| by Peter Berkowitz via Real Clear Politics The security, stability, and prosperity of a pluralistic, rights-protecting democracy depend on citizens’ disposition to compromise. A nation’s success in securing outcomes that may satisfy no camp entirely but with which all can live represents a substantial political achievement. ++++++++++++++ I am unalterably opposed to limited terms unless limited terms also applies to unelected government workers. Andy Stern took over the Government Unions and turned them into one of the most powerful union movements in the nation. This union's wage demands have led to outsized power and inflation. These union workers interpret legislation passed by congress. Most legislation is seldom read and most congresspersons have no idea what is in the bills they vote on. Their staff are more informed than they are and the various agencies ultimately decide what the bills actually say and how they are to be interpreted. Stern is now retired. He did more to throw Americans under the bus when it comes to legislative impact than any one person I can think of thus causing Americans to have nothing but contempt for and distrust of their government. Unions have become a scourge. +++ Labor Unions Have Lost Their Way The AFT and the NEA are more concerned with left-wing causes than their members’ interests. By Elisabeth Messenger From the earliest days of American industry, labor unions played a major role in championing workers’ rights, fighting for fair wages, safe working conditions and better benefits. As Labor Day approaches, unions will be sure to remind us how much we have to thank them for. And they’ll be right. But we’ll also be reminded how far they’ve fallen. The labor movement successfully improved working conditions in the 20th century, but it has lost its way in the 21st—veering from its original purpose and putting politics above workers’ needs. Many union members in America don’t work in industry at all—they are government employees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2022 “the union membership rate of public-sector workers (33.1 percent) continued to be more than five times higher than the rate of private-sector workers.” Government unions are some of the most powerful in the country—especially the teachers unions. The American Federation of Teachers, with more than 1.6 million members, paints a rosy picture of financial prosperity, with $152 million in assets and a net financial-position improvement of $15 million since 2020. A closer examination, however, reveals an alarming trend: the union increased its membership dues while losing more than 10,000 members since 2020. No wonder teachers are turning away from the union when only 34% of its spending goes toward acting on behalf of its members. The AFT diverts large sums to political activities, supporting left-wing causes and candidates, taking no account of the diverse political affiliations among its members. Political spending accounted for 17.3% of the AFT’s total outlays in the 2021-22 fiscal year. AFT President Randi Weingarten pulls in roughly $488,000 a year—more than eight times what a teacher makes. The situation is arguably worse at the even larger National Education Association. It spent $49.2 million on political activities in 2021-22, surpassing the amount spent on membership representation by $3.5 million. Like the AFT, the NEA protected revenue from membership losses by hiking dues. The union’s emphasis on financial investment further highlights its shift away from representing teachers and toward building its own wealth. I work with public employees who feel abandoned by their unions. I’ve seen the positives and negatives of the labor movement. But it’s clear that unions’ emphasis on political activity is detrimental to members’ interests and erodes the trust workers once placed in them. Union alternatives—such as Christian Educators and the Association of American Educators along with local, independent unions—aren’t part of a national monopoly and have the potential to fulfill the true purpose of unions: advocating workers’ rights and improving working conditions. The heart of the labor movement should be the pursuit of a better future for workers. We want unions to do better. National unions such as the AFT and the NEA should refocus their efforts on the needs and concerns of their members rather than pouring vast sums of money into divisive politics. True representation means standing up for all members, regardless of their political beliefs, and ensuring their voices are heard. Ms. Messenger is CEO of Americans for Fair Treatment. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Johnson was ruthless but hard to believe what this video avers. However, I would not be shocked were it so. Moynihan warned the nation and cynical Democrats what Johnson was doing would backfire and ham black citizens. However, no one listened. Democrats only wanted black votes they never have given a damn about the impact their legislation would create. Meanwhile: It is evident Biden is probably corrupt but voters seem no to care or because not enough evidence has been revealed. Thus, the focus is on his failed policies, which the mass media argues are brilliant successes. Time will tell whether voters are realistic or willing to swallow what the mass media is serving. I believe Democrats are staring a wipe out. Perhaps my wish clouds my viewpoint. Time will tell. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ |
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