FightingBob.com readers talk back
Letter on: On an island
“"Obama gave the Republicans their comeuppance..."
Maybe. Maybe not. If we take that to mean payback, then progressives standing up and moving ahead with the agenda we were promised last year is the only road to payback I see. The road may be mined with distortions about debt load and who incurred it, global warming and who causes it, and medical care and who doesn't want many to have it. Harry Truman understood red herring season. Jack Kennedy articulated vigor. Lyndon Johnson demonstrated that both Beagles and Democrats could be effectively picked up by the ears. Let's ask our current leadership to reread those who walked that same road and then stand up and move on.”
-James Lindemann | McFarland, WI | February 8, 2010
Letter on: Do you get it?
“Hearing Palin reminded me of the goofball and opportunist senator in the movie "The Manchurian Candidate."
She has her nitwit fans. Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.
Democrats beware. You underestimate Palin at your own peril. Haven't any of you noticed the increase in the amount of Palin style eye wear among women?
Remember Reagan? His ghost stalks the halls of the Teabagger Convention and his sainthood is apparent.”
-Griebnotz Dorkpfester | Egg Harbor,WI | February 8, 2010
Letter on: Do you get it?
“Hey-- this is the FIGHTING BOB website. Going back to bed is NOT an option.
As my fortune cookie once told me:
"Keep on charging the enemy so long as there is life."
Palin is the new figurehead leader of American fascism, as was Reagan in the 1980's. The country has never come out of the dark ages that Reagan's administration imposed---Clinton was little better than the Republicans, providing no new direction at all. The misfortune of the Sept. 11 terror attacks has re-ignited national chauvinism and militarism in the USA to provide the final ingredients for the fascist "perfect storm."
The election of President Obama was greeted with such joy by liberals because we were foolish enough to believe his rhetoric. Always watch what people do, not what they say. A bitter lesson. When FDR took office, he said "Our first task is to put people to work." Under Mr. Obama, this was overlooked. And instead of closing the banks and sorting them out, it was "bailouts for billionaires."
Thus, even though FDR couldn't fix the Depression, he at least gained popular support and staved off fascism in America. Mr. Obama, truckling to those who despise him, has forfeited public support and discouraged and demoralized his own strongest base.
Note that Palin's "20%" as you call them (I think it's more like 40%!!) are enthusiastic. That's because they're not in retreat. Indeed, most of them are not even badly off---but they do FEAR losing their affluence, to forces they don't understand, but can personify in the scapegoat of "liberals" and "government."
The so-called moderates or independents are neither moderate nor independent. They are uninformed or rather ignorant people who pay only enough attention to conform---to flock along with whoever looks like a leader with a lively bunch of followers.
Right now, the political future looks grim. I think it is chiefly because you can't run an empire as if it were the old republic that it once was. Empire requires imperial authoritarianism to sustain itself. Note carefully that the Obama administration is in court, and has won the case, to uphold the Bush "unitary presidential powers" to use the telecom corporations to spy on all Americans under the pretext of "state secrets"---and any and all laws and Constitutions to the contrary be damned.
You can't get around it. And let me be the first one here to advocate the impeachment of Eric Holder and of his boss, Barack Obama.”
-Oliver Steinberg | St. Paul, MN | February 8, 2010
Letter on: Let us hear from you!
“I really fear for the state of Wisconsin. First of all, our state was ruined by Tommy Thompson and his good-ol'boy ruination for all those years. Then we get a good ol-boy Democrat, Jim Doyle, who kind of kept the wolves from the door on a lot of things but I sure don't like this privatizing education. It's fishy that Barbara Lawton isn't running - I was so looking forward to her as Gov - and Tom Barrett (who I never liked) is being pushed. We do not need our schools privatized. Anyone who stands up to the Race to the Top (sounds SO Republican) privatization BS has my backing. What we need is a new breed of Democrats - or a Green - that will fix the mess. We don't need Democrat-lite or going back to the Dark Ages with Republicans!!!”
-Ingrid Gottfried | Portage, Wisconsin | February 8, 2010
Letter on: Leading nowhere
“As John Dean once pointed out, Republicans rule; Democrats govern. To which I would add, Democrats govern if they have competent political leadership. Otherwise, they flounder, as we see now.
All this stuff about bi-partisanship is so much nonsense. The Republicans have NO interest in compromise or bipartisanship, and this has been the case since their political gurus taught them the Mussolini Mambo back in the '80's. That guy whose name I forget (dead now) and Roger Ailes and Karl Rove--they provided the coaching and the fascist mind-set. The Republicans want power and they know what to do with it when they get it---line their pockets and handcuff their foes.
It is not a matter of "extreme partisanship" on both sides, as the corporate media wants to analyze things. The extreme partisanship is all on the GOP side. They're the ones casting unanimous votes on every bill; they're the ones whose mere threat of a filibuster causes Harry Reid's knees to weaken and his spine to turn to jelly. Therefore, they "filibuster" EVERYTHING--without even the minimal effort of having to get out of their chairs!
President Obama and his advisors are running away from their base of support faster than even the most cynical detractors could have imagined. As a result, the Democrats will get walloped this fall. The Atlantic Monthly's portrayal of Obama as Herbert Hoover seems more and more accurate.
But the next act won't be FDR . . . it will be scary.”
-Oliver Steinberg | St.Paul, MN | February 8, 2010
Letter on: Do you get it?
“If the next election should be between Obama and Palin, I would bet many will vote based on color.
If it is between Hillary and Palin, the bimbo from Alaska might get more votes than we'd like to admit because she would have the Limbaugh stamp of approval. We all know what Rush thinks of Hillary.
Poll taxes might be a thing of the past but it will not surprise me if registered voters would have to have permits to shoot a moose. Brace yourself for a one moose permit, one vote system of politics, plaid flannel shirt optional.
If Sarah were to run and (dread the thought) get elected, her party would be the party to nowhere, you betcha.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | February 8, 2010
Letter on: Greenhouse and other gases
“Yes, the Republicans and all the other naysayers have yet to figure out or even to understand that a healthy planet and a healthy environment are essential to economic prosperity, our health and well-being.
If we lose our environment, how will we survive as a species? How will we have a future to enjoy? How will we raise our children to vote Democrat?
Aha! That's their ploy. Allowing for an environmental disaster must be part of the Republican scheme to assure their ilk gets elected. then there are those who would like to move up the date of rapture. In that case, the environment matters not.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | February 7, 2010
Letter on: Greenhouse and other gases
“You'd think Democrats would do something to stop Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes since there is actually proof they are near. Their lack of integrity is still their greatest moral failure.”
