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I don't know if these reports are true or not, and we should treat them with caution. But we now have two news outlets, one local and one national, claiming GOP defections from Governor Scott Walker may be in the works. The Wall Street Journal reports:
Conservatives in Wisconsin are getting nervous that three Republican state senators may defect on the collective-bargaining reform vote. It's still anyone's guess as to when that vote will take place because Democrats remain in exile to prevent the necessary quorum. But Republicans in the Senate hold a 19-14 majority, so GOP Gov. Scott Walker can afford to lose no more than two Republican senators on this pivotal vote.
On Wednesday, Republicans held a "unity" press conference that was attended by all but one senator, Dale Schultz. But a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll showing that 62% of respondents oppose curtailing collective-bargaining rights for public-sector workers over health care, pensions or other benefits suggests that the GOP position may be losing some support among independent voters.
Separately, WEAU, an NBC affiliate in Wisconsin, reports that "four moderate Republicans are wavering and could break with the GOP and vote against Walker's budget repair bill."
Are Wisconsin Republicans preparing to break with Walker?
Article Source: The Washington Post- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
- Public Discussion (148)
the drive to recall GOP senators has also picked up in the last few days. So you have pressure on numerous fronts.
- 47 votes
We can all, Wisconsinites that is, only pray that this happens and a more balanced and moderate budget bill is worked out.
- 42 votes
I hope and pray this is true. And when Walker is recalled, it will show that America is not going to allow fascism to take hold and destroy our country.
- 54 votes
Yep. There has been some "shuttle diplomacy" between legislators here in Wis and the ones who went across the border to stall the vote. The repubs need a way to end this. They are looking bad and increasingly unpopular. Unlike Walker, they don't all have a billionaire to take care of them is they get thrown out of office.
We have a part time legislature, so all these people have others jobs. Many have small businesses and they are getting grief from some of their customers.
The "Fabulous 14" who left are superheroes here. And there was a recent decision from the Government Accountability Board that said they could use campaign donations for living expenses since Walker told the world they fled to raise money. ROFLMAO.
- 33 votes
We can only hope that any kind of "sensible" or even "aware' Wisconsin Republicans will back away from Scott Walker...he is disgusting in his policies, behavior and anti-middle-class attitude.
- 30 votes
For whatever it may be worth, I've already contributed some money to the Democratic Party of Wisconsin for the recall effort, and also to MoveOn.org, which is working with them. Alas, under Wisconsin law it will be a minimum of two years before they can actually get a vote on a recall, but the prospect of it hanging over people's heads may just cool the ardor of enough nervous Republicans to leave Walker with an embarrassing defeat.
Hey, Wisconsin Republicans, 60% of Americans are in favor of the unions! When is it you have to run for re-election, again? Think about the opposing candidate's ads -- they kinda write themselves, don't they? Think about it. And get worried. Or, get more worried!
- 34 votes
Conservatives in Wisconsin are getting nervous that three Republican state senators may defect on the collective-bargaining reform vote.
Could common sense be returning to the GOP?
- 22 votes
Survival is all that is returning to the GOP in Wisconsin? But Walker served his puppet masters(Koch Brothers) well and rest assured he will be rewarded. If he losses his Governors Throne he will be on FOX NEWS by the End of the week.
- 18 votes
trex, the limitation on recall is one year from date of taking office, not two years, so we're looking at Jan. 2012. There are eight senate repubs that can be recalled now. Those are already in the works.
- 26 votes
Republicans are finally realizing that they will have to pickup the tab nationally, for the damage done by teabag extremists regionally. I await with eager anticipation the spectacle of Walker morphing from Teabag hero to rightwing pariah, bearing the full blame of re-energizing political activism among democrats and independents, renewing the interest in a once declining organized labor movement, and gambling the entire electoral future of all teapublicans in 2012. Thanks Teabags, C'ya later.
- 16 votes
My plezh, Carloz. Thanks for all the stuff you're posting.
- 7 votes
carloz, btw, a story not covered much anywhere... the senate gop "reassigned" the dems' staffers to serve them. dem staffers have to report to and are being "supervised" by repubs. this is another pressure move... because they know the dems don't want to put their staff in jeopardy and may want to return to protect them.
Fugitive Wis. Dem: I Told My Staff To 'Ignore' Reassignment To GOP Senator
- 16 votes
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2011/03/are_wisconsin_republicans_gett.html
Also: If the reports above are true, that could bear out the notion, articulated to me earlier today by a spokesman for the Wisconsin Democratic Party, that Republicans are well aware that Walker's impending layoffs could damage themmore than Dems. Walker told the fake Koch on the prank call that he woud be ratcheting up the layoff threat to pressure missing Dems into returning. But Dems are refusing to budge despite the fact that the layoff threat is now very real. And there are indications that the layoffs could exacerbate the current public opinion dynamic, rather than turn it around. That may well be spooking Republicans who continue to stand by Walker.
