“font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>I heard a snippet of independent filmmaker Michael Moore’s comments on the rally in Madison, Wisconsin. He referred to the assault by the Wisconsin Legislature on workers’ rights – and other similar actions across the country – as “a class war.” The GOP has definitely drawn a line on the asphalt.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>In a previous column, I told you how the Republican Party planned to go through the states, using workers to mop up for the corporate thieves. This was no stealth plan; its intentions were broadcasted loudly. As in most wars, there will be casualties on both sides.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>We didn’t have to wait long in Missouri for the first reports. Last week, the House repealed the cost of living part of the minimum wage. In 2006, nearly 80 percent of the state’s voters passed not just an increase in the minimum wage but a critically important part – Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). After being stuck at $5.15 for years, voters approved the increase up to $7.25 that included the COLA feature. Without COLA, minimum wage earners lose their buying power over time as everything around them rises in cost, including the forever-rising price of gas.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>It’s not unbelievable that the corporate bullies and their lackeys would pick on low-wage earners. Historically, this stratum of workers was perceived as those who were uneducated and/or unskilled.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>But thanks to the financial disaster caused by the Wall Street gang, the stratum now includes a whole bunch of college-degreed and skillful workers who lost good-paying jobs during the economic downturn. These workers don’t intend to go quietly into the night and be disrespected on top of the financial butt kicking. The under-employed, semi-employed and wish-I-was employed are all joining forces for a stronger counter-attack.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>We saw of thousands of angry workers convene on Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis last week after the state’s legislative action. We also witnessed what observers are saying was the largest pro-worker demonstration in Madison after Gov. Scott Walker signed the bill taking away collective bargaining rights from workers. Up to 100,000 angry and determined protestors jammed into the Wisconsin Capitol grounds to deliver their message: It ain’t over!
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>The GOP is crafty in attacking on unions. This is supposed to draw out anti-union sentiment as well as project union members as wealthy people who are adding to the state debt because they won’t pay their share in benefits.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>The next lie is that unions are getting a pass on paying for their retirement, health care and other benefits. Unions have given up so much over the years in terms of raises and benefits, it is truly an insult to be told that you still need to give up more.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>The irony is that this accusation needs to be put squarely at the doorstep of the greedy corporations who are sucking the whole country dry and are still demanding more. The measly $15,000 annual salary of a minimum wage worker is spending change for these folks.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>This class war can only escalate until one side backs down. If corporate America is trying to reduce the classes to two by eliminating the middle class, then they have just swelled our ranks. Workers are proving they are not going to back down soon. Tactics must move to the next level.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana; color: black;”>This will not be an easy fight. But it will be well worth the victory for working people in this country and their future.
