Schools are closed because 40% of the teachers called in sick, the Governor is threatening to call out the National Guard, protesters spent the night sleeping in the Capitol building, the Super Bowl Champs are taking sides, and the police have shut down the streets around the governor's house (in a different city) due to hundreds of protesters.
This is going to be interesting to watch - mass civil disobedience, plus the parallels between this governor and Florida's Scott are interesting. (He turned down high speed rail money, is offering tax breaks to get businesses to relocate, wants to sell off state assets, appointed someone in construction to streamline the DNR, isn't taking a salary etc.)
Thousands descend on Wis. Capitol in protest - Politics - More politics - msnbc.com
MADISON, Wis. ? Thousands of people descended on the Wisconsin state Capitol for a second day of powerful protests Wednesday as key votes approached on Republican Gov. Scott Walker's plan to strip away the collective bargaining rights of public employees.
While other states have proposed bills curtailing labor rights, Wisconsin's measure is the boldest step by a new Republican governor and Legislature to solve budget problems by confronting organized labor. It would end collective bargaining, except over wages less than the Consumer Price Index, for all state, county and local workers except for police, firefighters and the state patrol.
Walker's plan would make workers pay half the costs of their pensions and at least 12.6 percent of their health care premiums. State employees' costs would go up by an average of 8 percent. The changes would save the state $30 million by June 30 and $300 million over the next two years to address a $3.6 billion budget shortfall. Unions could still represent workers, but could not seek pay increases above the Consumer Price Index unless approved by a public referendum. Unions also could not force employees to pay dues and would have to hold annual votes to stay organized. Local police, firefighters and state troopers would retain their collective bargaining rights.
scooterbug44scooterbug44SoWal ExpertSowal16,706 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
scooterbug44SoWal ExpertSowal16,706 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert9,806 views
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30ashopper30ashopperSoWal InsiderRight here!6,845 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
30ashopperSoWal InsiderRight here!6,845 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderI find that kind of pension more acceptable for someone whose job is very dangerous/physical and has high risk. (It's still a bit high IMO if there are other benefits like health insurance.)
I respect teachers, but physically they are dealing with the same as most office workers - not getting shot at (in most districts anyway) or running into burning buildings.
For me it's not a question of wether they earn it, it's the attitude of "hey, we don't make that much and our benefits sucks, so stop complaining." that bothers me.
Bob WellsBob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Bob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticFor me it's not a question of wether they earn it, it's the attitude of "hey, we don't make that much and our benefits sucks, so stop complaining." that bothers me.
Please show me where that quote is, who said it and what context. Or is this just the way you are percieving it? I heard a guy explaining to someone in the gym about the evils of Unions. I was not trying to be nosy and continued on with my workout. I wanted to be a part of the conversation to possibly bring a different perspective to it, but to me that would have been improper. So because I have said this, and many people on this board are no longer using screen names, maybe its time for me to come out also.
Bob Wells, age 51, married 27 years in March (to the same woman) 3 children, a teacher who is conservative, a firefighting daughter also conservative, a son in the Navy unsure what he is, and my wife who works for local goverment and is moderate. I am a firefighter paramedic, close to 23 total years doing this job. Card carrying Republican who votes for the person and not the party. I believe in Unions because, it allows me a hand in my future, it affords me the opportunity to negotiate pay, benefits and working conditions. I am not ashamed of who I am or what I believe and if you desire I will be more than happy to meet with you to discuss why I belong. I will tell you upfront I may not have all the answers but I will honestly tell you what I believe and to the best of my ability why. Now you know me. 😀
GeoGeoBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach, FL2,740 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
GeoBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach, FL2,740 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticHi Bob. I commend you on revealing your identity.
Cheers, George Wickey
Cheers, George Wickey
Bob WellsBob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Bob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanaticnow I just need to figure out how to change my name when I post.
Andy AAndy ABeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach4,389 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Andy ABeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach4,389 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanaticnow I just need to figure out how to change my name when I post.When you do, let me know so I can follow suit.
Bob WellsBob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Bob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticWhen you do, let me know so I can follow suit.
I emailed Kurt, he did it, but has since reverted back.
