RE: LAST WEEK’S DEM COLUMN

It’s not surprising to see an unqualified defense of public education under the Democratic Column. The justification of unions, especially public sector unions has long been a mainstay of Democratic Party politics as they are reliable donors to the left. They have proven themselves to be uninterested in fiscal responsibility, with their single-minded emphasis on members’ personal security, and access to health care benefits, the coverages which continue to expand, perhaps due to much of academia having little contact with the private sector that actually raises our standard of living, while balancing their budgets. Fortunately for us, we have many examples of their malfeasance to learn from in the country’s major cities and don’t have to repeat the problems here. It is instructive to remember that Franklin D. Roosevelt, a supporter of large government if ever there was one, was opposed to public sector unions because of their ability to force concesssions by extortion, for example, by threatening to strike and shut down vital government services. Does the 80’s Airline Traffic Controllers’ strike and the recent Chicago Public School teachers’ union strike come to mind? Adding to their toxic influence is the fact that they collectively bargain with political office-holders who only have an incentive to cave to their demands since currying favor with as many as possible is a positive for remaining in office and it costs them nothing in contrast to a private organization which must balance a budget.