If I felt the need to change working conditions that might adversely affect any segment of working people, I would be wise to consult with those workers and use their input to make an informed decision with regard to the change under my consideration. “Right to work for less” will adversely affect working people in Indiana, especially organized workers in every industry in every respect, yet input from working people is not only disregarded, it is forbidden on the floors of the House and Senate.

Republicans in the House and Senate have shut the doors to our Statehouse to prevent the citizens of our state from conducting public hearings on legislation that will affect every working person within the boundaries of our state. Working people in Indiana, including me, are forced to shout our concerns from a considerable distance outside of each chamber at the Statehouse. My representative, Dan Leonard from House District 50, says that our protest “shows a lack of respect for our governor.”

In United States v. Cruikshank, the Supreme Court held that “the right of the people peaceably to assemble for the purpose of petitioning Congress for a redress of grievances, or for anything else connected with the powers or duties of the Government is an attribute of citizenship, and, as such, under protection of, and guaranteed by, the United States.” Leonard is saying that our petitions, which are in line with the U.S. Bill Of Rights for the redress of our grievances against “right to work for less,” are disrespectful.

I ask the Indiana House, the Indiana Senate and Gov. Mitch Daniels what respectful avenue they will provide for the citizens of this great state to be heard in opposition to right to work for less legislation? We respectfully request to be heard in both our House and Senate chambers and in our governor’s office. Will they give us the respect of listening to us in public hearings?

LEN MAYDWELL

Huntington