‘Irrational Hatred’: Wis. Gov Releases Thousands of E-Mails Supporting, Bashing Union Fight
- Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:10pm by
Emily Esfahani Smith
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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker released to The Associated Press on Friday tens of thousands of e-mails he received in the days after introducing his plan to strip public workers of nearly all their collective bargaining rights.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (AP)
The e-mails provide a first glimpse of the extent of public support that Walker said he was receiving from Wisconsin residents via e-mail for the proposal, as well as extensive opposition that he generally downplayed.
Signed into law a week ago, but halted Friday by a judge after a challenge from Democrats, the contentious plan drew tens of thousands of pro-labor protesters to the Capitol and has galvanized union supporters across the country.
Walker first mentioned the e-mails on Feb. 17, the same day 14 Democratic state senators fled to Illinois in an effort to keep the legislation from passing. As thousands of protesters banged on drums and blew whistles outside his office door, Walker told reporters he had received 8,000 e-mails – the bulk of which he said supported his efforts.
“The majority are telling us to stay firm, to stay strong, to stand with the taxpayers,” Walker said at the time. “While the protesters have every right to be heard, I’m going to make sure the taxpayers of the state are heard and their voices are not drowned out by those circling the Capitol.”
The following day as an estimated 40,000 protesters flooded the Capitol, Walker said he received more than 19,000 e-mails and believed they were indicative of a “quiet majority” that backed his proposal.
An initial review by the AP of the e-mails found that a mass e-mail Walker sent to state workers on Feb. 11, the day he introduced his proposal, thanking them for their service was met with a deluge of responses, many of them angry.
“Please, keep your backhanded ‘thank you’s and empty compliments to yourself,” one person who identified himself as a state corrections worker wrote to Walker. “Actions speak louder than words, and every one of your actions speaks quite clearly to your irrational hatred of the very people that have dedicated their lives and careers to keeping the state running safely and efficiently.”
Another woman who identified herself as a state prisons sergeant wrote in capital letters: “WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO TAKE WHAT WE HAVE WORKED SO HARD FOR? WE ALL HAVE FAMILIES AND HAVE CHILDREN OF OUR OWN TO FEED! TIMES ARE HARD ENOUGH WITH THE ECONOMY THE WAY IT IS!”
One woman who identified herself as a Milwaukee Public Schools employee wrote in to support Walker’s plan.
“I voted for you in November, and today I am thankful that I did so,” she wrote. “This legislation is more than fair to us in the public sector and will bring a measure of financial relief to the people of our state. Keep up the good work, Governor. I’m glad to see us moving in a conservative, constitutionally sound direction.”
Other e-mails reviewed by the AP came from Wisconsin residents working in the private sector.
“I urge you to protect collective bargaining rights for public employees. Making collective bargaining illegal would be devastating to Wisconsin’s working families and economy,” wrote a resident from Oak Creek, Wis.
A couple from Genesee, Wis., encouraged Walker to “stay firm” and not give in to the opposition. “We support what you are doing. It’s the right thing to do for Wisconsin,” they wrote.
AP and Isthmus, a weekly Madison newspaper, both filed open record requests with Walker’s office on Feb. 18 seeking the 8,000 messages the governor referenced at his news conference. The AP amended the request a week later, seeking all e-mails Walker had received through that day.
After receiving no response from the governor’s office, the AP and Isthmus filed a joint lawsuit on March 4 seeking the e-mails. A settlement reached March 16 called for Walker to release the messages and pay the organizations’ attorney fees, which came to $7,000.
The agreement specified that Walker did not acknowledge violating the state’s open records law.
The public outcry over Walker’s collective bargaining proposal turned the state and its Capitol into a national flashpoint as lawmakers struggled to balance state budgets crippled by the Great Recession.
The law requires all public workers, except most police and firefighters, to pay more for their benefits. It also limits most public workers’ collective bargaining rights to wages only, and caps those potential increase to the rate of inflation. The law means they can no longer negotiate issues such as work conditions, vacation time or grievance processes.
Walker says the law is needed and will help the state fill its current $137 million budget deficit and a projected two-year shortfall of $3.6 billion. He said the plan gives local governments the flexibility to absorb more than $1 billion in cuts to state aid that he’s proposed as part of his budget plan.
Opponents, including teachers, union leaders and the Senate Democrats who fled the state, have argued Walker’s true goal was to bust the powerful public-sector unions that have traditionally served as a strong source of support for Democrats.
On Friday, a Wisconsin judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the law from taking effect. The law had been challenged by Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, a Democrat who argued a legislative committee that broke a stalemate that had kept the law in limbo for weeks met without the 24-hour notice required by Wisconsin’s open meetings law.
The order keeps Secretary of State Doug La Follette from formally publishing the law, which is required for it to take effect.
