Dennis L. Rousseau – 11/17/06

This page was last updated on November 20, 2006.

Labor lost a friend; Dennis L. Rousseau; Beaver County Times; November 17, 2006.

Though I did not critique his previous letters, this is at least the third “Veon is great” letter from Mr. Rousseau during the past year. In the first Rousseau letter I saw, he claimed to be “Council representative, Greater Pittsburgh Regional Council of Carpenters.”

Below is a detailed critique of the letter.

“I don’t know state Rep.-elect Jim Marshal [sic] or his views on organized labor.”

[RWC] “Organized labor” is unionspeak for labor union management. Less than 10% of private sector employees belong to unions, and a chunk of that less than 10% is forced to belong to a union because of closed shop laws.

“I did, however, send him a questionnaire on issues that affect the carpenters union but did not get a response. Hopefully, this is not an indication to what his views are toward organized labor.

“I do know state Rep. Mike Veon’s views toward organized labor and all working people in Pennsylvania. Organized labor has lost a great ally in our continued battle against the many legislators who have a proven track record in trying to cripple the working class in Pennsylvania.”

[RWC] Other than children, the retired, and the unable to work, aren’t we all “working people?” The use of “working people” by folks like Mr. Rousseau is just a lame attempt to pit one group (“working people”) against another.

“No one in either political party stood up for the rights of all working people as Veon did his entire career. Any time organized labor made gains, the lives of all workers improved.”

[RWC] Note Mr. Rousseau doesn’t even attempt to prove this assertion.

“No other legislator in the commonwealth fought harder for the middle class than Veon.”

[RWC] Even if it were true, why should a legislator fight for any so-called “class?” This is just more of the class warfare crap promoted by liberals and their labor union management familiars.

“Whenever there was an issue that affected organized labor, we expected him to stand tall and not waver an inch. He never did.”

[RWC] Translation: In return for a near monopoly on union management campaign contributions taken from union dues, when union management said, “Jump!”, Mr. Veon said “How High?”

“It is appalling the number of union members who voted against Veon. From minimum wage, which basically doesn’t affect organized labor, defending the prevailing wage to standing with the teachers and also out front with the nurses at The Medical Center, Beaver, he was there.”

[RWC] The minimum wage “basically doesn’t affect organized labor?” I’ll be kind and merely opine that Mr. Rousseau is attempting to deceive us. As soon as the minimum wage increases, labor union management starts crying that labor union members are no longer being compensated fairly. After all if a union member made $5/hour more than a minimum wage earner but now makes only $2/hour more, doesn’t the union member deserve a raise? I’m sure it’s only a coincidence that union dues collection also goes up with increased wages.

“Veon always stood with all working men and women. He will be sadly missed, and it won’t take long before the affects are felt.”

[RWC] Hmm, I worked before I retired and I believe it’s fair to say Mr. Veon didn’t stand with me.

“[I]t won’t take long before the affects are felt.” Translation: Mr. Veon’s replacement may not be in labor union management’s pocket.