US

Walker Sends Wis. Troopers After Dem. Leader

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin State Patrol was dispatched Friday to find a Democratic state senator who fled the Capitol to delay the near-certain passage of a bill to end a half-century of collective bargaining rights for public workers, a measure that’s attracted thousands of protesters for four days.

With Democrats saying they won’t return before Saturday, it was unclear when the Senate would be able to begin debating Gov. Scott Walker‘s measure meant to ease the state’s budget woes. Democrats who disappeared Thursday at first kept their whereabouts secret, then started to emerge to give interviews and fan the protests.

Senate Republicans convened briefly Friday morning to renew a call to find the Democrats, then recessed. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, told reporters he has asked the governor to send two state troopers to Senate Democratic Minority Leader Mark Miller’s suburban Madison home. He said he believes Miller may be there – he did not elaborate on why he thought that – and Walker agreed to dispatch the officers.

Early Friday, an Associated Press reporter went to Miller’s home in Monona, but no one answered the door. In an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America,“ Miller said the Democrats ”had left the state so we were out of reach of the Wisconsin State Patrol.”

The Wisconsin Constitution prohibits police from arresting state lawmakers while the Legislature is in session, except in cases of felonies, breaches of the peace or treason. Fitzgerald said he’s not looking to have Miller arrested, but he wants to send a signal about how serious things are becoming in the Capitol.

Fitzgerald said he spoke with Miller by phone late Thursday night and asked him to bring his caucus back to Madison for a vote on Friday morning, but Miller refused. Meanwhile, the protests are growing so large that Capitol workers and lawmakers’ staff cannot safely move through the halls, he said.

The situation has become “a powder keg,” he said.

“I’m starting to hold Sen. Miller responsible for this,” Fitzgerald said. “He shut down democracy.”

The protests have attracted teachers, grade school children, college students and other workers over four days. Police report they have been largely peaceful, with only nine people cited for minor acts of civil disobedience as of Thursday night.

While the Senate was paralyzed, the Assembly met briefly on Friday. Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon, said the Assembly would vote on the bill later in the day after Democrats have had a chance to meet privately.

Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca vowed to fight to the “bitter end,” in a speech delivered on the Assembly floor after Republicans had turned off the microphones and left.

“This is wrong!” Barca shouted to wild applause from the packed gallery. “Desperately wrong and we will not stand for it!”

Under Walker’s plan, state and local public employees could no longer collectively bargain over any issue except wage increases that are no higher than the Consumer Price Index. It would also 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 they 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.

Several hundred protesters were in the building early Friday and their ranks were growing. Many had spent the night in the Capitol and another large rally was planned around noon.

As many as 25,000 students, teachers and prison guards have turned out at the Capitol this week to protest, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the building’s hallways, sitting cross-legged across the floor and making it difficult to move from room to room. Some brought along sleeping bags and stayed through the night. Union organizers expected yet more to gather Friday.

The protesters chants of “Kill the Bill!“ and ”Recall Walker Now!” could be heard throughout the day and long past dark. They beat on drums and carried signs deriding Walker and his plan to end collective bargaining for state, county and local workers, except for police, firefighters and the state patrol.

Hundreds of teachers have joined the protests by calling in sick, forcing school districts – including the state’s largest, Milwaukee Public Schools – to cancel classes.

Some signs seen at the Capitol compared the governor to former Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak, who stepped down last week after weeks of mass protests against his three-decade rule. On read, “Impeach Scott Mubarak!” and another said, “Walker like an Egyptian.” Others compared to Walker and his supporters to boy wizard Harry Potter’s nemesis and his evil minions, calling them “Governor Voldemort and his DeathEater Legislators.”

Despite the groundswell of support, it seems Democrats are merely delaying the inevitable – Republicans say they have the votes to pass the bill – yet the protesters are undeterred.

“I always expect the worst, but at the least I figure this would lead to such larger strikes that it would be a bad move for Republicans and Scott Walker,” Graupner said.

In an interview with Milwaukee television station WTMJ, President Barack Obama compared Walker’s bill to “an assault on unions.”

