Last February there was a thread regarding the Wisconsin union situation. Walkingfeather posted a reply to that thread (post 6) that I thought was profound in its grasp of some of the situation.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2680426/posts
Walkingfeather’s post 6:
“This has a lot to do with tolerance of conflict. The unions believe (accurately so) that most people are not comfortable with conflict and will first of all avoid it at all cost. Second if they do have conflict they can not take conflict past a level 2-3. Third, If they can take levels 2-3 they wont be able to sustain it over any length of time....
That is the unions entire strategy. Most people will crumble at the first sight of conflict. We have bred our society into believing conflict is bad. Conflict is not always bad. People need to get used to what it feels like to be in conflict and still be okay.
I believe that is the problem with Republicans that end up in DC. They spend an entire election on behaving a certain way (collaboratively) to get elected. Then when in DC they see the democrats that accuse them and call them names. A classic push back technique, and then the republican thinks, how can I fix this relationship, and be friends... I have to work with these people.... as soon as that happens the dems have got them. It is okay if Some people don’t like you, you can stand in that space and still be a perfectly fine and acceptable human being. I think this is what Gov. Walker is doing.”
My response in post 8:
It bears repeating, for I think you have profoundly summarized what we have been and are and shall be up against. We have been bemoaning for so many years the question of why do our republican reps/sens/judges cave so often. I believe you have nailed it.”
I have pondered walkingfeathers’ post since that time and actually constructed a prayer based on his idea, that I use on a frequent if not daily basis:
Beloved Heavenly Father,
I pray, Father for your intercession this entire matter concerning the union activity in our nation and especially the ones who have seized the levers of the power of the unions. Please cut free the rank and file members who love this nation and her Founding Principles.
I ask that you would dispense abroad among your Children the awareness of the need to develop within themselves the ability to learn tolerance of conflict. Help all of us to always to rely on the refuge we have in You and the Founding Principles of our nation which are from You.
I pray that you will intercede especially in the hearts, minds, and lives of our representatives at all levels to give them BACKBONE!
I come before You as only one little tiny vessel. However I know that with my clay You can do great things. I know that I have no need to fear, for You are greater than all evil which is in the world. I praise You, for You are worthy to be praised. I glorify You, for to You goes all glory for all Good Things.
Amen
(Sorry for the double post above. The wait-time was long enough to make me think it didnt receive the signal!)
It’s just not that simple, standing firm, I mean. The unions in Wisconsin have used threats and actual physical force. You don’t often hear it discussed in the media, but if you join the National Right to Work Group, you’ll get email updates that are very informative.
ABSOLUTELY INDEED.
Excellent. Thank you and amen.