Nurses union leader calls Obama "largely a bystander. We're feeling a sense of betrayal from him"

[Better Believe It]

PROMISES, PROMISES: Obama Shies Away From Protests
by The Associated Press
March 12, 2011

Union leaders urged Vice President Joe Biden during a White House meeting last month to go to Wisconsin and rally the faithful in their fight against Gov. Scott Walker's move to curtail collective bargaining rights for most public employees.

So far, however, the White House has stayed away from any trips to Madison, the state capital, or other states in the throes of union battles. The Obama administration is treading carefully on the contentious political issue that has led to a national debate over the power that public sector unions wield in negotiating wages and benefits.

A few labor leaders have complained openly that President Barack Obama is ignoring a campaign pledge he made to stand with unions; most others say his public comments have been powerful enough.

Rose Ann DeMoro, executive director of National Nurses United, the nation's largest nurses union, called Obama "largely a bystander" in the debate over collective bargaining. "I think we're feeling a sense of betrayal from him and not liking it much," she said.

http://media.npr.org/images/ap//AP_News_Wire:_Politics/3_Unions_White_House.sff.jpg
In this photo taken Feb. 26, 2011, Adam Sivitz, left, of Pittsburgh, joins protestors outside the White House in Washington in support of Wisconsin workers fighting a measure that would largely eliminate the collective bargaining rights of government workers. Despite union pleas to the White House to rally protesters, White House officials are staying away from Wisconsin.

Please read the full article at:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=134487677

[PeaceNikki]

1. My opinion on this is clear. I am glad he's not getting in the thick of it.

And almost everyone of my friends, family, neighbors and people I have spoken with in Madison are, too. As are the 14 WI Democratic Senators.

[Better Believe It]

2. And the White House directed the DNC to not get involved in supporting the workers.

Do you also agree with that?

[PeaceNikki]

5. I have yet to see credible evidence of that and honestly, don't care at this point.

I am glad the White House isn't turning this into a "LOOKIT ME" moment. We here in WI, we've got this and it's not as (D) vs (R) as the media wants you to think.

[Better Believe It]

26. So you don't care if the DNC supports working people and organized labor. Got your message.

Well, if you think support of and solidarity with working people and union members is something the Democratic Pary should not be engaged in, I
have no reason to continue this discussion with you.

It's all about class.

And you think the national Democratic Party and President Obama should not join our side in this battle.

Staying on the sidelines, boycotting the mass movement and refusing to defend the interests of working people only helps the enemies of labor.

Don't take working people for granted in 2012 and don't assume this defeat of working class people is some kind of wonderful and inspiring event that will guarantee the election of many more Democratic career politicians in 2012.

Some have almost expressed jubiliation at this huge setback working people because they think it will enhance Democratic prospects in 2012.

They are cold hearted, calculating political opportunists that we can't depend on when we need help.

[PeaceNikki]

29. Right now, no. I am consumed with making changes here, locally.

I've got a new fire under my ass and I am convinced that the change in the entire Democratic party is starting here and I am getting involved to try to make that happen. I don't give a shit about the DNC right now because I am hoping we can set an example for them.

They SHOULD stand back and watch how it's done. We'll show them.

[Better Believe It]

33. What do you think you will show "them"? And how do you think the cuts in

Wisconsin social programs, benefits and jobs will be stopped and the reestablishment of union representation and bargaining rights will be won?

I'm listening.

[PeaceNikki]

40. I think you should watch our upcoming supreme court election and recall efforts.

And I will repeat what I said below:

I have an opinion on this matter since it's close to my heart. Literally and figuratively. Me, my fiends, my neighbors and the "fab 14" are all directly impacted by the bullshit that is this reform bill and budget. Directly. All of us. We have a vested interest, a very solid understanding, a relentless passion and deep concern in this fight. It's personal.

In addition, one of my immediate family members is an RN. I have the utmost respect, love and appreciation for all nurses. I marched with nurses from all over the country yesterday. I thanked every one I saw for all that they do.