Senate Republicans planned to try for a vote again Friday. With 19 seats, they hold a majority in the 33-member chamber, but they are one vote short of the number necessary to conduct business. The GOP needs at least one Democrat to be present before any voting can take place. The measure needs 17 votes to pass.

Speaking on CBS’ “The Early Show” on Friday morning, Walker urged the Democrats to return to Madison and face the vote.

“The state senators who are hiding out down in Illinois should show up for work, have their say, have their vote, add their amendments, but in the end, we’ve got a $3.6 billion budget deficit we’ve got to balance.”

Senate rules and the state constitution say absent members can be compelled to appear, but it does not say how.

“We left the state so we were out of the reach of the Wisconsin state patrol, which has the authority to round us up and bring us back to the legislature,” state Sen. Mark Miller told ABC’s “Good Morning America” from an undisclosed location Friday.

Sen. Tim Cullen said he and other Democrats planned to stage their boycott until Saturday to give the public more time to speak out against the bill.

“The plan is to try and slow this down because it‘s an extreme piece of legislation that’s tearing this state apart,” said Sen. Jon Erpenbach, who was with Democratic senators in northern Illinois on Thursday before they dispersed.

Walker, who took office last month, called the boycott a “stunt.” He vowed not to concede.

“It’s more about theatrics than anything else,” Walker said.

Some Democrats elsewhere applauded the developments as a long-awaited sign that their party was fighting back against the Republican wave created by November’s midterm election.

“I am glad to see some Democrats, for a change, with a backbone. I’m really proud to hear that they did that,” said Democratic state Sen. Judy Eason-McIntyre of Oklahoma, another state where Republicans won the governorship in November and also control both legislative chambers.

Thursday’s events were reminiscent of a 2003 dispute in Texas, where Democrats twice fled the state to prevent adoption of a redistricting bill designed to give Republicans more seats in Congress. The bill passed a few months later.

The proposal marks a dramatic shift for Wisconsin, which passed a comprehensive collective bargaining law in 1959 and was the birthplace of the national union representing all non-federal public employees.

In addition to eliminating collective-bargaining rights, the legislation also would make public workers pay half the costs of their pensions and at least 12.6 percent of their health care coverage – increases Walker calls “modest” compared with those in the private sector.

Republican leaders said they expected Wisconsin residents would be pleased with the savings the bill would achieve – $30 million by July 1 and $300 million over the next two years to address a $3.6 billion budget shortfall.

—

Associated Press writers Todd Richmond, Dinesh Ramde and Jason Smathers in Madison and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed to this story.

Comments (222)

1 2 3 ... 6
  • Goodgriefgeezlouise
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:02pm

    Let me get this straight..The people of Wisconsin elected a bunch of republicans to clean up the fiscal mess that has been building over the years..Now the minority democrats as well as the unions are essentially stopping the will of the people by not showing up to their elected jobs..Sounds like some spineless individuals to me..That is putting politics above the good of all..I mean, not even a debate, but running away?…That is a strange one..They just don’t want any of this on their record so they can always say..It wasn’t me that did this to you good teachers…..

    Here in Hawaii the teachers union had the kids here going to school for only 4 days a week rather than take a pay cut..The union agenda skews the moral values of many people..Today it comes down to immediate gradification and greed rather than the long term good of the child they are teaching..I am a member of a union myself and Gelnn is right..The unions have other plans and they have nothing to do with the worker..They stir things up and create trouble where there is none and instead of negotiating a settlement they are happy to provoke the chaos that we see day to day..The agenda is global..The US means nothing to these socialists..They say they are for the worker but they are just crooked polititians themselves..Oh sure they will occassionally get a drunk guy his job back but the big picture is missing..Unions should be a voice for the little guy to make a level playing field..Now a days, they are being run by individuals that care only about the broad range plan..Sort of a communist philosophy…So sad..Teachers wake up!..You are being used!

    Report Post »  
    • thefisherman
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 5:16pm

      I voted for Walker and could not be more proud of him. This is where we make a stand and get the nation back on track.

