John Kerry Campaigns Against Prop. 75 in Los Angeles

[kerrygoddess]

John Kerry Campaigns Against Prop. 75 in Los Angeles
October 13th, 2005

John Kerry was in Los Angeles today with Mayor Antonia Villaraigosa to support the fight against the Governator’s Proposition 75.

Proposition 75 is a ballot initiative on union dues that could end up depriving union members and working people of having a say in California politics. It would require public employee unions to seek written permission from members before using dues for political purposes.

Kerry, speaking outside a downtown firehouse, said the initiative would condemn workers to “a completely unfair system.”

The proposal “represents part of an ongoing effort by the Republican Party to create an unfair playing field, to change the balance of democracy in America,” the former Democratic presidential nominee said. “They want a one-sided argument — their side.”

While pharmaceutical, insurance and other industries pump millions of dollars into political races, the California proposition would “take away the voices of the firefighters, the police officers, the teachers, the nurses,” the Massachusetts senator said.

MORE, LINKS & PHOTOS - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=839

[saltpoint]

1. Bravo for Kerry and Villaraigosa.

To hell with Arnold.

[Trajan]

2. What if ....

... ALL of the members who wished their dues to be used for political causes requested that 100 % of their dues be used thusly ? ...

Hmmmmmmmmmm .. just a thought ....

[ohtransplant]

3. At the same time...

I've spoken to union members who want designate that none of their dues go to political causes - which caused the need for unions to have their own PACS where contributions are voluntary.

[Trajan]

7. Zero Sum game ? ..

Ill take that .....

What is your argument ?

[ohtransplant]

9. Argument?

Mine wasn't an argument as much as a comment.

As a long time union member who has belonged to multiple unions and several chapters I can confidently say union members aren't a monolith and don't always think or vote as one. (Not suggesting you said that - just establishing a premise)

In fact, not all union members want their unions to be politically active at all. For those a union can assure them none of their dues are being used for such efforts by creating their own PAC. It give them the flexibility to serve the various constituencies in their membership.

[nadinbrzezinski]

12. You are aware taht this ability ALREADY exists in the

State of California? Just checking...

[ohtransplant]

18. Absolutely

Mine was simply an observation that not all members want actual dues money to go to politics or even a particular party, politician, etc...

In addition PACs give members the ability to contribute more if they like.

That said, rightfully, unions usually support those who support them.

I've always liked this one, "Unions - those who brought you the weekend."

[Trajan]

14. Having belonged to two unions myself ....

in the course of over 24 years ... I recognize that not ALL members want something or another .... But the provides a SERVICE for its members, and that is to bargain, collectively, to obtain decent wages and benefits for all of its members .... and we of course hope they are successful in that endeavor ...

Members pay dues in return for this enhanced power, which REALLY DOES exist .... The wages and compensation of union members are significantly higher than those in similar non union shops ... So: members pay the union a monthly fee, mine was 2 hours a month, to enjoy this service ...

ONCE the union gathers these fees: it should be able to support whatever efforts it deems necessary for the health and welfare of its members: whether its member know what is good for unions or not ...

The members ENJOY the benefits of union membership, and pay for it ... If the union then uses those funds to promote parties that support unions, it should be able to do so .... they would be doing so in the interest of their members ....

Perhaps what is needed is this: Members who DONT want to pay for union political activities can NOT pay their dues, and then allow the union to drop their wages to the prevailing NON union shop wage, IE those wages in similar work in NON union shops in the area, and the union can use those extra wages, which they rightfully obtained through collective bargaining on behalf of ALL their members, in any way they see fit to benefit the membership ....

I would suppose that grumpy old cantankerous union haters would GLADLY give up the wages and compensation won by union negotiation, and return those monies to the union, ALL of the vacations and medical and pensions, so they can feel free of union servitude ...... After all: Unions are a bunch of fucking socialist bastards anyways ..... right ? ..

I always loved the union haters at work: complaining about unions as they deposited their paychecks, took their long vacations, brought their kids to doctors for free and spent their free tuition at the local community college ....

You hate it so much ? .. GIVE IT BACK ...... DONT take all those union perqs ..... GIVE THEM BACK ! ....

[ohtransplant]

19. I agree with all you say.

Any union leader or steward can tell you the 80/20 rule is alive and well. There will always be those who don't "lower" themselves to endorse the union but are more than willing to accept the benefits.

As an added bonus to my membership, I save about $1000/yr on my homeowners & car insurance because of a union negotiated agreement with an insurance company. It more than pays my dues.

I think unions have missed the mark when recruiting new members. It really is about quality of work life - whether it's about health insurance, vacation policies, or worker training.

When I consider how our employees are treated while having a union, I shudder to think what would happen without one.

[ohtransplant]

4. Once again Kerry seems to be everywhere. n/t

[wisteria]

5. I was wondering about this. Thanks for the informative post.

It is good that Kerry is out their defending our right to have a say in our political system.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

6. Thanks For Having Our Backs........NOT!!

I'm glad to see you're doing your job as a Senator. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T RUN FOR PRESIDENT AGAIN!

I know you want to, and I know you probably will...but don't expect to have a snowball's chance in Hell of winning.

You lost to the WORST president in the history of this country. Either that, or you had the election STOLEN from you by FRAUD. Whichever it was, I don't want to have to endure another campaign where you raise money and then just roll over when it counts. I'm sure there are plenty of other democrats willing to take up that mantle in '08.

[emulatorloo]

8. um I don't care about 2008 now, and this thread is not about 2008

OTOH I am glad Kerry is out there campaigning for Dems and working hard in the Senate and busting Bush's chops there and in speeches.

[wisteria]

11. Kerry is doing something good here and you're angry?

Go figure. So you wouldn't vote for him again. I don't think I read here that he announced he was running in 2008. And, if he does decide to run, you don't have to vote for him. As for me, I hope he does runs again- he would have my vote.

[rockymountaindem]

15. You have no idea what you're talking about.

On edit:

I'm going to bed now. If you reply, I won't be here to answer it until morning.

[Pushed To The Left]

10. Good for Kerry! Hopefully, he will also campaign

against Schwarzenegger's other harmful ballot measures. I was happy when I heard he joined the fight out here!

[kerrygoddess]

13. I was happy to wake up this morning and hear --

that he would be in L.A. Almost missed this thanks to MapQuest's crappy directions.

[Leftest]

16. As a union member

here in the State of California.

My comments about this is this:

- For those who say that they should have a voice in how their union dues are politically spent or not spent. I say this: You already said it at the ballot box when you voted for who you wished to represent you as a union officer. And if there wasn't anyone to your liking, then next time run for office within your union yourself and on that ticket.

- Message to the dumbass trying to play governor in my State Capital. Since you believe that union dues shouldn't be used for political agendas against the dues payers wishes. Then can I revoke the use of my 'citizen's' dues (taxes) for political agendas against my wishes? Can I revoke 100% of my taxes from being used for an Illegal war to kill poor people for the purpose to subjugate them for their natural resources?

[skullj]

17. John Kerry

John Kerry, I like the guy, I think he would make a good president, but it seems that voting your conscience and doing what you think is right doesn't work against the 12 second sound bite. God save us all... The Terminator has come to rob our state of dignity.

[newyawker99]

20. Hi skullj

Welcome to DU!! :toast: