On the morning of June 16, 2010, the Washington Post published a well reasoned editorial opposing federal mandated forced unionism on state and local public employees; specifically, first responders such as police officers and fire fighters. Could this moment of clarity by Washington Post editors have reassured investors, resulting in its stock doubling in one second as noted in the Drudge Report?

Probably not, but that’s no reason not to welcome the Post, even if momentarily, back to the real world. And, welcome its opposition to another Obama-Reid-Pelosi payback to Big Labor that attacks states rights and limits police officers’ and fire fighters’ freedom at work. Even, the Post rejects this power grab:

ALL ACROSS America, state and local governments are struggling with recession-induced budget crises … Many public employees have been promised pay, pensions and health benefits that tax bases cannot sustain even in good times. As a result, voters and political leaders of both parties are rethinking the costs and benefits of public-sector unionism.

Except in Congress, it seems. Senate Majority Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) is pushing to federalize labor relations between state and local governments and some public-sector unions. … the bill is supported not only by Mr. Reid but also by Republicans, including the soon-to-retire Sen. Judd Gregg (N.H.). It has a good chance of passing if the Senate can fit it on its busy calendar.


Advertised as vital to the dignity, health and safety of our nation’s first responders … But there’s no clear connection between public-safety employee unions and public safety. Indeed, Virginia’s violent crime rate is less than half that of next-door Maryland, where collective bargaining for police prevails.

What this bill would do is impose a permanent, one-size-fits-all federal solution in an area — public-sector labor relations — that has traditionally been left to the states, and …Colorado’s “fire protection districts,” special units of government dedicated to providing that service, would face costly collective bargaining even where firefighters and management are working harmoniously without it.

This bill is a bad idea whose time, we hope, has still not come.

So, this time I agree with the Washington Post and recommend that everyone contact their congressional representatives today demand that they vote no on Harry Reid’s Police Fire Forced Unionism Bill (S 1611 & S 3194 /HR 413). The U.S. House is preparing to vote on this Bill within in the next week, possibly as early as today. Click here to take action and contact your elected officials.