Replies

By law, they have to disclose to the Secretary of State. I actually would probably do the same thing as them and refer someone to the SOS for the reports. If I had an organization to run, I wouldn't want to spend staff time and money on pulling together reports, copying, mailing them when they are all available on-line already.

Second, if they spent more than they reported that would be a crime. But you would have to have proof. How? Find a contribution they didn't report. Almost impossible, wouldn't you say? You could compare the reports from every candidate to CSEAs report and make sure they match up, but that, to me, seems to be a waste of time unless you know for sure they are not disclosing and just need to find it. I don't think you know, but people are simply in disbelief that they only spent $1.2 million. I'm not. There are new contribution limits, so they can't spend what they have in the past.

Before you put together your demands, make sure you understand how the organization works. Public, private, dues, mandatory dues or voluntary, etc. Then come up with your questions and concerns. And don't call them demands. List them as questions, reasonable questions that reasonable people would want to know the answer to. For example, if you find out the dues are mandatory (I don't believe they are), then I would ask why they only gave 3.8% of their money to Republicans when Republicans make up XX% of state employees? (I have no idea how to find that information, I doubt you can.) But I just threw it out as an example.

Good luck!

if you find out the dues are mandatory (I don't believe they are),

Oh, but they are mandatory. You can opt out of "political" stuff but you're left with "fair share" giving. I pay $23.00 a month for my "fair share" which means I pay their overhead and salaries so they can be free to spit in my face with their hideous political shenanigans. They're nothing but political hacks for the democrats. Everyone knows that.

There is a way to opt out of union fees altogether but it's so difficult and so unjust few people can stomach it. The union gives you a choice of some hand-picked charities (the employee doesn't get to decide which charities she/he wants to choose from). The union provides a list to choose from; and then they will give your "fair share" to that charity. It's such a hassle and humiliating and stressful exercise, few can go there. I'm tellin' you THIS IS A MAJOR RIP-OFF.

I had two calls from union people today. The guy scared me a little but the woman was full of B.S. LOL! Sheesh. What have I gotten myself into? Anyhow, thanks for your help, FReeper pal. P.S. I think you're a little naive about the CSEA. For victory & freedom!!!

I'm up early so I can go and distribute my flyer to the poor schmucks (like me) who work in the various state buildings downtown. I'll report back tonight about some of the comments and reactions. Yesterday, I distributed about 250 flyers. I'd say most state workers agree with me . . . but will they come out on Thursday. We'll see. I know that I found out someone had posted one of my flyers on a bulletin board and some supervisor called me to complain but I told her it wasn't me who posted it - I'm distributing the flyer BEFORE work and during my lunch break ON THE STREET - meaning somebody was pissed enough to stick the flyer up on the bulletin board in their own building. Hope this is happening all over.

Again, my take-home pay is $2,181/month. Why are CSEA employees ashamed to tell me what they make? This union lady called me last night at home - she was so full of B.S. you can't believe it! She said the deficit is Pete Wilson's fault! I laughed really loud! Anyway, I told her my salary and asked for hers. She, of course, refused to tell me. None of them want us to know how much money they make. They're in cahoots with Gov Davis and the democRATS. They're riding this huge gravy train but it's just the top elite. Meanwhile, the lowly masses (that's me) continue to struggle and get spit on.

Have a great day! For victory & freedom!!!