I spent a fair amount of time this evening thinking about the Janus decision described below, and the retirement of Justice Kennedy. The Kennedy retirement will generate more heat, more panic and anger on the left.
On the other hand, I conclude in the long run the decision that government workers may voluntarily choose to give money to unions, but cannot be required to do so, will have the greater overall impact.
This isn't a conclusion I reach lightly.
Today, unionized government workers with their pooled political contributions essentially select their top bosses in the legislature. Legislators become the lapdogs of public employee unions, dependent upon them for campaign contributions and votes.
This incestuous relationship means public employee salaries and benefits are generally greater than those in the private sector. Instead of acting in the public interest, legislatures act in the public employees' interest. The Janus decision can begin to unravel this cozy mutual admiration society.
With public employees less powerful, Democrats will have to rely even more on the various identity groups they claim to champion. This should further turn off straight white Americans who will continue to be the largest group in the society for years to come.
Bottom line: Kennedy retirement more of a blow-up; Janus decision the basis for more long-term societal change.