Is common sense prevailing?
- 5 votes
Fugitive Wis. Dem: I Told My Staff To 'Ignore' Reassignment To GOP Senator
Thanks for the link, AI.
- 7 votes
If these people have a brain in their heads and value their positions as much as everyone thinks they do, then they will not only break with Walker, they will run like hell from him! To continue this fight has now become political suicide IMHO>
- 10 votes
I hope the people stick with the 14 Democrats in exile. While Walker attacks and puts pressure on them, he makes them Martyrs and Heroes (bad play Governor). But once people are laid off, the Democrats could see some back lash for them letting there "Principled Stand" result in damage to actual families.
Nothing is a sure bet, it will probably revolve around what the people who get laid off have to say. I hope that those who get laid off approve of the Democrats decision to stay away or at least point to Walker and his unwillingness to compromise as the villain. It is hard to guess what people will say when the welfare of their family is at stake.
- 3 votes
This is a link to a Utube song done by Ken Lonnquist regarding the 14 Senators, it is well worth listening to.
- 4 votes
Reliant, your link didn't show, so I've taken the liberty of reposting it: 14 Senators
- 3 votes
Thank You CrowMeris
I think it is something many people will enjoy.
- 4 votes
Should he prevail everybody in Wisconsin might well ask "who's next"? on an emboldened Gov. Walker's hit parade. Who will come out ahead will be equally illuminating.
Some people may regret voting for him when they find their little sweetheart deals aren't exempt from layoffs, cuts in funding or subsidies.
Right now it's the other guy on center stage. That can easily change.
Even if he wins in the end I don't think exempting some state employees from losing collective bargaining rights will make it through the courts.
- 24 votes
#2 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 6:29 PM ESTEven if he wins in the end I don't think exempting some state employees from losing collective bargaining rights will make it through the courts.
Found this
Today, it was reported that the Milwaukee City Attorney has authored an opinion that provisions of the Governor's Budget Repair Bill are an unconstitutional infringement on the city's "home rule" authority over its pension plan, violates employees' contractual rights and violates workers' due process rights. There will undoubtedly be very lively and heated debate over whether he is correct.
...If the Governor's Budge Repair Bill does become law, the constitutionality of some of the provisions of the bill (ie. home rule, worker contractual rights, worker due process) may be challenged in the courts. Furthermore, the challenger may also seek an injunction to prevent the challenged provisions from taking affect until the constitutionality of those provisions is ultimately decided. Any challenge may well result in a long and winding road.
- 15 votes
Great. So for Walker trying to balance a budget, he is going to cost the taxpayers more monies in court fees - and lawyers ain't cheap. What a dork Walker is.
- 19 votes
yes, here's another legal opinion....
If Senators Arrested, Fitzgerald In Contempt, Attorneys Say
Scott Fitzgerald in the senate majority leader who led the effort to charge the missing dems with contempt and have them arrested. in doing so, he may be in contempt!
- 19 votes
People should think about the old saying "First they came for..."
First They came... - Pastor Martin Niemoller
First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
If we do not draw a line in the sand against these radicals it will soon be our turn in the barrel. They are trying to turn this country into a one party rule. They tank the economy then use that to promote their worthless agenda. If this goes in Wisconsin and Ohio you state is next.
- 8 votes
"They're basically putting different Senate districts that are independently elected by the constituents under the control of somebody who is not elected to represent that area."
Republicans = Failure
- 6 votes
Walker speaks for the taxpayer.
Walker speaks for the koch brothers, nobody else.
- 11 votes
During the summers of 2004 through 2009, Walker led a motorcycle tour called the "Executive's Ride" through Wisconsin and parts of neighboring states. The ride was organized to attract tourists to Milwaukee County, with the 2009 ride costing county taxpayers approximately $2,800, mainly for reimbursing hotel rooms and meals for Walker and his staffers
Doesn't seem like he is so much for the taxpayer to me.
- 7 votes
Walker speaks for the taxpayer.
Well I'm a Wisconsin taxpayer and small businessman with little kids in the public school system, and he sure as hell does not speak for me. Walker's career has jumped the shark.
- 13 votes
Walker speaks for the taxpayer.
Walker speaks for political ambition and greed. To borrow an unfortunately tainted line from none other than Glenn Beck: WAKE UP.
- 6 votes
The actions of not only Scott Walker and the republican Wisconsin state congress,but the actions of the other republican governors and the Republicans in the national congress are definitely planting the seeds of dissent within their party.The new republican/tea party members have over reached so far that they are causing not only divisiveness between parties,but within their own party as well.It is at the boiling point in many states and is bound to boil over sooner rather than later.For the sake of the people,let's hope it's sooner so that the insanity of these politicians can be stopped before they do too much more damage.
