Decimation of unions would hurt middle class, poor

Sandra Thomas, Las Vegas

Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011 | 2:03 a.m.

The governor of Wisconsin is ready to eliminate the bargaining rights of state workers.

Republicans, in general, have realized they can demonize all state workers (especially teachers) to get rid of unions. (I’m a former Clark County School District employee.)

If we stand by and allow this to happen, Nevada will be next. The pain that politicians insist everyone is sharing is limited to the “greedy” middle class and the “lazy” poor.

Notice that insurance, pharmaceutical and big mining corporations don’t seem to be feeling much pain. Nor are the casinos that pay less tax in this state than any other or the big banks that take their profits out of state. This budget is being created on the backs of the middle class and the poor.

Also notice how many of the cuts affect the poorest of the poor, seniors and the mentally ill. “No new taxes” is going to be the phrase of the day, and the only ones who will pay are those who can least afford it.

If we continue to allow this decimation of unions, we’ll have nothing left to bargain with, and those with the most will win.

We have kicked the same old can down the road for more than 20 years. We can only hope that this time the Legislature will stand up and do the right thing. I don’t have much hope though.

Republicans have their orders from the governor and they will do what they are told, even if it isn’t the right thing to do. Good luck to us all.