The courage of the Egyptian people has not only inspired others in the Middle East to demand a transition to democracy, it has also inspired Americans to insist on democracy – here in America. In an electoral system controlled by business, trade associations and special interests, the our elected officials often do not stand for the best interests of the people they claim to represent.

As demonstrators pour into the streets of Madison, Wisconsin to protest Republican Governor Scott Walker’s anti-union plan to address the state’s $137 million budget shortfall, it’s clear that at long last there is visible restraint to plans that continue the staggering transfer of wealth from the middle class to the wealthiest Americans.

“Walker’s proposal would limit the collective bargaining power of many state and local employees, and roughly double their health care premiums. It would also give public union members the right not to pay their dues, deflating the groups’ coffers,” noted Mother Jones.

“Walker has upped the ante by threatening to bring in the National Guard if public workers decide to walk off the job or if their protests disrupt services around the state. Labor activists responded by saying that Walker could ignite a “class war.”

Now, some are comparing Walker to former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, who tried to cling to power while protests roiled his country,” reported AOL News.

After the success of the Citizen’s United decision, organized labor is seen by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and many corporate CEOs as the last line of resistance against the wholesale takeover of government by corporations.

What’s happening in Wisconsin is yet another attempt to destroy the most important countervailing force in America to restrain the influence of traditional business interests. One wonders with corporate profits at a 60-year high why they don’t already have enough.

The labor movement still plays a critical role in promoting workplace fairness standards. Without the influence of the labor movement, workers everywhere will lose some degree of bargaining power with their employer.

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