Bob Wells
Beach RunnerBeach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hood
Beach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hoodOMG! Live ammunition has been found in the capitol building in Madison. And guess who is staying at a hotel nearby? My husband. Our nephew died on Monday, and hubby is there for the funeral. I didn't go -- long story.
LuciferSamLuciferSamBannedSowal4,749 postsJoined View profileMessageBanned
LuciferSamBannedSowal4,749 postsJoined View profileMessageBannedI emailed Kurt, he did it, but has since reverted back.
Bob Wells
I could be wrong, but I think you have two avatars and need to log off as FF 2 and log in as Bob Wells. Here's th Bob Wells profile http://www.sowal.com/bb/members/bob-wells.html
OMG! Live ammunition has been found in the capitol building in Madison. And guess who is staying at a hotel nearby? My husband. Our nephew died on Monday, and hubby is there for the funeral. I didn't go -- long story.BR - there is always live ammunition in most areas. Calm down.
Andy and FF2 - I only learn one name, so you're stuck with those for life, no matter what it says.
Beach RunnerBeach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hood
Beach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hoodBR - there is always live ammunition in most areas. Calm down.But these Wisconsites are pretty riled up. That being said, I have ammunition in my home. Hopefully I never have to use it.
Thx, scooterbug.
But these Wisconsites are pretty riled up. That being said, I have ammunition in my home. Hopefully I never have to use it.
Thx, scooterbug.
Riled up Wisconsinite = calm Texan
He'll be fine.
30ashopper30ashopperSoWal InsiderRight here!6,845 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
30ashopperSoWal InsiderRight here!6,845 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderBR - there is always live ammunition in most areas. Calm down.
Sitting on the ground in piles around a State Capitol? WTH are you talking about?
On a related subject, I read today that cleaning up the mess the hippies left behind will cost the state upwards of 7-10 million in taxpayer funds. :shock:
Beach RunnerBeach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hood
Beach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hoodThe protesters should all go to State Street Brats, have a couple of brats and brewskies, and chill out. Oh, and maybe they'll be lucky enough to win a free round (State Street Brat tradition).
"University of Wisconsin Police Chief Susan Riseling testified that 41 rounds of .22-caliber ammunition were found Thursday morning scattered at several locations outside the Capitol. No guns were found with them.
"I don't like to see live ammunition outside when I have significant crowds," Riseling said. "You can't do much with live ammunition without the gun, but the presence of it doesn't thrill me."
The numbers on the damage are ridiculous. $500K to supervise the removal of the tape?
"I don't like to see live ammunition outside when I have significant crowds," Riseling said. "You can't do much with live ammunition without the gun, but the presence of it doesn't thrill me."
The numbers on the damage are ridiculous. $500K to supervise the removal of the tape?
Beach RunnerBeach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hood
Beach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hoodWe actually have a great-niece named Madison.
Edited
30ashopper30ashopperSoWal InsiderRight here!6,845 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
30ashopperSoWal InsiderRight here!6,845 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider"University of Wisconsin Police Chief Susan Riseling testified that 41 rounds of .22-caliber ammunition were found Thursday morning scattered at several locations outside the Capitol. No guns were found with them.
"I don't like to see live ammunition outside when I have significant crowds," Riseling said. "You can't do much with live ammunition without the gun, but the presence of it doesn't thrill me."
The numbers on the damage are ridiculous. $500K to supervise the removal of the tape?
It's a union job. :funn:
It's a union job. :funn:That was my first thought too! :lolabove:
AndrewGAndrewGBeach Fanatic680 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
AndrewGBeach Fanatic680 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticIt's a union job. :funn:
That's hilarious and most likely true too. Yes the protesters are such an honorable, peaceful group.
Union supporters disrupt GOP senators' restaurant meal | The Columbus Dispatch
At some point you have to snap out of the lie. Everyone knows if tea party groups had acted like this it would be headline news and somehow kittens would have been involved for embellishment.
jack Sjack SBeach Lover173 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
jack SBeach Lover173 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach LoverThe tea baggers claim to want to preserve the constitution, yet want to take rights away from people. They are tools of corporate money. Corporations and their republican pawns have always been against unions, social security, health care, and taxes. Oh, I almost forgot welfare, unless it's for them. Tea baggers take note; first they come for our pensions, but you are next. Don't think they will be satisfied until they get your pension too. That includes military pensions.
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