Unions provide balance

“Supplier in egg recall has history of violations.” “Massey Energy mines racked up serious violations in advance of explosion that killed 29.” “Auto industry pays Congress to bury proposed safety legislation.”

Why, oh why, does anybody think big business is going to regulate itself? Corporations care about two things: self-perpetuation and cash. Neither of those two things involves you beyond being a money-generation unit.

Jeepers, says the hand-wringing American public, whatever could be done to solve this intractable problem?

How about real regulation, with real teeth, imposed by third-party agencies stripped of personal interest and investment? And how about balancing corporate influence by re-empowering unions? Yes, unions! Which, in case you forgot, are us – actual working people doing actual work.

Presidential corporate puppet Ronald Reagan convinced you that unions were evil, but strong unions impede the ability of corporations to do whatever they want, whenever they want. Ever wonder how congresspersons go into office as ordinary folk and three years later are multimillionaires?

Corporate money and treats are generously spread to those who would assist them in their goals. Unions aren’t perfect, but at least they are counterweights to massive corporate interests. What’s worse? Unions or governance by corporation?

Nancy Runyan

Spokane Valley