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The Spectacle Blog
I like Fox News, which aims to be fair and balanced. But even Fox isn’t immune to the biases of the legacy media and the left-wing blogosphere. Tonight, for instance, on the “Fox Report,” Shepard Smith declared:
New outrage in Wisconsin after a three-week standoff and huge protests at the state capital. The governor there, Scott Walker, is about to sign a bill that ends most collective bargaining rights for most state workers.
The Republicans…took the spending measures out of the bill and passed just the portion limiting union rights…
Now, Smith aimed to be fair, I’m sure. Still, Smith’s
description of Walker’s modest reform proposal was laden with
“rights” talk that is inherently biased against reform, against
Walker and against the GOP.
Why, for instance, did Smith say the Wisconsin reform “limit[ed]
union rights?” That’s what the public employees unions say, but
that’s not what Walker and Wisconsin GOP legislators think. As they
see it, their reform simply limits union “power” and “privileges,”
not rights.
I happen to believe that Walker and the Wisconsin GOP are correct. There is no constitutional “right,” after all, to collective bargaining by public-sector employees.
Federal workers, for instance, don’t have the “right” to collectively bargain for wages and benefits. And “only 26 states have laws like Wisconsin’s granting collective bargaining rights [sic] to most public workers,” reports the Manhattan Institute’s Josh Barro.
Twelve states, Barro notes, “have no public-sector collective bargaining law” whatsoever.
I don’t mean to pick on Smith and Fox, because they are not alone: Most reporters at most media outlets, sad to say, have repeated union spin about collective bargaining “rights.”
But in any democracy — and especially the United States — “rights” are sacrosanct. They cannot be denied.
That’s why anyone with even an ounce of political sense tries to attach the “rights” label to his cause. Because by doing so, you give yourself a distinct political advantage in both the court of public opinion and the legislative process.
Instead of calling it a right or a privilege, reporters should simply call it what it is, “collective bargaining,” and let readers and viewers decide for themselves whether it is a “right.”
View all comments (43) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by John R. Guardiano
http://spectator.org/blog/2011/03/10/collective-bargaining-rights
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Michael L. Hauschild| 3.10.11 @ 10:38PM
Your first mistake was listening to Sheppard Smith. No one yet has been able to explain to me how "fair and balanced" is acheived unless you are talking about "smarmy and professional."
Occam's Tool| 3.11.11 @ 10:12AM
He is a bit of a Smarm Empire, isn't he, Michael?
Spicy Joker| 3.10.11 @ 10:50PM
Collective bargaining isn't a natural right, like the right to self-defense, but it's a statutory right.
John Guardiano | 3.10.11 @ 11:06PM
It's a statutory right in certain states, but not others.
Also, we should distinguish, I think, between collective bargaining in the public- and private-sectors.
In the private-sector, there is genuine bargaining and negotiation based on the competitive mechanisms of the market. Not so, though, in the public sector, which is almost always a monopoly.
Moreover, in the public sector, state officials are negotiating with public employees unions who support them financially. So there is a real conflict of interest. (The state officials obviously seek to reward their union campaign supporters with better pay and benefits.)
Which is why FDR opposed collective bargaining privileges for public-sector unions.
DRed| 3.11.11 @ 10:48AM
But it's correct to refer to a statutory right as a right. It's calling a spade a spade. Why did Shep say that governor Walker is eliminating union rights? Because that's what he's doing. It's fine if you support that, but don't call it what it is not.
LiveFreeOrDie| 3.11.11 @ 12:26PM
Not sure about that. A statute, by definition, is an enactment by a legislature. Sometimes referred to as laws but not every law is a "right" is it?
John Guardiano | 3.11.11 @ 6:15PM
Dred,
You make a fair point,which is well taken: In Wisconsin, there was a statutory right (or benefit) that is now being modestly scaled back.
But you're also being a little disingenuous (though not purposely so, I'm sure). A "right" is a politically loaded term that suggests something people are entitled to by dint of their humanity or citizenship.
Collective bargaining privileges or benefits for public-sector employees are simply are no such thing: They are doled out by the states in varying ways and are subject to legitimate democratic dispute and debate.
For these reasons, straight news reporters aiming to be fair and balanced should refrain, I think, from describing public-sector collective bargaining arrangements as either a right or a privilege. They should let readers and viewers decide that issue for themselves.
Regards,
John
Stevie D| 3.10.11 @ 11:36PM
The rest of Shep's segment was even more incoherent. He went on about how generations of the "middle class" have been able to get by in large part because of their collective bargaining "rights."
For someone who loves his Ole Miss Rebels, Shep is incredibly blind to the rest of the state. Like, say, the part that employs laborers in the auto manufacturing field. These shops, of course, are not unionized. Last check these workers still enjoy weekends, eight hour workdays, time and a half beyond eight hours, and all sorts of other "hallmarks" of the "middle class."
