FightingBob.com readers talk back
Letter on: Sisterly advice
“I came out with a book in 2007 that showed there was no GLOBAL WARMING and that it was a myth. And it's still true today. Most real scientists have found this to be correct. Thousands have signed a paper to that effect. It 's simply Sunspots and it's cycle of near 11 years. Proven by looking at graphs showing it very dramatically. You liberals hut have to get over it. Gore flunked out of two Universities and bvarely made it out of hight school. He is a fraud. Plain and simple!”
-John C. Hyland | Appleton, WI | September 2, 2010
Letter on: Sisterly advice
“Like many conservatives, Ron Johnson is speaking in terms his voters understand and what they want to hear, He probably still believes that the earth is the center of the universe and the sun rotates around it. I suspect he is saving this information until the home stretch.
If we had an informed and educated electorate, we wouldn't have uninformed candidates or those running one can short of a six-pack.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | September 2, 2010
Letter on: THE WAR IS OVER
“Well what do you expect? WW2 is not over yet in case you don't know.We still have a large number of our troops on Okinawa and we have been there since we invaded their island in 1945.
They are not very happy with us and want us to leave too.”
-Joe Gruber | Campbellsport,WI | September 2, 2010
Letter on: THE WAR IS OVER
“If the war is over, bring home all the troops from all the bases worldwide.
A $53 billion dollar economic stimulus for Iraq which failed, paid for by the American taxpayers, with money borrowed from China.
A recent New York Times article describes just how miserably we have failed in our nation building in Iraq. We broke it and have no plans for fixing it.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | September 1, 2010
Letter on: THE WAR IS OVER
“I honestly don't know where everybody was during the election. Obungle was clear that we would stay in Afghanistan. A build-up there is no surprise to me.
As for Iraq the talk is for a continued and long term presence. So much for the war being over.
The lesson is to not go into these dust holes unless you have just cause and are willing to wage a total war, and all that this implies. If it ain't worth that it ain't worth going. I don't think that applied to either Iraq or Afghanistan. Face it, we have those characters over there right where they want us.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | September 1, 2010
Letter on: Nations to build
“Gen. Patreus is already positioning himself to run for President. He recently bought a home in New Hampshire and made that his voting residence. He comments on policies all over the place as Generals are not supposed to. He is positioning himself against our good but weak president. Depending on how the two "wars" develop, I can see him standing for the Republican nomination in 2012, and as a nation we seem to unquestionably "love" military leaders who have no real cred to lead a nation! But he's no Ike! I'm looking forward to see how I do as a seer of the future. Then can I call myself "pundit?"”
-David Steffenson | Madison, WI | August 31, 2010
Letter on: Wall Street in revolt?
“Seems like Obungle has made a career out of masking who, and what, he is. Or might be. The person who wants to please everyone, and is "pragmatic" to a fault, just ends up pissing everybody off.
We saw hints of this with Clinton and triangulation strategies. Now we see it to a greater degree with Obungle.
This guy seems to have gulled both sides of the spectrum and passed it off as moderate. What it is is nothing more than balony. It makes you wonder just who the hell would vote for him if an election were held today.
Of course if he runs in 2012,and loses, the only narrative the Dems will bother to build will be that is was all due to nasty sniping from the radical left wingers of the party.
Time to lose this schmuck. Drop him like a bad habit and find someone else for 2012. Since pundits like MacNally want to play fantasy elections I may as well join the crowd. Dems will likely take a pasting in the mid-terms. Obungle won't care. And it will all be the fault of the lefties. They will stay home because they are ticked off with the corporatist agenda of Obungle. Odd, because the corporatists never wanted him to succeed anyway. Or, as your post notes, they feel cheated. Nice job Obungle.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | August 31, 2010
Letter on: Reconsidering term limits
“I for one share Mr Kraus' GOALS, but I strongly suspect that in our current political climate, invoking term limits would have virtually NO effect. In a corrupt atmosphere, it makes no difference what the rules/policies/laws are, they'll all be corrupted. He hopes that by rotating the politicians more often that they'll somehow stay more ethical, more moral. I think it could just as easily be theorized that -- in a corrupt setting -- they'll just accelerate their predatory impulses so that they can set themselves up for their corporate after-life (where there ARE no 'term limits' nor any ethical accountability). What threat would there be to an all lame-duck legislative body? There would only be more of an urgency to 'dine-and-dash'.
Similarly, the point about populating local politics with part-timers doesn't sound all that appealing to me. Like any other profession (mechanic, plumber, electrician, accountant, doctor, etc), I personally prefer to hire someone who is dedicated full-time to his/her profession, not someone who is learning on-the-job.
To me, the long and short of it is that IF you have an intellectually lazy public, that revels in its ignorance, self-deception, and materialism, it is only by ephemeral accident that you will have brief periods of enlightened democracy. You can hypothesize about numerous different policies/laws that would supposedly lead to a long-term solution, but you can't really fight self-imposed stupidity.”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | August 30, 2010
Letter on: Leave us alone!
“hello to all the crazy progressives who still believe better stuff is within our grasp and comprehension. this is somewhat aside from the current object, but i have this idea that an amendment to the u.s. constitution, or we could start at the state level, some already might have, for the extension of the medicare coverage insurance available to seniors/senioras be available to everone, paid for by taking the funds currently paid per american, about $7500/yr, adjusted to the current medicare tax WE ALL pay now, and additionally, we boost the funding of social security by raising the taxable income level (incidentally, i mentioned this in an email to robert reusch in april '09) and allowing people to RETIRE EARLIER, thus creating job vacancies for the 15 million unemployed;
i'm currently residing in central louisiana, the home of the man who became governor and took on standard oil, appointed himself senator and proposed MASSIVE WEALTH REDISTRUTION in the u.s. senate; today is the anniversary of huey's birth, 8/30. let's push the democrats this year to have the heart to challenge the fear-mongers and take on the capitalist money machine.
i enjoy listening to ed and eric on wojb.
love to all”
-andy riley | phillips, wi, turkey creek, la | August 30, 2010
Letter on: Leave us alone!
“Hey Ed,
Why don't you give us some examples of Feingold's "maverick" votes? His maverick votes are always the ones that don't seem to matter, aren't they? He had a chance to actually be a maverick and stand firm on health care. But Russ showed that when it really matters, he is simply a party man.
He fooled me once. I don't vote for Russ again.”
-RMJ | Hudson, WI | August 30, 2010
Letter on: Katrina Nation
“I haven't forgotten Katrina. It made me angry that money out of my and many other compassionate citizens' pockets out matched Government money, which, damn it was my tax money and The Gulf Coast was where it was needed. NOT in the pockets of blackwater/cheney/bush etc etc.
