I typically root for the underdog. Poor people/lower income folks often times have little say in this democracy of ours. These are our neighbors that are barely making ends meet. These are our friends and family that are out of work due to Wall Street's theft. These are the Americans that I stand up for.
Most of the time, when special interest groups (think Wall Street, insurance companies, Pharma, Oil companies War industry and yes, teachers unions) win, the little guy loses.
To get to my point concerning Wisconsin and the people vs public unions.
Pesky facts sometimes get in the way. Fact-States have NO MONEY. States are cutting essential services to the poor. Education, Medicaid (this is their health insurance-and it is being slashed!), public safety being slashed by most states. We are talking about lifelines for poor people. The poor are taking a huge hit during this severe recession we are still in. Shared sacrifice? Why is it that the poor always have to bear the brunt and sacrifice so much more?
Fact is, the Special Interest public unions want to continue their rolls royce benefits packages while the poor lose life-saving services. Teachers in most states receive FREE HEALTH INSURANCE and a HUGE Pension for life. I would love for everyone in this country to receive free health insurance and an ultra rich lifetime pension. But, we must be real. The Special Interest/public/teachers unions should have to sacrifice a bit here. They need to contribute to their health insurance and their pensions must be reduced.
So, who's side are YOU on?
The states have X amount of dollars. How will they spend those dollars? Special Interest/public/teachers unions can continue to receive their free health insurance/outlandish pensions while poor suffer. Or, the Special Interest/public/teachers unions will have to accept benefits closer to what the rest of us receive, and the poor won't have to take such a huge hit.
So, who's side are YOU on?