It sounds like a proposed union organizing bill was in trouble even before a controversial e-mail killed its chances at the Legislature.
Gov. Chris Gregoire said Monday that she would have vetoed the so-called “Worker Privacy Act” anyway, because of its effect on Boeing.
So why did she, House Majority Leader Frank Chopp and Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown refer the email to the state patrol if she was going to veto it? Good lord.
Gregoire had an entirely different take on things when she spoke to the state labor convention in the midst of her re-election campaign:
Gov. Chris Gregoire, speaking at the WSLC 2008 political endorsement convention in May at the Machinists 751 Hall, says: ““Like you, I believe that employees ought to be able to know they can go to work every single day, they’re not going to be intimidated, they’re not going to be coerced, they’re not going to be shoved around about whether their political rights are intruded, whether their religious rights are intruded, or their right to organize is curtailed. We’re going to make that happen in Washington State. We’re going to lead the nation in that regard.”
Yeah, okay, I get it. Politicians have to be er, flexible. But come on. Regular people call that “lying.” Sure, the economy tanked big time last fall, so if Gregoire thinks a change in circumstances justifies killing the bill, she should just say so.
To make things even more fun, the governor had the following comment at a press conference this morning. From a partial transcription by Kathy Cummings, communications director for the Washington State Labor Council:
One thing is clear, this is not Chicago this is Washington state. I don’t impugn the integrity of the authors of it at all. I simply say that it was an unfortunate email, I don’t regret my actions, Washington state is transparent and clean.
Sigh.
We seem to have a generation of Democratic politicians who have so internalized right wing frames that sometimes they can’t help themselves. I mean, I guess we all do it at times, and maybe the governor was trying to quash the entirely predictable “unions are all criminal” crap the right inevitably resorts to.
Like all human-created institutions, unions had and likely still have their share of problems, but they not only have a legal and moral right to exist, they are also a key part of our coalition, and why any Democrat would bring up “Chicago” like that is beyond me. That is definitely doing the GOP’s work for them.
People didn’t vote for more Third Way neo-liberal triangulation anyhow, they voted to change the goddamn crooked system that favors big business, the wealthy and powerful, over ordinary citizens. The abuse of concentrated economic power is the very reason why we are in a Great Recession right now.
And by clumsily calling off a vote on the Worker Privacy Act, the leaders of the Democratic Party in this state exposed themselves to quite justifiable accusations that they are kow-towing to a large corporation in a way that would make some Republicans blush. It would have been better if they had just killed the bill without the state patrol drama; at least we would know for sure where they stand.
This sorry episode is potentially quite damaging to the Democratic Party in Washington state. Right after the election you heard a lot of concern trolling from traditional media types and Republicans about how “overreaching” cost the Democrats big time in 1994. But what I distinctly remember from that terrible year was a lot of outrage from staunch Democrats, especially labor folks, about NAFTA and other trade deals killing jobs here.
As we’ve seen, the destruction over the last 14 years has been massive. That’s not an argument for protectionism, it’s an argument for making sure trade deals have certain base-line standards on the environment and labor, a demand that was virtually ignored by far too many Democrats for far too many years.
As one long-time organizer I knew put it at the time, the rank and file was just going to sit on their hands. And that’s exactly what they did, as David Sirota pointed out in a column at HuffPo in 2007.
Another troubling aspect is that a vote on the labor bill this year was stopped because it was probably going to pass. I’ll say that again. It was killed because politicians knew they should vote for it, because it’s the right thing to do for workers.
Think about that sad fact for a moment. Your votes, your volunteer time and your small donations don’t mean jack if a corporate lobbyists makes the call, because the bill won’t even see the light of day. Hell of a way to run a democracy.
well, the only real question i have is, if your real name is devore, why do you start the article with the hebrew term oy.
kiss up to goldstein, cousin of mass muderer baruk goldstein?
one KEY fact you are completely wrong on – the betrayal by the sold out dems, and their bunk mates the politically incompetent dems, is a LOT longer than 14 years.
anyone remember when the tax laws were changed such that waitrons were automatically taxed at 8% of their gross sales? ya know, cuz for every high flying fine dining waiter packing his nose there are 25 waitrons working for dogshit at the dennys of the world, AND
you gotta fuck them over before you make banking execs accountable!
anyone remember when people had to start paying taxes on UNEMPLOYMENT payments?
