I haven't written a diary in a very long time. My life got busy, I thought after Obama won things would get better, etc. But I am from Wisconsin, so this story has grabbed my attention like no other.
The video of Shepard Smith coming to the realization that what Walker is doing is not about the budget, but instead about killing unions because unions organize and fundraise for Democrats, is a very important media moment, in my opinion. It happened on Fox news, and it was put so simply by him, that almost anyone who is naturally disinclined to look at things from a Democrat's point of view would say "yeah, you know, that sounds right".
But he didn't quite draw his thought to it's final conclusion: what happens if Walker wins? What happens if unions are eradicated from the American landscape?
I feel this is a very important question to ask, because it illustrates very quickly what has already been happening for 30 years.
If unions no longer exist, following along Shepard Smith's premise that they are the main fundraisers and organizers for Democrats, would the Democratic party cease to exist?
The answer is No. Democratic politicians wouldn't just take their ball and go home. They would have to turn elsewhere for support and fundraising: Corporate money. The shift would be complete. Both parties would be in all practical matters, solely dependant upon Corporate money. Corporate control of American government would be unquestioned and complete. Koch Industries would pick and choose between Republicans and Democrats. They wouldn't have to pick a side anymore. It would probably be their preference to have that kind of freedom anyways.
Here is why I say this. Analyze fundraising statistics for races across the country. Corporations give to both parties already, Republicans more so than Democrats, obviously, but both parties receive and are beholden to Corporate benefactors in some respect. Unions do not make up the majority of fundraising for Democrats. The fundraising for Democrats consists of a coalition of special interest groups, corporate lobbying, individual donors, and unions. For example, why did so many Democrats balk at Jim Webb's attempt to get a one-time windfall tax imposed on Wall Street? They were afraid of upsetting their corporate donors. Why do Democrats continue to support free trade instead of fair trade? You know the answer.
So, if unions are eliminated, how would it be any different than it is now? Well, as it stands now, of those 4 groups that make up the Democratic coalition, unions may not be dominant in fundraising, but they are still very influential when it comes to organizing. So, they still do represent a pretty important counterbalance within the Democratic party. There are occasional reminders, such as when things happen like Obama saving GM and making the stock and bond holders eat more of the loss than the unions. But if unions were taken out of the equation, where would there be a counterbalance to Corporate power? From special interest groups? From individual donors? On economic issues?
Corporations would run roughshod over the entire political process. Republicans...Democrats....who would care. There really would be almost no difference. Social issue distinctions, sure. But when it comes to how the wealth of this country is spent and managed, we would all be the same. We would all be subjects of corporate masters on high. The politicians would only be the foot soldiers, and they would all be working for the same side.
This is what is at stake.
