FightingBob.com readers talk back
Here are the latest letters we've received and published about stories and weblog entries on Fighting Bob.
Letter on: Why is everybody always picking on me?
“Yeah, Ed, join the party and quit throwing bombs from the sidelines! Start doing the hard Party work like going to a monthly meeting and bitching endlessly for an hour or two or five. And quit helping the Koch brothers by asking how much money Mike Tate makes! That's exactly what David and Charles want! What's the matter with you Ed? Can't you just take orders from Dave Obey and hope for the best? Jeeeez.”
-Steve Carlson | Trego, WI. | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Why is everybody always picking on me?
“Joint Finance just approved giving the governor carte blanche authority to sell off state assets with his rubberstamp legislature's approval, and you folks are obsessing over Mike Tate and poor ol' Ed? Wow! Have we got priorities misplaced again.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Fighting Ed II
“I am pleased to echo Dave Zweifel's comments about our dear friend Ed Garvey on his official retirement from the legal profession. Thanks be he is not retiring from his daily course of opinionating on the Body Politic.
I want to thank Ed for his unique brand of suasion on so many issues [even though we don't always agree on these issues!]...
And I want to thank him for journeying up to visit us in the Northwoods several times while I was Price County Democratic Party Chair. His visits were memorable!
So, enjoy your admittedly partial retirement, Ed. And the invitation is still always open here in Park Falls!”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Why is everybody always picking on me?
“I find it interesting that you or I can inquire on a government website* and find the salaries of the top execs of any publicly traded companies, and of course government salaries are a matter of public record, but the head of the state Democratic Party feels it's intrusive when the same information is asked of himself....
(* http://www.sec.gov/answers/execomp.htm )”
-Eddie | Milwaukee, WI | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Why is everybody always picking on me?
“Well, I for one *am* picking on Wisconsin Democrats and Democrats in general as well and picking on Wisconsin Republicans and Republicans in general. The deal is, there is very little difference between the two...a kinder gentler machine gun hand...maybe.
The fact is both parties are taking the corporate cash as fast as it's dished out, so when the name of the game is "whoever gets the most money wins", I am not going express allegiance to either political party.
Just today the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign published a piece on an issue that concerns me deeply, frac sand mining. It is not pretty. And its not pretty seeing the line-up of Democrats right there with the Republicans.
Here's the story if you care:
http://www.wisdc.org/pr052113.php
Things are going to get rocked to the core before anything good emerges from the post-Citizens United calamity.”
-John E. Davey | Kendall, WI | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Why is everybody always picking on me?
“My, my, my. This has gotten interesting. Just a few observations from a one time county chair, and keep in mind that this was only for a short time and a decade ago.
1.) Tate says the party doesn't want to support candidates that cannot prove they can't raise money. News Flash. In most districts the Dem field ain't too deep with the kind of business, community group, civic types who are good at this. The Dem candidate base is not the same as the GOP candidate base, nor is the donor base. Maybe stressing the essential un-democratic and corrupt GOP big money game as an election issue is a better idea.
2.) Campaign workers. That usually means some Madison college type who doesn't know jack about the district. Dems experts don't have a good track record. Last time I was to a (ostensibly ) Dem election event (Supreme Court race) the same college girl was running that show who had been on the ADCC during the disaster of 2002 Assembly races. Her record stank but there she was.
3.) Tell folks your salary for God's sake. This is supposed to be the Democratic Party, where no secrets are kept. If memory serves Joe Winecke made about the same as an Assembly Rep.
4.) The rank and file need to be more vocal. Letting this erstwhile "vanguard" run the party is bad. If that is what you want maybe the GOP is your natural home. Demand more of this leadership core.
5.) The membership needs to get off their butts in elections. The primary goal of any county party should be local partisan races and Assembly races. Gettting sucked into top of the ticket stuff means you will never get candidates who are not just more big money Blue Dogs. Quit being so damned sniffy. It is lonely doing doors all day as an under dog and it sure doesn't help when your own local Dems hold back. If you think YOU could do better then run yourself dammit but once you have a candidate then do something to keep it moving along. If you can't fall in love you can at least fall in line. That, or feel superior in your glorious and principled loss to the GOP yet one more time. I suspect many rank and file prefer the latter.
Just my take.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped the DPW, WI. | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Why is everybody always picking on me?
“Ed Garvey is not a Democrat, just like he's not a Republican. Ed's only a member of the Party of Garvey. Democratic Party members who are active know how to get involved, run for party office, etc. - they talk about it at just about every meeting. Ed's not a Party member, so he doesn't know. Instead of getting involved, he throws bombs from the sidelines. I'd rather work with people who get involved and do the hard work.
Party leaders, on the state Administrative Committee, set the Chair's salary and approve the budget. Why is it anyone else's business? If you're not a Party member, why should you get to know? If you are a Party member, ask your Administrative Committee representative. They are all listed on the Party website.
In fact, all this information is online. The rules on how to run are on the Party website. The Party's campaign finance reports are also online.
If you want to attack, just to be an attacker, then you do what Ed is doing. If you want to build something, you get involved and build something. As a Democrat in deep-red country, I can see that Mike Tate is trying to build a stronger Party. He's bringing the state convention into my County, and trying to make up for the failures of past leaders by recruiting stronger candidates and getting staff on the ground earlier.
Ed is just a rich lawyer and failed candidate who never bothered to build an organization from the ground up that wins anything. And now he's once again attacking the Democratic Party. Which accomplishes exactly nothing.”
-Ellen | Waukesha, WI | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Why is everybody always picking on me?
“I Tate that as a no, or is it a maybe?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Why is everybody always picking on me?
“I will not give to the Democratic Party, I will give to individual campaigns instead. Until the Party wakes up and gets some kahunas and better candidates, we are in trouble.”
-WisconsinLiberal | Fox Valley, WI | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Why is everybody always picking on me?
“This reminds me of what Ricky Gervais said recently on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart:
"Everyone's entitled to their own beliefs, so shut up about your atheism."
Another day, another Tate harpy comes and goes. Or is it the Tate of many names?”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Why is everybody always picking on me?
“Ed-
How much do you make? Why do you think you are entitled to this information? Your not a member of the party and from what I've read haven't been for a while. How's it feel to give Charlie Sykes talking points? Or do you share his goal of destroying the party?
And the deadline was very well know to party members, was same as the delegate deadline. Was given to all candidates for party office. You likely didn't know because you aren't a member.
Do you think your doing some service by asking this? Why don't you join the party and contribute instead of playing the cranky old white guy card?”
-Seth | Onalaska, WI | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Why is everybody always picking on me?
“I'm enjoying all this way more than I probably should.
Except I don't really enjoy the illogic of Little Man Tate's complaint. In order to be "picked on" you have to be a low dog, not the top dog. You can't really pick "UP". In my high school it was quite fashionable for the big football heroes to pick on a special needs guy named Clark. I didn't enjoy seeing that at all, it was painful, that was picking ON. Since Tate is a top man in party politics, some retired guy with a blog can't really pick on him. Clark (I hope you don't mind the parallels I am drawing here) did not pick on the jocks. The hierarchy made them impervious if he'd ever tried. So for that reason, Tate taking a victim stance doesn't work.
For another, we've recently been in a phase where people's compensation packages are very hot, openly discussed, News. In big, widely read papers. That Summerfest guy, the county board salaries, state lawmakers' per diem totals, etc. People just consider such things their business when they're footing the bill with taxes or donations. Transparency transparency transparency. WHY would a Democrat choose to go all Mitt Romney and be cagey like this? It looks weird!
Finally, this is just not how it's done. His corner office etiquette is wrong. When facing questioning or criticism Big Important Guys always always go with the S/He's A Nut approach. Tate shouldn't be saying Ed is a bully (that confers social power onto Ed, noooo don't do it). Tate should be saying Ed Is Nuts. Preferably with a hint of eye roll and a brisk air of having Important Things To Do If You Would Just Let Me Puleeeze. Here are come cases in point - Opponents of sand mines are nuts. People who question their local councils are nuts.
Environmentalists are ALWAYS nuts even when you have raw sewage comin' out your pipes, and your baby has a third foot growin' out his forehead, they're all still nuts. Feminists? Wacky, wacky broads. People who think the Milw. Police Dept has an ingrained culture of racism and brutality OMG! sooooo very nuts. Any Review Board can tell you that pulling shackled people around by their hair, jamming pens into a guy's ear drums, and letting folks asphyxiate on your back seat WHILE YOU FILM IT are accepted police procedure just WHAT is your problem? Do you have unresolved and potentially debilitating Father Issues? Hmmmm?
YOU are so weird. Get a hobby. Let it go. And so forth. This is basic Asshat Defensive Protocol. Wagon-Circling 101. I guess Tate musta missed class that day.”
-Cranstan Boonitz | Nowyouknow, WI | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Why is everybody always picking on me?
“Why are you always picking on poor Mike, Ed? Can't you leave an up and coming corporate democrat alone?”
-Steve Carlson | Trego, WI. | May 21, 2013
Letter on: Zielinski leaving
“Well, now that the flying monkeys have landed from Tatesville defending their boss, it's easy to see why the Democrats are fast becoming irrelevant.
I'd almost bet $1 that WI Democrat from the previous article was Mikey himself.
It sounds like they're justifying losing as business as usual.
Maybe Mikey should be defending himself if he could pull himself away from the golf course.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 20, 2013
Letter on: The Toxicity Index
“When people take state government seriously, perhaps then we can see more responsible people voted into office. I suspect good and bad candidates run for office, a handful vote party lines and then the good and/or bad get into office and the troubles begin. What we saw in 2010 is the perfect storm and now we suffer.
Issue perhaps is, how do we get the real people of Wisconsin excited about their state government? How do we get the best candidates to run for office? How can we be assured those winning seats will listen and give us the service we demand?
It's beyond Republicans and Democrats. It's about the people of Wisconsin and whether we are getting the best bang for our bucks.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | May 20, 2013
Letter on: Zielinski leaving
“Is there ever a moment when you question yourself while throwing out allegations without proof? Each time you throw this stuff out about DPW and Tate you look more and more foolish. ”
-Chad Black | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | May 20, 2013
Letter on: Zielinski leaving
“So Joe- what's your plan? I know Tate and his team are focused intently on down ticket races all over the state. Just saying we lost, blame Tate doesn't seem fair and a bit too simplistic. He can't control all the big money spent here, what act 10 did to our base, etc.
What specifically would you have done differently? Because Tate funded and still funds offices all over the state, has put organizers hired by us local activists on payroll. I also know he raised a ton of money and directly funded legislative and congressional races all over the state.
He is clear that he won't give support to races where candidates aren't carrying their own weight. Would you invest my money in races where the candidate doesn't do his or her job of asking for money, knocking doors, etc?
Have you ever been through a candidate training, a training by the party? I attended an online training recently.
I don't know you Joe but if your gonna criticize Tate, say what you'd have done differently that would have changed the outcome. And what specifically you do differently in the future. Because saying you'll support down ticket races isn't specific. What are your details? And can you pay for it? How much money have you raised? Can you commit to continuing to pay our local organizer? (Former Rep. Jeff Smith).
Details matter Joe. And if he's so horrible and responsible for our losses why is Feingold, Barrett, Larson, Barca, etc supporting him? Not to mention Tammy and a bunch of party activists.
Are any county chairs supporting you? I can't find your website so I honestly don't know n”
-Roger | Eau Claire, WI | May 20, 2013
Letter on: The Toxicity Index
“Kraus ignores the rise of corporate control over our legislature.
