Tabatha Hale assaulted by union thug.
Several days ago Obama, in an unprecedented move threw the weight of the Administration behind the unions against the states. Calling out his astroturf group, Organizing for America to help mobilize unions in Wisconsin and other states, he accused Governor Scott Walker of “Assaulting” unions. This is apparently his idea of toning down the rhetoric.
As a follow up Rep. Mike Capuano (D-Ma.) told a rally, “I’m proud to be here with people who understand that it’s more than just sending an email to get you going. Every once and awhile you need to get out on the streets and get a little bloody when necessary.”
One result was that a rowdy group descended on the offices of Freedom Works for a demonstration in which Tabatha Hale, the Media Coordinator for FW was assaulted while filming:
This Administration has to learn, “If you lie down with dogs you will get fleas.”
Her account is here:
Basically, it’s ridiculous. I’m a 5’1 female in a dress, and he was standing up on a garden wall above me in the courtyard. He hardly felt threatened. I was stunned, because generally protesters are there to, you know, get their message out. They don’t normally shy away from the camera.
I’m very much okay, and very appreciative of the support from my fellow bloggers and activists today. I am, however, shaken up by the level of sheer hatred I experienced today. The look of fury on his face in the close up is appalling. I had not exchanged a word with him. He didn’t know who I was. He didn’t even know my name, what I do. He had probably surmised that I was with FreedomWorks and that was enough.
This just can’t be tolerated anymore. It’s one thing to be called a violent teabagger. It’s another to be called a violent teabagger while you’re being assaulted. They’ve been comparing themselves to the Egyptians ousting Mubarak. Looks like they’re not too far off, given that they share the tendency to assault women with cameras.
In addition, it’s disgusting to me that the first response I received from the Left was rationalization. “You were too close, respect personal space” and “well he obviously didn’t want to be filmed!” – essentially, it’s the “her skirt was too short” defense. No one deserves to be hit. The concern from a bystander was that “You’ll get on the news, stop it!” Unfortunately for him, he did not know who he was dealing with. I will ensure that this happens.
Odd journey unionism has had, isn't it? From Tolpuddle Martyrs to tame muscle for authoritarian politicians. I wonder what the early unionists would have said.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately they seem to be very good at gathering people who are normally quite responsible and getting them to subvert it to the pack mentality.
ReplyDeleteThere is a book on the subject called (from memory,) Herd instinct and the madness of crowds.
I recall my dad being a member of the United Auto Workers some 30 odd years ago now. Even back then, the actual union members being "protected" by the union didn't have much say in matters. They were more than happy with their pay and benefit package and had no desire to strike, but the union leadership would tell the members STFU you ARE going on strike for more money because WE say so.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't seem to matter how legitimate or good the cause may be (or seem to be) in the beginning...unions in the 1800's, the civil rights movements, the NRA, government agencies here to "help" us, even some churches...once large amounts of money and power come into play Lord Acton's proverb kicks in with a vengeance. The very cause and reason for the whole organization becomes lost as it inevitably morphs into some unGodly greedy power-mad behemoth the original creators would not even recognize.
I assume you guys also have the old saying, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."
Yes we do have that expression.
ReplyDeleteUnions are pretty much the same over here as over there. I recall my father talking of a useless bastard who got sacked during the depression from a job where they were cutting up big blocks whose leases had expired for closer settlement, building roads etc out in the remote areas.
The AWU came in and told him to refuse the train ticket and fight it. They then caved in with the result that the workers had to take the hat around to get him home.
After the war he went into dairying and an organisation was formed to 'speak for dairymen' which he thought was a good idea. An old great uncle warned him that sooner or later a segment of the industry would get control and use it against the rest.
The QDO did more to put farmers out of the industry than droughts, floods, fires, and the government combined.
I was involved in a fight with the Australian Workers Union back in the 80s, interestingly it was us drillers fighting them rather than the company who they seemed to leave alone.
There have been a number of instances in the past where guys have left bloody good jobs in the coal industry because they were spending more time on strike than working and it was better to take a job at home on lower pay. There is not so much of it these days.
Churches are a bugbear of mine as I have come to consider the Bible to be a great guide for getting along rationally in a free society. It even warns against kings which can be taken now as governments: "This is what your king shall do unto you," followed by a litany of misdeeds that have become all too familiar to us in the modern era.
I feel that it underestimates ravenousness of the state, but it was written a long time ago.
In most now the message is an authoritarian one.