(hint – you gotta look back at ancient history when the banks were ripping off hte taxpayers, and the defense contractors were ripping off the taxpayers, and a big deficit economic bubble was going POOF! NOT last week BUT 1989 or 86 or 84!!! )
and WHAT do we the working peee-ons, who might volunteer on campaigns, get to listen to every 2 or 4 years?
some dem insider wannabee telling us their fucking tired conventional wisdom how we got bust it out for sell out x, political incompetent y, incompetent sell out z, OR
we’ll elect some meanie!
let me you in on another key little fact – WHY are so many people ‘independents’ ? CUZ THEY HATE BOTH PARTIES.
with the exception of some of the pond scum posting on this site, most sentinent beings are VERY aware of how bad the fascists are – BUT – at least the fascists are consistently straight up greedy lying thieves!
what the hell excuse do the Dems have?
we better snivel, whine, cower and piss ourselves or the meanies will be REALLY mean?
ugh.
rmm.
I remember that just weeks before, Boeing made noises about how it might be time to move out of Washington State. At the time I figured they were stating their early opposition to any change in the sweet deal they get tax wise here.
Maybe it had to do with killing this potential legislation.
I remember when the Dem headquarters asked me to take a Gregoire sticker along with my Obama sticker for my car. I took it and “lost” the Gregoire sticker.
I’m in the 22nd district, and I’m watching. Unless some wingnut runs against them, I would consider the dark side.
Jon, you state “This sorry episode is potentially quite damaging to the Democratic Party”….seriously? In WA ST? You’ve got to be kidding. Only if Seattle sinks into the Sound. ;-)
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Jon
Great post. I don’t understand what Gregoire is thinking at the moment. She kicked Rossi’s skinny ass this time. She governs one of the bluest of states in the nation. The middle class is getting hammered and a big chunk of the reason for that is that unions have lost their influence. We need stronger unions. We also need Democratic politicians who understand where their support comes from.
[Deleted — off topic, see HA Comment Policy]
I mean, I guess we all do it at times, and maybe the governor was trying to quash the entirely predictable “unions are all criminal” crap the right inevitably resorts to.
James DiForti, Johnny Dio, Dave Beck. Nope, no criminals here. And little old me, I mean who would ever consider Jimmy Hoffa to be a criminal?
8
Dave Beck got screwed; he was not a criminal. Someone like you, however, would never recognize that.
Boeing is already a union shop. How could a law that makes organizing in a non-union shop easier affect Boeing?
re 8: And who would ever consider Ken Lay a criminal?
He must have been in a union.
re 7: Ha Ha…..
I wonder what it will take to get the Gregoire sticker off my car’s back bumper? I honestly thought for a while there that we had a chance to make Washington state an honest-to-goodness worker-friendly state, but nooooo….even my own legislators voted against this, and I’m told it’s because we’re in a swing district. But being in a swing district doesn’t mean that you have to vote with the Pubbies all the time, or does it?
I’m in the 26th, and I’m simply disgusted. I wouldn’t consider voting for the Pubbies because I’ve seen what our local ones have to offer and it isn’t pretty. (Ron Boehme, anyone?) But I feel like I have to do something more than just write another letter or email, or make another useless phone call. I would love to hear suggestions.
Hey, I see the KLOWNS are madly at work driving Boeing out of Washington once and for all!
You’ve got to read HB 2316, which is sponsored by several leading Democrats. The bill would make it illegal for any lobbyist to:
This is why I call ’em KLOWNS!
They never fail to disappoint.
So, Boeing is having mandatory meetings indoctrinating workers into a religion/political party? Wow.
I think I know what is going on:
The Atheist Progressive Movement feels they own the Democratic Party….the over-the-top Socialist comments right here at HA makes that crystal clear. HOWEVER, not all Democrat elected officials are Atheist Progressives.
They are now fighting back against you KLOWNS.
Republicans have had plenty of internal strife over the years. The recent Presidential Race had Democrats set aside differences and really mobilize. Election CONTESTS are one thing….governing is quite another.
You Atheist Progressive KLOWNS are unwilling or unable to recognize the negative consequences of Socialism and governing from ANGER.
Hence, the Democrats are having a Civil War that is quickly becoming less than civil.
You can see the impact of the internal strife by looking at Obama’s Strong Approval vs. Strong Disapproval ratings. From today’s Rasmussen:
Obama’s Strong Approval was at +32 just 2 months ago…now it is +4. In addition, Obama has some very weak somewhat approve numbers.
I believe that once Joe Biden’s prognostication comes true and Obama is “tested” by terrorists, Obama’s approval ratings will tank permanently. Remember, these approval ratings have shifted dramatically with nothing happening on the Homeland Security side.
The same thing is happening here in Washington. Governor Gregoire tells you NO TAX INCREASE. You re-elect her and she is finally trying to worm around for ways to generate more revenue (tax/fee increase) because you KLOWNS are so viciously demanding it.
