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Arlen the Weathervane
 Sen. Arlen Specter isn't inconsistent -- he merely follows the political winds, no matter how they're blowing. His latest shift: He now wants to help labor bosses start more unions.As a liberal Republican in 2007, Specter backed the Employee Free Choice Act, a cynically named bill labor was pushing because it would ban secret ballots, making it harder for coerced workers to resist organizing drives. Then, feeling heat from the right -- in the form of a primary challenge -- Specter decided it best to oppose the bill, and quickly flip-flopped. But then the winds shifted yet again: Having switched parties, Specter's now facing a challenge from his left -- from Democratic Rep. Joseph Sestak. But, hey -- no problem for Specter. He's now back to pandering to the left -- to the very same labor bosses, in fact, whom he once betrayed on the "Free Choice" bill. This time, Specter wouldn't ban secret ballots, but only require fast-track elections: If even a small group of workers petitions to unionize, an election would have to be scheduled within a week. Labor bosses believe the short timetable would let them quickly ram through more votes in favor of organizing. Never mind any debate -- or even thoughtful consideration of the issue. For Specter, it's the politics that count. If you want to know where he'll be on the issue next week, check with the weatherman. Posted by: Fred 2009-09-24 |
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