The year 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in America. Perhaps it is fitting then that this same year is host to the onset of a great polarization in our nation, the likes of which may get to a point not been seen since the Vietnam War. This fiscal Civil War is between two distinct groups, and although the war is being fought with shouts and legislation, rather than the muskets of old, the end result of the war will have a huge impact upon our country.
Each group is distinct. On one side are public employees -- those who work for a particular local municipality, state, or some type of institution thereof. Many of these employees are unionized. Those sympathizing with this group include public union officials, private union officials, and Democrats.
On the other side, are private industry employees who are not unionized (about 93% of all private industry employees). Their sympathizers are Republicans. Battles between the groups are breaking out in a growing number of state capitals, Madison, Wisconsin being the most prominent, and are certain to migrate to Washington D.C. soon.
Make no mistake on the animosity between the two groups. Simply look at the tone seen in Wisconsin. Joe Taxpayer, who isn't a union worker, sees Mary Union Worker as someone awash with healthcare benefits, a virtually guaranteed job, and a secure, inflation-adjusted pension plan. Meanwhile, Joe Taxpayer faces near 10% unemployment, corporate layoffs and heavy expense reduction at his place of work, rising healthcare costs, and a retirement plan that is far from guaranteed. To add further insult, Joe Taxpayer is paying for the salary, benefits, and retirement plan of Mary Union Worker and many public union workers, and even worse, he's paying Mary's union dues.
It just doesn't measure up.