      Report Post »  
    • Da Kingfish
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 5:50pm

      It is so refreshing to hear from someone that values truth, someone that has awakened to the light, so to speak, it’s nice to know u have the courage of your conviction to speak out.

      Report Post » Da Kingfish  
  • roxee
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:02pm

    After the Chaos ,comes the New World Order!

    Report Post »  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 3:35pm

      @ ROXEE That is the ultimate goal…This is all predicted in the old testament of the Bible..Read the books of the prophets..

      Report Post »  
  • JJ1640
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:02pm

    What a disgrace these teachers are. What a horrible example they set for their students. Selfish, self-centered, and whiny! I’m a triple dipper at the federal trough, i.e. retired from the Marine Corps and recipient of social security and medicare. I get it. Public pensions and entitlements are unsustainable. SHARED SACRIFICE is needed. Get on board and do so quickly!

    Report Post »  
  • dirtypolitics
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:59pm

    Where are the rest of people of Wis? Those people who supported Walker’s candidacy and who support being responsible and balancing the budget?

    They should also rally in front of the Dems who are not doing their job. They should also show in numbers that they support the Gov’s initiative. Where are you people? Get organized and show your support. Would you let a few individuals dictate the direction of your state?

    It is scary when a small but organized group can dictate the direction of the State.

    Shades of Muslim Brotherhood, yes?

    Report Post »  
    • IAMMADDOG
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:33pm

      Most of us “other people here in Wisconsin” have real world jobs. We would be FIRED if we did that. Saturday the “other people of Wisconsin” will be there. On our day off. Like the decent hard working people we are.

      Report Post »  
    • FreedomFighter2006
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:49pm

      @IAMMADDOG – Funny how most people dont think about that. “The protesters represent how the people of WI feel…” BS!

      Report Post » FreedomFighter2006  
    • twentyoneyears
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:40pm

      Yes I agree that these are dirty politics as they can get. This is not what I was in the military for twenty one years to protect. Politcians running away. Can you imagine where we would be if our forefathers ran away from the imperical powers and in the creation of our Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution? These democrats would have probably ran away back then and we would not be the country that I defended. These democrats are just plain cowards and have proven to me to be seditious.

      The definitions of sedition are:
      Seditious
      1. Involving Sedition
      involving or encouraging rebellion against a government or other authority

      2. Involved in Sedition
      taking part in activities that are directed against a government or other authority

      The fact the ran away and the protestors which are legal however under our constitution are by enlarge in my opinion being egged on by these set of democrats and there dirty behavior against an elected government by the citizenship of Wisconsin. I hope that the indidivduals that have regular jobs and would get fired if they stop work during the week do show up on the weekend and show the elected governor that they have his back. I am in California and agree as well that what you are seeing in Wisconsin is nothing if this breaks out here. I think that 75 percent number that was mentioned may be even to low depending on where you live in California. There are to many people of illegal persuasion that live here getting benefifts that even some californians legal citizens can not get. Here here here for the Wisconsin governer. I hope he stands fast.

      Report Post »  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:53pm

      @ IAMMADDOG You are right…The decent people of WI would be fired if they walked off their jobs to protest this..As always IT”S THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, those that are GUARANTEED their jobs wil be there for them no matter what they do..TEACHERS THAT DO NOT TEACH should be fired…Public employees that do not show up for their jobs, or call in sick when they are not should be fired…Someone with the guts to do it needs to get out there and photo all the protesters and take those photos to a reliable media outlet and have them put on the air nationwide..I don‘t live in WI or I’d be more that glad to take my camcorder and do that very thing. I‘m almost 76 but if the young ones don’t have the sense or the guts to do what needs doing then us old farts need to..

      Report Post »  
    • Justthinking
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 3:37pm

      How good a benifit package the union membership would have if the union invested the dues for the workers instead of spending millions buying politicians for their own ends, which do not have the people they are supposed to represent in mind.

      Report Post »  
    • powedj
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 5:24pm

      @DIRTYPOLITICS

      Got an email from TEAPARTY PATRIOTS. They are urging all teaparty patriots within driving distance of Madison, WI to show up for a rally at the capital on Saturday. Hope there is a good turnout. I myself live too far to drive there.

