Why Unions Matter
TR
Billionaires like the Koch brothers and others despise unions simply because they are an organized voice seeking to protect the economic interests of regular working Americans.
Workers band together so that they can have a say in elections and in government where economic policy affecting our well-being is made and enforced.
Republican President Theodore Roosevelt famously spoke of a “fair deal” when he ensured that workers would not be shut out during his administration.
Yes, that’s right–a republican president who believed that unions were an essential component of equity.
No one ever accused Roosevelt of moderation but he would be completely un-electable in the GOP today because he believed in fairness.
Where’s Rand?
RP
The National Rifle Association is meeting this weekend in Nashville and it is a right-wing GOP orgy as union-haters such as the Koch-supported Scott Walker, and Bobby Jindal and Ted Cruz suck up for support.
One announced GOP contender is notably absent: Rand Paul.
Paul apparently fails to meet the NRA strict code-of-conduct and was not invited to share his views on guns or anything else.
NRA spokesman Jennifer Baker said that they were, “…trying to accommodate the 2016 candidates…” so how could you not invite Paul?
Because membership in the GOP “shooting club” is becoming evermore rigidly ideological and exclusive and even a conservo-rad like Paul simply does not fit the bill.
Another absentee is Republican Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam not invited perhaps because of his past support of “Mayors Against Illegal Guns.”
Not mayors against guns, just the illegal ones.
Perhaps the ultimate irony is that Theodore Roosevelt, big game hunter and gun enthusiast extraordinaire would not make the NRA cut either.
That fact alone tells you all you need to know about this crew.