Laughs up sleeve if you think this is about the will of the people this is about the will of RE-ELECTION.

Jane Hamsher @ 35

Thanks so much, Tula. As Tom Schaller has noted, reliable union votes were in large part responsible for Democrats taking control of Congress in 2006, and not the “angry white men” and “big tent stand-for-nothings” that Rahm et. al. are always trying to attract by selling out core progressive values. We’re really happy you are blogging here and we’re committed to supporting workers and union voices. What you’re doing is extremely important and we appreciate all you do.

Tula, thanks for keeping us up to date on these issues. Building and maintaining the bridge between progressive bloggers and labor unions may be the most important work for the future of both movements. It’s a privilege to have you here.

Jane, we are priviledged to be here and thank you and everyone at FDL for your commitment to helping connect the netroots and labor.

Jane Hamsher @ 35

Thanks so much, Tula. As Tom Schaller has noted, reliable union votes were in large part responsible for Democrats taking control of Congress in 2006, and not the “angry white men” and “big tent stand-for-nothings” that Rahm et. al. are always trying to attract by selling out core progressive values. We’re really happy you are blogging here and we’re committed to supporting workers and union voices. What you’re doing is extremely important and we appreciate all you do.

Tula, thanks for keeping us up to date on these issues. Building and maintaining the bridge between progressive bloggers and labor unions may be the most important work for the future of both movements. It’s a privilege to have you here.

you weren’t asking me, but i’m going to answer anyway…. i think you are very likely correct. but i’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt for now… however, if fast track for trade negotiations is approved – i think we can conclude it was all kabuki. let’s hope for the best, but watch very, very carefully.

Christine @ 60:
I believe you are referring to an agency fee. The theory being that even if an employee choses not to join the Union, she is benefiting from Union representation in the form of higher wages and benefits.

I add that this “libertarian” argument against Union membership is a common canard used by anti-worker rights groups. It’s in the same playbook as getting working class and middle class folks to vote Republican.

I don’t understand your last paragraph?? Are you saying that I’m saying people shouldn’t join a Union?? If so, that’s not the case. It’s up to each individual to decide if they want to join a Union or not.

Agency fee, then each and every employee in this country should be paying that fee then. Because if it weren’t for Unions we’d all be working 6 days a week, 12 hour days with no sick or vacation time. Not to mention safety regulations.

Pelosi sought to reassure liberal voters by reiterating that the House passed hate crimes and minimum wage legislation and that she favored universal access to healthcare. Additionally, she reminded liberals that the House passed the Employee Free Choice Act, a top priority for union groups.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is working hard to make sure that the fiery liberal wing of the Democratic Party remembers that she is one of them. She is also going out of her way to reassure opponents of the war that she is on their side.

Her efforts are taking place in speeches and interviews off Capitol Hill and away from the constraints and compromises inherent in running the House. Liberal lawmakers and activists accuse Pelosi of being too cautious.

I support the Speaker.

i do think speaker pelois is trying… but, she’s between a rock and hard place – and her secret trade deal with bush was not helpful. i think she’ll be able to do better, if we keep our eyes open and hold our congress accountable to us and not to corporate america.

Sure- the extreme case is the “right to work” legislation making a union shop contract illegal and cuttin the nuts off the unions.

“Yer President is NOT a crook” echoed the channeled Millhouse.