Emergency managers bill sweeps toward final approval

Union rights advocates call for mass protest

By Eartha Jane Melzer | 03.10.11 | 10:12 am

Though Gov. Rick Snyder says he is not interested in hurting unions, yesterday’s Senate approval of a package that gives Emergency Managers complete power over financially troubled towns and school districts means he will soon be asked to sign off on measures that are expected to eliminate union jobs across the state.

In a party line vote, and despite impassioned speeches of protest by the body’s Democratic minority, the Michigan Senate approved legislation that threatens to take over and even dissolve local governments that refuse to balance their budgets by breaking labor contracts.
　
According to the law, which has already been approved in the House, the governor will be able to declare “financial emergency” in towns or school districts and appoint someone to fire local elected officials, break contracts, seize and sell assets, and eliminate services.

Under the law whole cities or school districts could be eliminated without any public participation or oversight, and amendments designed to provide minimal safeguards and public involvement were voted down.

An amendment to require Emergency Managers to hold monthly public meetings to let people know how they are governing was rejected by Senate Republicans, along with proposals to cap Emergency Manager compensation and require that those appointed to run school districts have some background in education.

Critics say that Republicans are manipulating concerns about budget problems in order to consolidate power by undermining unions. The measure could be sent to the governor for final approval this week.

The Michigan bill cleared the Senate on the same day that Republicans in Wisconsin broke a weeks long standoff and passed a bill severely restricting collective bargaining rights for public employees in that state. Similar efforts are in process in Ohio, Indiana and other states across the country.

Though the Wisconsin law has received the most media attention, by allowing the takeover of whole towns and schools the Michigan legislation could be much more far reaching.

“It takes every decision in a city or school district and puts it in the hands of the manager, from when the streets get plowed to who plows them and how much they are paid,” said Michigan State AFL-CIO president Mark Gaffney. “In schools, the manager would decide academics or if you have athletics.”

“This is a takeover by the right wing and it’s an assault on democracy like I’ve never seen,“ Gaffney said.

In Wisconsin, supporters of workers rights are rallying at the capital and plans for legal challenges to the law and recall petitions for Gov. Scott Walker and Republican state senators are in the works.

It is unclear how labor and other groups will respond to Michigan’s emergency takeover legislation. Though there have been protests at the Capitol by union workers, the numbers haven’t been as high as for similar protests in Wisconsin.

In an interview with Rachel Maddow last night, filmmaker Michael Moore called for demonstrators to converge on the Capitol in large numbers in Lansing today.

“Go to Lansing,“ he said. “Tell Gov. Rick Snyder you won’t let him kill our unions and take away our right to vote for mayor.”

Comments

http://twitter.com/dawn9476 Dawn

Hurting unions is the least offensive thing about this bill. The real disaster in this bill is that Snyder can just come in and unilaterally destroy a city or towns government without any say from that city or towns residents. That’s wrong.

Anonymous

Yup.

Anonymous

This country was built on the idea of checks and balances. It seems that the current focus of the right-wing party is to eliminate said checks and balances. It doesnt matter if this bill solves a problem or not, it is wrong! It gives too much power to a central government.
http://www.facebook.com/dani.kent.gootee Danielle Kent

time to mobilize!!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Christine-Gallo/100000143972403 Christine Gallo

Time to stop paying taxes! Checks and balances.
Taxes and services.
Rock and Hard Place
My guess is that this will get ugly very quickly, and when it does, communities will band together to plow streets, haul trash, assist police and fire depts. Because, obviously, business won’t provide services without compensation (taxes). Teachers may have to offer their courses on line, and collect salaries from individual families that the community can attempt to work out. Hopefully the wealthier communities will reach out to those needing more support and assistance.

Anonymous

Actually, I’m in favor of raising my taxes.

Anonymous

If you are so in favor of it, might I suggest you go and write a check? Trust me, the State of Michigan will have no problem spending any $$$ you wish to send. I personally believe that I am a better judge of how my money is spent. But then again, I do think for myself, and don’t rely on MSNBC as my news source.

Anonymous

I know, you get your news from FOX. Putting that aside, you won’t be able to judge how your tax dollars are spent. An appointed corporate executive that my make a half a million dollars or more (of your tax money) and spend it in another state. All depends on how much he contributed to the campaign.
http://twitter.com/djpostl Joseph Jones

Yeah, you watch Fox News no doubt, placing you right in the middle of the most tragically misinformed group of viewers on earth.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_G4G2PYERDY2E523OEEKVA4UPAQ WayneN

Ya.. like that would ever happen.

http://twitter.com/dkmich dkmich

Volunteer to help with the recall. http://www.firericksnyder.org

Let’s send Michigan’s tea baggers a message that makes it all the way to the ears of the tea baggers in Washington.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_S5KTMGFXQG4UZCJSH7C6D5W2II Tina

Michiganders… Whatcha waitin for?

A signed Bill saying you have no more rights,, guess what “their hereee”

Anonymous

Did you know that collective bargaining is not a right? The people commenting here obviously haven’t made it through middle school yet.

Anonymous

Collective bargaining becomes a right when it becomes law, you DOLT. Here’s a thought problem for you: A union man, you, and a big fat CEO are all sitting around the table with a plate of 12 cookies in the middle. The CEO takes 11 cookies and then says to you “Look, that union bastard is trying to take your cookie!” Get the picture you right wing shill? Probably not…………………

Anonymous

Which law are you referencing? Last I checked, as I taxpayer, I am not trying to take a union man’s cookies. He is trying to take my retirement money, my health care money, and my wage money, because he thinks he deserves it more than I do. This isn’t about corporate Unions you twit, it is about government employees belonging to unions, and they are paid by the taxpayer. Your little analogy would be funny, if it weren’t so sad that you think a Union employee deserves any of the cookies. Shows the union greed. Plain and simple.

Anonymous

Show your evidence that the union has any access whatsoever to your personal retirement funds, health care funds and wages. They don’t, you lied, simple as that. You have the wages you do and not far less because of unions fighting for things like the minimum wage and the 40 hour work week. BTW, unions don’t think they deserve more than you, they think that you deserve more whether you’re in a union or not. What’s funny to me is that you prove yourself wrong with every echo chamber talking point that falls out of your empty head. Don’t think I didn’t notice that you have no objection to the CEO taking all but one cookie and turning you against your natural ally against the corporations. Last, collective bargaining was a right by law in Wisconsin before it was stolen from the people there, as it’s still the law in other places. Enjoy your comforting little echo chamber, and keep the door closed so no facts get in!
http://twitter.com/djpostl Joseph Jones

Guy is a moron so save yourself some time and just stop arguing with him. The idiot doesn’t get the general concept that union’s do more than “demand higher wages”. Let him have his way then see if he enjoys having to work 80 hours a week without a choice, not being paid overtime, having his retirement age pushed out another five years etc…
Anonymous

just because you got screwed by your employer for the last 20 years out of wages and benefits don’t be mad a union workers ….

if you want to find out what the min wage should be if it kept up with inflation just google an inflation calculator (I use the one from NASA) and look what your wage should be if adjusted for inflation …… and that is not accounting for productivity gains made by employers …..

and you act as if you get no benefit from the state workers …..

http://twitter.com/djpostl Joseph Jones

um, if it is a collective bargaining “right” then yes it is moron. it may have been put in place by legislation but it is indeed a right in every sense of the word. now why don’t YOU run along and go get some more education you condescending pr#$k

sandlynx

Then, I’d say nullification is in order.

sandlynx

I agree; it’s not a ‘right’. Another term needs to be applied here. I also object to people claiming that a “public education” is a “right”. I see no place in the Bill of Rights that says or implies that.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_CZRDIWCRJKR5XQKSTSPRELRXQE Thomas

This is a coup d’etat & the final assault against the freedoms & liberties that remain following the Bush Junta’s shredding of Constitutional Law. The uber rich bought the GOP politicians, gamed the system & are AUDACIOUSLY taking away our right to vote and sign contracts! Worse, Obama the Hypocrite ran on a PROMISE to join demonstrators if the GOP assaulted worker rights. Yet another broken promise from our stealth Prez who is another corporate-bought sellout who committed fraud to get elected.

Two words: National Strike!

