01:00 AM EDT on Sunday, June 12, 2005

Rhode Island state public-sector unions' attempts to unionize independent child-care workers and basically make them state workers is the most raw power grab I've ever seen in Rhode Island. There is absolutely nothing good or fair about this effort, which could serve as a crippling precedent.

In fact, if passed by the legislature, it would be devastating for taxpayers and parents of the affected children. Certainly the unions would gain, and their sole interest in this case is to increase membership and power.

There is one advantage to the voters: If this does come up for a vote in the legislature, we all will get the clearest proof ever of which senators and representatives are truly against the people of our wonderful atate. Those "public servants" who vote yes for this outrageous legislation certainly do not deserve our respect or to be re-elected.

BRUCE LANG

Newport

The writer is a member of Operation Clean Government.