Middle Class Tax Cuts are papering over the real issue, which is that American workers have not received a raise to adjust for cost of living increases. Inflation remains far too low, and with 10% unemployment, management has backed labor into a corner, arguing that it's impossible to raise wages despite increased productivity, record Wall Street bonuses, and continuing growth in wage gaps between the wealthiest and the middle class.
The problem here cannot be solved through changes in the tax code, or the continuation of the Bush tax cuts. The real issue here is that American workers are increasingly fighting with each other for the scraps and crumbs left behind by corporations willing to ship jobs overseas rather than invest in America's labor force.
One would think that at a time such as this, the labor movement would be ready to take the lead in growing its membership, organizing outside the political process, and improving its public image. But because of the over-politicization of union organizers, continuing pressure on (mostly Democratic) elected officials, and growing frustration with elevated unemployment, union membership continues to be at a low ebb.
President Obama's rebuff of Labor reflects both a recognition of the rift between Washington and workers, and an opportunity for the labor movement to organize outside the traditional political apparatus.
Labor's strong relationship with elected Democrats in Congress is working for Democrats, but we have to take a serious look at whether it's working for the labor movement or for working American families. Increasingly, working families are walking away from the labor movement because they don't connect the dots between flat wages and increased infighting among the middle class for reliable, stable employment.
This, of course, is a win for the ownership class. It's a classic "divide and conquer" strategy - if you can get the Tea Party to do your dirty work for you, then you can give your loyalists a little Christmas bonus and make them feel that they are special. This is not unlike the "House Negro" phenomenon described (perhaps a bit mythologically) by Malcolm X:
When the field Negroes got out of line, the house Negro would hold them back in check. Loyalty to the master is rewarded by a slight measure of preferential treatment or a sense of validation. This phenomenon is what we see when working Americans are willing to align with self-defeating policies because they get a chance to have Sarah Palin sign their book, or get on a conference call with President Obama. The cult of personality is deceptive. While a feeling of familiarity can create an illusion of equality, the truth is that economic inequality is growing at an alarming pace, and we are becoming a Banana Republic (no, not the store with the nice clothes...).
If you are ready and willing to do something about it, please consider joining a union as an affiliate member this year. Even without "card check" or the Employee Free Choice Act (which are legislative solutions to organizing challenges), you can still stand in solidarity with the labor movement by joining groups like SEIU, signing on to support Working America, or making a contribution to your local labor organization. You can also learn about the labor protections in your state through the US Department of Labor website.
If you have other suggestions, based on your own organizing experience, please add them in the comments.