      Report Post » powedj  
  • politicaldookie
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:59pm

    Every public worker that called in sick and put on their brown shirts to attend these rallies should be fired.

    Report Post »  
  • billydee
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:58pm

    Did anyone watch MNSBC last night? (Like maybe 13 people.) They were in absolute support of these as#ho#es. If the Republicans pulled a a stunt like this, they would kick and scream. I think that stupidity has infiltrated our society to the point of no return. God help us.

    Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:13pm

      How dare the media support the true american patriots, the citizens protesting for their rights against a tin pot dictator.

       
    • IAMMADDOG
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:31pm

      @ ENCINOM

      Wow you are on a roll hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha oops i crapped my pants! And by the way I am from Wisconsin and you my friend are full of it. hahahahahha

      Report Post »  
    • FreedomFighter2006
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:41pm

      @ECINOM – So raising taxes fix the problem? Maybe you should yell upstairs and ask your mom if you can borrow the car to go protest too…

      Report Post » FreedomFighter2006  
  • Matthew
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:57pm

    Wait till this happens here in CA. Wisconsin will look like a friendly gathering of stamp collectors.

    Report Post »  
    • suran
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:36pm

      Yes, Matthew, I’m with you. I can only add that at least 70% of the protesters will be illegal.

      Report Post » suran  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:34pm

      @ SURAN You are so right..I’m hoping that my daughter, who works at a middle school in No. Ca moves out of the state before this happens…She already has to fight the school system to keep them from using the BIA money that is for tutors for the American Indian kids from being used for the Mexicans and the developmentally challenged. Both programs get their own funds but it is never enough to suit the greedy teachers union..

      Report Post »  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:41pm

      @ MATTHEW It ain’t gonna happen in CA…Not as long as Jerry Brown is in as governor…You must be too young to remember what he and his father did to CA when they were in charge before…They spent the surplus that Ca had as fast as they could on their pet Democratic giveaways..Good Luck to CA you’re going to need it..One reason I moved out of that state after being raised there..

      Report Post »  
  • hauschild
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:57pm

    Is it not amazing how progressives don’t understand basic arithmetic? THERE IS NO MONEY. Get it thru your thick skulls.

    This is what happens when people with an adolescent ideology are allowed to make decisions – they simply destroy everything in their path, and ultimately themselves.

    I’m loving watching these bottom-feeding losers squirm and whine.

    Report Post »  
    • Insipid
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:50pm

      They can’t seem to see the forest due to the tree right in front of them.

      Report Post » Inbred Jed  
  • leftiesaredangerous
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:56pm

    I’ll tell you how to get him to show up Just make public that a reliable source has said he has decided to vote with the Republicans.
    He’ll be calling those troopers himself as he pees his pants.

    Report Post »  
  • BoyScout_Mom
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:55pm

    If it is, indeed, true that some of these “teachers” brought some of these kids to their protest, this is Kidnapping (a federal crime?). One or more of these parents need to file Kidnapping charges…

    Report Post » BoyScout_Mom  
    • suran
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:40pm

      BoyscoutMom – Ingenious and well thought out! An excellent point. That IS kidnapping!

      Report Post » suran  
  • brian910
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:55pm

    Be sure to call accounting and suspend their pay…or as we call it “job abandonment” when no-call no-show goes on for 3 days…

    Report Post »  
  • N37BU6
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:55pm

    @HillBillySam1

    You already have a President Gonzo.

    Report Post » N37BU6  
  • G man
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:54pm

    Cuff em.

    Report Post » G man  
  • MatthewChapter24
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:54pm

    from the article: Some Democrats elsewhere applauded the developments as a long-awaited sign that their party was fighting back against the Republican wave created by November’s midterm election.

    “I am glad to see some Democrats, for a change, with a backbone. I’m really proud to hear that they did that,” said Democratic state Sen. Judy Eason-McIntyre of Oklahoma, another state where Republicans won the governorship in November and also control both legislative chambers.
    ————–
    Backbone? Sen McIntyre believes that abandoning your responsibilities is having a backbone?
    These representatives work for the people and are paid by the people. Get back to work!