I have no doubt that the left and right can break bread together when their masters are the voters but in our times, one side is totally beholden to big corporate power and the other is schizophrenic on the issue. With carrots like untraceable campaign donations, free trips to exotic locations (ALEC scholarships) and sticks like tea party primaries, the will of the voters and the good of the state are ignored.
It's big corporate outsiders who are running the show and they like power, control and conflict. Until we kick these strongmen to the curb, there will never be peace in the legislature.”
-Wisconsiana Victoria | Fitchburg, WI | May 20, 2013
Letter on: Zielinski leaving
“Roger,
This is why the Democrats have lost everything in recent years. We spend way too much time attacking each other and not enough time supporting our candidates who run down ticket. Obviously, you are getting a lot of support from the party but you are the exception, not the rule. The central issue in this June's race for Party Chair is accountability. Under Tate's leadership the Democratic Party has taken a beating. From the assembly and senate, governor's race and recall, two supreme court races, congressional and senate races, we have lost them all.(Baldwin is the exception) Mike certainly would have taken credit for them if we had won and must take responsibility for this failed record. This will be the debate going into the convention. Those who say Mike is not responsible and should not be held accountable will continue to support him and his failed strategies and we will continue to loose elections. Those who don't will look for new leadership. I represent that new leadership and look forward to that debate.
Joe Kallas”
-Joe Kallas | Princeton, WI | May 20, 2013
Letter on: The Toxicity Index
“There's times when you can really tell we're getting old. Looking back with rosy-hued glances on off-record deals made in car pools and on golf courses is right up there with tales of walking 20 miles uphill both ways to school. We all hated the inconveniences we might glorify now, and those deals and "friendships" were what got me paying close attention to small town politics in the first place, it was horrifying, unstoppable, and cost me my sanity. "Friendships" amongst people with unholy lust for power is never gonna be good. People who are drawn to power always feel they are the Good Guys, and so the rules do not apply to them. The human capacity for denial and telling one's self a sanitized story about what one is doing can't be surpassed by any force in the universe. The good old days weren't good.
Re: the vitriol of today, the destructive problem with this new toxicity is that the public faith in ALL our Institutions is systematically being destroyed. Faith in Congress, the Judiciary, any aspect of American governance at all, it's gone.
Government may not be small enough to drown in a bathtub but it's pretty easy to kill a big fat guy with poison.
I dunno about 30 years getting over "it" in Wisconsin, I disagree, I say never. We aren't an island, national realities trump all. And nationally (globally?!) this is like an ugly divorce, there's no going back. What will follow in years to come I have no clue. I do have plenty of clues that THEY (the Kochs, Big Pharma, Big Banking, Wall Street, the Illuminati, or all of them, I don't care whom you visualize as the Baddie) but anyways, it's obvious they think if there's no longer faith in previously sacred Institutions then the people will not be resistant to PRIVATIZATION. It ain't about Walker, Chvalla, ner nun o' them idjits. Sure, it's natural to bemoan the death of a single tree or a small grove when that has been what you're familiar with. But in this case it might be wise to lift the eyes up enough to see the whole damn forest is goin' down. People with power have tools available to them the like of which they have never had before. As a handgun owner/CC supporter I find the NRA disgusting, not in the usual way, because of the false empowerment they are actively selling. You can't fight King George with a musket when he can microwave your flesh from inside a tank, or drone-target you game-style from a comfy room on the other side of the globe. Stockpiling is not a 'threat', it's a joke.
We're in a new era, I don't pretend to know what's coming, but let's not look back fondly on the very processes that got us here.
-”
-Cranstan Boonitz | Forward, WI | May 20, 2013
Letter on: Zielinski leaving
“Ed- are you even a party member? My understanding is you haven't been for over a decade. You seem more interested in tearing Tate and Dems down than helping progressives win.
I asked Tate what your problem/obsession with him was and he said he doesn't get it. Said he volunteered on your 98 race and has called and sat down with you but you raise no questions or concerns then. Then you bash him but don't actually call or email him to see what the party is actually doing
Where I live (western wi), Tate and his staff have been here often. They help fund a local party office and let us hire a staff person that they pay for to help us build for 2014.
Who cares what he's paid? Whatever it is it isn't enough. My local DNC member said the way Tate gets paid was set before Tate was first elected and has to be approved by the administrative committee who is full of locally elected folks. Not Tate appointments.
Can't you find someone else's tree to piss on? If you were active in the party you would know what the state party is up to. In fact I know Tate regularly meets with any party member that has concerns.
Must be easy or fun to throw stones from the sidelines in retirement but I know myself and many others are working hard and Tate supports that.”
-Roger | Eau Claire, WI | May 19, 2013
Letter on: Was there a deadline?
“Well, let's take a look at the results since Mike Tate took over on June 13, 2009. From Ballotpedia:
2010 (net loss of 18 Democrat seats State & Federal)
US Senate - Lost seat [from Feingold to (R) Ron Johnson]
US House - No change [(R) Ryan, Sensenbrenner, Petri, Duffy, Ribble; (D) Baldwin, Kind, Moore]
Governor - Lost seat Governor race [from Doyle to (R) Scott Walker]
AG - No change (R) Van Hollen
Sec of State - No change (D) La Follette
Treasurer - No change (R) Schuller
State Assembly races - Dems lost 12 seats, Reps picked up 15 seats
State Senate races - Dems lost 4 seats, Reps picked up 4 seats
2011 (Recall (net pickup of 2 seats)
- lost governor race
- Dems added 2 state senate seats
2012 (net loss of 2 seats)
US Senate - No change (from Dem Kohl to Dem Baldwin)
US House - No change [(R) Ryan, Sensenbrenner, Petri, Duffy, Ribble; (D) Pocan, Kind, Moore]
State Assembly races - No change Dems stayed even, Reps picked up 2 seats
State Senate races - Dems lost 2 seats, Reps picked up 3 seats
From 2010 to present has resulted in a net loss of 18 seats (Federal & State)
The Koch boys couldn't be prouder if Walker was in charge of the DPW.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 19, 2013
Letter on: Was there a deadline?
“Well Joe,
What do you want the Democrats of Wisconsin to stand for?
In an earlier article, I commented about what the New Deal Progressives (NDP, the progressive party I'm building) stand for on a national platform ( http://fightingbob.com/letters.cfm?articleID=1630 ). When the website is ready, this platform will be available for anyone to see.
The NDP has limited campaign donations to $200 per person and is asking for 200 hours of volunteer time.
So what should the Wisconsin Democrats stand for?”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 18, 2013
Letter on: Was there a deadline?
“This entire post is based on Garvey's completely wrong "sources". A post on the Green Lake County Democratic Party's facebook page says that another candidate qualified to make the ballot. Get your facts straight before you post something like this, its embarrassing.
The attitudes, complete falsehoods, and flat-out lies expressed about Mike Tate and the DPW in this post and these comments are shameful. Agree, disagree, approve, or disapprove with DPW leadership, there are very few, if any, facts expressed here and we should stop slandering fellow Democrats.
Also, since when is Ed Garvey the expert on winning elections in Wisconsin? Unlike Ed Garvey, Mike Tate actually participated in a winning election against Tommy Thompson.”
-WI Democrat | Milwaukee, WI | May 18, 2013
Letter on: Was there a deadline?
“Hard to say how much the Koch boys are paying Tate to wreck the Wisconsin Dems, but I'll guess my $375K/yr total wasn't far off on total pay.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 18, 2013
Letter on: Was there a deadline?
“Pietr,
You obviously don't understand how the Dummycraps work. They have their "vanguard of the party" at the top. They know best and rule in the best interests of the whole.
At the local level you have the "cadres" who get to do the dirty work and offer advice as long as it falls within the parameters set by the vanguard, who know best.
Then, when things don't work you find out who the "wreckers" are. It could be the nasty GOP, or it could be reckless dissidents withing the party. If that is the case you "mow them down at the grassroots".
Just as long as the vanguard and upper level cadres can have their wine and cheese and congratulate themselves on what a great job they are doing things will go along just fine.
Time to bolt folks, time to bolt.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped the DPW, WI. | May 18, 2013
Letter on: Was there a deadline?
“Clinton,Doyle or Obama and Reid, these new dems are making Nixon look pro-labor and pro-environment, Nixon even put price controls in place. Tate is a great leader for this new democratic party representing the oligarchs as well has the republicans. The only difference is what they spoon feed us to take our minds off the loss of our democratic ideals, ethics, liberty and life............
GEE, this letter works as a response to both today's and yesterday's ED itorial.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha County | May 18, 2013
Letter on: Was there a deadline?
“Stop the Presses! Mike Tate does have a challenger who filed his papers yesterday. My name is Joe Kallas and I have been around a long time but have never received a lot of attention because I live and breathe in a RED rural district and have been kicked to the curb by the Democratic Party. I have read the blogs and letters from the last two days and agree with most everything written. I am in the process of meeting with state wide coalitions to form an alliance that will remove Tate from office. His record is terrible yet he has some supporters who say that it is not his fault that we have lost everything(except Baldwin's seat)in the last 4 years.Whose fault is it? It certainly is not the person's fault who sat out in the cold and snow collecting signatures to recall Walker. The buck stops at the top. If we had won all those races, Tate certainly would have taken credit for it. He takes credit for Tammy winning and he had little to do with it. I marched in parades with her as a candidate for Congress and she won that race, not Mike.There is so much wrong with the way the Democratic Party is structured it is hard to believe. Everyone on the Administrative Committee, Executive and Election's committee are in protect mode. They will not give me a copy of the budget or their organizational chart that would show who is responsible to whom. The issue is one of accountability. Why don't they hold Mike accountable for his failed leadership? He crows that he raised 19 million dollars last year. How did he spend it. Where did all that money go? What elections did it win? How much of it was funneled into Mike's own consulting business? The press won't ask these questions so we must.Why does the party charge candidates for the voter list? Tate told me I would have to pay $40,000 for the list. What? Is that how the party helps candidates get elected? The crown jewel was when he came to speak at a fund raiser for me and never mentioned my name anywhere in his speech. Is that some new strategy to get Democrats elected.Where is our message? All Tate is about is raising money. What does the Party stand for? The public doesn't know either and that's part of the reason we are getting our clocks cleaned. Oh, we need a change alright. We definitely need a change and I will work day and night to try to make it happen. I hope everyone who reads this will back me up. Sincerely, Joe Kallas”
-Joe Kallas | Princeton, WI | May 18, 2013
Letter on: Was there a deadline?
“And, you wonder why the Republicans had such an easy time getting elected and taking over all branches of state government.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | May 18, 2013
Letter on: Was there a deadline?
“I learned this past week that the advisory or administrative committee for the state Democratic Party is comprised solely of those Democrats now holding office. Why is this so? Is this high school all over again where cliques run the show? How does one judge the quality of a chairperson's work? Is it by how much money that person raises? Is it by how many Democrats get into office and stay there? Is it how the party gets all people registered to vote and to the polls? Is it concentrating on urban areas and then forgetting all the Democrats scattered throughout our state's rural districts?
Lots of questions. Few answers. Yeah, Mike Tate will probably get his job renewed but at our expense.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | May 18, 2013
Letter on: A second Party
“I'd like to thank Pieter Haikuu for speaking the truth in an insightful manner. It's sad in the extreme that Tate is willing to throw the entire state under the bus, sacrificing so many and so much to guarantee more years of solid Republican rule along with his "important" job. Some years ago we feared what impact the neo-cons would be having, these days I worry in a similar way about the destructive impact of the young narcissists that have found homes in party politics. Narcissism, megalomania and politics have always been a lovely trifecta, but there seems to be a new breed. (Kids these days, right? And now that they have the car keys, watch out!)
