Here's a question I've been pondering. Maybe it has an answer, maybe it doesn't. It's an honest question; it isn't sarcastic and it doesn't carry any hidden meaning. I'm really curious.
Why do firefighters, as a group, have political clout? There aren't all that many of them, they don't have deep pockets, and their work has little to do with the political realm. And yet it was via pure political muscle that Lincoln firefighters took over ambulance responsibilities, and it was political power that allowed Mike Spadt to bully his way through the firetruck purchasing process.
My first instinct was that it has something to do with firefighters' role as protectors and heroes. Heroes are virtuous, the virtuous earn our trust, and trust leads to power. Or something like that. But there has to be more to it. Much more, I think. Perhaps it's a historical remnant...?
So there it is. When I'm driving down the street and I see a "Firefighters for Moul" sign, why should I care any more than if the sign said, say, "Librarians for Moul"?
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Because, like police unions, they can play both sides of the aisle when lobbying politicians and to the interests of the general public. To those on the right, they say “We’re the brawny heroes that protect you from danger (and yourself).” To the left, they can say, “How can you be against LABOR, of all things??” That’s pretty much the symbolism combo plate. Bulletproof.
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