Chapter 8

1.     From figure 8.1 in the text, select one of the interest groups and do some research on their issues and beliefs.

I chose to research HERE. This stands for Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union.

What did you learn?

This union was formed in 1891. I found that they have worked to help organize hundreds of thousands of low-wage workers. Many of the people that work in this field are African-Americans, Latino and Asian immigrants. The majority of these employees are female and they work in hotels, casinos, industrial laundries, institutional cafeterias, airport concessions, and apparel manufacturing, distribution, and retail facilities.

What did you find interesting?

Many of the jobs that they support have always been low paying labor jobs. With the support of the union, wages have definitely increased and so have conditions. Many of these people, particularly women would not be able to work at any other job. This type of employment is very hard work and they deserve to be compensated for it.

Do you agree/disagree with their positions on issues?

I definitely agree with what they stand for. They are very important issues.

Why?

I agree with the issues because they battles for workers’ rights, immigration reform, living wages, and quality jobs for all members of the industry.

2.     Find an interest group with which you associate (positively). What is the name of the group and what do you find persuasive about their position on issues?

I chose the IAFF, International Association of Firefighters. My father is a retired captain in the fire department. I remember growing up how low his pay was and how dangerous his job duties were. In his career he was injured on more than one occasion. This union was formed in 1903 and from the beginning they have fought for better wages, improved safety for firefighters, and to better serve their communities. They are one of the most active lobbying organizations in Washington and, FIREPAC is among the top 25 PACS in the country. They strive to promote as safe and healthy a working environment for fire fighters as is possible through modern technology, to promote the establishment of just and reasonable working conditions, to encourage the formation of sick and death benefit funds, and they promote the research and treatment of burns and other related health problems common to fire fighters. All of these are very important issues.

3.     Do interest groups have enough/too much/the right amount of power in the political system?

There are times when I feel they have way too much power. However, I do feel that they serve a very important purpose.

Most believe it's a fine-line balance between freedom of speech for the groups and keeping unfair persuasion out of government. Where is that line and when is it crossed?

I think crossing the line would be when our legislators can be bought off by what these groups can provide for them

 

Posted on Robert Cook, David Smith and Lisa Bryson