Right to an opinion applies to everyone

I’m a bit baffled by Mr. Hancock’s letter regarding a labor unions political endorsement. On one hand, he comments how lucky we are to live in a country where we voice our opinion but says it is a conflict of interest to allow labor unions and other public employees and public servants to open support a candidate.

Yes, it is true that many of these employees’ wages are paid by taxpayers. However, once the paycheck is cut, it is theirs to do with as they want, just like any other wage earner in America. If they want to pay labor union dues or make contributions to a candidate’s campaign, it is their right to do so. If a labor union decides through a majority vote of its members to publicly support a candidate, they are also within their right.

What right is it, you ask? It’s the same guarantee that ensured Mr. Hancock could write a letter voicing his opinion — the First Amendment.

JAKE HILTON

Sagle