Can We Cope Without C.O.P.E.?

Politics. Just the word can bring about many reactions from people. Some don’t want to discuss politics for fear of argument, while others hope to start a spirited discussion. Many just plain aren’t interested. For me, politics has become an important facet of a very diverse life.

I have been one of the most politically active people in my immediate family. Sure, voting is important; I’ve never missed an election. But I go a step further, having volunteered for several candidates, from local school board, up to and including Presidential races. Each has brought forth many emotions and stresses, but more important I have learned what it takes to change things for the better of our nation.

The one thing I have realized, with reluctance, is that politics is a very hungry animal in our society, and its diet is money. From celebrities who contribute millions of dollars to specific candidates and issues, to corporate lobbyists who work to change rules and laws to benefit business; the business of politics is a very expensive part of our society. The 2008 Presidential campaign was the most expensive in history with $5.3 BILLION dollars being spent by both John McCain and Barrack Obama. And the growth of lobbyists in politics on every level is what can be only referred to as disgusting. It makes a person like myself asking the question; “Can any of these politicians hear my voice and concerns?”

I started contributing to SEIU C.O.P.E. (i.e.: Committee On Political Education) through voluntary payroll deductions to add additional volume to my political voice. This is very important to me, not only because of the importance of knowing that the candidates our union endorses are working towards our memberships best interests, but also because I can have a certain amount of input in the decisions that are made on our behalf as union members.

You see, it is a federal law that the money we pay as dues cannot be used by the union for political contributions or activities. Therefore, without members who agree to voluntarily contribute to our C.O.P.E. fund; our union wouldn’t have the funds needed to battle back against changes to existing laws or new legislation that would work against us as labor union members.

Politician’s involvement in labor issues has not always been in our best interests. On August 3, 1981 when the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) were forced to strike against the Federal Aviation Administration due to deplorable working conditions, President Ronald Reagan stepped in and fired over 11,000 controllers, threw hundreds in jail, and banned all PATCO members from obtaining work as air traffic controllers for life. In October 1981 in a final act of disgust toward organized labor worldwide, Reagan decertified PATCO and forced the union to file for bankruptcy one year later, effectively ending the union’s ability to protect the workers, and allowing the employers to do anything that they chose without fear of possible legal repercussions. These are facts that we need to always remember and constantly keep in mind that what we have can be taken from us if we don’t elect those officials who have our interests in mind.

Think of all of those issues that are important to you. From the Employee Free Choice Act, to a public option on health insurance, or even education, or the Iraq war.

How do we, as union members, obtain greater political influence to move our causes forward? We volunteer to contribute to SEIU C.O.P.E. For as little as a $1.00 contribution per pay period ($26 a year), we can make a huge difference. I know it doesn’t sound like much, but combined with all of the other SEIU members; we can combine to make a very powerful economic force that will make the politicians take notice of our voice.

When you join C.O.P.E., you don’t have to run out and start campaigning or even become interested in politics at all. Just realize that the money you are contributing is going to issues that as a labor union member will hopefully make all of our lives better.