Act gives unions too much power

The furor over the Employee Free Choice Act has drawn my attention lately, and after taking time to examine the issue from all sides I must express my dismay at the way this measure would empower union leaders to pressure employees. It immediately brought to mind my history lessons about Tom Pendergast. Every Missourian has been taught how his political machine influenced and controlled elections in Kansas City and across the state in the 1920s and 1930s. They gained their power by having union organizers watch voters sign their names — and making sure those voters knew they were watching. This led to corruption and ever-greater power for the union, not the employees. 

History is repeating itself, with the twist that now the government will intentionally empower unions to identify their non-supporters. And in today’s economy, no employee is in the position to withstand pressure just so they can hang onto their job to feed their family. I have come down very much against this undemocratic act, and cannot support elected officials who so far forget their American principles as to vote for it.

Samantha Hill

Small business owner

Holden