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The John Adams Society

David W. Downing

Chairman

Sandy Nelson

Secretary

G. Larry Colson Jr.

Chief Whip

Marina Wolff

Chancellor

APRIL 2019

Location: Shamrocks Grill and Pub
Date: Third Wednesday of the Month, April 17th, 2019

"A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned."

- Thomas Jefferson

LABOR UNIONS OPENLY COMBAT increased productivity. They demand higher earnings and less work. If companies can't afford the wages, they are forced to lay off some workers. Labor unions act as monopolies, making it extremely difficult for anyone else to step in and do their jobs. Why does the "right" to collective bargaining trump the "right" of other workers to have a job? They seek licensing requirements, imposed by the government, for the purpose of holding down the supply of labor. The standard of living or "real" wages throughout an economic system does not rise from the side of higher incomes for a few fortunate ones, but from lower prices.

Education Minnesota is certainly not looking out for the best interest of the students or exceptional teachers. They strongly oppose anything that would create competition for public schools whether it be charter schools, vouchers, or tax credits. Union contracts make it impossible to reward excellent teachers or fire failing ones. Public-sector unions have a significant advantage over traditional unions. They are heavily involved in electioneering, insisting on laws that serve their interest. This is not good for the taxpayer! Even F.D.R. warned that collective bargaining is impossible with the government!

ON THE OTHER HAND, irrespective of any problems labor unions may have caused, they work! Over 50% of Minnesota Public sector employees enjoy the benefits of union membership. Since the 18th century, American working people have joined together in unions to exercise a voice in their own lives and futures, in a way that individuals cannot. Labor unions are what stand between the average wage earner and a life of subsistence wages, exhausting hours of work, hazardous working conditions, and employers driven by avarice.

THE CHAIRMAN, like an apothecary without sugar, in the meantime has called a debate to settle the topic:

RESOLVED: Unions are the enemy of the people!

The Debate will be held on April 17, 2019, at Shamrocks Grill & Pub, 995 7th Street W., St. Paul (West 7th near Randolph Ave.)

The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o’clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code, however gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encouraged to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to discourse on the resolution, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections.

In addition, the Chairman encourages all to join him as early as 6:30 pm for a bite to eat. Let us thank Shamrocks for the use of their room in the most sincere way possible -- by spending our money. God Bless Free Enterprise!

Questions regarding debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (651)485-1699 or the Secretary at (612)968-3493.