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:50pm

    LOL … and fire those teachers! This anarchy must be stopped.

    Report Post »  
  • inexiletill2012
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:50pm

    “The Wisconsin Constitution prohibits police from arresting state lawmakers while the Legislature is in session, except in cases of felonies, breaches of the peace or treason.”

    Sounds to me as if this IS a breach of the peace !

    Report Post » inexiletill2012  
    • ivdad
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 6:00pm

      Or treason, violation of the state constitution.

      Report Post » ivdad  
  • eyestoseeearstohear
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:50pm

    WHY do you think these FLEEING DEMS are running?

    Wouldn’t you say, they HAVE TO KNOW their State CANNOT afford to give the Unions what they are asking for?

    And…WHY did the FLEEING DEMS LIE when they were finally located and asked, “Where were they? And they LIED and said, “We are right here STANDING WITH THE PEOPLE”.

    That says, THEY ARE ON THE SIDE OF THE PROTESTERS….inspite of KNOWING Wisconsin’s Financial status…AND TO GIVE THE PROTESTERS WHAT THEY WANT WOULD BANKRUPT THE STATE.

    With the ORGANIZED TRANSPORTING OF OTHER PROTESTERS INTO WINSCONSIN –
    I would say, OBAMA IS BEHIND THIS AND SUPPORTING THIS FINANCIAL COLLASPE OF WINSCONSIN…..TO WHICH IT WILL BE JUST THE SAME IN OTHER STATES.

    Report Post »  
  • Conservative Hippy
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:49pm

    So out of 5.6million people in WI, only 25k seem to be against this bill… and most of those are children dragged there by their teachers to pad the numbers in the crowd… That’s still less than 1% of the population of WI that want to see this bill shot down…

    Report Post »  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:26pm

      @ CONSERVATIVE HIPPY My question is what happens if some of these kids get hurt at this protest that their teachers took them to??? AND WHERE THE HE** ARE THEIR PARENTS?? You can be sure that if that was my kids I’d be demanding the firing of that teacher..The Teachers in our public schools are doing such a poor job of teaching READING, WRITING, SPELLING and MATH how can they expect to stay on the gravey train?

      Report Post »  
  • thepatriotdave
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:48pm

    Maybe the citizens of Wisconsin should go to his house and escort the jerk back to the Capital where his job is waiting for him. The citizens of this country need to start demanding that elected officials earn their damn keep!

    http://tinyurl.com/4rv8xsm

    Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:05pm

      The citizens of WI are supporting the the democrates and their fight to save the unions. There was no budget crisis, until Walker gave away the budget surplus the Walmart in the form of tax breaks. De Durher Walker is a tin pot dictator and the Democrates rather not participate with a dictator.

      Report Post »  
    • Rowgue
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:24pm

      No they aren’t Encinmom. It’s a phony protest with fake activists. Most of the people there don‘t even know why they’re there. They’re there because they were given the day off of school and told to show up by teachers.

      Keep up the phony rage and make believe arguments though. It’s very convincing, really.

      Report Post »  
    • IAMMADDOG
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:27pm

      @ ENCINOM

      hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah. that’s a hoot. You ever think of becoming a comedian?

      Report Post »  
    • Axiom1111
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:34pm

      @ENCINOM
      Dosen’t sound like a surplus to me….
      Budget Address – 2009
      http://doamedia.wi.gov/main/Viewer/?peid=e348d6a9-4489-474e-8e62-f9e1dde58a8b

      Report Post »  
    • Theleftisda
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:52pm

      @IAMMADDOG
      @Rowgue
      Please do not respond to the idiot,ignore it.

