Democrats Win on Federalized Airport Workers

NewsMax.com ^ | Thursday, Nov. 15, 2001 | NewsMax.com Wires and NewsMax.com

[Dave S]

If you keep voting the same way each election I guarantee you will get the same results

Thats right. Keep voting for marginal candidates like Buchannan, Senator Smith in NH, Brent Schundler and the guy that lost in Virgina Gov race.

[liberalism=failure]

There is no longer a republican party,

We have one party (the democrats) who will do anything no matter how despicable to gain and/or hold onto power

And another party (the pseudo republicans) so desperate to hang onto whatever dwindling power they still have left let the other party get away with it every time.

PATHETIC!!!

[maxwellp]

Some years ago I had to go to the DMV in New York City. There was a long, long line of people waiting for service. There was a large group of DMV personnel sitting at desks eating, talking to each other and talking on the phone. Finally, after about an hour on this long line, an executive type man shouted "Does anybody work here?". That got them moving. I never forgot this and hearing today's announcement about federalizing airport workers, I said to myself "That's it - I'll never fly again" - and I won't.

[RicocheT]

Bush has 87 % poll popularity and he lets the DemocRATS run the show? When he's down to a mere 51% Bush will have to let Daschel sit in his lap and do his talking for him.

This federalization is a total capitulation by Lott and the GOP.

[Dave S]

I know I am in the minority on this board on this one, but federalizing these workers is the only way, private industry under federal control is what we have had and look what its gotten? People fresh off the boat making $6 an hour can't speak english doing security! Profit motive for private industry in this matter will never allow adequate security, ever... because the private companies won't pay or train enough because the airports and airlines won't pay or train enough.

Do you really think the Dems are going to fire the current low income workers who are doing security at the airports. No way. They will just raise their pay, label them federal law enforcement officers, make sure the union dues are collected for the Union buddies and look the other way. If citizenship is a problem, they will run them through a crash program with the INS like Clinton did in 96.

[michaelje]

Ive had the same experience at the DMV. Just wait until you see what a circus airports will become. Another pathetic moment for the nations Republican party.

[Liberals are Evil Socialists!]

Oh well, treat them like the ,ilitary and they'll vote Repub in droves. On issues of national security, this cuts both ways for Repubs. The real issue is wasteful Demonrat socialsitic policies that have swollen over decades.

[dts32041]

I have come to my own conclusion on airport security, I don't fly any more. I have been on an airplane twice in ten years.

If I can't drive to get there I don't go.

I don't worry about security checks any more.

BTW remember what old patches you know who I am Kennedy did to that guard that tried to stop him from going thru the check point.

No think about it that checker was a federal employ.

BTW I am going to one of the first people to sign up for that new job.

Why shouldn't I suck at the teat the fedgov is going to provide for me?

Then it will take four years to fire me.

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

If the idea of airport security is to provide for our common defense, then federalization is appropriate. Now, the issue about not being able to fire incompetent feds is valid, but really separate. We need Congress and the President to take the iniative to change the law to hold federal bureaucrats responsible--do your job right or get canned. This should be applied throughout the federal government and state governments--we'd all be far better off.

[arkfreepdom]

Spare me this castration crap. This bill denies the workers civil service protection and allows airports to opt out. Less than a week after eating s*** for misjudgements on the war in Afghanistan, and you same people are pulling the same 'ol "the sky is falling bull".

Another thing...the pubs will gain seats in the 2002 elections.

[motzman]

Keep voting for marginal candidates like Buchannan, Senator Smith in NH, Brent Schundler...

I guess Mr. Schundler was so "marginal" that you couldn't even get his name right. Go Back to DU.

[ignatz_q]

I know I am in the minority on this board on this one, but federalizing these workers is the only way, private industry under federal control is what we have had and look what its gotten? People fresh off the boat making $6 an hour can't speak english doing security! Profit motive for private industry in this matter will never allow adequate security, ever... because the private companies won't pay or train enough because the airports and airlines won't pay or train enough.

You are in the minority, but you are not alone. I've been making similar points for the last two months.

There are federalized workforces that that work well. The current incarnation of air traffic controllers is my favorite example. They are federal, they have a union, and when one of them screws up, they go, and they go quickly. I understand why FReepers are against the federal unions in general, but so much of why they do and do not work has to do with how they are structured and put together in the first place. The FAA has a pretty good track record in this regard.

We wasted a lot of time fighting against federalized airport security, which was an inevitable conclusion. We should have been spending those resources making sure that these workforces were set up with the type of accountability that they need to be successful, and to avoid them becoming just another plodding bureaucracy.

I just hope it isn't too late.

[ex-snook]

GOP for government/union control of education is why Schundler lost. So much for the vaunted 'private enterprise system'. Hell if the GOP believes in government so much, might as well federalized the nation. Might as well start with those protecting the country making missiles.

[monkeyshine]

This is probably the last straw for me. I think I'm going to resign my membership in the GOP. For Pete's sake I might as well become a democrat for being in the GOP. Constitution party or Libertarian Party... here I come.

[FryingPan101]

Is there anything left to say? Weak, weak Republicans.

[gfactor]

how much will these new employees be paid? not mc-wages, thats for sure.

[irishfest]

I just hope it isn't too late.

Exactly why the Republicans had to make some deal to get this done! With no civil service protection I think folks are going to be surprised (in a good sense) with the product that we'll get. The air traffic controller position is a good example.

[motzman]

Do you really think the Dems are going to fire the current low income workers who are doing security at the airports. No way. They will just raise their pay, label them federal law enforcement officers, make sure the union dues are collected for the Union buddies and look the other way. If citizenship is a problem, they will run them through a crash program with the INS like Clinton did in 96.

Pardon my previous post, as I'm a Schundler fan...

As for the above analysis, you are absolutely correct. For those worried about "security" and claiming that "protection" is the government's job, well then why aren't you all advocating military control of U.S. Airports? That would be the safest option, wouldn't it?

[kstewskis]

Looks like Trent Lott and the other spineless GOP have fumbled another one.

Oh how so very true. Another screaming liberal damnocrat temper tantrum, and these GOP Bozo's, who call themselves "the leadership" blow it again. And why on earth, as the majority, could they not come up with their own bill? We need new blood in there, fast.