You make good points; I just never thought that the independence-minded folks of Free Republic were opposed to collective bargaining for private-sector employees (while I understand opposing mandatory union membership, I don’t understand banning voluntary organization). I am the worst enemy public-employee unions have on Free Republic, and Chris Christie’s biggest fan here in NJ for battling them - because I am forced to pay them. In terms of the private sector, I have no problem with workers of any kind acting in concert for better pay or conditions; it is supply and demand, which is circumvented by companies by bringing in a constant supply of cheap labor (unskilled, tech, MBA, whatever) to suppress wages and weaken any position of American workers.
I’m puzzled why FReepers automatically assume that the freaks “occupying” Wall Street aren’t acting to some extent in our interests as well; some have rational points on their placards which shouldn’t be ignored. I’m to the right of Pat Buchanan, but understand the contributions the left has gained for Americans over the past century.
While all the talk about making a living on your own merits is commendable, the obvious fact is that “playing fair” has gotten American workers nowhere (and they’re slipping fast). FReepers that persist in ignoring the conditions of working Americans are as detached as Obama is; if he steps aside the Republicans will have a hard time dealing with his replacement because of exactly those conditions.
Very good point. This big divide between the so called “far right” and “far left” is continually reinforced by the Establishment since they do not want to experience the synergy that would come from a united people, rather than a divided people. Of course there are insane haters from all sides, including the middle, but the real divide at issue there is between the Corporatist banks (crony capitalists working hand in glove with the gubmint) and We The People.
While I can't say that I find agreement with all of the memes being expressed by the Wall St Occupiers, nor with some of the organizations behind it, their basic point is that the Corporatist banks are destroying our economy (and many fundamental liberties) while being abetted by the federal gubmint. If anyone on the “far right” thinks that Government Sachs, et al have the best interests of America and its people at heart, they are sadly mistaken. Corporatism (Crony Capitalism) is NOT Free Market Capitalism, and sadly we have been drifting away from true Free Market Capitalism for decades.
But of course the establishment wants all of the people at Zuccotti Park to keep believing that all those “Tea Partiers are fascists” and all the folks at your local Tea Party meeting to believe that all those “Wall St. Occupiers are commie hippies.” That is the message that will keep We The People divided and fighting amongst ourselves, rather than against the real enemies.
I don't have to pay extorted “protection money” to a third party entity in order to do, or keep my job.
Business is down. I didn't get a raise per se, but my employer absorbed my portion of increased health insurance rates, along with their own...so my pay wasn't cut.
Because I am a valuable employee, and care almost as much about the company I work for as the owners do.
We will sink or swim together, by our combined efforts.
It is not an adversarial relationship. We truly wish each other well, but they really don't want my LOTTO winnings to reach retirement level.
At one point in USA history, labor unions were absolutely essential in forcing comprehensive labor laws to be written regarding fair employee protections against unscrupulous employers.
Most American workers and employers decided a long time ago that fairness is a two way deal.
Hense the decline of Union extortion rackets.
Now if my employer and I work hard enough together to get a bloated and corrupt government out of our way....next year I might have more money in my paycheck, instead of merely treading water, and those deepening worry lines my employers have sprouted might ease a little. Labor Unions only have power when Union membership is mandatory in order for any potential worker to be employed. No thanks! I would much rather earn an honest wage while doing an honest job.