Anonymous

What is scary is so many SMART people, young and not so young cannot see the forest because they are focusing on BS from the past. Who are the UBER RICH??? The UNIONS! Don’t be so stupid and put your head in the sand. The money behind the UNIONS can do as much damage in the wrong hands, which won’t be yours. Unions PAY their members to VOTE or PROTEST, and THAT, my friend is NOT FREEDOM. Not only that, but support from UNWELCOME unions muddy the water. Money from overseas interests send money and support some pretty powerful UNIONS that will railroad your way into a tethered life with threats and fear if you don’t play by their rules. WHAT the HELL will happen to our FREEDOM when we are being puppets tossed around by organizations that are controlling this country that are not even American. Do your homework, people. I don’t care what party to which you adhere. You are selling your souls when you pay your dues for someone to speak for you. That is not a democracy. THAT is SCARY. Think about it! The “uber rich” corporate American is child’s play compared to the shadow hanging behind the Unions. Be afraid and then buck it up. Stand up for freedom from this very power hungry greedy force to truly shut us up.

http://twitter.com/garynorris Gary Patrick Norris

your use of capitals is scary. unions are the least of your worries.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Christine-Gallo/100000143972403 Christine Gallo

Sorry, Mark, but you need to do your research. The money in Unions is penny ante compared to what subsidized Oil and Gas, Wall Street, Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, subsidized Corporate Farming, and Banking are doing to this country. If they would pay their taxes we wouldn’t be in the mess we are in right now. Hell, if Washington would convict Wall Street and demand repatriation of the monies they stole from Americans the country wouldn’t be in a depression. Don’t try to put this on the backs of Unions, we are going to need them †o stand up for working Americans more now than ever. Working America has paid its dues twice over since this debacle began. We bailed out Wall Street, and then we still lost our savings, pensions, homes, retirements, jobs and insurance. Now these same people are trying to come after working Americans AGAIN. But this time I think they need to be told to go where there is money. Go to Bank of America, which hasn’t paid taxes. Take away the subsidies from the oil and gas companies. Do you think they need them? Or how about Monsanto, and the other corporate farmers, can we get back the money we subsidize them? Oh, yea, we could even turn the tables back to the time before Congress was bought and paid for by the very corporations you are so quick to excuse and find blameless, and have those very same business pay their fair share of taxes instead of the 7% they average now!
Look into just how much money those corporations spent on lobbying each year for the last 10 years if you are so worried about a shadow hanging behind something. Then you can rant, if you still think Union lobbying can hold a candle to the billions being spent by corporate America to buy influence. And it is not even done in secret, it is out in the open.

If you don’t find what is happening in Michigan frightening, Mark, you just don’t get it. You can spend all your time jousting with shadows, and fearing foreigners, when the demons are right in your own back yard.

Anonymous

Maybe you need to do your research, dearie, but where do you think the lion’s share of the election funds for the Democrats come from? Yes, the Unions. I was told by one of your liberal buddies that the Democratic Party would no longer be able to exist if it weren’t funded by the Unions. This was actually used as a reason that the gov’t employees need to stay in a union.

You need to get a clue, the Unions aren’t for the people. The Unions are for the Unions, and the power they can wield. Companies do something to earn money, such as create a product, sell a service. Unions merely take money from every member as “dues” whether they want to pay it or not, and the people don’t even have a choice whether or not to join.

In Liberal Looneytown, up is down, black is white, etc, and Unions should have the money because “it’s for the kids” or whatever. I guess because the average taxpayer is “the man” and deserves to be “collective bargained” against. Since when is working hard and earning money a bad thing? .

Anonymous

Want to go back to times before Unions when less than one half of 1% owned 98% of the wealth in this country? Really?!? Corporations don’t give living (let alone good) wages out ot the goodness of thier hearts. It’s because working class Americans stood up and died by the hundreds so you could make enough money to buy a computer to spew your diatribe. Union or not, as the unions have lost membership, the middle and working class have seen their wages go down. Unless, of course you are one of that 2%, which you probably are.
http://twitter.com/djpostl Joseph Jones

Another post, another clue-free diatribe. Yes, the Unions put in the lionshare of money to the Democrats BUT that is pennies compared to what the GOP gets from corporate America.

In 2010, with it’s record donations, unions were outspent at a huge rate when you look at all the numbers and not just the “independent ads” Haley Barbour likes to tout.

Citizens United completely removed any and all things restricting corporations from making “direct ads” and they took full advantage of it.

Case in point, the Chamber of Commerce and Karl Rove’s Crossroads GPS — probably made a difference in more than a dozen House races.

These conservative groups spent more than $100 million more than their liberal counterparts (mostly unions like the SEIU and AFSCME), according to preliminary calculations by the Center for Responsive Politics.

Unshackled by Citizens United (which overturned a century of restrictions on corporate political spending) and emboldened by other creative legal loopholes, companies and mega-rich individuals reveled in their stealth electoral power.
Anonymous

There is nothing wrong with working hard and earning a *living wage*.
Just remember, unions brought the working class to a point that they could make a living wage, and therefore were able to buy things and pay taxes, both of which created jobs.
Capitalism works to make the most profit, therefore employers feel that it is ‘good’ business to pay their employees the least amount possible. Without organized labor we have reached the point where people working for Walmart and the like don’t make enough to drive the economy and pay the taxes that support schools and government agencies.
In other words, we are regressing, and in the case of Gov. Snyder’s ‘emergency law’ we are regressing even further, back to the point of feudalism. Maybe this hasn’t noticeably affected you yet and so you don’t see it as a problem, but watch your back (since it would appear that you are only concerned with…you), the decline of the working/middle class will bring you down.

http://www.facebook.com/DougDeike Richard Douglas Deike

You too maybe a little naive, the way to power is always through association, for associations to survive they need members and money. These rules apply to all associations small, large,rich and poor.
This coming together of the “uber rich” and the right wing is nothing new it has happened many times in our countries history. In the not to distant past, please look at the 1900-1930 the “Robber Barons” and the 1980′s for example
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AXV3LYUBLETCHZOFWJMGU5ZYHA Kelly

The Unions fight for workers rights idiot. They are your only defense against these corupt corporations. I have worked for a corp that hasnt given any raises to any of their workers for over 10 years. In fact the starting pay is lower than it was 10 yrs ago. We are forced to work holidays w/out holiday pay! Straight time baby. I cannot spend xmas w/ my family and Im not even paid time and a half to do so. If I goto my supervisor with an issue it is ignored and they give everyone the runaround. They consistantly lie and change policy at their whim. 4 employees were fired illegally for trying to start a union in 2005. We won in federal court through their 3 appeals and they continue to run their business illegally, doing and saying the same things they were found guilty of in federal court. Yea, why dont I just sit down with them and bargain for myself! You are ignorant. The only reason any of the non union corps ever paid a decent wage was because of the union movement. Union dues are small and well worth the job security and fairness workers benifit from. Most of the highest paid union leaders dont make much more than 200,000 and they work their asses off! Corp bigheads make millions! And who are the thugs taking away freedom? Michigan Gov. Snyder is the worst thug of all. Hummmm… What did he used to be before he was gov, I wonder?

Anonymous

Are you kidding me? Are you actually going to tell me that you believe that the average American taxpayer is a corrupt corporation that the employees need to be defended from? .

I have worked at places with unions and no unions. I am here to tell you, that you are incorrect. The places with unions were the only places that I saw people sleeping on the job and goofing off extensively, and then demanding to get overtime to complete their job, knowing full well that they couldn’t be fired.

Unions cost companies money. Period. They create so much red tape and beauracracy that the companies are no longer competitive. Then we lose jobs to overseas. Unions cost America jobs. Government workers have no “right” to collective bargain. That is a privilege that was given to them at some point. If it is rescinded, the good employees have nothing to worry about. The only ones that will need to be concerned are the lazy slobs who sleep on the job. I am assuming you must be one of those, otherwise you wouldn’t have your knickers in such a twist.

I, for one, am extremely proud that there are real men out there willing to stand up to the Union thugs in the name of the taxpayer and do something about this mess. We are broke, people, and the Unions should no longer get a free ride. They should be willing to stand in solidarity with the rest of the Michigan workers who have reduced pay and benefits over the last several years, not to mention the many who have lost their jobs all together. Fixing Michigan is not an easy job, but I think Governor Snyder is up for the task. At least he has created jobs before. Obama hasn’t been able to accomplish that in over 2 years in office.

Anonymous

1. Since the SMART people recognize that unions are important and a safeguard to rights of working people, and

2. You are anti-union, then

3. You obviously and logically are NOT smart.

P.S. I can hit the shift key to form capital letters, also – so can my dog.

Anonymous

Good dog!
Anonymous

1. The SMART people know that Unions are for Unions, and have nothing to do with the rights of working people. They are in it for the power. If you believe otherwise, then you have been brainwashed.

2. Yes, I am anti-union, (at least for gov’t employees), so then
3. Where is your reasoning? Did your college professor tell you this and helped you with the big words? Obviously and logically?

P.S Anyone can hit the shift key. Feeling proud enough to point it out makes one look very uneducated.

Anonymous

At least I had college professors, Mr. GED (or dropout). The American heyday was from 1947-1973. The tax on the highest earners was between 70-91%, unions were strong, science was respected, and people were home with their kids in the evening. In the last 30 years, unions have been demonized and weakened, science dissed, and the tax rate on the highest earners reduced to 33% – and America is in trouble. Coincidence? I think not.

I would prescribe for you to stop watching the supporter of the atheist whore Ayn Rand, Glenn Beck, and go back and finish school.

Oh, and get psychiatric help, also.

Anonymous

Ha. You funny. So, who’s hand is that up your ass?
Anonymous

Government unions should be illegal. Basically it boils down to tax payers being forced to support the Democrat party. Not only that, all good/great union employees would make more money if they weren’t held back by union contracts. It forces people that sleep on the job to get the same pay as the one who breaks his back working his hardest. Unions save the jobs of people who have no business working with children or in positions of responsibility. In the end, who are the Unions “collective bargaining” against? The taxpayer. Maybe the people on here aren’t, but I am and don’t appreciate being threatened with strikes and violence unless I “conform to their wishes”. Sounds a little like the mafia, doesn’t it?

Anonymous

Yeah, well I don’t like war, and my tax dollars go to that too.

http://twitter.com/djpostl Joseph Jones

Amen. I love how conservatives want others to foot the bill for their bullshit programs, corporate giveaways and expensive wars but god forbid they are asked to have even one red cent of their money go into something they don’t like.

Oh heavens to betsy.

Anonymous

Fewer than 1 in 12 workers are in unions. Corporations outspend unions in elections 10-1. Shady people in the shadows–Koch brothers who finance the teabaggers. When the richest 2% have more than the bottom 95% or the richest 10% have 85% of the wealth in the country–THAT’S SCARY.

Anonymous

Did you know that collective bargaining is not a right? It is a privilege, and the only thing unions do is keep the wages down for the good employees and save the jobs of the bad ones. The good employees have absolutely nothing to worry about. Looks like the people posting here are the losers who can’t keep a job unless they are protected by the Union Mafia.

http://twitter.com/djpostl Joseph Jones

Scroll up. Learn to read. Yes it’s a right, just one put in by an act of law. That still makes it a…wait for it, wait for it…right. Noun., – a just claim or title, whether legal, prescriptive, or moral.

Anonymous

Breaking news: The Nazis didn’t really escape to South America. They came to America and embedded themselves in our communities. Their progeny are now taking over, slowly but surely.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_XUASR7TXR75QW2NWGGOF3O5B4M John

Not yet my son …be patient….
Anonymous

Breakiing News: The Nazis were Socialists. National Socialist German Worker’s Party? Socialists are liberals. You are correct that they escaped, and formed unions in this country. Thank God someone is finally fighting against them in the name of good. You should be thanking Gov. Snyder with all your heart!

Anonymous

The National Socialistic Party is different from “Socialism”, your lack of education is showing.

Anonymous

Yes it is. Really, read a book, please. Any book. You are embarrassing yourself.

Anonymous

Little one, if it were not for liberals, we would be singing ‘God Save the Queen’ before the ballgames instead of the ‘Star Spangled Banner’. If it were not for unions we would not have child labor laws, 40 hour workweeks, overtime pay, and paid sick and vacation time. “Liberal” and Unions” are not dirty words and we, the average citizens, need to stop the acrimony amongst ourselves while our freedoms are sold down the river by our politicians. As for your bizarre comment, it would serve you well to look beneath the labels and compare what is (or was) actually done by the parties in power against standards of fairness, decency, and constitutionality. Perhaps then you might develop some objectivity and a little less reliance on silly slogans, political party names, and very faulty nexuses, i.e., the Nazis called themselves Socialists and therefore they were liberals. I really could not care less whether the Nazis called themselves Socialists, Liberals, Conservatives, Libertarians, Anarchists, or Whigs. They left behind a very clear and incontestible track record of political oppression and atrocities which ought to be abhorrent to free and decent people everywhere for all time to come. Therefore, when we here in our time see governments embarking off into activities which clearly mirror the Nazi regime, it is NEVER too soon to say. “Hey, wait a minute! You can’t do that here!” These Governors (Walker, Snyder, Scott,etc.,) were elected just that – Governor – not king, emperor, absolute monarch, dictator, pope, or grand poobah. They are supposed to be representing all the people of the state, not just the ones who share their philosophy or gave them campaign contributions.
As a personal initiation into even-handedness, try asking yourself which party it was that stood before the cameras in December and said “Now is not the time to raise taxes on anyone….”, but now, only 3 months later believes that now is the perfect time to implement taxes on pensioners and adjudicate pay cuts on working people with modest salaries, which is nothing less than a left-handed tax increase on those workers. Pardon me if I withhold my gratitude to Governor Snyder until he ceases his war on the average citizen and carries out his duties in a fair and equitable manner, which I do not think is too much to ask.
http://twitter.com/djpostl Joseph Jones

Yeah, no you are embarrassing yourself fool. You do know that current version of your beloved Republican party once went by a different name right?

Want to guess what it was? Here is a hint..it started with Democrat.

So if your whole “it’s all in a name” approach to these things is true then you just woke up to find yourself in the party of Obama jackass.

Man, making you look like an idiot is like shooting fish in a barrel.

I now brand you Conservasapien:

A somewhat uneducated, low IQ wielding, slightly impoverished, deeply religious, child mistreating, very obese, diabetes suffering individual who keeps electing politicians who deny him collective bargaining rights while he lives in a state where income disparity is at its worst levels…all the while complaining about “welfare recipients” as he personally soaks up more federal tax dollars than he contributes each & every year.

It is all right here in the data.

http://djpostl.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/mapofdoom1.jpg

Anonymous

I can produce many quotes by Hitler that are anti-liberal and anti-Socialist. Hitler imprisoned unionists and liberal intellectuals. Read William Shirer’s Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Nazis were also racist; liberals are not. American Socialists include William Jennings Bryan, Edward Bellamy, Frances Ballard, and Francis Bellamy (a Baptist minister who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance – if you are anti-Socialist, do not say the Pledge).

Luke 3:11
John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”

Acts 2:44-45
44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

Acts 4:32-35
that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

http://twitter.com/Youcantmakeme07 Sarah Jones

These scriptures are obviously referring to RELIGIOUS principles, not political. They are encouraging these acts of sharing and looking out for the underprivileged but would NEVER force them as a law. Socialism assumes that people are not going to follow these principles and decides to force them by law to abide by them.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_BCILH26RV5LBAXFN33Y3YOHZZM Today

I Live in a City with an EFM and if you dont STFU. its a good bill and necessary even without this law our city Union Police Members voted yesterday to dissolve the union why because cities currently under efm’s dont have the ability to rectify the problems , maybe you should read the law before you spout your Liberal Union talking point rants. and look in the mirror Cities under EFM’s are ran by Liberal Democrats be careful what fight you pick shows you are scum not support this

Anonymous

So if someone has a different view then you, they are scum?

Anonymous

Scum are people who are in the Union, giving death threats to people that they disagree with. If you are one of those, then yes, you are scum, too.

The average Union worker is not in the union by choice, they had to join in order to have the job. If there was a choice, most union members would quit. Those are the normal, reasonable people. The ones that are very pro-union are the ones who sleep on the job, won’t work, and expect the union to help them keep their job.

Anonymous

Wow, you sound like such a charming person. But I can tell from your mangled syntax that you’re under-educated, which explains a lot about your fascist views.

Anonymous

Fascism is part of socialism, which is what the Nazis were founded on. You wish to insult others’ intelligence, bu instead only reveal that you know nothing about this subject. Don’t listen to your college professors, they don’t speak the truth. (just a hint)

Anonymous

Fascism and Socialism are diametrically opposed, (that means opposite), look it up and prove you can read and learn.

Anonymous

Not true

Anonymous

Whatever, Jared Loughner

Le Mar 15, 2011 à 11:06 PM, “Disqus” a écrit :

Anonymous

Wow, you sound like such a charming person. But I can tell from your mangled syntax that you’re under-educated, which explains a lot about your fascist views.
Anonymous

The state is in such a bad state because of Engler, not the Any Dem.

P.S. My Family didn’t fight in the Revolutionary War to allow Fascist government in MI~!!!

Anonymous

Apparently you don’t remember Granholm? We have 15% unemployment thanks to her. Somehow, it doesn’t matter how long a Dem is on the job, they always blame their inabilities on a Republican. The American people see through this and are really starting to get tired of this lame tactic.

I think you might wish to review your definition of Fascism? Just, sayin.

Anonymous

Fail.

Engler cut this states throat and handed a failing state to Granholm, Both of which where elected officials you do know what voting is right?

P.S. $5 says your family didn’t fight in any American war let alone the Revolutionary war, at best you are second or third gen American.

P.P.S. $5 says you don’t have the $5 to place the first bet.

Anonymous

For starters, yes I have a family member that fought in the Revolutionary War, and one in World War I, Vietnam, Desert Storm. I am a member of the Daughters of the Revolution. But no thanks, I wouldn’t take the $5. It’s probably covered in crap, just like your reply

How old are you? 12? If that were actually true (which it isn’t) then how is it possible that in 8 years Granholm was incapable of getting our unemployment about 15%? Sorry, but you have been schooled, my dear.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Deborah-L-Purdom/1173648119 Deborah L Purdom

I was not aware that elected officials could be “fired” by anyone. Impeached by “we the people” maybe, but not fired. BTW, “we the people” ARE the government and the republicans seem to have forgotten that and think they have the rights of dictatorship.

Anonymous

What elected official are you speaking of? I suppose you think that Kwame wasn’t fired? I guess it doesn’t matter what a Dem does, they should keep their job to the bitter end? Typical Union mentality. No, We the People are not the gov’t. You might wish to brush up on your Social Studies and history a little bit, before writing stuff that not only isn’t true, makes you look like an 11 year old.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=703567646 Bjbutterfli Hayhurst

. To call other that disagree with you names show what and who you a really are. Liberal Democrats are not the ones taking your rights away. But you be sure to keep drinking the kool aid they are feeding you from Fox
Anonymous

What language are writing in?

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_B7WHIUBPMWKHK5GBTDJJAI5A3M Ryan

Give me a break, you’re telling me that a city such as Detroit that has endured years of incapable and corrupt officials should continue to work the way it has. This bill simply gives the state the ability to police cities and school districts that continually refuse to do the right thing. If this bill were in place years ago when a certain gentleman, Young, was around in Detroit we may not have had another former Mayor facing federal racketeering charges today or a former council woman in Jail for corruption.

The very checks and balances you speak of are non-existent in these places where the elected officials run amuck. Where were these checks and balances when the Detroit school district was handing out 500k dollar grants to fitness providers, who might I add did nothing but hold meetings. The fact that Detroit and other cities like Hamtramck can operate the way they have for as long as they have is reason enough for a bill like this to pass.

