What is currently happening in Wisconsin
concerning worker's rights is extremely serious, not just for that
state, which has a long history of standing for worker's rights, but for
all worker's rights throughout our nation. As Wisconsin goes, so might
the country...There will be a "Candlelight Vigil in Solidarity
With Wisconsin Workers" on Tuesday, February 22nd at 5:30pm in
Sacramento, CA. If you have been reading about it in the newspapers,
listening to the radio reports or viewing the TV clips and want to know
what you can do to voice your support for those workers and their
families, please read the following:
Barbara Arietta
Dear Barbara,
Collective bargaining is the heart of organized labor. It is the right of employees within a bargaining unit
to negotiate their contracts with employers through use of a bargaining
agent (i.e. their union representative), and has been in practice since
the formation of the AFL-CIO in the 1890s. It is all about an
employee's right to secure the best working conditions possible. This
same right is under attack in Wisconsin, with Governor Scott Walker's
"budget repair" bill introduced to strip unionized state employees of
the majority of their collective bargaining rights. This sort of attack
on public employees is not unique to Wisconsin;
- In Ohio, state senators have introduced a bill to eliminate collective bargaining rights for tens of thousands of workers—including nurses, firefighters and child care workers. But yesterday, more than 5,000 people flooded the Ohio state capitol building.
- In Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana and New Hampshire, CEO-backed groups and legislators are working together to pass laws to lower wages, undermine benefits and weaken workers’ collective bargaining power. But hearing rooms in state capitols are packed—overflowing with workers who demand their legislators stop these bills now.
- And in Florida, the governor is leading a charge to force public employees to pay more into their pensions, while slashing taxes on Big Business. So workers are banding together to make sure they are not told to bear the brunt of an economic collapse that isn’t their fault.
For all of the reasons above, the California Labor Federation will be having a candlelight vigil on Tuesday, February 22nd at 5:30pm at our State Capitol. The vigil will show our solidarity with Wisconsin workers, and with workers throughout the Country that are finding themselves under attack. Will you join me at this important event?
For more information, or to find an event near you contact kgjertso@aflcio.org or call your local labor council.
In solidarity,
Alissa Ko Julie Lind
CYD President CYD Political DirectorSubmitted by Barbara Arietta
86 comments:
BBBLLLLZZzZTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!
Kiss My Blleeeeepppp!
Democrats keep crying about "democracy" if they truly believed in "democracy" they would not forced workers to join and pay for a union. Survey says, majority of union workers would vote to not have to pay union dues.
This is about Pres Obama receiving $68 Million dollars from the unions. Union membership is down. This is about money for Pres Obama that is slipping away.
If democrats truly care about "democracy" why do the force workers to be in a union??
I believe most can negotiate on their own. I always have.
Wisconsin workers are losing the fight. Its over. As a tax payer , I say, 'Get your fat asses back to work'
I would like to introduce myself. I am Liz Nameth and I pay your wages.
First off, I do understand your plight. Far more than you realize. It really sucks that the economy took a nosedive. Believe me. I know. Ten years ago I worked in manage...ment. Today I work as a bank teller. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful I have a job. I know too many people who don’t. But, the reality is that my wages have been cut in half. To compound the problem, my husband’s business has also declined by half. To say our finances have been devastated is an understatement.
We own three cars – one with a bad engine, another with over 200,000 miles which needs work and a third with 140,000 miles which needs work. I am thankful we have transportation. A lot of people don’t.
Our house needs a lot of work as well. Our windows are ancient and don’t hold the heat well. Our bedroom roof leaks on our bed. I am thankful we have a home. A lot of people don’t.
In the last three years, we have been able to afford to go camping once. My children don’t get Christmas or birthday presents because we can’t afford it. We struggle to make $200 feed all three of us for a month. We eat a lot of canned tuna. I am thankful to have food. A lot of people don’t.
Throughout all of this, I have continued to get up and go to work every day. I have continued to laugh and love and live. I am thankful for the abundant life I have – a husband who loves me, children who love me, a roof over my head, clothes to wear and food to eat. Compared to 90% of the world, I am wealthy beyond measure.
cont.
( Letter from liz cont.)What does this have to do with your dilemma?
I read recently that the benefits package paid to employees in our local school district cost $20,400 per year per employee. I did the math on this. Using the highest income tax bracket of 7.75% in Wisconsin, someone in the private sector needs to earn $263,000 per year just to pay the benefits for one employee. Put another way, in my town, those benefits are covered by twenty average homeowners’ property taxes.
This has not even started to pay for the building or your wages or books or anything else needed to teach our children. This is just the benefits for the lunch lady. Is this sustainable? I don’t think so.
Don’t get me wrong. I have a lot of respect for what you do. I agree you deserve to be very well compensated. But you know what? We can’t afford it anymore. What we deserve and what we can afford don’t always line up. It sucks, I know. But that is reality.
If you don’t accept a cut in your benefits, tax rates must be raised. We have a shortfall. We can spend all day bickering about who did what and who’s to blame but that won’t solve a darn thing. At the end of the day, we still have a shortfall and it still must be fixed. There are only two ways to fix it – raise taxes or cut spending.
So, what would you like me to cut from my personal budget to continue to pay your benefits package? Let’s not forget that the “tax revenues” which pay you are actually a portion of my wages. To continue to pay your benefits as they are means less money in my pocket.
We are all struggling to dig out of the greatest economic downturn in 80 years. “Tax revenues” (my wages) are down across the board. We are all hurting. In my book, you are not exempt from this simply because you work for the government. To prevent you from suffering a little means that I will suffer even more.
I am sorry but this time I have to say no. Not because you don’t deserve it but because I don’t have it to give. This is not a personal attack on your teaching ability. This is just me asking you to contribute and sacrifice a little as well for the good of my children you teach, our state and our nation. Let’s face it – your benefits package is far nicer than mine and most of my private sector friends and family. For three years now, my increased insurance premium has been more than my annual raise so I take home less now than I did three years ago. How about you?
I can’t help but wonder, when do you have enough?
As far as denying human rights, unions were created to protect the safety and welfare of workers – to end sweat shops and child labor in America. The unions did their job well. The laws have changed and today those basic rights are protected by law. Nobody is taking away your right to a safe work environment.
In closing, it is my hope that you are teaching my children because you love them. Love trumps money every time. Do you love my children enough to teach them anyway?
Sincerely,
Anon, either you need to be older, wiser, read history or become "human". Many of the worker rights, labor law and benefits we enjoy today ( 5 day week, 8 hour day, etc) are thanks to union organizing and collective bargaining. We need more of these, not less.
Unions and human rights are natural support alliances for Democrats vs. the Koch Brothers and big oil for your ongoing far-right Republican or other support of the wealthy (while cutting your jobs, wages, benefits)-- anything good coming from that?
Show us some data, valid payroll and benefit data to support backing-down these union benefits for Wisconsin workers, you know RESEARCH.
Do you really think busting unions will bode well for other union and non-union workers? Or, will we go back to "the good old days": 8 hours pay for 10 hour days, questionable breaks during the day, no sick days, no vacations, no medical, no workers comp, child labor. Do you even have a clue about what you're saying?
The National Education Association
Gross receipts: $337 Million (88% Dues)
Political Contributions and Lobbying $50.4 Million (99% to Democrats)
Contributions, gifts and grants $89.0 Million (100% Liberal Organization)
American Federation of Teachers
Gross receipts $225 Million (90% Dues)
Political Contributions and Lobbying $18.8 Million (99% to Democrats)
Contributions, gifts and grants $3.6 Million (100% Liberal Organizations)
Total political contributions and Lobbying: $ 69.2 Million
Contribution to Liberal causes $92.6 Million
Source: www.teachersunionsexposed.com/unions.cfm
What is not tabulated is the value of the organizing, get out the vote and polling activity of the so-called voluntary union members which in terms of value may well exceed another $150 million.
This is just the Teachers Unions, AFSCME, the largest public sector union, in the 2010 election cycle spent $88 million on political contributions and untold millions in the value of it’s members political activities.
The Democrats cannot afford to lose this base and this will be an all out war. Just imagine how all this “donated” money could have benefitted our school children! The unions have no place in the education of our children both for moral and financial reasons! As a parent, and a taxpayer, I am BEYOND outraged!!
Madison Metro driver highest paid city employee
host.madison.com
He earned $159,258 in 2009, more than the mayor or police chief, because the contract allows senior bus drivers to have the first shot at overtime hours...
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=263533
Google Exec in Cairo financed by George Soros
Check out the video footage of Wisconsin protestors.
http://blog.heritage.org/2011/02/20/video-myths-vs-facts-of-the-wisconsin-union-protest/
$52,644 is the average teacher salary in Wisconsin 2010-11, source from a national teacher information website: Teacher World. Think that too much money to pay a college educated, trained teacher? And, your reference is from????
Well, I easily found that Metro driver article. The driver had a lot of OVERTIME pay. "Metro, which increased fares last year, carried 13.58 million riders in 2009, the second highest total in 40 years." Wisconsin State Journal 2/7/10. BTW the Metro General Manager indicates Metro is looking for ways to reduce overtime, (the General Manager's salary is $118,690).
Presenting a skewed view to promote tearing apart this workings society does not help your so called "conservative" cause. Conservative is one thing, plotting against the best interest of working people is another.
As for the antidote "Letter from Liz"? Guess what, anyone in business can expect to payout in various employee costs and benefits about 1/3 higher than salary. That's the way it works. And, when "we don't have it to give", why not tax oil companies, restore a "fair tax" to 1+% most wealthy, stop the loop holes to off-shore corporations, and to large corporations which pay $0 taxes? Start at the 15% top of wealth, and let the benefit trickle down to the other 85% (that's us).
You might think this over: How much are you paid? Do you want worse working conditions? Lower pay? No benefits? Do you really want worse conditions and a lower standard of living for your neighbors, friends, your family, and this country? Get real!
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
Laws are in place to protect workers. The tables have turned on the unions, they have become the oppressors and huge supporters of a communist agenda, that you can't ignore.
$52,644 average salary in Wisconsin is too much salary for a teacher??? How much you think they're worth, maybe $8 an hour, do their lesson planning and other related activity outside working hours? Maybe they can sweep the floor on their lunch hour.
If unions and their supporters believe in a democracy, why wont they let the workers choose to be in a union?
15,000 Tea Party Patriots have showed up today in Wisconsin in support of Gov Walker. More are on their way.
The people of Wisconsin voted in a republican governor and house. The people overwhelmingly support what the Governor is trying to do. Why is it that the unions won't support the will of the people? They say they are for democracy, but they force their workers to be in a union , pay high union dues that go to politicians and agendas most would not support. What is it about the unions that DONT SUPPORT DEMOCRACY??
So "waste of time 12:50", your esoteric definition of "democracy" is to bust unions who represent their workers and provide health and pension benefits?
15,000 Tea Party must have stopped-off at the Wisconsin Stake House. On the news, only the Union protesters rallied at the Wisconsin State House. Boo hoo, TP.
12:45 PM, Union = united, power in collective bargaining. That's the deal.
I wonder if Len Stone has taken a position on this, or would have the guts to say what it is.
I would like half the benefits these state workers have.
The girls have gotten together again with me and have promised to sharpen my focus and correct my spelling and punctuation. I wrote the other day supporting Todd Bray’s idea of a 5% salary cut for Pacifica’s public employees. The girls insist, and I agree, that we should first say that when we grew up, unions meant the difference between a decent life and slavery. None of us would be where we are now without labor unions, either as members, or, as in my case, as a beneficiary of the general rise in living conditions, productivity, and GNP. The problems, and conditions, unions faced before and shortly after the Second World War are not to be compared with unions today. I don’t think anyone would dispute that. It is also obvious that union pensions and benefits are bankrupting many cities. Something has to be done. And raising the taxes on senior citizens is not the answer
Barbara Arietta’s call for “solidarity” with Wisconsin workers justifies our rejection of her as a serious candidate in the last election. Traditional Democratic politics, in which Mrs. Arietta is heavily invested, are not going to solve our problems. They won’t balance the budget. We are not “tea-baggers”, (although we drink a lot of tea) but we do think governments should not spend more than they take in, or at least not do so year after year.
We think Todd Bray is making more sense that anyone else we have hears.
Sincerely,
Nora and friends
"I wonder if Len Stone has taken a position on this, or would have the guts to say what it is."
Why should Len Stone be expected to take a position on Wisconsin issues? Should we expect him to take a position on high-speed rail in Ohio, too? Where does he think Carmelo Anthony should go?
Get real.
Nora (aka: Anonymous from yesterday), Barbara posted an FYI notice of a "Candlelight Vigil in Solidarity With Wisconsin Workers" on Tuesday, February 22nd at 5:30pm in Sacramento, CA," including the background information memo from the AFL/CIO. Union collective bargaining for workers is still relevant.
Anon "Tea Party" robot is just a tool for Karl Rove and the most wealthy 1+% in this country who are interested in "busting" unions. Are you throwing-in with them? Sure contracts can be adjusted downward 5-10% or more, employees pay more for benefits,pensions downsized; but, "ask the girls" if they are really interested in destroying union collective bargaining.
Several of us post articles on this blog, and this one was also posted on the Pacifica Democrats e-list. Wish you would get over your Barbara fixation, she's on the same side most issues that you are.
No she is not.
Fixation? Try obsession. Nutso Nora remains in serious need of psychiatric help. And there probably aren't any "girls". It's just one whacko who slobbers and foams uncontrollably at the mention of Ms. Arietta. Amusing in a sick and creepy way.
You must look at this unemployment map. This map was started in 2007, when the democrats took over congress to November 2010.Make sure you review the whole page.
http://www.latoyaegwuekwe.com/geographyofarecession.html
http://www.latoyaegwuekwe.com/geographyofarecession.html
Sorry. Try the You-Tube version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI7iel2Ypyc
I was asked to spread this around. Take it as you want to take it. But don't say you weren't warned.
http://shutking.blogspot.com/2011/02/get-ready-disturbing-email-i-just.html#more
Wingnut.
The above and what has been removed is why I am deleting this bookmark and will not be back. Anon. is out of control. Why would anyone comment if they are attacked and insulted for their views.
"Deleting bookmark" 1:40pm, "deleting the bookmark" will stop what you're immediately hearing from some misdirected members of the public, along with the more focused dialog and information-- kind of like "throwing the baby out with the bath water" for the weak.
Assuming you are a rational person and want a better Fix Pacifica blog, you are welcome to do your part, make it happen by posting rational comments and articles.
It seems "wingnuts" can almost never find a generally acceptable, authoritative, rational source to quote, but a percentage of these skewed, irrational voices and sources exist in the American public, including in the 40,000+ population of Pacifica. These "stuck" voices (right, left, sometimes middle) do not seem to evolve, advance or learn, which is in itself an education and sometimes an obstacle for the rest of us.
Far left voices have controlled Pacifica, which is the predominate reason we have a dysfunctional city. Hence, the recent conversation here is about chiseling down the already "bare bones" city services, (at the same time avoiding the economic solution discussion).
Please, if it's so horrible, stop whining and go start your own blog. We'd all rather ignore that than attempt to ignore all your ridiculous noise here.
The billionaire Koch Brothers are busing-in Tea Party protests "to take away collective bargaining rights from public employees in Wisconsin....What's more the plan to kill the unions is right out of the Koch Brothers play book.... You really have to wonder how long it will take for Tea Party devotees to realize just how badly they are being used".
Also note "... the Wisconsin Public Workers Union, sent a message to the Governor’s office agreeing to the cuts to pension & welfare benefits sought by Walker in his bill. The governor’s response was 'nothing doing'. He wants the whole kit and kaboodle – the end of the collective bargaining rights of the public unions."
The above information and quotes are from Forbes Business 2/18/2010 (which also quotes Mother Jones).
The uber-conservative Koch Brothers are the 5th most wealthy Americans on the Forbes 400 List, who have a vested interest and desire to "end unionism in America". The busing source information is from a national Democrat email I received this morning.
God Bless the Koch Brothers.
Democrats have; Evil Genius George Soros , Satan BIll Gates, Steve Jobs, Facebook Zuckerberg, Muslim Brotherhood, Warren Buffett, All Unions, Media Whores, Communists, Socialists, Anarchists.
Get another line Kathy
Collective bargaining for public employees creates an irreconcilable conflict of interest.
Remember, elected officials are the taxpayers representative that negotiate contracts with public employees. And these same elected officials take money from union donations. If this happened in any environment other than the public sector, people would go to jail.
Just imagine if the CEO of GM took a $10 million check from the UAW right before contract negotiations began. Not only would he be fired, he would probably go to jail. Why have we exempted our elected officials from these same standards of conduct?
"God Bless the Koch Brothers".
Yep, even Republican Steve Forbes jumped off that "Friends of Koch Brothers" ship, but thanks for the entertainment, "Koch Brothers supporter". Also, appreciate you naming the "do good" billionaire heroes who you consider "evil". No wonder you hide behind a pen name.
We're not so sure about the Muslim Brotherhood yet, they seemed to have been helpful in bringing some form of Democracy to Egypt (hopefully). As for Communism and Socialism these "isms" share some "ideal" components of compassion and sharing with Christianity-- whereas you, not so much.
Anon 7:23pm. Some elected officials also take contribution money from the Koch Brothers, including the Governor of Wisconsin. Elected officials take money from everyone they can. Some corporations donate to both Republican and Democrat candidates (or other) to hedge their bets. You might consider all this conflict of interest.
Would "free and fair" elections through a citizen tax be a better idea, or is that to "socialistic" for you?
I know, "Koch Brothers supporter" may be sad that Col. Gaddafi is having such a bad time in Libya now.
Hosni Mubarak was the nicest dictator I have ever met and the only one Olbunderer has asked to step down.
Qaddafi is threatening to blow up oil wells, no word from oblunderer. Why? cause it all falls into his plan of destroying America. Have fun buying gas.
Evil Genius George Soros is a communist and foreigners like him have no place in our America. I want him hung. He stole from his fellow jews and has no remorse. He brags about destroying countries. He says he has "messianic views" about himself. His puppet is our very sick president. I will say what I want about him, he is SATAN in its purest form. Chomp on that.
Kathy's officially just as paranoid as the tea baggers.
"No Jesus 8:25pm" you've been listening and reading the lies of way too many crazy far right-wingnuts. The "messianic views" are those of Glen Beck, who DOES seem to be very sick.
You seem smart enough, why have you bought into this loopy crock of nonsense?
Anon 8:34pm, no I'm educated, not "paranoid". There's a difference.
Union employees that work for private industry are not the problem. Nor, is the trade unions.
The problem is that these public employee unions wield to much power and run the democratic party with George Soros. They stated as much.
So you think you are electing someone who will listen to you, but they dont, they listen to the Union bosses first. You have no voice. They clearly do not believe in democracy. I believe if they give their members the choice to join their union, they would be forced to be better at accountability and have to state to their members what their agenda is. The way it is now, there is no accountability and their agenda is a secret. And, you have no voice in your union. You are a slave to their agenda.
Try to remember that the Democratic Party is pro-choice. Or, is that just when it is about killing babies?
Some idiots use the Katrina Cops (very few cops robbed in Katrina) as an example of what happens when you pay public employees low wages. How about just having good morals taught to you by your union. No, that would never happen, thuggery is the way of the union life.
Anon, "get a new line", what you say is garbage, and BTW pro-choice is the law of the land.
Kathy, what you say is pure propaganda and you are losing.
Union President Trumpka says he visits White House and speaks with President Obama twice a week.
"Anon 12:11am"(depending upon which one you are), I can't fix you any more than I can fix Pacifica. I can use fact against myth to enlighten myself and others. To me (and to most reasonable people that's a winning strategy).
Here's a new word for you that is apparently all about you: psychological projection. And, meantime, here's a good book that might be helpful to you: Rationality and the Reflective Mind. Check it out.
During the Egyptian protests, President Barack Obama was quick to side with protesters against longtime American ally Hosni Mubarak, and yet now as protests rage in Libya, Obama is strangely silent on longtime American enemy Moammar Gadhafi. Why?
Read more: http://socyberty.com/history/the-ulsterman-report-why-is-obama-silent-on-libya/#ixzz1EoC5z0RD
When the owner of a private business negotiates with a union he or she is constrained by the competition of the marketplace. If the union gets too much, customers put the business out of business by purchasing from a less costly and more efficient competitor.
When politicians negotiate with a union they are not negotiating with their own money, but ours - the taxpayers. The politicians who bow to the union the most are rewarded by the unions with massive donations and election workers to help re-elect them. Yet we, the taxpayers, are left holding the bag. We overpay for our services, are left without choice or competition, and find it most difficult to elect enough politicians to undermine public sector union power.
I say thank GOD for Walker, Christie, Kasich, and other governors and mayors who are standing up to union power. We must support them, stand with them, and elect more with that kind of vision and courage
Anon, if Richard Trumpkam, National President of the AFL/CIO does speak with President Obama about the concerns of labor on any kind of regular basis- GOOD. I'm hoping with the current national financial challenges and publicity, there will be a union solidarity resurgence within the Democratic party. Unions are about people getting fair representation, and education within some unions (trade unions in particular). Union built, generally implies pride in a solid, high level of quality.
