Never belonged to a Union but understand that they accomplished much good in an earlier time. As the Book of Ecclesiastes notes "there is a time and a season for all things."

Still one can't help but wonder why, if Unions are so great, members must be coerced to join.

I joined a health insurance plan 50 years before the government forced me to and I would still be paying a premium without the Federal mandate because I see definite benefits that make the cost worthwhile.

Last July, Gary Casteel, the Southern region director for the United Auto Workers, explained: "This is something I've never understood, that people think right to work hurts unions. To me, it helps them. You don't have to belong if you don't want to... and if you don't think the system's earning its keep, then you don't have to pay."

Stripped down to basics, Mr. Casteel feels that Right to Work Laws force Unions to work to earn their memberships.

Seems like a lot of working folk no longer see sufficient benefits to offset the negatives of Union membership. Recent polls show that 71 percent vs. 22 percent of citizens agree. --Jon Halsey