RALLYING FOR THE CAUSE

Here in Wisconsin this week, we have had the opportunity to witness some of the basic principles of republican government in action. But first a little history.

For the previous twelve years the Democrat party had a stronghold on all levels of of the state government and they used their majority to the fullest. Taxes were raised, funds were raided to make up deficits for other funds, and "protests" form the opposition fell on deaf ears. Then in April of 2008, at the suggestion of a Wall Street reporter, a Tea Party rally was organized on the lawn of the State Capitol and 8,000-some non-affiliated grass roots citizens showed up to let these legislators know how they felt. Then, November of 2010 occurred and the tide turned. A Republican Governor was elected (especially after the conniving, lying incumbent decided that all his shenanigans did not warrant his obtaining a fourth term) and the State Assembly and Senate majorities switched to the Republicans as well. This was the worst news the Wisconsin liberals (read Democrats - there are no conservative Democrats in Wisconsin) could have received.

Wrongo! The latest news is the most devastating to date. Imagine the audacity of a politician actually doing what he promised during his campaign, his inaugural address and his first State-of the-State Address. This just isn't done! Our Governor, Scott Walker, promised he would call a special legislative session to address the budget hole left by the last group of despots - and he is. As I stated in my last post, nine budget-correcting bills have already been passed and signed. His latest and his most politically controversial promise is what has prompted the action referred to in the opening. He has proposed to end collective bargaining by state employees unions for benefits (only) and - horror of horrors - they will be required to pay 12.5% of their health insurance premiums and, if they wish, contribute 5.8% to their guaranteed pensions (which consist of 5% of their highest year's salary paid by the taxpayer). Also, their union dues will have to be paid by them to the union. The state will no longer extract these from their paychecks and distribute them to the respective union bosses.

This is so objectionable to the union rank-and-file that they saw fit to ignore their own work rules and spend an entire week "protesting" at the state capitol. The very people to whom they wished to air their grievances, by the way, all abdicated their duties and fled the state in order to postpone a vote on the bill in the State Senate. The Senators decided that it was better to flee, to run and hide out of state than to face the new majority and lose another vote. Cowards!
The "protesters", all paid union toadies from AFSCME, SEIU and even Teamsters as well as educators (I refuse to call them teachers because they were not teaching) ascended on Madison to yell, chant and strew garbage all over and otherwise deface the "peoples' house".

To make matters worse, all major news media are getting, as usual, only half the story half correct. Even our Constitutional Scholar President has weighed in stating that, without even calling the Governor, this is "an assult on the unions". If he were actually a believer in the U.S. Constitution, he would know to have butted out, stating states' rights as his reason. But, he is a polititian, not a leader, so he decided to take the low road. I am actually not that concerned about his medling because almost every other event or campaign in which he has inserted himself has backfired - i.e. Chicago hosting the summer Olympics in the future, campaigning for Russ Feingold, etc. So, please, Mr. President, do show up Monday (especially if we get the 10" of snow predicted) so the protesters can see first hand how to make a cause flop. Oh, and while you're at it, please charge the unions for the trip, we're tapped out!