Dear Editor,
I believe that AB5 (Assembly Bill 5 restricting the right to work independently) is one of the worst things that has happened to the State of Commufornia [California]. It has basically put millions of people out of work and in danger of becoming homeless. Even out-of-state businesses are refusing to hire these workers because they don’t want to suffer over-reaching governmental consequences.
The spirit of the law is not sound. This bill has nothing to do with caring about workers. It has to do with the unions wanting to gain more membership and power. It has to do with the beholding politicians who are basically supported by the unions through their huge amounts of donations and campaign support. It has to do with the State of Commufornia wanting to collect more and more tax money; the politicians will never have enough.
There is such a thing as a right to work.
The United States Declaration of Independence so states:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
“– That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
As for the Uber and Lyft workers, they have a right to unionize if they are unhappy. But to foist their unhappiness onto the millions of independent contractors who willingly provide music, art, news, hair cuts and a myriad of other services is thoughtless and undemocratic. It goes against the grain of everything this country stands for– the freedom to choose.
Commufornia is already experiencing an unprecedented exodus of priceless talent. Many various festivals, fairs, and art/music-oriented functions will likely fold. Normally law-abiding citizens may choose to break the law just to put food on their tables.
Please consider the far-reaching ramifications of this egregious, self-serving legislation. AB5 should be repealed post haste before irreparable damage lays before us.
Diana Lejins
Long Beach resident
AB5 disproportionately affects women, care-givers and seniors who are more likely to need flexible and reduced work hours. Not everyone wants a 40 hour/week job and we should be free to choose how we legally earn income. That’s what I call “liberty”!!
Pericles 400 bc wrote “just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.”
in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and California the politicians are controlling and ruining our livelihoods . we must be active and unify to fight back . join us at long beach reform coalition LBReformCoalition.org
Speaking of Governments lying. I urge all to read Smedley Butler’s, “War is a racket.” It’s not a book, just a short essay. (for those who have a short attention span.) Anyway, I have not been opposed to Philosopher-Kings, or any sort of Monarchical rule. Hereditary or Democracy? Napoleon said,”History is a lie agreed upon.” I know I’m rambling, but, I’m frustrated by the inferior (very inferior) Leaders we elect. Is anyone else surprised how quickly American’s fell into line? There is a lesson that the sheeple are easily controlled. And, those who protest are quickly crushed beneath the most brutal societal conformity. The people we should thank for their service are not Cops and Firemen, but, rather, those who refuse to wear masks and populate the beaches. I am very proud of the Police officials who refuse to enforce illegal contra-Constitutional Laws.
Joe Mack