Anonymous

No, those corrupt officials should be facing legal action, be barred from running for public office, and have personal assets seized to go towards the debt. Accessories, businesses, etc should all be held accountable as well. Appointing a EFM that has authority do do whatever they want is like installing a dictator into a school or a town. This is punishing an entire community / school district (our children) for the actions of a few.
Punish those involved, and help the city, school, township or whatever it may be get back on their feet. Not all communities and schools face deficit from fault of their own, times are tight, and the state keeps cutting funding. Those most vulnerable are going to end up in deficit and have a dictator over them. Instead of trying to dictate to lower level governments, why not try to work with them? Have open forums where people can share ideas on cutting cost, increasing revenue, and the like. Putting too much power in one group of people is never a good idea. It may solve some problems in the short term, but it will create greater problems in the long run.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_PKUOK7YENDUDE4QZPMPUQ5HU64 Brian

I agree with JR.

Case in point: Quami Kilpatrick. He’s out through a legal process.

Who is to say that Snyder will not replace a town’s leadership under the idea of budget issues because they are left leaning and he wants to create a Republican power grab?

How many people would have elected this guy if he was clear about his agenda to destroy unions, contracts, and to yield executive take over power with our city and towns?

Anonymous

All of the democrats who were sick of what was going on and voted for Synder are now reaping what they sowed. This will not do the Republicans any good in the 2012 elections….they are crazy people!!
sandlynx

Brian said “How many people would have elected this guy if he was clear about his agenda to destroy unions, contracts, and to yield executive take over power with our city and towns?”
comment: I fully agree. Remember when people asked how Snyder planned to get things in control, and he was extremely unforthcoming with details that would have told us what his agenda is. Instead, he just expected us to “trust” him. Trusting a politician is not a good idea.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1580611162 Betsy Rose

Where are the checks and balances on the EFM? Dissolving towns?
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_P3T63YJJRXFIDLNV22EI7MPFT4 Jonathan

I did not realize how bad Detroit was till the other day. The town looks like a dump. Ths Unions took a once great city to it’s knees and then continued to kick the shit out of it when down. Detroit once was a manufacturing gem of the U.S., and it produced the finest cars in America. That is, until the Unions made the City a deal it didn’t refuse and gutted the Goose that laid the golden eggs…

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1436370143 Peggy Keller

Unions did not take Detroit to it’s knees. Most people who worked for the manufacturers moved out as soon as the highway was built. Detroit is 83% black and the only Auto-maker that has a decent percentage of minority workers is Ford and it’s less than 30%. You can only blame Unions if the majority of the Union workers live in the city and they don’t.
After WW2 when people realized that the poor southern blacks who moved in before the war were not moving out, the middle class left and went to the suburbs. At that point there had been huge monstrous houses and apartment buildings built when Detroit was considered the Paris of America in the teens and twenties. They were pretty much abandoned.

Detroit was bad even in the 60s, it just got worse since no one bothered to invest or repair the houses or commercial buildings. The only ones who wanted to move in were poor minorities, when you are worried about food to eat, you are not going to care about a porch that’s falling apart or a house that needs to be painted or a leaking roof. Money has been poured into the area, but not for home repair.

You can go to almost any city and see the same thing, Parts of Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City-cities in the south where there are no unions have experienced the same kind of decay. It’s a racial and poverty issue, it is NOT a union issue. If those who lived in the city all worked for Unions, they would be making a living wage and afford to keep the buildings in decent conditions or gentrified.
Anonymous

The Unions? How about the Ford Family? They sent jobs to Mexico so they could pay workers $2.00 a day.

Anonymous

No, it was because of the red-tape of the union. Worse than dealing with the U.S Government. Now that is saying something when it is easier to deal with Spanish speaking Mexicans, than English speaking Americans. Unfortunately, some people just won’t wake up out of the fog and see what really happened.

Anonymous

You are a puddle of suck who has no idea how corporations work or think. I can almost hear you bray.
Anonymous

Donkeys are Democraps. You really are not very smart, are you? I guess now I’m a Nazi, because I’m conservative. Oh, yes, Nazis were liberals. You just can’t get a break today, can you? Maybe try reading a book some time.
sandlynx

Please stop attacking people. Deal with what they said, not who said it.

Anonymous

I thought it was the off-shoring of manufacturing. Huh?
Anonymous

Actually,

My great uncle and his cohorts began the process in the late 1960′s. His job was to scout and find locations to outsource jobs in Mexico and Asia. I come from a long line of blue collar workers. Because they made a living wage, I was able to go to college. And as a teacher, I will not be able to send my kids to college. I’ll be lucky to keep my job. But that’s what I get for working 60-70 hour weeks and coaching 3 sports.

As much as his brother (my grandfather) said that what he was doing would destroy Michigan, he simply said he didn’t care, it would take 40 or 50 years and he would be long gone and wealthy beyond belief. He was right.

So don’t blame to workers, blame the Corporations who started outsourcing our jobs 50 years ago. They know exactly what they are doing. They were making 100′s of millions of dollars at the time. But it wasn’t enough, they wanted to make billions. Mission accomplished.

Oh, and before you say–hey they almost went bankrupt–Nissan, Kia, Honda and Toyota all build cars here and (and in fact are building more factories) and are not in financial ruin. They make more cars in the US than US carmakers. Greedy and short sighted Execs nearly ran the companies out of business and out of America.

Anonymous

This bill could also dissolve Grand Rapids, or Kalamazoo or Any other city just because Snyder says so.

Anonymous

I’m sure he could also dissolve the moon. Get a grip. Someone has to take responsibility for the people of this state. When the local gov’ts can’t or won’t do their jobs, they need to answer to a higher authority.

Anonymous

Get a grip? Tossing away our rights is not taking responsibility and you are a fool ,(sorry fools to compare you to this simpleton), and deserve to penned like the sheep that you are.

Anonymous

What right, exactly are you referring to? You don’t even know what you are talking about. Try reading the Constitution. You need to know the difference between rights, and liberal lies.
http://twitter.com/Samssil Jill H

How about my right to elect my government officials? This bill gives Snyders goon the right to come in and say my vote didnt count? That takes away my rights as a voter! Not only that there is a portion of this bill that prohibits these towns from passing millage to improve schools and roads. How is that not taking away my rights as a voter to support my community? I find it hard to believe this bill if enforced would pass any kind of Constitutional scrutiny when brought before the courts.

http://www.facebook.com/jean.hodor.westler Jean Hodor Westler

There is NEVER a reason for state legislatures or any other governing body to take away the right to vote. Like it or not, it’s up to the citizens to elect or not elect their leaders. If the citizens don’t elect who you consider OK, you have every right to organize voters to your candidate. But don’t give away our right to vote. That’s about all that’s left for us citizens. Jean

Anonymous

You are very under-informed. We have many rights. It’s called the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, in case you haven’t heard of them. Most people learn about it in elementary school.

Anonymous

And you are overlooking the fact that Snyder is attempting to blatantly take away said rights.
Anonymous

Don’t worry littleoyou, we are not laughing with you we are laughing at you.

http://www.facebook.com/jean.hodor.westler Jean Hodor Westler

There is NEVER a reason for state legislatures or any other governing body to take away the right to vote. Like it or not, it’s up to the citizens to elect or not elect their leaders. If the citizens don’t elect who you consider OK, you have every right to organize voters to your candidate. But don’t give away our right to vote. That’s about all that’s left for us citizens. Jean
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AXV3LYUBLETCHZOFWJMGU5ZYHA Kelly

This is not the reason for this bill Ryan. If Republicorp was so worried about a fiscal crisis in your city/town than why not cap the EM’s pay, hold a PUBLIC meeting or require them to have any background in what theyre managing? Huh? ‘Cause that’s NOT what this bill is about. Any side your on, wrong or right, this is clear abolishment of Democracy! The voters repeal!!!! You will see it happen soon too.

Anonymous

You don’t know what democracy is, little one. Read a little and then come back an post when you know what you are talking about. This may take a while.
sandlynx

Actually, Snyder said that his core issue was that failing cities, counties, etc., would cause the bond rates to increase and he didn’t want that. He doesn’t care if your city makes it in one piece or not, he just doesn’t want the State to be charged a higher rate for bonds. It’s all about money–not people nor their needs. (The Corporate States of America)
BTW, stop being jerked around by the party labels. There is now one party, that being the “Money Party” which has two wings called Republican and Democrat, but they both have the exact same agenda. You are being deceived and misdirected when you are suckered into fighting each other “party” issues.

Anonymous

So we should trust the skill and benevolence of some political appointee, come to save us from the politicians?

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_B7WHIUBPMWKHK5GBTDJJAI5A3M Ryan

BTW to even suggest this is anything like the Nazis is incomprehensible, for someone to even suggest that or compare this to that is sickening. People were killed in mass because of their religious and cultural beliefs! This has nothing to do with that and nor does it even belong in the same stratosphere as that. Please take you’re over exaggerated grandstanding speech somewhere else. Use facts and examples to prove your point, not that bs!