This isn't about Obama and I appreciate him not making it. I suspect that if he were knee-deep in it, the same people screaming for his involvement would hate him for sticking his nose in it. This isn't about the DNC and how they feel about it. Our Democratic Senators showed the rest of Democrats how to take a principled stance even in the face of great criticism. They spent weeks away from their families and were called cowards and runaways when they were standing with the people of Wisconsin against this bullshit. The Republicans pushed it through without quorum and there are lawsuits pending - and I refer you back to the April 5 Wisconsin Supreme Court race that we can win and tip in our favor. We have a real chance of getting the 3 seats we need via recalls and bringing Walker to his knees until we recall him in January.

If the DNC isn't interested and the rest of the Democrats aren't inspired by their actions, then at least maybe we'll make the teabaggers and rest of the right-wing monsters think twice before fucking with the Badgers.

Watch us.

[Better Believe It]

58. Why have the 14 returned to Madison? Now Walker can get his cuts passed.

[PeaceNikki]

59. Because the Republicans passed it without quorum last Wednesday.

There are lawsuits pending, but staying away after this shit move offered no further benefit.

[Better Believe It]

62. That's not correct. Republicans needed a quorum to pass Walker's cuts on public workers.

Now they have it.

[PeaceNikki]

67. lol, ok. You know more than I do about this.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/12/us/12wisconsin.html

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x596608

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/117656563.html

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_61013802-4c53-11e0-965a-001cc4c002e0.html

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704893604576200702602253620.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

[Better Believe It]

70. Yes I do. The articles you posted point out the accuracy of my comments.

"The new law was originally part of Mr. Walker’s comprehensive “budget repair bill,” but was extracted as a separate piece of legislation late on Wednesday in order to secure passage. The original budget bill was blocked when 14 Senate Democrats decamped for Illinois, depriving the Senate of the quorum needed to pass fiscal legislation.

The bill on collective bargaining, however, could be voted on with fewer senators, in this case Republicans only, and it passed, 18 to 1. The Assembly, overwhelmingly Republican, passed it on Thursday."


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/12/us/12wisconsin.html

[PeaceNikki]

73. I see, the part you didn't understand is why they left in the first place.

They had AGREED TO THE CUTS, they were trying to save the collective bargaining. The unions agreed, the Dems agreed, they left the state to try to save the bargaining.

The Republicans had been saying that collective bargaining IS a fiscal matter, then last they pulled it out and voted without notice, locking people out of the building.

[Better Believe It]

75. Are you claiming they support cutting the pay and benefits of public workers.

If they refuse to return until after the bill is withdrawn Walker can't implement his worker austerity plan because he will lack a quorum.

Isn't that right?

Since you're "on top" of developments in Wisconsin tell me which of the 14 Democratic state senators are opposed to Walkers cuts.

And if all of them are 100% opposed to the cuts, will they deny Walker a quorum?

Now I know you may say that some union officials have agreed to and support Walker cutting the pay and benefits of public employees.

But, have those workers voted in favor of accepting those cuts?

And one could get the impression that some well paid top union officials are only concerned about the guaranteed collection of union dues to maintain their full-time union positions and benefits.

Unions were not formed in order to help cut the pay, benefits and jobs of working class people.

Unions were organized on a massive scale during the Great Depression to improve the pay, benefits and working conditions of millions. And they did that in the middle of the worst economic depression in history!

[PeaceNikki]

77. No, they don't agree, ffs. They just weren't denying quorum over that.

Try to keep up.

[SidDithers]

74. No, you don't...nt

Sid

[PeaceNikki]

69. In addition, as if the WI14 didn't carefully consider their options, run them by their staff

and lawyers and their families and their assembly "seatmates." No, anonymous yahoos on the Internet know far more than the people who actually are doing the work.

(credit to my friend for that response)

[Better Believe It]

71. As you should know by now, the Republicans didn't need a quorum to pass the union busting bill.

However, Republicans do need a quorum to pass the fiscal wage/benefits/jobs cutting bill and now they will achieve that quorum with the 14 Democrats returning to the Senate.

Do you still question the fact that Republicans seperated the union busting provisions out of their initial bill in order to pass it without needing a quorum?

If you need a few dozen or hundred credible links before you recognize this established fact just let me know.

[Ikonoklast]

6. Yeah, but what do you know?

The OP found a quote from one person to support his anti-Obama agenda.

You're just there on the ground, with other people who say otherwise.

You don't count.


And has anyone asked that nurse what her political affiliations are?

Doubt it.

