DaytonDailyNews.com

The election results of Nov. 4 have rightfully been called historic. This milestone, represented by the election of Sen. Barack Obama, is one that should be acknowledged and supported by all Americans, regardless of whom they voted for or whether they share the president-elect's political, economic or military views.

However, recognizing the changes that are coming under a new federal administration is just as important as appreciating this touchstone in history.

As promised, we will see changes in our policies on national security, energy, education and the economy — all of which will be important issues affecting Americans.

But there may be changes that are based solely on political cronyism — deals we would call "paybacks" here in the heartland that are counterproductive to our economy and have the stench of "partisan politics."

One of these issues, if it passes the House and Senate and makes its way to the new president's desk, is what American businesses are referring to as "card check," a nonsecret voting method for organizing labor.

This legislation, the Employee Free Choice Act, will do just the opposite of what supporters intend it to do.

First, it will limit employee "free choice" and second, it won't be free. It will come at the cost of jobs.

American entrepreneurs and business owners want — no, demand — the right to manage their businesses. They have risked their personal assets in their ventures, and how they manage their employees is paramount to the success or failure of their enterprises.

That is why the EFCA, if passed, would no doubt eliminate American jobs, as many businesses will elect to export even more work overseas, thus eliminating jobs here in America at a time when our economy is much too fragile to handle yet more burden.

Or worse, some business owners will get fed up and just close their doors and walk away. I know I would.

The decades-proven procedure of workers voting by secret ballot works. It is an American right I support and would fight to defend.

But the idea of allowing organizers to simply have workers fill out or sign a postcard in front of fellow workers, a supervisor or drinking buddies just plain stinks.

If our nation's 225-year-old election ballot system of democracy is so bad, why don't we just completely rid ourselves of all votes done in private and elect our leaders by acclamation at Tupperware parties, in pubs or at baseball games?

Privacy is a right too sacred for us to gamble with or lose.

The only reason this illogical idea has even surfaced is because somebody owes someone else a favor, and now it's payback time. Do they think we are all idiots? Well, I hope not yet, anyway.

Yes, it's time for a change all right, but not at the expense of business owners' rights, and certainly not at the expense of American jobs.

And that is just what this legislation will cost us — more people out of work.

Remember, we vote privately other ways, too — like with our pocketbooks and with our feet.

So tomorrow, if you don't like how your employer treats you, help change it from within.

If that doesn't work, vote by walking out and taking a job somewhere else where your ideas will be encouraged and your voice will be heard.

Phillip L. Parker is president and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.