Staff Reports
Oh boy, folks, you won’t believe the ironies and drama unfolding in the world of progressive politics. The National Education Association (NEA), that supposed beacon of progressivism, is facing a rebellion from its own ranks. It’s like watching a reality TV show where the heroes turn on each other, but with more ideological hypocrisy!
When Wokeness Implodes: An Irony-Steeped Showdown in Florida, Echoes of Janus v. AFSCME, and a Fresh Start for Florida's Public Employees https://t.co/VjOjFFWNNJ
— RedState (@RedState) June 29, 2023
So, what sparked this clash within the ranks of the NEA? Well, the Saint Paul Federation of Educators (SPFE), another progressive teachers’ union, has declared a boycott of the NEA’s Representative Assembly in Orlando, Florida. And why? It’s all because the NAACP issued a travel advisory warning about Florida’s apparent hostility towards African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Who knew progressives could be so divided?
Now, this showdown couldn’t have come at a better time, as it coincides with the fifth anniversary of the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision. That ruling was a huge blow to unions, giving public employees the right to choose whether or not to join and pay dues. And guess what? Since then, the NEA has lost over 200,000 members, while the Freedom Foundation has helped 143,000 government employees opt out of their unions. It’s like watching a sinking ship while the lifeboats sail away.
But hold on, folks, because Florida has its own act in this political theater. They recently passed SB 256, a law that aims to protect and expand the rights of public employees. Finally, some good news for hard-working government workers! This law bans payroll dues deduction, giving employees more control over their money. It also requires unions to inform employees that membership is voluntary, and they can’t be discriminated against for turning it down. Plus, there are audits and financial transparency requirements to make sure unions are spending members’ dues wisely. It’s about time someone kept an eye on these union bosses.
When you step back and look at the bigger picture, it becomes clear that this fight against ideological excess and radical teachers’ unions is about more than just politics. It’s about protecting the rights of public employees and ensuring our children get a quality education. “Wokeness” may sound nice, but it’s causing more harm than good, creating division where there should be unity. Abraham Lincoln said it best: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” So, let’s stand united against the forces that seek to divide us and fight for a better future.
Matthew Hayward, national outreach director at the Freedom Foundation, knows what he’s talking about. He sees the progress we’ve made in empowering individuals over unions, and SB 256 is just another step in the right direction. It’s time to put the power back in the hands of workers and move away from the ideological battlegrounds. Let’s focus on dialogue and understanding, because that’s how we’ll truly make America great again.