- 32 votes
#3 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 6:37 PM ESTExtremists are at greater risk from their followers than their opposition.
Walker has to deliver or his own people will tear him to shreds faster than the Democrats or the union, and the problem is that he's backed himself into a corner. He is in real danger of screwing up the whole wing nut agenda by initiating something none of them--the Republicans, Tea Partiers, or most importantly, the Kotch boys--want: a genuine peasant revolt. One that could spread across state lines and actually reignite the labor movement in this country.
If you think that judgment extravagant, consider: did anyone expect this level of resistance? Americans have become such docile poltroons that for 30 years, every time some corporate weasel or Republican lackey attempted to anally rape us, we've done nothing but re stage that scene from Animal House, "Please, sir, may I have another?"
And here, finally, shockingly, almost like an echo of what's happening in the middle east, the angry villagers have grabbed their torches, surrounded the village, and demanded Frankenstein surrender the monster.
The best thing that could happen to Walker now would be a defection; then, he could save some face, and maybe some authority, by blaming it on spineless flunkies.
- 9 votes
did anyone expect this level of resistance?
guess he hadn't been to a badger game in a long time...
- 5 votes
None of this was in their talk in the run up to the election. I have not heard one word in Ohio about job creation even though thanks to Obama jobs are returning like they are all over the US. Before the election the Repubs could not speak without saying job creation. Now it just a litany of old failed projects. Obama was not destroying this country he was fixing the mess the Re[publicans left him and it is paying off big time! This even though the private sector reneged on their part to produce jobs after he stopped the downturn.
- 6 votes
- 5 votes
Republicans seem to be squandering an opportunity to make a positive impact on the fiscal problems of some states. Instead they have embarked on a radical agenda that is just plain loony and self destructive.
I'm not sure how many voters contemplated an elimination of collective bargaining rights for state workers or legislation proposing execution for women who have miscarriages or legalizing the murder of abortion providers under justifiable homicide when they made their choice at the midterms.
If this display is any indication of what awaits us should they gain a majority in the congress, God help us all.
- 29 votes
#4 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 6:58 PM EST"Even if he wins in the end I don't think exempting some state employees from losing collective bargaining rights will make it through the courts." - J. W. Welch
Thanks. I was just reading about Ohio. After reading your post I feel a little bit better about it.
- 12 votes
Let's have a vote and find out.
- 2 votes
#5 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 7:05 PM ESTWhy vote when it is obvious the majority does not want this? Arent you people the ones who coined the phrase pushed down our throats? What goes around comes around.
- 7 votes
I agree with you that the majority did not want the HCB. It $till happened. Poll of the day legislating is not the precedence you want. Are you even from WI?
I agree with you that the majority did not want the HCB.
You're right, almost nobody did, the majority wanted single payer which the republicans and their lobbyists had a hissy fit about, after many many concessions to the republicans the HCB is what we ended up with, unfortunately.
- 8 votes
As I've noted previously, Walker won't compromise on the collective bargaining issue for 3 reasons:
1) he has a personal vendetta against labor unions
2) his corporate sponsors have been given assurances that he will destroy public employee unions in Wisconsin
3) he has made his anti-union crusade the focal point of his political career, and without it he is simply another second-rate tea party hack who has over-extended his 15 minutes, right Sharron Angle?
However, Walker and his cronies are losing the war of public opinion, both locally and nationally, on his obsessive quest to destroy public labor unions and use the backs of workers as a stepping stones to advance his political career.
Some (enough?) Republican members of the Wisconsin Senate will hopefully recognize the folly of this destructive crusade and decide to pull the measure from the legislation.
- 35 votes
You are correct Walker will not compromise, but your 3 reasons are ridiculous.
- 1 vote
ScienceGuy,
I think you nailed Walker's motivations.
Now, he needs a way out. Republican defections leave him with some semblance of 'face' - and don't entirely tick off his Koch backing.
Walker has overstepped on this one. Who knew that Americans have had enough?
- 24 votes
There is only "one" reason why Mr. Walker is standing fast!
He was "punked" by the caller, he took it in the wrong orifice (and not the ear he was holding the phone to. His ego has be shattered and vengeance is mine sayeth he!
- 13 votes
He also demonstrated in that phone call that he considers this his Ronald Reagan moment, and that he'll be a hero, just like the Gipper when he broke the air traffic controllers' union. He deserves to lose just for his grandiose ego. I didn't know Reagan, I didn't like Reagan and Reagan was no friend of mine, but I feel confident in saying that Walker, you're no Reagan.
