It is hard to believe that “once upon a time” labor unions were enemies of government. Fedgov and State governments both. 150 years ago, and much more recently, the FedGov and States used the Army and National Guard (Organized Militia) to suppress labor union activities. Especially strikes. Quite often, using military forces (literally the threat of force or show of force) did result in actual use of force. Violence: killing people (usually unarmed people).
These violent acts of suppression by State or Federal military forces, from the 1870s through the 1930s, were not the result of panic or matters getting out of hand. They were planned and commanded, not just by governor’s or presidential executive orders, but by legislatures.
This was, of course, wrong: one of the many ways in which human government treated and treats people wrongly.
Today, to some degree, the pendulum has swung to the other extreme. In Colorado, for example, we find the Regressive-controlled General Assembly (the Legislature, both upper and lower houses) pushing for government to treat labor unions like the senior house of the General Assembly. In some really stupid ways!
Especially since what the unions want means government agencies snatching more power to micro-manage everyday life, and create opportunities for new government jobs (more government parasites) and fees and fines, and at the same time increase the incentives to shove campaign contributions into the pockets of politicians. And treat everyone like the children they seem to be.
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Guest thoughts from a surprising source
Odd,isn’t it?
Consider a man who appeared to be a perfect example of how the political parties deteriorated and grown even worse than they have for two and a half-centuries. But a man who may actually be one of the very few Democrats in office in 2026 who can reason much at all. Despite his mental and emotional problems, and his eccentric way of dressing, he is a small but bright light in the dimming Congressional holiday tree. That man is Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.
We share this from a correspondent.
“Are you really not seeing what’s happening, or are you just pretending not to?” John Fetterman said firmly, his voice calm but filled with force.
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