Rightwing alliance plots assault to 'defund and defang' America's unions

[turbinetree]

Source: The Guardian

Rightwing activists across the US have launched a nationwide campaign to undermine progressive politicians by depriving them of a major source of support and funding – public sector unions.

A network of conservative thinktanks with outposts in all 50 states has embarked on a “breakthrough” campaign designed to strike a “mortal blow” against the American left. The aim is to “defund and defang” unions representing government employees as the first step towards ensuring the permanent collapse of progressive politics.

The campaign carries a powerful echo of the populist creed espoused by Donald Trump. The president was propelled into the White House last November after unexpected victories in several previously Democratic rust belt states including Michigan and Wisconsin, both of which have endured withering attacks on trade unions in recent years.

The new assault is being spearheaded by the State Policy Network (SPN), an alliance of 66 state-based thinktanks, or “ideas factories” as it calls them, with a combined annual budget of $80m. As suggested by its slogan – “State solutions. National impact” – the group outlines an aim to construct a rightwing hegemony throughout the US, working from the bottom up.


Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/30/rightwing-alliance-unions-defund-defang

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[Skittles]

1. let's get real: they have already done that

American workers no longer have any power

[elleng]

2. Right, BEEN doing it,

and without apparent response from the left, from what I can see, for a long time.

[zentrum]

7. Saint Reagan did it. n/t

[not fooled]

3. Public sector unions have been the exception

until now. They are coming for them next. Government jobs have been the last decent type, with decent benefits. They want to drag those workers down to the level of everyone else who has lost their benefits.

[Cryptoad]

4. Forever Union

Never understood why somebody is against having a good job!

[red dog 1]

5. "SPN will be discussing it's anti-union & anti-left agenda on Wednesday at it's annual meeting..

..in San Antonio"??

I wonder if they'll have to postpone their evil meeting due to the fact that San Antonio is now experiencing major flooding from Tropical Storm Harvey?

[mopinko]

6. they better pack a couple sandwiches.

not gonna be as easy as they think these days.