Their views, their dues (LA Times endorses Prop. 75

Los Angeles Times ^ | October 16, 2005 | Unattributed

[gpapa]

IN 1998, THIS PAGE OPPOSED Proposition 226, the so-called paycheck-protection measure that sought to bar labor unions from spending a member's dues for political activities in the absence of that member's consent. We considered that initiative a disingenuous "good government" move aimed at diminishing the voice of only one side on public policy debates, and we would oppose such a proposition again if it were on this year's ballot.

But contrary to some of the arguments being mustered both for and against Proposition 75, this election's version of "paycheck protection" is significantly different than Proposition 226: It applies only to public employee unions. We support this more narrowly tailored initiative primarily as a means of lessening the power of public employee unions in Sacramento, but also as a way of reinforcing the right of union members to insist that their hard-earned income not be diverted to political causes they don't endorse.

[FairOpinion]

"To take one example, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has acknowledged it will take a "holy jihad" to assume control of the local school district because teachers unions are so powerful in Los Angeles and Sacramento. Although the mayor opposes Proposition 75, his statement illustrates the need for it."

I am shocked at the LAT.

[aquila48]

"LA Times endorses Prop. 75"

STOP THE PRESSES!!!

[goldstategop]

I was very surprised. I expected them to editorialize against Prop. 75. The Lefty editors know which way the wind is blowing here. It doesn't take a weathervane to see one of California's greatest problems is the stranglehold public employee unions have over life in Sacramento.

(Denny Crane: "I like nature. Don't talk to me about the environment".)

[CounterCounterCulture]

[INSERT "HELL FREEZING" IMAGE]

[calcowgirl]

[CounterCounterCulture]

My laziness pays off. Yay!

[Loud Mime]

Darn.....I'm surprised to hear this. Every time I hear one of those commercials where the Union Thug says "they're trying to shut us up" I cringe.

Methinks the LA Times is trying to gain some credibility. They're got a lot of ground to make up, if that's the case.

[calcowgirl]

It was too good an idea to pass up! Teamwork! LOL.

[FairOpinion]

"Methinks the LA Times is trying to gain some credibility. They're got a lot of ground to make up, if that's the case."

===

That would be my guess as well.

But just so nobody thinks they are turning conservative, they are recommending yes on the LA proposition Y, the $4B schoolbond measure.

[Loud Mime]

they are recommending yes on the LA proposition Y, the $4B schoolbond measure.

what for? Kevlar?

[heleny]

But just so nobody thinks they are turning conservative, they are recommending yes on the LA proposition Y, the $4B schoolbond measure.

Maybe they want that (Measure Y) or any other endorsement to appear more credible (by supporting a widely popular prop 75 that probably will pass with or without their recommendation).