George McGovern against Orwellian “Employee Free Choice Act”
In the spring of 2008, liberal Democrat George McGovern was brave enough to speak out against card check.
Now McGovern proves he wasn’t fooling; he’s got an article on the subject up today at the Wall Street Journal, about card check and compulsory arbitration, which he’s against as well. Both are part of the so-called “Employee Free Choice Act.”
McGovern was one of the most liberal members of Congress, and one of the most liberal Presidential candidates we ever had (until Obama, that is—and McGovern, unlike Obama, didn’t try to hide his liberalism), back in the 60s and 70s. Now in his mid-80s, he demonstrates a certain integrity and willingness to stand against many in his party to say what he thinks is true.
Buried in the WSJ article is a clue about what may have caused him to break with the current liberal line on this. It’s another example of how political change happens; McGovern was mugged by reality when he had an experience many liberals (including Obama) have never had—he actually ran a business after leaving the legislature.
Here is how he describes what he learned:
My perspective on the so-called Employee Free Choice Act is informed by life experience. After leaving the Senate in 1981, I spent some time running a hotel. It was an eye-opening introduction to something most business operators are all-too familiar with — the difficulty of controlling costs and setting prices in a weak economy. Despite my trust in government, I would have been alarmed by an outsider taking control of basic management decisions that determine success or failure in a business where I had invested my life savings.
Bingo.
I was quite surprised when I first saw McGovern in the spot opposing the “card check” (Free choice act my eye). But I have to admit I was impressed by his honesty and willingness to speak out against it.
As you say, Neo, running a business is an eye-opener.
I have a friend who lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and he has told me of occasions in the last few years of union thugs showing up at people’s houses to intimidate them – and even a bombing or two. If people want to unionize – fine – their choice. But the secret ballot is the basis of our system and should never be taken away – anywhere, under any circumstances.
The arbitration clause is a joke too.
Contrast to similar-era Jimmy Carter.
Despite my trust in government, I would have been alarmed by an outsider taking control of basic management decisions that determine success or failure in a business where I had invested my life savings
This fills me with an overwhelming desire to kick him right in the middle of his stupid old ass.
I play on a baseball team with a bunch of guys who are mostly small businessmen, and who to a man are horrified by current events. The only exception: a lifelong government employee in a make-work job. That guy is the lone Obamanaut.
Draw your own conclusions.
It’s another example of how political change happens; McGovern was mugged by reality when he had an experience many liberals (including Obama) have never had–he actually ran a business after leaving the legislature.
I voted for Nixon over him, and still would if I had to do it over again.
But the fact that McGovern was “mugged by reality” doesn’t impress me nearly as much as the fact that he actually learned from it.
Too many liberals would instead explain it away or refuse to acknowledge that it even happened.
–
McGovern was reviled by conservatives of his day and some still believe that comparing Obama to McGovern is a splendid putdown.
Although McGovern was wrong about some things and foolish about others, he was always an honorable man who loved America.
I remain unconvinced that Obama is either.
Huxley’s right. McGovern has always been an honorable man who loved America, and unbeknownst to many, was a war hero (a real one, not a faux one, a la “Reporting for duty” Kerry). He was silly, but always meant well, and did not place his personal aggrandizement ahead of the welfare of the nation. I respect him for his service, and for his ability to learn from experience. He’s one of the few present-day Democrats I do respect, in fact.
I never hated George McGovern. Sure, he was mistaken about a lot of things, but the story above lays out the fact that the man can learn from experience and draw the proper conclusion.
I knew back in the 1980’s that the radicals were taking over the Democratic Party. I knew a few people who were lower-level operatives in that party who were, secretly, Marxists. However, quite deliberately they cultivated a different image for the public to see. Magnify that by many thousands and you now get the picture.
McGovern was never a Communist.
I too have to say, though I don’t agree with McGovern’s politics, I respect him for his honesty.
I could regail you with first hand and anecdotal experiences of union thuggery, but I think that this ought to suffice.
One of the most compelling war stories about McGovern was his returning from a bombing run over a German target which may have been in Eastern Europe, and I believe because of flack damage he had lost virtually all of his fuel, could thus not return to base and managed to land the plane on a landing strip he spotted that was not nearly long enough, but thru his skill was able to save the lives of his entire crew.
stu,
I hadn’t read about that.
Contrast that to how Bush the Elder, who was also a bonified hero, was labelled a ‘wimp’ by the MSM.
(By a callow george Will even)
You can read about Bush’s experiences as well as about other topics here. I highly recommend it.
The “voting” provisions of the EFCA are–or at least should be–offensive to Americans’ republican sensibilities, but the arbitration provisions are downright dangerous. First, arbitration can compel a business owner to agree to something he would never agree to, thereby confiscating his property. Secondly, if this works like it does in the public employee context (which it will) it will rachet up wages at an appalling and unsustainable rate. The arbitrators will be in thrall to labor, because they want to get hired for future engagements, and labor will have NO incentive to bargain in good faith–because they can always get a better deal from the arbitrator. The arbitration provision provides for mandatory arbitration if no agreement is reached in a relatively short period of time, EVEN IF the union did not bargain in good faith. I predict that if this passes, the vast majority of negotiations will go to arbitration, and employees will get wages and benefits far above what the market will bear. Bankruptcies and facility closings will inevitably follow.
The Chrysler and GM dealings are theft.
“Detroit” has become a fiscal black hole. Although never a Ford man, it’s the only American car maker whose lot I’ll (at least) walk when it’s time to look for a new vehicle. It will be interesting to see what Obama does to gain control over that company, too.
Back door, no doubt.
This will eventually involve the steel industry, and the numerous other companies that furnish the components to the car makers. Well, it already does, it just hasn’t surfaced on the news yet.
Theres something about Ford navigating through all this relatively unscathed that doesn’t quite seem to fit. Could the ties to the ultra liberal Ford Foundation have anything to do with this? I’m just sayin…..
As for McGovern, hes a stark example of just how far left democrats have surged. While the media template is one of accusing conservatism of an evolving radicalness.
McGovern also made the comment that he had no idea while serving in the Senate how the govt regs impacted business. It was a real eye-opener for him to get out in the real world and find out how many headaches govt creates.
Former Sen. Tsongas joined some corporate boards after cancer forced him to leave the senate and he made some similar comments.
We don’t need term limits. We need politicians who actually live in the real world from time to time. {not like Rahm and his millions for “investment banking” predicated on his political influence}
“Anyone who isn’t a liberal by age 20 has no heart. Anyone who isn’t a conservative by age 40 has no brain.”
– often attributed to Winston Churchill
George McGovern’s personal growth would indicate that “80” is the new 40.
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