Astroturf vs. grassroots

It’ll be David taking on Goliath once again tomorrow evening in Annapolis.

On the astroturf side, union protesters, joined by teachers, are expected to be bussed in between 5,000 and 10,000 strong to Lawyers Mall for a rally tomorrow evening. AFL-CIO head Richard Trumka is expected to be the keynote speaker for the two-hour long union march and rally. For them, it’s all about keeping their hold on the goodies because Maryland already is a state under Democratic Party control and even though right-to-work legislation has been introduced it’s not likely to advance to even a committee vote.

The grassroots will be represented across the street by a few dozen who realize that the union’s goodies have started the state down the road to financial ruin and believe the steps taken in Wisconsin are necessary to right the ship. It’s most telling that the unions objected loudest not to the changes in pension and healthcare contributions Wisconsin public sector employees would have to shoulder, but to the new reauthorization schedule and taking away the dues checkoff in paychecks. Follow the money.

Locally, Cathy Keim is spearheading the effort to represent Salisbury at the event, and I plan on going with her to cover and participate. There are two slots left in her vehicle, although if others wish to drive that would certainly help. Cathy can be reached at (443) 880-5912.

Unions have their place in this nation, and I have no animus toward collective bargaining in the private sector. But there is a reason public-sector unions were discouraged until the 1960’s. Moreover, unions overstep their boundaries once they force workers to participate and contribute money to candidates and causes the rank-and-file may not completely support.

Come up to Annapolis and be part of that “irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.” Before long, we won’t be the minority anymore!

Author: Michael

It's me from my laptop computer.