On the anniversary of Big Pig's Death Event a group of us will be leaving Stevens Point riding our bicycles the The Gulf Coast to aid folks putting lives back together. I have made contact with Coastal Heritage Society of Louisiana. We will be welcomed in a celebratory fashion. I'll accept that for a moment. There is work to be done.
We will be biking to Bobfest. That should be not only a celebration but a good shakedown cruise. Neither trip will involve an internal combustion engine. I am fortunate to have time and adequate health in my retirement years to make these journeys. Not everyone can immediately live oil free. I do hope by our example a few will consider cutting back as they can on the use of fossil fuels.
I'm still angry. And they still drill. If folks want to hurt the bottom line of these greedaholics we can. Use less of their output.”
-Jim Limbach | Stevens Point Wisconsin | August 30, 2010
Letter on: Leave us alone!
“If these guys want to be left alone they should get the hell out of politics! I can't imagine a better way to draw attention to yourself, which is, after all, the point in running.
Of course Johnson didn't mind drawing attention to himself when he got a government subsidized loan for his business. Nooo, then he wanted attention from over bearing big intrusive government.
Glen Beck doesn't want to be left alone. Would to God that he did, then we wouldn't have to look at his baby nooks physog every time we walked into a book store or checked out the political pages on the web.
Palin really should be left alone so she can go back home and actually be a momma, grizzly or not, for her dysfunctional family.
Unfortunately for us we ignore these jerks at our own peril. After all, at one point Hitler was just a funny little man with a funny little moustache. Odd how that works our sometimes.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor,Wi. | August 30, 2010
Letter on: More roads
“Fair enough Mr. Anderson. I guess my point was that a lot of any line beyond Madison would essentially go through the old cranberry bog wastelands.
As for the river valley maybe another line down th river(s) all the way to St. Louis is order. Eau Claire area could easily be served on the run I had noted.
In point of fact I do, or have, traveled around the state a good deal. My main complaint is that the Milwaukee to Madison run is essentially a political boondoggle. The Madison terminus is to be the Menona Terrace. Nice if you are a lobbyist and want to make it up the hill to the "Puzzle Factory" but nowhere near the commercial areas of Madison. So what the hell good does that do?
Add your suggestions to others and send them to those that count. As I said, you made some good points. All things considered I think we need lots more passenger rail but what we don't need to do is waste money on a phoney demonstration project when really useful ideas and routes go begging for attention. Milwaukee to Madison rates no more than the Hiawatha run to Chicago. It is essentially a commuter spur line and was served by an inter-urban trolley at one time. I know because I used to live a block from the old line and used the old rail bed for X-C skiing.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | August 28, 2010
Letter on: Where to begin?
“I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin in the 1950's watching Henry Aaron abuse baseballs with his bat. And a couple of decades later I again fell in love with baseball when Robin Yount graced County Stadium with his ability.
The idea of a statue of Selig between these great baseball players both of whom played for the love of the game is a bit much to swallow for this almost old guy.”
-Kim Tschudy | New Glarus, WI | August 28, 2010
Letter on: More roads
“I think the gentleman from Egg Harbor should take a ride along I-94/I-90 corridor and take a look at the "backward" area of the state of Wisconsin. Of course stop in and discuss his thoughts with those who live in La Crosse metro area, Eau Claire metro area, Hudson-River Falls area and more.
Also stop in at one of the outstanding universities and technical colleges and ask their thoughts as to corporate growth in this part of the state - and their wish to be going "back to the future" when business and industry people could jump on a train, travel to Milwaukee/Chicago/Madison to do business dealings and be home for a late supper all in one day!
No traffic delays for hours on highways dealing with 90,000 cars per day - no anger because of foolish and downright dangerous drivers - and one can actually safely do some work on the way to and from the business calls.
Now for the trucks and cost of deliveries and high cost of repairs of roadways and ......
Steve Anderson
Eau Claire”
-Steve Anderson | Eau Claire, WI | August 27, 2010
Letter on: Not to worry! Take your time!
“If nothing else at least the dimwit GOP candidates, and party, have proven they approve of "activist judges" when they are active in support of brain dead GOP policies. Cold comfort I suppose but there it is.
It is hard to imagine what kind of world the GOP thinks we should live in. It is the most nostalgic of parties. It is a nostalgia for some glorious past that never really existed and when they win we get a present dominated by the most insane and backward social thinking and corrupt and rotten, not to mention outright mean spiritied economic policies.
The real wonder is that the GOP ever get elected given their track record. Does that speak more to a general and willful ignorance on the part of voters or to a weak and ineffectual method of building any kind of narrative on the part of the Democrats? I have often wondered but have come to no real answer.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, Wi. | August 27, 2010
Letter on: More roads
“In addition to GD's excellent suggestion, why not run the existing line through Madison instead of Columbus? Add a line connecting Portage with his propose Fox Valley run, and we'd have most of the population and business centers linked up in some way.
Looked at from the outside and admittedly coming in at the end of what I'm sure was a long conversation, the high-speed rail link seems like a luxury for MIL-MAD when most of the state doesn't even have basic service.”
-Jeff | Madison | August 27, 2010
Letter on: More roads
“How to put this politely? Scott Walker is an idiot!
I would not be surprised to see him float a proposal that would mandate a man with a red flag walking ahead of the Hiawatha commuter train that runs between Milwaukee and Chicago!
I agree with some critics of rail in only one regard. The supposed "high speed" line between Milwaukee and Madison is nothing more than a political show. It is hard to justify anything more than a Hiawatha type line for that one.
Look at a map. A line from the the Twin Cities, through the Wausau/Stevens Point area, and then to Green Bay, down the Fox Valley, and on to Milwaukee makes much more economic sense and would draw more passengers. The rails already exist and could handle passenger trains running at around 75mph without any, or very few, upgrades.
The Milwaukee to Madison run is nothing more than a show boat poltical boondoggle. If it continues on to the Twin Cities from Madison it the route will go through some of the most backward and underpopulated part of the state and the sum total of commerce and business in Madison is no rival for the whole of the Fox Valley and Green Bay area.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor,WI. | August 26, 2010
Letter on: Where to begin?
“Why do humans deify other humans? Selig is not a god nor is he a demigod. He's far from being a hero. He is one clever bloke who has succeeded in using the system to milk it for every possible bit of gain all for himself.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton | August 25, 2010
Letter on: Where to begin?