The need for unions in today's world was expressed by Richard Trumka on Bloomberg 3/12/09, , video 5:01 minutes.
The google search for Trumka background information was littered with right-wing slurs. As you know anything "for the people" seems to be promoted as "communist" by these right-wingers (except as it applies to their own "we the (white) people" myth, and personal family benefits of course. As mentioned prior, these right-wing activists are surely unwitting tools of the most wealthy (who choose to build THEIR corporate empires overseas, off-shore; through short-cuts where possible, cheap labor, and government influence, ouch)!
"Anonymous Whoever 10:41am" is concerned about the cost of goods, but my money on that one is that TP shops at Walmart (or equivalent) but hates China and India. The same TP does the bidding for the most wealthy (described above), yet complains that unions naturally support the Democratic party. To that, the same Anon attaches a "god exclusive" to the Republican party. How totally irrational is all of that??? No thanks those of us with a brain, who support HUMANS, and a higher standard of living for all of us, will vote for Democrats and democratic ideas, (a god will follow, LOL).
Richard Trumka, background: pipl search. The bottom of that search links to something that looks somewhat like face book, a "comprehensive" link. Those who prefer video, here's a 12 minute union, and Richard Trumka biographical video (2nd).
Anonymous 10:37 AM, how about you get a singular identity rather than keep messing up my name. Here's a suggestion: "Skip this comment".
As you know anything "for the people" seems to be promoted as "communist" by these right-wingers (except as it applies to their own "we the (white) people" myth, and personal family benefits of course. As mentioned prior, these right-wing activists are surely unwitting tools of the most wealthy (who choose to build THEIR corporate empires overseas, off-shore; through short-cuts where possible, cheap labor, and government influence, ouch)!
I see a lot of Kathy-bashing on this blog which is unfortunate because this is a gem of a post and one of the more intelligent things I've seen on this blog in quite some time.
Thank you for continuing to speak the truth under fire, Kathy.
NEA Lawyer admits that they do not exist for the betterment of the students , but for the advancement of their interests.
http://www.impeachobamacampaign.com/video-of-the-day-top-nea-lawyer-admits-its-about-power-not-the-children/?utm_source=Floyd+Reports&utm_campaign=529a10cf6b-FR_02_23_20112_23_2011&utm_medium=email
Most Communists are white.
A brilliant comment from someone who fails to realize there are 2 billion Chinese inhabiting the same planet.
Americans should be gravely concerned when a Union President of AFL-CIO Trumpka, brags that he visits the White House twice a week and talks on the phone with Pres Obama administration everyday.
I believe these could be impeachable offenses for the President. He is obstructing justice on a Democratically voted in Republican Governor and State Assembly. And, anyone that thinks this is ok is an enemy of America and all tax paying hardworking Americans. Careful, Kathy, be very careful. You are completely wrong in thinking this is ok, you and your communist friends would be in an uproar and have over less, much less when Pres Bush was in office. Pres Obama continues to thumb his nose at our laws, forces a unconstitutionly health care law that forces americans to buy insurance, and then ignores all other federal laws. We are truly living under a dictator. Here is your video of your hero Trumka bragging about being bff with your usurper president.
http://www.fireandreamitchell.com/2011/02/22/afl-cio-top-thug-richard-trumka-admits-he-speaks-to-the-white-house-everyday-and-is-there-two-to-three-times-a-week/
I believe most of those chinese would denounce ( they have in SF ) their communist party if they were given that right.
Jasmine Protest was shut down. Those poor people , I am sure, are being tortured right now as I post.
"NEA Lawyer admits that they do not exist for the betterment of the students, but for the advancement of their interests".
Anon 8:50pm, huh, no, that is not what General Counsel Bob Chanin for the NEA said or implied.
Mr. Chanin said: "And that brings me to my final and most important point, why NEA and affiliate are the most important advocates.... because we have the power..we are THE union that can most effectively represent them, protect their rights and advance their interests as education employees."
Continued.. "This is not to say that the concern of the NEA and its affiliates with closing achievement gaps, reducing drop-out rates, improving teacher quality and the like and unimportant or inappropriate. To the contrary these are the goals that guide the work we do. But they need not and must not be
achieved at the expense of due process, employee rights and collective bargaining-- that simply is too high a price to pay".
FYI, the National Educational Association, The PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION AND UNION which advocates for and provides resources for teachers.
