Shift control away from labor unions

A few days ago, I had the satisfaction and pleasure of reading in Pacific

Business News the perception and sensible comments of one of our most sagacious

and observant citizens on possibly the most serious political situation in this

great country of ours. It is so serious because it is a matter of political

control, and that is the problem.

The writer was George Mason. His subject

“the control of this country by organized labor,” and the title of his article

was “Will you be the winner?” You can find it on page 63 of the Aug. 18

edition. I recommend that you get one.

America was founded on the principle

of representative government. And until organized labor banded together

politically, as they did many years ago, (38 years ago in Hawai’i, I believe),

we had representative government.

Somewhere along the line, unions were

granted the legal right to take unlimited amounts of money from members’ dues

for political purposes.

The hierarchy of the Democratic Party was quick to

recognize the potential, i.e., unlimited organized union and union family

support (votes) when voting time rolled around.

About 38 years ago, the

Democratic Party gained control of the politics of our state. They have

continued that control with strong union support and, as Mr. Mason points out,

“the power is no longer in the hands of the people.” Hence, we have what we

have.

Since the same situation prevails nationally, the same problem exists

in Washington, D.C. and most states, and is not representative government by

and of the people.

The simple answer is be sure you are registered to vote,

then vote Republican, whose desire and effort is to legally terminate the flow

of money from union coffers to political parties and thereby return political

control to bona fide political parties representing all the

people.

JAMES M. GREENWELL

Kailua-Kona