Anonymous

Ryan – Nazi Germany didn’t start off with ethnic cleansing until later when they had virtually unchecked power, much like the republicans are trying to get now. And since you bring up religious and cultural beliefs as the reason for their mass killings, keep in mind that Peter King (Republican) is currently holding congressional hearings in Washington that are basically putting the Muslim religion on trial. While I would probably agree with you that it’s a bit early to make accusations that republicans are turning into Nazi’s, it is difficult and potentially dangerous for us to completely ignore history and allow an environment capable of breeding such power and hate to develop.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_P3T63YJJRXFIDLNV22EI7MPFT4 Jonathan

Go to the Communist Party brainwash center much. Yeah, Republicans, who encourage you to get involved in Government, maintain your right to own personal arms, and limit governmental influence are the ones to fear seizing power. I don’t know which is more worrying, your inability to judge reality vs propaganda or the fact that currently 22 more i diots are in agreement with you. You need to see the “Story of Stuff, and if you agree that the film is accurate you have been brainwashed. I bet you are under thirty, libertarian or democrat, w/ a higher degree from a liberal arts college with wealthy parents and no job, but maybe with a trust fund….

Anonymous

I’m not sure it’s my inability to judge reality that the rest of us are worried about. Adding an environment of unchecked power into our country at a time where there’s already so much fear and hatred is a recipe for disaster. And for the record since you seem to think we have to categorize everything into black and white – I’m well over 30 years old, a fiscally conservative/socially liberal democrat, did not finish college, my parents were anything but wealthy, and I do have a good paying job as a programmer. Good guess on me being democrat though.
http://twitter.com/garynorris Gary Patrick Norris

so republicans are cool because they like guns?

Anonymous

The NRA protects your right to own guns. If you think that is so funny, take a look at Libya. The citizens are being gunned down by the Army. That won’t happen here. At least not in the areas where the citizens are armed. For your sake, I hope your neighbor is one of them.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Christine-Gallo/100000143972403 Christine Gallo

Sorry Jonathan, but the Republicans long ago stopped limiting governmental influence and spending. You are the one who needs to check his history. Or have you been getting all your information from the brilliant minds at FOX and your local talk radio hosts?
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AXV3LYUBLETCHZOFWJMGU5ZYHA Kelly

Republicans do NOT encourage people to get involved with govt. they encourage people to minimize and discourage govt. so that the Corps can rule your govt. with big money buy outs while dismantling the middle class and crushing the poor. I am soooo sick of you people placing liberals under this evil “elite” class because their educated. That is what the Tea Party encourages their uninformed followers to do. Brainwash the ignorant into hating eachother instead of who REALLY caused this horrible state we’re in. Hate the educated because they think they are better than you, and hate the union employees because they make a bit more than you on AVERAGE. (It is not that crazy 42% higher statement that your beloved Koch brothers paid for in that commercial either! All that commercial told me was that I better start a union if I want a decent wage. LOL. For real. A thinker would have gotten that out of that stupid commercial). The unions and govt. employees already made sacrifices and cuts, some twice, because of the corp destruction of this country. Wake up! AND TURN OFF FOX!
Anonymous

I’m 52, work for a living and my Mossberg is loaded. Where do you hang out?

sandlynx

Hope you’re my neighbor. We can join forces when TSHTF.

Anonymous

Ryan – Nazi Germany didn’t start off with ethnic cleansing until later when they had virtually unchecked power, much like the republicans are trying to get now. And since you bring up religious and cultural beliefs as the reason for their mass killings, keep in mind that Peter King (Republican) is currently holding congressional hearings in Washington that are basically putting the Muslim religion on trial. While I would probably agree with you that it’s a bit early to make accusations that republicans are turning into Nazi’s, it is difficult and potentially dangerous for us to completely ignore history and allow an environment capable of breeding such power and hate to develop.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=703567646 Bjbutterfli Hayhurst

By the way the one of the first things Nazi’s did do was get rid of the Unions
Anonymous

Nazis were socialists, Liberal Unions are socialists. Why are the Democrats constantly referencing Nazis with Republicans? It is your party that supported them, you idiots!

Anonymous

They may not be Nazis, but they’re definitely FASCISTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1580611162 Betsy Rose

Yes, the Republicians are becoming Nazis. Too much power does this too some people. Just sit and do nothing and watch what happens. Why is no one talking about the republician death panels? Low wages, no health care, no education, no job safety, child labor, no shelter. A million foreclosures last year and there will be a million this year. Where are all these people going to go? The camps? Think it can’t happen? What country is going to intervene against nuclear weapons? Think! Fight Now! Rally protest get out there now! You may never get another chance! Dissolving towns, schools, cities, voters elected officials. Sure looks like a Nazi power grab to me.

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_P3T63YJJRXFIDLNV22EI7MPFT4 Jonathan

Democrats consorting in forming laws at Union direction, miminum wage laws that raise labor costs for businesses ensuring that minimally educated, low skilled workers make the same as excellent high-skilled employees. Republicans want healthcare for people but they don’t want all the assorted c rap that has been tacked on in the HC bill. What does end of life counseling and marriage counseling have to do with HC? What does a HC Law have to do with 1099s for everyone doing over 600 dollars business? How about the government gaining access to your banking accounts for elective withdrawals? Really, none of these things disturb you? If not, you’re one of the f ools that voted for Obama because he’s black and hates white people because its the right thing to do.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1580611162 Betsy Rose

End of life counseling has to do with a persons RIGHTS as to how they want to die! Do they want to be kept alive artificially or not. Some people have emotions and need to be supported at this end of life time. Your post is so rude and ignorant I don’t see any point any addressing the rest of your issues. Anyone who voted for Obama is a fool?

Anonymous

Yep, pretty much.

Anonymous

actually, once you got to “government gaining access to your banking accounts,” I realized you actually don’t know what you’re talking about when it comes to the health care law. They would have no more access to your bank account than your employer has if you have direct deposit – do you fear that? It’s time to get your news from a variety of sources.

Anonymous

Sorry Ryan you are a puddle of Fail here, this is a Fascist Take over and just like the Nazis you start with the Unions.

Anonymous

Dan, One last time now, Nazis are Socialists, labor Unions are Socialists, Liberals are Socialists. Liberals = Nazis, not Republicans. You must be really thick in the head to not get this concept. You make yourself look like a fool each and every time you say it. Do you not know history? or is it Social Studies that you failed? You really should try reading a book some time.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Peggy-Lang/1009627061 Peggy Lang

“ALL ABOARD!”

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AXV3LYUBLETCHZOFWJMGU5ZYHA Kelly

I KNOW! THEY ARE GONNA PUT US ON TRAINS AND MAKE US SLAVES FOR SURE!

Anonymous

Facts?　
“According to the law, which has already been approved in the House, the governor will be able to declare “financial emergency” in towns or school districts and appoint someone to fire local elected officials, break contracts, seize and sell assets, and eliminate services.”

IF the above sentence is literally true, then you tell me whether it is more like Germany 1933 or USA 1776…..The Nazis didn’t start killing people on their first day in power, Ryan. First they had to get rid of pesky things like unions and elections, and to make sure the people had no say-so in their local affairs, they just appointed local leaders, who were empowered to seize and sell assets, particularly the assets of real or potential adversaries.

A Republican Governor can nullify a local election, fire an elected Democrat mayor and replace the mayor with someone of his own choosing? Isn’t that what it says? What would the governor do if, in the next election, the people elected that same mayor back into office? Fire him again? (That is, assuming there WAS another election. There’s really no point in wasting taxpayer dollars on an election if the governor can just appoint somebody, is there?)

I hope you live in one of those places and I honestly hope it works out well for you. I’m glad I don’t live in Michigan and I will now resume minding my own business. Maybe it IS all for the best – I hope so, and we’ll see.

sandlynx

Snyder pointed out that only 1% of the cities, towns, etc in Michigan could possibly fall under an emergency manager. OK, so we cede this tiny 1%. You’ve just given away 1% of the populations’ rights to voting and being a part of running their community. So, that’s OK? I think not, since incrementalism is the method being used to gradually take over our nation. This is incrementalism at work. A tiny bite here, a tiny ceding there, and first thing you know the percentage keeps getting larger and larger until we’ve ceded everything. The next thing you know, if Snyder decided that the entire State is a financial basket case, he can then appoint a EM over the whole State. Any body see a problem here?

Anonymous

SHUTDOWN. EVERYBODY. PUBLIC EMPLOYEES.

Respect.
Anonymous

The last defense we have against the takeover of our country by the rich, is the fact that we each have a vote. This bill, in essence, takes away our right to elect the people we want to have represent us. Sure, we make mistakes and elect people who turn out to be corrupt but that isn’t the core issue here.
Imagine trying to explain this system of government to a grade schooler.

I would be willing to march against this if anyone knows of any plans to mobilize. Many of us would. My parents in Ohio feel the same way.

Anonymous

There is a rally this coming Tuesday March 15th at the capitol in Lansing. However, it’s also great if people just show up at the capitol as much as they can on any day.
Anonymous

We need to have rich people in this country. That is how the poor people get jobs. Some people are just to retarded to realize this. This page is making me sick with all the childish talk. I’m outta here.

sandlynx

Since you prefer personal attacks to dealing with issues, bye and good riddance!

Anonymous

A national strike would put the rich back in check, what they forget is they need the working class. Who are the ones that make the products? Who are the ones that perform the services? Not the rich, they make their money off the backs of the working class..

Anonymous

Thanks to off-shoring, the products are made by virtual, or actual, slaves, mostly in asia.

Anonymous

The Republican strategy is to get us to vote against our own best interests (economic, health care, quality education) by trying to distract us with issues like fanning fear of Muslims, abortion,illegal aliens. The last defense we have rests with the unions. They still have some political clout. They can still buy airtime for candidates.

