Objections & Answers to CAPE

More than 20% of SEIU members are Republicans. SEIU supports candidates based on their position on our issues, not their party affiliation. For example, if they support health insurance for all Americans, we can contribute to their campaign. In the 2004 presidential cycle, SEIU was the largest donor to the Republican Governors Association.

2.  I already pay too much in dues.

Dues are what we pay to maintain our contract at OSU. It's illegal to use dues in federal elections. To have our pro-worker, pro-health care voice heard in Salem and Washington, D.C., we have to make political contributions. This is what CAPE does.

The truth is, we can't afford not to contribute to CAPE. Corporate money and the narrow interests it serves has a huge impact on politics, government, and society. Unions can serve as an effective counter-balance to corporate power.

5. I hate politics. It doesn't make a difference. 

We all have reasons to be cynical about politics, but we can't sit on the sidelines. Decisions that affect us are made at the state capital and in Washington, D.C., every day. The drug and insurance companies are counting on you to stay on the sidelines so they can maintain the status quo. As long as we stay on the sidelines, politicians will spend more time listening to their lobbyists instead of us.

To get the politicians' attention and support, we must vote, we must communicate our needs, and yes, we must give them money for their campaigns.

Please join CAPE today!