On the other hand, internal party coups are nothing new - and that's clearly what it's going to take. The "rest of them" are going to have to get fed up enough to take risks, and take back the keys. People outside the party or in lower ranks are powerless to do that. But I'm not holding my breath.”
-Cranstan Boonitz | Fat City, WI | May 17, 2013
Letter on: A second Party
“What's the purpose of someone like Mike Tate? Is it to raise money or is it to give every Democratic the boost he or she needs to get into office? Why don't we have more Democrats holding office in Wisconsin?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | May 17, 2013
Letter on: A second Party
“The Democrats we have now seem to prefer their beauty rest most of the time. Too many are content with that warm and fuzzy pee-in-your-pajamas feeling, they stir, they roll over and fall back asleep so they can dream their impossible dreams.”
-Dana | DeForest Wisc | May 17, 2013
Letter on: A second Party
“When they refuse to be transparent, then throw a number out there (oh, say salary $350K/yr + full health insurance $12K/yr + car allowance $12K/yr + health club membership allowance $4K/yr + golf club membership allowance $5k/yr + NetJet membership allowance $22K/yr + 12 holidays/yr + 6 wks vacation/yr ) and post it.
Let' em defend against it as they should.
In case you haven't noticed, WI Democrats haven't represented working people for awhile. They only talk to the hoi polloi and the rabble when they need money and votes, otherwise get off my damn yard kids.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 17, 2013
Letter on: A second Party
“Sounds to me like Madison is way too close to the Illinois border. The corruption infection in the DPW has jumped the border faster than Asian Carp getting into Lake Michigan.
The DPW lost the Factory Joe brown shoe Dems. They wouldn't have stood for this crap but the "comfortably concerned" professor class liberals will take any kind of crap as long no one gets nasty or too vocal. They like their liberalism with a healthy dose of expensive wine and artisinal cheese.
Time for real Dems to dump this crew of nitwits and go their own way. They really don't want you working class dupes for anyting but foot soldiers anyway.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped the DPW, WI. | May 17, 2013
Letter on: A second Party
“We are members of the Democratic Party of Dodge County.
For your interest, at our May meeting Mike Tate and Joe Kallas, candidates for DPW chair, shared their vision and plans for the future of the DPW.
Mike Tate said that the DPW chair will be voted on at the State Democratic Party Convention in Oconomowoc in June.
Sharing the information we have learned.”
-Jim and Cheryl Congdon | Horicon, Wisconsin | May 17, 2013
Letter on: A second Party
“"Fighting Bob and his brother Phil?" Still, you're asking good questions.”
-David Blaska | The Emerald City | May 17, 2013
Letter on: A second Party
“The rumor is Tate's salary is around $150,000. Not bad change for someone who has been ineffective in leading the state party and putting Democrats into state offices.
Why is the state chairman an elected position? It should be a contract position responsible to and serving at the pleasure of the state board of directors. Tate is protective of his position to the point he makes it nearly impossible for anyone to challenge him. Can you blame him? He's a young buck with a good salary with benefits. County party chairs and those on the state administrative committee are complicit in blocking hopefuls who'd love to work as state chair. Are county chairs limiting who can address their memberships and garner support? Go to a county Democrat meeting sometime and you will be amazed how agendas and speakers are controlled by the chairs.
Wisconsin should be a Democrat's paradise. We should have Democrats in more state offices. Has the state been handed over to Republicans? Yes. By whom? Well, don't blame the candidates. Go after the party's leadership.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | May 17, 2013
Letter on: No expiration date
“Seems like not too long ago there were a whole bunch of people in Madison pissed off about anti-union laws. Then the Dems got the in the game, along with that Milquetoast that ran and got beat twice in one year and they didn't want to talk about unions, at least not much.
Guess the comfortably concerned just ain't been kicked in the gut hard enough yet. But,as they say, there ain't no education in the second kick of a mule.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | May 16, 2013
Letter on: Retire?
“Congratulations on your retirement Ed.I look forward to reading your new improved blog now that you will have time to spell check it ;)
Heard a very nice tribute to you on Big Ed's show on Sirius Radio yesterday. Our John Nichols was hosting it and he had many good things to say about you and your activism.
If the UW of Madison offers Spotty an honorary degree after he yanked their rainy day fund I will be royally pissed.”
-dirtfarmer | Viroqua, Wisc. | May 16, 2013
Letter on: Retire?
“Congrats, Ed. Now you're more dangerous than ever.”
-David Blaska | The Emerald City | May 15, 2013
Letter on: A second party
“You need to start writing down your platform / position paper to get an idea of what your party stands for.
For the New Deal Progressives (NDP), there are seven points:
1. JOBS (with 27 specific detail points about the types of jobs & number of jobs created totaling 28 million)
2. EDUCATION (3 detail points, number of new teachers to be hired, what it takes to be the best in the world)
3. SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE (3 detail points, double payments to seniors, lower age for Medicare eligibility, end cap on SS tax)
4. MILITARY & FOREIGN POLICY (9 detail points, bring troops home, cut military budget 55%, put troops to work in rebuilding national infrastructure)
5. PERSONAL INCOME (7 detail points, Guaranteed Minimum Income, fair taxation, work sharing)
6. DRUGS (4 detail points, end War on Drugs, end private prisons, decriminalization, health issue)
7. ACCOUNTABILITY (4 detail points, wars, SCOTUS term limits)
That's the starting point and then get people to coalesce around that with hopefully minor changes.
The NDP position paper is titled "What a 21st Century New Deal Would Look Like" and with details & commentary, it had just over 4 pages with 1633 words. It still remained quite readable. A follow-up paper titled "A Hawk and a Handsaw" describing the three main problems and how to fix them was 3 pages with 1403 words. Also, quite readable.
The NDP is limiting campaign donations to $200 per person and asking for 200 hours of time to be volunteered (a Nader idea). The website is also being redesigned.
In effect, you're taking on the task of rebuilding the Dem party regardless of what Tate and the party machinery want. And to be honest, Dems haven't represented the working class in a long time. If someone doesn't do something, the WI Dem party will done.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 14, 2013
Letter on: Retire?
“Ed,
First, congratulations on making a career change! You have reached an age where you can begin to make your own decisions now.
However, you may like to utilize your wonderfully honed skills and take the opportunity to continue to enjoy spending just a few days a month in a job that will provide some nice perks you deserve.
You could have a nice office, make a few speeches around the country asking for additional funds for your pet personal projects, have a company car AND a company plane to travel in, talk tough whenever you felt like doing so and then use private passages to avoid having to defend your comments, tell others what they must do as to your desires, and just have some fun with the media by playing a cat and mouse game as to what you will tell them about your plans and of course you will continue to have all the benefits of a good health plan and pension.
You can even meet some interesting folks with a lot of money - but be careful, they may want you to do more than you want to in your new retirement position! In fact, some have media for you to expand your Fighting Bob blog.
What the heck Ed – I can see it now – the new title on the door of your new office.
GOVERNOR – Ed Garvey!
Does that have a nice ring to it or not!!”
-Steve Anderson | Eau Claire, WI | May 14, 2013
Letter on: Retire?
“Congratulations on retirement. May you be busier than ever on the things you want to do.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 14, 2013
Letter on: Retire?
“There are some English words I have never liked or understood. Two that come to mind are senior citizens and retire.
Propose we label the seniors as "ripe people" and call retirement what it really is, a shifting of gears.
Of course the next step would be death. Haven't figured out a good one for that except for maybe the "Great Escape." Of course, if heaven is filled with Republicans and wingnuts, too, not so sure one can tell it from hell.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | May 14, 2013
Letter on: A second party
“I came to the conclusion a long time ago that the Dummycraps like glorious losses more than down and dirty wins. It fits their victim narrative better.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | May 14, 2013
Letter on: Annoying!
“And you expected this very, very light-skinned Caucasian who exhibits no honky dialect (unless it is to his advantage) to be a staunch supporter of the President. He got his high-speed rail to Vegas, and it barely got him re-elected. That was his priority.
Racism is a very subtle thing. The fact that Reid used the N-word, Negro, in respect to the President, is confirmation in itself, that he feels he is superior to African Americans. There is no two ways about it. Reid was afraid to give a Negro president carte blanche in his second term.
Reid, is on an entirely different page, than most readers of this website. Progressives, people who want to see all people have a very good standard of living, are not interested in putting pressure on this Harry Reid. They just want him to go away. They just want him to go away, and not come back.
My problems with the President's use of drones, aside, I kind of like living in a country where Antonin Scalia, Bob Woodward, Harry Reid, and Ted Nugent feel it is important to carefully check the skies, before getting in their cars in the morning. All joking aside, the Democratic party should just start treating Reid like the dinosaur he is. We have no more time left, for these little demagogues.”
-Ty O'Mara | Grayslake, IL | May 14, 2013
Letter on: Annoying!
“Jim,
Excellent idea. The dimwit Dummycraps should have had in internal putsch and booted him in his saggy butt ages ago.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | May 13, 2013
Letter on: What's so great about being governor anyway?
“Well nervous Nellie,
Let's go to the reason we don't have to worry about a Walker run for preznit.
His jobs record. You might remember what the candidate was promising and see what the governor has delivered.
Nada, Zip. And during this time, Wisconsin has ranked at or near the bottom of categories that count under a Walker governorship.
As far as the recall, you might remember Tate and the Dems screwed that up, so don't give any credit to Walker on that one. Remember the reason for the recall? Collective Bargaining. Yet, not once was it mentioned by the Dems, plus they picked the only possible candidate that could lose, Barrett (you remember him, he has the ignominious distinction of losing twice in a year for the same job). What a genius Tate, eh?
If he's lucky, and sometime in the future, he might get appointed as lower-under-sub-secretary of the Department of Whig History, or maybe Newt might appoint him to run a moon base (yes, he has about as much chance as Newt being elected).
People have slammed the door on Bush wannabees (even if they know four words instead of three).”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 13, 2013
Letter on: Annoying!
“How about pressuring Reid to resign as Majority Non-leader? Doesn't he have a family that the needs to spend more time with?”
-Jim Kubiak | Hudson, WI | May 13, 2013
Letter on: Scary
“I tried to test out Captain Nemo's hypothesis so I called Walmart to see if they had Unicorns and "Engines of Freedom."
Sadly, they had Unicorns but said they didn't fart. They hadn't heard of "Engines of Freedom" at all. Then I wondered if Captain Nemo meant the Constitution...but no, that couldn't be. They weren't using petroleum to fuel that. Still pondering where they made "engines of freedom", I took a wild guess that they might have been what was they were making in the factory that collapsed in Bangladesh.
I knew cow farts (well not really...methane from cattle waste) fueled some farms but they're not Unicorns.
In a flash of insight I "intuited" that Captain Nemo had said "*economic* engines of freedom" so I knew he must mean Wall Street...but, hmmm, that is an "economic engine" of sorts but it's relationship to freedom is quite tenuous.
Then my Unicorn told me the truth (but still wouldn't fart). Humans are the only species that operates on petroleum and that all other life on earth is fueled by the sun and it's interaction with life forms on the Earth and that in fact, Unicorn continued, even petroleum was simply energy, rapidly disappearing, created from the same process of Sun and Earth interaction created million of years ago and explosively burned in a matter of a few hundred years releasing its by-products into earth in air in a way my Unicorn would not approve of.
I decided to listed to my Unicorn and not Captain Nemo.”
-John E. Davey and Unicorn | Kendall, WI | May 12, 2013
Letter on: Free lunch
“Three hots and a cot for slapping a cop would be a good deal, if that's all that would happen. I would expect another locked down city besieged by militarized cops racing through empty streets in their armored Humvees and with loudspeakers blaring. Of course, I'd feel very safe knowing every other neighbor has a loaded weapon ready to shoot anyone who looks like a cop slapper. Then there would be the nutty rightwing conspiracy experts and ensuing months of more RoJo moments trying to connect the slaps to another imagined terrorist attack orchestrated by the left.
Some cops probably deserve to get slapped. Then there are those cops who probably enjoy it.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis. | May 12, 2013
Letter on: Scary
“Nemo,
Exactly. We don't run the world on unicorn farts and glitter but..., that really does beg the question.
Why, in the face of what we know, do we continue on this path of stupidity?
Where is this generation of innovators? If news reports are to be believed there are certainly enough billionaires out there who might want to take a risk at getting in on the ground floor, and profits of, new energy innovations.
Why do we think we can continue to burn gas and oil and coal at this rate and not pay the price? Why the knee jerk rejection to some fairly sound science?
Who gave us the right to mess it up for everyone after us? After all, the same loudmouths who worry that our debt will hurt our grandchildren don't seem to damned concerned about the very lives of our grandchildren. Worse yet, they are the ones with the power,and the capital, to make sure that doesn't happen.
Smart assed comments are fine. I enjoy them too but, it all begs the question.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped Idiot Central, WI. | May 12, 2013
Letter on: Fighting fracking
“The folks up in Mora have come to conclusion that you can't drink gas. In water rich Wisconsin this might not be so obvious but it comes pretty easy here.
New Mexico has a long history or resource exploitation and in the end it hasn't really done that much for regular folks. We probably have more places that used to be cities than currently are cities. Mining booms and busts, along with railroad speculation can account for a lot of that. If you include old Indian Pueblos going back about a thousand years it becomes pretty clear that down in this part of the country people are more at the mercy of the environment than in the temperate mid-west.
The biggest shame is that we still do very little in the way of solar. There are big utilities trying to get in the game but that is not going over as well as they wish. What you see far too little of is people doing home installation of solar.
The Mora decision is not universally popular but there is a strain in the populace that certainly appreciates seeing the big guys put in their place so I am hopeful.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Am In Las Cruces, NM. | May 12, 2013
Letter on: Scary
“Ed, you ask an excellent question. Why do Inhofe, King, Louie Gohmert and others behave and believe like they do?
What is much more frightening is that these goof
-balls win election by wide margins. It does not speak well of the electorate in vast regions of this country.
As long as these clowns keep getting elected there is little hope for the US Congress.”
-Jim Kubiak | Hudson, WI | May 11, 2013
Letter on: How do you know when you are losing?
“Nemo...in case my long, linked post addressing your breathy discovery of a professor of engineering and a professor of physics who think the build up of CO2 is really a "good thing" didn't pass publication muster, let me just point out the basic flaw in their argument.
If the plant nations were really going to suck up all this carbon dioxide then why isn't it happening now? Why did measurements of CO2 at a US government agency lab on Hawaii top 400 parts per million. The last time CO2 reach this level was 3-5 million years ago, before humans even existed.
If you follow the money, you'll see who is financing the climate denier pseudo-science. It is easy to see who doesn't want people to believe in human caused climate change.”
-John E. Davey | Kendall, WI | May 11, 2013
Letter on: Here comes the Cat. And he ain't no kitten.
“I was reading Matt Taibbi's latest piece about the Koch boys bid on the Chicago Tribune ( http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/blogs/taibblog/who-can-stop-the-koch-brothers-from-buying-the-tribune-papers-unions-can-and-should-20130510 ) and it occurred to me maybe the same large investors like CalSTRS and CalPERS ought to start making some noise.
As far as Caterpillar trying to kill the union, that's always been true. That's why they started moving to non-union states a couple of decades ago. The Parts division always had something going with the UAW (long story how the UAW came to rep the union).
They don't play fair, but what's new. That's Cat. They sure took the Canadians for a ride by getting all the incentives they could and then closing plants in Toronto and London ON.
That's the US example of ethical businessmen.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 11, 2013
Letter on: How do you know when you are losing?
“Nemo-- Good job finding a professor of engineering and a professor of physics in an "opinion" section of the Wall Street Journal to support your climate change denial position.
Ironic that the letters in response to it effectively undo their argument:
"In the not too distant future, I think people like Happer, Schmidt, Lindzen, Michaels and Spencer - and all the rest of these ideologically-blinded scientists - who continue to try question the reality that human activity is the main driver of the changes to the Earth's climate that we are now witnessing, will come to be regarded with the same disdain as members of the Flat Earth Society or Young Earth Creationists (YECs)."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323528404578452483656067190.html?
mod=rss_opinion_main
#articleTabs%3Dcomments%26commentId%3D5805276
And we can play "my site-your site" forever. But just for the record "Daily CO2 readings at a US government agency lab on Hawaii have topped 400 parts per million for the first time....The last time CO2 was regularly above 400ppm was three to five million years ago - before modern humans existed."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22491491 May 11,2013
"Scientists estimate that the average acidity of surface ocean waters worldwide is now about 30% higher than before the Industrial Revolution."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22408341 May 6,2013
Perhaps, Nemo, you might ask yourself who stands to gain $$$ from denying climate change? We know who loses?
Climate Change: Why Oil Companies Don't Want Us Talking about It
http://www.worldpress.org/Americas/3882.cfm”
-John E. Davey | Kendall, WI | May 11, 2013
Letter on: How do you know when you are losing?
“Benghazi?
If only the Republicans were as vigilant when the president is also a Republican. Let's see, under George W Hoover, there was:
1) 2002: U.S. Consulate In Karachi, Pakistan, Attacked; 10 Killed, 51 Injured
2) 2004: U.S. Embassy Bombed In Uzbekistan -2 killed, 9 injured
3) 2004: Gunmen Stormed U.S. Consulate In Saudi Arabia. 8 people killed
4) 2006: Armed Men Attacked U.S. Embassy In Syria - 1 killed
5) 2007: Grenade Launched Into U.S. Embassy In Athens
6) Rioters Set Fire To U.S. Embassy In Serbia
7) Ten People Killed In Bombings At U.S. Embassy In Yemen
The problem with this is that according the Wall Street Journal and the London Telegraph the US Embassy was mainly being used for a secret CIA operation and was not really a consulate.
According to the Business Insider, in March 2011 Stevens became the official U.S. liaison to the al-Qaeda-linked Libyan opposition, working directly with Abdelhakim Belhadj of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group--a group that has now disbanded, with some fighters reportedly participating in the attack that took Stevens' life.
Which also bring the question was CIA boss David Petraeus affair really the reason he resigned? He suddenly resigned, admitting to an affair. But Petraeus was scheduled to testify under oath the next week before power House and Senate committees regarding the Benghazi consulate. Many speculate that it wasn't an affair – but the desire to avoid testifying on Benghazi – which was the real reason for Petraeus' sudden resignation.
Think this "scandal" will bring that out into the open?
The US currently has 74 wars going that they admit to, and many more covert wars going on without congressional approval or public knowledge.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 11, 2013
Letter on: Scary
“Mr Garvey, in all candor, the economic engines of freedom run on oil, not the unicorn farts and glitter the left continuously offers.”
-Nemo | Crandon, WI | May 11, 2013
Letter on: New coach or new owner?
“Milwaukee ought to trade the Bucks and their owner for a new ABA franchise ( www.abalive.com/teams/ ). A new Milwaukee ABA team would love the Bradley Center.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 10, 2013
Letter on: How do you know when you are losing?
“It's becoming increasingly obvious, a consensus of the data if you will, that the "horrors that increasing carbon dioxide will bring the world is pure belief disguised as science"*. Heh.
* http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323528404578452483656067190.html?mod=rss_opinion_main”
-Nemo | Crandon, WI | May 10, 2013
Letter on: Chewed up chicken coup
“Monkey Wrench the bastards. A handfull of frack sand in the crank case of a dozer is a very utilitarian application of the mineral substance.
Valve grinding powder is even better.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | May 9, 2013
Letter on: Chewed up chicken coup
“TOM TIFFANY, just another whore republican providing favors for money.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha,County | May 9, 2013
Letter on: How do you know when you are losing?
“SW--
Well at least you got the month right. Congratulations on getting something right.”
-John E. Davey | Kendall, WI | May 9, 2013
Letter on: Chewed up chicken coup
“"Imagine if you owned a home on some land in the beautiful coulee country of southwestern Wisconsin.."
I don't have to imagine it. I am living in it. We are fighting it in the only ways we know. My wife has just had a "guest opinion" about the "selling of Wisconsin" printed in the Tomah Journal and I, in my own way, published an article about this on my website:
"Frac Sand Mining Assaults West Central Wisconsin"
http://www.wcwcw.com/feature95.html”
-John E. Davey | Kendall, Wi | May 9, 2013
Letter on: How do you know when you are losing?
“"When the ice in the Arctic has melted; once food shortages lead to riots; once the heat goes up 8 degrees, it is probably over! And too late to do anything. I mean OVER." Ed Garvey, May 2013
”
-SW | Waukesha WI | May 9, 2013
Letter on: How do you know when you are losing?
“It is going to stop when people decide they have had enough, but that usually doesn't come until it is too late.
It will stop when the Dummycraps actually start acting like the party they say they are instead of the "me too, just less so" corporate shills they have become. When they take the gloves off their silky soft middle class hands and act like the party that (supposedly) represents people who actually work for a living.
It will stop when people decide that they actually can be represented by more than one party in our legislative bodies and that no party should get their vote based on a phony narrative that brings up past good deeds instead of current failures and weakness. That they can actually form those parties and run candidates and big money be damned.
When they decide that grousing in break out sessions means nothing if nothing comes of it. That they still drive the economy with every dollar they spend and that if you don't give them your money they can't use it against you.
Maybe.
Maybe.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | May 9, 2013
Letter on: Chewed up chicken coup
“74,915, that's how old I am, I'll be 74,916 in December. Less than 75 grand to make your constituents change their way of life? Oh, Mr.
Tiffany, you had better get used to shopping at Walmart.
What were you thinking Mr. Tiffany? No one would notice? Oh, yeah, you're only a state senator so you can only demand so much from special interests. I can see that.
Keep listening to Boone Pickens, he's got nothing at stake, he'll steer you right. Just remember, Mr Tiffany, you might want to retire to a different state when you get to be around $74,915 years old. You are not in demand any more Mr. Tiffany. You are demanded. Have a nice breakfast, expletive deleted.”
-Ty O'Mara | Grayslake, IL | May 9, 2013
Letter on: A library of lies
“Counterpunch's Jeffrey St. Clair's article "The Game of Drones" tells us Obama's legal justification for using drones comes from Richard Nixon's 1969 secret bombing of Cambodia.
Yes, he certainly is a radical socialist. One who admires Reagan and now we find uses Nixon as a role model.
Bush is turning out to be a piker compared to Obama.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 8, 2013
Letter on: Can't hear you!
“One more reason to 'hate' the Vikings? Maybe. But what I hope is that Gay & Lesbian Viking fans picket and embarrass their 1% owners. And then I hope Packer management would take notice. Vince Lombardi stated he'd kick any homophobe players in the ass so hard they'd end up on the street. In football it's all about teamwork. I'll drive to the Twin Cities and join the picket line.”
-Jim Limbach | Stevens Point | May 8, 2013
Letter on: Walker to block background checks
“Gandhi did a fair job against the most powerful empire to date. Wonder what he would have said about this gun registration debate.
If government was the only problem then I'd drop my 20 gauge single shot on the whitehouse steps and say, "OK you can shoot me now." If a couple hundred joined me I don't think I'd be dead anytime soon .... except by the hands of the nutjobs with arsenals of high capacity military issue style super weapons.
Ed's right. Karl Rove wouldn't be collecting their weapons, do you think?
I don't have any final answer to this gun debate. I do think if resistance with weapons is our only tactic to prevent a total takeover by the pseudo government we lose. We need to organize around issues like water resources, food purity and the fossil fuel oligarchs takeover while we still can without civil liberty constraints.”
-Jim Limbach | Stevens Point | May 8, 2013
Letter on: Can't hear you!
“If states are requiring people who receive assistance to under go drug tests, job training or any other limits, we have a right to make corporation that receive public assistance uphold the American constitution.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha County | May 7, 2013
Letter on: A library of lies
“The character of America's citizens shows us all to be failures. We send a pregnant soldier off to prison because she followed her conscience, a moral, Christian thing to do. At the same time we defend those who committed torture and those who committed war crimes are honored. Anytime a conservative brings up America being a Christian country............”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha, County | May 7, 2013
Letter on: Here comes the Cat. And he ain't no kitten.
“Yes, Dolomite, once again you're right. If not for the unions and the progressive labor-laws, we'd STILL be having fires like the Triangle factory, or - - - even worse - - - the factory collapse in India that recently killed over 500 people. In the late 1800s and early 1900s when the libertarian-style 'free market' reigned supreme, workers, passenger, visitors, tenants, etc ALL automatically assumed ALL liability and could collect NOTHING in a court of law from the owner of the facility/vehicle if there was an accident, even if it was due to clear negligence. So, of course, there was little reason for an economic entity like a corporation to bother with things that would provide a safe environment, especially if it was a non-visible problem.”
-Eddie | Milwaukee, WI | May 7, 2013
Letter on: Can't hear you!
“Why is one's sexuality such an issue with others, especially those who have no ties? Pity those who ignore their own whether it be hetero or not. Why can't we simply accept each other for who we are and then go onward?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | May 7, 2013
Letter on: A library of lies
“Kimberly Rivera is a hero!”
-John E. Davey | Kendall, WI | May 7, 2013
Letter on: Can't hear you!
“The owners and management of the Vikings had no problems using their "freedom of speech" when it came to speaking out to get the public to build them a new $1 billion stadium.
Of course when the Vikings were "speaking" that was about "stuff" (concrete, glass and steel) while Kluwe was "speaking" about people and their rights. God forbid.”
-Jim Kubiak | Hudson, WI | May 7, 2013
Letter on: Here comes the Cat. And he ain't no kitten.
“Actually I believe the union helped build the company. It's the conservatives killing the laws that protect Americans that's the problem.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha County | May 6, 2013
Letter on: Here comes the Cat. And he ain't no kitten.
“David Blaska:
Your hatred for working people pours from your veins.
Your Father was a good man and a Democrat. You once took a paycheck from the Capital Times. Now you live on a state pension. Shame on you and your hatred for people that work hard for a living. You know better than what you say. A classic example of what is wrong in our country.”
-Joe Wineke | Verona, Wi | May 6, 2013
Letter on: Here comes the Cat. And he ain't no kitten.
“If the union doesn't kill the company, first.”
-David Blaska | The Emerald City | May 6, 2013
Letter on: Snow in May?
“SW--Up to your usual idiocy. Wondering if you were even born in 1970 when Wisconsin's Gaylord Nelson, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, decided to do something about air and water pollution. The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.
But of course, SW, there is and never has been any water or air pollution either, right? No one was talking about climate change in 1970. But they are now. The ice caps of the Arctic are noticeably shrinking, the ice cap of Mt. Kilimanjaro alone has shrunk by 85% in the last hundred years, and the sea levels are rising at the rate of about 3 millimeters per year because of all the melting ice. Even the Department of Defense is taking this seriously enough to plan contingency plans for rising see levels.
Contrary to your stupid remarks (what, no "good one" to your "skeptic" pal? Are you 13 yrs. old or what?) climate change is not a prediction but something that is happening *now*. In fact, 97% of scientists agree humans are responsible for climate change. Since the Industrial Revolution, carbon dioxide levels increased 38% because of humans, methane levels have increased 148%, nitrous oxide is up 15%. 11 of the past 12 years have been the hottest on record since 1850. In 1910 Montana's National Glacier Park had 150 glaciers...today it has 27. The earths air is 30% more acidic.
I could go on and on...but all of this will escape the brilliant SW and his fellow "tag team" cronies because what you want to believe is what you believe...and science just confuses you.
More words than you deserve.”
-John E, Davey | Kendall, WI | May 5, 2013
Letter on: Snow in May?
“Earth day 1970 some predictions of our coming doom. None of which happened and are no different than the predictions today with global warming. In 40 more years it will be some thing else but the same old BS predictions.
We must have over compensated now we will all die from global warming.
”
-SW | Waukesha WI | May 5, 2013
Letter on: Late start?
“Well IMO anyone is correct to be scared or depressed. But not because of skinheads. Rather, because it's the normal human response when people (lots of them) are TRYING to scare you, all day every day. You know how movie/TV directors are skilled at jerking your emotions - here's the part where we all cry, here's the laughter after the Big Scare, all that kinda thing. Well, c'mon, there's no way that same "science" isn't being applied to the always-on invasive media Thunderdome none of us can get away from. Some people probably will respond to that expert manipulation with violence at some point here, whether in a series of stand-alone acts, or a sustained initiative of some kind. Possibilities are endless. However, it's a huge (and easy) MISTAKE to allow the "Directors" (Kochs, Murdoch. Gannett, Lee etc) to plant specific images in your mind of who will act out. (Perhaps you watched H2 last night and have skinheads fresh in your mind aside from your personal experience)
In spite of our supposed media savvy and rising cynicism we still place WAY too much faith in the stories we are told. There is a Buddhist concept that all you really know is what you have seen and lived in your own life. As an mental exercise adopt that perspective for a few minutes then run all the News stories thru your head - that's a lot of stuff we all take on faith, enormous amounts of trust. SO much "perspective" is embedded in each and every news story, it's easy to forget. I was freshly taught the level of media filtering with the recent crisis in Lafayette County. The way the news reported was vastly different than the accounting of events by persons in my family who were there and directly involved. I was stunned and depressed at the implications. But the larger point is, we are all spoon-fed reality to an alarming degree.
Try hard not to be jerked. Try not to forget that your neighbors are still your neighbors, because obviously we're being encouraged to forget that. Like Bullies do, those who direct our national perceptions poke and poke until someone snaps. Then they can point at the "proven problem" and step in with...whatever. This is how it works interpersonally, why not with nations?
As a related concept- we all had the antidote to this crap, and we threw it away in an act of collective stupidity that only the Human Race can produce. We could have taken this piece of junk we call the Internet and used it to interact and discuss on a genuine level. But early on everyone embraced the passive "me too" route, actuality suppressing their "I" expressions to take up Talking Points of pundits, repeating those ad infinitum, replacing our own voices with theirs, embracing echo chambers, joining imaginary "teams" of people who are Right. We really screwed that up.”
-Cranstan Boonitz | Sim City | May 4, 2013
Letter on: Snow in May?
“Ty O'Mara--
"In your opinion, am I on the right path in thinking: The Earth's temperature is rising and the local weather patterns are(or can be)less predictable than in decades past? If you look at weather locally, you could possibly be deceived. However, let's not forget that the Earth's overall temperature is rising. I am saying the same as you, right?"
Yes, exactly what I am thinking/understanding/seeing.”
-John E. Davey | Kendall, WI | May 4, 2013
Letter on: Late start?
“Progressives need to get the message out. We need to educate people. What we are up against are fear and disinformation. We are fighting delusional people who are in bed with conspiracy theorists. The oligarchs have us right where they want us. It's Shock Doctrine again and again. The stage is set. The real puzzler right now is to what extent will the oligarchs to to keep it this way?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | May 4, 2013
Letter on: Late start?
“I don't believe we have a democracy. A prerequisite is an active, informed public which we don't have. Public education is the base of a vigorous democracy and that is why it is under attack by the rich and powerful. We are well on our way to privatize education by the increased use of vouchers, home schooling and charter schools.
Citizens's United clinched the demise of democracy by ensuring that politicians can be bought by the highest bidder. This gave unchallenged power to people like the Koch brothers and ALEC the organization they control.
To rival the above forces, Progressives would have to organize a massive, well financed effort and push through public financing to have any chance for reform. Absent that and we will descend into an abyss even worse than the current status quo. The first step is to acknowledge that we have a plutocracy and democracy is dead!”
-Bob Menamin | Verona, WI | May 4, 2013
Letter on: Late start?
“I think Scooter would make a great president for those out to destroy America. The primary goal of the ruling oligarch is to turn America into a "Third World" country. The unspoken goal of Republicans for the last thirty plus years has been to create a cheap labor force here in the USA. Walker has shown that he knows how to lower both employment standards and educational standards. Two musts for creating a third world country. Our federal government has shown support for these goals through the militarization of domestic law enforcement. I'm seeing Guatemala of the 70s and 80s happening before my eyes.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha, County | May 4, 2013
Letter on: Late start?
“One thing about Scott Walker is that wherever he is, corruption isn't far away. He is kinda the Johnny Appleseed of corruption.
For the loudmouth draft dodger Wayne LaPierre who thinks guns are the answer to everything - If you had bothered to show up you would realize that guns can shoot back.”
-nonheroicvet | Disgusted, WI | May 4, 2013
Letter on: Snow in May?
“Mr. Davey, I was gratified to read your letter tonight, because I am just now starting to more fully understand global warming, in respect to local weather's seemingly disrespect for the the planet's temperature rise.
In your opinion, am I on the right path in thinking: The Earth's temperature is rising and the local weather patterns are(or can be)less predictable than in decades past? If you look at weather locally, you could possibly be deceived. However, let's not forget that the Earth's overall temperature is rising. I am saying the same as you, right?
This Spring in the Chicago area, Spring is very late as compared to last year's hot Spring. However, this Spring does not seem too far out of whack from Spring's of decades past. Just say, yes or no, for us unscientifics.”
-Ty O'Mara | Grayslake, IL | May 4, 2013
Letter on: Snow in May?
“What's wrong with snow in May? In Australia they have the following seasons:
Summer: December to February
Autumn: March to May
Winter: June to August
Spring: September to November
See, you're almost right there with them. But Wisconsiners will have to come up with something other than g'day. That's Australian 'mate, just like Fosters.
Btw, I checked the Center for Responsive Politics (CRP) about Tate's salary and this is their response:
"I looked in our data and I don't see any payments by the Wisconsin Democratic Party to Mike Tate. There are two possible reasons for this:
-State parties usually have a federal account and a nonfederal account, but the Center for Responsive Politics only tracks federal data. He may have been paid out of the nonfederal account.
-He may not receive a salary at all. Many political party organizations have both a chairman (usually a politician) and an executive director who oversees most of the day to day work. The executive director (Maggie Brickerman, in the case of the Wisconsin Democratic Party) is a normal paid employee while the chair is more like an honorary leadership position."
See, if he's not getting paid, then you're getting exactly what you paid for.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 3, 2013
Letter on: Snow in May?
“I believe many people understand carbon-emission based global warming as meaning that everyone everywhere will feel warming all the time. I also understand that climate change is probably an easier concept for people to wrap their heads around than "global warming" simply because "global warming" implies, but does not mean, that everyone everywhere will experience warming all the time everywhere.
It is truly long past the time for everyone everywhere to get serious about this issue. Most people will experience "climate change" as chaotic weather, from droughts and heat waves to "Springs that will not Spring." While weather is always chaotic to some degree (in fact I believe "chaos theory" in mathematics arose from the study of weather), I feel what we will know in the times to come will be an "amped-up" version of weather where everything from floods, winds, droughts, storms and temperatures will be "more" than anything we are used to. More than would be without the steady exponentially rising amount of carbon emissions in our atmosphere.
There is a great "gloom and doom" around what everyone that is not a "climate change denier" feels, adding to the overall stress people feel in their day to day lives.
From the "Spring that would not Spring."
http://www.wcwcw.com/feature97.html”
-John E. Davey | Kendall, WI | May 3, 2013
Letter on: Snow in May?
“Oh right. Aaaalways have to blame the German guys, don't ya :(”
-Cranstan Boonitz | auf Deutsch, auf Schnee, WI | May 3, 2013
Letter on: Private sector bargaining
“There are some answers: when most people are truly miserable then perhaps there can be: 1-national boycott, AND 2-national strike by everyone (Shut everything down til Congress either sees the light or steps down) 2-impeach GOP Senate, vote GOP House and Blue Dogs O U T.
so that we finally 1.) Tax and tariff the blazes out of all companies who are outsourcing business or trying to escape paying US taxes by offshoring.(economic treason)..OR 2.) strip these businesses and owners of their business licenses and deport them to those countries where they have relocated.) 3.)demand that the Supreme Court redefine the real Constitutional definition of the term "free speech" to what was meant 4.) Require a national referendum BEFORE any "nation building" wars are undertaken out of the US 5.)Reapply "conflict of interest" regulations, prohibit paid lobbyists on our tax dollar time with Congressmen, 6.)Prohibit businesses from locating or doing business with any Communist countries where human rights are an issue of any kind, and where decent, humane worker rights are honored.
I called for a national strike due to Wisconsin's attack on collective bargaining. (Again, the salary issue is NOT the most important issue regarding collective bargaining.) Other people have called for boycotts of US overseas products. The important collective bargaining issues are things like safety, employing children. We have seen how that did not happen, and how it all turned out.
Those who allow extreme unfair work situations the world over, not only vote it to happen or be allowed. They also carefully insulate themselves from any "uncomfortable" thoughts regarding what they have done. They look the other way......they simply do not see the flames devouring workers or children in factories. Nice folks...some of them, I guess. They know not what they do? Whatever. Time will be the great equalizer? Too long a time. It is a frightening world in which to leave kids. Plus, the planet cannot support the extreme population growth.
Looks as though all the "robbery" and greed, will go on and on until there will be unpleasant opposition. Ought to be dealing with it now by voting severely to remove those who need to be voted O U T.”
-hmj | madison, wi | May 2, 2013
Letter on: Boots on the ground in Iran or Syria?
“For the "Military Industrial Complex" and the bullies of the Tea Party, a time of no war just cannot be. We have become the "Evil Empire" that Reagan talked about.”
-WisconsinLiberal | Fox Valley, WI | May 2, 2013
Letter on: Snow in May?
“Mann-made Global Warming strikes again!”
-Skeptic | Crandon, WI | May 2, 2013
Letter on: Private sector bargaining
“Ed, their offer was competitive. It was competitive with all the other manufacturers that are doing the same thing. We are headed back to the 80s, the 1880s. Unfortunately I don't believe there's anything that can be done about it. Between the rich holding the politicians like puppeteers, too many people chasing too few jobs, and American workers trying to compete with other countries it's virtually hopeless.”
-Karl | Madison WI | May 2, 2013
Letter on: Snow in May?
“Welcome to Wisconsin where the weather is whether we will have any.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | May 2, 2013
Letter on: Private sector bargaining
“Well, when you're Douglas R. Oberhelman, and you just gave yourself a 32% raise from $16.9 million to $22.4 million, it all makes sense.
Even though he has a contract and isn't considered an employee, you ought to see what his pension's going to be. Shareholders will be paying for that one forever.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | May 1, 2013
Letter on: Private sector bargaining
“Why is it always the workers who have to make concessions and give in to wage/benefit freezes? Why don't management and owners cut back on their own greed to make a business work? The smart stockholder or investor would certainly be agreeable to cutting costs on the upper end.
It's always the worker who has to sacrifice and give in. Worker have so much power in their hands and they are the ones who give it up so easily.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | May 1, 2013
Letter on: And you thought we were winning their hearts and minds
“And then we wonder why we don't win the hearts and minds or see those flower-filled parades that we are promised or feel we deserve. Say what you will, but we all know that that allegedly reprehensible Reverend Jeremiah Wright was correct when he said that ”
-Guy Denison | Seymour, WI | May 1, 2013
Letter on: Not your fault?
“Pietr - While I'm not a big clothes buyer, I tried (and continue to) to 'Buy American', and was semi-successful up until NAFTA kicked-in. I remember Arrow shirts often had some 'Made in USA' tags (though that could include manufacturing in US Territories --Guam, the Philipines, and a few other off-shore/low-wage places), you just never were sure. Occasionally some of the other labels had Made in USA.
Now, however, it is virtually impossible to find even these suspect labels on clothes at dept stores - - - even the high-end ones. I suspect that the textile industry that WAS located in the southern US is literally been de-commissioned, abandoned, and the factories are closed/vacant. People apparently would rather save a buck or two and see their fellow countrymen unemployed (with all the attendant problems that brings) than buy American Made items. It's easier/cheaper to buy a few 'patriotic' flags/bumper-stickers/magnets, and advocate bombing/killing people in 3rd world countries, than to sacrifice a few bucks to pay a little more to support a higher ethos in one's own country...”
-Eddie | Milwaukee, WI | April 30, 2013
Letter on: And you thought we were winning their hearts and minds
“Why do we have to follow the rules while the CIA and those who govern do not? They break the rules or make up their own all the time and get away with it. Can I do the same and get away just as easily?”
-Pietr Hiakuu | Hurley, Wis | April 30, 2013
Letter on: And you thought we were winning their hearts and minds
“It seems like yesterday when the CIA was flying cargo planes full of (taxpayer) cash into Iraq. Pallets full of $100 bills. What was it $8 - $12 billion lost, how much went to build bombs to kill Americans.
In years previous, when the CIA was heavily involved in Middle Eastern countries the USA was awash in hash, so where's the hash?”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha, County | April 30, 2013
Letter on: And you thought we were winning their hearts and minds
“What makes you think that the Kochs don't already have influence within the CIA?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | April 30, 2013
Letter on: In pill form
“The evening news should be known as the "Krankheit Stunde," German for sickness hour. If you weren't sick enough from the news the ads would do it to you. Or, maybe that is why advertising so heavily during that hour works for them.
Of course many of us have real health problems but I just can't help but feeling that the drug pushers like to play on our hypochondriacal tendencies for all they are worth. And, given the state of the nation I suspect it works for pretty well for them.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | April 30, 2013
Letter on: And you thought we were winning their hearts and minds
“The only good dictator or corrupt official is one that we can buy off. The bad ones say no to us. How can we get in on the money? No, I have morals.”
-WisconsinLiberal | Fox Valley, WI | April 30, 2013
Letter on: And not as I do
“Yes but vouchers do serve to give some people an alternative to the public schools.”
-bushleague | Fitchburg Wisc. | April 30, 2013
Letter on: Not your fault?
“If it weren't for the fact that most people simply look awful when naked, I'd suggest that we all doff our clothing in protest.
I'm willing to pay a few bucks more for clothes if it means workers get paid better wages, benefits and safer working conditions. How about you?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | April 29, 2013
Letter on: Wealth matters. No kidding!
“Why is it that individuals of questionable intelligence after being elected somehow become great intellectuals with the uncanny ability to understand the needs of the people, and will question the intelligence of any who oppose their views?
I believe the majority of the population have participated in the public school system and yet now this same system is constantly being condemned as ineffectual. Are the majority our current elected politicians graduates of these same schools they now denigrate.
I have written in the past of my opinion that teachers do not become teachers for financial rewards, but I cannot say the same of politicians. These same politicians with questionable work ethics are the same individuals who question the work ethics of our nation's teachers.
It is my opinion that the only skill most politicians have is winning elections. Just an opinion.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, IL | April 29, 2013
Letter on: And not as I do
“If the result of a policy is the opposite of its stated goal, sometimes you just have to figure that the result is the real goal. The aim of this kind of "reform" is obviously not to have two publicly funded systems, but, rather, to kill off one system - the public one (and this is evident not only because the money behind the push for vouchers admits this is true, although that's kind of compelling; the politicians pushing it are the only ones who don't seem to be able to articulate this). De Vos and Rhee et. al. don't really deserve all the credit for the legs on this idea, either. You can't blame a dog for trying to steal your dinner, but you have to wonder how hungry a person has to get before he learns to kennel the dog when there's meat on the table.
Despite the proposed spread of these things to other districts, it seems to me that this is all about Milwaukee for now, and I am amazed at how much Vos - from his sleepy village on the banks of the Little Fox River - cares about the education of the children in MPS and how much more he knows about how to help them than the people who have actually, you know, devoted their lives to trying to do that. Serious problems exist inside and outside school walls, and the grifters pushing vouchers don't mean to address any of them.”
-Scolomin | Franklin, WI | April 28, 2013
Letter on: Whose idea was this anyway?
“Another "rent to own" scam is medical devices. I was ordered a cpap for my apnea. For what I and my insurance paid after 6 months, I could have had several high end computers and large screen TVs. And I still had 6 months to pay. I took it back because it I couldn't sleep with it and told them I was giving it back. Call something a "medical device" and that is a fast track to riches. Beware of the Medical Industrial Complex.”
-WisconsinLiberal | Fox Valley, WI | April 28, 2013
Letter on: Encore for a great opener
“Very nice article Mr. Giffey. I was in the audience at Woodstock, so much energy, so much anticipation. When Richie Havens strode out on that stage, strumming his guitar and singing,"Freedom,Freedom" the crowd started clapping. He put on great show. An amazing set of folk guitar in his unique style.”
-Steven Arvid Anderson | Appleton, Wisconsin | April 28, 2013
Letter on: Whose idea was this anyway?
“As you've remarked before, Ed, Walker's campaign promise 'to create 250,000 new jobs in Wisconsin' never was very specific about the pay level or full/part-time status, but who knew he was including a lot of huckster, repo, and virtual loan-sharking jobs in the mix? Gee... I guess I was wrong for thinking it was just campaign BS peddled to a overly hopeful (to the point of gullibility?) electorate...maybe he IS trying in his own fashion, albeit a corrupt & cynical one.”
-Eddie | Milwaukee, WI | April 28, 2013
Letter on: Whose idea was this anyway?
“"Rent to own?" What the Hell is, "Rent to own? Did I miss something, is, "Rent to own," pertinent?
House of Representatives? What the Hell is House of Representatives? Did I miss something, is House of Representatives pertinent?
United States Senate? What the Hell is United States Senate? Did I miss something, is United States Senate pertinent?
Supreme Court of the United States? What the Hell is the Supreme Court of the United States? Did I miss something, is the Supreme Court of the United States pertinent?
None of them are pertinent, if you consider pertinence as making our country and world whole, fair and compassionate. They are all rented and owned, and they will not introduce legislation to make our democratic voting process--a process that is free from the influence of money. Our country is rented and almost completely owned. Even our sports heroes are in on it.
Mr, Troy Aikman will be doing his, "Rent to own," commercials that will be aired during his boring and drone-like commentary on NFL games. Sleazeball? You tell me, is he advancing our country? Magic Johnson, great African American businessman who owned lots of, "Rent your Soul, and own the world." Oh yeah, he is a good man. He is a partner in the Dodgers now. He is legitimate.