Let’s not forget what happened with General Motors. Nobody blinked an eye when we bailed out Wall Street but Washington was ready to flush GM (and Michigan) down the toilet..and all you heard day after day was the union this and the union that. That’s how deep seated the hatred for unions is in the Republican party. Compare the salary of a line worker or engineer at GM to the bonus of someone on Wall Street. Oh my.

There is far far more union representation in Europe. Look up the figures for a country like Germany. Seems to me that they are doing just fine.

It seems to me that the Republicans don’t need to resort to the extremes of the Nazis. (although when it’s convenient they might) . It’s all about the money. The concentration of wealth at the top. With the recent Supreme Court decision it’s now possible to “buy” elections in this country. It’s a terrible vicious cycle and perhaps the events in Wisconsin have woken some people up and Including perhaps many who cast their votes for Republicans in the past. Your Republican representative really doesn’t give a damn about you if you aren’t wealthy.

Anonymous

GM. Exactly. WE NEED RESPECT. Time is now.
SHUTDOWN. Its what the politicians (GOP) threaten. We can do it too!
EASY. Just stay home- all public workers. UNIONS now. Shut it down. Everybody else does solidarity. Time is now. 123 its so easy…
sandlynx

Actually, we don’t have two parties; we have one money party with two wings and both have the same agenda–rape the US.
sandlynx

Actually, we don’t have two parties; we have one money party with two wings and both have the same agenda–rape the US.

Anonymous

Way to go Michigan. sounds like Germany in 1936,

sandlynx

All I can say is, “when are we going to wake up and stop trusting any politician, especially one who is a business person or connected to corporate power?”. And, that’s politicians of both parties who have sold us out. Go check on their financial status and their business connections and be shocked into reality of who is running your country.
sandlynx

All I can say is, “when are we going to wake up and stop trusting any politician, especially one who is a business person or connected to corporate power?”. And, that’s politicians of both parties who have sold us out. Go check on their financial status and their business connections and be shocked into reality of who is running your country.

Anonymous

Gee golly and think you got all kinds of bail-out bucks..
Anonymous

I believe that what is in essence happening here is that the US is becoming a Third World Country. We have less and less access to good education. Has anyone checked how much a person on Social Security makes lately? We are becoming sicker (Arizona). Our infrastructure..our roads etc. are shameful. The quality of life of the Average person is dropping. The number of children living in poverty is rising. Our nation is becoming more segregated not less so. Our rights/freedoms are being taken away. Bit by bit. We ought to be embarrassed. This is the reality in a Third World Country. We don’t need to look back at Nazi Germany to understand this. We only need to look at the world at present. We are drifting away from the rest of the Industrialized countries and I honestly don’t understand why more people don’t see this.

I was salaried, not hourly, at General Motors but most of us knew why we had a forty hour week, decent health care and a safe environment to work in. We manufactured something. We built something. What on earth does a person on Wall Street actually do to benefit anybody? Their arrogance is profound and should be an insult to anybody who has a real job regardless of how little it pays.
Anonymous

Why is the republican party so interested in demonizing those that provide for the public? I thought all the republicans won elections because they promised to balance budgets, I don’t remember promises of removing peoples’ rights. The republicans are using the public employees and unions as scapegoats, because they cannot bring themselves to admit that their policies have failed. Cutting taxes for the rich, while expanding government, starting two unfunded wars hasn’t worked out too well for the country, so lets blame the public servants. Are we really going to buy all this BS? The unions even agreed to concessions because of these economic times. Instead of solving the problems they created, they are going to create new ones. I dont see how what they are doing is even constitutional. If nothing else it breaks the spirit of the constitution. for the people BY the people not to mention the fact our whole government was supposed to be set up with a series of checks and balances so no one person/party could become too powerful. We are partly to blame for this, believing the nonsense that the republicans tell us and our lets save a buck mentality. What I am talking about is everyone moving their shopping habits from the local store to the big box stores. Putting more power into bigger and bigger corporations that often do not treat or pay employees well. Many pack up their bags and move businesses out of the country. These companies pay big bucks to fund politicians….
Anonymous

DrEDK,

thank you for making some sensible points. I grew up in MI and live overseas now in a developing nation, and there is no question that much of the legislation being passed through these days rolls back some of the most important steps for progress that the U.S. made in the 20th century. I too wonder if the U.S. is not heading for remarkably reduced status in quality of life for citizens and in its overall development. I don’t need to live in a country with severe restrictions on unions to know what will happen when we lose the unions in the U.S. It’s right under our noses; why don’t more people see where these rollbacks in rights will lead?

This forum has more civil, sensible, and thoughtful dialogue in the comments than most. Most of the comments I’ve seen elsewhere are characterized by aggrieved people in the private sector who seem to want to bring everyone down to a lower common denominator (“we don’t have protection and neither should anyone else.”) Why not try to get everyone *up* to the same level instead? Otherwise, the general tone of so many commenters out there seems to be that the unions are corrupt, and that we should do away with them. Yes, unions can certainly be corrupt. I’ve seen it up close, and been affected by it in the loss of my own income due me by contract agreement. Why not work on them instead? They’re the only way for a worker to have a voice at the table, so keep them, fix them, make them better. “Off with their heads!” responses are reductive and useless. More dialogue is always helpful.

Why did the Wisconsin 14 leave? Because Walker and Co. refused to discuss or negotiate. The further, more wretched proof? The session when the infamous bill was passed. We should all be ashamed as Americans for that abusive, exclusive process, but better yet, we should all accept some responsibility for fixing things — as they now stand. Giving unilateral power to one executive, as in this “Emergency Manager” constitutes an enormous plan for failure of our ideals and practices as members of a community and a republic.
Anonymous

DrEDK,

thank you for making some sensible points. I grew up in MI and live overseas now in a developing nation, and there is no question that much of the legislation being passed through these days rolls back some of the most important steps for progress that the U.S. made in the 20th century. I too wonder if the U.S. is not heading for remarkably reduced status in quality of life for citizens and in its overall development. I don’t need to live in a country with severe restrictions on unions to know what will happen when we lose the unions in the U.S. It’s right under our noses; why don’t more people see where these rollbacks in rights will lead?

This forum has more civil, sensible, and thoughtful dialogue in the comments than most. Most of the comments I’ve seen elsewhere are characterized by aggrieved people in the private sector who seem to want to bring everyone down to a lower common denominator (“we don’t have protection and neither should anyone else.”) Why not try to get everyone *up* to the same level instead? Otherwise, the general tone of so many commenters out there seems to be that the unions are corrupt, and that we should do away with them. Yes, unions can certainly be corrupt. I’ve seen it up close, and been affected by it in the loss of my own income due me by contract agreement. Why not work on them instead? They’re the only way for a worker to have a voice at the table, so keep them, fix them, make them better. “Off with their heads!” responses are reductive and useless. More dialogue is always helpful.

Why did the Wisconsin 14 leave? Because Walker and Co. refused to discuss or negotiate. The further, more wretched proof? The session when the infamous bill was passed. We should all be ashamed as Americans for that abusive, exclusive process, but better yet, we should all accept some responsibility for fixing things — as they now stand. Giving unilateral power to one executive, as in this “Emergency Manager” constitutes an enormous plan for failure of our ideals and practices as members of a community and a republic.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_NW7WVT34VP3KBUJTQ5LXXACWBU Stephanie

“We must close union offices, confiscate their money and put their leaders in prison. We must reduce workers salaries and take away their right to strike” – Adolf Hitler, May 2, 1933.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MWZOAQONKP32FS5BT2PJHJHZRM gimh

CONSTITUTION OF MICHIGAN OF 1963
Sec. 1.
All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their equal benefit, security and protection.
Sec. 2.
No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws; nor shall any person be denied the enjoyment of his civil or political rights or be discriminated against in the exercise thereof because of religion, race, color or national origin. The legislature shall implement this section by appropriate legislation.
Sec. 3.
The people have the right peaceably to assemble, to consult for the common good, to instruct their representatives and to petition the government for redress of grievances.
Section8
Laws shall be enacted to provide for the recall of all elective officers except judges of courts of record upon petition of electors equal in number to 25 percent of the number of persons voting in the last preceding election for the office of governor in the electoral district of the officer sought to be recalled. The sufficiency of any statement of reasons or grounds procedurally required shall be a political rather than a judicial question.
Sec. 10.
No bill of attainder, ex post facto law or law impairing the obligation of contract shall be enacted.

This Bill/Law could and can viloate the michigan constitution look into it and see what it says becuase sooner or later it will end up in the supreme court and be a big blow to the parties.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=792629803 Patricia Trotchie-Ure

@ gimh
I wouldn’t expect too much help from the current SCOTUS
http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2010/01/supreme-court-gives-corporatio.html

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MWZOAQONKP32FS5BT2PJHJHZRM gimh

It still has to be said that this law can violate the michigan constitution.
sandlynx

excerpt: “And the appearance of influence or access will not cause the electorate to lose faith in this democracy.”
reply: Yes, it will. we have already lost faith in our “demon-ocracy”.
the Pledge of Allegiance …..”and to the Republic for which it stands….”