      Report Post » Theleftisda  
    • Showtime
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:55pm

      @Encinom ~
      Oh, give me a break! Poor little state employees! I had to pay for my insurance when I worked for the state, but I didn’t cry about it.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:18pm

      @ ENCINON Walker has only been in office for a month..Man, he must be a really fast worker to have given all the money you claim he has away that quickly..If he did he’s almost as good at throwing money away as Oblamer…

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 6:46pm

      Fine Tea baggers, I dare you to follow your leader Beck and do you own research:

      http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/editorial/article_61064e9a-27b0-5f28-b6d1-a57c8b2aaaf6.html064e9a-27b0-5f28-b6d1-a57c8b2aaaf6.html

      Walker claims there is a $137 million deficit — it is not because of a drop in revenues or increases in the cost of state employee contracts, benefits or pensions. It is because Walker and his allies pushed through $140 million in new spending for special-interest groups in January. If the Legislature were simply to rescind Walker’s new spending schemes — or delay their implementation until they are offset by fresh revenues — the “crisis” would not exist.

      http://www.onewisconsinnow.org/press/walker-concocts-scoop-and-toss-borrowing-scheme-to-pay-for-140-million-in-special-interest-spending.html

      Herr walker is giving money and creating a crisis to please his corporate masters. Here are the facts.

      Report Post »  
  • rodamaa
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:48pm

    These from the guys that claim that the republicans are trying to shutdown government. I remember Dingy Harry make that remark a couple of days ago. What do we call this? I guess shutting down State government is okay.

    Report Post »  
  • dadsrootbeer
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:46pm

    Progressive radicals doing what they do best. Run, hide, protest and violate law. They act like a bunch of kids and the lead one is in the White House.

    Report Post » dadsrootbeer  
    • HillBillySam1
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:54pm

      I like to think that they act more like cockroaches when the light is flipped on…….

      Report Post »  
    • stogieguy7
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:32pm

      So much for “civility” – right? Of course, we all know that its a one way street. When the right does it, it’s portrayed as hateful racism; when the left does it they are speaking ‘truth to power’.

      Report Post » stogieguy7  
    • suran
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:34pm

      Excellent definition! Succinct and to the point!

      Report Post » suran  
  • thegrassroots
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:46pm

    Good Job and Stand Firm, Governor Walker! America’s Proud Of You and Praying For You!

    Report Post »  
  • ISeeDanger.com
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:44pm

    This will be GREAT TV….. love it, go get ‘em.

    Report Post » ISeeDanger.com  
  • HillBillySam1
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:41pm

    GONZO For President!!! I want to be a member of your campaign committee, good sir!! Shoes are optional, I hope…..

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:28pm

      Looks like Gonzo and those who responded got censored … for what? I don’t know.

      Report Post »  
  • hagar
    Posted on February 18, 2011 at 12:39pm

    Does WI have a recall statute there legislators who are on strike that should be fired

     
    • J.C. McGlynn
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:03pm

      The question I have is “Can an arrest warrent be issued?”. I would think that these legislators are getting a paycheck. Since they are not on the job and getting paid aren’t they are commiting some sort of fraud?

      Report Post » J.C. McGlynn  
    • gman46
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:06pm

      So thats all we need to get rid of a Democrat, interesting!

      Report Post » JohnGalt  
    • leftiesaredangerous
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:08pm

      I’ll tell you how to get him to show up Just make public that a reliable source has said he has decided to vote with the Republicans.
      He’ll be calling those troopers himself as he pees his pants

      Report Post »  
    • Skippy Toes
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:16pm

      With the exception of Chris Christie, Glen, Stu, and Pat, of course, I thought I was married to the
      only real man left.
      Spotted : a REAL MAN in Wisconsin. Goes by the name of WALKER.

      Report Post » Skippy Toes  
    • DaytonConserve
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:40pm

      Send Dog, the bounty hunter, after him.

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:44pm

      @Skippy Toes. Just love it. I call Chris Christy a REAL man often. I do believe we need to be civil and hear both sides, but when the time comes to show power, I want a real man speaking for me.
      You lucky gal.

      Report Post »  
    • Bushie
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:45pm

      If you go after these Democratic politicians, they will no doubt have the union go to arbitration in their behalf.
      Barry Barack Soetoro Obama & the unions…….the destruction of America the beautiful.