“Like George Bush before him, Selig got the taxpayers to build him a new stadium thus increasing the value of the team. He sold it for a large profit. As for his tenure as commisioner, remember the all-star game that ran out of pitchers, and what about the steriod abuse.”
-Dol O'mite | Oconomowoc | August 25, 2010
Letter on: Katrina Nation
“The Right has spent the last 30 years demonizing government, unions and the workforce - declaring their vision of this nation as a loosely-affiliated collection of Davey Crocketts.
To listen to them, you'd think the market could expand without end, that science and innovation will resolve every issue in time, and indeed that there really are not any "commons".
Two hundred years ago, that might have held water in the less populated areas. A population which approaches the carrying capacity of our natural resources demands a little better management.
That's the leap they just can't make because it spells the end of the financial wild frontier that they've built on Wall Street.
Perhaps when the questions are about the survival of Americans, we'll get some buy-in, but given the response to Katrina refugees and the health problems the WTC cleanup volunteers have experienced, I am not so hopeful.”
-Jeff | Madison | August 25, 2010
Letter on: Volunteers need not apply
“Fighting Bob,
I agree with your blogpost. Although I do appreciate what guidance the state party has given me as a candidate, it is unfortunate that so much in campaigns comes down to how much money you raise. As someone who was a single parent for over twenty years, worked and put myself through school and now as a candidate for the state legislature- I do not have a large personal bank account. I do believe that there are many grassroots, sincere candidates in Wisconsin, but how we are going to be able to win really is a tough question.
I would be very happy to have a strong core of volunteers. I do most of my campaign work hands- on with the help of some good people, but we definitely need more help if we are going to win. SO VOLUNTEERS- YES!! PLEASE APPLY!
I am a Democrat because of my personal belief in working toward social justice and a better world. I am a candidate because I deeply feel that I can make a positive difference in Wisconsin and bring some fresh ideas and hardworking leadership to the position. I think fiscal responsibilty and concern for community can go hand in hand. I believe that everyone should have their voice heard in a democracy and that leadership positions should not just go to the wealthy or other power-holders. The only way we can change the things that we see wrong in the world are to take steps to make a difference ourselves- to set an example. (sounds a bit like Ghandi).
I understand the cynisicm and agree with the philosophy behind it, but I sincerely hope that there are enough people out there that still believe that grassroots work can make effective campaigns and that we all have a fighting chance to have our voices heard.
Liz Jones
www.lizjonesforassembly.com”
-Liz Jones- Candidate for State Assembly | Woodville, WI | August 24, 2010
Letter on: Stupid, stupid us
“Mr. Kraus, thanks for your plain written words that ring altogether too true. Reading them pained my insides because I have experienced your concepts. (Without quitting, I have found novel ways of garnering publicity.) Even though I have spent over a year learning what actual state politics are versus my original idealized conceptions, I remain a firm believer in democracy and our Wisconsin citizens. We will rework the process, creating one that encourages talented candidates, while giving the work-a-day citizens a voice in who will lead us. Keep voicing your thoughts.”
-Tim John for Governor | Oconomowoc, WI | August 23, 2010
Letter on: Volunteers need not apply
“Ed, would I have run if I knew what you just wrote? I may be the dumbest Wisconsinite because I decided to run for governor, as a Democrat, thinking that I would get some, not lots, of contributions. The money never came and my personal contribution wasn't enough to purchase media time. I am still optimistic about the process and believe that, some day, we will return to a simpler more democratic status.”
-Tim John for Governor | Ocnonomowoc, WI | August 23, 2010
Letter on: Can we be heard above the din?
“Well, with all due respect to you Grimmie I don't think a hell of lot has really changed since Roosevelt and Truman.
All Clinton was is the best Rockefeller Republican president we ever had. He was decidedly pro-business and free trade and that hurt our workers. A minor tax increase on the wealthy was put in, the predictable screaming happened but what really bothered the business crowd was that graduates came out of college and actually had some bargaining power over starting pay. That really got them upset and it was an anomoly. What business really likes is the current situation. Weak unions, desperate workers who will take abuse, people working on their free time, no vacation, hard up for retirement plans, etc. How they think this will benefit them in the long run is beyond me but I guess they think by quarters and as long as their bank accounts are large enough to ride out the storm they don't much give a damn.
Seems to me that this is what Roosevelt understood and why he welcomed their hatred. Hard to see Obungle ever taking that tack!
You mention other countries. Since you teach German maybe a more pertinent point is that in Germany corporate boards have 50% representation on the labor side. What a radical thought. The idea that workers might be interested in the long term profitablility of the company they work for. Try and get that idea across in the good ol' USA! Same for teachers. Why are working teachers not allowed to be on school boards?
I think we are still stuck with the same old adversarial Capital vs. Labor situation, GOP vs GOP LIGHT (aka Dems), Us vs. Them.
Obungle sold himself on the mantra of CHANGE. Great job of gulling the public but if you want my honest opinion I think he ran to make history as the first black in the White House and as a professorial and intellectual exercise. I think he just wondered what it would be like to be president.
I see nothing positive coming from this administration that will fundamentally change one damned thing. Health care bills that are a mandated pay out to the same companies that cause the problem, bail outs to crooked banksters and brain dead auto companies, and the same old militarism that seems to define us as a nation.
No, nothing, or least not much, has REALLY changed. There is more than a whiff of Weimar in the air and everytime I hear the politicos talk all I can hear is the rattle of rifle bolts. Oh, if only that were true.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | August 23, 2010
Letter on: There goes the neighborhood
“This is a good analysis of the problems from the "who is buying" side of the money and politics story. I would like to see Dave and the Fighting Bob folks follow this story answering Who gets the political campaign money? Each time I see a campaign ad I know that people were paid to create and put the ad in front of me. Those people are beneficiaries of the campaign expenditures being made. The ad producers, TV and radio stations, advertising firms, newspapers, etc. have a keen interest in seeing the political advertising money keep flowing. To use a TV station as an example the income flow from campaign ads raises a possible conflict of interest with the news and editorial side of the station. I keep wondering if we had an investigative story which helped us understand who gets the money would we think differently about the question of money and politics.
It would be refreshing to see an investigative report on this issue. Are the media institutions who are getting significant income from the money in politics willing to tell the story about how much they get and how they prevent conflict of interest.”
-Gerry Campbell | Madison, WI | August 23, 2010
Letter on: Wisconsin in the spotlight
“Ed,
Thanks for being there on Saturday. It's nice to know there are still some folks out there who remember what politics was before the "Contract with America" and nasty, bitter, partisan politics. I know Dad would have been proud to see the folks who were there.”