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Comments (161)
SafeguardOurLiberty
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:38pmI really think that people that belong to unions have no intelligence. Do they not understand that for them to get paid, the PUBLIC has to pay them. If there is a recession and the public cannot afford their blown up salaries, pension and the best healthcare plan because they have lost their job,or their house, how the hell can people pay? One person is complaining about feeding their family,well, what about the average taxpayer that doesn’t belong to a union and is paying high taxes for the unions cushy pension or healthcare plan. What about them?? Where does the money come from union people??? Is it fair that YOU get what you want, and others have to go without? Is it fair that some taxpayers have no health insurance because they can’t afford it so YOU can have the best healthcare plan?? Union people complain about rich people and how they should pay their fair share, but union people don’t want to give up their fair share. SHUT YOUR MOUTHS AND OPEN YOU EYES AND EARS, WHERE DOES THE MONEY COME FROM???? DO YOU HAVE NO MORAL CONSCIENCE ABOUT YOUR FELLOW TAXPAYERS? Selfish lot all of you!
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:48pmBINGO!
These people need to be slapped around until they realize what this country is all about. How can they be so obtuse and blind and uncaring? It’s sad.
Report Post »Anubis2069TX
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:59pmThank You!…Very well said..
Report Post »NancyBee
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:19pmWAKE UP……………Union members…………you are being used and abused!
Report Post »lampshade
Posted on March 19, 2011 at 4:30pmGreat post….exactly the same questions I have for union members. I‘m afraid they won’t answer because it’s all about them.
Report Post »pandora
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:32pmThis whole thing is so stupid. It is not at all about conservatives vs. teachers or any other political group. This is simply taxpayers vs. money hungry unions. The taxpayers have been bled dry. There is no more to give and the unions continue to demand – and I do mean DEMAND – more and more. They are not doing it to the betterment of their members either. In order to pay for their demands costs have to go higher. The very union members who think they get a few extra dollars end up spending it on the increase in prices of goods and services. They are shooting themselves in the foot to agree with such tactics. Unions benefit because they keep collecting more and more dues from their members. They win every time.
Report Post »HappyOldie
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:25pmGov Walker, drag out the pink slips and start issuing them. Let them cry p iss and moan in the unemployment line! That should shut them up.
Report Post »SHASTADIANE1
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 6:26pmOnly thing about the unemployment deal, is that I wouldn’t even want to pay these thugs unemployment!! If you get laid off through no fault of your own, that is one thing, these people had a choice! They just chose to me idiots and go tear their State House to pieces. Hey, anyone ever know if the Tea Party cleanup ever took place? I know they said they couldn’t get inside, but they were going to do the grounds. I never heard if it actually took place though?
Report Post »CaptainSpaulding
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:17pmI can’t imagine talking to my boss this way.
I’d be fired – or worse.
Report Post »The Deal
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:09pmThe Wisconsin thing is getting out of hand! The DEMS RAN ACROSS THE STATE LINE–14 FIRST TIME EVER RECORDED FOR DEMS TO RUN FROM A POLITICAL BATTLE! THEY DID! Everyone watched the Unions and people stormed the Capital–regardless of th cold, rain and snow! While the LAWMAKERS WERE SITTING IN A COZY SUITE–SHATTING AND LAUGHING while the real diehard unions walked–shouted!
Now the courts want to bring a 3 week disaster before the eyes of the people. It REALLY MAKES IT LOOK BAD ON THE DEMOCRATS! The DEMS WILL NEVER LIVE DOWN THEIR ACTIONS!
One thing about the GOP–the Republicans were out numbered for 2 years–with complete Democratic Control-NOT ONE RAN FROM THEIR DUTIES–THEY STOOD AND FOUGHT–BUT DIDN’T RUN AWAY!
The proof of my statements is presented as they are–DEMS RAN–was warm–drinking–while the real union workers labored for their victory!
Report Post »lizaz
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:07pmThe union leaders are panicked they will lose union dues…that’s what keeps them in their big houses, cars and other “free” benefits (notice not too many are thin??) Too bad the members can’t see how they are being used. Gov Walker wants to save money on their medical insurance by shopping around for the best price, but the unions have a lock on the current provider…wonder if they make money on the side from all the state workers’ participation in that medical insurance??? Be interesting to know……
Report Post »GingerC
Posted on March 19, 2011 at 9:54amAbsolutely they do. In WI the Teacher’s Union (WEA) operates a health care plan. That plan is more expensive than similar plans. School Districts have to pay the WEA to administer this expensive coverage. If bargaining is taken off the table, the WEA stands to lose out on a LOT of money.
Report Post »justice
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:04pmWi people get behind your Govenor.
bruce_baker
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:01pmI guess that this is part of the price we pay for living in a country with enough stupid people to support a national circulation for “The National Enquirer” and baseball caps designed to be worn backwards. How many of the union supporters have ever read the Constitution?