      Report Post » Bushie  
    • SimpleTruths
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 1:47pm

      I don’t get you people, these are middle class workers were talking about, not socialist, not communists. You are being used by the billionaire class to maintain their wealth and life style. Don’t you see that? This isn’t about the Founders, not about Freedom, not about “We The People”. You’re putty in their hands, wake the hell up.

      SimpleTruths  
    • Think4yourself
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:03pm

      Walking off the job in the private sector means that you quit…sounds like the are resigning from their postions.

      http://www.unsalvageable.org

      Report Post »  
    • leftiesaredangerous
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:04pm

      @SimpleTruths

      that would be funny if you didn’t actually believe it. You’re zombie with no mind of your own.

      Report Post »  
    • Kevin
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:04pm

      @SimpleTruths
      Really? You don’t get it? I don’t get how you think removing the power of the union from STATE employees will benefit billionaires.

      Since you seem to want to protect the middle class, tell me what should be done about all the OTHER middle class families who have to not only pay large percentages of their health care and for their own retirement, but also have to pay for the unionized state employees’ health care and retirement. Or are you one of those people that believe that the money that government uses to pay for these things just magically appear?

      I don’t think that asking these employees to pay a share of these things is outlandish. They’re not even being asked to pay a FAIR share, just a share.

      Report Post »  
    • Think4yourself
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:07pm

      Why is Obama not standing up for Gov. Walker? Didn’t he just get done giving a speech about fiscal responsibilty and how we must make sacrifices to fix our budget woes???
      AHH, the hypocisy!

      http://www.unsalvageable.org

      Report Post »  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:09pm

      @ SIMPLETRUTHS No, dear these are the leeches that are sucking the states dry via their unions, AND what they don’t know is that if they (the workers) need backing by said unions, say in the case of them getting sick because of the stress of their job, those very unions will desert them and they will have to fend for themselves…How do I know? Been there done that!!! Paid my dues every month voted in their elections etc and when I needed them they were nowhere to be found…These workers would be better off to tell the unions to bugger off and PAY the 5% into their retirement fund and the 12% for their Health Insurance..By the way if they get too sick to work their’re going to have to pay for their own Health Insurance anyway, if they can afford it..I couldn’t and had to drop mine…I worked for a County agency in California.

      Report Post »  
    • ClaytonDM
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:30pm

      @SimpleTruths

      And who are these middle class workers going to protest to when the state goes bankrupt? Or the country shortly after? Everyone has to take a hit if this financial fire is going to be put out. If it comes to it, I’ll live in a leaky shack and eat nothing but tofu and ramen for a few years if it means the country survives with a future still intact.

      This problem has been growing for years because nobody wanted to deal with it. When that happens, the fix only gets more and more painful. Like a cut on the leg we let fester until gangrene sets in, we’re now at the amputation-or-die phase. If you don’t like it, tough. This stuff has to be done or we are *all* going to lose everything anyway.

      Report Post »  
    • Lt_Taz
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 3:22pm

      Not that I am aware of, however they can be held in contempt of the state senate, or so I’ve heard.

      Report Post »  
    • MOVETERAN
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 3:46pm

      Since when was obstructionism confused for democracy? Oh ya after the dems had ther KoolAid party back in 08. The sadest thing is that they are dragging down honest and caring citizens with them. As you can see the governement that we are all angry with is and will make criminals out of honest law abiding citizens and make heros out of criminals. We all just have to remember what is important and not let side show antics take our eyes off the prize.