- 22 votes
Speaking of that phone call, am I the only one who heard Walker agree to accept a bribe from "David Koch"? Isn't Blagojevich being prosecuted for the same thing?
P.S. Great discussion, folks.
- 17 votes
paul, the district attorney already rendered an opinion that he didn't see anything prosecutable based on the phone call. no matter; it did far more damage to walker's standing in putlic opinion.
- 13 votes
Science Guy,
I agree that Walker is obsessive, and he's obviously pretty bull-headed, but I believe he will relent. If he doesn't, he will lose anyway. I say that because, in my opinion, the issue has reached a tipping point, and the momentum is moving against Walker.
The last few days Walker and the republican senators have been declaring harsh penalties and fines against the 14 democratic senators that left the state. Last night, a democratic legislator was tackled and taken to the floor by Capitol police who acted before they saw his ID. It's making the republicans look really vindicative. Now, we have two recent Rasmussen polls (a conservative poll organization) showing the public in support of collective bargaining, and the newest poll, showing Walker losing support among the public.
When the tide turns, like it appears to be doing, you can bet the pressure on Walker from other republicans is mounting fast. They are going to want him to back off so they aren't hurt by this. If he doesn't cave, some of those republican senators are likely to, just to save themselves. That's my take.
- 11 votes
hey Bootstraps....explain please??? What other reasons could Walker have for being an A$$! And do not say it is all about budget, cause the unions have agreed to that part of the deal!
- 12 votes
Judy,
What is the lefts true concern when Walker is sucessful? And don't give me the fight for the little guy B S.
If he is successful...I see slave labor making a come back here in the US!
I totally agree with balancing the budget and it needs to be done and will not be easy... but I have yet to see any politicians give up anything they have....this bothers me the most...self serving B*******
So, tell me what other reason Walker could have for being entirely unwilling to negotiate?
- 9 votes
How do you get slave labor out of a Governor controling spending?
You are correct Walker will not compromise, but your 3 reasons are ridiculous.
This just shows how out of touch some are on this issue.
One of the tenants of capitalism is protection for the workers or capitalism fails. 99% of the hype agains federal and State unions is false just like the BS you read about Autoworkers making 70 bucks an hour
- 6 votes
Logdump, The issue is public sector Unions, a public employee with or without union representation is outside any model of Capitalism. Stay in touch.
Again Bootstraps....Why is Walker refusing to even negotiate????????? They gave him what he wanted to cut the budget...they are willing to pay for benefits..etc, the only thing they are not willing to give up is the rights our forefathers fought for many years ago!
- 7 votes
Judy - the whole idea behind what walker is trying to do is to destroy the power of the unions. Since the dems gain a large part of their campaign finances from labor unions if they are no more then the dems are rendered powerless to compete against the financing of the big corps. The dems can't compete on equal footing then the repubs take over control of not just both houses but our lives as well. That can't be allowed to happen.
- 7 votes
Are Wisconsin Republicans preparing to break with Walker?
Are Wisconsin Republicans preparing to break [] Walker?
There is a large opening and a time to commit to defeat this schmuck.. They have to learn what their precious republican party thinks of ordinary working people.. they haven't yet.. I doubt that they will.. but there is always hope.. that they will take the mark I leave [] .. to use it to break the hold that he has as Governor, by recalling him.. he is lower than pond scum
- 24 votes
#7 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 7:13 PM ESTAre Wisconsin Republicans preparing to break Walker? He seems to have been doing a pretty good job of that himself.
- 22 votes
Yes and No
The extreme elements within his state will still support him as we have seen.. including the teabaggers, and the big money people...It will take a legal direction in order to 'voice' him out. A recall is needed..
- 18 votes
he is lower than pond scum
And his daddy was a preacher - go figure!
- 13 votes
And his daddy was a preacher - go figure!
.. now we know that he is good at something .. but he has to be on his knees.
- 3 votes
I noticed on CNN that the governor gave "warnings" to Union bosses that layoff were coming in April. That kind of reminds me of the English Bobby that yells, "Stop, or I'll say stop again!" Perhaps he puts things off in hopes it all goes away. That is what becomes of one who paints one's self into a corner!
- 15 votes
#8 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 7:20 PM ESTGov. Scott Walker notified unions Friday of impending layoffs if a budget-repair bill isn't passed in the next 15 days, as Republicans and Democrats continue to try to break a stalemate in private negotiations.
I would expect some movement within the next 15 days.
We are seeing some real lessons in state politics and legislation. That is not only in Wisconsin, but also in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
- 17 votes
wads.... the notices are "at risk" notices... it's a warning of possible layoff... that's to scare people... but of course there is no need to do that from a budget standpoint because the unions already agreed to the pay cuts... don't need a bill for that, tkae care of it in collective bargaining, which is exactly what he does NOT want
- 13 votes
AmericanIdle - don't you just love brinkmanship or as we used to do on the back roads play chicken. It is a little early to tell, but I think I saw someone blink.
