I work for a taxpayer-funded state agency. As such, there are very strict rules regarding the use of taxpayer-owned property, and rightly so. For example, the policy regarding the use of taxpayer-owned computers, such as the one that sits on my desk, states in part:
College employees shall not use information technology for political activities prohibited by Minnesota Statutes sections 43A.32 or 211B.09, or other applicable State or federal law.
Now, here is a sampling of statements I've received from "my" union, via work e-mail on the taxpayer-owned computer that sits on my desk:
-If our sisters and brothers in Wisconsin lose their bargaining rights, it is only a matter of time for that to spread across the country.
-Anti-worker politicians are trying to take away from public employees in Wisconsin the right to join a union.
-We are under no illusions. It is only a matter of time before these actions spread to your state.
-Join MoveOn members for a rally to stand in solidarity with the people of Wisconsin.
-Make no mistake: They try to weaken unions so there is no check on corporate power.
And the most shocking--a quote from Martin Niemoeller:
"First they came for the Communists but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists but I was not one of them, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews but I was not Jewish so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me."
This heartbreaking quote was recorded by this Lutheran pastor from a concentration camp during Nazi Germany. So do we deduce from this that the conservative Republicans, trying to spend within our means, can be compared to the hellish days of Nazi Germany?? What would concentration camp survivors have to say about that comparison?
I sense panic. I believe the unions know the end is in sight. The house of cards is tumbling down. There is a shrill tone. This is like the little child who, as a last resort, screams he's going to hold his breath until he gets his way. Wisconsin was the first domino and unions know it. Unions are losing the argument and the proof is in the enormous state legislative victories for Republicans, from sea to shining sea. This is NOT the economic environment for unions to be complaining about compensation and benefits when the people to whom the complaints are to be directed are facing unemployment in such high numbers. The screaming mob in Wisconsin, complaining about losing their 100% employer-funded retirement and insurance, did not look good. They were, and will continue to be, hard pressed to find any level of sympathy, except from each other.
Here's what I don't understand. I, as a tax-paying citizen of this state, should have equal chance at landing a job with a taxpayer-funded agency. What I resent is, once I have secured employment with a taxpayer-funded agency, I am forced to join a union--an organization I would NEVER freely join. Yes, I'm a fair share member and not a full "voting" member, but this simply means I have 85% of what full dues are, forcibly deducted from my paycheck, so they can then be given to Democrat candidates in election years. WHY is it assumed I will be delighted, simply because I have union membership imposed upon me, and that I will automatically support the arguments put forth by the union? In my view, union members who are conservative, are being robbed because their views are being suppressed and the act is partially being carried out with those same union members' own money! This is like having someone steal money from my house, and then using that money to buy the gasoline and matches to burn my house down! Why is my voice suppressed?? When unions say they are "for the worker," I know they don't mean me. Furthermore, I don't WANT support from anyone. I can take care of myself, thank you.
(By the way, the unions ARE permitted, per statute, to use tax-payer owned computers to send the above messages.)
No comments:
Post a Comment