The Future of Politics

Here's the deal, we are in the throws of political warfare.  Before everyone has had a chance to gear up for the 2012 presidential election, the Republicans are already on the attack.  Now this may not seem like an important factor in our presidential race.  Candidates often prepare early in order to gather momentum for their bids for the top spot in Washington.  However, what marks this political maneuver differently, is that everything the Republicans are targeting are Democratic strongholds.

First came the attack on immigrants, with the passing of SB1070 in Arizona and attempted other legislation, then came the attack on our collective bargaining rights in numerous states that hold Republican majorities, after that came the attacks on Planned Parenthood.  So what does this mean?  Are these really ways to solve the budget deficits in other states.

The Rationale
Republicans have told the press that they are stuck with large deficits, and they need to cut public sector jobs in order to do this.  However, this does not justify the attacks on collective bargaining.  Collective bargaining, whether in the public or private sector, allows for workers to manage the output of their own work, while guaranteeing certain rights, such as a fair wage, decent retirement, and due process under management.  Furthermore, unions allow the workers to have a voice, allowing them to bargain with companies for better wages, working conditions, etc.  However, this does not impact the state budget in any way besides allowing public workers to have a dialogue.  Sure, they will take a pay decrease and hikes in their retirement and pension payments if it helps the state, but to destroy the power of unions is another thing altogether.

Destroying unions will not solve the budget deficit.  If anything, it will put workers out of work, negatively impacting the net economy in these states.  Public sector jobs are jobs, just like the private sector jobs.  A loss in the public sector also means a loss in the private sector.  However, what this shows is that this is a political, rather than economic move by the Republicans.  Economically speaking, jobs are jobs, and they generate income.  The difference, in terms of pay, are not that much.  In fact, public sector workers make less than their private sector counterparts on average.