Unions: I need an intellegent discussion on their validity

[smoothmoniker]

It pisses me off to no end every time I have to write a check to the AMF union to work. Not only do they take an anual dues check from me, they also take a percentage of "work dues" from every gig I land. What do I get in return? A monthly magazine that's more of a political action rag than anything beneficial (vote for this candidate, not this candidate, all of which I disagree with).

Back when bosses were beating employees to death, filling coal mines with children, and forcing people to work 90 hour work weeks, I can see how unions had a legit purpose. These days, they seem geared toward accumulating their own politicla power and protecting the incompetent employees from any sort of responsibility.

-ml