It is not a conspiracy, but so many are in on it. "Get yours, now, and live good." It doesn't work that way, though. They all will eventually be squashed by the karmic backlash. But can we wait that long? Is there a point in human interaction that reaches a point of no return? Will we as people ever return to a place where we can count on each other? Not for a handout--a boost is good enough, and fair. Will we return to a time of cooperation and root for each other? Don't bother asking the House, Senate, Supreme Court, Aikman, Johnson, and on, and on.”
-Ty O'Mara | Grayslake, IL | April 28, 2013
Letter on: The cost of life-extending drugs
“(Mark) That's the trouble with some (not all, but too many) GOP folks. There's just a "make money any ole way we can. To hell with any side effects our money quest causes in the nation, the economy, or for individuals." There are, for thinking, ethical people, more than just 1 other alternative. Maybe explore a few, instead of spouting out 1 "little" idea?”
-hmj | madison, wi | April 27, 2013
Letter on: Whose idea was this anyway?
“Just a slight clarification: Rent-to-own stores already do business in Wisconsin. Walker's measure would further deregulate them. Among other boons, they'd be exempted from disclosing the usury interest rates they charge. Perhaps the worst Walker provision: Limiting how much customers could get in damages from stores that violate the law.
Consumer advocates have praised Wisconsin, Minnesota and a handful of other states for their existing consumer protections relating to these stores, although of course what would be even better is a law banning this kind of operation.”
-Ron Legro | Milwaukee WI | April 27, 2013
Letter on: The cost of life-extending drugs
“Ed no one is stopping you from starting a company to develop a life saving drug and make $0.00 profit. I am sure many union pension funds would invest in your company.”
-Mark | Slinger | April 26, 2013
Letter on: The cost of life-extending drugs
“Rant all you want but Dummycraps and Obamapologists need to remember that Tausin had a great deal of influence on the Affordable Care Act too. Once the Big Bamboozle caved on the public option he kicked to door wide open for the lobbyistas like Tausin. And they got their way.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | April 26, 2013
Letter on: The cost of life-extending drugs
“But where are the champions of the people? Well, that's pretty easy to figure out... they're in the pockets of the pharmaceutical companies, save for Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Baldwin. (I pray she can hang on against the Koch millions that will come to bear against her, first thing. She went under the radar last go-round.)
That's why your fretting about Mike Tate seems a bit like fixing the fence while the horses are roaming all over tarnation, Ed. The Democratic (the fools on the right haven't convinced me that "Democrat" is an adjective) Party is nothing more than a cheap insurance policy.
This country is so sorely in need of a third or fourth or fifth party, it isn't funny. I agree with the idea of making that the focus of the next FBF. Let's stop reading those impassioned emails from the so-called liberals that always end with "Send us more of your money right away so that we can create gridlock that hurts you further still, while we meet our 'good friends' on the right for martinis at the end of the day."
FDR said he welcomed their hatred. Those were the words of a fighter, not a kowtower.”
-Guy Denison | Seymour, Wi | April 26, 2013
Letter on: The cost of life-extending drugs
“..."corporations find their moral compass"...Sadly, you jest. Pharmaceutical armchair investors and CEO jockeys are having too much fun. (...all those upper 3%, and others who "know not what they do.") At the least, they are self-righteously insulated from even observing the misery of the people. At the worse, they are disloyal to US workers, practicing economic treason as they support outsourcing to chase cheap labor, and offshoring to avoid paying company taxes, and war to clean up or prep for corporate expansion overseas.
"The United States, victimized by economic treason, this morning looks as though it must listen to and will become the "United States of the Middle East" although already, the majority of its people are in enough "grave condition."”
-hmj | madison, wi | April 26, 2013
Letter on: Tate again?
“Now Ed, you know the Koch boys think Tate's doing a great job. So much so in fact, they're funding a third term for him. Ace in the hole, baby.
And btw for the Tate defenders, I'm the guy who has been lambasting Tate here in these blog comments over the last few months.
But what exactly is his strategy? The famous Barack W Obamabush mantra of "Hope and Change" (aka "Compassionate Conservatism II"), which these days has morphed into "Prosperity's Just Around the Corner"? Sorry, but Barack's a dumbazz and a corporate (not public) servant. I can't remember that last time a Democrat president had a kill list and was pushing cuts for SS, Medicare, and Medicaid. Millionaire Barry. Tsk tsk tsk.
But hey, I'm Joe Average. I hear nothing out of Tate's mouth that indicates he has a strategy at all. Maybe he's like Nixon and he has a Secret Strategy, eh. Afterall, at 34, he's the Whiz Kid ain't he? Has he even learned to tie his shoe laces yet? What exactly at 34 is his experience to run the Dems? Nothing so far that I can see.
But, he does have a record. Two Barrett runs at governor. Failed! Barrett has the ignominious distinction of running and losing for the same job twice in a year, with a bigger loss the second time around. Now that takes talent. And at the recall, not once was Bargaining Rights a campaign issue. You might remember that's what started the whole g/d thing. Remember those crowds that gathered. Any g/d genius would have known that's one of the big issues you run on. Obviously, Tate didn't. And let's hope Barrett doesn't think the third time's the lucky charm for him.
Tate has single handedly made the Dems uncompetitive. Quite an accomplishment considering the national trends, in WI no less.
Let's talk about Bud Wilkinson for a second. Bud was the football coach of Oklahoma and brought them 3 national titles and 14 Big 8 titles. He was truly a nice guy and the epitome of class.
But in the pros, he was a washout. Having Bill Bidwell as owner was no help and it should have been the reason he should have said no. In other words, Bud was in over his head.
So at what point do you guys figure out that Tate ain't got what it takes to win? Another election? Two? While you're fiddling, the Kochs and Walker are tearing things up. And while you're at it, tell me five things Dems stand for. Yeah, I didn't think so.”
-Mad Hemingway | Heart of Badger country | April 25, 2013
Letter on: Tate again?
“Party members received an email about the reelection bid before anything hit the papers. As far as choice goes, Tate was on the board of NARAL, and DPW has been all over the right wing war on women, I really don't understand how you can question their stance.
I strongly support the Tate administration. As a county party chair (which is a volunteer position), I love the direction we are headed. Now that we are through two years of constant elections, we are doing the party building and organizing that needs to be done to take back our great state. New leaders are being developed, grassroots organizers are getting the tools they need to win elections and the county parties are getting more support than ever. Mike Tate has assembled an amazing staff of dedicated professionals who are all putting their hearts and souls into reclaiming Wisconsin. We clearly can't outspend the republicans, but we can out work them. Jefferson county may not seem that important on a statewide level, but I've never had my concerns or questions go unaddressed.
This administration has sought input from those of us on the ground, and responded to what they heard. They value the input and expertise of leaders and activists from around the state, and when the regional political directors were hired as part of the 72 county strategy, the local activists had a roll in the decision making. We have much needed staff stability, our fiscal house is in order, we are already working hard on 2014 races. Mike deserves credit for all of these things.”
-Erin | Waterloo WI | April 24, 2013
Letter on: Tate again?
“Let me get this straight:
1. You are blaming Tate for the national wave in 2010.
2. You are complaining that Tate didn't tell you personally that he's not running again.
3. You are stating that party staff hold policy positions that you haven't personally verified.
This isn't a blog, its a list of personal grievances. Ed you are better than this kind of tripe.”
-Chad Black | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | April 24, 2013
Letter on: Tate again?
“Jim,
I'll take 3 to 1 odds that there isn't.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | April 24, 2013
Letter on: Tate again?
“I am not planning on making a formal announcement until later but feel that I have to respond to your blog. I am in the process of collecting signatures to be on the ballot at the convention to challenge Mike Tate. I have been a Democrat and an activist for over 40 years and cannot sit by as the Party goes up in flames. I am currently the vice chair in Green Lake County and have experience on the local town and county boards. I have been a candidate for the state Assembly and most recently ran against Congressman Petri in the 6th District. I retired in 2011 from teaching at Fox Lake Correctional. The leadership of the party has to do a lot more than raise money. They have to spend it wisely. They have to support all Democrats who run for office state wide. The party has to not only point out the terrible policies championed by the Republicans but educate the public so that they understand what it means to be a Democrat. We have not messaged well and that has to change. I am going to county party meetings and asking for their support. This will be a difficult election to win but it can be done with the help of many concerned delegates in the state. To those who say the convention should be a place to foster party unity, I agree. Why is it then that Mike Tate did not change the time of the election. In my opinion, this election should be held prior to the convention either by mail or via the internet. I also believe that all dues paying members should be able to vote for the person who will lead the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Right now you only have a vote if you are a delegate to the convention. My first order of business would be to change that. I feel very strongly that it is time to change the leadership of the party. I feel that I have the ability, experience,knowledge and dedication to lead the party in the 21st Century. I ask you for your support in this effort. You can email me at ofsjoe@hotmail.com
Finally, I too have wondered what Tate makes. There is a lot of secrecy in his office. I believe the chairperson should be paid a per diem and will propose that if elected.”
-Joe Kallas | Princeton, WI 54968 | April 24, 2013
Letter on: Tate again?
“All we really need is for someone to push the Baldwin line that Republicans aren't for you anymore.
Seems to me and idiot could see that her strategy is the way to go.
Can anyone tell me why Vinehout isn't considered a good possibility to run against Walker?”
-Susan Hagstrom | madison WI | April 24, 2013
Letter on: Tate again?
“I saw the Tate announcement yesterday and it felt like a blow to the gut. Not a ladylike way to talk perhaps, but more of that is needed in this "lie back and think of England" state of WI. I realize that Tate may be more palatable to some people who interact with him at close range, that others may have found some advantage or operational niche that works for them in this reign of weak/incompetent leadership. Also that there will be "endorsements" because politicians may not want to crap in the Tate nest and have to live with the consequences later, as a candidate since undermining, diverting and blocking of "support" is subtle, pervasive and impossible to fight or prove when party inner circles decide to Eat Their Own. So I take Tate endorsements with lots of salt.
Similarly, his 72 county initiative is reminiscent of Doyle's fieldreps being ensconced as top dog in local Dem offices. The better to direct energies in approved manners and squelch that which "needs" to be squelched.
If it were me, I wouldn't ask how MUCH Tate is being paid, but if he's being paid to FAIL.
And if you're worried about women's reproductive rights being undermined by Democrats, take a look at the company you keep, and those you actively help promote. If Women's Rights take a turn for the worse here, everyone who helped grease the wheels will share some responsibility. Years back, Planned parenthood helped get me out of a desperate situation and that included an abortion referral. Yes, I'm saying I personally had an abortion. Back then I could count on Democrats to act more like Democrats, back then they were all dissatisfied with the status quo and pushing for more social justice - now most are just pushOvers, or worse, actively undermining. Women who are now, or will be in the future, facing situations like I was do not need to have smiling, sanctimonious backstabbers in power who hide the truth, who hide that they would "be okay" with minimizing or eliminating Roe. Such people are scattering themselves across WI in positions of influence, far too many identify as Democrats. What can we expect to happen if "pro-life" Democrats embed themselves in the Party at high levels, or perhaps win the Governors office. (that was a big fat hint right there, okay? got it?) What can we expect from these "people of conscience" when they look around and assess that they have a critical mass and can do "god's work" openly? When they can OPENLY suggest replacing medical services now legal under Roe with "a support system for un-wed mothers".
Because that's The Plan, Stan.
Please consider stepping back from the active and warm support you have been giving to such persons. The women who are most harmed by undermining Roe are voiceless and overwhelmed. Fewer people give a darn every day. And that ain't right.”
-Cranstan Boonitz | living in The Past, WI | April 24, 2013
Letter on: Tate again?
“Tate is not about serving the Democratic party in Wisconsin. He is about securing a well-paying job for himself. If the pay wasn't the issue, he surely would say what it is. Tate has no real world experience as a candidate for public office. How would he know what it is like to run? Would he understand how it feels to run and not get any support from the state Democratic party?
Tate must go. We need new leadership and better skills to lead the party forward.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | April 24, 2013
Letter on: Tate again?
“Perhaps Mike just wants to preside over another string of losses in the 2014 Mid Term elections.
Surely there is someone more adept at winning elections somewhere in the Democratic Party of WI?”
-Jim Kubiak | Hudson, WI | April 24, 2013
Letter on: Tate again?
“Since the Dummycraps don't seem to have anyone in the wings to challenge Walker maybe it is time for Tate to show the Dums what he is REALLY made of. The Dums should nominate HIM for their gubernatorial candidate. Let's see what he is really made of. After all, bullyragging inside the party knife fights might end up proving to be a really good training ground for the real deal.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | April 24, 2013
Letter on: Tate again?
“Since the Democrats aren't doing anything except soliciting for money, it's probably a good job for Mike.”
-John E. Davey | Kendall, WI | April 24, 2013
Letter on: A day of rest
“I posted my own "guest blog" in another thread yesterday before seeing this "A day of rest" opening and any of my friends and enemies here at FB can see it in the letters here:
http://www.fightingbob.com/weblog.cfm?postID=4800
As to the presence of those I have termed the "tag team" minions of the plutocrats, you know, the Munchkin who thinks he is in the Emerald City but is really trippin' in Oz, SW who has never been able to state anything factual without it being vetted into nothingness upon examination and other assorted individuals and/or aliases of the same ilk--if these people post their meaningless idiocy in response to something you write, consider it a compliment.
They can only be hanging around FB out of fear at what ideas might emerge here. They use reductionist language like the capital "L" Liberal and capital "D" Democrat in the inaccurate language traps they are stuck in. They are obviously clueless as to who they are really talking to here, and just as clueless about everything in general.
Good job to Mark Laustrup, Orie Coller and as always Pietr Haikuu. And you are right, Mark, the DNR is no friend to anything resembling Natural Resources. Under Walker's regime, they attempt to pander to what they consider the lowest in human nature in their effort to support the Koch boys puppet.”
-John E. Davey | Kendall, WI | April 24, 2013
Letter on: A day of rest
“So, SW, what are you afraid of that you need your guns?”
-Dana | DeForest, Wisc | April 23, 2013
Letter on: A day of rest
“Yes Orie excellent idea lets give more responsibility to the BATFE. A government agency that ran fast and furious loosing over 2000 wespons. Is well known for tampering with firearms to make them shoot full auto. Closer to home lost a fullauto M16 on the streets of Milwaukee while running another fast and furious like operation. The NFA registery is a complete mess and takes almost 6 months to get approvals. Every American will definitely be safer giving them more power and responsibility.”
-SW | Waukesha WI | April 23, 2013
Letter on: The real dirt on Earth Day
“Nina Bradley used to come into the store I worked at in Baraboo; what a pleasure it was to visit with her at that time. I moved on to other employment and would see her appear as a spokesperson for environmental projects I would remember how easy it was to have a discussion with her and her dedication to the environment. We should all do something on earth day or arbor day to commemorate her dedication! Myself I plan on planting trees.....”
-DAS | Platteville WI | April 23, 2013
Letter on: A day of rest
“Orie, Brilliant suggestion. The second amendment may have been interpreted to allow the possession of arms but says nothing about the ammo.
Regulate ammo and require background checks and proper IDs. That's a way to go. Now, can you find any politicians gutsy enough to make this law?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | April 23, 2013
Letter on: A day of rest
“Merriam Webster's definition of a fetish. An object believed to have magical power to protect or aid its owner. A material object regarded with superstitious or extravagant trust or reverence or an object of irrational reverence or obsessive devotion.
Guns have become - to a significant portion of the US population - fetish objects making rational discourse on the subject of guns virtually impossible.
After the recent debacle in the Senate, let's review the subject.
There are so many weapons of all kinds in the US that any restrictions on new ones are for all practical purposes useless.
However, most of the people who own guns are not going to ever use them to hurt anyone. Firearms by themselves do not pose a threat to anyone. It is only when a mentally unbalanced individual or a person with impaired impulse control uses a firearm do people get hurt.
So instead of GUN control, why not change the goal to be PEOPLE control. People who have by virtue of past behavior proven they should not be trusted to possess firearms should be separated from their guns.
And, please be aware that background checks for purchases of new firearms is a feeble attempt, at best, to solve the gun violence problem.
Instead, all transfer of ownership or possession of firearms should be subject to checks. There should also be background checks done each time ammunition is purchased.
There are a whole lot of people who have never been subject to a background check because they didn't buy a gun from a dealer or even if they did some time ago, committed an act or acts that would make them ineligible to buy one presently. Ammo is fungible.....it is used up when a firearm is operated and must be replaced. A background check would catch those people when they attempt to buy replacement ammunition for their firearms or purchase powder, primers and bullets to make their own ammo.
Before the pitchforks and boiling oil come out, I am a retired cop, former NRA member, gun collector, hunter and firearms instructor.”
-Orie Coller | Baraboo, Wisconsin | April 23, 2013
Letter on: A day of rest
“Anybody out there know an attorney with an understanding of the scope and breadth of Chapter 19(1), Wisconsin Statutes? Subchapter III deals with the code of ethics for public officials. My question, does it apply to the Natural Resources Board?
Subchapter III states:
19.46? Conflict of interest prohibited; exception.
(1)Except in accordance with the board's advice? under s. 5.05 (6a) and except as otherwise provided in sub. (3), no state public official may:
(a) Take any official action substantially affecting a matter in which the official, a member of his or her immediate family, or an organization with which the official is associated has a substantial financial interest.
(b) Use his or her office or position in a way that produces or assists in the production of a substantial benefit, direct or indirect, for the official, one or more members of the official's immediate family either separately or together, or an organization with which the official is associated.
Greg Kazmierski owns Buck Rub Outfitters(2) in Pewaukee. According to Patrick Durkin(3): "DNR Board member Greg Kazmierski, Pewaukee, offered two options to expand crossbow hunting. Wisconsin allows only handicapped people and those 65 and older to use crossbows during archery season. Elsewhere, 21 states allow crossbows full access to archery season, with Kansas and Mississippi the most recent to relax restrictions. Question 66 asks if everyone should be allowed to use crossbows during archery season, and Question 67 asks if full crossbow inclusion should be limited to bow season's first 29 days."
Buck Rub Outfitters sells crossbows.
1. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/19
2. http://www.buckrubarchery.com
3. http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/outdoors/patrick-durkin-spring-hearings-always-wild-ride/article_c2eddd02-9f41-11e2-ae56-0019bb2963f4.html”
-Mark Laustrup | Hayward, WI | April 23, 2013
Letter on: The Koch fortune
“This simplified statement, "whoever has the most money wins" has been the guiding principle of electoral politics for quite a while and is only getting worse. Which is why the statement, "the system isn't broken, it's 'fixed'" has arisen.
"Whoever has the most money wins" has been stated in complex, analytical, and expanded ways by many, many people for a long time...but it boils down to that simple statement.
Much talk has been made about third parties forming here on FB for more than a little while. But as long as the above rule, well, "rules", there is little hope in that pathway. Beyond that there is the simple reality that before a third party can effectively form and do anything there needs to be a grassroots movement that arises organically in our country that will support a third party. I don't think we are there yet. What is needed is, essentially, people to awaken to our political and economic realities with enough understanding of what is going on to have some cohesive perspective that will allow movement. That field is not ready for sowing yet, and the preparation needed, that "consciousness raising", will likely arise from two sources; the general falling apart of everything that is already happening and people who will engage in activism to confront the powers that be in fearless enough ways to cause the kind of stir that attracts attention.
There is a kind of "still" occurring that feels like the stillness before the storm and I feel many FB supporters are feeling extremely frustrated and somewhat lost.
We're going to have to actively engage the "powers that be. I am not going to spend a dime to play the "whoever has the most money wins" game.
Oh, and welcome back to the "tag team."”
-John E. Davey | Kendall, WI | April 23, 2013
Letter on: The Koch fortune
“I find it comical that the liberals are trying to frame this as a fight between moneyed fat cats versus the little guy. It's only when republicans are finally catching up to the democrats and their fund-raising machines, that liberals like Garvey here are bemoaning the high cost of running campaigns. While Obama can raise close to a billion dollars from the George Soros' of the world, you have no argument.”
-Roderic M | Milwaukee, WI | April 22, 2013
Letter on: The Koch fortune
“Sarah Manski”
-David Blaska | The Emerald City | April 22, 2013
Letter on: Not your fault, Abner
“You may have written this in haste, but I find it is symptomatic of what "went wrong" with this latest anti-gun outcry. Aren't you mixing your facts here to a shameless level? The preferences of the 90% are for background check loopholes to be closed. The way your post reads, you'd think the 90% want all guns banned forever and ever. Like Abner. That is WAY not even close to being true. Closing a loophole does NOT equate to total banning of all firearms or handguns alone. That would be considered an extremist position by most Americans (sorry it would), and you frame it here as the "will of the 90%" ? You're incredibly dishonest and irresponsible, or I need new glasses.
Since Newtown, there's been a LOT of zero-tolerance type of remarks tossed about. And the word "semi-automatic" is used by people who haven't the least clue, calling to mind 800 pound machine guns, as if that's what gun-owners all have. It's so fashionable to blame the money of the NRA, but how can you discuss/change laws when people haven't even agreed upon a common understanding of terms?
People are not even speaking the same language. "Ban all Glocks" - we've heard that (on MSNBC to be specific) Glock is a company name. Ban all Fords? Whut?
"If your son spends too much time gaming, there's a problem there" from Chuck Todd re: Newtown. So game execs rushed to the Whitehouse. And wow do NOT wear a black hoodie.
Too much hysteria, nothing near a law-making mindset. Too much of lumping "Mom and Pop" gun owners in with psycho killers. Your 90% agrees with uniform background checks, so do I. I don't understand how gunshows escape uniformity of law. People cannot sell alcohol from their homes, you need a beer garden permit for your annual picnic etc. Gun shows are directly comparable. You could even argue that special treatment for gunshow dealers is bad for businesses who have normal stores, overhead, employees etc. and are then penalized by regulation. All gun dealers should face the same laws. That's logical. All handguns "outlawed"? that's a vastly different, radical idea, and next go-round "the left" better start talking a little more savvy/less alienating on this issue. Fewer insults to "regular American gun owners", NO references as if they're all unhinged maniacs. It's not Ted Nugent-esque Extremism v. Total Gun Outlawing, yet that's so often the polarity of the "discussion".
As a footnote, I think ALL American females should be issued handguns by the US Govt. Way past time for that. Women in India should get 3 or 4.
But yes, equal treatment under the law for gun sellers - you betcha. Disallow all handguns? sorry Abner. Ladies with special purses (or your Dad) don't equate to the Newtown killer and shouldn't be treated as such.”
-Cranstan Boonitz | 90%, WI, USA | April 22, 2013
Letter on: Not your fault, Abner
“The minute the Democrats refuse to conceed the individuals' right to own guns is the minute they are done as a party.
There are many, many Democratic voters who hunt, range shoot, and have guns. They take that as a right and include people like Gabby Giffords.
That does not mean they are not for reasonable restrictions on purchase of, or types of weapons allowed to be sold.
But.., the minute Dems agree that there is no inherent right to own a gun, well..., say goodbye.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | April 22, 2013
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