I’ll bet both Gregoire and Obama hate a$$hole Atheist Progressive activists more than they do Republicans!
re 14: But it was ‘criminal’ for unions to threaten to stop giving political contributions to politicians who failed to represent them?
My father was right. Never try to argue with an idiot. God Himself cannot prevail against the walls of stupidity.
headlice–
There is a HUGE difference between businesses telling politicians they will be leaving the State if certain Legislation passes vs. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS from the Unions.
Your father was right headlice…you are an idiot son. Only a Union Hack like yourself could not see the difference between a business move AND political extortion.
Headlice wants Boeing & others to keep their opinions to themselves and then just “spring it” on all of us. Headlice would be the first to say “had we only known this made Boeing’s operation not viable”.
Sheesh..
You KLOWNS are sooooooo anti-business it makes you do silly things like this Bill.
Bigger & more government…right?
Mr. Cynical is campaigning for the Pulitzer in blogging with his witty, pointed changes in the word “clowns.” By using the unexpected “K” and then all caps, his diatribe ripples with static energy (gas).
His rant is enhanced by the Christian-like name calling of those who disagree with him as “athiest progressive movement.”
lauramae–
Atheist Progressive is not “name-calling”.
Are you knew around here??
Virtually all the Progressives on this Blog have declared they are Atheists.
Hence, Atheist Progressives.
Are you an Atheist???
Share your faith with us….please.
Does the truth hurt?
I’m a Christian Conservative.
Have you ever witnessed more vile attacks and name-calling than against folks like me.
I’m proud to be a Christian Conservative.
Why would Atheist Progressive bother you…if that’s what you are???
Please enlighten me.
And Lauramae…
KLOWNS needs no explanation other than a logical product of your ideology and Legislative Agenda.
If the Red-rubber nose and yellow yarn-hair fits!! (which it does)…then you be a KLOWN, you KLOWN!
That Mr. Klynical is called a “goatfucker” requires no explanation.
The Dems have run so far to the right since Reagan (maybe Carter in the congress) that they are now what were called centrist Republicans when I was young. They have so abandoned liberal ideals that I think that this country has NO CHANCE of returning to a semblance of normal political balance in my remaining lifetime, hence I am retiring to Asia. At least the bullshit there is not covered up by countless quantities of conservative hypocrisy, it’s right out there so you know clearly what it is.
In more civilized times, complete delusional nutcases like the psychotic Cynical, (whose literary excesses are stunningly similar to Puddy’s–am I the only one who sees this?)would simply have been dismissed out-of-hand by both sides of the argument, as would any similar ridiculous excretions by any extremists on the other side.
This country is far different than the one I grew up in and until it rids itself of Nazis like Cynical, it is largely uninhabitable. And since Rush Goebbels is enshrined as a demigod to half the country, that’s not likely to change in there foreseeable future.
I’ll be watching from afar as the country goes down the pipes as an economic world power strictly through the actions of the heroes of Puddy and Cynical, but at least there will be peace and prosperity where I settle.
Hasta la Vista, Cynical
X’ad–
Good luck in Asia!
You didn’t mention which Country you have found your Utopia in??
Enlighten us enlightened one!
Asia is a big place…with plenty of problems of it’s own.
Probably Thailand, huh?
Cheap place to live…and lots of little boys for you to prey upon.
The Chicago reference should have applied to the Boeing Company as that is where they moved, to get out of kitchen, away from the heat and fire. Boeing managers (and I know many very well) say that the Boeing Company doesn’t hold meetings over politics, religion or union organizing (let’s wipe out the last contract negotiations and shop meetings on that issue), but for the most part Boeing wouldn’t be breaking any provisions in this proposed legislation. So what’s the problem Boeing? How is this going to hurt your business? Tell me, tell us. Gov. Gregoire did you ask them how this would damage their ability to build and deliver quality airplanes around the world? Please, tell me do!!! Boeing Corporate is causing their managers a lot of heartburn and headaches as they try to explain to family and friends that they don’t have political meetings or prayer revivals on the shop floor. That their charitable giving campaigns are strictly voluntary, no arm twisting. So what the heck is going on here? I want to hear from Boeing how this bill would hurt their business, their ability to manage their employees and build airplanes. I’m listening, I’m patiently waiting, but that patience is wearing thin. Come on Gov, tell us how WPA won’t let Boeing build a plane in Seattle, Renton, and Everett? How it will shut down their facilities at Kent, Auburn, and Fredrickson.
re 18: Only a drooling, Pavlovian apologist for large corporations would not see a threat to move the facility to another state if the legislative agenda of the business is not met is an attempt to influence legislation, as is the union’s threat to withhold donations.
When Jesus made the analogy about camel’s jumping through eye needles, it didn’t mean that he was going to create larger needles for the benefit of the well-off.