[Forkboy]

14. Um, there's no more verification from Nikki than from the OP.

Nikki rules, but you're just taking one person's word over another because of which one agrees with you.

[Bobbie Jo]

19. Template post. nt

[ReggieVeggie]

10. argumentum ad populum

you're right because everyone you know and the wisconsin 14 all think the same way

[PeaceNikki]

11. Oh puulease. I didn't say "I am right" I gave my opinion. As was indicated by the words "my opinion"

This isn't a matter in which there is a fucking "right" or "wrong" it's ALL opinion. Jesus.

[ReggieVeggie]

12. you're awfully touchy

You reinforced the certitude of your opinion by including friends, everyone you know, and the Wis 14

[PeaceNikki]

13. Yes, when people lie and claim I said something I clearly didn't, I get defensive.

It's a weird quirk I have. It's crazy!

[ReggieVeggie]

17. You responded to the posting of this article with your well-stated opinion

did you need to re-iterate it here where the subject is someone who doesn't agree with you?

[PeaceNikki]

18. Yes, it's called a "discussion board". I like to "discuss" things here of interest to me.

Things close to my heart. Also a weird quirk I have.

I didn't come into this thread all shitty saying, "fuck these nurses, they're wrong!". I stated my opinion and it differs from the person referenced in the posted piece. You came in here and dismissed my opinion shittily. Some people here are interested in discussion not just an echo chamber.

[NoTimeToulouse]

25. Then it is an excellent example of anecdotal information.

I would tend to disagree with the whole no wrong or right quotient of your argument.

[PeaceNikki]

27. Yes, as most opinions are. Which is why it's good I stated it as my opinion.

I have an opinion on this matter since it's close to my heart. Literally and figuratively. Me, my fiends, my neighbors and the "fab 14" are all directly impacted by the bullshit that is this reform bill and budget. Directly. All of us. We have a vested interest, a very solid understanding, a relentless passion and deep concern in this fight. It's personal.

In addition, one of my immediate family members is an RN. I have the utmost respect, love and appreciation for all nurses. I marched with nurses from all over the country yesterday. I thanked every one I saw for all that they do.

This isn't about Obama and I appreciate him not making it. I suspect that if he were knee-deep in it, the same people screaming for his involvement would hate him for sticking his nose in it.

Yes, anecdotal, indeed.

[NoTimeToulouse]

30. Good. At long you understand it as being thus.

[Skittles]

3. JOIN US UNDER THE BUS!!!

:o

[Critters2]

15. +1 nt

[BuelahWitch]

28. We got enough people under there to start our own little community...n/t

[Bluebear]

41. +

[Raine]

42. Yup, it's getting kind of crowded but really

all the best people are under the bus!

[Lifelong Protester]

4. I have changed my opinion to agree with PeaceNikki's on

the presence of Obama or Biden actually IN Madison. However, I do wonder, what level of speaking to the issue we should expect or hope for? I'd like to hear a bit more from DC.

What do all of you who have an opinion on this feel, as to SPOKEN support from the WH?

[PeaceNikki]

8. FTR, I also changed mine. I was pissed for a few days at Obama's lack of involvement.

After having been there and seeing firsthand what's going on, this is a ground-up movement and it's rolling. The White House would totally change the dynamic. I don't want that. There's magic brewing in Wisconsin.

[Iris]

16. I'm gonna take your word for it!

And send all my good energy that way!

:)

[Name removed]

23. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Better Believe It]

72. And how did this "magic" stop Walker from passing his union busting operation and

how will this "magic" dust, or whatever it is, stop Walker from implementing wage, benefit and job cuts for public workers?

[Shiver]

35. I feel we've got plenty of spoken support.

Hilda Solis, the Secretary of Labor, has stated more than clearly that she is on the side of the unions. In her position, I consider her opinion on this worth more than Obama's although I would understand if others don't. As for the president, he's made multiple remarks in support of the protesters, maybe not as much as other people want, but they've been good enough for me.

We don't want him here. I'm still a fan, unlike many others on this board seem to be, but having him come here would do exactly what everyone else has been saying - change the narrative from "Worker's Rights Being Assaulted by Walker" to "Obama Interferes in State Issue" or something like that. He has more to deal with than this, so the fact that he has made the comments he has is more than enough for me. And if you honestly believe a sitting president can join a protest, then I want some of what you are smoking.

[PeaceNikki]

45. Thanks. I have yet to see a DUer who is IN the thick of this to make this

"he should be here" claim. I know there are a few who have differing opinions, but I haven't met any.

Why can't people understand that we have a different perspective on this and listen to our reasoning? If I wanted him here, I'd scream. If the 14 Senators wanted him here, they aren't timid people.

I have an opinion on this matter since it's close to my heart. Literally and figuratively. Me, my fiends, my neighbors and the "fab 14" are all directly impacted by the bullshit that is this reform bill and budget. Directly. All of us. We have a vested interest, a very solid understanding, a relentless passion and deep concern in this fight. It's personal.

This isn't about Obama and I appreciate him not making it. I suspect that if he were knee-deep in it, the same people screaming for his involvement would hate him for sticking his nose in it. This isn't about the DNC and how they feel about it. Our Democratic Senators showed the rest of Democrats how to take a principled stance even in the face of great criticism. These events have given me a whole NEW hope for the Democratic party, not less.

[Shiver]

47. No, thank YOU, for everything you've said on here and done downtown.

You're not the only one this is close to. Both of my parents are state employees. Two of my aunts are teachers, and I have a cousin who is planning to become a teacher. One of my second cousins is a type-two diabetic, and with the changes Walker is making in Mediacaid and BadgerCare, there's a good chance he'll be dropped from coverage and won't be able to get his insulin.

There is no one in this state this bill and this budget won't hurt.

And yeah, if the Fab 14 wanted him here, they are not timid. This should be obvious to anyone by the measures they took to prevent quorum and delay the bill as long as they could. Erpenbach (my senator) has earned my vote a hundred times over for his courage.

[Name removed]

38. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[PeaceNikki]

44. It's a local battle and our local Democrats have shown incredible strength.

That's exactly what we need. The national Democrats NEED to stand back and watch. It's not their fight. How hard is that to understand?

[Better Believe It]

55. This is a national campaign to further weaken and crush the labor movement and workers resistance.

Not merely a "local" matter.

If President Obama and the national Democratic Party refuse to support working people and organized labor in this fight we should not be shocked or surprised.

Doesn't that and their support for cuts in federal programs that benefit working people and the elderly send us a pretty clear message?

We can't depend on them to support and build a powerful movement to defend us from Wall Street, corporate America and Republican politicians.

We have to do that independent of them.

[Shiver]

46. Maybe he sent the DNC home

(something I have yet to see confirmed) because it was obvious we were doing well enough on our own. The state Democratic Party, the unions, Facebook and twitter have been organizing and mobilizing us just fine, getting out the word when people are needed. Why would we have needed them when we had things well in hand?

[ReggieVeggie]

7. she's just childish

she doesn't understand reality

oh, btw .... :sarcasm:

Also, it's not reassuring to read an NPR article that hasn't been spell-checked.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

31. It's an Associated Press article, not NPR. (n/t)

[Tx4obama]

9. The Wisconsin democratic state senators have said the opposite .....

#WI Dem-14 sez: "Obama was very supportive & we're glad he didn't come here" http://tinyurl.com/4rorsge

[Ikonoklast]

21. Yeah, well, uh....WHAT DO THEY KNOW?

Sorry.

The Republicans are itching to make this into a 'Union Thug Bosses And Big, Bad Obama vs. The Poor Governor Walker' fight, instead of a 'Walker vs. Working People Of Wisconsin' fight.

Mr. Obama is not going to play their game for them.

Astute political followers have all said exactly the same thing, this isn't his fight to lead.

[Karmadillo]

20. She needs to understand Obama leads by not leading. He's fiendishly clever that way.

nt

[hulka38]

63. It's true.

The less he leads, the greater a leader he becomes. It's almost legendary at this point.

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Safetykitten]

24. Very apt description of him.

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Ikonoklast]

39. Mr. Obama has already addressed Wisconsin.

You chose either not to listen to what he has already said, or you are being deliberately misleading.

[Bluebear]

34. Nurses never really loved him.

:cry:

[defendandprotect]

36. Obama and the word "betrayal" seems to be getting connected in a lot of minds -- !!!

[Name removed]

37. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[PufPuf23]

43. POTUS Obama stands down and watchs and then ...

claims victory even if a loss on sumation. POTUS Obama and crew is even willing to private deals as in health care and NAFTA and and etc. then draw forgone ends out for months. This has been a surprise to me but is reality.

POTUS is anti-Union except in some rhetoric but watch the actions.

Nusces to me are on of the most admirable professions.

[HereSince1628]

50. It's clear--that not everyone agrees Obama should remain quiet.

Circular firing squads aren't going to change that.

It's also fairly clear that the R's were looking to do this in a coordinated manner. Probably because it's a lot damned harder to put out 15 fires than just one.

Why would the R's use national coordination to launch this assault and the pro-labor side refuse coordinated defense through the Dems? The only thing I can come up with is because the pro-labor side doesn't think the Dems have anything to offer that could actually help.

If that's the case, then those not wanting Obama in the fray and those discouraged because he isn't in the fray are close on everything except their position on the disappointment curve.

[boomerbust]

48. Obama decided to stay out of Wi. fight

And that is fine. This fight will still be waged long into 2012. I get the feeling he will show up in Wi. this time next year, you know, to garner support to fight the good fight he will be waging. The way Obama sees it, "Where are you silly Wisconsin liberals going to go, vote for a Republican"?

[Shiver]

49. He doesn't even need to say it.

We're seeing what one is doing to us on a state level. No way in hell are we gonna let that happen nationally.

[PeaceNikki]

51. People on the outside don't see how many Republicans in WI have jumped ship.

...very organically jumped ship because of these jackasses. Obama will win WI handily in 2012 because he will ride the straight ticket with our local races. It usually works the other way, but we're setting a whole new standard.

[Shiver]

52. My uncle, who lives somewhere up north

and is something of a moderate, absolutely hates Walker. Even more surprising, and encouraging, was when he and his wife were driving somewhere up there, in what he described as "redneck lands", and 'Recall Walker' signs were everywhere. As my mom put it, if a Republican has managed to piss off a north-woods redneck, then they have really fucked up.

"You don't mess with the working man."

[PeaceNikki]

54. Indeed, especially the working man in the heartland.

I'm sorry to hear about the effects this budget and repair bill will have on your family. It's that kind of shit that inspires me and thousands of others to keep fighting.

[mmonk]

53. I agree with Chris Hedges at this point. The left has to become

an independent force so to speak. Otherwise, the Democratic Party will allow it to die on the vine.

[walldude]

56. I know the people in Wisconsin would like Obama to stay out

of it. But the fact is those protests and marches might as well be happening in a vacuum. There is almost no coverage and what little there is is mostly anti-union.

This is not a fight we are going to win without the help of the rest of America. Hardcore liberals aren't going to be able to carry this alone. We need some press. And at this point since 100,000 people marching on the Capitol building warrants a 2 minute segment claiming a few thousand angry "union thugs" are there, I'd say it's time we got some real support.

[treestar]

57. Never before has a President been held so responsible for

people's individual problems!

[TheWebHead]

60. it's all about unemployment rate

he's playing a delicate dance with the business world who are wary of him and view him as an adversary. to the extent he stays out of union fights, especially in the public sector where they are less popular to taxpayers, he puts a demographic important to hiring, lowering the unemployment rate and increasing his re-election chances, at ease.

[Doctor_J]

61. He's staked his re-election on whoever his opponent is being too far right

to be electable. There really isn't a single constituency that's happy with him. he is hoping that Big Business will avoid Bachmann, Newt, whoever next fall because of the insanity factor

[Imagevision]

64. I'm feeling a sense of betrayal from Obama and not liking it much either...!

[ecstatic]

65. Some union leaders are glad he stayed away, and others are not

Which side is right? It's unfortunate that some people feel betrayed, but then again, maybe they should have voted last November? If you keep enabling republicans by not voting or voting third party, this will keep on happening.

[Better Believe It]

68. How about the Democrats who enable Republicans by pushing for bi-partisanship with them?

[Rex]

66. Don't worry, he wants your vote but won't walk with you in his comfy shoes.

I'm sure we dirty fucking hippies will get blamed (as we always do) when Obama can't get the votes to win...but no don't go Obama, it will be ALL ABOUT YOU then. :sarcasm:
Too late to go now, another opportunity blown. Seems to be a habit of this WH.

[lonestarnot]

76. Shit. Can't rec.