-Tim O | Manassas, VA | August 23, 2010
Letter on: Volunteers need not apply
“Let's not bash too much on the Democrats too much, ok? A little background- I was an intern for Obama in Baraboo, I joined the local Democratic party and was soon on the executive committee, and I've volunteered for quite a few campaigns. I'm not unique. But I can't speak for every other county party, nor can I speak for the state party. What I can do is speak from personal experience.
First, the state party- while it has not been as active as Ed suggested, it trains volunteers and helps county parties, both of which help good candidates.
Second, the Sauk county party- right now, we're in the process of opening a coordinated campaign office in Reedsburg. We go to Bobfest during the day and clean up afterwards. Sometimes, we volunteer during the day. We volunteer for our local campaigns. Pretty much, our whole point in existing is to help elect good candidates. My point is that we're all progressives, wether or not we go to meetings.
Third, the campaigns- The only two losing campaigns I've worked on were the two that hardly tried to raise money. I'll agree- money in elections sucks. But, until we get real public financing, it's a necessary evil.
Circular firing squads are a bad idea- especially at a time when religious freedom, social security, the 14th amendment, medicare, and the middle class are under attack from everyone but democrats.”
-Carl Byers | Rock Springs, WI | August 22, 2010
Letter on: Volunteers need not apply
“People are not leaving the Democratic Party, they don't have too, the party has left them.”
-Richard Kanak | cherry Valley, Illinois | August 22, 2010
Letter on: Volunteers need not apply
“No the democratic party hasn't gone underground, it just turned into another republican party. During the regresive policies of the Reagan presidency, the democratic party turned to the right and has been there ever since. Under the Clinton presidency the democratic party pushed through the repeal of Glass-Stengal and NAFTA, all middle class and poor democrates are well aware of the outcome of those pieces of legislation. Under the Obama regime, the assault on our constitutional rights started during the Bush Presidency continues, and includes assination of American citizens at our governments whim. Our democratic Secretary of State supports the overthrow of democratically elected foriegn leaders. The reliance on big campaign donors by the democratic party indicates who the legislate for. No the party hasn't gone underground it turned against it's members for the sake of profiting party leaders.”
-Dol O'mite | Oconomowoc | August 22, 2010
Letter on: Volunteers need not apply
“I have a clue for you Ed. There is no such thing as the Democratic Party, not in the usual sense of the term political party.
This "party" is far too concerned with internal fights, ranging from minor kefuffles over turf to outright back stabbing of each other to be effective in an election.
It is no wonder that many ostensible Democratic candidates stress their "independence". Sure, they are glad to use the lists of donors etc that sometimes come your way as a candidate of the party but that is about it. If this is your first race on the ticket for something like State Assembly you soon find out that moneymoneymoney is the key to success. You are told this right from the start. Then you are given a few little techniques as to how to raise it and left on your own.
It would appear that the party itself does not really want candidates based on how they operate but that can change very quickly in a primary. Then all those fugglebutt county chairs that are notoriously ineffective suddenly mobilize and become stalwarts either for against you.
Throw in the usual gadflies the party seems to attract and suddenly the Dems are active again but in such a way as to reinforce all the stereotypical dsyfunctional behaviors that are ascribed to the party.
Will Rodgers had it right. He was not a member of any organized political party, he was a Democrat.
Face it. For the most part Democrats win by default and not through any virtue of their own. They are often simply the least worst option available to the voter.
It is the party of the comfortably concerned and the vested interests of WEAC, AFSCME, and the professors.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI | August 22, 2010
Letter on: Tort reform and BP
“Medical tests are ordered not because of liabilities but because of additional income generated by tests. How else can you explain multiple x-rays for the same injury first in the emergency room and then in the specialists office. Someone has to pay for the x-ray machine.
It is quite obvious to me that the parties which are negotiating with BP are not from any consumer or humanitarian organization. The people who negotiate such settlements have little concept regarding the realities of the average citizen's needs.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 21, 2010
Letter on: Nations to build
“To Richard Kanak, I was using irony as a device to focus on how we are mesmerized with the idea of "American Exceptionalism" and our supposed ability to instruct the world about the value of democracy. We force people at gunpoint and with counterinsurgency techniques to adopt democratic values. All this, while our empire crumbles.”
-Bob Menamin | Verona, WI | August 21, 2010
Letter on: Can we be heard above the din?
“DorK: (respectfully, I teach German): yes, things Do change: Clinton and his WS gang changed the major rules of securities trading, BUsh threw out the rest, destroyed the EPA, stuffed his people into the other regulatory agencies, and invaded, not just attacked, but invaded with a land army, two nations. That is change you, or rather, some people can bank on. In fact, we have changed right back into Vietnam II.
So, what makes change? Money. Vested interests. So, one must take some of that money away. How did the French do it? How did the Russians? Congress could do it and stop the blood from flowing.”
-Grimmelshausen | antigo wi | August 21, 2010
Letter on: Nations to build
“I agree with Richard Kanak's statement above - - in fact, military advancement is not found through new & innovative thinking, but rather through the adherence to existing military rules/policies, and excelling in that approach. You don't get to be a general in virtually any military by thinking in a socially-beneficial manner, you typically get advancement there by being indifferent to your own troops death & discomfort and by excelling at killing other militaries and/or civilians. The best that can be said about a military leader is that they may be good at executing clear orders, but the crux of problem is that there AREN'T clear, agreed-upon policies about how to 'rebuild our nation'. Too many rich, powerful people are thriving in the present system, and they will gladly pay Fox News / the GOP / the AEI / Heritage Foundation / etc to support their views and con a lot of people into voting against their best economic interests.
Also, Petraeus comes with his own baggage, as recently noted in this link:
www.commondreams.org/view/2010/08/19-9”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | August 20, 2010
Letter on: Nations to build
“Right. Let a general fix it. Boy, where have we heard that before? I thought "progressives" were supposed to be the ones that understood the lessons of history.
These fault lines in this country are nothing new. As a proud son of the Old Sod you should understand that Ed.
Not to pretend any wisdom I don't have but after coming back from a 6,000 mile road trip to the western states I have a few impressions.
First is that most of America is getting up every morning and getting the days work done. They view most politicians as horses asses. And they are right.
Second. It is a really big country and it is being run by really small and petty people.
Third. Those who bitch the most about an intrusive federal government are probably the ones who benefit the most from it. Life west of the 100th meridian would be nearly untenable without federal projects for water, irrigation, hydropower, farm subsidies, and military bases. Shut up already and just enjoy the largess that those of us in places like Wisconsin send your way via federal money, of which we get damned little.
As for our current resident in the White House maybe his biggest problem is that he is too damned cautious and too damned afraid to be a Democrat. May as well be hung for a goat as a sheep and he better get it into his head that this is a busy and impatient country. His slow and steady game is the game of the comfortably concerned. Lots of Americans aren't so comfortable right now. Get 'er done.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | August 20, 2010
Letter on: Nations to build
“Won't work. Generals are not good at consensus building just good at giving orders and expecting no questioning of those orders.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 20, 2010
Letter on: Roger Clemens
“Sorry Ed, but this post is just a lot of whining nothing. Maybe you should have gone to "the lake" for a week or two this summer and gone fishing and refreshed your fevered brain.
There are a ton of important Wisconsin issues you could write about. Here is one for you.
Why is a high speed rail line from Milwaukee to Madison needed. After all, the old inter-urban used to do that job at Toonerville Trolly speeds that exceeded current Amtrak runs. How about a real rail line running from the Twin Cities, to Green Bay, through the Fox Valley and on to Milwaukee and Chicago? That would serve far more people and all of them within 50 miles of a major depot. It would also run through some of the most vigorous economic areas of the state.
How is the line from Milwaukee to Madison anything more than the usual political boondoggle and waste of money?
Take a vacation Ed. Come back refreshed and then start grousing about some stuff that matters to Wisconsinites.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor,WI. | August 20, 2010
Letter on: There goes the neighborhood
“We will soon achieve the status of Mexico in regards to our elections where money has long dictated who is elected and what is government policy.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 19, 2010
Letter on: Drug war
“The Drug Cartels will soon invest in US elections or have they already. Illegal drugs so far have been extremely profitable.
Rumor is the Republicans are accepting big money from the drug kingpins. I'm the author of the rumor or is it not a rumor but fact.
The Supreme Court must also be a participant since they are the reason elections are up for sale to the highest bidder.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 19, 2010
Letter on: Can we be heard above the din?
“Over population and global warming are the primary issues that must be dealt with. Until that happens, we are just putting bandaids on the symptoms.
The syptoms will increase and we will run out of bandaids.”
-Anthony | Little Chicago, WI | August 19, 2010
Letter on: Can we be heard above the din?
“The company attitude at Mott should not surprise anyone who has ever worked a production line. The fact is that these business types like recession/depressions because it makes the labor force hard up.
Some of our biggest corporations are sitting on nearly 2 trillion in reserve capital but nobody among them is taking a chance on any innovation to lead us into a new age of energy indepedence, mass transit, etc. etc. etc. even though there is a demonstrated need and demand for same. And, this would provide paychecks which would stimulate demand for already existing services and goods where slack demand now has caused other lay-offs.
These same corporate schmucks would rather give money to the Chamber of Commerce and let that group front GOP candidates who harp that government programs cost too much and don't do any good.
Does anything ever really change. And why hasn't that great and eloquent agent of change, the Great One, Our Shining Light, Obungle, managed to build that narrative instead of having his dimwit press secretary try to throw the left under the bus?
Yeah, we need change alright. But is this the crew to bring it on?”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor,WI. | August 18, 2010
Letter on: Which world?
“I think Richard's comments pretty well capture the feelings of a lot of common sense people but I am afraid he is deluded if he thinks the GOP will do him any favors.
All he will get from them is the situation that preceeded the Obama plan.
What is sad is that Obungle wasn't smart enough to figure out that there were/are a lot of people like Richard out there. They will take a government program but truly resent being made to pay for the profit ridden system that had been ripping us all off.
What is with Obungle? Why must he and his crew always be too cute by half? Who needs this kind of bogus change?”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor,WI | August 17, 2010
Letter on: Wisconsin in the spotlight
“I don't know about anyone else but I am damned sick and tired of clowns like Barret, Feingold, Obungle, et. al. who run on the Democratic ticket but are "independents".
The only ones who know better are the GOP opponents.
If you are going to run on the Democratic ticket then be a damned Democrat and fight for the platform issues. Trying to pawn yourself as an independent and then governing as something else won't work nor will is assuage the opposition. If you really are an independent then please quit trying to co-op the Dems and let them find candidates who really are Dems.
Right now my feeling is "get lost".”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor,Wi | August 17, 2010
Letter on: Which world?
“I'm voting a straight republican ticket this year, primarily because of the healthcare fiasco. If Obama had done either nothing or a "medicaid for all" plan, I'd probably vote for his party. This was a sell-off to HMO's and an infringment on freedom. It's equivilent to FDR requiring every american to contribute to a 401K (buy stock on the open market) rather than start a government-run social security program via payroll deduction.
And we can still buy into 401Ks in addition to our SS. As we could still buy secondary health coverage in addition to a government-run baseline coverage.”
-Richard | Hudson, WI | August 17, 2010
Letter on: Say again, General Petraeus?
“Karzai "is the elected leader of a sovereign country." Since when has the United States of America given a damn about democraticaly(and I use the term democraticaly, liberaly in this case) elected leaders. The USA has been behind the overthrow and assination of more democraticaly elected leaders then most countries. We support him because he is as corrupt as America is.”
-Dol O'mite | Oconomowoc | August 16, 2010
Letter on: In a word
“The term "progressive" was adopted by Dems because they were too chicken shit to keep using, or defining, the term liberal.
I suppose they figured that if they were "progressive" the right wing would be flummoxed for an election season or two. The mistake is that it is not what you call yourself but how YOU, not THEY define the term, be it liberal, progressive, or whatever.
It is an old failing of the left. Use a lot of words but let the opposition define the terms. This is why a lot of people get fed up with Dems. It is not that they oppose the general liberal drift of the party. It is that they just never know what the hell they will be dealing with from week to week and that the Dems will be sure to make their own muddle long before the GOP gets at them.
As they say. The left if often unable to organize a two car funeral. THAT is the kind of the thing that leads to the Maureen Dowd comments. The Dems never get it and never hang tight. Too fractured, way too fractured. And many of them are mindlessly proud of it.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | August 15, 2010
Letter on: Honor among gorillas
“How sad it is that we've gotten to this point. I recall so vividly going to a victory party for State Rep. Steve Hilgenburg, (D-Dodgeville) 10 days after the 2006 election. Steve wasn't my elected representative but I met Steve during his first campaign and was impressed by how smart and low key he was. A decent person!
At that party Steve got up and gave a short talk and what he said was the most impressive statement of the 2006 campaign. I have to paraphrase here. "This past week the newly elected representatives met at the State Capitol for an introduction to the chambers and Capitol. As I stood in the rotunda I looked up and asked myself, am I good enough to be in this building representing the people."
