SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES

Dori: Supreme Court’s union decision is monumental for workers

Jun 27, 2018, 4:21 PM

supreme court...

Supreme Court justices June 1, 2017, seated, from left are, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, Chief Justice John Roberts, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, and Associate Justice Stephen Breyer. Standing, from left are, Associate Justice Elena Kagan, Associate Justice Samuel Alito Jr., Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

There was big news Wednesday coming from the United States Supreme Court.

First off, the court voted 5-4 that public sector employees no longer have to pay union dues. If you are paying dues and you don’t like your union’s politics — you don’t like seeing the money that they forcibly take from you — you do not have to pay union dues. You can voluntarily withdraw.

The unions are purely political operatives. They are very far to the left. Some people don’t want their hard-earned money going to what is essentially a political action committee. They’ve been forced to give their money to political causes they disagree with. But this morning, the U.S. Supreme Court said that it is unconstitutional to force you to pay union dues if you are a government employee.

Of course, there is likely going to be tremendous pressure and intimidation on people who choose to opt out of paying union dues. That will be really interesting to watch.

RELATED: Justice Kennedy retiring, Trump gets second SCOTUS pick

And then, in even bigger news, 81-year-old Justice Anthony Kennedy announced he is retiring from the U.S. Supreme Court. The new search for a Supreme Court justice is going to be the bloodiest fight in Washington, D.C.’s history. Can you imagine what those hearings are going to sound like?

Trump has vowed that he will put constitutional justices on the court who will abide by the Constitution, who will make every decision based on the Constitution. For me, this is one of the most important reasons why we should vote for president. It is rather extraordinary Trump has already got two Supreme Court nominees and he may have another — Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 85 and must be thinking about retiring.

After all, I am living proof that the human mind starts to fail at age 56. We need age limits.

This image provided by Barbara Weigand shows Weingand, Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, in North Canton, Ohio...

Associated Press

Rising health costs and coverage changes are big concerns for older adults as Election Day nears

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barbara Weigand could not have prepared more for retirement. She stayed healthy and saved diligently for years. This year, though, a shoulder surgery and a bladder cancer diagnosis have really tested her finances. She recently withdrew $4,000 from her retirement account to cover medical expenses associated with her cancer treatment. “On my […]

1 hour ago

This photo provided by NASA shows an overhead crane raising the Swift spacecraft, wrapped in a prot...

Associated Press

NASA telescope is on the verge of plunging back to Earth after failed rescue mission

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — An aging NASA telescope is barely clinging to space after a failed rescue effort left it tottering lower and lower. The U.S. Space Force predicts the Swift Observatory will come crashing down on or around Friday. Most of the 1 ½-ton telescope is expected to burn up in the atmosphere. […]

2 hours ago

Seattle Police Car...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘We are not going to become fully staffed likely in our lifetime’: Rantz warns Seattle police shortage is worsening

Seattle’s police staffing shortage is getting worse, Jason Rantz, warned recruiting challenges and the city’s reputation could impact staffing goals.

2 hours ago

‘Getting sick should not financially ruin you’: Gee backs starting with primary care for everyo...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘Getting sick should not financially ruin you’: Gee backs starting with primary care for everyone in WA

Gee Scott WA’s debate over universal health care should begin with a principle people can agree on, even if they disagree about how to pay for it. “

2 hours ago

‘We don't have a revenue problem’: Matt McIlwain urges Washington voters to repeal income tax...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘We don’t have a revenue problem’: Seattle venture capitalist urges voters to repeal WA’s income tax

Matt McIlwain, the a director of Madrona, argued Washington needs to rein in spending rather than impose an income tax.

2 hours ago

Chase Sapphire Lounge coming to SEA airport under $70M project...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Chase Sapphire Lounge coming to SEA airport under $70M project

New upgrades at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are giving Chase Bank cardholders even more reasons to arrive early for their flights.

2 hours ago

Dori: Supreme Court’s union decision is monumental for workers