hilarious. So you are 100% OK with the GOP politicians being completely owned by right wing special interest groups that are out to destroy the middle class just up the profits of the rich?
Won't work.
The unions use workers dues to bribe politicians with campaign donations.
What happened in Wisconsin is the exception and unfortunately not the rule. For every politician with the guts to stand up to the unions, there are 100 who do not.
We cannot count on the backbone of politicians; we need laws to protect the public.
When public sentiment turns, things happen. It takes time.
I watched (because of family connections) what happened in Omaha, NE in recent years. Because of budget wrangling with the mayor & city council, over Fire Department & Police Department demands, the PUBLIC began to be VERY informed about the exorbitant salary, benefits, and pensions enjoyed by the Fireman's Union.
It was outrageous. Because of "pension spiking" you had 47-year old Fire Captains retiring, and receiving $100,000 per year in pension funds, every year FOR LIFE. Meanwhile the city was running millions of dollars behind budget, and the mayor was pressing for property tax hikes.
Needless to say, the public was so outraged that things have begun to change.
This is just downright hilarious. So you are 100% OK with the GOP politicians being completely owned by right wing special interest groups that are out to destroy the middle class just up the profits of the rich?
"The Rich" are the Public Employee Union bosses & members, who are receiving MASSIVE compensation packages, at the expense of lower-level property tax paying citizens.
This is just downright hilarious. So you are 100% OK with the GOP politicians being completely owned by right wing special interest groups that are out to destroy the middle class just up the profits of the rich?
No, actually I think both corporations and unions should be prevented from bribing public officials.
I also believe corporation should be outlawed, and that the wealthy should pay more in taxes, but that is not the discussion we are having here.
We are discussing the damage done to the citizens by public unions.
"The Rich" are the Public Employee Union bosses & members, who are receiving MASSIVE compensation packages, at the expense of lower-level property tax paying citizens.
I get it, in the mind of the radical right, a school teacher making at or below national average wages is a greedy union thug receiving "massive compensation", but when the GOP gives actual very high paying positions to their cronies, or spends like lunatics on give-a-ways to the rich and their corporate masters, that's a-ok?
The brainwashed right wing mind is more warped than I originally thought,..
No, actually I think both corporations and unions should be prevented from bribing public officials.
I also believe corporation should be outlawed, and that the wealthy should pay more in taxes, but that is not the discussion we are having here.
We are discussing the damage done to the citizens by public unions.
The "damage done" by public unions is nothing but fabricated right wing fodder. No government agency is forced to hire unions, they do so because these are the highest quality workers available.
High quality teachers means well educated children prepared to be the most successful they can be at life. High quality police and fire fighters means a safe place to live, and high quality construction workers means safe roads and bridges to drive on. In the end leading to a great, safe city to live in with appreciating home values. Something this site based on, city-data
Also keep in mind the GOP has done everything they can to block all legislation brought on that would stop the outside interest funds into political campaigns.
The GOP are just misleading the easily misled by essentially going "oooo ooo! Look! the unions are taking a cooking out of your cookie jar!" Then while the misled right winger is going into a full blown uproar, the GOP is in your bedroom breaking into your safe and stealing every valuable you own.
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