More than 20 years as a union member has not made me an automatic tea party hater. Even when told how to vote by the union establishment, I take the initiative to research the candidates and issues to make the best choices. Many tea party members are also union members with the ability to form their own opinions.

A little thinking, reading, listening and keeping an open mind has convinced me that the tea party folks have valid concerns and a responsibility to oppose more government spending, stop increases in taxes and return to constitutionally limited federal government -- three fundamental ideals. These are basic demands that nearly anyone who has a knowledge of history should be able to support. The union stance seems to be to challenge the tea party as an opposition to blame.

After watching the unions team up with communist groups opposing others, I have lost faith in the union leadership to speak in my best interest. Their interests have outgrown watching out for their workers into a power grab of bad intent funded by faithful workers. Unions should stick to fighting for wages and benefits, opposing the wealthy and powerful owners and keep out of the political agendas and promotion of socialism.

Dale Thornton, West Richland