Initiative on Union Dues

Re “Union Dues for Politics? Ask Members First,” by Ron Nehring, Column Right, Dec. 14:

When business lobbyists are invited to write legislation, when almost every law, rule, tax exemption, trade arrangement and regulation is vetted by the business community, it is pitiful that their spokesmen begrudge the right for labor unions to do the same.

By making it impossible for unions to act swiftly to protect the rights of workers, the economic situation in this country will become more one-sided than it already is. In the long run, this can’t be advantageous for American businesses, whose prosperity depends on the buying power of the vast majority of Americans who happen to be workers.

CAROL MARCIA

Los Angeles

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While I agree with Nehring that the use of union dues in political campaigns might be looked into, an equal or greater problem is the use of corporate funds in political contributions. I, as a stockholder, have no say in how my share of the money given to the politicians by the chairmen of America’s Fortune 500 companies (or for that matter, any company) is distributed. If restrictions were to be placed on union political spending, they should also be placed on corporate political spending.

JAMES T. PHILLIPS

Colton

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It sounds like a good idea; however, it doesn’t go far enough. The same logic holds for the shareholders of every corporation. After all, shouldn’t they have a say in how their money is spent? And while we are at it, how about having all of the money spent on campaigns and initiatives broken down by donor and posted on the Internet. Let’s open it up and let the people see who really is financing these campaigns.

Personally I’d be interested in knowing who is financing the California Foundation for Campaign Reform. Bipartisan--doubtful.

HARLEY TOOLEY

Ontario

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Why not let the greed of corporate America take over the workplace? I need no health care, I need not a livable wage, nor do I need a healthy place to work. The union is the only hope the middle-class working families have in America today. It is the union that protects us from the corporate bosses who would slash our pay and benefits.

The union serves the good of all members by supporting candidates and supporting legislation that benefit all workers, members and nonmembers alike. Furthermore, I do not have the money to dabble in politics. I am curious why the initiative he discusses does nothing to address corporate spending. So I guess it’s OK for corporations to outspend unions 17 to 1, but the unions have to get my permission to work on my behalf for better wages, benefits and a healthy workplace. I think not. Mr. Nehring, leave my union alone; it is the only protection I have from my employer.

MARK WHICHARD

Legislative Coordinator

California Highway Patrol

Radio Dispatchers Assn., Monrovia