State budget demonstrations |

In recent days there has been much activity regarding news coverage of demonstrations in Wisconsin and other states surrounding the issue of collective bargaining for public employees. This is not a simple issue and there are good points being made on both sides. Budget deficits in many states may force decisions to be made that will not be looked upon favorably by those involved with the current demonstrations.

To begin with, this article is not meant to be either for or against the issue of collective bargaining for public workers, but to present the facts as they are. It is not intended to be a slam against unions and what they do. First, there is a distinct difference between collective bargaining of public employees and collective bargaining in the private sector. Public employees are being paid with tax dollars while the private sector is not. Some may feel that the topic of collective bargaining for public employees is one that should not be touched while others may disagree.

Another point to make is that individuals involved in the demonstrations or those supporting them have that right as citizens. They have the right to voice their opinion on issues whether it is through legislative actions or decisions made by any level of government. Demonstrations regarding proposed legislation in Wisconsin and other states have brought the issue of collective bargaining for public workers to the top of the agenda.

The current economic situation in our country is hitting home in many states like Wisconsin. Wisconsin seems to be a major focal point for the current issue of collective bargaining for public workers. The decisions which need to be made in Wisconsin and many states will be tough but they need to be made to address budget deficits. Budgets in many states are at a point where voters are demanding government expenses be reduced.

As indicated, lawmakers in all states with budget shortfalls face tough decisions. The demonstrations resulting from actions either being taken or that have been taken are an example of democracy in action. We as voters elect those to represent us to make the right decisions on critical issues. Overall unions have been a good thing for our country and they should not go away. They serve a vital purpose with respect to worker rights in the workplace.

Decisions to be made at state legislatures require that those individuals who have been elected be in place to voice their opinion. While the action taken by some senators to leave their respective state is in a sense a demonstration that they are unhappy with the turn of events, it is incomprehensible that elected officials would leave their responsibilities behind in protest of legislation. I truly respect the position of those who have been elected to serve us at all levels of government. Our government system is a great one and allows the opportunity to disagree with others on sometimes critical issues. It is another true test of democracy in action.

Elected officials at any level who abandon their responsibilities by leaving their posts, do a disservice to those who have elected them. While there has been coverage of the exodus of legislative officials there has been little if any discussion about whether their actions are moral or appropriate. Political affiliation should have no impact with respect to voting on legislative proposals as each should be evaluated on their individual merits. Some may say that the political environment at the state level is not as important as the political environment at the national level. In this respect I disagree. Issues before state legislatures are just as important as those at the national level.

The example of senators leaving their state is sending a bad signal to those they represent. Leaving their elected post behind is unacceptable acceptable behavior. In reference to our elected officials in Washington, D.C. they did not leave their posts when legislation being processed was led or controlled by the ‘other’ political party. These elected officials chose to stay and voice their opinions during the legislative process and took their case to the public. The response from the public was seen in the recent election.

I have a high respect for the offices of our elected officials and our political process. We are not always going to agree with all the actions taken and we can exhibit that disagreement in our votes come election time. This is how it should be. Those elected to public office have a responsibility to be a part of the political process at any level. When decisions are made affecting the legislative process it is a disservice to the public they represent.

One last point to make is that the rights we have as citizens are sacred and the issues being identified through the demonstrations taking place should be considered in making decisions.

The influx of individuals and organizations outside of a state or city where demonstrations are taking place affect the action and sometimes length of the demonstrations. Granted there are issues that transcend states, as some issues are common in other states as well, as with the current demonstrations taking place. The actions taken by one state can sometimes affect the actions taken in another. Residents of states are the ones who must make the decisions that best fit the needs of the state and as individuals. Elected officials must consider all the options on the table and what can be done to address issues such as budget deficits. In the days and weeks to come, many states will wrestle with projected budget deficits. The actions to be taken may not be the same from state to state, but it signifies that tough decisions will need to be made to address individual state budget issues.