Why are these jobs available in Mississippi and not, say Detroit? I'll give you one guess, Shep.
jharp| 3.11.11 @ 12:22AM
"I like Fox News, which aims to be fair and balanced."
You sir, are a f*cking idiot.
And the other dumbasses here take you seriously?
God you people are stupid.
NoLib| 3.11.11 @ 2:54AM
You're the only commenter who uses foul language, which further cements your reputation as a useless troll.
Why take the time and effort to posit a coherent argument if you can just swear, right? You are beyond tedious, loser.
tonypal| 3.11.11 @ 8:19AM
That's all he's got, NoLib. But he is an excellent representative of the American left, which seems to think the nastier and louder you get, the more intelligent you sound.
God jharp is a shitty sperm donor.
David W| 3.11.11 @ 10:48AM
Please don't lower yourself to jharp's level. Keep it civil and let the jackwagons hang themselves with their own rope (oops, I forget, only lefties are able to use jackwagon and rope in the same sentence).
NoLib| 3.11.11 @ 4:55PM
Is it okay if we hand them the rope?
beebop| 3.11.11 @ 6:12AM
I guess the significance of "aims" missed its mark with you? I guess you prefer to imbibe from the MSM? And you're calling us stupid?
Clint| 3.11.11 @ 6:37AM
Allah you're a poopy face.
W| 3.11.11 @ 7:49AM
Another intelligent observation from a left wing kook.
Occam's Tool| 3.11.11 @ 10:15AM
You know, Jharp, swearing is like spice---too much and the meal is overpowered, you Terrorist Catamite.
You see, it is possible to insult, even foully insult, without using foul language. Work on it. The Folio Society will give you a free Compact OED/OED Thesaurus if you join.
LiveFreeOrDie| 3.11.11 @ 12:27PM
Troll alert, please do not feed.
AS please ban this filth!
mark | 3.13.11 @ 1:33PM
Jharp: What you've done is totally inappropriate. It also shows the level of your intellect, which is very low. Your level of understanding is what "they" say, which is "Fox is the enemy." You cannot think for yourself. If you had a clue about Fox, you would understand that Shephard Smith is a biased individual, usually having snarky and inappropriate comments toward Republican politicians. It is a problem for those of us that might watch the excellent Bret Bayer and leave the tv on and listen to the snarky and juvenile Smith.
simon templar| 3.11.11 @ 1:05AM
Yes, the headlines on many so-called conservative sites including Fox News web site were very misleading stating that union collective bargaining rights were eliminated. Most of the coverage actually sucked and was over the top sensational and emotional. Very little factual information about the specifics but a lot of dramatic film footage and rhetoric. If we are going to win this fight Walker and others need to get out there and explain to the public exactly what is being proposed and what is going on and do so if it takes two or three appearances a day on TV. People are generally economic illiterate and need to be educated. I should not have to spend 10 days reading 100 articles to find out that one of the proposals in this bill was allowing public sector union members the option to not pay union dues, for example. A key component that the union boss thugs vehemently objected to behind closed doors. Another thing that really pissed me off was the inability of the Republicans to articulate the difference between private sector unions and public sector unions. The state of journalism today is in the toilet..you can no longer expect any of them to get you the facts. Most people are left to figure out what the hell is going on for themselves or just have to rely on their instincts and experiences.
seriocomic222| 3.11.11 @ 7:36AM
Shep Smith would feel more at home at MSNBC co-hosting with Maddow.
If you're a political junkie like me, and you're not a lefty with his head up...well, never mind, you will notice one important thing when you check out tv news: Fox News will tell you stuff that's happening that the other networks bury.
Have you considered| 3.11.11 @ 7:51AM
I rarely watch TV news, but when I do, I typically watch Fox. Shep's Fox Report is reported to be a "news" broadcast, but I have noticed that Shep often uses words which characterize news in a left leaning way, like the use of the word "Outrage" above.
This preposition spins the statement to the left, and characterizes the action as "outrageous". I don't believe it is an outrage, I believe it to be a "sensible" and "moderate" action, and long overdue.
The One Who Runs Like a Duck| 3.11.11 @ 9:04AM
Win The Future, Jharp. If I would have known that the knuckle headed gay trolls would go back on the job when I got rid of DADT, I never would have done it. You catchers have the effect of raising the morale on this site and others. Our lies and distortions require at least average intelligence to spread and lets face it, you don't qualify. You need to vote for us, send us what little money you have and shut up. Leave the heavy lifting to intelligent folks like our NPR buddies. Lots of golf this weekend. We'll be closing Gitmo any day, baby. Rendition forever.
PineKnot| 3.11.11 @ 9:16AM
Shep Smith is not conservative, nor is he a worthy reporter. All one has to do is remember his coverage of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, where he erroneously reported murders and rapes occurring at the Superdome. These reports were subsequently shown to be false, and it is not known where the esteemed Shep got his information. He's not a conservative, and he's a poor reporter.
