In what figures to be a battle royale if it happens, MOB Mayor King Banaian has challenged State DFL Party Chairman Brian Melendez to debate him on the Employees Freedom of Choice Act or EFCA. Here's the official letter sent by our Mayor to Chairman Melendez:
Dear Mr. Melendez-
The 2008 election season is set to be a defining moment in American labor history.
The Employee Free Choice Act, which the labor union movement has put at the forefront of its 2008 political agenda, has far-reaching implications for America's workforce. The economic, social and political ramifications will be felt for generations to come.
Our organization feels passionately about the negative impact that this legislation would have on the American economy and individual rights. And it is clear from your criticism of our advertising and your defense of card-check unionization that you feel equally passionate in your position.
Thus, in the great history of American political discourse, I would like to challenge you to debate the Employee Free Choice Act and its impact on the American workforce.
I believe that a debate would provide an ample opportunity to better understand the issue, and would provide a forum to determine which side is telling the truth about how this legislation will impact working Minnesotans. The discourse created by the debate gives "card-check" the attention and media focus it rightly deserves.
We propose that a 1-2 hour debate take place at the historic State Office Building in St. Paul this August. Our office will work out any further details with you and I hope that we can agree on terms in a timely fashion.
King Banaian
Chairman of the Minnesotans for Employee Freedom Steering Committee
If I wasn't such a fiscal conservative (that's cheap in plain English), I'd pay to see that matchup. Let's hope that Chairman Melendez says yes to this opportunity.