Anonymous

No one seems to have noticed who introduced this bill. It was Rep Al Pscholka, who represents the cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. Please keep these dates in mind: April of 2010. Governor Granholm assigns an EFM to Benton Harbor. The EFM draws up a plan that if followed would have eliminated the City Manager and elected officials. January 4, 2011. The City Commission of Benton Harbor votes to “take back the power given to them by the voters” and passes a resolution stripping the EFM of his authority. January 5, 2011. Rep Al Pscholka sends a letter to now Governor Snyder requesting that the EFM be restored to Benton Harbor, saying the elected officials had no authority to do what they did. Apparently, it was realized that the regulations governing how and what an EFM can do were not sufficient, because on February 8, 2011, Rep Al Pscholka introduced the new EFM legislation, which was passed and now signed by the governor, and which gives the EFM the authority to dissolve elected commissions. Rich developers in St. Joseph have been itching to get their hands on the last bits of the Michigan lakefront belonging to the poor, majority black city of Benton Harbor. First they grabbed most of what used to be Jean Klock Park to build a Jack Nicklaus golf course. Now they want the rest of the park because a very valuable water system belonging to Benton Harbor is located there. Artesian wells, and all. I just wonder if the ink is already dry on that new EFM order for Benton Harbor?

http://www.facebook.com/WanderingStiff Jared Randall

Do you have a source for this information. I want to use it but need to know where it comes from. Thanks for posting!

http://twitter.com/nexcerpt Gary Stock

Jared, in case comacure isn’t watching this thread, I’d suggest you begin here: http://www.savejeanklockpark.org/ (Mentioned elsewhere at MM: http://michiganmessenger.com/36141/opponents-of-park-privatization-appeal-to-state-supreme-court, http://michiganmessenger.com/2889/golf-developers-prevail-in-benton-harbor-park-battle ) Anyone with such clarity about the situation in Benton Harbor must have ties with that group.

I have observed the development of the Jack Nicklaus-themed Harbor Shores from very early days, including review of initial wetland delineations, environmental assessments, and economic development rationale. Some of what Comacure says could only be “proved” through testimony by the people in charge — who have all been bought and paid for many times over. However, I strongly concur with Comacure’s assessment: both Whirlpool corporation and its mewling minions at Cornerstone Alliance (http://www.cstonealliance.org/) eliminate oversight of further egregious violations of the public trust. If they succeed, EMF’s broad powers also could serve to wash away a number of their prior collective criminal acts.

My assessment of some of the worst revelations during the Senate approval: http://blog.nexcerpt.com/2011/03/12/snyders-oversight/

Anonymous

Wow — seems that Michigan is heading for a supreme leader and dictatorship! It’s their way or the highway and screw democracy! So much for our freedom to vote for the elected officials we want, they will void them….welcome to Iran everyone!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Michele-Gordon-DeWinter/1641866888 Michele Gordon DeWinter

Sound familiar? “We must close union offices, confiscate their money and put their leaders in prison. We must reduce workers’ salaries and take away their right to strike.”
-Adolf Hitler, May 2, 1933

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1580611162 Betsy Rose

Excellent post. Thank you Mr. DeWinter

http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QQPYUGMOFHVDWYCBPWGUC64BFQ Matthew

I generally hate hearing people drop the Nazi bomb (ie Glen Beck, on a nightly basis). But this is frightening. Just enter ‘Gauleiter’ into Wikipedia sometime. You will find what looks an awfully like a predecessor of sorts to Snyders “emergency financial managers.” In Nazi Germany, they were called “district economic advisers.” They had many of the same kinds of authority that the new law in MI will give the EFMs.
And yes, the EFMs have been around, and yes this whole idea has been (ashamedly) a bi-partisan effort. So both parties are the problem. Not to mention the teabagger party, who cannot speak out against this law as their lips are so tightly wound round the corporate tit.
Anonymous

This is a complete over-reach of government. If you are a voter, and you believe that your vote should be respected – you should be up in arms over these changes to Michigan’s EFM law. If you believe in local control of your destiny and the destiny of your community – you should be up in arms over these changes. If you understand how towns operate when they are under the control of corporations, as many were in the 1800’s – you should be up in arms over these changes,. Perhaps you feel that today’s governor and legislature is only thinking of the good of the people and would never over-step their authority in this regard, but they have made this law not just to give Gov. Snyder this authority, but every governor yet to come will have this same power and authority. Do you trust that “Big Brother Government” always has YOUR best interest at heart, no matter who they are or what party they represent? If you do not – then you should be up in arms over these changes! It does not matter whether you love unions or hate unions, whether you are from a small town or a big city, whether your area is financially doing well or not doing well, if you live ten minutes or ten hours from Lansing – if you believe that your VOTE should have some meaning, if you believe that LOCALLY elected VOLUNTEER board members and a locally elected and paid mayor or superintendent is CHEAPER than paying a for-profit corporation or EFM to run your town or school – then you should be up in arms over these changes! If you believe we need LESS government interference not more, AND if you believe we need FEWER government agencies, not new agencies (such as the one created to oversee the EFM’s) – then you should be up in arms over these changes. Wake up people! King George treated the colonists like children too, and promised them cheaper tea by giving the East India Tea Company a monopoly – to the detriment of others who were in the business of selling tea. However, it wasn’t just the tea-traders that rose up and revolted – people were smart enough to see if they could do that to one business, they could do that to any business. They didn’t wait to see if that prediction would come true, they saw the writing on the wall and REACTED. The individual without a business was effected as well because they were being governed from way across the ocean. How could those people in England possibly understand the LOCAL issues that were happening in the colonies? Taking away a local community’s right to be represented locally by people they elected by having a NON-community person or corporation with the authority to “fire” the people YOU voted in is the SAME THING! If you are a RESPONSIBLE, VOTING Citizen – you should be up in arms over these changes! Where is the outrage?

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1115197353 Brad Combs

Outrage? In Foxlandia? bwahahahahaha! No, everything is perfectly fine with this law. If you don’t like this law you must be a gay illegal Muslim that gets at least 2 abortions a week. In this age of the 24 hour news cycle, where opinion is presented as fact (on the Elephant channel and the Donkey channel), where the American dream is alive and well if you just want it bad enough… In this day in age, this is perfectly logical. This is a predictable piece of legislation. After it was determined that SCOTUS is the decider of elections that Diebold can’t provide and that corporations are people just like you and I, what else would you expect? Why shouldn’t a governor think he can just suspend democracy and do as he pleases?

The one key point that this article missed, however, is that Snyder cut funding for almost everything (out of semi-necessity, I’m sure) to the point that virtually the ENTIRE EFFING STATE, except for a few very wealthy and predominantly republican areas, is going to find itself in a fiscal emergency. Not that it matters, since the authority to determine what is or is not an emergency now resides entirely with…… Snyder’s cabinet.

This guy can now cut funding to your school, declare an emergency, send a firm or representative of a firm in to fire everyone you elected, cut the programs at the school, sell off all of it’s assets to for-profit companies, possibly including the administration of the school, and pay for this privatization contract through the taxes that you pay to support what used to be your school. Wait, did that chain of thought just lead me around to… taxes being paid directly to a corporation, whose representative may have the authority to petition the state to raise your taxes, leaving you with little recourse since they already fired everyone you voted for once? I think it did. Pretty sure that falls under the whole taxation without representation thing. Tea Party… Tea Party… Are you there? This is supposed to be your thing, where are you?

http://www.facebook.com/people/Kevin-Nelson/100001442964845 Kevin Nelson

So, the citizens should be punished and their rights taken away because of a few corrupt officials? If that’s the case burn the Constitution, raise the Nazi flag and chant Heil Snyder. What’s next Brown Shirts, stripping people of their property rights ? Perhaps we should allow him to throw due process out the window. Oh, wait he did that when he signed that bill. Give an inch take a mile. People who don’t mind their rights and liberties taken away never appreciated them in the first place. I for one fought for mine and buried many of my friends in the process and I will be damned if I sit by and allow anyone to take mine away while I’m still breathing.
Anonymous

No matter where you stand on unions and whether or not you like your local government, the scariest part of this bill has nothing to do with the anti-union provisions or even deposing the local government officials.

The scariest part is that “An amendment to require Emergency Managers to hold monthly public meetings to let people know how they are governing was rejected by Senate Republicans…” This makes government completely secretive and with no access by the people. And, boys and girls, what type of government denies scrutiny and access? A dictatorship. Mubarak left Egypt, but is now being channeled by Rick Snyder.

I hate to dwell on the Nazi comparisons, but Hitler acquired power through legal elections, promising to “take back [a mythical] Germany”, “restore Christianity”, “get rid of the Communists and Socialists, as well as a religious minority, unions, and intellectuals”, and basically all the other types of deceptions the Tea Party is spouting.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Lu-Jasperson/1447770416 Lu Jasperson

I agree the private meeting part is scary. I am on our town planning commission and if you violate the open meeting laws ,you can be in serious trouble. If they are doing nothing shady why hide?

Anonymous

This is pure and simple a major raid on local government autonomy, with the prospect of appointed dictators running local elections and counting the ballots. Welcome to Soviet Russia, Nazi Germany, Cuba …. the ‘Right’ is seizing the ballot boxes.
http://twitter.com/nexcerpt Gary Stock

My assessment of revelations during Senate approval: http://blog.nexcerpt.com/2011/03/12/snyders-oversight/ It’s stunning to recognize the utter lack of civic responsibility Snyder wanted in the law’s initial draft — and to see GOP Senators prevent reasonable moves to correct it.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=631456788 Monica S Mcfeeters

The pension funds so many of these governors and the GOP and many democrats, too want their hands on…are often used to back the mega rich with offshore development money and hire cheap, oppressed, often communist or slave, labor there ( those oppressed folks are starting to fight… Thank GOD)….

Mandating the bulk of our investments and health money be placed into businesses that really employee and enhance our communities and Health care be locally maintained and controlled for the all but catastrophe is what we should be demanding with our funds and TAX dollars…we are funding their multinational corporate assault on us, buying their goods they allow us to haul, shelve and sale at over charged prices considering the nearly slave wages they pay everywhere…..It’s our money but they have been deciding who really ends up with it…..most leaves they community it comes from and goes into greedy back pockets …which seemingly overcharge us enough to buy up our GOP totally, most regulators (even local), some Democrats too….plus Tons of foreign corruptible power players all to stab us in our own back in the end…and buy lots of ad time to brain wash us with……NO WONDER PEOPLE ARE LOSING THEIR HOMES AND PENSIONS….LET’S WAKE UP…we can’t afford these multinational vampires!……No blood left!…..So where are those silver crosses…dig em out?…..Oregon Voter Citizen Initiative Review is worth looking at for us.

The past 30 year plan has undermined our skills and knowledge…undermines our youth’ and everyone’s desire to learn and be educated for a meaningful life where they see right now they have less and less control over their own destiny……Bring our investments back to our communities How many of us really got rich anyway from that plan? We can keep some worthy investments afar, we just need to make a serious real plan and not through proxy votes after all we own this stuff collectively with those pensions…. What’s with the 2008 rich jerk money out, but pensions funds would get for that penalties and taxes…Our money floats the boat while they play safe with theirs?… Losing tons of ours?…What jerks!….Our local states need to clean up our local offices and regulations that allow corruption and move that plan to DC too….Invest in our clean local owned poison free, GMO free farms…love and take care of our local land, water, and air while we still can…new ways are out there…..and some great old ones need to be reclaimed….It just takes a change of thought, heart and some will…..Pay for our young people to learn what’s lean, green and worth it…..Motivation increases the desire for meaningful education, and meeting needs and solving new challenges is what motives the real innovators in history…These multi nationals blow into town then blow out when they want …..They hide their money from the very folks that give them life and suck the life from man, creature and the planet…..we have to stop dodging the ball and remove the power we have allowed these wicked outfits…..How about but cutting charters and funding to companies that are not really in America’s best interest ….let China, or Mexico, or Indonesia Charter them…and They will do with them want they want and our soldiers won’t be there to save their hides….These Multi nationals are just the Great Reapers of all labor and natural life where ever they go……
http://police-state-watch.blogspot.com/ JTWilliams

We’re in trouble America, I don’t support this draconian-ism, but the unions have helped bankrupt the states. This isn’t “right-wing”, its reality smacking us in the face! Besides, you know there’s a problem when the strongest unions are those ‘monopoly bargaining’ off the taxpayers money. I wish the rest of us private sector schlubs could secure ourselves comparable wages and benefits, but taxation takes from our potential income to prop up unsustainable govt worker pay and benefit packages. Nevertheless, we better watch these emergency management czars, lest they take authority to unaccountable regional governance.

Anonymous

Sounds like you have a bad case of contract envy. The public sector has some of the strongest unions because we are mostly better educated, and more dedicated to our jobs. We are also disciplined and efficient, from doing more with less for so long. This makes us easier to organize. Also, they haven’t quite figured out how to off-shore most public service jobs.

The fiscal crisis is mostly because we spend to much subsidizing things that are really bad for real people, and benefit fictional ones at everyone else’s expense.
Anonymous

Also, if I may say so, many of the states blaming public unions, are financially pinched not because of pay and pensions, but rather because of the HUGE tax credits and subsidies being given to corporations that do business in those states.
Why is corporate welfare OK and public worker pay not OK?

http://www.facebook.com/people/Phillip-Callighan/1344792976 Phillip Callighan

This isn’t the Republican Party I could be proud of in the past. This will come back to haunt the Republican’s, much like term limits. While there is no question that some towns may need professional management, there must be strict guidelines outlining when such extreme measures can be initiated. Unfortunately, I don’t see any such details in what is being reported so far. So, if there are legistlators who have such information, I’d share it now with the media. Otherwise, it is a very sad day for democracy when government can seemingly take-over local governments at will.
Anonymous

I hope someday soon people realize that none of this is about democrats versus republicans or private sector versus public sector, this is about the middle class. Republicans usually run on the not raising taxes part of the campaign and here Snyder is adding taxes to charitable contributions to public education and raising taxes on poor people and elderly. But putting all that aside, as I was saying earlier, it is about the middle class being elbowed out of the economy. Warren Buffet was recently quoted as saying something along the lines of, It has always been about class warfare, it’s just that might class is winning (his class being insanely rich). History has shown when unions get their rights taken away and their pay decreased, the whole middle class suffers. Private and public sectors alike.

http://profiles.google.com/news4every1 Regi Pfeiffer

Dear Indpendentparty,

I worked for 20 years in the high tech industry. They had us all sold on the idea that we could trust them to take care of us and that was why we did not have to unionize. Now, I cannot get a job despite all my education…well, actually I can, a woman offered $20 for 4 to 8 hours of work writing at least 4,000 words. She said that her workers had to work that long to make their day worthwhile (at $20). Where I live, manual laborers make more money than that.

This is what my master’s degree now means. I wish that I had joined a union while in high tech. We might have kept some of our jobs here. The stupidity of this outsourcing is as follows:

1. You can’t sell many $400 ipods to people who make $50 a month.

2. When all the jobs are gone in the US, who are these industrialists going to sell to?

3. Their plan to move to China and “take it over” did not work out too well. The Chinese won’t let them “own” things over there.

4. Starving Americans and stripping them of their dignity with this petty crap is going to bring huge “blow back” to those that do this, but only after the country is a complete mess.

5. Many of these assholes (sorry, but I am using the correct description here) have so much money to begin with…they are piling it up to impress each other. Well, good luck with that later on, boys.

I am a highly educated, extremely well-read woman. I know how to swing a trowel and do other things that taught me the value of good training and craftsmanship. I am extremely pro-union after years of actually believing the crap about the US “not being competitive” because of our wages. Let me tell you something, all of you, especially the paid shills who won’t be necessary after the unions are destroyed…American products made here were some of the best in the world. I saw people in South America save to buy mixers and blenders and other appliances made here because they lasted forever. I have a mixer that spent 20 years in a barn. I plugged it in and it ran like a champ.

When America is gone, the rest of the world will crumble. We were the little engine that DID. And we did it with unions.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Robert-Reyes/1542220006 Robert Reyes

Dear citizens of Michigan,

I feel for you guys out there, and I hope that you fight for your rights as men and women created in God’s image. And, I hope that you stand up to those corrupt individuals that call themselves leaders.

Fight to the end,
Angry in Pittsburgh
http://www.facebook.com/people/Lu-Jasperson/1447770416 Lu Jasperson

I will speak from someone who is in a union-I am in the federal rural carriers union. 1 I was NEVER forced to join or pay dues. 2 My dues are $5/pay period. 3 Before any one says I am overpaid and have a cushy job-I am part-time. On call 6 days /week and get no benefits. No healthcare,and no retirement. I am trying to hang on so I can get in full time. I am not 20 something or 30 something -I am closer to retirement and fully expect I. will have to work til I am 70. The wages I get are good but I earn them. I am also on a township planning commission as a VOLUNTEER ,doing my civic duty. To strip rights away and thats what this is, is beyond believable. There are many things I disagree with about some unions- but corporations have some of the same issues. Its great to say take away this and that when its NOT affecting you. What goes around comes around .
http://www.facebook.com/MICHAELFARREY Michael L Farrey

This is insane. Recall any UNPATRIOTIC BASTARD that would take away our rights and put themselves in a position of too much power. The answer is usually simple but is always hidden and distorted by those who want to control you for their own greedy agenda.
http://www.facebook.com/MICHAELFARREY Michael L Farrey

This is insane. Recall any UNPATRIOTIC BASTARD that would take away our rights and put themselves in a position of too much power. The answer is usually simple but is always hidden and distorted by those who want to control you for their own greedy agenda.
Anonymous

The anti-union diatribe here is revolting, all this talk about lazy union workers sleeping on the job. Unions taking jobs from “good workers”, what the hell are they putting in your water?
I’m a union construction worker, and for the last 30 years I have seen how the union works for it’s membership from the inside out. I have worked side by side with my union, and contractors organizations for the betterment of my community through numerous charitable organizations and projects. And I have watched as high school kids join the union through apprenticeship programs and turn into skilled craftsmen through union funded educational programs, My dues fund those programs as well as supporting the political candidates that support us. By the way that used to be both Democrat and Republican candidates.
I rose to the rank of general foreman through my own hard work and skill, and those are the only two things that define a “good worker” union or not. You have absolutely no idea what it’s like to work for a living if you believe this BS your spewing.
Theres a lot of people talkin shit here, you wouldn’t last 5 minutes on the job, we “don’t suffer fools gladly” you stand up, or shut up. I’m union, I’m proud of it, and I vote.

http://profiles.google.com/news4every1 Regi Pfeiffer

Dear Standordie,

I know that you are not lazy. I absolutely detest what the Koch Brothers and the Libertarians ignorance has done to this country. If you want to write something up like you did here, I would proudly post it on my blog.

news4every1@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/Soloman313X Jeffery Morris-Eubanks

If you have no rights,you have no say you become a robot.What happens to robots when they are no longer needed ? They are discarded or dismantled = for the american public (out of work, needing retraining ) or cheap labor works the same job (non-union, at-will for less money)We import more products than we export and the countries we compete against make our parts for us, cars,electronics, clothing, planes etc.

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