J Kelley| 3.11.11 @ 9:35AM
The left always claim a win even though they lose. The Republicans clearly won in November and on this vote. Yet the AP headline said the GOP set themself up for defeat with this vote. The AP reporter passed along the talking point of the Union Thugs. It is not a right to help elect the poeple whom you get your pay and benifits from.
Randy| 3.11.11 @ 9:35AM
There is no right to other people's money
Ellis Wyatt| 3.11.11 @ 9:40AM
Collective bargaining is a benefit not a right.
NoLib| 3.11.11 @ 4:51PM
Bingo!
All American American| 3.11.11 @ 9:59AM
Guardiano my dhimmi friend, we don't live in a "democracy," we live in a republic. At least that's how our country was founded.
Dude you cost me $20. I bet my buddy your next article was gonna address the "Mubarek thugs" burning churches in newly-democratic Egypt, or how burning churches is not "true islam" (even though they've been doing it for 1400 years).
Damn.
Occam's Tool| 3.11.11 @ 10:16AM
Hey, come up to the Twins sometime and I'll buy you a $20 hamburger, Triple A.
All American American| 3.11.11 @ 10:20AM
Thanks! :)
George S| 3.11.11 @ 11:48AM
Can't blame Shep for the bastardization of the English language. The word 'bargain' does not apply when one party makes a demand without offering a concession; there is no "right" to that. Collective demanding would have been a better phrase for ol' Shep to use.
RDiaz| 3.11.11 @ 12:18PM
Ha funny how everybody claims that fox is fair and balanced, then moment later complain that sheppard smith leans left. where is the center of this balance 80% to the right?
NoLib| 3.11.11 @ 4:53PM
Smith's job is to deliver hard news and he should be objective; he's not an opinion analyst like Beck or Hannity. Learn to discern.
Forced Membership| 3.11.11 @ 12:45PM
I have no problem with collective bargaining. I do have a problem with forcing employees to join an organization and pay dues as a condition of employment. How is forcing someone to do something they do not want to do a 'right'?
Bill| 3.11.11 @ 2:29PM
Hey, for the collectivists who are reading this: this incident is a perfect example of the truism that says what the government creates as a "right," the government can just as easily (or nearly as easily) take back.
NoLib| 3.11.11 @ 4:54PM
Good comment.
LookOutsideTheBox| 3.11.11 @ 5:23PM
The right to collectively bargain is recognized through international human rights conventions. Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights(1948) -- for which the US voted in favor -- identifies the ability to organize trade unions as a fundamental human right. Item 2(a) of the International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work defines the "freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining" as an essential right of workers. If you still posit that collective bargaining is not a (legal) "right" in the US, then I'd think that most would be hard-pressed to disagree. However, if you have any concern about human rights on a less provincial level, then I'd say pull your own head out and meet the rest of the world eye to eye.
John Guardiano | 3.11.11 @ 6:06PM
You're conflating and confusing issues. Again, there is a serious and fundamental difference between public- and private-sector unions.
Collective bargaining privileges in the private sector, where there is genuine market competition, is one thing. Collective bargaining in the public sector, where there is a union monopoly and a conflict of interest, is an entirely different matter.
True, workers should have the right to join or form a union. But they also should have the right not to join or form a union should they so choose.
This is important, because under Wisconsin's new union reform law, Wisconsinites no longer will be forced to join or subsidize a union. The decision will be theirs and theirs alone to make, without coercion or duress.
The bottom line: what's happened in Wisconsin is a win for taxpayers, a win for workers, and a win for workers' rights. And Gov. Walker is a political hero.
NoLib| 3.11.11 @ 6:28PM
The Wisconsin Republican legislators are very brave and inspiring, too. They've all received detailed, vicious death threats targeting them and their families. Dirtbag union thugs are scum of the earth.
T.J.| 8.18.11 @ 6:15PM
First, your claim that FoxNews "aims to be fair and balanced" is ludicrous. By almost any standard of measurement, its commentators are shamelessly partisan (not to mention often uneducated). Second, your analysis blurs the distinction between "natural" rights and "legal" rights. It is, of course, a matter of opinion whether workers have a "natural" right to collectively bargain. But the public workers of Wisconsin did in fact have legal rights to do so, and they were in fact revoked by Scott Walker.
On a side note, I'll add this list:
* South Carolina -- 50th
* North Carolina -- 49th
* Georgia -- 48th
* Texas -- 47th
* Virginia -- 44th
Guess what this is? The list of states -- without collective bargaining rights -- with the nation's lowest ACT/ SAT scores. Until Walker arrived, Wisconsin ranked second best in the nation. Welcome to the race to the bottom, brought to you by the republican right-wing!