- 11 votes
I guess this was more of a question rather than any form of valid article. So I guess we can sum it up with a simple answer...No.
- 1 vote
#9 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 7:36 PM ESThmmm..... seems to me any REP who wants to continue his/her political career would tuck tail and run from this moron!
- 7 votes
Yes, it is about Walker Taao, so instead of just deflecting with snark, if you don't think Walker's a moron, then extol his virtues -- if you can, that is.
- 6 votes
TAAO...I did not even mention Obama....get a life! Since the topic is about Walker, it should be quite obvious who I am referring to, although all Obama haters will always twist things! That said...right now..I do not like ANY of our politicians on either side of the fence...fire them all in my opinion...start anew with new tighter rules for what politicians can do without the vote of the people!
- 6 votes
Judy Ostrom
fire them all in my opinion...start anew with new tighter rules for what politicians can do without the vote of the people!
Fire them all? The starting anew - honestly ? No way that is going to be done..
What we need is the people pushing for "Public Campaign Financing".. if you take the money out of the equation then the hold of the likes of Koch industries and others would then falter.. It is the control and working against our interest mostly has to deal with the wingnuts.. what is happening in Wisconsin.. is happening in a larger scale in Congress.. but it took Wisconsin to show the parallel of what the wingnuts in Congress are trying to do.
The wingnuts in Congress support this schmuck.. but in so many words haven't come right out and say so.. Because they want to win in 2012... it is a death sentence for anyone to agree with what Wisconsin wingnuts are doing.. there is 8 wingnuts with many signatures in the works as we write now.. that have the possibility of being recalled... it certainly does not bode well for any wingnut in Wisconsin now.
The only problem we have in this country is that we have so many mental midgets on the right that keep voting against their self-interests.. they do not listen or investigate.. they just vote party line..and that takes the guess work out of any 'work' at all to be informed. It's like a guy that keeps hitting his head against the wall... not because he likes doing it.. but he is so use to doing it he cannot stop and realize that there is other alternatives... plus in combination the wingnuts on the media love spreading fabrications/lies.. and there are a few elements in this country that are still waiting for the sky to fall because Chicken Little said it would.. That is one of the many problems.. We need truth /facts from the media.. In Canada they have a law that covers that.. they can be prosecuted if they do.. We need that in politics and in the media.. We do not have to kick people out.. we need to rein them in.
- 8 votes
I do not ever see an end to corporate campaign financing until the morons currently in office are gone...particularly any who excepts the corporate $'s now...do you really think that they will ever give that up?? Not only that..the corps do not want them too!
- 2 votes
morons currently in office are gone
..again... That is not going to ever happen.. There will always be the same type/kind of people in Congress... You cannot change that which they will not agree to do.. even Public Campaign Financing would have to be voted on.. and humans by their very nature.. will act and react similar to the people who are in Congress now.. You could get rid of every last one in Congress only to vote in more that will ultimately do similar to the ones that are in now.. this has been going on at least since the first congress.. It goes on in every village,town,city, and state across the U.S.. It happens in every country in the world..
"Politics makes strange bedfellows " - Charles Dudley Warner: 1829-1900
- 3 votes
The way this is heading one Scott Walker, former Governer, will become a cautionary tale.
- 14 votes
#10 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 7:40 PM ESTEveryone of us, the 99%, should look at the big picture. I keep hearing that "Walker is doing what he was elected to do," but was he elected, really, to give tax cuts to billionaires who lay off workers and take money from the middle and lower class to make up the shortfall? These are people who go to work everyday, pay taxes, and hope for a good life for their children. People who are just like 99% of us. The oldest trick in the book is divide and conquer. I want each of you to ask yourselves-- If these teachers are over-compensated, what do you think you will get if you pay them less? Could you educate your children yourselves, or pay someone to do that for you? Why is $50 grand a year for a teacher out of line when the Koch Brothers can't seem to live without corporate welfare from these teachers, and the 99% of us that pay for their tax cut? They aren't satisfied with the obscene profits, they want more power too. So you and I will shut the hell up and do exactly as they say, no matter what that means.
- 17 votes
#11 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 8:48 PM ESTWhat are the businesses owned by the Wisconsin Republican senators? and has anyone organized a boycott threat against those businesses?
- 11 votes
#12 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 9:23 PM ESTsms, I was at meeting where they discussed this. something is in the works. sorry I don't have all the info. pretty crazy here
deal is, so many things just springing up organically... individuals doing things, forming groups for one thing or the other... I've never seen anything like this... there are boycott people and media people and political people and unioni people and university people and it goes on and one, each taking its own path and all of it coming together in one huger BLEEPstorm for Walker.
really incredible
- 12 votes
thanks, we have one hell of a cheering section just for him...
- 7 votes
It's not really just the republicans, though they may be the most complicit. Not to take anything away from the democratic state reps in WI, but federally speaking, I am deeply disappointed. I had hoped that we would see them put a stop to the persecution of the middle and working classes, but they backed down from the corporate-paid shouters, few and loud as they were, to the detriment of the American citizenery. And they continue to back up even now. Our government is being bought and paid for by corporate interests daily, and it needs to be stopped immediately.
- 11 votes
#13 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 9:41 PM ESTYa Think?
Basically we are being asked to send our kids to schools staffed by minimum wage workers and temps! This while the US is declining worldwide in almost every scientific and math category and schooling. You can dissect almost every one of the reasons they have gave for this and you will find lie after lie and some of us who like that sort of thing are eating it up like pigs at the slop trough. This Sunday the Indian fellow on CNN is going to post a show that show how bad this country has declined since we started electing Republicans. Since Reagan was elected the first time around 30 years ago the middle class has realized an 11% increase in wages based on the average workers pay. In that same time upper managements salaries have increased over 400%. WHen Reagan took office a Ceo's salary was about 40 times as much as the the average workers salary. Today it is approaching 500% The one thing the middle class has left barely is the trade unions and now they have came for them. I do not know how many of you want to go to work everyday and be completely dominated by the people who you work for without any chance to tell your side of the beef. Thats where we are heading here if we let this go.
- 6 votes
You're on the right track. Americans actually do better financially under Democratic administrations.
Surprisingly, Democratic administrations have been better for American income growth than Republicans. Here's the evidence, Why elections matter, in one graph.
- 7 votes
This while the US is declining worldwide in almost every scientific and math category and schooling.
They don't care because thanks to all the layoffs and outsourcing even if you get a degree you can't find a job anyway, been looking for 15 months now.
- 5 votes
If Wisconsin Republicans really are contemplating a break with Walker, then it should be an unmistakable sign that Walker is going to be toast pretty soon. Some folks just don't know when they're done!
- 8 votes
#14 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 9:47 PM ESTif he doesn't resign sooner, he will be recalled in jan. 2012.
count on it.
- 9 votes
I don't think we should wait for 2012. The opposition would not wait, and they need to be met on their own terms for a change.
- 3 votes
state law precludes recall earlier than one year after taking office
- 6 votes
Isnt there any other way -- other than recall? I am no expert on these type of legal political matters, but, cant we use "his words/actions" against him as a way to impeach?
Just asking?
- 5 votes
Impeachment is for crimes recalls are for actions I believe.
- 3 votes
Check his birth Cert.
Let's see yours.
No, not that one. The real one.
No, that's not real either. Why? Because I said so.
No matter what you show me, I'm going to deny its legitimacy, because that is the core of my argument: anything you produce, I'll deny. Period.
Then I'll seek your immediate deportation.
Touche.
- 5 votes
As this has dragged on, it's really done wonders for unions and for progressives. Those crowds protesting in American cities, especially Madison, have made an impression on many middle-of-the-road voters and younger people who don't usually vote. The republican base has been at a fever pitch when it comes to politics the last few years, but now, a huge swell of liberal-leaning people is starting to pay attention, get engaged - and get fired up. Could it finally be?
- 12 votes
#15 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 9:49 PM ESTSoNotRight.... it's America's civics lesson.... Our chant: "This is what Democracy looks like!"
- 10 votes
May be a ploy to get one or more dems back into the senate.
- 1 vote
#16 - Fri Mar 4, 2011 10:04 PM ESTMay be a ploy to get one or more dems back into the senate.
or maybe not? I just hope some honest GOPers came to their senses
- 8 votes
they tried a couple things, but the dems are no fools; even with a minority they have had the upper hand
we know they can't stay out of state forever; something will have to give sooner or later. but that have given us a powerful gift...time. that has made all the difference.
- 8 votes
I just hope some honest GOPers came to their senses
They are more afraid of these radicals than the Dems are.
- 3 votes
You just dont take out any good worker's benefits without any good compromise. The Bottom Line is, you just dont do that to hard-working people, like our Police Officers, Firefighters, Teachers, etc..
We all agree that there has to be something done about Cutting Spreadings, but what Walker has failed to understand is that you just dont limited people's resources, take for instance their pays and whatever they earn in addition to that, such as Medical Benefits, etc. We can all agree that Leisures such as Paid Vacations, etc should be cut if not limited.
The question is, what do you tell your employees? His and her benefits has to be cancelled but it's okay for you to still receive yours since you are the boss. It's all common sense, and we have to fair on both ends to everyone else.
Unfortunately, the Governor dont see the light into that or maybe he doesnt and he doesnt want us to noticed it, his views and actions reflected some poor judgement on his part as a leader for his State. The way I see it, is he rather to be more political than do what is right and fair to everyone else.
- 8 votes
#18 - Sat Mar 5, 2011 12:11 AM ESTA start at a compromise in my world would be for ALL elected officials to take a 10% pay cut and pay for at least 25% of their benefit costs, if not more...they expect all of us to give things up, but not them!
- 4 votes
and it really sucks that the "shortfall" he wants to fill is the same amount as the money they just gave away in special tax breaks to rich people
- 9 votes
Here is the deal. They make you think these workers are getting these benefits on the taxpayers dime. All state employees are paid with tax payers money so thats just hyperbole. The truth is these benefits were given to these people in lieu of pay raises. So in effect they have foregone a pay increase for an added benefit. You hear double dipping....So what. If a person can retire and then still work whats the beef? I do it and I am private sector. I fail to see how they can excuse safety workers and come down on just certain segments of the collective bargaining and still think it will hold up in court......Well they do control the Supreme court but it is still wrong.
You can sit on the side lines if you like but how this turns out affects all of us sooner or later and if you remain silent do not bitch when it hits you in the behind cause it will.
- 5 votes
American Idol "There are eight senate repubs that can be recalled now. Those are already in the works.
Great! Let them know that the people of Wisconsin are not going to just let them slide on this, they are 100% culpable in all this, and their continued support of Walker is their political suicide. IF they can't see that by now, they deserve whatever comes their way. They will rue siding with the dictator Walker.
- 5 votes
#19 - Sat Mar 5, 2011 1:21 AM ESTYou'll calling out the winners and losers a little to fast don't you think? This is just one State and there are many other that are going to go through something really close to this. If a State has to cut its spending it has to cut it's spending. The States are not like the federal Government that can print money seemingly at will. Most States have a budgets that they have to meet by law. Take a look at Illinois and everyone can see what is happening there. We have States that are looking to claim bankruptcy. How in the hell is that going to work for any State worker?
Didn't this start with the idea of cutting some benefits and asking for more financial input by the employees and then it blew up and got bent way out of shape. I know a lot of you feel good about a Union but Right to Work Laws do just as well. You can go either way if you want. That's more choice not less. The money stays about the same but you don't have to pay someone to keep a job.
The Unions pledged I believe it was at first $30 Million Dollars to fight actions similar to Wisconsin and where does that moneycome from? I would guess those retirement funds that are always short of money, it seems. A Union is just like the Government they make no money they take what they want and if you are lucky you get a little back. Governor Walker and his Legislators have only been at this for what 2 months.
They and the State of Wisconsin have a long way to go before a new election cycle. It will be a long ride. It will be a long ride for the whole country because we have had some of the worst people in political office. This goes way back. That $14 trillion dollars didn't come into existence in just a few years this took decades.
Good seed Carloz.. I don't give to many of them do I?
Good debate!
Smokie
- 2 votes
#20 - Sat Mar 5, 2011 2:01 AM ESTThe thing is, Smokie, weeks ago the Unions offered to accept the wage and benefit aspects of the bill, they just want to keep their collective bargaining rights. From the Feb 18th BizTimes Milwaukee
Although union leaders and Wisconsin Democratic Senators are offering to accept the wage and benefit concessions Gov. Scott Walker is demanding, Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) said today a bill taking away collective bargaining rights from public employees is not negotiable.
The fight is not about the state's budget.
- 10 votes
If they love Jesus, they should let the unions do whatever they want. Unions are good, Republicans aren't. Save yourself, and repent.
- 1 vote
#21 - Sat Mar 5, 2011 3:02 AM ESTSmokie, no, it did not start with just asking public workers to pay more for their pensions and health care. Stripping out collective bargaining has always been a part of the bill. The workers objected to the bill because it contained the collective bargaining part. They agreed to pay the increased costs Walker wanted, but, it quickly became evident that it was not what he was really after. He was really after the collective bargaining. When he refused to negotiate with the workers and/or Unions on the bargaining issue, he broke the labor law that he must negotiate. He is still in violation of that law. He refuses to abide by any laws but the ones he and his henchmen dream up and pass into law at their whim.
So, it is not just about paying more into their own pensions and health care, all of which comes out of their own wages they earn, not one penny comes from taxpayers and which they are fully willing and have been willing to do, it is about Union busting. And Walker will do everything he can to get is way not matter how dirty, immoral or unethical it is. And the fact that the Republicans are joyfully participating and assisting his dictatorial power grab, they are culpable and guilty of many of the same penalties as Walker.
