Comments on: Union Demands TV Station Yank “Dr. Evil” Lobbyist’s Ad Depicting Labor Chiefs As Mob Goons

By: Laurie

Laurie — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:06:26 +0000

Cigi,
It’s not a stereotype. In “closed shops” you are forced to join the union or you don’t get the job. If unions are such a benefit to the worker, why do they need to engage in this type of extortion snd bullying to attract members? In this ad, as in real life, unions dictate compensation without regard for what the individual worker wants. It’s all about making money for the union. It’s not about doing right by the worker.

By: Cigi

Cigi — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:27:35 +0000

Laurie, you are so wrong on all points. The US has about 7-12% of the workforce unionized. They are a threat to no one. They have been replaced by white collar serfs who sit in cubicals all day and call themselves managers. These folks get to work longer hours without compensation, take worthless stock options as part of their pay reward. I have friends who are working in Corporate America who have had their pay cut at the management level…the union folks have a contract that protects them from that. Every hour that they work, they are paid for. In 1970 the average CEO made 40Xs what the lowest paid worker made in the Company…today that figure is $1,763 to every dollar the lowest paid employee makes. No one is forced into joining a Union…I worked for and retired from AT&T and I never had anyone force me to join a Union; that is a sterotype that is hyped by anti-unionists.

By: Canadian Spectator

Canadian Spectator — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Unions came into existence because of greedy employers, so I guess they figure we don’t need them anymore. After all, employers have become, generous, fair-minded saints who are no longer concerned with making a profit…

By: Laurie

Laurie — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:59:07 +0000

I think this ad accurately depicts the corrupt influence of unions and their disregard for the worker. It’s all about power and money for the union officials. It’s not about what’s best for the worker. “Forced” choice is right…passage of the EFCA will only enable unions to intimidate and bully workers into joining against their will.

By: California_Dreamin

California_Dreamin — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:48:46 +0000

They did a great job of making the union reps look like real sleazos in this ad…but then, it takes one to know one.

By: humbug

humbug — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:31:22 +0000

Yea, an opposing ad, pointing out that Berman is actually paid huge sums by those employers who want to continue to skimp on wages and benefits. That it is that same management who is against any organization of labor because their slice of the $pie gets smaller as the worker’s gets larger, not any informed worker.

By: william duane

william duane — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:02:53 +0000

I like the idea of running an opposing ad rather than kicking this one off-air. But I wouldn’t draw attention to the Dr. Evil ad; rather, run an ad depicting employers as goons trying to skimp on benefits and pay. In other words, try reality. wduane

By: jzap

jzap — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:07:05 +0000

It’s paid for by the anti-EFCA group Employee Freedom Action Committee, which is headed by notorious lobbyist Rick Berman.

He could… go… ALL… THE… WAY!

By: sbj

sbj — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:39:50 +0000

And a nickname like Dr Evil just makes him seem so much more likable.

That is a good idea, sg.

By: sgwhiteinfla

sgwhiteinfla — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:36:46 +0000

No need in arguing with a brick wall. Just a piece of advice.

You know what, I think the SEIU should consider putting up an ad targeting “Dr Evil”. They could basically call them out for playing games with a serious subject while people are out losing their jobs and their healthcare. The could try to get an actor from the Sopranos to do the ad and draw a contrast between a TV show and the struggles familes are going through in real life. I think its time for people like the SEIU to start targeting the opposition in ads much like competing politicians do. I think it would be very effective.

By: sbj

sbj — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:34:32 +0000

@Greg – yes, I’m that typical conservative you all seem to know so well, you long haired tree hugging pacifist vegan.

@chris: Thanks! Wouldn’t you find it rather boring to visit if everyone only constantly agreed with you?

By: Jack Russell

Jack Russell — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:30:34 +0000

Ah, sbj, you make this place so much stupider.

By: Greg Sargent

Greg Sargent — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:23:08 +0000

sbj, seems like you don’t need much persuading to embrace the “goon” stereotype.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:20:23 +0000

sbj you make this place so much livelier.

By: sbj

sbj — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:12:25 +0000

Uh, Greg – the message is already out. Getting something kicked off the air would now only reinforce the “goon” stereotype.