VIDEOS: Union Intimidation, Vandalism At Michigan Capitol Over Right-to-Work

Michigan Capitol Confidential ^ | 12/11/2012 | Manny Lopez

[MichCapCon]

LANSING — UAW members in neon green vests patrolled crowds inside and outside the state Capitol here, but it didn't stop violence and vandalism.

"No, we don't want anyone fighting," a union member in a green vest shouted to a group of angry protestors approaching a small group of right-to-work supporters gathered on the steps of the Capitol. "Everyone stay cool."

His plea went unanswered as about eight men wearing hats and coats with the logos of the UAW, Sheet Metal workers, Steelworkers, and other unions, pushed onto a platform on the stairs and shoved people back about three feet. The surge lasted for a few minutes and was one of a couple of such pushes that occured on Thursday.

Union members from Michigan and nearby states were protesting Gov. Rick Snyder's decision to push for right-to-work legislation that lets workers decide if they want to pay to be represented by a union.

The brief episodes of violence on the stairs began after Scott Hagerstrom, the state director of Americans For Prosperity, turned on a recording of speeches from Ronald Reagan.

Americans For Prosperity was one of two groups that had tents on the Capitol lawn and set up a podium and speaker system on the stairs. AFP's setup was later deluged by union members who pointed fingers and chanted at right-to-work supporters before physically pushing them.

[FrankR]

[cripplecreek]

The unions are still pretty quiet after this.

If anyone wants to be added to the Michigan Cap Con ping list, let me know.

[Tilted Irish Kilt]

cripplecreek ~: “The unions are still pretty quiet after this. “

That’s because they got caught on video !

[Dr. Sivana]

The unions are still pretty quiet after this.

They tried much worse in Wisconsin after passage, and it backfired on them. A number of folks who weren't all that keen on Walker were disgusted at the unions' behaviour.

This will play out in the courts and in the 2014 elections, the way it ought to.

Snyder also knew he'd get a serious primary challenger if he didn't play ball. He chose well.

Congrats, MI, on doing what had been thought unthinkable only a short while ago, and for getting the whole nine yards.

[cripplecreek]

One thing no one is talking about is the surprising amount of support for RTW from rank and file members. I estimated 30 to 40 percent and this poll seems to back it up.

That's what happens when you have a conscripted workforce, they begin to work against you from within.

Mitchell poll: Michigan voters favor right-to-work, 51-41

- By union household: A strong majority (56 percent) of non-union households support right-to-work. Support among union households is only at 40 percent.

[willowdean]

Fathom if this was the Tea Party assaulting people and destroying property of others. Do you think the police and indeed the Justice Department would just avert their gaze?
This is like the Nazi party in 38. We better fight back or we will soon be destroyed by this bunch of hate filled goons..The videos and testimonies are shocking. I had to turn it off with my grand kids in the room. What is happening to law enforcement?

[AtlasStalled]

I haven’t read anything yet about any arrests, and yet I’ve seen some pretty violent activity in some videos. Isn’t assault & battery a crime in Michigan? Where are the cops? Where are the prosecutors? Do we live under the rule of law or by mob rule?

[cripplecreek]

Where are the cops? Where are the prosecutors?

Someone has to file an actual complaint which it doesn't appear has happened at this point.

[vetvetdoug]

You weren't around when the union thugs beat up a Freeper and his sister in Philadelphia. The beating was clearly on video and the Mayor of Philadelphia, the Democrat backing judges, and the Police ignored the evidence and ruled against the Freepers that were beat. It was a clear case of dishonest politics and police work but because the unions were involved justice was raped. I don't see any difference or expect any different outcome with this case either.

[SMARTY]

NO politician in America should EVER again openly support or accept the endorsement of ANY union or union member who has has conducted themselves in the way these people have.

Unless or until untions and union members see that NO politician will ever again openly associate with them, this will continue and grow worse.

[cripplecreek]

The victims have to file charges and it doesn’t appear that anyone has done so yet.

Maybe you should ask the victims why they haven’t done so.

[fatnotlazy]

A good friend of mine belongs to a union — not by choice. When he started, his employer was non-union, but a few years ago, the employees unionized. He would have gone elsewhere, but he had a lot of years in and figured he would just stick it out. He was expecting to retire in 2 years, but thanks to the union, his employer might fold before then. He is bitter and angry that the union may have mucked up his retirement plans.

Yes, he very much supports Right to Work. I doubt he’s the only one. Of course, he has to be careful to whom he expresses his opinions. The union might not take too kindly if it found out.

[cripplecreek]

There have been a couple of arrests for assault in the past week at a parts plant in Saline Michigan. A friend down that way says they’ve been from fights between union members over RTW.

[oldtimer]

...WHO IS JOHN GALT?...

[Logical me]

This is not going to stop until a few of these thugs are violently taken out regardless of the law. We are so screwed. The violence is already here and has been for a long time.

[penelopesire]

Daily caller just tweeted a bit ago that AFP are going to hold presser in Michigan and press assault charges.

So glad!

[ex91B10]

The state could look at it like a organized crime thing and file charges itself I would think. Possible?

Impeach the kenyan or secession.

[cripplecreek]

Looks like AFP has filed a formal complaint today.

Right to Work supporters say their 1st Amendment rights were violated