LETTERS: BUSINESSES GAVE MORE THAN LABOR

To the editor:

It is interesting to note the hue and cry regarding the money that organized labor contributed to the Democratic Party from members' dues, supposedly without their consent. Notwithstanding the pros and cons of the argument, it brings to mind an equally interesting observation. When I purchase an item such as sugar, I do not give the corporate sugar interests permission to use part of my purchase price to contribute as soft money to select political parties. When I patronize a bank, I do not give permission for part of the yield from my patronage to be contributed as soft money to banking lobbying efforts. When I visit a doctor, I do not give permission for part of my fee to be included in lobbying expenses of the American Medical Association. One could go on and on.

In 1995-96, business interests contributed $653.4 million in soft money (mostly to the Republican Party), 11 times the $58.1 million from organized labor. Seems to be the pot calling the kettle black.

GILBERT DEGENHARDT

Cape Girardeau