Ronald Reagan ended union domination of the economy early in his presidency by firing illegally striking air traffic controllers. The unions thought he would blink. Reagan sent a message across the globe: don’t mess with me.

Contrast that with our feckless leadership in Washington today. Biden sent a message to the Longshoremen: whatever you do, I’m your stooge in the White House.

So now we have a union of 40,000 workers that has shut down operations at 36 ports from Boston to Houston. We have a union boss with alleged mob ties who arrogantly declares to the nation: “I will cripple you and you have no idea what that means.” He is holding a gun to the head of the American economy that the union has taken hostage.

We agree that union workers have been flattened by Bidenflation – and Trump has made this case. But the union demands in the ransom note are breathtaking:

• • • Strict restrictions on automated cranes and other technological improvements that are in use in ports all over the world.
    • A 77% wage hike over six years. His members already earn well north of $100,000.  Daggett has already turned down an offer from port owners for a 50% wage hike per six years.
    • All container royalty funds must be transferred to the ILA union.

This thuggery is only happening because we have a president and vice president with no backbone. No regard for the damage the strikers will inflict on the economy. They are pro-union to the bitter end – and if that means crashing the economy – so be it.

This is the price we pay for having a mentally incompetent administration. We are frighteningly lacking leadership today.