Report Post »flagbearer
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:23pmIt is my observation that most union workers blindly vote Democrat and union. If you ask them specifics about policy, people, etc., they are totally ignorant. Most have never heard of George Soros or Saul Alinsky. They are either too young to know or have forgotten/never were aware of the 1960s hippie, socialists with White House connections. They blindly repeat cliches they’ve heard from the mass media. They see themselves as superior to conservatives. I’d love to give a civics/economics pop quiz to the teachers and see how well they do.
Report Post »Patriot Z
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:53pmyou know what the other term for “quiet majority” is?…..LOOSER. we cannot be the quiet majority and expect to win. we must now and forever make our voiced heard loud and clear by all means. dont let small wins fool you. as you can see already these people are well versed in decipt and treachery. they will use any and all means to get what they want. we can be no less vigilant in our goals unless you want to loose.
Report Post »2gether
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:49pmThis democrat that filed the suit had no right to file it. The law is clear #93 I believe states that no notice is required at all if the legislature is in special session and it absolutely was. The injunction should never have been ordered and liberal judge is way out of line and illegal! There is no way that this will stand and I cannot even believe that it got this far. It goes to show you just how ludcrous things are in the legal system right now. There are no laws according to the progressives….except the ones they want or make up as they go along. EVERYBODY IS SACRIFICING and giving things up, the whole country is in the same damn boat! Why don’t we try and row it together instead of trying to throw each other out!
Report Post »pudssweetie
Posted on March 19, 2011 at 2:03amJ.B Van Hollen announced that he is filing a repeal against the Judges decision as the Judge had overstepped her jurisdiction.
Report Post »RB in Kentucky
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:48pmWalker needs to quit messing around and can the whole lot. The kids would be much better off with substitute teachers off the street than the left wing Commies teaching teaching the kids now.
Report Post »USAMama
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:00pmAin’t that the truth!
Report Post »Leadthemtothelight
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:45pmRepublicans must hold themselves to a higher standard than democrats or progressives. We can ill afford to have our good name tarnished by people who make bad decisions. It is imperative to hold strong to our morals and core values otherwise we are just as corrupt and lost as the dems and libs…..
I am very dissapointed in you Mr Walker.
BIGJAYINPA
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:52pmThe light must have hit you in the head. Until we are willing to throw away the label of Republican and Democrat and start standing up to these thugs and defeating them in detail we are never going to save this country. Attitudes like yours“Keep our lacey little panties clean” are going to be the death of this country. Fight back, Fight hard FIGHT TO WIN!!
Report Post »cyclepath
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:59pmWHAT??? Walker gave the chicken Democrats 3 weeks to come home and debate this. Thats alot more time than Oboma gave us on the health care bill.
Report Post »Walker is clean!
aladytoo
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:00pmAnd just what light might you be trying to lead us to? Your disappointment in Governor Walker gives you away!
Report Post »aladytoo
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:02pmBigjayinpa…..Amen!
Report Post »Leadthemtothelight
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:19pmI’m curious did you actually read the article or just the headline? Nobody get’s a pass where the law is concerned. If he truly had 8,000 emails from WI people supporting his decision why not release them.
Report Post »The issue here is integrity and honesty. Unless YOU are another progressive drinking the Kool- Aid and citing that the ends justify the means.
Jojowisc
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:27pmCollective bargaining is NOT A RIGHT. It is a priviliage. If it was a right it would be available to all citizens. It’s time we put the responsibility of running this state to the elected officials not the unions. Walker is cleaning up the mess Doyle and the Democrats left behind. It was a long time coming. Stay strong Gov. Walker…we are behind you.
Report Post »dirtytricksjusttowin
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:40pmThe silent majority cannot be silent no more. Stand strong Gov Walker. The dark forces will eventually be defeated by truth.
To all American citizens who believe in rule of law and fiscal discipline, please explain to your daughters, sons and other relatives the truth behind the union thug-o-cracy and the unholy alliance between the Public sector unions and the Democrats. This is the only way to defeat the disinformation being propagated by the Democrats and the Lame Stream Media.
Report Post »aladytoo
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:39pm………“WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO TAKE WHAT WE HAVE WORKED SO HARD FOR? WE ALL HAVE FAMILIES AND HAVE CHILDREN OF OUR OWN TO FEED! TIMES ARE HARD ENOUGH WITH THE ECONOMY THE WAY IT IS!”……..
………….cried the American taxpayer to the deaf ears of the union bosses! It’s has come a time that ALL must sacrifice! We have no more to give! We are broke! YOU HAVE SUCKED US DRY!!!!!!
Report Post »BIGJAYINPA
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:37pmWhy is it that I never her anything about leftist death threats, Union thuggery and all the thousands of suppoters of Gov Walker anywhere but The Blaze, Fox News and Glenn Beck??? Could it be that the Eunuchs of the MSM are only allowed to report what their masters tell them to report??? How much longer are we going to have to put up with this crap until WE take this country back???
Report Post »USAMama
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:59pmAmen!
Report Post »Nobama12
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 11:01pmAmerica needs to take back the media as well.The left controlled media only tells the public what it wants the public to know about. And I’m sure they all obey what they are told to say or risk loosing their funding , or jobs or even reputation. They release news as they see fit. The truth is hidden from the public masses for financial and political gain. And twisted or expressed solely for power of persuasion.The more they try the more they believe they can influence the people.
no obama in 2012
Report Post »streetrodder
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:36pmAnybody interested go to radio1130wisn from 3:00 to 6:00 central time and listen to Mark Belling, on the computer. He will tell exactly whats going on in in Wi. Great consertive talk show.
Report Post »Justthinking
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:06pmThat is newstalk1130.com
Report Post »joan k
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:36pmMost of the union workers who this effects are being selfish babies. It is all about ME and MINE.
I had my salary cut 10% last April as an independent contractor from my county. I hear I will most likely be getting yet another 10% cut. I don’t mind having a cut when I know how much the state and local areas are destitute to balance their budget. However the union workers here in NY state last year got their 3.5% raises and their cost of living raises for their full benefits, (100% paid for pensions and HC plans). And I am per diem with none. BTW the first 10% cut in my salary was more than double all the raises I have had since 1974. Good thing I am retiring in June.
Report Post »USAMama
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:56pmEXACTLY! My husband is an Executive Chef at a local restaraunt and he not only hasn’t gotten a raise in more then 2 years but part of his salary is a quarterly bonus which he also has not seen in more then 2 years due to business being down and food costs rising. So although officially he hasn’t had a “pay cut” when you lose your expected bonus its basically a pay cut. Of course in the restaraunt industry he works 12 hour shifts 5 or 6 days a week on his feet and has little sympathy for the people for whom his taxes pay complaining about making 1 1/2 times what he makes and getting summers/ holidays off etc etc etc.
Report Post »Living In NYC
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:36pmGov Walker you are a great man supporting the taxpayers who elected you!
God Bless you and keep up the good fight you will win the battle and have the support of majority!
Report Post »AKMIIKEUS
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:56pmHe might win the battle but the Left and Working Class American’s will win the WAR.
PrfctlyFrank
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 5:15pmAKMIKEUS, what you’re witnessing is the education of America.. The exposure of such ignorance and flawed thought processes that one must go to to be a progressive/liberal, is exposed for all to see and the ones(voters) who haven’t paid much attention in the past, and voted democrap, cause grampaw did, realize what a wasted bunch of liars they’ve been duped by, and embrace the Consevative( also known as intelligent, informed, educated) public stance..
Keep it up Mr. Mike.. You were better off hiding in the shadows but since your exposure we’re better off.. People like you are going to get a lot of conservatives elected..
Report Post »RedHarley
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 5:19pmAKMIIKEUS,
95% of those “WORKING CLASS AMERICANS” that you speak of are the ones paying for the mess that is public sector union employment…….including private sector union people.
About 87% of those working class Americans are non-union private sector employees.
The ONLY way that these taxpayers will lose the “war” is by combing the votes of the public employee unions, the idiots in private sector unions that will stand with their “brothers” while their “brothers” suck them dry in taxes, and those on the public dole that don’t pay any taxes and could care less. Unfortunately the third group has grown to a point where those of us who pay taxes may not have a chance.
Report Post »Therightsofbilly
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 5:53pmHey Hak,
You mean the left and the “NON WORKING – NO CLASS PEOPLE”
Report Post »If you are going to hang around here, you have to get things right, OK?
deadpammy
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:18pmAKMIIKEUS
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:56pm
He might win the battle but the Left and Working Class American’s will win the WAR.
Just how are you going to win the war Akmiikeus? With a bull horn and calling people names? I work,, I pay for my own healthcare and I put money into my 401k. But I think I need to send you a bill, cause you are just not helping me out enough, I need more money. Okay, cause that how you guys roll, so I want in that rig too. And what is this working class bs, you think anyone who is not in a union is not in the working class? You’re like a cartoon. Gov Walker is doing the right thing, I hope more Republicans follow his lead. There is no more money Akmiikeus, sorry to burst your bubble. But us who really do work, are tired of paying for your union crap.
Report Post »Dahart
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:35pm“WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO TAKE WHAT WE HAVE WORKED SO HARD FOR? WE ALL HAVE FAMILIES AND HAVE CHILDREN OF OUR OWN TO FEED! TIMES ARE HARD ENOUGH WITH THE ECONOMY THE WAY IT IS!”
Because I am trying to get back what you took from ME so I can feed my children!
Report Post »cyclepath
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:42pmDAHART, Dont blame Walker, He’s just now doing what should have been done decades ago. You will be just fine. BTW are you one of those people that trashed the Wisc state capital?
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:48pmcyclepath,
Are you really that dense? Do you not realize dhart is quoting an email from the article?
ROFL
Report Post »Dahart
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:14pmI think maybe you miss understood me when I said “Because I am trying to get back what you took from ME so I can feed my children!” Every year my tax’s up in large part to pay the union deals. I was just saying the door swing both ways the taxpayers have children to feed also. I support what Gov. Walker is doing. As far as trashing the capital not my cup! And not mention I live in Florida!
Report Post »RevPh
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:56pmRight on!
Report Post »Mil Mom
Posted on March 19, 2011 at 12:58amGood explanation, and God be with you.
Report Post »cyclepath
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:35pmHoorah for Gov. Walker!!
Report Post »Without more leadership like him we are DOOMED!
Marylou7
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:26pmSomeone has to do something. Our whole country is broke.
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:30pmThe above was suppose to be a reply to SHOWTIME (Showtime
Report Post »Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:18pm
Here’s one about the TSA from The Patriot Update:)
trolltrainer
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:23pm“WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO TAKE WHAT WE HAVE WORKED SO HARD FOR? WE ALL HAVE FAMILIES AND HAVE CHILDREN OF OUR OWN TO FEED! TIMES ARE HARD ENOUGH WITH THE ECONOMY THE WAY IT IS!”
This is sadly how ill-informed and reactionary the average person is. Small wonder WI is getting the reaction it is. These people are so mixed up, they will be their own downfall. There is no hope left…The elites are right, the general public is indeed too ignorant to have any say in their own governing. Walker has tried to protect his state form the wolves but the people have decided they want to let the wolves in…
Report Post »M-O-O-N Spells Moon
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:00pmSmall wonder the average person believes the progressive propaganda when they have received little but progressive propaganda from the schools and media. I have found, though, that a reasonable dialog (while omitting any mention of Glenn Beck or Fox) can be obtained if you begin by asking questions of what the person believes and why they believe what they do. Then you offer a hypothetical scenario based on their beliefs and carry it to a logical conclusion. The average progressive is then left trapped in a corner by their own logic and arguments. And we the people have not done anything to provoke their anger or hositility, just helped them understand the bigger picture beyond their selfishness. Just throwing it out there…
Report Post »Mil Mom
Posted on March 19, 2011 at 12:54am@trainer
Report Post »Do you suppose the reason that judge stopped the law from being published is because if people actually READ the law, they‘ll see that the unions are lying to them about what’s in it?
lambchop60
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:22pmgov walker needs to fire everyone of them
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:24pmWe need to pray for Governor Walker!
Report Post »beckwill
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:30pmYep, i mean, if you’re going to be in you might as well be ALL in. They’re already pissed, so what? It‘s not like he hasn’t already received death threats.
Report Post »AKMIIKEUS
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:54pmYep, you better pray for Gov Walker, because he has lost his mind and is about to lose a lot more.
Therightsofbilly
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 5:41pmHey Hakmiikeus,
How ya been?
Just want to remind you that your boy Harry is a Mormon.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:18pmHere’s one about the TSA from The Patriot Update:
Man With 4th Amendment Written on Chest Sues Over Airport Arrest
March 16, 2011
Aaron Tobey claims in a civil rights lawsuit(.pdf) that in December he was handcuffed and held for about 90 minutes by the Transportation Security Administration at the Richmond International Airport after he began removing his clothing to display on his chest a magic-marker protest of airport security measures.
“Amendment 4: The right of the people to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated,” his chest and gut read.
Among other things, the federal lawsuit claims wrongful detention and a breach of the First Amendment and Fourth Amendment. “He was held there for 90 minutes, and handcuffed behind his back,” Knicely said.
According to the suit, while under interrogation on December 30, the authorities wanted to know “about his affiliation with, or knowledge of, any terrorist organizations, if he had been asked to do what he did by any third party, and what his intentions and goals were.”
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:29pmThat is incredible. Our government has gone mad.
Report Post »USAMama
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:45pmGood for him! This is rediculous, I personally won’t fly anymore. Not only to stand up for my own rights against illegal search but also because I have 2 small children who are impressionable and I don’t want them to think that its EVER ok for the government to search them in such a manner for no valid reason. If they learn now that its OK in this case, they will grow up thinking the government has the right to just search them anytime they feel necessary.
Report Post »cessna152
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:45pmYou have a link for that? It does not surprise me because I had a “scuffle” with a TSA agent after I went through a body scanner he also went to “pat ” me down. I said “wait, you just did a scan and now you are patting me down? For what”? This went on for about 45 seconds and he said he just needed to pat down my calves.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:04pm@Cessna152 ~
Yep, sure do!
http://patriotupdate.com/4316/man-with-4th-amendment-written-on-chest-sues-over-airport-arrest
Report Post »swehes
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:57pmI have a few questions for you and I wonder how is the best way to contact you?
Report Post »WhiteTeaParty
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 5:43pm“The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress.
Report Post »Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployme¬nt insurance, old-age pensions, government relief for the destitute and, above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life.
The captains of industry did not lead this transformation; they resisted it until they were overcome. When in the thirties the wave of union organization crested over the nation, it carried to secure shores not only itself but the whole society.” Martin Luther King Jr.
