Free Speech and Change Are Okay...For Some

In an article in Huffington Post, it is revealed that "progressives" have been "publicly and privately pressing Change.org to draw a line that refuses business from anti-union groups."  I wonder how they would feel if a restaurant refused a same sex couple, blacks, or Jews.


In the wake of the Scott Walker election, it is interesting to see the complaints people have about the other side voicing their opinion.


In this case, the Illinois chapter of Stand for Children authored the following resolution on change.org:

400,000 Chicago students could be locked out of Chicago classrooms because contract negotiations are starting to break down, causing a premature strike-authorization vote to occur before anyone knows what is in the contract proposal. We strongly call for all parties to bargain in good faith to reach a new agreement. Don’t hold our students hostage in a negotiation where they have no voice!

This resolution which came about because of a potential strike vote by the Chicago Teachers' Union is straight forward and it helps parents and the community understand strike votes are occurring before the contract is even being seen.  What is surprising is that progressives think they are entitled to control the debate.  They are the only folks at the table entitled to an opinion.  This of course, being the only way to win the debate, by gagging your opposition.


While change.org states "we believe in open dialogue" it is clearly not the case if a group can cause you to tape shut the mouths of the opposition.  So, the next time you see a petition from change.org ask yourself if you want to help a for profit entity that doesn't need your opinion, they will give it to you whether you like it or not.