Proposition 75
My take on CA Proposition 75 -
Yes
This is part of my ongoing series of posts on
each of the Propositions we'll be voting on. Here is the
original post, with my ground rules for evaluating propositions, my
scorecard and links to each of my
arguments.
Proposition 75 - Yes
Summary - This proposition requires a union to get written consent from a union member before using his dues to pay for a political program. It also requires the union to maintain copies of these records.
Commentary - This is a yes vote for me because its simply a freedom issue. Currently if you are going to be employed in a government position, you must join the union. It is compulsory - you have no choice. Having joined the union, you now must also give your money to the union in the form of dues. Again, you have no choice in the matter. The union is now free to spend your money on causes that you are completely opposed to, and you have no choice. This prop seeks to change that.
Instead of allowing union members to opt out (which they do have some capacity to do this today), it would force unions into obtaining permission from their members before spending their money. This is a simple protection from tyranny of the majority. If the union is 60% liberal and 40% conservative, for instance, it would still spend 100% of the money on liberal causes. This prop would bring the numbers in line with the actual make up of the union, and would assure that no one is being forced to pay for things with which they disagree.
The underlying question in examining this prop should be this - why are unions so against this if they are truly representing the wishes of their members? If they are simply representing their members and advocating causes that help them, then this proposition would change nothing. They would simply get forms from all their members and go along with business as usual. But I think their opposition to this is much more telling - it is a tacit admission that they in fact do NOT represent the views of at least some significant portion of their membership. They realize that this prop will change things and that they will no longer have unencumbered access to other people's money.
Proposition 75 - Yes
Summary - This proposition requires a union to get written consent from a union member before using his dues to pay for a political program. It also requires the union to maintain copies of these records.
Commentary - This is a yes vote for me because its simply a freedom issue. Currently if you are going to be employed in a government position, you must join the union. It is compulsory - you have no choice. Having joined the union, you now must also give your money to the union in the form of dues. Again, you have no choice in the matter. The union is now free to spend your money on causes that you are completely opposed to, and you have no choice. This prop seeks to change that.
Instead of allowing union members to opt out (which they do have some capacity to do this today), it would force unions into obtaining permission from their members before spending their money. This is a simple protection from tyranny of the majority. If the union is 60% liberal and 40% conservative, for instance, it would still spend 100% of the money on liberal causes. This prop would bring the numbers in line with the actual make up of the union, and would assure that no one is being forced to pay for things with which they disagree.
The underlying question in examining this prop should be this - why are unions so against this if they are truly representing the wishes of their members? If they are simply representing their members and advocating causes that help them, then this proposition would change nothing. They would simply get forms from all their members and go along with business as usual. But I think their opposition to this is much more telling - it is a tacit admission that they in fact do NOT represent the views of at least some significant portion of their membership. They realize that this prop will change things and that they will no longer have unencumbered access to other people's money.
Posted: Fri - November 4, 2005 at 07:00 AM | | | | | | |
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Published On: Nov 04, 2005 07:03 AM
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