Our Governor here in California has come across some troubles recently and his popularity has plumetted. Maybe thats why I like him more now 🙂
In particular, the unions hate him, and that has really hurt his standing. Previously, he hadn’t demonstrated any particular stance against a group. I’m sure he’s not against unions (nor am I), but he knows their far from perfect too.
But what is wrong with going after Unions? Unions are, frankly, awful for their employees in most cases. Let’s take teachers, for example. When was the last time a teacher in California got a 15% annual bonus for a great achievement. Um – NEVER! Now, when was the last time I got one? I’ve received them many times in my relatively short career. Why? Because I don’t belong to a union which prevents my employers from giving me a bonus. Teachers can’t be rewarded for going the extra mile. They are required to pay all teachers – good or bad – the same amount based on years of experience and college education. Geez – I’ve got guys working next to me that don’t even have college degrees. But they are looking at big bonuses and extra perks when they perform well overall. Once again, free-enterprise provides better for the employer and for the employee over the unions.
To all you “Union Yes” folk, well, you should start thinking for yourself for a change. What do your union dues really buy? (Other than those fancy cars for the Union leadership) If you are working hard, you’d do better without them, as your employer would know that he’s got to keep you happy. But with the union, he doesn’t have to give you anything special. In fact, he can’t anymore. The guys that are leaches on the system are bringing you down.
Let’s take a look at the public ballot which Schwarzenegger has spearheaded. First, remember that when he was running for office, he promised Californians that if the legislature wouldn’t reform this stuff, he’d take it to the people. Some voters now think it costs too much. But remember, when we voted him into office, it was because we wanted him to do this. So don’t blame him now, we specifically asked for this.
Here are the issues:
Union Dues
He wants to make sure that employees consent before Union Dues can be used for political contributions. This seems pretty fair. Why wouldn’t anyone want to control how their dues are used? This should allow the union members to better pick priorities for their Unions.
Public School Teacher Reform
Creates mechanisms where poor teachers can be weeded out with better performing ones. Do you know of any corporation that doesn’t have this? Why wouldn’t we want this?
Abortions for Minors
This one would require parental consent before giving a minor an abortion. I’m on the fence about this, because in general I think we should provide abortions to all. But, if it were my daughter, I’d want to know. I can go either way.
Reapportionment
Looking at the encumbents in our state, I’m betting we could use a good shuffle. And why not? Is there really much downside? Do you think your rep will be less in touch with you just because we re-draw a few lines? I don’t believe this is being done to bias the lines. I believe our last redistricting was done in 1991. Times have changed.
When he was running for office, I never thought I’d say this. But now I say Schwarzenegger rocks. What politician has the gall to tackle Unions and Reapportionment at the same time? The fact is that this guy isn’t just a politician. He’s actually trying to make California better.