Oh that we could be lucky enough to have 132 Steve Hilgenburgs representing us. Steve was a class act in what is a mostly badly acted eighth grade class play. He's the kind of guy you would vote for even if he was from the opposite party.
Kim Tschudy”
-Kim Tschudy | New Glarus, WI | August 15, 2010
Letter on: In a word
“Right On Ed! I was always amazed that the tea-potters could carry signs with Obama as a Nazi while at the same time calling him a socialist. What a confusing mind-set they deliver.
On the left-wing right-wing "map" we should do as author Robert Anton Wilson did (and as I did when answering a telephone survey about the Feingold-Johnson contest), by declaring ourselves on a perpendicular axis to their limited conservative-liberal reality map. What used to be "conservative" is now "ultra-right" and what used to be "liberal" is now moderate. Which puts me ah....perpendicular I guess.”
-John Davey | Kendall, WI | August 15, 2010
Letter on: Giving the gift of Viagra
“Good article! A brief aside to your comment, "They've (re: Republicans) shown before they don't need Viagra to do what they do to the country."
Don't I recall Rush Limbaugh be detained at an airport for carrying Viagra (with the wrong user on the prescription label) on a trip out of the country (without his wife as I remember it)?
Heh!”
-John Davey | Kendall, WI | August 15, 2010
Letter on: Welcome to the cattle call
“The left hasn't figured it out yet. Obungle is a popped up "Jack and Jill" lawyer posing as a Democrat. He isn't a Democrat, he is what, a moderate Republican? Who knows?
The only reason he will survive in office is because the left is too disorganized to dump and find a real Democrat and the GOP seems determined to find the most extreme position in order to keep Rush Limbaugh happy.
He will win a second term by default.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor,WI | August 14, 2010
Letter on: Sports on my mind
“What has surprised me about Rep. Ryan is that I thought the economies of Janesville and Beloit were severely challenged in the past years during his ascent to political celebrity. Do his constituents vote against their own interests? Are they all fans of Ayn Rand?”
-Pat Nelson | Three Lakes, WI | August 14, 2010
Letter on: Welcome to the cattle call
“While I agree with all the comments above, I especially concur with 'Jeff' above and his comments regarding a class problem. We certainly need a good public education system, and I believe that the general model we've had since the 1960's has been a good one (this charter school stuff is nothing but a right-wing discrattionary ploy) - - but people who are stuck in the doldrums of the lowest class are going to have problems engaging en masse in ANY educational system because they know that the odds are that there's not going to be very little out there for them. Also, they often have severe family/economic problems, so that negates their chances (unlike the GW Bushs of the world who can fail upward due to their parents' connections/accomplishments).
Also, in this day and age, what's to stop companies from outsourcing to offshore sites ANYTHING that can be done on computers? I know of a local company that is already having it's engineering design sub-contracted out to a firm in Mexico - - and given our present 'free-market' economic policies, I only wonder why most other companies haven't moved that way too? From a 'lowest-cost/highest-profit' perspective, it's almost a given that this will happen, whether our schools produce another 1 or 2 million engineers per year. Why would a profit-oriented company NOT want to pay $2 or $3 per hr in a foreign country vs $20-$40/hr (includes benefits) in this country, IF there's nothing to stop them?? If we leave our economic policy making in the hands of these supply-side types, we'll soon be indistinguishable from Russia or India or China - - a huge lower class struggling to make ends meet, with a minimal middle class, and a small but uber-powerful upper-class - - no matter what kind of educational system we have. Recall the old cliche (paraphrased) that "they made a dear living taking in each other's laundry".”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | August 13, 2010
Letter on: Confused? Join the Group!
“Real funny Dave. Almost as "cute" as some of your smarmy comments on the Friday Funnies on Wisconsin Public Radio.
For the rest of us we need to be reminded that politics can actually be funnier than Dave's comments.
I am here on vacation in Montana. I saw a few campaign signs in the Helena area. Apparently there is guy running for the Montana legislature by the name of Hollow. There is also a guy running for judge by the name of Loveless. I think they are both GOP.
Lucky Montanans. They can vote for a Hollow victory and a Loveless future.
No joke folks,you just can't make this stuff up. Kinda makes me wish I could give a "stem winder" at a Democratic rally here in Montana! I think that line would bring the house down and Dave couldn't top it. Nor could Ed, and he has the Irish gift of gab.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI. | August 13, 2010
Letter on: The wrong leak
“The ruling oligarchs only look at our military as fodder to be sacrificed for their own enrichment. What other reason could a country use if we are willing to send our brave soldiers to war over a lie and prosecute them over the truth.”
-Dol O'Mite | Oconomowoc | August 12, 2010
Letter on: Hope: alive
“One suggestion for you Ed.
I love Bob Fest. I love the speakers there every year. I'm particularly excited about Jesse Jackson and Tom Geoghegan this year. But has there ever been someone on the stage speaking younger than Baby Boomer age?
One reason that young people, who strongly view collective action as the way to create positive social change, often don't see the democratic political process for them (us) is that we don't see room for ourselves. Boomers aren't exiting the stage, gracefully even at that.
Let's get some younger political leaders, organizers and activists on the stage at Bob Fest. If you build it, they (we) will come.
And let's get some younger folks on-stage at Bob Fest and in the democratic process at large. Those with the ability have the responsibility to help make it happen.
Peter, a 28 year old committed to political action.”
-Peter | Madison, WI | August 12, 2010
Letter on: Confused? Join the Group!
“"These fronts, organized and paid for by millionaires, billionaires, church groups, and ideologues, ..."
Good thing you're not an ideologue, Ed. Post this sign at BobFest: "No ideologues beyond this point."”
-David Blaska | Madison, Wisconsin | August 12, 2010
Letter on: All for none
“Dave Zweifel is so right! I recall my father's support of unions and my husband's work for his union (he was an officer for awhile) and it really pains me to see unions so villified in our country! Citizens need to be reminded again and again about the important issues for which unions fought through the years (and for which some union members died) -- we have developed a society that scorns the working person, and wages have plummeted accordingly.”
-Marliss Rogers | Port Washington, Wisconsin | August 12, 2010
Letter on: Climate change? C'mon!
“My gang of environmental cohorts will be bicycling the 90 miles from Stevens Point to Bobfest. We are excited to be consuming no oil and using our trip to Baraboo as a shakedown cruise for the coming Spring bicycling trip the the Gulf Coast where we intend to spend weeks helping in environmental cleanup and reclamation of the lives of those most severely hurt by BP's Care-less and greedy pursuit of profit.
