Gary Larson on the aftermath of the recent Wisconsin public employee union battles and how the media is mostly Ignoring the 800-Pound Gorilla in the debate:
It will be fascinating to witness the fallout of the public unions' epic battle in Wisconsin, now moving in other states, as union leaders strive feverishly to protect their privileged turf. No doubt their chief strategy will be to focus again (bet the farm on it?) that "workers' rights" are being swiped. It will cover up for the 800-pound gorilla in the room -- namely, coercive powers to pull dues, bagman-like, out of the paychecks of unwilling union members. And voluntary membership for all. Where does the mountain of dues money now go? Easy. To pay union bosses' hefty salaries and, oh yes, to purchase even more high-powered lobbyists, and more TV spots to vilify anyone who opposes them and their budget-busting, sacred-cow entitlements.
Vicious circle, yes. But then, institutionalized corruption usually is.
