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Another point I failed to mention, but only because I had to rewrite from memory a short essay that I lost by hitting the wrong button, it is unions that are at the forefront of a cause that cuts across party lines: Health Care For All.

We, the unions (all types, not just public employees) are the strong voice that cries out in the political realm on behalf of the 46,000,000 who do not have health insurance.

Corporate insurance enterprises and drug companies would probably prefer we not be involved in this sort of effort, that we be silenced, but that would not be in the public's best interest, now would it?

posted 4 years, 6 months ago
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Though I have yet to listen to an archive of the show, I would like to make a couple of points in regard to conspiracy and public employees interests being put well ahead of the taxpayers and citizens who receive government services.

I am one of those public employees, and my role as an officer (who volunteers) for SEIU 503 puts me in regular contact with Leslie Frane and many other labor leaders who seek to advance progressive causes on behalf of all working people. I am among the transparent and proud who want Justice For All.

By the way, we are all taxpayers, and large numbers of us actually receive the services that are being provided. Besides that we are the service providers, and among our ranks are some pretty strong advocates for, as I said before, all working people.

For example in the spring of 2008, SEIU 503's participation was key to the State's adoption of new nursing home staffing requirements, which in turn meant improvements in resident care. These standards, recommended by a gubernatorial commission established after SEIU 503 prepared a ballot measure to mandate staffing increases, went into effect March 1, 2008. And by the way, the ballot measure was pulled, because the problem was solved without it.

Did workers benefit from these standards being changed? Yes!
Did residents benefit from these standards being changed? Yes!
(and this is just one example.... which is explained in depth at the link below)

http://www.seiu503.org/OR_Adopts_Nursing_Home_Standards.aspx

posted 4 years, 6 months ago
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Yes, Mt Tabor Maven, having been among the public employees fighting off Bill Sizemore since before 1995, I can tell you it sure feels like the big guys picking on the little guys. Bill Sizemore never seeks to control the freedoms of corporate folks, and measure 64 would leave the playing field wide open for them to have even more influence on politics. (OMG!) Attached is a commentary, written by me, that sheds a bit more historical light on the enigma known to many of us as simply Sizemore.

posted 4 years, 6 months ago
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