Koch Whore: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker

[Fair&Balanced]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

Bortz 14Mar11

It is unfair for the government to collect taxpayer funds paid to the government union and give them to a single party for support in general elections. The individual should be able to reserve the right to choose who that money should go to. Make a law that prevents public sector unions from giving money to PACs or in support of elections and they may get more support. Until then this is going to end. Many states are following the suit of WI and are not having half the battle that is being orchestrated by the Obama Administration and Democratic party on behalf of that 15% of the total Union work force in WI. They are spinning this as is it a Labor issue and they will fail again in the next national general election as these facts are discussed in the wider issue of the use of tax dollars in support of public sector Unions.

The suggestion that union members cannot "reserve the right to choose who that money should go to" is a myth.

The Federal Election Campaign Act and laws in many states prohibit unions from using general funds (dues) for political campaigns. They can create PACs for voluntary contributions from members.

Although corporations and labor organizations may not make contributions or expenditures in connection with federal elections, they may establish PACs. Corporate and labor PACs raise voluntary contributions from a restricted class of individuals and use those funds to support federal candidates and political committees

http://www.fec.gov/pages/brochures/f...orporate_Union

It seems to me that union members should have the same rights as any Americans to voluntarily give to a PAC of their choice.

The extremist (and misleading) libertarian views of Neal Bortz from your post are not shared by most Americans.

From everything I have read, the public is on the side of the unions on this one, recognizing that the unions have demonstrated more concern for the middle class and working poor than Republican governors and legislators who are ready to cut numerous programs that go beyond the union's direct interest or the issue of dues check-offs and to the heart of millions of people living from paycheck to paycheck, while the wealthiest taxpayers and corporations get more tax breaks.

more:
On average, less than 3% of your state taxes support public employee pensions and the payback is significant, as I noted elsewhere:

http://cellar.org/showpost.php?p=716231&postcount=54

The spin? The unions agreed to contribute a greater share of pension/health care costs even before the governor signed the bill. The Republican Leader of the Senate in WI made it clear that this fight was not about balancing the state budget, but busting the unions simply because union members lean towards voting Democratic.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by Fair&Balanced

The suggestion that union members cannot "reserve the right to choose who that money should go to" is a myth.

Incorrect.

It seems to me that union members should have the same rights as any Americans to voluntarily give to a PAC of their choice.

You would be mistaken. The money is automatically deducted from the payroll.

The extremist (and misleading) libertarian views of Neal Bortz from your post are not shared by most Americans.

Libertarian is not extremism. Although many would state that it is a branch of the conservative views, Bortz is a popular commentator on current events and does not affiliate with any particular party, which is why he is so popular.

From everything I have read, the public is on the side of the unions on this one...

Then you would be mistaken again.

....recognizing that the unions have demonstrated more concern for the middle class and working poor than Republican governors and legislators who are ready to cut numerous programs that go beyond the union's direct interest or the issue of dues check-offs and to the heart of millions of people living from paycheck to paycheck, while the wealthiest taxpayers and corporations get more tax breaks.

Straw man argument. This is not about all Unions. This is about public sector Unions which represent only 15% of all Unions but also represents a major portion of States unfunded monies that will be owed to support the retirement and health benefits.

...busting the unions simply because union members lean towards voting Democratic.

I have no problem with that when it is tax payer monies being funneled to one particular party, well over 90% of the funds.