BTW, although the video of what Mr. Chanin said in his own words is a correct description of the NEA union function on the "Impeach Obama Campaign" website you used as your reference, the negative editorial comment slur is similar to yours: False and impeachable.
Anon 2/23/11, 9:17pm, really, to solve a mystery before it evolves into a full blown conspiracy, you need to look beyond your far right-wing blogs, which are for the most part "garbage in, garbage out". I am careful, you are not. Here's a clue from Huffington Post 4-16-10.
National AFL/CIO President Trumka is on the Economic Recovery Advisory Board, along with others.
Just read Barb the Bloviator's opinion piece in the Trib. Someone needs to explain to her that brevity is the soul of wit.
"..be very careful..you and your communist friends".
Anon 9/22, 9:51pm, I have no "communist friends". My friends are intelligent and rational middle-of-the-road liberal and conservative Americans. That is who we are.
Anon, again, you are not careful with your words or your sources. And even though what you are saying is in error and lacks validity you continue to repeat the same.
"Repeating the lie" is a known propaganda technique to persuade others to believe what you are saying. This blather without merit on your part is both offensive and potentially dangerous.
Recently you referred to "the media" as "media whores" even though most national and local media (other than select Fox programs) make an effort to do research. If these reliable news sources are informed "media whores", what does that make you? You tread on not carefully considered, sensational lies from questionable sources presented here as national fact and truth (not), intended to do what? To deceive, to radicalize, to dupe, or are you really just confused?
"Anon 10:05am" I've known Barbara for almost 5 years, worked with her and consider her to be a good, reliable friend. She is the package, which comes in one mode: comprehensive. Exception, unless Chairing a meeting, then within limits, brief and "on time". She asks questions, where most of us would just wonder and pass-over.
Maybe just scan the article.
10:05 the eternal difference between doers and talkers(spiced with a bit of good old envy)surrounds Ms. Arietta. And yes, she's probably oblivious to it all. You go Babs!
Wis Governor and the State Won. Brilliant!
"The fight over the bill appears far from over. It still must clear the Wisconsin Senate, a step that is likely to prove far more contentious.
Fourteen Democratic senators have fled to neighboring Illinois to prevent a quorum from voting on the issue, and they remained absent early Friday".
"Among other things, the measure would require workers -- with the exception of police and firefighters -- to cover more of their health care premiums and pension contributions.
Collective bargaining would be limited to wages, though any pay increases beyond the inflation rate would be subject to voter approval".
CNN 2/25/11, Wisconsin budget battle.
Nothing like a law suit to shut a Governor up. Given the prank call I would imagine the torts are already flying.
Todd, oh that phone call... the one between Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and fake David Koch, 2/23/11.
The phone call is posted in 2 parts, 10 minutes each (interesting for political junkies): Part 1, and Part 2.
Short version, an Associated Press article, 2/23/11. And, a hint of the possible ethical and legal "fair practice", government influence and labor violations represented in the phone call, as described by the The Center for Media and Democracy 2/25/11 article.
They are about to lose their jobs. The phone call is illegal and that journalist may be in trouble, but who cares about that, the gov did not say anything bad or untrue. I would not mess with this Governor, he is on a mission and he is winning. While the unions and George Soros keep spending money to organize in every state, they could have fixed the budget problems for the schools, they will be asking for more money. Instead they choose, along with the President, to obstruct justice. The people voted, who gives them the right to obstruct the will of the people???? Sore losers.
The regulations the teachers have to operate under these days is worse then the irs. I would never want to be a teacher these days. Fire them all , destroy all old regulations and contracts, start fresh, rehire.
"We had to destroy the village in order to save it."
Great plan, Jig. We've got to do something about these pesky rights people insist they have!!!
The people about to lose their jobs are the Governor and his Brownshirt cronies as per the will of the people ala recall elections -- I sure hope you support the will of the people to exercise their vote and to peaceably assemble, because you're sounding like an extra-constituitional fascist. But I guess you've got to break some eggs in order to get the trains running on time, eh?
Gov Employees, at all levels, has rec'd the following bailout/funds from the following sources since 2008; T.A.R.P. ( Trouble Asset Relief Program) $800 Billion Stimilus Funds, Pres Obama Trillion Budget Plan-Billions will go to the Teachers Union. My question is- how much more is the tax payer and future generations going to have to pay for you?
Meanwhile, the rest of us will continue to help find jobs for the people that are out of work.
Vote NO on any tax increases.