At age 65 I an convinced that the change I want to see in the world begins with the change I make in my own life.
I'm Pumped! So will be my tires of course. See ya'll in Baraboo!”
-Jim Limbach | Stevens Point Wisconsin | August 12, 2010
Letter on: The emperors' new disclosure
“Our democratic republic will only work if the people have free access to information regarding decision making. All such information is critical to the health of our experiment in representative government.
O.K. I am not so eloquent as Thomas Jefferson. He even needed a little editing help from Ben Franklin to spiff up the Declaration of Independence. What I mean is that anyone disagreeing with free access to election info ..... leave me out of it. Take it up with Tom Jefferson. Sure he has been assumed to have died centuries ago but recent reports of the movement in his crypt due to turning over in his grave should be further investigated.”
-Jim Limbach | Stevens Point Wisconsin | August 12, 2010
Letter on: Climate change? C'mon!
“You're right. Climate change (climate chaos) will supersede politics not just here but everywhere. I am tired of saying the obvious to people, papers, websites, etc. but the fact is without a visionary change and paradigm shift moving us to renewable energies and getting off our addiction to fossil fuels we will be lost in dealing with disasters. Of course we fight the most powerful lobbying/political block in existence. So we're into to it.
A little further note concerning fightingbob, the fest, and progressives in general. While I realize that money is the grease that makes everything move in this country, remember that some of your most ardent supporters are living below the poverty level and fighting hard just to survive...so remember that when you ask people to "bring their checkbooks." I have not been able to afford the fest's "donation" the last two times I attended. I wish I could, but even the gas to get there is tough. So those who can, give. And remember your brothers and sisters who can't give with compassion at the fest gates and at whatever meetings you sponsor.
And while I'm writing let me throw one additional thought into this soup of a response. I have been thinking hard about fightingbob, progressives and the whole political scene. I was discouraged when in a far earlier post you spoke of a meeting up north where no one could reach consensus on what "progressive" means.
The progressive cause needs to become more than a festival and website and newspaper articles. We are only going to become a effective political force when we become a Movement, down in the streets, out in the countryside and within the mind-scape of the people. For that to happen we need some sort of loose consensus as to what "progressive" means and what philosophy guides our cause(s). Then we need to ORGANIZE and start making noise that has substance. Chaos is the predominant feature of politics these days (as well as the weather) and somehow we need to fight our way out of that bag and become coherent.”
-John Davey | Kendall, WI | August 11, 2010
Letter on: Welcome to the cattle call
“Quite the contrary.
The Obama Administration has a pretty definitive, set plan for public education. It is an approach that prioritizes alleged market mechanisms to shape policy outcomes. It is an insidious doctrine that seeks to marketize all relationships in education. The education agenda for the Obama Administration is not about throwing things against a wall to see what sticks, but instead about advancing a very particular approach that is neither "public" nor about "education."”
-Peter | Madison, WI | August 11, 2010
Letter on: Welcome to the cattle call
“Still looking for an educational solution to a class problem. It's a matter of failed communities, neighborhoods and families as much as a matter of failed schools.
Yes - we should always be striving to improve the quality of education for every American. No debate there. But.
I don't care how much cash we dump into the system, not everybody in this generation is going to be an engineer or a biochemist.
Protect American industries anough to bring some level of manufacturing back into this country and provide real jobs for the working class again.
With jobs come hope. With hope will come stability in families, neighborhoods and communities - the sort of stability that can support real education and human development.”
-Jeff | Madison | August 10, 2010
Letter on: Welcome to the cattle call
“If Arne Duncan is so smart why do not the Chicago schools lead the nation in something besides the drop out rate? As a leader of people he is a failure. Not that I could do better but I do not try to convey the image of superiority as does he.
If education is as important as to him and his boss let us fund education at the level we do war.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 10, 2010
Letter on: Welcome to the cattle call
“Charter schools are another version of vouchers, a move to class stratify public education. Recently I saw an interview with the head of the Chicago teachers union. She reported that charter schools recieve the per pupil public tuition cost but if a child is dropped from the school the charter keeps the tuition! If a child moves from a regular school to a charter, the tuition follows the student. Charters are also involved in various fund raising schemes not available to regular schools including contributions from parents.
While you mention Thompson's announcement, anyone with any memory recalls that the point men for vouchers were Mayor John Norquist, who publicly refered to himself as a socialist, and the "progressive" Howard Fuller, with "studies" funded by the ultra conservative Bradly Foundation.
It took the election of Bill Clinton in 1992 to kill off the move to single payer healthcare and enact NAFTA, which George I and the Republicans couldn't pass. For 20 years we have been successful in holding off the conservatives' attempts to dismantle our public schools, the great social leveler that made our country a democracy. We need to look past the political labels politicians place on themselves and look squarely at the policies they promote.”
-dd | Hudson, Wi | August 10, 2010
Letter on: Welcome to the cattle call
“We need a list or priorities in this country so we know how and where to invest in our future.
Right now the priority seems to be war and weapons. I think in recent decades, there should be proof enough that warfare settles nothing and we already possess more than enough weapons to wipe out the entire galaxy.
Education and teachers ought to be pretty near the top of the list. Then there are other social programs which will make us more secure and hopeful about tomorrow. We also have a failing infrastructure of 20th century technology and 19th century ambitions.
Unfortunately there are still those who like to run campaigns and win elections based on fear. Then there are those who vote thinking tax breaks for the wealthy means no taxes for the rest of us, that every woman who wears a burka is hiding a vest of explosives and every immigrant from Mexico is out to get our women and jobs.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton | August 10, 2010
Letter on: Summer wind
“I concur but let's not pity the Canucks for in Canada one can fish and actually catch fish.
On the other hand, a day on water is better than no day at all.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton | August 10, 2010
Letter on: Send Ryan to Denver
“The two commentors above nailed it on Paul Ryan - - he's an empty suit, a pretty-boy who's the male equivalent of the stereotypical blonde and should be on "The Days of Our Lives" instead of the House of Representatives. His ideas are just the same old crap that we've been hearing the last 30 odd years from the right-wing/'conservative'/libertarians, which has been the major factor in bringing us to this economic decline (with a vanishing middle-class and a 'jobless recovery' looming) and monstrous military swaggering around the world. Unfortunately, not enough people are paying serious attention and/or they are getting their 'news' from the MSM who have long been cowed into presenting the destructive ideas of the right as a viable alternative. I fear that things are going to have to get a lot worse before mainstream America finally abandons these hucksters and their discredited ideas....”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | August 8, 2010
Letter on: Send Ryan to Denver
“The Dummycrats outa give Krugman a contract with royalties. He just gave the left the greatest bumper sticker to come down the pike in ages! I'm gonna have a bunch made and take 'em down to my local Dummycrat headquarters.