- 8 votes
#22 - Sat Mar 5, 2011 7:04 AM ESTI used to live in Wisconsin. Walker is messing with the wrong people. Good, hardworking people who, if pushed enough, come back even stronger.
- 9 votes
#23 - Sat Mar 5, 2011 7:21 AM ESTSay what you will, But any legislator that up an departs to another state just so they can protest, is just like a child when he does not get what they want, run to the room and cry. The republicans during the health care debate ( bloody joke as there was not debate by the dumocrates) had they departed and went back to their states and refuse to go back to washington, the whole country would have condemned them, yet the dumocrates do this and everyone calls them a hero. What a bunch of cry babies. They take tax dollars to do a job, whether they like it or not. obuma had the majority during the health care debate and shoved the law down our throat, requardless of what the majority wanted. What makes this differant?
Unions have a purpose in the private sector, but in the private sector, they generate money,while the states do not make money, they are a liabilty , with no income other than taxes and services, so The tax payer pays what ever the unions decide to shaft the tax payer with.
obumer has deployed the "organize for america", another tax payer expense to oppose Wisconson's efforts, and obumer needs to stay out of the states business, this should all be decided by the states, not our government. obumer needs the votes and the unions donated over millions to his election, conflict of intrest, I would say, he is using tax payer money for "organize for america" to support his unions, at a time with budget cuts. Typical democrate, just print more money, the taxpayer will pay the bill.
Let Wisconson deal with their issue. But if I were forced to be in a union and pay dues, and the unions donated money for obumers election, I would protest, this should be grounds for legal action. That money belongs to the members, for the members, not to support a candidate I refuse to support.
All states will change their way, this is just the match that starts the fire, and its not about collective bargaining. Its going to be 401's, and health care just like the rest of the private sector workers, that would almost ellimate any issues of benefits and pay. The private sector does not get guaranteed pay raises, they pay health care according to the market cost which change every year, thanks to the obumer health care law. (You control cost before you pass a law forcing everyone to by health care. Unless you are part of the 220 largest unions that have been exempt from enacting the law, as per obumer).
Mark my words, 401's and one health care group per state that you will pay into, instead of the two , one generated by the unions in wisconson and one for the other state workers. No more guaranteed raises, if your late, your gone.
#25 - Sat Mar 5, 2011 9:19 AM ESTYou are just talking out of your butt because if you were in a union you would pay your dues and whatever the leadership decided to do with the PAC funds you would have to abide by just like the rest of its membership. You sound like someone who resents unions only because you don't have one.
This is America and I applaud anyone who has the power and strength to stand up for their rights and seek a better like for them and their families. We should be happy unions are around because we have no idea when we will benefit somehow just from there existence.
- 10 votes
Your use of this word stopped me from reading any of the rest of your post. dumocrates
- 8 votes
logdump:
Your use of this word stopped me from reading any of the rest of your post. dumocrates
And of course he tried to make a "funny" out of his president's name.
The TPers simply hate the man. They hate whoever their handlers tell them to hate, and the President of the United States is at the top of that list.
- 4 votes
The TPers simply hate the man. They hate whoever their handlers tell them to hate, and the President of the United States is at the top of that list.
Un-American, the lot of them. They call themselves patriots; in reality they're nothing but seditious tantrum-throwers, rebels without a cause.
- 3 votes
Unions nor Corporation or Lobbyist Groups should be allowed to donate campaign funds....herein lies the issue, our politicians work for the kid with the money, not the general public!
- 2 votes
Lobbyist Groups
Do not let the US Chamber of Commerce see to type that or hear you say that.
- 3 votes
Unions nor Corporation or Lobbyist Groups should be allowed to donate campaign funds....herein lies the issue, our politicians work for the kid with the money, not the general public!
I agree. Donations from BOTH sides need to be restricted.
Repeal Citizens United. Public financing of the electoral process plus individual donations of $25 or less only.
- 4 votes
What was particularly distasteful about Mr. Walkers budget plan is that he exempted those unions that supported him during his campaign. If he had included all the unions in his proposal, I think that the negative response would have been MUCH bigger. What happened to equal protection?
The Republican party is always preaching about the "real agendas" of those they disagree with. If we the people do not wake up to their "real agenda", the Republican gestapo will someday be knocking at our doors.
Personally, I hope the Wisconsin Republicans stick to their guns and stand by Walker to the bitter end. Maybe that will begin the impetus needed for we as Americans to take off our blinders and see the big picture.
- 4 votes
#26 - Sat Mar 5, 2011 9:53 AM ESTRecall rethug Senators, As they say at Camp Randall " @!$%# em Bucky!!!!!!!!
- 3 votes
#27 - Sat Mar 5, 2011 10:41 AM ESTYou're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
