Plain Talk: In 2012, let’s return to Wisconsin values and decency

[PeaceNikki]

Wonderful piece: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/opinion/column/dave_zweifel/plain-talk-in-let-s-return-to-wisconsin-values-and/article_551402ae-6459-5441-bb73-3a3a7c5c15d9.html

Here's a taste:

In order to redo state government to fit an ultra-right vision, a new governor, Scott Walker, and his admirers in the Legislature effectively destroyed the decades of progress that Democratic and Republican administrations had made through the years. And it wasn’t only collective bargaining for public workers, which Wisconsin itself had pioneered, that took an unprecedented hit.

It was rules on air and water pollution. It was dramatic cuts in public education all the way from kindergarten to the University of Wisconsin. It was the usurpation of local power in order to prevent municipal governments from enacting ordinances the Walker administration opposes, like the guaranteed family sick leave approved by Milwaukee voters. It was a draconian voter identification law that will make it harder for citizens to cast ballots next year. It was big tax breaks for corporations while the state forfeited millions of dollars in federal aid that would have put people to work fixing and expanding passenger rail lines.

Then to top it all off, promises that all these new policies would create jobs wound up at the end of the year with Wisconsin finishing last among the states in job creation — even behind Illinois, a state that Walker ridiculed for raising taxes.

Historically, Wisconsin has been a state of the “center.” It was never ultra-left, nor ultra-right. The people typically elected a diverse government. The governor might be a Republican and at least one of the two legislative houses would be led by Democrats or vice versa. Even when the voters saw fit to give one party complete control, the two sides — albeit at times rancorous — typically worked out differences together. That is, until now.

This article reminded me of an episode of This American Life that featured a segment on the political turmoil in the state. It was just as the recall elections were getting started. It, too, is really well done and worth a listen: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/439/a-house-divided

May 2012 be the year we get back to Wisconsin values.

[Yon_Yonson]

1. I shall drink to getting back to Wisconsin values

... if not we shall have to move Madison Capital to Waukesha and they will appoint NEOCON CLERK KATHY governor for life

[PeaceNikki]

2. As an active Waukesha Democrat, I can assure you that we are working hard to get rid of her.

But, personally, I don't think the GOP PTB will even let her run again this year. I bet she'll get some cushy private sector job instead.

[Yon_Yonson]

3. I know you people are and I praise you for your efforts