-Speech to the state convention of the Illinois AFL-CIO, Oct. 7, 1965
mauijonny
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:40pmHistory will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.
Report Post »Martin Luther King, Jr.
RedHarley
Posted on March 19, 2011 at 9:02amA quote from someone who personally had to deal with public employee unions in Wisconsin, not just talk from the sidelines or the cheap seats………
“This sharing of powers in wage determination and conditions of employment through the negotiation process has in turn diminished public officials’ authority in other areas of policy involving organized employees.
The net effect has been to create what amounts to a two-chamber local government. One chamber is made up of elected representatives and chief executives—aldermen, councilmen, county board or commission members, mayors or other chief executives—the traditional decision-making body for local government. The other chamber comprises the organized public employees who have gained official recognition to negotiate. The public business on wages and conditions of work, and therefore indirectly on policy, cannot be carried on without mutual agreement between these two Chambers. . . .
The implications of this new method of reaching decisions in local government put an entirely different aspect on the sovereignty of councils and executives and elected officials as well. The challenge of organized public employees can mean considerable loss of control over the budget, and hence over tax rates and over government programs and projects.
The gravity of the challenge was recognized by some municipal officials at least ten years ago, but most of them took the position that to study the new phenomenon was to encourage it. As is usually the case, the ostrich stance was a mistake: When employee organizations suddenly burgeoned, municipal officials were not prepared with effective rejoinders before legislatures and in negotiations.”
Frank Zeidler – July 1969 -SOCIALIST Milwaukee Mayor from 1948-1960
Report Post »RedHarley
Posted on March 19, 2011 at 9:14amWhiteTeaParty wants to quote MLK on this issue.
MLK was a great man in many regards and helped make strides for people of color. In the 1960′s the unions were near the peak of their power and ranks in the U.S. MLK NEEEDEDD THE SUPPORT of those unions to advance his cause, while overlooking the fact that some of those same unions were created in part to EXCLUDE people of color in their ranks. He also was not specifically talking about public employee unions, while Frank Zeidler WAS……….
Report Post »TSUNAMI-22
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:13pmDialog, remember?
Report Post »TSUNAMI-22
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:21pmOoops, I forgot – dialog only carries any validity when the outcome favors the progressive agenda.
Silly me.
Report Post »exdem
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:37pmOh, its only the union supporters being hateful and threatening.If it was the TEA Party they would have to take legal action against them.
Report Post »ProgressiveLiberalMarine
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:45pmThey gave up on the financial aspects, why does collective bargaining have to go as well? There is no reason to give that up.
Gold Coin & Economic News
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:51pm“WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO TAKE WHAT WE HAVE WORKED SO HARD FOR?”
Yea, you worked really hard for the extra $20 a week you’re being asked to pay for your ridiculous Cadillac benefits. Such cry babies. Your state is broke and if you don’t start doing something to save money instead of demanding more, more, more you all will be out of jobs and eating out of dumpsters.
Duh!
Report Post »chickenlittle
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:51pmSeems to me that Walker has done everything possible legally to keep from doing layoffs. If an activist judge wants to impose her opinion on stuff, then maybe he should say as much in a speech, and then do exactly like Costa Mesa, CA just did. See the link below for a story of what can really be done if they continue this sham. Can‘t say they weren’t warned.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-costa-mesa-cuts-20110318-1,0,2155762.story?page=2&track=rss
Report Post »Lord_Frostwind
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:01pmThe reason you take away collective bargaining is because the Unions can simply wait until the next administration and take back all those wonderful pensions that bleed the state dry. Collective bargaining is alright when dealing with a private firm, but when done against a government, it is going to cost the taxpayers, especially when many of those elected who decide on the results are friends of the union.
Report Post »RedHarley
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:04pmTo PROGRESSIVELIBERALMARINE,
They DID NOT give up on the financial aspects of the bill. They passed the only parts of the bill that they COULD pass given the fact that 14 low-life UN-democratic DEMOCRAT senators would NOT DO THEIR JOB, and left the state where their CONSTITUENTS elected them to do a job.
Report Post »With the low-lifes having returned to Madison, they will now begin work to pass the REST of the bill, complete with each side giving their arguments FOR and AGAINST the legislation ( as it is properly done in a REPRESENTATIVE REPUBLIC )
encinom
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:05pmDer Furher Walkers, must be retreating to his underground bunker. His lies are being exposed and his law is in failing to court approval. 8 GOP traitors are in banger of being recalled. Walker‘s own ego and pride has become not only his but the party’s and the tea-baggers downfall.
Long live liberty, long live the worker.
Showtime
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:15pmProgressiveLiberalMarine
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:45pm
They gave up on the financial aspects, why does collective bargaining have to go as well? There is no reason to give that up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How do you get a job?
You either (1) APPLY for it or (2) you are OFFERED it.