-TerryN | Elm Grove, WI | February 7, 2010
Letter on: Let us hear from you!
“Just in...
Pat Robertson declares that the Washington blizzard is the wrath of God made manifest because government has sold its soul (and our democracy) to corporate America.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | February 6, 2010
Letter on: The four percent solution
“According to a study done about 20 years ago by The Southern Poverty Law Center only 2% of news articles appearing in the major media outlets were written about issues relating to the "poor" while 15 to 20% of Americans live in poverty.
So I gotta' ask, if the media is liberal ......?
Or will you now define liberals as haters of the poor?
The researchers may be liberal, data is not.
A reporter may be liberal but his editor owes his future employment to his ability to satisfy the owner. Corporate ownership is decidedly not liberal.
We need to remove the wool from over our eyes!”
-Jim Limbach | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | February 6, 2010
Letter on: Here they come!
“How did corporations and lobbyists become so powerful in our elections? I am not convinced they did it all on their own. I think we the people let it happen many, many years ago and now we are about to pay the price.
If you want things to change, then we must band together and make change happen. Power and wealth do not make this a nation, people do, people as in you and I.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | February 5, 2010
Letter on: Here they come!
“I gotta say Ed, you nail the problem but WTF are us little people supposed to do? With all due respect to your efforts another Fest with speakers etc. grousing and telling us what the problem is and then sending people out to "get involved" or "hold their feet to the fire" is just so much happy crappy.
We need a true, and truly progressive, third party. You have said as much. The nitwit Teabaggers can get something organized but the pathetic left can't find the guts, organization, or leadership to bolt from the Dems and give them a dose of poltical "moral hazard".
I guess true activism and organization on the left is sort of like the female orgasm. It is rumored to exist. It is supposed to exist. It is said to happen. Some say it actually has happened from time to time. But it mostly remains elusive.
Ed, quit the grousing. If you can organize a festival every year you can organize a political convention to actually organize a third party. You may not have the juice of some but you do have a faithful following that respects you. Obambi is shaping up to be the Democratic Herbert Hoover. The Dems in congress are befuddled and gutless and nothing more than a herd of cats. In a three way race 34% of the vote means a win. Time to "get 'er done" and send the feckless Dems packing. They have become the Whigs and their day is done.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | February 5, 2010
Letter on: Justice vs. democracy
“Jeff:
Here is the counter-argument:
Unfettered funding by corporations moves our nation toward a plutocracy, - a democracy of, by and for corporations rather than of, by and for the people.
In fact, a strong argument can be made that we are already a plutocracy.
Proof:
The average congressional race in the USA now costs over $1 million. Considering that a congressperson has two years, or 104 weeks in office prior to the next election, that means the congressperson has to raise about $10,000 a week! Certainly congresspersons are not receiving that amount of cash from the average, joe-six-pack citizen who contributes $50.00 to a political campaign. Hefty donations keep the vast majority of Americans from having a real voice in their federal government.
Is it any wonder then, why congress has provided hundreds of hundreds of billions in subsidies to banks, auto companies, oil companies, Etc. and so little money for education and other public improvements? The system of privately funded campaigns is corrupt in that the voices of the many are drowned-out by the voices of the few who have money. When I say our political system is corrupt, that is not to say it is illegal. I mean corrupt like a bad computer file: it works, but very poorly. Our privately funded campaign system is nothing less than legalized bribery!
Nor is this a republican or democrat issue. For all his populist rhetoric, President Obama has the exact same fiscal & monetary policies as President Bush. Both camps are funded by the corporate elite for the benefit of their stock holders. This is a very important point, because business NEVER donates, it invests! The difference being that one expects a return for their investment. In my opinion, the Supreme Court decision serves only to make the existing plutocracy less transparent.”
-Fred | New Berlin, WI | February 5, 2010
Letter on: Justice vs. democracy
“If corporations are given constitutional rights, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (profit), shouldn't those responsible for their demise, IE corp. heads, board of directors, be charged with murder?”
-Geo Parrino | Oconomowoc | February 4, 2010
Letter on: Justice vs. democracy
“I don't like what this is probably going to do to elections, but I have to be honest. I don't see any reason that WEAC or Wisconsin Right to Life should be treated any differently from Charlie Sykes or Fighting Bob.com
If you've got a strong argument to the contrary, I'd love to hear it.”
-Jeff | Madison | February 4, 2010
Letter on: Big Money at bat
“It is time to quit giving Feingold a free ride on this one too. He voted to confirm Roberts. The Feingold mytique is wearing thin. If he really wants to characterize himself as a thoughtful independent then he should run as a true independent.
Instead he makes a great deal of hay on that issue but uses the resources of the Democratic party and the ground troops and volunteers from the party and then casts a vote for an activitst like Roberts.
Honestly, given the viral nature of the GOP these last few years did he honestly think Bush would put someone up for the court who was NOT a conservative activist?
Russ has outlived his usefullness. Name one major initiative he has seen through except McCain/Feingold. He has been AWOL on health care, card check, bank regulation, etc. etc.etc.
Dems should dump him and find a true liberal. I don't trust bi-partisan patter. When someone tells me they are bi-partisan or "independent" that just means they are going to shaft me.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | February 4, 2010
Letter on: Justice vs. democracy
“It is precisely the speech that Goverment seeks to silence that the First Ammendment is intended to protect.”
-RMJ | Hudson, WI | February 4, 2010
Letter on: Big Money at bat
“Great points about the hypocrisy of the term "activist judges." The really disturbing thing is the 5 who comprised the majority in this case are likely to remain on the Court for years to come, since they're all still relatively young and in good physical health. Maybe the corporations they backed by their ruling will make them a better offer and they'll retire? One can only hope.......”
-Eznarf | Waukesha, Wi.(Beloiter, by birth!) | February 4, 2010
Letter on: Hard to believe
“A few suggestions for dealing with our current mess and the pandemic of government/corporate corruption.
1.) Move your money to a credit union or local bank. Close out your credit cards as soon as you are able. Put yourself on a cash only basis as much as possible.
2.) Boycott any and all businesses displaying the Chamber of Commerce logo/sign etc. The Chamber is bound and determined to outspend both the Dems and GOP in political efforts to get their way. Don't help them with your money and tell the local businesses why you are doing it.
3.) In the coming primaries and/or elections write in "None of the above" for any and all offices. Barring that then vote for the candidate who raises the least. The way things stand now it is doubtful that either of those choices could put us in a worse situation.
In other words, to the extent it is possible for us to do so it is time to quit playing in their sandbox. In the end they need us more than we need them. Just simple human and economic ecology.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | February 3, 2010
Letter on: One newspaper's opinion
“So, how close to libel does this come? Is the reporting lazy with the contract facts, or deliberately misleading? Was the intent to maliciously damage his reputation? Of course, one shouldn't pick a fight with the dominant paper when moving to town on business...”
-Bruce Powell | Antigo WI | February 2, 2010
Letter on: Time for action
“I'm caught between poles on this one. On the one side, I see where a small group of people with enormous funding could push elected officials in ways that are not good for the people who elected them.
I do have a hard time drawing a line between unions, think tanks, advocacy groups like the NRA, the various ad hoc orgs that show up during election season and something like a newspaper, a television program or a wildly successful blog.
Are newspapers and other media outlets not corporations which seek to influence elections? What's the difference between "The Friends of So and So" running a spot decrying some failing of So and So's opposition and Fox News screaming that Obama is a socialist or Air America blasting out its own propoganda?
Honest question - I'm not claiming to have the answer. How do we muzzle political powermachines under the guise of protecting elections and leave folks like Glen Beck and Rachel Maddow to their own conscience?”
-Jeff | Madison | February 2, 2010
Letter on: Hard to believe
“These are tough times. Instead of everyone working together to keep our lives affordable, there are still those who think it is their divine mandate to raise prices, to gouge, to move ahead at the expense of those who can afford life's necessities least.
The banking industry is just one where money and profit come before people. It's as though bankers have forgotten that they rely on us just as much as we sometimes rely on them.
In order to get the economy moving again, everyone ought to take less and give more until we are all back on our feet. It's going to be a very long, slow and tough struggle to get things moving again if most of us remain oppressed by those who control our debts. These are the friends and neighbors who can help us most.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | February 2, 2010
Letter on: Time for action
“A breath of constitutional fresh air. Associations of people have a right to disseminate information into the public forum. Sounds like something straight from the mouths of our founding fathers. And, as usual, I am not required to listen.
By the way, Ed, you forgot to mention that these "corporations" that want to run issue ads are generally non-profit associations (Sierra Club, Right-to-Life) and associations of workers (labor/teacher unions). But please let us know when Goldman-Sachs or Proctor & Gamble start running issue ads!”
-RMJ | Hudson, WI | February 1, 2010
Letter on: Name names--please!
“Here's a name, courtesy of the Journal Sentinel:
Sheridan was reportedly "dating" Shanna Wycoff, a lobbyist for Cincinnati-based Axcess Financial, which operates Check 'N Go payday loan shops.”
-Nellie | Milwaukee | February 1, 2010
Letter on: Time for action
“Sorry, I think Mr. Kanak is wrong on this one. The budget proposals are from a guy who ran on Hope and Change but just can't seem to muster the guts to do it. I honestly think that is all there is to it.
It is the same old tired stuff we had from both Bushes and from Clinton too. Talk a good line but go after the little stuff. Also the stuff that is easy pickings with a defuse constituency. Schools, national parks, old people, etc., etc.
No real reform, defense (even stuff the Pentagon DOESN'T want) off the table, try to triangulate even when you and your party were given a mandate to change the game, etc.
I swear, sometime between election and inauguration day they (who knows who, a secret cabal) must send these guys to the island from Lost and brainwash them stupid!
God help us, no one else is able.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | February 1, 2010
Letter on: Time for action
“President Obama recent announcements regarding gifts to the coal and nuclear power industries, increases in war funding and the freezing of social welfare funding is indicative of the power of the recent Supreme Court ruling.
The corporations won and the people who control them will profit from the misery of the people. Since I am led to believe that corporations are required to seek profit above all else than deaths that occur as a result of their activities are legal and justifiable.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | February 1, 2010
Letter on: Name names--please!
“What is surprising here is NOT that Ryan and others in the GOP believe that this should be a YOYO ( You're On You're Own ) nation but that Obama is only lately making lame attempts to call them out on it.
Roosevelt and Truman must be rolling over in their graves.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | January 31, 2010
Letter on: Why not?
“What I thought peculiar most about the Republican response to the SOU speech was how lily white the governor's audience was.
There was a black woman and an non-caucasian male strategically placed behind the governor but when the cameras panned the assembled crowd of family and cronies, it was all white, but then white is a color, isn't it?
A contemporary version of get to the back of the bus?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | January 30, 2010
Letter on: Why not?
“I know that you "have a thing" about Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Ed, but I think that he's a refreshingly different, and important voice in this critical field, and should be paid attention to. Check out the profile in this week's "The New Yorker." http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/02/01/100201fa_fact_rotella”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | January 30, 2010
Letter on: The four percent solution
“Craig's list is responsible for the demise of the American newspaper.”
-blurondo | Wauwatosa, WI | January 28, 2010
Letter on: I admit it! Proudly.
“If I were to find such a Republican candidate today (I would have more luck finding Sasquatch) I would not vote for that person.
Why? Because that person will caucus with the Republicans, who do not share the same ideals as the candidate. Not only would this person be ostracized for voting their conscience, but also this increases the chances that Republicans could achieve the majority, meaning Boehner or Cantor as Speaker and McConnell as Majority Leader.
No good can come from voting for a Republican in today's environment. If such a person wants to run, let them run as an Independent and caucus with the Democrats.”
-Tim | Maple Grove, MN | January 28, 2010
Letter on: State of the prompter?
“The only speech tool worse than a teleprompter is PowerPoint.”
-Al Arnold | Rice Lake, WI | January 28, 2010
Letter on: The four percent solution
“Not sure about your assessment. I have been suggesting for a couple years now that the main problem is the continued fostering of the liberal point when 50% are not liberal. So, I know many Conservatives here in Appleton, and I'm sure elsewhere that have given up on their paper and quit taking it. In our group that meets every Thursday noon, out of 12 or so, half have quit the paper. I have told the publisher this many times and they seem to be getting a little more Consrervatism in their editorials. Not completely, but gaining. Only time will tell.”
-John Hyland | Appleton, WI | January 28, 2010
Letter on: State of the prompter?
“Doyle was talking to the teleprompter and not the citizens of this state. Poor camera angles made his eye contact with us even more distant.
There did not seem to be much substance in the speech. The Republican follow-up was just as lackluster.
Let's hope our politicians can get more accomplished during these tough times and the months ahead than writing speeches or giving commentaries.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | January 27, 2010
Letter on: Oh no! State of the Union, State of the State, State of the County...
“Not a knight in shining armor . . . just another suit.
Rick Kissell is entitled to say: "I told you so!"”
-Oliver Steinberg | St. Paul, MN | January 26, 2010
Letter on: Oh no! State of the Union, State of the State, State of the County...
“Watching this Obama crew is sort of like having an old Firesign Theatre album come to life. Just enough reality to make the insanity plausible.
For decades the Dems have been smarting over the defeat of Adlai Stevenson and now they have him. Another Egg Head from Illinois. Now you know what alternative history may have looked like.
As for the spending freeze this is just one more example of Democrats trying, in a minging sort of way, to please the GOP. It never works.
If you want real budgetary soundness get out of unwinnable foreign wars. Increase, without limit, the income at which you MUST contribute to Social Security. Make Medicare means tested. I know people who have earned plenty their whole life long and could afford to pay a means tested premium to be enrolled in Medicare. There are plenty of them out there, including ALL of congress.
Of course that might make some kind of sense. But, if all else fails cut the budget for the National Parks, especially at a time of renewed, and nearly ravenous interest due to that wonderful PBS special.
Like I said, Adlai is now in the White House and we have the Bozos running the bus. I want off. Honestly? A Telepromtor for a talk to 6th graders. Get real.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | January 26, 2010
Letter on: Oh no! State of the Union, State of the State, State of the County...
“If the SOS and SOU speeches fail to entertain, turn down the volume on your TV and watch the bobbing heads. Interesting and quirky those talking heads with the words removed.
And, they say just as much.
There's still a few spots in the pool to see who calls whom a liar this time around... care to wager?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | January 26, 2010
Letter on: A poll with a purpose
“Many moons ago at my first meaningful job and while still wet behind the ears, a sage coworker told me simply to believe half of what one reads and nothing of what one hears.
Polls are polls and data can be collected and skewed to the benefit of any poll's initiator. It's real easy to write leading questions which cannot be answered fully with the choices provided. I've been frustrated many times and forced to answer incorrectly because of poorly worded questions.
Polls are best taken with a grain of salt. Poll results are nice and sometimes even entertaining, but we ought to look at any results as a starting point and then dig deeper for the truth. Poll results rarely, if ever, take into account those who refuse to participate thus skewing results even more.
Some would want us to believe there are 5 gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Polls.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | January 26, 2010
Letter on: Bopp on top!
“Maybe about 1,000 of us should go to Madison on the appointed day and proceed to the appropriate State of Wisconsin office and tell them that we demand they make all of us individuals into corporations.
After all, it just seems logical that if corporations can be considered to have the same rights as individuals then individuals should be able to get corporate status with all the legal protections inherent in that particular status.
Whaddaya say Ed? You are always telling us we have to do something but you live down there and you are the lawyer. You can be first in line and refuse to move until they do it for you. We'll follow.
Name the date and time Ed. It's be there or be square folks.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | January 25, 2010
Letter on: Party over?
“Everyone hates freedom, don't they. The American people are just too stupid to sort it all out. That's why liberals are so arrogant.”
-Dohnal | Wauwatosa, Wi. | January 25, 2010
Letter on: Bopp on top!
“The New York Times story about Mr. Bopp should be a cautionary tale to never underestimate the skill and intelligence of those who desire the oppression of the people and the elevation of the new corporate feudal aristocracy. A fearful level of long-term strategic thinking is at work in the Bopp camp and anyone who hopes for a progressive uprising will be sorely disappointed if calm, methodical planning is not begun immediately.
Who will help me call a meeting?”
-Lex Tinker-Sackett | Eau Claire, WI | January 25, 2010
Letter on: Bopp on top!
“I'm amazed that the Gang of Five on the Supreme Court haven't injured themselves as they twist their logic like pretzels.
"Corporations have all the rights of human citizens."
Get ready for the next decision:
"Everyone has the right to anonymous free speech."
It will be quite a show to see the blitzkrieg of misinformation coming from sponsors wearing masks. The future belongs to "Harry & Louise", pretend people delivering false messages paid for by unknown powers.”
-Tim | Maple Grove, MN | January 25, 2010
Letter on: Bopp on top!
“Full disclosure is just part of the solution.
Are people so afraid of being identified that they must hide behind a corporation or any other group? Have we become a nation of masked snipers waiting to take pot shots and then run?
Those who are afraid to take a stand without full disclosure are gutless wonders and no more.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton | January 25, 2010
Letter on: Where to go from here
“One thing we need to do is assure that newspapers do not go extinct. Without them we have nothing but talking heads and hearsay.
Freedom of the press is essential if we are to make certain the electorate remains informed and educated about current events and issues as well as shortcomings and failures of government in all its forms.
The demise of the press will be it for democracy.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | January 24, 2010
Letter on: Rules change!
“One of the corrective avenues being considered is a Constitutional Amendment banning corporate campaign contributions. Great idea!
But why stop there?
Wouldn't this be an opportune time to bring back a Glass-Stegall Act?
And while we are at it.... since some of Wall Street's banks were deemed "too big to fail" that obviously needs to be addressed.
Break those behemoths up into more easily regulated entities.
Maybe I'm a dreamer.
But if so, why not dream big?
The icing on the reform cake for me would be a return to corporate charters.
We could go from the United Corporatocry of America to the good ol' U.S.of A where our public servants in Washington serve "We the People" rather than selling out to highest bidder.”
-J.P. the Populist | Bruce,WI | January 24, 2010
Letter on: Where to go from here
“The time for Feingold to speak up on this issue was when his vote was being sought to confirm Chief Justice John Roberts.
You may remember that Feingold voted to confirm. Anyone with his amount of experience in Washington should have known better. Now, in hindsight, his vision is 20/20.
Russ makes a big deal of being "independent". Fine, let him run as a real independent next time, without any affiliation with or to the Democratic Party, and let the Dems find a person to wipe him out. He reached the limits of his usefullness a while back. Dump him.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | January 24, 2010
Letter on: Rules change!
“There is a simple solution. Outlaw political advertising on television and radio and permit it only in print. This could even resuscitate the newspapers.”
-Blurondo | Wauwatosa, WI | January 24, 2010
Letter on: Rules change!
“I had a dream the other night that I was swinging on a trapeze. Momentum was building and just as I let go of the trapeze of the past and reached for the trapeze of the future, I looked down and saw the safety net of the constitution unraveling.
Just then the alarm went off. I woke up and sure enough, someone's been tinkering with our constitution again.
If justices of the Supreme Court cannot protect and uphold the Constitution, I fear it will no longer be this democracy's safety net.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | January 24, 2010
Letter on: Party over?
“Let me suggest that it is the people who have been "dropping out" that has led to this mess we have. You may not "do politics" but politics will do you, for sure!
For all the whining and cynicism it seems like a lot of people, especially of the so-called progressive bent, are just plain gutless and lazy.
No demonstrations, no strikes, no new political parties forming, the Greens are worse than useless, and on and on.
Nobody will give you a good government or democracy. No politician, such as Obambi, can be your savior. You have to win it, and keep, for yourself.
Until that happens the best you can do is keep bending over and hope that the thugs running the show grease the pole they shove up your backside.
Sorry to be that crude but really folks, it is time to get a set.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI | January 23, 2010
Letter on: Out of control
“I'm recovering from addiction. I strongly believe that drug and alcohol addiction is a disease and that if it isn't treated then it doesn't go away. It only freezes time in prison. It doesn't help people if it's not treated, and the when they get released they will go back. I have never been to jail but I ruined many years by not getting help.”
-gl | hammond louisiana | January 22, 2010
Letter on: Can it get worse?
“The blame exists with us for not demanding our government resolve this issue of corporations years ago.
For over 100 years the people have fought the injustices of the corporations with little help from their elected officials. Even today the lives of coal miners are dictated by the coal companies and the farm workers lives by the corporations called farms.
I only hope that there still is a chance that our elected officials might resolve the issue but based on the results of the healthcare debacle that hope is weak.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | January 22, 2010
Letter on: Can it get worse?
“Eddie, I'll bet the veins on the sides of your forehead were throbbing after reading NYT.
Your ideas of "fairness and justice" are that of a Madistan lefty--not a true Wisconsinite. Why you even believe--truly believe--in the Global Warming Hoax.
If people like me are teabaggers, then people like you are hoaxers.
Roberts, Alito, and I prefer Lipton orange pekoe tea, if you please.
Progressive is the word now being used to cover the damage done to the Democratic party--Geo Will”
-Mark Sevelis | germantown, wisconsin | January 22, 2010
Letter on: Can it get worse?
“Juan Cole [http://www.juancole.com/] makes several good points today on this subject. The best point, in my opinion, is that the precedent was probably doing little to prevent corporations from acting politically anyway.
Granted, they have to do a little to camo their moves, but it's not that difficult. They would probably want to camo their moves anyway. An ad by Goldman-Sachs would be more credible if it is attributed so a cover organization like the God Loves America Committee. In any case, I doubt that any measures can really stop Money and Power from using their money and power to influence politics in their favor. The Golden Rule.”
-Jay | Menasha | January 22, 2010
Letter on: Can it get worse?
“Let me suggest that in future elections people write in "None of the Above" for any and all offices on the ballot.
Or, check out who raised the least, or who was subjected to the most attack ads and vote for them. In other words, shove it right back down their corrupt throats. It looks like we really can't get any worse when people like Palin are actually being talked about as serious contenders for office so honestly, what the hell do we have to lose?
Until then stay home and keep your money in your wallet just like the colonists did after the original Tea Parties. You probably have all you need to get by for a good long while. Get a spine and effin fight back for change. After all, if a bunch of ticked off housewives banging on pots and pans and boycotting the market could do the most to overthrow a dictator in Chile the comfortably concerned in this over fed and bovine nation should be able to do something huh?
Oh, and call Russ Feingold and tell him to take a hike. Tell him Chief Justice Roberts sent you. He'll know what you mean, he remembers how he voted.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI | January 22, 2010
Letter on: Can it get worse?
“You are absolutely right to feel outraged Ed.
We all should feel that way after the Supreme Court bent over for corporate America. Corporations are not and never have been individuals! It's a no-brainer.
The First Amendment is not a protection for them. It wasn't written for anyone but individual American citizens. We all know that. Er, at least I thought that everyone had a simple understanding of something so obvious. Apparently not.
Robber barons? Same thing different time. Only maybe the names have changed.”
-J.P. the populist | Bruce,WI | January 22, 2010
Letter on: Can it get worse?
“Ed,
Today I have an urgent request. Please consider making yesterday's disastrous Supreme Court ruling for corporate power the main topic of this fall's Fighting Bob Fest. This a such an precedent breaking and so against the Constitutional intent of the founders that all Americans must become aware of its dangers to our democracy. I think it is interesting that the original tea baggers in 1775 (I think) were dumping tea that belonged to the monopolistic corporations that had exclusive license from King George.
Congress needs to immediately propose a law that mimics Wisconsin's law that requires unions to separate out political funds, notify members of the per member amount and provide a form to members whereby they can request a return of their portion of the political funds. That would not be a suppression of corporate power but simply a law to make corporate political speech the same for all types of corporations, including unions.
What we really need; however, is a Constitutional Amendment that reflects the founders' intentions such as: All rights, privileges, and responsibilities herein are reserved for human beings, and or citizens of these United States, and the governments of the United States and its constituent states. All other entities may be given temporary rights by the governments of the United States and its constituent states.
Bill Dagnon”
-Bill Dagnon | Baraboo, WI | January 22, 2010
Letter on: Roberts' rules
“Give me a break. What the supreme court did is as much a violation of the constitution as the Bush vs Gore decision. It gives the neo-cons and their friends an opportunity to take over the peoples government and stack it with money/ power hungry despot politicians. The sad part of it all is that what was determined by our founding fathers as a "democracy" is slowly becoming a country filled with the stench of tyranny. The signs of democracies death throes are all around us and are obvious to anyone willing to pull their heads out of the sand long enough to look. The caliber of elected officials whose ideals are similar to the ideals that caused the suffering for the people during the Bush reign of terror are about to increase substantially. Problem is that they won't have to hide it anymore.
My hope is that the people of this once great country will stand up and take back what is rightfully theirs. To do this they will need to cast their votes against the principalities that support big money and anti democratic principles. We need to remember we are in charge that the Politicians are hired to work for us and we can fire them through elections. True Americans need to embrace these principles now more than ever or we as a country will fall.
In conclusion I believe what the court did was anti-constitutional and anti-democratic. It has provided those who have no idea of duty, honor, country the opportunity to take over and form a new tyranical government where the many suffer and the few reap the benefits. What they did is obviously not in the best interests of the american people and will undermine the constitution even further. I think America needs to wake up to the fact that the real enemy of the people today is not Al Qida but Washington and corporate America. Thank God the second amendment is still intact it appears to be all thats left in the defense of democracy.
God help us.”
-Dennis Abitz, SGM, US Army Retired | Amery WI | January 22, 2010
Letter on: Can it get worse?
“Fight Back. The Supreme Court subservience to the radical right can be thwarted by passing Full Disclosure laws. That is, require the listing to the last penny who authorized the expenditure of the money for the ad within the ad itself. Not a made-up campaign entity which bundled the money, but the men and women in the corporation(s) who made the decisions to fund the ad. Any candidate who benefits from the money will in effect declare themselves the corporation's whore. Not something too likely to win a populist race.”
-Orie Coller | Baraboo, WI | January 22, 2010
Letter on: Can it get worse?
“Corporations are not people. We all know this, but people do use corporations to shield themselves and their assets and now, according to the supreme court, their opinions and politics.
If it's freedom of speech they want, then perhaps it is time for corporations and groups to list all their members when contributing or posting ads. If real people had their names made public, I would wager that perhaps more care would be taken in contributions, opinions and ads. If the negative campaign ads in particular were obliged to replace the names of vague groups with a list of those in the group, I bet those ads would be toned down a bit and might even lean toward the truth.
Anyone who does not want their name to be known is a coward and not much more.
Why is it OK for conservatives to legislate from the bench and not anyone else?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | January 22, 2010
Letter on: David Prosser, meet Teddy Roosevelt
“So much for the principal of stare decisis with the Roberts Court in the campaign finance ruling. The Warren Court was accused of legislating from the bench. This is the same concept, isn't it? Except the Warren Court advocated for the most vulnerable in society, not the most wealthy!”
-Eznarf | Waukesha, Wi.(Beloiter, by birth!) | January 21, 2010
Letter on: David Prosser, meet Teddy Roosevelt
“Having run for state public office twice allow me to offer the following.
1.)Pubic financing, no thanks. The taxpayer gets to pay for people he would never vote for and I don't think that is fair. In the interest of disclosure, I did take the state financing grant in both races but only because I knew my opponent would be rolling in PAC dough. I was naive and a poor fundraiser and the party was little or no help.
2.) Limit expenses. I fail to see why anyone would have to spend more than 15-20,000 for a State Assembly or State Senate race. Even that amount seems high but having been there and seeing what decent printing and mailing costs I can assure you it is reasonable.
3.) Maybe we just need to vote for the guy who raises the LEAST and put them in office for a few election cycles. Who knows, there might even be an inverse situation going on here. Better government for lower campaign fund raising. Given our current situation it might be worth a try.
4.) Corporations are NOT people. Anyone who says or claims otherwise and acts or votes accordingling is essentially corrupt and should be treated as such. And by the way, thanks for nothing Senator Feingold for your vote to confirm Chief Justice Roberts.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI | January 21, 2010
Letter on: David Prosser, meet Teddy Roosevelt
“Wow! Were you guys, Ed and John, on target...
I shouldn't be shocked and surprised at what the conservative majority on this SCOTUS can and does do - but I am still shocked and surprised.
Now - how do we get around this disaster? Senator Feingold, we need you now more than ever!”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | January 21, 2010
Letter on: Roberts' rules
“These rules would all be so unnecessary if the Congress merely followed the constitution. There is NO authority to subsidize any business or person at the federal level. Take away the incentives for giving, and the political donations will greatly decrease. The current system provides incentives for all to "get rich" by picking each other's pockets- a fools game that will ultimately end in killing the golden goose- our productive private sector economy. Are we not dangerously close to that now, as the cost of government exceeds 60% of GDP, and that soon, unfunded mandates are likely to take another 35-40%?”
-Ken Van Doren | Mauston, WI | January 21, 2010
Letter on: David Prosser, meet Teddy Roosevelt
“Candidates certainly go through extreme measures to get elected. What is the fascination with public office anyway? Very few politicians ever become Ted Kennedys. Most serve and then disappear, their accomplishments are few and soon forgotten. After a few election cycles, even those who have served are not remembered.
One would think that public campaign financing is the simplest and easiest way for any candidate to run for office. All the candidate would have to do is write speeches and pray that someone is listening.
The candidate wouldn't even have to sit through all those bad meals or deal with the many brown-nosed political wannabes and people looking for favors.
Elections would be clean and candidates might even be elected on merit. Doing a great job in office might even assure the candidate of another term.
Unfortunately, money IS money and it's a commodity loved by so many. The system we have is doomed to remain the same and controlled by those who have it.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | January 21, 2010
Letter on: Give takeover a chance
“The fundamental assumption in this piece is that doing something, anything, is taking on the challenges faced by MPS (and other urban districts). However, such an assumption is flawed.
Mayoral control represents a superficial "solution" to a problem, or more appropriately, set of problems; but it does not get at the root causes.
The problems MPS faces are myriad, complex, and intractable in the current political-policy climate. Many of the problems have roots far upstream from the classroom. But none of these challenges can be faced head-on by mayoral control.
Leaving aside any potential real solutions to these problems, mayoral control poses another threat (and one that is even beyond the continued prevalence of neoliberalism as supposed salve for the wounds of so many policy problems):
Instituting mayoral control sends the message that MPS's challenges can all be faced with superficial, happy-talk solutions. Nothing could be further from the truth. Mayoral control also represents the notion of "We're doing something" when in fact nothing truly substantive is being done.
So I'm all for giving some real solutions a try -- but mayoral control does not pass the smell test of fitting into the category of solutions that can affect the sorts of systemic, systematic change needed. In a world of realpolitik where action is a zero sum game, where doing one thing precludes other substantive action from being taken, mayoral control crowds out other, real-er solutions and ends up being a net negative for all.
We cannot afford to "just give it a chance" -- the time calls for real, substantive solutions to the challenges facing MPS and Milwaukee at-large.”
-Peter Rickman | Madison, WI | January 21, 2010
Letter on: Dear Democrats: Before you panic, remember that you have a huge majority--enjoy!
“The most important thing that Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats can do from now on is to make the Republicans really, truly filibuster bills they want to stop.
No more "We're going to filibuster!" threats and Reid backing away; no, it's time Harry actually give 'em hell and make them actually, truly filibuster.
You want to filibuster to prevent consideration of a real healthcare bill? All 41 opposition Senators (and it won't be just Republicans) need to go on record.
Threats to stop by the GOP and their assorted Democratic enablers are not good enough -- Harry Reid needs to make them famous.
You want to filibuster amendments to a healthcare bill to end 'pre-existing conditions' or increase the required medical-loss ratio or expand Medicare eligibility to anyone? Time to go on the record.
Harry Reid needs to make them filibuster for real so that the American people see who is with them -- and more importantly, who is against them. It's a helluva lot harder to defend your votes back home to constituents than it is to lobbyists in D.C.
Harry Reid either makes them filibuster for real, or it's time to get a new Senate Majority leader (well, it's actually years past that -- but it's time to throw down the gauntlet).
Will Feingold and/or Kohl join with us in calling for this? That's the question.”
-Peter Rickman | Madison, WI | January 20, 2010
Letter on: Dear Democrats: Before you panic, remember that you have a huge majority--enjoy!
“How did the Dems not realize that in this political climate every seat would have to be fought for? Everyone knew Ted Kennedy was at deaths door. How could they not be prepared and have a vigorous candidate and plan?
How could Obama not know that any bill left up to the whims and fancy of Congress would end up being a hash? Perhaps the argument of inexperience is true. He, unlike LBJ, was not in the Senate for very long and perhaps he had no real feel for this body.
When will the Dems quit being a "reactionary" party and a "caucus of caucuses"? When will they learn to make pro-active arguments and build a narrative?
Why wasn't the connection between our out of whack health insurance system and the lagging economy made by Obama?
It is starting to look like the sign of Democratic Campaign headaquarters in 2010 will be "Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here."”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor WI. | January 20, 2010
Letter on: Dear Democrats: Before you panic, remember that you have a huge majority--enjoy!
“Remember back in 2006? The Democratic leadership said they couldn't do anything because they didn't have 60 votes. So what happened? In 2008 they got 60 votes and they still can't do anything.
It is time to let Blue Dog Democrats with seniority be defeated, if not by progressive candidates, then by Republicans. Then you won't have Nelson, Baucus, Lieberman, Conrad and other corporatists as chairs of key committees. We can do more with 52 Senate seats with progressive committee chairmen that we can with 60 seats and sell-out chairmen.
If the best Democrats can do is hand money and influence to corporate interests, how are they different from Republicans?”
-Tim | Maple Grove, MN | January 20, 2010
Letter on: Dear Democrats: Before you panic, remember that you have a huge majority--enjoy!
“Which team of politicians was sufficiently motivated to get some type of health care reform going? Democrats.
And which is still opposed? Republicans.
It really matters not what happened in Massachusetts. Democrats are still people-oriented and innovators. Republicans continue to obstruct and side with monied interests.
The country remains mired in serious troubles inherited from the Cheney/Bush years, and most cannot be resolved by simply throwing a switch. They can be resolved by throwing out of office those who obstruct.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | January 20, 2010
Letter on: Milwaukee and Haiti
“Throwing food and money at the Haitian people will not rebuild that small impoverished country. What is needed is a system which will bring the Haitian people out of poverty, provide education and be with them all the way on their way to success.
We live in a big country, one with broad shoulders. There are no good reasons why we cannot provide Haitians with a new life here. Were the Haitians Europeans, I often wonder how the scenario might change.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | January 19, 2010
Letter on: Milwaukee and Haiti
“Haiti like Iraq has both suffered and benefited from the United States military in both destroying and rebuilding the countries.
We would save the American taxpayers a great deal of money if we were not so insistent on destruction prior to construction.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | January 19, 2010
Letter on: Give takeover a chance
“The current push to change education has nothing to do with educating students but rather with the funding of education.
Based on my observations of the current status of the economy and the serious financial condition of most government bodies I serious doubt that the current group of would be leaders are the "smartest guys in the room."
If the current group which is clamoring to take the control of education away from the local voters, would devote more time on fighting for funding, the current conditions in our schools would be different.
The only program which we throw money at as the solution for all its ills is the Defense Department. The funds that are discussed for the current race to the top are less than three days of expenditures for the military.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | January 19, 2010
Letter on: Bad enough for Sensenbrenner?
“Now that it looks as if the final bill will be more tax money going to the Insurance Behemoths my hope is that a united front of Progressives in Congress will vote it down. You can't get to the right destination traveling down the wrong road.
What Obama and the Progressives need to do is explain and educate the voters as to what is so ass backwards about this dreadful mess we have allowed the Democratic process to become. I don't buy the line that a failed bill is the doom of this administration. Democrats voting it down will open the bloody pulpit to truthful discussion the media might well be forced to accurately report.”
-Jim Limbach | S | January 18, 2010
Letter on: Fixing the fix
“I am constantly impressed by Mr. Kraus and his focus on really meaningful political reform. Ever since the Baker v. Carr one man one vote case in the '60s, the charade of reapportionment every 10 years being done by legislators themselves is a recurring problem. Why don't the tea partiers focus on this? Because they aren't even aware of how reapportionment works!”
-Eznarf | Waukesha, Wi. (Beloiter, by birth!) | January 17, 2010
Letter on: Going to town
“As always, Mr. McNally calls our attention to an important piece of news that has been overlooked by other media (at least where I live), and looks at it with common sense and compassion. He is exactly right about the loss of civil liberties and its huge consequences. If more adults don't start standing up for the rights of young people, our silence will eventually backfire on us. Bayshore and Mayfair should be ashamed. I've shopped at both malls. I'll look for more child- and teen-friendly places from now on.”
-Ms. Bosh | Elkhart Lake, WI | January 17, 2010
Letter on: Bad enough for Sensenbrenner?
“The party-out-of-power ALWAYS criticizes the party-in-power of running an undemocratic process. It is part of the standard repertoire. Both parties do it.
In fact, the party-in-power usually does run an undemocratic process. Why? Because that's the winning strategy. There was probably no more secretive administration than the recent Bush administration. They would barely confirm the time of day. Republicans seemed to have little problem with that at the time.
But, as they say in management: process isn't everything. In fact, they say OUTCOME is even more important than PROCESS. You can have the most elaborate process in the world, but if it generates poor outcomes, you don't have much.
More broadly, in our system, it is the proper role of the party-out-of-power to do as much as possible to prevent the party-in-power from governing effectively. Obviously, if the party-in-power governs effectively, it will probably be re-elected, leaving the party-out-of-power further out of power. Axiomatically, in-power is always better than out-of-power.”
-Jasmine | Neenah | January 14, 2010
Letter on: One party under Big Money, indivisible
“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the sun shine on your back and may
you get 8 years of President Palin.
Did you ever notice that the Republicans never, I repeat Never, stop ripping on the Democrats!
All they need to do is copy your blog.
Cannibalism is not pretty.”
-Jim Stephani | Amherst Wi. | January 13, 2010
Letter on: Haiti = Katrina
“I fear that the response from the current administration will follow the pattern of flowery speeches with the promise of action with little of the promise fulfilled.
I drank the kool-aid, believed the promise, and now feel as you. The problem is that even with Obama's promise regarding Katrina he has failed to fulfill the promise.
This is a paragraph from a response I received from Senator Obama in 2008. It is now 2010, and I am still waiting: "Now, more than three years later, we still have much work to do. Last year, I visited New Orleans and participated in a field hearing with fellow members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. We toured the city, met with FEMA and local leaders, and most importantly, talked with the people of New Orleans. By the end of the trip, one thing was clear; time had passed, but too little had changed."”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | January 13, 2010
Letter on: One party under Big Money, indivisible
“Governor Lorenzo D. Lewelling of Kansas, inaugural speech, 1892.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | January 12, 2010
Letter on: No Lasee?
“This is my prayer:
Dear Lord, please let politicians do as little damage as deer hunters. If it be thy will, let them shoot ten buildings and that's all. Turn their corruption, vote selling and influence peddling into shotgun slugs and propel them into the sides of ten buildings. This would be a glorious world if you could possibly do that. Thank you Lord.”
-Jack | Menasha, WI | January 12, 2010
Letter on: Taking on Trotsky
“I'm glad Stalin beat Trotsky to the punch and took over control of the fledgling USSR when he did in the early 1920s. Had he not ruthlessly and even brutally industrialized that country, Hitler's Wehrmacht almost certainly would have conquered the Soviet Union in 1941-1942, which would have made it impossible for the western allies to invade western Europe a couple of years later.
The real key to stopping Hitler was neither the fading British Empire nor the yet-unprepared USA. That key was Stalin with his iron-handed control over the Russian state, its big new military industries resettled on an emergency basis behind the Ural Mountains in late 1941, and its great armies.
Great Russia never has been successfully ruled from weakness; but only from strength. One day, the new Russia -- along with China and India -- will be the world's bulwark against rampant jihadist Islam, now that this country's short-term imperium is obviously ending.
I am neither a communist nor even a socialist; neither liberal nor conservative. just an old man with a keen memory of the lessons of history.
There was indeed a time when Stalin was our enemy. But there was also a time when -- with all respect to this particular epitome of irony -- the future of the world's non-totalitarian civilizations depended on one of history's cruelist and craftiest dictators.
For that, I salute his memory,along with the memory of the millions of brave and steadfast Russians who fought and died in his ultimately victorious armies.”
-Arnold Harris | Mount Horeb WI | January 11, 2010
Letter on: Are you a fan?
“I may have missed the point, but it seems to me that Reid was not talking about Obama: He was expressing a fairly low regard for voters when it comes to matters of race. I, for one, think he was telling the truth. I really don't know what he is apologizing for.”
-Hmmmm | Cape Coral | January 11, 2010
Letter on: Merger mania
“I want to thank Emile Smith for the story from Seneca, Wisconsin. The good citizens of Seneca are hardly alone. It is critical that we make sure that our legislators and governor hear from us, from all of us! Speak out! [And sign the petition at apennyforkids.org]”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | January 11, 2010
Letter on: Are you a fan?
“I'm no fan of Harry Reid, but could a darker black man speaking jive have won the election, or have I missed the point?”
-rick bentley | Sequim, Wa, or Edgewater,Wi, or Gamboa,Pamama | January 11, 2010
Letter on: Merger mania
“The school district of Seneca, in SW wisconsin is one such district. Years of cuts (and perhaps poor management) have rendered Seneca k-12 mere skin & bones. New property assessments and evaluations are choking this small rural farming community. Seneca's recent school tax levy increased tax by 41%, this on top of multiple successful referendums to exceed the tax cap, including one in the past year, just to survive.
Some feel that state gov. officials have abandoned Seneca and are waiting for the community to tear itself apart. Community meetings often disintegrate into blame games without productive solutions for keeping an affordable, small but local school. Leaders are inexperienced, underinformed and angry; maybe even shocked at the attitude of the state.
Some blame tax increases on demographic changes. (City dwellers buying farmland and building expensive homes) Some blame increases on dropping enrollment due to home schoolers and open enrollment choices. Some blame Managed Forest Law.
The list goes on. Abdication of personal resposibility runs rampant through common citizenry and elected officials alike.
The memory of average citizens and leaders seems so short. Communities often fail because they have become complacent, as if they are entitled to certain luxuries and handouts. That also seems to be the case with many of our state leaders. Leaders who feel entitled to campain contributions from very wise contributers. (WEAC, Big Agri-biz, etc.)
The deeper little Seneca gets into solving or resolving its school/community issue, the more its citizens realize that the cards have been stacked againts them. Legislators finacially obligated to contributors rather than constituents make poor bedfellows.
Once again, hopefully, people will scream for campaign finance reform. For without it, we common citizens stand no chance for legitimate discorse with our elected representatives, whether or not we replace them by popular vote.”
-Emile S. Smith | Seneca, Wisconsin | January 11, 2010
Letter on: You can't make it up!
“Boot Harry Reid from Majority Leader? You betcha. But I think you have it wrong. Same goes for Bill.
Did you read the book? Do you have direct quotations from it? I'm guessing not. This is the sort of de-contextualized, hype-along, she-said-she-said 'journalism' that we progressives really dislike from the establishment media. Further, from what I understand, Mark Halperin sort of de-contextualizes the comments in the book. Check out what the Matthew Yglesiases and Josh Marshalls of the progressive blogosphere are saying about this kerfuffle, manufactured and otherwise. Taking your cues from Mark Halperin, a guy who is so politically tonedeaf and addled by sucking at the teat of conventional wisdom that he's the insider's insider inside of the Beltway. Hardly worth the reading.
Now, more importantly, we should definitely boot Harry Reid, a feckless 'leader' from the spot as head of the majority caucus in the Senate. He is at best a shrewd tactician with the strategic and dynamic sense of a third grade student council candidate. At worst, he has cost far too many opportunities for real, progressive policy action with his unwillingness or inability to actually run a majority caucus -- to say nothing of his unwillingness or inability to fight in the Bush years of Democratic wilderness in the Senate (or when we had 50-some-odd votes and he kept telling us "You can't do anything without 60!")
Feingold for Majority Leader? No way. Never happen. Better for progressives if it doesn't. Better for Russ too. Schumer? He'd run the caucus alright...right into the loving embrace of Wall Street. Durbin? He's intriguing. A progressive Senator, with a proven record, in leadership -- and an ally of Obama. But is that good or bad these days when it comes to moving progressive policy.
But this is the discussion we should be having. Who should replace Harry Reid? What should he or she do in the Majority Leader gig? How will the new leader get rid of the filibuster (and tame the likes of Lieberman and Nelson...)? But the discussion shouldn't be some scurrilous, breathless 'reporting' of Harry Reid's gaffes. That's hardly new -- and it debases FightingBob.com”
-Peter Rickman | Madison, WI | January 11, 2010
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