Not all grassroots movements are what they seem

Grassroots movements are a good thing for democracy, giving citizens frustrated with the system a chance to convince their fellow citizens that a problem deserves attention, to the point that something can actually be done.

The recent TEA -- Taxed Enough Already -- Parties are a good example, organized by average citizens concerned about the direction the nation is headed. Attending the small gathering in Barnett Park, it was apparent the movement is disenchanted with both major political parties, and needs a focus to achieve real change.

The Internet has done much to empower average citizens, with e-mail, Twitter, social networking sites and YouTube offering instant widespread exposure to any idea, regardless of its merit.

But not all movements actually have roots in the community. Although dutifully referred to by television stations as a grassroots movement, a closer look at this week's YouTube 24/7 Healthcare Reform blitz shows there's more below the surface than roots of grass.

The organization behind the drive is a union, the Service Employees International Union, hoping to organize healthcare workers in Nebraska.

The group is using a legitimate concern -- the rising cost of health care -- to help push through laws making it easier for unions to organize.

Called "Card Check" or "majority signup," the method makes a worker's vote for or against a union public knowledge.

Proponents say it makes it easier for workers to join unions.

Opponents say it strips workers of their right to a secret ballot and increases intimidation and pressure by union organizers, making it an inaccurate mechanism for determining employee support for unionization. Most business organizations, such as chambers of commerce, oppose card check.

Health care reform is an important concern for all Americans, and was one of President Obama's major campaign issues.

But the issue should be discussed on its own merits, not used to advance other agendas.