Editor:
Thanks to Heidi Walters for the clarity on Propositions 30 and 38 (“Propping up Schools,” Oct. 4). Right now, it is crucial that Prop 30 passes. Our schools need Prop 30. But there is another proposition that seriously troubles me as an educator. Prop 32 would have a negative effect on our schools by silencing teachers’ unions. If teachers’ unions couldn’t use payroll-deducted funds for political purposes, how could teachers make their political voices heard? We are busy. Our collective political voice calls for that which benefits schoolchildren, for example Prop 30. So join me, and your children’s teachers in voting yes on 30 and no on 32!
Carol Moné, Trinidad
This article appears in Bag by Bag.
Unions remain one of the largest donaters to this day.
Prop 32 not only restricts unions’ ability to speak, to advocate, and to fund political campaigns. It also FREES UP corporations’ ability to do the same.
Unions are, by far, NOT the biggest contributors, see: http://maplight.org/us-congress/interest for a detailed breakdown.
Whatever your opinion might be on unions, it seems to me that even the most rabid union-hater out there, must recognize the inherent unfairness of this proposition. Do you really support more freedom for global corporations, which have loyalty only to their profits, over any other groups, including unions?
Polls over the last 20 years or more have consistently shown that voters want greater transparency and accountability in campaign financing. The only groups that want this proposition are the big money corporate interests.
Lastly, union members already have the freedom to opt-out of payroll deduction, for any reason. Many union members find it a convenient way to participate. The unions collect small sums from many workers. Corporations take it from their profits, most of which you paid for when you bought the product or service, whether you agree with their position or not. Unions have to listen to members, and keep their interests in mind when supporting campaigns. Corporations don’t give a shit what you think.
Why is Gina Marie lying?
http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/index.php
Rank Organization Total All Cycles
1 ActBlue $71,998,602
2 American Fedn of State, County & Municipal Employees $61,961,055
3 AT&T Inc $49,704,144
4 National Assn of Realtors $44,863,933
5 National Education Assn $44,329,307
6 Service Employees International Union $42,752,458
7 Goldman Sachs $41,013,868
8 American Assn for Justice $37,047,780
9 Intl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers $36,867,008
10 American Federation of Teachers $35,648,085