Clinton Against Prop. 226

Re “President Denounces Union Dues Initiative,” May 5: Thank heavens President Clinton took time out of his busy golfing and fund-raising schedule to teach us in California how to vote on campaign finance matters.

It is embarrassing that we are too dumb to think for ourselves and have to turn our responsibilities over to a person with major character defects.

Clinton is urging voters to turn their campaign activities over to the unions to let the union bosses effectively have their vote.

BOB WHITNEY

Monterey Park

* I was heartened, but, I confess, a little envious, when I read a flyer supporting what it called “paycheck protection,” Prop. 226. When I read the list of supporters, I was overjoyed to find that so many who had in the past so little interest in the well-being of workers now are so concerned in protecting their welfare.

At the same time, I confess, I was envious. I am retired. I no longer get a paycheck. But I was able to save a bit and invest, so I get some dividends. That’s why I think it only fair that there be dividend protection, too--a law to prohibit corporations from using funds for issue or political advertising without a signed agreement from each shareholder.

BILL STANTON

Garden Grove

* The union bosses oppose Prop. 226 because it forces them to answer to their members. They know that asking for their members’ permission before spending dues on politics will mean less money for union bosses to use the way they want.

I wonder, since 60% of union workers favor Prop. 226, would they have supported the massive anti-Prop. 226 ad campaign currently carpet-bombing California television sets if it had come to a vote? I think not. The time has come to end the Machiavellian political practices of the union bosses and pass Prop. 226.

CHRIS SPLENDINI

Los Angeles