The costly alliance between the Democrats' Big Labor and the Republicans' Big Safety Scare.

Editorial: The force of unions
The costly alliance between the Democrats' Big Labor and the Republicans' Big Safety Scare.

My comments are in italics. The original article is in bold.
Before I get into this whole mess of an editorial I did read it start to finish and was amazed at the writing. How in the hell am I, as a reader of the Roanoke Times, supposed to take this article serious. After all, the writer thinks that Jim Webb is a Republican (read the last line).

This is what I am here for, maybe a professional opinion on the matter from those of us who are affected by what is going on. I have not copied the whole article, for that you will have to click the link above. I did include a lot of it though.

Move over Big Business. Big Labor now holds sway in Congress.

Labor unions have called in their political markers. In order to boost lagging membership, they have convinced both Democrats (already in their pockets) and Republicans (willing to support any measure that touches on America's "first-tier defenders in the war on terror") that every police officer and firefighter throughout the nation ought to have the Congress-given right to collectively bargain...

I don't think I like the tone of "America's "first-tier defenders in the war on terror"". Comments like that don't get you anywhere.

This bill -- passed overwhelmingly in the House and expected to enjoy a similar margin in the Senate -- will cost local taxpayers' dearly as localities will be bound to follow yet another unfunded federal mandate...

You know that this whole thing wouldn't be an issue if our employers were looking out for our best interest and we felt efficiently compensated. Everyone around will figure all we want is more money, that is far from the truth. There are BIG issues to be decided on, fought for, and hopefully received through contract negotiations.

Of course that won't happen overnight or in all localities, as management and labor often can strike fair contracts that protect everyone's interests. However, with national unions calling the shots, there will be a push for standardized wages that could cause cities with lower costs of living to keep pace with higher-wage areas. This could mean huge pay raises for thousands of Virginian public safety officers.

The bill does provide one reassurance that the unions couldn't strike. But it will do nothing to quell labor strife in localities where management and employees already are at odds. Nor will it do much to enhance working conditions and salaries in localities that already do well by their employees...

"Labor strife in localities where management and employees already are at odds." Like I said, this is exactly why we need the right to fight for our working conditions. You wouldn't believe the retaliation and strong arm tactics within fire departments.

The only benefit will be to Big Labor, which has struggled in recent years with declining union membership.

Actually, our membership has gone up.

Police and firefighter unions may make sense in parts of the country where collective bargaining is the rule rather than the exception. However, even then one union plays off the other, making increasing demands for wages, pensions and job protections that rise above those of the people footing the bill. And nonuniform employees generally must accept the leftover crumbs.

"Police and firefighter unions may make sense in parts of the country where collective bargaining is the rule rather than the exception." What the hell are you saying? I am completely lost. So you are saying that it is ok for some States to allow it but not others, and in those States where it is allowed the PD and FD deserve it and it is ok. However, in the States that don't allow it, the FD and PD don't deserve it. Do you need help? I can get some guys over there to get the extrication tools out to remove your head from your ass.

There is still a chance, although slim, to stop this. We call on Sens. John Warner and James Webb to look out for Virginians' interest -- something our Democratic representatives failed to do.

Again, I will ask what you mean. Don't you have a proofreader? Anyone? I will be sure to call on Senator Webb and tell him what the Democrats are doing behind his back. Then I will call Senator Warner and ask him if he is sponsoring it yet. If he says no, I will ask him why not.

After all, there is an editorial columnist who thinks it is fine...in some States...But only the ones who allow it...but wrote a paper kind of saying differently...but then contradicted him/her self...and then didn't let anyone proof read it...and published it.

I think it is about time we get a voice on our working conditions.