The Number That Really Matters

In the "debate" that is going on in Wisconsin, the unions have produced TV spots that make the argument that thay have conceded the benefit adjustments that Walker has proposed, so he should not try to take away their collective bargaining "rights" (they aren't rights.) But the amount of money state wokers will lose was never their comncern in the first place. If you want to understand what this fight is about, you only need know one number, and that number is $100 million. That is the ANNUAL amount that Wisconsin's public unions deduct from their member's paychecks in the form of dues. The workers have no choices in this, whether you are talking about joining the union in the first place, or paying the dues. Both are mandatory to get these state jobs. The union bosses are more than willing to allow their members to take pay cuts and/or get laid off. But they are not about to give up that gravy train.

A Random Point

For several days now Wisconsin has been in the national spotlight due to the protests here in Madison against Scott Walker's Budget Repair Bill. Facebook is full of Madisonians supporting the protestors and they have some legitimate gripes. But one thing that keeps getting put out there is that Walker is stripping workers of their "rights." The problemn I have with that, is they are referring to his desire to repeal Collective Bargining by public unions. That is not a right. A right is something that is inherent. You are born with it. You don't have to do anything to get them, and nothing in the way of action is required from anybody else in order for you to exercise your rights. The only duties imposed on others is to not interfere with the exercising of your rights. So, for instance, if you want to exercise your right to free speech, it is only incumbent upon me to not interfere with your speech. I do not have to give you a microphone or buy you TV time.

The ability of public unions to collectively bargin, was granted by the state legislature in 1959. They can bestowe it, and they can take it away. It is NOT a right, it's a privledge, just like driving a car. But be aware, that just pisses them off when you say that.