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Dogmatic nonsense

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I think we all have weirdly dogmatic friends.

You know the type. They are often intelligent, successful, open-minded, even kind until you get them on their “one topic” that turns them into crazy people.

Maybe it’s religion, or the Middle East, or President Barack Obama, or abortion, or climate change. Maybe it’s something as minor as the designated hitter rule.

All of a sudden, your friend turns into a raging, hissing monster, impervious to rational discussion. I’ve known plenty of people who are no longer on speaking terms with family members or longtime friends after enduring one too many of those uber-dogmatic freakouts.

That brings us to Gov. Bruce Rauner.

Go read the rest before commenting, please.

* And speaking of not listening to reason…

But even the business groups that support right-to-work and empowerment zones say the governor can’t get that done.

“We’re supportive, but the political reality for a state right-to-work bill is zero,” said Kim Clarke Maisch, state director of the Illinois Federation of Independent Business. […]

Instead, business groups want to focus on traditional bread-and-butter issues such as workers’ compensation, minimum wage, tort reform and unemployment insurance costs, said Clarke Maisch.

“You want to focus on what you can get done,” said Clarke Maisch.

When even the NFIB is to your economic left, you know you’ve ventured too far afield.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 8:48 am

Comments

sign a union card….good one!

Comment by Amalia Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:03 am
Good analogy Rich.

Comment by Stones Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:04 am
Blago and Rauner have more than a few things in common, the most interesting is the number of people they drove to signing union cards.

Comment by AC Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:08 am
You’re right to call it dogma. Sometimes folks are very anti-union because they’ve actually had to work with unions and found the experience frustrating & infuriating. Perhaps Rauner’s M&A business had some run-ins with unions over the years? Otherwise, it’s another case of the uber-wealthy & privileged having imbided too much of the Kool Aid at the country club.

Comment by DoubleChinner Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:13 am
If not this, it will be something else opposing unions. We saw those poll results last week from the IMA, and that was far from a push poll.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:13 am
So, if I’m reading the numbers right, Rauner is now fighting on behalf of 2,700 employees who pay fair share. The remaining 38,000 are unionized — and have *chosen* to be unionized.

This makes no sense at all — especially when he’s urging locals to do something potentially — and probably — illegal — and striving to emulate, um … Kentucky.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:14 am
BTW — are the unions attempting to reach out to those last 2,700. I realize 100% union membership is not likely — but I’d bet a good PR push could whittle those 2,700 holdouts down to, maybe, 500 or less. Maybe even 250.

I suspect many of those folks don’t even know they’re paying fair share — as opposed to full share — in the first place.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:16 am
===“You want to focus on what you can get done,” said Clarke Maisch.===

She’s right. Exactly right.

To the Post,

I enjoyed the full read.

I starting to believe more and more that the two dynamics of Rauner’s governing, the “Governor” who listens to his Staff and Crew that can accomplish 30 and 60, and and is pragmatic, and the Bruce Rauner in “Sonny Mode”, who refuses pragmatic solutions or common ground, but relishes championing his Quixote style politics without acknowledging that none of it can be accomplished.

Hot button, dogmatic nonsense, if it’s a cornerstone to governing, can be troubling. If it’s just a pressure valve used to release the anger or frustration, no harm in governing…right?

Except for those 1,400 new Union members who can’t “afford” to see if it’s a real problem, or just pent up frustration being released by speech, and podium, and title, and the Office of the Executive.

I want to believe in the processes of the FY2015 budget “fix” aspect, as I fear “Sonny Mode” left unchecked.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:22 am
It’s interesting to read the comments on the Crain’s blog. It’s a bit less supportive than what you’ll read here on the home turf.

That being said, I do wish the Governor would tone down some of the rhetoric on this subject. I think he’s achieved the objective of changing the parameters in how the state will negotiate with public employee unions going forward. He was never going to have their support or affection, so there isn’t that much risk in speaking out on the topic.

However, it may be reaching the level of “dogmatic”. If it has or does, it becomes less effective. I think when he’s out doing retail political speeches, he’s getting a good response to these points. The problem is that those rooms are often filled with more supporters; not a true cross-section. He’s got a poll we all saw last week that does bolster his positions.

I would urge him to soften things up a bit going forward. It’s hard to imagine there’s anyone out there who doesn’t know his position on this topic. There’s more to do.

Comment by A guy Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:22 am
Rich:

You might not agree with Rauner’s stance on unions but it’s hardly rigid ideology since many states are right to work states. Even though the issue isn’t about right to work , it about union dues. The recent trend is for unions to lose power at the state level. Whether you agree with or not doesn’t make one an ideologue.
http://www.nrtw.org/rtws.htm

Comment by Steve Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:27 am
“…but relishes championing his Quixote style politics without acknowledging that none of it can be accomplished, isn’t Rod-like, but shows a lacking an understanding of what governing really is about, due to a lack of experience”

Apologies. Dunno why that all dropped off.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:30 am
Union YES!

Comment by NewWestSuburbanGop'er Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:32 am
For a long time I was so distressed over the attempts at pension theft and the denigration of public employees coming from the media that I became obsessed and ranted and raved.

I went to see a wonderful therapist who helped me be less obsessive. She helped me redirect my obsession away from things I could do nothing about and toward more productive, clear headed and logical thinking so I could make a realistic plan to retire as soon as possible.

Brucie could benefit from some therapy. He’d feel better and be a better person toward others.

Comment by PolPal56 Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:42 am
Rauner will be Rauner; we can’t change that. So any effort needs to be directed to minimizing the damage he can do.

I’m not necessarily a union fan even though one side of the family founded a local many years ago. I’ve seen both the good and the bad that unions can do.

But in this instance, I’m rooting for the unions. They may well convert most fair share participants to union members. But that is just nibbling at the corners; it doesn’t really fix anything. The major problem I see is the union leadership doesn’t seem to understand (or won’t acknowledge) they have been losing the public relations war for at least the last four years. Ay every crisis point, they’ve been months late and dollars short.

IMO, they see their salvation by winning in the court system. Unions may likely win the battle in court. But assuming the various polls are anywhere close to accurate, the unions have already lost the hearts and minds of the public that they will need to win the war.

Unions need to stop taking among themselves and conduct their own PR campaign to improve their image. Explain why unions help create a strong middle class. Explain how state unions improve the quality of life in the state.

Expensive? Yes, but much cheaper than losing the State to Right to Work or watching the State pass a Constitutional Amendment to remove the Pension Clause.

/end of rant

PS: I know on the subject of unions I’m starting to sound like OW talking about the GOP.

Comment by RNUG Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:57 am
“are the unions attempting to reach out to those last 2,700.”

Given how disorganized they generally are about member communication, I doubt it. The 1,400 new signups probably shouldn’t be credited to union recruiters, at least not with the information we currently have.

“but it’s hardly rigid ideology since many states are right to work states”

One has nothing to do with the other. No one would argue that the deep south states don’t have a rigid ideology, or that Wisconsin has been strictly middle-of-the-road on union issues for the last few years.

Moreover, the problem isn’t necessarily the policy itself, but the way the policy is pursued. Despite two constitutional offices telling him no, despite his allies in the business community telling him it’s not worth the effort, still he goes on ranting, coming up with scheme after scheme, each one more and more resembling a Rube Goldberg machine of policy, trying- and failing- to get anyone to buy what he’s selling.

Comment by Arsenal Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:59 am
In the last for 40 years or so, there’s been an explosion in labor productivity, yet incomes have remained stagnant for all except guys like the governor, whose wealth has gone through the roof. They reaped all the benefits.

Now, in the third act of his life, Rauner turns to “public service,” with zealotry, dedicated to driving down those stagnant incomes.

He had the ways and means to dedicate himself to any good cause, but he chose reducing incomes.

That’s not good for the economy. That’s not good for the public. It’s only good, marginally, for guys like himself.

Why take from others when you already can’t spend what you have in ten lifetimes? More power, now and in the future.

“The future, Mr. Gitts, the future!”

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:00 am
- RNUG -,

Ouch…?

lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:01 am
== “are the unions attempting to reach out to those last 2,700.” ==

Anecdotally, no. Friend started work for the State a while back and was automatically in the union because of their position. There was no follow-through after the initial union outreach, so my friend recently dropped back to being a “fair share” member. If the union had followed up as initially promised, they would not have “lost” that member.

Comment by RNUG Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:10 am
The article gets it exactly right; this is a monomania with Rauner. That’s OK, but a true public servant–or even a decent politician–would be able to put that aside in the interest of governing. …

A guy, Crain’s appears to have an unexpectedly large number of ALEC-playbook-reading tinfoil-hatters on its comment boards. It’s a sign of what RNUG’s saying–unions have dropped the ball on the PR front.

As far as being “not a fan” of unions–no, they’re not perfect, but consider the alternative: guys like Rauner holding ALL the cards, instead of just the vast majority. Unions are kind of a necessary evil that way. It’s like democracy–”the worst form of government, except for all the others” (Churchill). There has to be a counterbalance, and unions are what we’ve got.

Comment by Crispy Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:10 am
I think it’s very bad that an employer hates his employees like Rauner hates union members, who comprise the vast majority of workers in unionized state jobs. Those workers chose to be union members when they signed union cards; therefore they can’t be separated from their leaders (if Rauner says he doesn’t hate union members, only their leaders). How can he cast such ill feelings toward hundreds if not thousands of union leaders who’re nominated by their coworkers and fellow union members to represent them, especially at the negotiation table?

Plus, how many public union leaders does Rauner actually know? His hate appears to be prejudice. How can a leader with such prejudice be effective?

Comment by Grandson of Man Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:11 am
watching the State pass a Constitutional Amendment to remove the Pension Clause.

you brought this up sometime ago that it would only affect new hires?

Comment by foster brooks Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:12 am
== you brought this up sometime ago that it would only affect new hires? ==

Based on previous IL SC pension clause rulings, that would be my assumption.

Comment by RNUG Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:15 am
RNUG, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. Unions have a better story to tell than they have. PJ O’Rourke always said “the right of free assembly” is the big one. Talking to anyone individually gives you a better feel for how folks think about things. The unions are perceived in a way they would not be comfortable with right now- even among some of their own membership. They should be telling a better story because they truly can. A strong informational campaign would do them wonders. Like the advice to Maximus “Win the Crowd”. That’s what they need to do.

PS- You could do much worse than sounding like OW. You have no idea how painful that is to me to say! lol.

Comment by A guy Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:17 am
– The 1,400 new signups probably shouldn’t be credited to union recruiters, at least not with the information we currently have.–

I can tell you that that is totally wrong. The counter campaign is organized and motivated. Nearly daily communications emails to stewards who push it out from there. Union presidents and officers visiting every one of their shops. T-shirts, newsletters, personal communications, trainings, etc. flowing like Koch money. BUT RNUG you are absolutely right. The unions have crapped out on the public relations battle. This is how they are killing us. But commercials cost a lot of money and we need that cash for fighting the MILLION legal battles that Rauner is throwing at us. So for now, we were advised to engage person to person, wear your union gear proudly and speak out loud and often for our union folks.

Comment by Honeybear Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:23 am
Rich, you buried the lede:

“Well, between Feb. 9 and March 20, as he was making speech after speech attacking unions, more than 1,400 state employees joined AFSCME, union spokesman Anders Lindall says. Over a thousand of those new members were fair share payers before Rauner launched his assault, Lindall adds.”

Rauner is mismanaging things almost as badly as CPS bungled the CTU.

Over-preaching, over-reaching.

Comment by Juvenal Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:28 am
The AFSCME numbers in the Crain’s article are a big deal; a nearly 30 percent response among fair shares (1,000 out of the original 3,700), in a matter of weeks, is a big return on Rauner’s inadvertent PR for unions.

Would be interested to see some hard numbers on other public unions, especially the teachers’. Anecdotally, Bruce is working his magic there as well. A relative teaches in a super-conservative, GOP-dominated downstate district; a lot of teachers there considered themselves loyal Republicans, and are feeling betrayed by Rauner, whom they voted for. Apparently, they had maybe 35 fair share teachers out of a hundred before this, but now have only 1–everyone else has joined the union.

Comment by Crispy Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:30 am
—
Unions need to stop taking among themselves and conduct their own PR campaign to improve their image. Explain why unions help create a strong middle class. Explain how state unions improve the quality of life in the state.
—

It may be too late for this. Best case: unions use police and fire to conduct the PR campaign. That may work — but to speak on behalf on non-police and non-fire union members? It won’t work. No one cares about the quiet schmos that keep the state running.

Part of what’s going on — and the GOP continues to (fairly effectively) tap into this — is sour grapes. Union folks have it good. The fair share folks have it good.

But if you’re private sector, you probably don’t — or didn’t for quite some time — have it good. You lost money in your 401K, you borrowed from your 401K, or you lost your job. If I can’t have it, no one should — it’s sour grapes. And that’s what’s happening.

More than the PR campaign to talk about the “middle class” — which will never fly because it sounds elitist and intellectual (again, thank the GOP for this) — more than some “the dude who takes your driver’s license is a good guy. He’s a union member, and he’s who gets you through the SOS quickly” — more than this — the unions need to show how a union can help everyone — including those not in a union. The drive should be overdrive to unionize. Once you’re in a union, you get it — except for a few fringe fair-share wackos who can’t even intellectualize their own issues with fair-share.

No one — ever, ever — is going to fell empathy for state workers. Rauner knows this. But if the unions start to get more folks into the circle — and make more folks understand that the GOP does not have their best interests at heart and that unions are what will make you money and secure your future, not some dogmatic governor and a bunch of rich, white guys in their 50’s and 60’s who own .01% of American wealth — then the conversation — and conversion — can finally begin.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:31 am
Good diagnosis Rich. Unfortunately, this anti-union crusade will continue. Right to Work is a lost cause for him, but he’s going to war with a bunch of them during the contract negotiations for state workers. Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a rough ride for the unions.

Comment by Norseman Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:34 am
Rich,

Loved the line about Facebook because that’s exactly the kind of territory we’re in now. And I’ve definitely unfriended or at least unfollowed Facebookers for their relentless nastiness about a particular topic. And Lord knows I’ve got a lot of that regularly.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:42 am
Frenchie Mendoza: Unfortunately, sour grapes is a fact. However, maybe it can be overcome to an extent by addressing the issue head-on–for instance, by highlighting that even private-sector employees have higher wages and better benefits in union states than in rtw states. (In other words, unions are good for ALL workers, not just members.) That, and the simple fairness and “right of free assembly” thing, as guy points out.

Public perceptions have shifted a bit, too. It was harder to call out 1 percenters like Rauner a few years ago, when everyone was afraid of the “class warfare” label. Now, it’s to the point where even fairly conservative folks are finding their inner Woody Guthrie in the face of the jaw-dropping arrogance of some of the super-wealthy like Bruce–especially as they wake up to widespread unfairness that hurts regular people (e.g., corporate profits and productivity up, but wages flat-to-lower).

The times, they are a-changin’! (Yeah, that’s not Woody, but still pretty good. …)

Comment by Crispy Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:48 am
Governors, especially Republican ones, should be expected to bolster traditional community groups. Governments have traditionally supported citizen groups which benefit the people they govern. If Republicans wish to see less government support, they need to encourage those groups which provide for their members.

Bruce Rauner takes this traditional view and stands it on its head. He is a governor warring against a community group. He isn’t taking on this group because it fails at providing its members benefits above and beyond the community standard. He is warring against this community group because it is successful beyond what he seems to consider acceptable.

As a candidate, Rauner didn’t tell voters that he would attack a major community group Illinois has benefitted from for over a century. He was asked directly, and he said that it was not his intention to harm this group. He lied. He not only lied to voters, he has been exposed as obsessed over this. At a time when anyone would find the gubernatorial responsibilities overwhelming, this new governor’s obsession has wrecked his administration’s honeymoon and wrecked the needed empathy and trust a governor needs between his office and the General Assembly.

By chasing down an obsession unrecognized by any formal government reports as being a group at a root cause of Illinois’ troubles, the new governor is chasing down a persona obsession over all other gubernatorial duties.

Illinois has dozens of important social groups supporting the communities within its borders. The last thing anyone would expect a newly elected governor to do, would be to hurl time, energy, money and his elected powers into attempting to destroy one of them.

His actions are foolish. He has important things to do. He needs to be a Republican who respects traditional community groups and ensure that the government he leads treads lightly as they do their work. He needs to be a conservative interested in conserving the state he governs, not starting wars during tough fiscal times.

Killing unions kills a significant part of the fiscal, personal, political and economic support they provide Illinois. Everyone gets hurt, even those who hate unions. Governor Rauner’s political obsession against unions in Illinois is about as nonsensical as if a governor of Colorado hated mountains. Attempts to destroy what is an important part of our state’s social fabric is political malpractice, in my opinion.

Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:54 am
The millennials don’t see the union has having done anything for them. In the public sector they see the unions protect the older guys while they take less. The envy card played against unions by the wealthy is working very well.

Comment by Liberty Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 10:56 am
In terms of PR campaigns, I thought the Postal Workers did a decent job of presenting their side of the issue when Congress messed them over by demanding upfront payments. It would have stopped Saturday deliveries. Minds and hearts got changed fast on that one. Something to consider going forward.

Comment by Just a thought Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 11:04 am
—
He was asked directly, and he said that it was not his intention to harm this group. He lied. He not only lied to voters, he has been exposed as obsessed over this.
—

I find this trend — governor-hopefuls lying in order to win the general election — an even more disturbing trend than the goofy union busting.

Essentially, their money protects them from the post-election consequences of their pre-election lie(s). To me, this kind of full-on deceit is repugnant — and it certainly makes me want to support a recall if and when the time comes.

Comment by Frenchie Mendoza Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 11:05 am
== the Postal Workers did a decent job of presenting their side of the issue ==

Local Post Offices and Saturday delivery are like mother and apple pie …. you don’t mess with them. The state unions need to find topics with the same level of appeal. Safe communities and kids are a couple of possible issues but I would poll test everything before committing major dolalrs to any ad.

Comment by RNUG Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 11:09 am
I’ll offer a contrary view to the continuing choir of praise (almost always found) here. I thought the piece was itself reflexively dogmatic, bordering on a hit piece. Lots of conclusions without citations in support. An opinion piece riddled with hyperbole and nary a glimpse of objectivity (other than the self-serving “I like the Governor” BS).

Sorry. I thought it was beneath you, Rich.

Comment by Georg Sande Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 11:12 am
===Lots of conclusions without citations in support===

Um, name some?

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 11:16 am
===nary a glimpse of objectivity (other than the self-serving “I like the Governor” BS). ===

“He’s successful in so many ways, whether in business or campaign politics. He has charm, a strong sense of humor and an eagerness to learn, which was evident when he showed some newly acquired governing chops by working with the General Assembly to fix a big hole in the current fiscal year’s budget.”

There was another bit of praise, but it was actually cut by Crain’s.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 11:19 am
===I thought the piece was itself reflexively dogmatic, bordering on a hit piece. Lots of conclusions without citations in support. An opinion piece riddled with hyperbole and nary a glimpse of objectivity…===

It would really help if your opinion had examples citing your opinion where there are issues, that would help.

Appreciate the kind words - A Guy -.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 11:20 am
GS, “bordering on a hit piece,” really? You’re a sensitive fella.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 11:28 am
With two months left, where are his six big bills for transformin’ guvmint? Between the SOS speech and budget address, he wanted a half dozen constitutional amendments. Where are they?

Comment by Langhorne Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 11:52 am
Honeybear, I couldn’t disagree with you more. I signed up for AFSCME Alerts three times in the past year and a half. I have not received any alerts or any communication with the union. Our union stewards do not share information until members demand information. I am currently involved in an issue that needs union intervention. I have been the one contacting the union. The local is supposed to be dealing with union higher ups. To date they have not done so. This has been going on for over a month. Maybe they treat us like this because our local has been almost 100% membership for years.

Comment by Concerned Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 11:52 am
With polls showing widespread support for Rauner on labor issues, you’d think Rich might figure out that he’s the one who is out of touch.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 12:06 pm
===With polls showing widespread support for Rauner on labor issues===

One poll, with highly questionable wording.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 12:07 pm
===With polls showing widespread support for Rauner on labor issues, you’d think Rich might figure out that he’s the one who is out of touch.===

Explain how all those polled items CAN be either passed or implimented, given the politics and governing dynamics right now…

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 12:09 pm
@RNUG 9:57am

But in this instance, I’m rooting for the unions. They may well convert most fair share participants to union members. But that is just nibbling at the corners; it doesn’t really fix anything. The major problem I see is the union leadership doesn’t seem to understand (or won’t acknowledge) they have been losing the public relations war for at least the last four years. Ay every crisis point, they’ve been months late and dollars short.

IMO, they see their salvation by winning in the court system. Unions may likely win the battle in court. But assuming the various polls are anywhere close to accurate, the unions have already lost the hearts and minds of the public that they will need to win the war.

Unions need to stop taking among themselves and conduct their own PR campaign to improve their image. Explain why unions help create a strong middle class. Explain how state unions improve the quality of life in the state.

Expensive? Yes, but much cheaper than losing the State to Right to Work or watching the State pass a Constitutional Amendment to remove the Pension Clause.

I agree wtih you 1000%.

Comment by NewWestSuburbanGop'er Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 1:06 pm
The surge in full-share upgrades is great, but I don’t think BVR cares. Even if there wer only three or so fair-share payers his goal is to get fair share fees prohibited in which case many full-share members would drop out and pay nothing as free-riders.

Comment by Anon Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 1:14 pm
Vanilla Man @10:54 am

Very well said!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Oh and btw… for Governor Rauner—-Union!

Comment by NewWestSuburbanGop'er Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 1:28 pm
The public service unions really need to take a page out of the Com Ed, Ameren, Peoples Gas, Comcast, AT&T playbook. They are the utility companies people simply love to hate. Far worse public relations issues to deal with than the unions. They don’t just need a PR “campaign”. They need to treat it as an “all the time” issue and stay out in front as often as they can. Today we’re seeing more crisis management than just good public and consumer relations.

The companies I listed, and there are plenty more, understand the value of always having a positive message out there so when the inevitable tough times come along, they’ve built up some good will. There are very good stories to tell. They’re starved of oxygen now. It’s got to be committed to over the long haul. Whatever they spent, they could save some on “casino style” political contributions in the future where the odds are too tough to overcome sometimes.

Comment by A guy Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 1:34 pm
Why the shock and surprise about Rauner’s actions per unions? He has consistently voiced his admiration for the many anti-union governors in Illinois’ surrounding states.

Comment by Buzzie Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 2:59 pm
Buzzie, those who are shocked and surprised by Rauner’s actions are those who took him at his word during the campaign.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 3:09 pm
The commenter: furytrader”why did you even write this piece?”
I realize the publication is called Crain’s BUSINESS…but, wow…that’s a stance!

Comment by Belle Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 3:28 pm
He has a 30,000 a month consultant to tell him union employees are overpaid……

Comment by Ghost Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 3:43 pm
Since many people benefit from work done by others they didn’t pay for, how open minded are we to allowing people not to pay the “fair” share fee. I don’t think people should be forced to pay the fee. Unfortunately there are situations where people benefit from something they did not pay for. The number of people is small. If they stopped paying fair share, I don’t think it would break the unions.

Comment by who cares Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 3:51 pm
- Com Ed, Ameren, Peoples Gas, Comcast, AT&T playbook. -

What on earth are you talking about?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 4:08 pm
I haven’t picked it up, but I’m intrigued by a couple reviews on a new book, “The Age of Acquiescence: The Life and Death of American Resistance to Organized Wealth and Power.”

The point, from the reviews, is that back in the day, the American people didn’t put up this stuff, getting robbed by banksters who got richer on their backs and taking the short pay without a peep.

Maybe we’re like what George Will told us we should be a couple of days ago, happy that monopoly and concentration of wealth is for our own good, blessing us with IPhones and plasma TVs.

He really wrote that, that atheistic Randy fella, and something about Keith Richards and JD Rockefeller and the price of kerosene, too. Give it a read.

Reminded me of the conversations I’d have with the old boys at lunch when I’d visit my momma in the county home.

For crying out loud, it was the the progressive movement, Roosevelt, security of the New Deal and the empowerment of unions that kept this country from breaking up on Fascist and Commie lines back in the 30s.

It was the unions that made the New World a First World country.

Is that a secret, in some circles?

To my “conservative” friends who don’t believe me, read your Churchill, if nothing else. And consider the map of the world after the fall of France.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 5:45 pm
===Maybe it’s something as minor as the designated hitter rule.

Minor? Minor? Are you kidding me? Minor….

Comment by ArchPundit Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 7:23 pm
Word slinger -would you please apply as a PR consultant for AFSCME???? PLEASE!

Comment by Peoria democrat Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 7:54 pm
PD, baby, I give it away, for the cause.

I’m my mother’s and father’s son. Ain’t nobody can turn me zround

Hell or high water,
I’m going to leave it better

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Mar 30, 15 @ 9:35 pm