To apply, you include your resume to show your background and experience. Some positions require a skills or performance test, unless you‘re looking at somebody like Wanda Wiggins on Carol Burnett’s show.
If you are offered the job, the employer already knows your qualifications, and he’s likely not with the government.
In either case, the job has a salary range and (likely) benefits. If you want the job, have applied for it, are hired, what is the need for COLLECTIVE bargaining rights? None, unless your are afraid of losing your job because of incompetence!
Report Post »IAMMADDOG
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:19pmShowtime, that is an excellent explanation as to why collective bargaining is not needed. I’m going to have to borrow that one.
Report Post »Showtime
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:21pm@IAmMadDog ~
Report Post »I just set Reason in her seat.
Help yourself, Shuh-gah!
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:24pmTsunami 22:
Correct, to the progressives dialogue is “agree with me absolutely, or face the wall and the fist.”
Report Post »ProgressiveLiberalMarine
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:27pmSo the workers don’t get screwed by the gov they work for.
Report Post »Cemoto78
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:30pmI’m with you Gov. Walker, your the MAN.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:46pmReinstate the LAYOFFS .. that is what they really want .. it must be! The Union Thugs need to be beaten back … whatever it takes …
Report Post »RedHarley
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:54pmProgressive Marine….
So they don’t get screwed by the GOVERNMENT they work for ?
Exactly WHO IS THE GOVERNMENT ???
In case you have never read this or been taught it: Government OF THE PEOPLE and BY THE PEOPLE.
You see, here in the United States the government works by the consent of the governed. We elect people to REPRESENT US. (representative republic)
Are you saying that the public sector workers might get screwed by the PEOPLE (or their reps)?? The ones who pay the salaries of those workers ?
Believe this or not, EVERY THIN DIME that government spends comes from the labors of someone in the private sector. Money does not grow or trees or appear from fairy dust. Someone had to WORK for the money that is spent by government at ALL LEVELS – local, state and federal.
Two things really gall me.
One is when someone makes a statement that the public workers might get screwed by government.
The other is when those same workers make a statement like “ We are agreeing to cuts in our pay and benefits” AGREEING ?? It is not their’s to “agree” to in the first place. The taxpayers will decide what it wants to pay it’s EMPLOYEES (the public worker). Why in the world do these same public workers believe they have the power and right to say they AGREE with anything regarding pay and benefits.
And before you think I don’t know what I am talking about, I was a member of a public employee union for 27 years before I got smart and got OUT. I was (and still am) embarassed by the actions of the union thugs. Being a public employee means you work FOR the public. See ?, It’s right there in the name………
Report Post »It is high time the taxpayers take back their rights as EMPLOYERS.
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:59pmThis is interesting. This post keeps getting deleted.
I watch the Civil Service pukes gripe about working 40 hours a week, “If they tell me I got to do such and such, I don’t got to do that.“ I have seen people actually get up and walk out of meetings because ”It‘s their time to go home and they don’t have to work overtime”.
Me, I work on my days off if I have to, I go to meetings, dial in to teleconferences, and will go out of town on business when I have to, I get the mission done.
When I worked in manufacturing, I worked overtime when the company needed me to and I was glad I had a job and the overtime.
I never have had a need for a union, they have never helped me, and everytime I worked with union pukes, they always used it as a shield when they did crappy, half-A..ed work.
I have seen union workers screw up hydraulics, spend twice the time it should have taken, and then have their union steward threaten to file grievance against the Govt. if we dinged them on a contract.
Its no wonder unions are screaming right now. If most these workers have to step up and actually do the job they are being paid for, they are afraid they will be paid the worth for the job they are doing.
Report Post »Gas137
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 5:05pmYou listen to me! Keep that hatred rational!
Report Post »realindependent
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 5:10pmOk. First they said collective bargaining was a fiscal problem. So it had to be taken away. then to pass the bill they took all the fiscal ammendments waya so they didnt need democrats to pass the bill. That proves they lied about collective bargaining. The unions agreed right waya to pay more for retirement plans and to take pay cuts. Walker still wouldnt discuss it, he as shown on the tape with fake mr /koch that he was going to resort to tricking the democrats to come back to talk about it. That shows he never cared about getting consessions from unions. He just wanted to union bust. PERIOD. He showed he is a liar and a cheater. recall his arse and send him to the lobying firm of his choice. Thats where all polititions go after “public service” anyways…
Report Post »AKMIIKEUS
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 5:36pmIf we’re all supposed to get jobs based solely on our qualifications, please tell me how you get to be Governor with no degree and a history of academic dishonesty.
Report Post »WhiteTeaParty
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 5:41pmBy going against the will of the people, the republicans have not only proven they have a desire to run roughshod over the majority, but also that they want to continue to overreach with their one-party fascist dictatorship, with their far-right teabaggin’ extremist ways.
Not only will several republican lawmakers be recalled, but also their extremist, union-busting, koch head financed governor.
