I think unions are important else workers are at the mercy of their employer. I know many people think that that's the employer's right to deal with employees as he sees fit. However, given that assumption what is the right of the worker?

Until the '70's, unions acted as one of the checks on business. They were able to go up against business in the political arena and push back against business. They've lost that ability even tho some say unions have too much clout. Nothing like they had, and certainly nothing like business.

I think many look at the union-U.S. auto industry relationship and blame the unions for the cost of products as the reason we're loosing to foreign competition.

On the other hand, European auto makers have much stronger unions than the UAW and their cars are selling well in this country.

So, here's my suggestions. Get other countries (who knows how you do that - treaty?) to allow their workers to unionize, thus leveling the playing field. Do it the other way (deunionize our workforce) and it's a race to the bottom.

Medical benefits are absolutely necessary. Don't believe that crock that if the guy doesn't have to pay for it, he'll just run amoke and run to the doctor for every little pain. Besides, it's absolutely imperative that with the likelihood epidemics and pandemics you want people to seek medical care as quickly as possible.

It's too bad that the U.S. auto companies have that obligation, as do other employers. But somebody has got to do it. If you guys are happy shoveling dough into private companies who can kick people off their insurance because of a sneezing attack 15 years ago, well what can I say.

You don't want bureaucrats making a decision for you? Guess who's doing it in the insurance industry. Some NONUNION 10.00/hr bloke.

Well, I do run on. In a word. UNION! UNION! UNION!