Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Employee Free Choice Act- Elections Are Free Chioce

The Senate has secret elections for its leaders. The House of Representatives also uses a closed ballot, one not open to public view, for its own members. We all, you and I, have a secret ballot when we vote for president or for our local officials at our local polling place. It’s one of the oldest aspects of the democratic system.

We are watching television spots, reading internet postings, perusing the newspaper articlces and the pro Card Check side all seem to be defending it on the basis of saying that EFCA won’t “take away” the employees’ right to a secret ballot, but will rather “put the choice in the hands of the employees.” If more than 30% of the employees want a secret ballot then they get it.

So here’s my question: Why is it even an “option”? The reason for secret ballots, no more importantly the foundation for secret ballots much as in government elections, and its key aim is to ensure voter choice by eliminating intimidation. Some people don’t want their votes known for fear of potential retaliation if they feel they might be coming out on the losing side of a hot potato issue.

What do the winners lose if they participate in a secret ballot? They still get to vote, just as they would in some open, “card check” type scenario. Nobody has their rights denied in a secret ballot, but that can’t really be said under the other system.

Can anyone explain to me what exactly is so dangerous about a secret ballot? Secret ballots achieve the goal of political privacy. If there is a win on card check what is the next foundation of this country to fall?

I read this statement on the net The Employee Free Choice Act not only strengthens the current process for workers forming unions, but also provides for a more fair and democratic method for men and women to join unions. I guess the way we elect congressmen and senators is nor a democratic method.

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