      Report Post » MOVETERAN  
    • Deuteronomy22
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 4:38pm

      leftiesaredangerous
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 2:04pm
      @SimpleTruths

      that would be funny if you didn’t actually believe it. You’re zombie with no mind of your own.________________________________________________________________
      Fact, in 1980 the top 1% had less than 10% of the income and unions represented over 20% of the workers. Now the top 1% has nearly 25% of the income and unions represent around 10% of workers. Since 1980 middle class wages have actually fallen while the top 2% has gained 33%. Fact, corporate profits are at all time highs, Wall Street is again paying record bonuses and finance now is 20% of all economic activity when it was less than 10% in 1980. Unemployment has remained at the highest levels for the longest period since The Depression and the wage gap is now wider than before The Depression. Corporate donations to politicians are at all time highs. Congress and Obama have proposed huge cuts to the social safety net 2 months after maintaining income taxes on the rich at the lowest levels since WWII (which in the past 10 years contrary to all of the GOP propaganda has not created a booming economy anywhere but Asia). All of this while Glenn and his kind claim we are heading down the path to socialism. The only socialism I’ve seen was the socialization of Wall Street and big banking losses while their profits remain privatized and they charge usurious rates while borrowing at all time low rates.
      You are not funny nor is your brainwashed mind. If you and all of your Red State friends would ever remove your heads from your behinds long enough to take a breath you may notice how polarized we are becoming in wealth. Of course the powers that be use social issues and pure BS propaganda to polarize the electorate and maintain the course to redistribute all wealth to the top while the right wing propaganda machine plays ignorant and easily lead reactionaries for fools.
      The redistribution of your wealth to the poor is a myth. Wealth and income is being redistributed from the middle to the top not the other way. In case you haven‘t noticed your taxes are lower than they’ve been in your lifetime. Social programs besides Social Security and Medicare along with Medicaid for the poor and working poor are minuscule when taken as a percentage of our budget. We are spending more in Iraq and Afghanistan to fund corrupt governments, $158 billion dollars, than we spend on education, welfare payments, housing and heating assistance, student aid, Head Start, education, NASA and arts funding combined. Of course I‘m the one who doesn’t get it, right?

      Report Post » Deuteronomy22  
    • Deuteronomy22
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 4:40pm

      I can imagine the comments had this been a Democrat governor sending the stae police after GOP menmbers of a state legislature.

      Report Post » Deuteronomy22  
    • dallass
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 4:45pm

      Hagar and congress didn’t go far enough, JFK with an executive order no legislation, allowed public employees to unionize. Hagar and Congress should pass a law eliminating Wisc. public employees from unionizing. Then let the courts in game, I think the Hagar wins going away with states rights arguments.

      Report Post »  
    • Luckywon
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 5:23pm

      Deuteronomy…
      You’re wrong. This year the defense budget is around 750billion, the welfare budget is over 800 billion. Another place you are wrong is in the defense of these unions. Why do you think that its right for private sector middle class people to be burdened with not only funding their own retirement but to fully fund state workers retirements as well? Let’s not forget that state workers paychecks are already completely paid for by the average worker … why do they get such unreasonably great benefits?

      Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 6:54pm

      The governor can send state troopers on any errand he desires. But they won‘t ’bring in’ a democrat. Wisconsin “IS” the antithesis to the American way of life. And the people, for the most part, are far too ignorant to understand their remedial, atrophied posture. Yet, they insist, much like the National Socialists (Nazis) and the Fascists (from Robespierre to Mussolini) did, that only their understanding is a viable one in any particular social consideration.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • bigbear_awake
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 7:11pm

      IMPEACH ALL of THEM AND BHO

      Report Post » bigbear_awake  
    • ilovethiscountry
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 7:16pm

      @simple truths

      The people who will be supporting these union people are the middle class. Teachers are supported by my property tax dollars. I am not by any means rich. If I took advantage of them, I would qualify for some aide programs.

      Report Post »  
    • scoreev
      Posted on February 18, 2011 at 9:27pm

      I was thinking the same thing! How can they just not show up? Sounds childish to me because they aren’t getting their way.

      Report Post »  
    • Mikeyyy
      Posted on February 19, 2011 at 1:47am

      honestly ive never seen so much unrest world wide and now in the united states…the uptick is really interesting to watch…our commander and chief is doing a great job leading, making sure all of the states arent suing the federal government over things like obamacare, immigration and so on…the economy is in shambles to boot…states are going broke…riots and protests are increasing…i guess i cant wait til we are all selling apples and oranges on the streets.

      if obama is re-elected in 2012, we are all in DEEP kimchi.

      Report Post »  
1 2 3 ... 6

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love