My answer is – NO.
As we continue to bail out corrupt banking conglomerates, and the administration freshly turns it’s back on the members of the UAW, the Employee Free Choice Act still meanders it’s way around the halls of Congress, waiting to get crushed by Republican filibuster.
Senator Tom Harkin asks a fair and valid question:
“In 1935, we passed the Wagner Act that promoted unionization and allowed unions to flourish, and at the time we were at around 20 percent unemployment. So tell me again why we can’t do this in a recession?” said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), invoking the pro-labor changes of the New Deal. “This is the time to do it. This is exactly the time we should be insisting on a fairer playing field for people to organize themselves.”
Republicans, and, now, it seems, the Obama administration seem to feel that Unions are a burden to the American economy – a mind set that seems to call for a return of the ols caste systems of medeval Europe (you’re born to make and do what you’re born to make and do – quit being so uppity). Yet, for all their bluster and bull, Union families aren’t doing so hot either.
From The Center for American Progress Action Fund comes a website showcasing, state by state, how the evil Unions are actually doing only marginally better than non-union folks. Union workers in Utah make only 12.80% ($2.4 per hour) more than non-union workers, on average.
Personally, after having researched the EFCA in depth over the last few months, I’d like to see Democrats and sane Republicans calling their congressional representatives, especially in the Senate, and demanding an up or down vote on the EFCA.
Why is there such a painful distinction between a Wall Street Bank that shot itself in the head and an American’s right to easily and peaceably organize for the benefit of the employee? Why do some Democrats stand aside and let the politics of fear dictate their behavior? Democrats believe in the rights of the American worker. We stand up for and fight for the rights of American families to improve, to progress and to succeed – yet our electeds are too often too timid to put their beliefs into action, especially when it’s about the Unions.
Get on the phone, folks and make two phone calls today -and tomorrow – and the next day.
Senator Hatch: (202) 224-5251
Senator Bennett: (202) 224-5444
Other Senators for other states
I don’t want to be melodramatic, but –
When the Nazis came for the communists, I remained silent; I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats, I remained silent; I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out; I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews, I remained silent; I was not a Jew.
When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out.
Pastor Martin Niemöller