Support Governor Walker and the State of Wisconsin.
These gov employee unions have so much money. They are fucking greedy bastards. If all these gov employees new the truth how they are being used, the tide would turn faster then a twister in Oklahoma. It has nothing to do with the worker and their rights and everything to do with power and greed.
The wealthy class has been successful in turning the workers and the middle class against each other. If the wealthy class succeeds, the middle class will be weakened and shrink. What's left will be a working/peasant class making more money for the very rich.
"Collective bargaining" vs. union busting is at the heart of the legislative Wisconsin dispute, which has broader implications for government and other unions. 1 of the 5 assembly members who fled Wisconsin state said the unions were willing to agree to Governor Scott Walker's financial demands, but he refused.
Here's how that bill was passed by Republicans in the Wisconsin house, the video is worth viewing. Twin Cities Pioneer Press, 2/25/11.
Text of that article first paragraph: "MADISON, Wis. — Republicans in the Wisconsin Assembly took the first significant action on their plan to strip collective bargaining rights from most public workers, abruptly passing the measure early Friday morning before sleep-deprived Democrats realized what was happening."
Think this action is going to be popular among fair-minded people throughout the United States? Not the people I know. Cutting back salaries, pensions and benefits to be more inline with the economy and private industry is one thing, dismantling "collective bargaining" is a whole separate issue which I believe most of us would reject.
Anon 11:49am makes an interesting point. Over the past 30 years the wealth divide has increased measurably, 85% to possibly 90% of us (and the generations which follow) are headed toward the peasant class (should this legislative economic trend not reverse).
Anon "Slave" 11:09am, your abhorrent language does not make up for your upside down lack of understand of what is happening to America, while you support the campaign against your own best interests.
Majority of the wealthy are democrats (especially in California), and you're right, creating a class warfare is part of their plan. Just ask Nancy Pelosi, who is disgustingly rich, Bill Gates (check out some of the nefarious organizations he funds ) It is very easy to find out what their agenda is for all of us. Think for yourself and get ready to protect your family. Remember, any tax increases you support goes directly to funding unions.
The most amazing thing happened in America: the Rupublican elites have convinced a substantial portion of the working class to vote against their own self-interests and towards Corporate Serfdom.
I mean, just take the post above mine; here's a person who can barely string a readable sentence together thinking that the solution to income inequality is the Republicahahahahahahaha... ahahaha... woo boy...
Allow the People to Vote go to http://www.educateourstate.org/
Send a message to the legislature that you want to vote on June 3rd. Whether you are for or against the extension of existing taxes we the people have a right to vote Republican legislators should not have the right to stop a public vote on this issue.
Dear Smitten Serf,
Yes, your grammar and punctuation show real effort. However, I'm afraid you may skip the spelling bee again this year. Rupublican?? Tsk tsk. Of all the words to mispell...how could you?
"Of all the words to mispell..."
Pot. Kettle. Black. Etc., etc.
Be still my pot, kettle, black heart...now I'm smitten.
"Of all the words to mispell..."
misspell
be still
Next category, try content.
Content? Where to start? Stop?
Another one of those very funny videos. "Its for the Kids"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Na1rj5kQyg
Obama flys chef 860 miles to White House. Who pays? YOU DO! Plus, Obama forgets to mention that Federal Employees do not have collective bargaining.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1168940/Obamas-fly-chef-860-miles-White-House--just-make-pizza.html
7:42pm, people who do not pay into social security, receive no social security benefits, including no social security pension. Its a different system (for the adults).
"That's all folks!".
Soros has admitted to having “carried some rather potent messianic fantasies with me from childhood, which I felt I had to control, otherwise they might get me in trouble.”
@Do you get it now?, statistics and reports tell us different. They still apply and collect ss. I know of two teachers who told me flat out that they will still collect ss because its their right as Americans to get it.
7:39am. To qualify for social security takes at least 10 quarters of work, and the retirement benefit is proportional to the adjusted gross/ salary pay-in. Social security may be an alternative program in some school districts.
School districts may or do offer an alternative pay-in system for Medicare, otherwise the price for medical insurance may increase measurably from age 65 There may be some other benefit variations, including district to district and through-out the nation. Some of these issue do not come in simple answers. I am not a teacher, but I do have some sense about how this works.
Did you watch city council last night, and are you following the continued deterioration of the city you live in? The bogeyman is not just out there.
Post a Comment