Open Thread

hey folks,
back from Florida.

here’s my take on unions (as if you asked for it).

unions are important and have been important in protecting the working man from the abuses of unscrupulous bosses and companies.
the history of unions is long and important in the history of the development of this nation.

however, at some point along the line, like most great enterprises (or perhaps all along) the unions became corrupt and became a way of strongarming businesses for their own gain.
there is a long history of union rackets involved with organized crime or even anti-american activities.
That was not their original intent, any more so than the intent of capitalism was to rape and pillage the land and abuse workers.

It is possible for both to co-exist in prosperity.
That is over.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=aa0cI64Gx.4E&pos=15

Time for a re-assessment of the role of unions in everything from local municipalities to big government.
Everything is on the table now since even the idea of capitalism has already been re-assessed by the President in his take-over of much of the American Auto industry and the government’s role in the Banking and Health sectors.

Montrose;

One last thing. I’ve told this story once before, but it is worth repeating. I know a person who was a very dedicated public-school teacher. He taught at one of the toughest schools in all of NYC: Franklin Lane in East NY. He tried to make a difference in these kids’ life, so much so that he was up for promotion to Principal. He was told, point-blank by the union official, that unless he joined a certain democratic party club and contributed to it, he would never get the job. He quit in disgust.

Say what you will, there is no hiding that this type of corruption goes on.

By daveinbedstuy on June 7, 2010 11:23 AM

So which one of you is going to address the fact that teachers in NJ have to pay $600 a year to OPT-OUT of the union!!!!??????

(responding to the above)

THAT is an abuse.

Oh, whatever Rob, I’m seriously done with you and your entitled BS, yes, I said entitled. Go find a beach or a pool and go there. You’re an IDIOT. You find something to hate about everything. Learn to enjoy life a little. I went to the park yesterday and I didn’t feel sorry for myself the whole effing time I was there! Amazing, no?! (insert sarcasm) I was thrilled that they created something so enjoyable for kids.