Republicans- The Audacity of Dopes!
Man, it don't get no better than that!”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | Egg Harbor, Wi. | August 7, 2010
Letter on: Send Ryan to Denver
“What is Ryan other than an ambitious young man making an easy Republican career by saying what he hears his superiors saying and making up new phrases to keep doing the same thing, sequestering money for the rich? The kind of loudmouth who got punched on the playground for saying, who wants to be my friend?
Pay me and I'll talk like you want. Immature, transparent, amoral careerism.”
-bruce powell | antigo wi | August 7, 2010
Letter on: Send Ryan to Denver
“You let Paul Ryan off too easily, Ed.
Ryan exposed what a scam artist he is -- not to mention the fallacy of the "conservative intellectual." Set aside any points about his policy proposals, horrible as they are. He just simply doesn't have the intellectual firepower to be taken seriously.
In recent interviews he has made plain, clear statements about macroeconomics that are simply demonstrably false. Not just statements pulling from the Ayn Rand, Milton Friedman world of Crazytalk where there are a handful of economists that say the same thing, but instead, statements that are directly contradicted by all empirical evidence and economic study. Paul Ryan doesn't have the intellectual chops to drill down into the finer points of economic and fiscal policy making. More to the point, he doesn't grap the big picture of it enough to be a credible voice, even a voice for the lunatic fringe.
He's a snake oil salesman. He, like other conservatives posing as "intellectuals" with "ideas," is about symbolic politics, the kind where a crafted image and style trump any substance.
Paul Ryan is dangerous. His "ideas" are mullarkey -- and they're hostile to the very day-to-day existence of working folks. But he's apparently charmed enough D.C. Beltway soft political media types to get fawning coverage that proclaims him a future GOP leader with "ideas."
I just hope that is Social Security and Medicare slash-and-privatize scheme that further enriches finance and insurance corporations off the tax dollars of working families gets the full hearing it deserves -- the one where we can all laugh him back to explain to the Janesvilles, Racines and Kenoshas of the state (which are in his district) how his policy proposals do anything to cure what ails the economic devastation for working families there.
Then again, a fawning and corporatist media might just give his plan the boost it needs to become "mainstream" and tear apart the most successful endeavor in American governmental history: our only (meager) attempt at social insurance.”
-Peter Rickman | Madison, WI | August 6, 2010
Letter on: Winning for losing
“Obama and the Democrats were given the power to govern by the voters in the last election, but they lack the courage to lead. The fact that the Republicans can have a publicly stated agenda to oppose every Obama initiative, without regard to consequences, just magnifies the majority party's glaring leadership gap. Instead of taking over the Federal Reserve and our printing presses, he replaced all the chickens in the coop so they could be stolen again, and then, hired all the chicken thieves to work in his administration. Instead of less troops and less money for Iraq and Afghanistan, he increased both. Instead of limiting Israel's stranglehold on our foreign policy, he increased support of their illegal occupation and genocidal policies against the Palestinian nation. Instead of union check off and trade and tariff reform, we get actions that reinforce the corporate colonization of nations with the aid of our military and international banksters, using our dollars to enslave entire nations. Instead of securing our borders against an invasion by people who want the privilege of citizenship, without the responsibility of obtaining it legally, he turns his head to sanctuary movements and does nothing to fulfill his constitutional responsibilities Under Article IV, Section 4, of the Constitution. Instead of taking action to repay the $2.6 Trillion dollars that has been stolen from the Social Security Trust Fund, he sets up a non-elected "commission" to cut the benefits the fund pays in an attempt to sidestep the responsibility for cheating every American who has paid a dime into it. He says he can only do what the people tell him to do, while we elected him to tell the people what needs to be done, and take the action needed to get it done. We wanted health reform with a public option to force insurance companies to compete and we got an insurance monopoly with a guaranteed captive market, where the only competition will be to see who can gouge the sick and injured the most, and establish the biggest profit margin. We did not elect a coalition government. We gave Obama and the Democrats a working majority. Apparently they don't know how to "work" it against powerful banking and corporate interest. It appears they are no less vulnerable to the monied special interest groups, than the Republicans. The only difference between them, being, the side of the aisle, that they sit on.”
-ponomomke | Milwaukee Wisconsin | August 3, 2010
Letter on: They never sleep
“Ed:
If you took the time to read GAB 1.28 you may realize the threat that it is for all of us - One Wisconsin Now and Fighting Bob - who operate on the Internet and communicate with the general public on public officials and public policy. Any such commentary during the 30/60 days before an election - even on our websites - would be considered to be an independent expenditure and regulated by the GAB as such.
The last time I checked, 501(c)(3)s like Fighting Bob cannot make independent expenditures.
So unless OWN (and the first amendment) are successful, you better not cross the GAB line or your non-profit tax status could be revoked. And under this expansive GAB rule, you would likely be forced to take down any posts you've ever done that mention a candidate for office 60 days before that candidate is next going to be on the ballot.
One Wisconsin Now has talked about a range of critical progressive issues since our inception. Elected officials have no right to a monopoly on the public discourse whether it's now or within 60 days of an election.
I urge you to read the GAB rule and explain how "any communication" does not include press releases, blogs, emails or the like. One Wisconsin Now has never advocated for the election or defeat of a candidate. We focus on issues and we talk about people who support those issue and who oppose them.
No citizen or organization should be stopped from speaking just because of the time of year. A robust public debate demands nothing less.
GAB's onerous reporting requirements are absolutely a form of prior restraint as it would cause groups to curtail their press releases, email communications and web communications simply to avoid the unelected-GAB's rules.
Again, One Wisconsin Now doesn't do issue ads, but you tell me, with six corporations owning all of our media -- how other than paying to air ads, can a progressive get their unfettered message on television?
Is it not possible that GAB is wrong on this?”
-scot @ OWN | Madison, WI | August 3, 2010
Letter on: They never sleep
“Our current elected officials continue to voice concern over job loses and yet fail to ever point the finger and name the corporations which have moved jobs off shore.
Recently I was informed that the supposed great American icon Harley-Davidson is now threatening workers with a move off-shore.
Maybe it is time to out-source government services. On second thought I believe we already have since our current elected officials appear to not have a clue as to how to address the current malaise of the people.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 3, 2010
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