I read an article yesterday in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that unfortunately, didn't surprise me all that much. It regards a professional, career firefighter who chose to opt out of his union due to his political beliefs. He's a conservative, and due to his stance on the political causes championed by the union, he's decided to take his money elsewhere and invoke a little-used "Fair Share" legal clause that allows him to drop his union membership and only pay pro-rated dues for his share of the collective bargaining. He does not pay for the union's wider political activities.

And this? Well, actually I can support it. He's voting with his feet based upon his beliefs. I respect anyone of strong conviction that truly does what they believe to be right. I like that, in fact… no matter a person's political spectrum (Well, almost no-matter their political spectrum)

I rarely talk about politics here, but this case is different. It seems this firefighter has constructed a float commemorating his brothers who died in the Sept. 11th, 2001 attacks and wants to run it in the local Racine, WI 4th of July parade.

The union thugs (Yea, I said "Union Thugs". That's what they are) have issued a fatwah barring any union firefighter from riding on or marching with the float in the parade. They won't comment further on the issue. They just don't want to support the "fair share" firefighter.

Here's the article, you should read it yourself "Firefighters' Union Throws Cold Water on 9/11 float"

As I said, I am not at all surprised by this. I'm still saddened, though. It makes me think it's time for me to pull out my favorite Paul Combs political cartoon.

Kind of says it all, doesn't it?

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Also on another note,  did you read my last monthly JEMS column on Ambulance Service Disaster preparedness? You really should:

http://www.jems.com/article/major-incidents/ems-agency-plans-natural-disasters