IDAHO: Careful what you wish for
I moved to North Idaho in 1979 after being discharged from military duty. Almost immediately loved the climate, both politically and environmentally. It was summer!
So I used the GI Bill, went to school, learned a trade and entered the job market. Times were tough, much like today. Gas prices were high, wages were low and jobs were few and far between, much like today!
In the early ‘80s, taking advantage of poor overall economic conditions a wealthy out-of-state organization spent millions overwhelming Idahoans with propaganda much like today!
Many of Idaho's voters were fooled into voting for the "Right to Work Law." The wealthy out-of-staters sold this law as necessary for economic recovery and good for worker. The right to work law passed and in many cases wage and benefit cuts ensued.
After a few years of record profits many of the mills were shut down and/or sold off. Hundreds of decent paying jobs with benefits for Idaho working families were gone! The portion of the working class that bought into the propaganda were left wondering, so how was supposed to be good for me?
Along with many of the locals I was forced to leave the area in order to survive, and I'm talking about eating! Once after waiting in line for a food stamps application I became disgusted and left the line embarrassed but that just wasn't me.
Returning to Idaho within six months with a don't give up attitude I was able to survive as a contractor. This meant owning a pickup with a level in the gun rack, or working for another contractor who had a pickup with a level in the gun rack! Almost no one had workman's comp, licenses or took any safety measures. I spent years living "under the table." I was young and healthy with no kids. Who needs medical benefits? Not having a real job wasn't so bad, paid very few taxes, that's a good thing right?
Now, having been a proud active member of the carpenters local 220 or 1691 for the past 24 years my family and I really enjoy living in North Idaho as well as traveling and exploring almost all of Idaho. It really is a special place!
Although the past 24 years have included some though times I've always felt like a productive member of this community. I want to be able to spend money here, but if I can't make money in this community, well think about it!
The logic in attacking the working men and women of this community (union members) who mostly are insured and make a livable wage makes NO SENSE AT ALL!
This whole smoke screen being blown at us by wealthy out-of-staters can be seen through if we look.
Make no mistake, this is an attack on all workers in Idaho as well as our entire nation. The smell of that smoke screen is very familiar!
As working Idahoans we must be forever vigilant. We cannot let them shove this union busting legislation down our throats. This issue is clearly a political one and not a budget issue.
March 2011, Coeur d'Alene lost its carpenters local 1691. I'm currently unemployed and medical benefits have expired but I still have my don't give up attitude!
Idahoans, be careful what you wish for.
GLEN WESSEL
Coeur d'Alene