“The judiciary … has no influence over either the sword or the purse; no direction either of the strength or of the wealth of the society; and can take no active resolution whatever. It may truly be said to have neither FORCE nor WILL, but merely judgment; and must ultimately depend upon the aid of the executive arm even for the efficacy of its judgments.” – Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 78
With a stroke of the keyboard today, the U.S. Supreme Court injected itself squarely into the political realm, eroded federalism, adopted a novel theory of the First Amendment, and squandered its legitimacy by prioritizing the dreams of well-funded billionaires over millions of working people.
In recent years, working people have too often learned that the political branches of the state and the federal government are not dependable sources of goodwill and fairness. Today provides us with evidence that we cannot even rely on the Supreme Court’s ability to serve as a safeguard against those well-funded interests that seek to exploit workers in order to further fill their coffers.
We can only depend upon each other, our unions, and the strength of our solidarity.
APSCUF existed before fair share, and APSCUF will thrive in the future. Our members make us who we are, and together we know we will continue to be a force with which to be reckoned. We will not rely on others to protect us; we will stand up for ourselves more now than ever before.
I am APSCUF proud.
—APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash