Heavy hands, twisted arms

The three Feb. 5 letters supporting open union elections fail to make their point in every respect. The secret ballot is fundamental to democracy; if not appropriate to union activities, then the same logic can be extended to all elections. As far as unions not twisting arms, I don’t suppose the authors ever tried to pass through a picket line. The opportunity for abuse is many times higher from militant union members than from employers.

In my experience working for the state in a closed shop, I tried to keep an open mind and attended union meetings. I found them to be silly, leftist and generally an embarrassment. My union dues were used to support leftist agendas, which were against my principles. As a part-time worker I had two weeks’ paychecks which were less than my monthly union dues, leaving me with the impression that unions benefit primarily union officials.

I suspect that rabid union supporters also believe in global warming, that the NRA is trying to arm all U.S. citizens with AK-47s, that my wealth should be shared with the “less fortunate,” the tooth fairy and Barack Obama.

George A. Bratina

Spokane