Workers should have secret ballot

Sandra Billok of Somerset
    Unions were formed in the work place many years ago; to serve the needs of the employees they represented, to improve their wages, hours and working conditions. Union members, at that time, were able to reap the benefits of a better work environment.
   One of the most valuable rights members have is a secret ballot when they vote. The present administration plans to strip them of this precious right.
   How could this happen in the United States of America? We have the right to free speech. We are a free country — or were a free country. Now, our rights are being taken away from us one by one.
   By June 12 of this year, all televisions will be digital by law. In 2012 we will not be able to use incandescent light (light bulbs) anymore. The lighting source will be changed to fluorescent — which contains mercury.
   Never before have we been ordered, by government mandate, as to what kind of light we must use in our own home.
   There is a parallel between unions and government. Both have become too powerful. Unions, in their early days, represented employees and fought for their rights. Now, unions serve themselves.
   Regarding our government: the founding fathers of this country believed all men are created equal and everyone has an inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Sad to say, this is no longer true. Those guiding principles are not served by government any longer.
   A Democrat president and a Democrat Congress who want the unions to continue voting for them is how we came to the so-called Employee Free Choice Act. (The Free Choice Act means there will be no more secret ballot.)
   Existing union members will have to give up privacy in voting when the law goes into effect. For anyone who might be thinking of joining a union, now is the time for some serious rethinking.
Sandra Billok
Somerset