Posted by JM Ashby
Protests in opposition to the all-too-predictable, anti-middle class, and anti-America Republican agenda are springing up all across the Midwest and now democratic lawmakers in Indiana have left the capitol to block more anti-union legislation from being jammed through. It looks as though they are taking a page out of the Wisconsin democratic playbook. I like it.
Republicans arrived at the statehouse Tuesday morning to find no Democrats present, as protesters applauding the walkout could be heard inside the chamber.
The strategy is possible because Republicans make up 60 of 100 House seats. Without any Democrats present, Republicans lack a two-thirds majority needed for a quorum to act on the bill.
Republicans are saying that the American people deserve an "up or down vote." Funny isn't it? -- that we deserve an up or down vote on union-busting, but not an up or down vote on healthcare or an up or down vote on virtually any major legislation that has been passed in the last two years.
The proposed legislation in Indiana would eliminate union dues and representation fees, effectively killing the unions.
Update -- Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana is backing down