Study your Bible!!
Wow, what an argument. No wonder you leftist klowns are losing badly!
We’re losing? That’s why Cynical needs to call me a pedophile? And that’s better than Steve calling him a goatfucker? Thanks for clarifying that!
Loonies think we have Boeing over a barrel “Are they going to pickup and leave over a 5% increase for services provided by cities.” I worked many years as a consultant/Sales to Boeing. Anyone remember the head count at Boeing Renton levied by the city based on a head count of employees, currently $55 per each.
Or going through final plan review and the city reverses a decision it made earlier.
I remember Long Acres, Boeing saying this is the last new Building. I have a son still working there told him go back to school be ready for CHANGE.
Anyone thinks Boeing will stay no matter what is thrown at them is a Team member in good standing at HA
It increasingly looks like we voted for Gregoire and got Rossi.
It’s unfair to say “unions aren’t perfect” without also saying “employers aren’t perfect, either,” because unions were invented to counter the imperfections of employers, who have always had more power, and before unions had untrammeled power over workers.
Unions built America’s middle class. Without unions, we’d still be a third world country. Too many people have forgotten that.
Unions aren’t obsolete. In fact, they’re needed as much today as ever. The fact the capital-owning class has taken ALL of America’s economic gains since 1970, even though workers today are working harder and working longer hours than at any time since WW2, proves it. The decline in union membership and the decline in the share of national output going to workers go hand-in-hand; there’s a cause-and-effect relationship there.
Anyone who thinks signing a paycheck entitles an employer to subject workers to diatribes on labor rights, religion, or politics is a thug and needs a union breathing down his neck to keep him in check.
I’d rather have a union job than a non-union job anyday, but the best job is no job! Our system is so heavily stacked against workers that frankly I don’t understand why anyone puts up with employment! I don’t work! Yesterday, our capitalist economic system paid me over $5,000 for sitting on my fat rabbit ass watching stock quotes parade across a computer screen. Plus, I get a two-thirds discount on my taxes! This is typical of how our system coddles Owners and screws Workers. Owners don’t produce a fucking thing; all the work in this country is done by Workers. And as long as the system rewards Owners like me who do nothing and screws the Workers who do all the producing, why would anyone want to be a Worker? I don’t work, and nobody else should work, either.
@31
Glad you feel the shame for making $5,000 for doing nothing. What organizations are you donating that large sum too, My I suggested the Food bank and not yours.
re 27: “Wow, what an argument. No wonder you leftist klowns are losing badly!”
At what?
Last I heard, we controlled the executive and legislative branches — and as for packing the Supreme Court with wingnut justices — ain’t gonna happen
re 29: Many states and cities are telling these guys (like Boeing) to take a hike if they don’t want to contribute their fair share.
At what point are we losing money by coddling them with corporate welfare?
Boeing opposes the Worker Privacy Act so its suppliers (who do what unionized Boeing Machinists used to do) can block attempts to organize. If the suppliers are forced to negotiate a union contract and pay their employees what Boeing workers get, the savings associated with Boeing’s whole final-assembly-only strategy will evaporate.
For more info: http://www.wslc.org/legis/09lu0306.htm
re 35: Thanks! This is good information — the kind people used to get in their daily newspaper.
Wingnut Trolls take note:
Consider how well we’ve mastered the art of framing an argument a la, ‘right to life’:
Wanna argue in favor of corporate welfare? Be my guest.
Wanna argue against the fairness doctrine? Be my guest.
28. X’ad spews:
I didn’t call you a “pedophile”.
You jumped to a conclusion that often times guilty people are prone to do. If the sandal fits.
BTW, you forgot to enlighten us oh enlightened one with where your Asian Utopia is.
Take your time and make up a good one!!
Pelletizer spews:
You forgot the “if I hold the stock for more than 1 year” klause on your tax statement Rog.
Hey, I told you yesterday to SELL.
You are going to ride it down…again.
Short-term capital gains are the same Federal Income Tax Rate as wages Rog.
I’m paying full boat on my 15 S-T trades last year and the 4 so far this year.
36. headless lucy spews:
Before the P-I committed SUICIDE pandering to you KLOWNS!
@35:
I don’t disagree, but would such legislation apply to even out of state suppliers?
Since you KLOWNS are a little down in the dumper about your Progressive choices, I thought this joke might cheer you humorless bastards up a bit:
And THAT”S NOT calling me a pedophile, you demented buffoon? And I will be residing on the Island of Cebu. Google it if you are ignorant enough not to know where it is.
I know where Cebu is…it’s the new, trendy place Ugly Americans are flocking to and ruining cuz cost of living is cheap.
You going there will further it’s demise.