Therightsofbilly
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 5:59pm@Encinom………Your silly
@PLM……..you’re still a poser
Report Post »shorthanded12
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 6:10pmencinom
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:05pm
Der Furher Walkers, must be retreating to his underground bunker. His lies are being exposed and his law is in failing to court approval. 8 GOP traitors are in banger of being recalled. Walker‘s own ego and pride has become not only his but the party’s and the tea-baggers downfall.
Long live liberty, long live the worker
@encinom YOU NEED TO BE PUT IN A ROUND PADDED CELL AND TOLD TO GOTO THE CORNER. Sick POS. dayum give me give me society a drain on All Americans that wants nothing to do with Unions and Social Welfare pigs. Your not Americans your Socialist OBAmaNITES ie sheep. Your greedy ass days are numbered, rest of America has patients but its running thin real thin.
Report Post »Dstarr55
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 6:52pmRealindependent, what they took out was the appropriations of the bill (distribution of the money) so it does not ‘prove’ they lied about collective bargaining as a fiscal concern. On Morning Joe Mika asked repeatedly what collective bargaining had to do with reducing the budget – she got the same answer over and over but either was unwilling to understand or it just flew over her head. Collective bargaining causes the state, as well as smaller towns and counties, to put out money that they cannot afford. Each country and town should be able negotiate the benefits and class room size that is affordable to the district and then it would be up to the teacher if he/she wants to work in that school. As far as ‘tricking’ the democrats to return – they should never have left in the first place. This is America where elections has consequences – wasn’t that what Obama said as he first met with the republicans to tell them he didn’t need them to pass his legislation?
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 7:48pmThe reptile brain feeds on HATE
Report Post »MasterTweak
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 8:35pmLets Pretend that you are a 911 operator who cannot hang up. “OMG THERES A GUY STABBING INFANTS ON (runs to another state to hide). Hiding away from the other side and ignoring their attempts to contact you is a great way to ascertain dialog.
Report Post »dr_funk
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 9:58pmI like how these state workers think that they’ll be better off unemployed than taking a pay cut…
I guess that’s why they work in government and not the private sector lol…
Report Post »marine249
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 10:50pmPRO -LIB -MARINE
public emp. have civil service protection
if you don’t what that is look it up
Report Post »HUGGINGMYBABIES
Posted on March 19, 2011 at 12:21amWithout us (the quiet working middle class taxpayer), who by the way voted Walker in) you won’t have a job……keep up what you’re doing and you can join the 15% unemployed in Nevada. I’m sure there are plenty of police, fire and teachers down there who would gladly come North for some money, even without the bloated pension.
Report Post »Mil Mom
Posted on March 19, 2011 at 12:25am@ProgressiveLiberalMarine
Report Post »Posted on March 18, 2011 at 3:45pm
They gave up on the financial aspects, why does collective bargaining have to go as well? There is no reason to give that up.
****************
Collective bargaining IS THE financial aspects, all the things that unions bargain for have financial ramifications, (Believe me, my father’s pride was that he was always on his shops union bargaining committee. After each contract he’d brag. it wasn’t the raises but the perks which were worth $millions.) The local governments are going to be without stimulus funds this year, and the states must cut their funding too. The only way small school districts can avoid bankruptcy is to begin to reign in some of those perks.
Mil Mom
Posted on March 19, 2011 at 12:38am@ProgressiveLiberalMarine
Posted on March 18, 2011 at 4:27pm
So the workers don’t get screwed by the gov they work for.
**************************
Report Post »From what I’ve seen of the leadership and behavior capabilities of the demonstrators, it’s the parents and students who are being given the shaft when it comes to education and preparing these kids to live in a Very High Competition world after graduation.
The greatest teacher is your example and if it was truly teachers doing the sit in at the capitol building these teachers were preparing the kids for a future of being in and out of jail for vandalism.
HUGGINGMYBABIES
Posted on March 19, 2011 at 12:41amThey may be vocal but they ain’t local!!!!! Trust me…..the silent MAJORITY will vote this man in again and again and again. These yapping mouths are sealing their own fate every time they open their cans or have a union goon do it for them. The longer this goes on the more union atrocities come to light. Thank you Wisconsin DNC for showing us the slime that you call constituents!!!! I think this battle alone seals Obama’s fate come 20212 :)
Report Post »restorehope
Posted on March 19, 2011 at 1:07amIf collective bargaining is used in ridiculous ways like getting Viagra covered in health insurance (as it currently is in a Wisconsin school district), then most collective bargaining should justifiably be eliminated. It is just a way to snatch more money and perks from the public purse, money that could actually reduce the state’s debt. “Ask not what your state can do for you, dear union member. Instead ask what you can do for your state.”
Report Post »WalterSobchak
Posted on March 20, 2011 at 12:42amHmmm. Negative article on Walker. Quoted only e-mails with negative response to Walker. It looks like the lady that Glenn hired from HuffPo has finally taken hold.
The Truth Has No Agenda but the lady from HuffPo does!!!
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