Do unions go beyond politics for themselves?

[BattleOutWest]

Have had an interesting online discussion on another board where union understanding ranks way below that of who got voted off last on Survivor.

Anyways, some people tend to think that unions only think of themselves. And these same folk don't see the difference between union support of political candidates, say, and the Indian gaming industry (most usually supporting an opposing candidate).

Thoughts?

At first blush, I see unions endorsing more than candidates. They definitely have an interest in today's issues -- be it national or local. You've got unions against the war; unions for fair wages and working conditions; unions for better healthcare for all. What else?

Am I mistaken to believe that the Indian gaming industry does not really support these issues? Or is that the wrong approach?

You look at the Indian gaming influence on candidates -- just in this election alone -- and you see candidates who've run afoul of ethics issues and being involved with that scum lobbyist Jack Abramoff. These politicians take "a little on the side" in order to help promote the Indian gaming interests in their jurisdiction. I don't think those sort of payoffs happen with unions (for the most part, if at all).

Sure unions will lobby for a variety of issues that affect more than themselves. But they'll do so in a way that is unmistakably up front. Can't seem to say that of Indian gaming.