June 2009
FightingBob.com readers talk back
Letter on: Tuneless trumpet
“Clarence Earl Gideon wrote his petition in pencil. Fortunately, the time and circumstances served to give him relief. The sad thing is that, had his petition been filed today, it would have been ignored (or been utilized to uphold a disturbing precedent).
We continue to struggle against a vision that see people as serfs, whose sole purpose in live are to be controlled and exploited. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court serves that disturbing vision.
As of tomorrow, I will have 25 years as a public defender in the State of Colorado. We are fortunate to be fairly compensated and to work with an awesome group of attorneys, investigators, and administrative assistants to fight for our clients' freedom.
We still have to deal with power-hungry prosecutors and politicians but feel we are still up to the task "that justice escape none." (our state slogan)
All states need a systematic way to fairly compensate attorneys who defend indigent people. Additionally, we need to expand the system to defend people in civil actions as well (Legal Services was decimated during the Reagan/Bush/Clinton years).
To defenders everywhere: keep fighting the good fight! Take care and peace.
"this darkness got to give" Garcia/Hunter”
-Jeri Shepherd | Greeley, CO | June 30, 2009
Letter on: A crisis and an opportunity
“Bill and Joe,
Thanks for the enlightened thinking. I fear that Joe is correct about not having the courage to enact these ideas in great part because of turf fights. Likewise school consolidations, which from the standpoint just of being able to offer more courses makes good sense.”
-Kim Tschudy | New Glarus, WI | June 29, 2009
Letter on: A crisis and an opportunity
“Hey Bill:
Great comments. No one has the courage to do them, but you have hit the nail on the head.
I have never been able to understand why the state pays the lions share of costs for local schools and then allows 426 separate entities run them.
Base expansion of the sales tax is the proper way to pay for these things. We actually exempt more from the sales tax than we tax.
Also: Why do we have over 1,800 local units of government? Redundancy is usually not something that equals efficiency.
Thanks for the good work.”
-Joe Wineke | Verona, WI | June 29, 2009
Letter on: How many unemployed?
“How many unemployed?
Perhaps the question ought to be "how many are earning a livable wage?"
If the worker does not earn enough to pay the bills with something left over to enjoy life, why work? No pay, no incentive.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | June 28, 2009
Letter on: OK, but what about single-payer?
“I was dumbfounded when I got the newsletter and the one of the highlighted items was on the costs of text messaging. The world is in chaos, the economy in shambles and this is the news from Senator Kohl?”
-Greg Milward | Madison, WI | June 27, 2009
Letter on: The case against the case for war
“The investigation of members of the Bush Cheney administration must proceed without any qualms. America went to war on the basis of lies, anything other than a fully truth seeking investigation will only further lower our standing in the eyes of the world. When president Obama declined to release photos of the misstreatment of detainees because of the potential threat to our service men and women he to became a threat to our constitution. America, the country who is willing to sacrifice the lives of our citizens for a lie, but not for the truth.”
-Zibegnew | Oconomowoc, WI | June 25, 2009
Letter on: About time I say!
“I did not read this before I sent my note about the 50% increase in salaries. Should have known you had it covered.”
-Kathleen Hart | Greendale, WI | June 25, 2009
Letter on: About time I say!
“And today they are going to raise salaries up to 50% for some to compensate for the loss of bonuses which is required by law now if they got stimulus money. Whoa Nelly.”
-Kathleen Hart | Greendale, WI | June 25, 2009
Letter on: Sharing the vain
“Dustin, I would be able to help stimulate the economy if I had l/2 of the salary of the judges. You may be right in your arguments to have them not give up raises but I think we have to rise above money being the only reason to want to serve the public good. Is there anyone out there that still believes that public service should be done for altruistic reasons with enough money to live rather than enough money to buy another boat?”
-Kathleen Hart | Greendale, WI | June 25, 2009
Letter on: Green Bay Democrats
“I would like to echo the sentiments of Lex about running for office. The current majority of Democrats in the legislature as well as a Democratic governor mean nothing if they do not have the best interests of the general citizenry in mind. We need to move away from the politics of the last two or three decades dominated by legalized bribery, jailed party leaders and both parties playing politics like it was a childish game. We need to return to elected officials that are public servants above everything else, not owned by special interest groups. We need a new kind of majority in the legislature that doesn't have to ask their campaign contributors or their party leaders how to vote.
The Democratic party is in danger of doing exactly what the Republican party did over the past eight or ten years, spend so much time being full of themselves that they loose touch with the ordinary citizen. I hope the new leader of the state Democratic party, his name escapes me, has enough vision to see that they must continue to engage the citizenry. Not just during the campaign season but constantly. This cannot continue to be merely photo-ops. and "listening sessions". A media campaign asking for new faces and fresh ideas to fill Wisconsin's elected offices must begin immediately.
A few years back I attempted to run for the state senate. I contacted the state Democratic Party several times to ask for help in filing papers, providing contact information and organizing fundraising. I even sent a personal email to Ed Garvey asking advice. I never received a reply from anyone. I presume that it was because I was attempting to run against a strong Republican incumbent and the party didn't want to waste time or money. That attitude must also change. Providing assistance to anyone and everyone who wishes to run for public office will show the citizens of the state that the Democratic party is interested in having the state run by public servants rather than professional politicians preparing for a future career as lobbyists.”
-Rick Melcher | Greendale, WI | June 25, 2009
Letter on: Uniquely American
“Absolutely, we must have single payer health care. It is the only fair way. I am a Senior and am willing to pay taxes to get the job done.
If Congress does not pass single payer they will reap their unrewards by defeat in the next two elections. We are smarter than you think we are and are tired of being second best to Wall Street, Big Insurance, and yes all of the Legislators who have excellent health care that we pay for.
A senior taxpayer!!!”
-Tiki Einum | Menomonie, WI | June 25, 2009
Letter on: International affairs
“There's a phrase attributed to the SC governor: "moral legitimacy".
Where do these people come up with this mumbo-jumbo?
These folks lean so far to the right that they spend most of their lives horizontally whether it be in Argentina or some back alley brothel back home.
Let's make sex a national pasttime like baseball, then the only scandals would be steroid use. Perhaps then those who govern could concentrate more fully on doing what they are elected to do.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Stoughton, WI | June 25, 2009
Letter on: Green Bay Democrats
“Not a letter but a suggestion: Set up a "Buy 'em a Spine" fundraiser to buy a Russ Feingold T-shirt for every Democrat in the Wisconsin legislature. I'll contribute the first 10 bucks.
And don't skimp by buying from China, or T-shirts made of paper (like paper tigers), or tear-aways (can't run from our grasp), or "one size fits all" [buy no extra small (spine), buy only XXL (spine)].
Toss in a packet of starch, too.”
-Benedict J. Di Salvo | Waunakee, WI | June 24, 2009
Letter on: OK, but what about single-payer?
“What about single pay for attorney's? All attorney fees would be set by the government, and no attorney could opt out. But this would never happen because attorney's are the ones who bank roll the democratic party.”
-Joe Williams | Elkhorn, WI | June 23, 2009
Letter on: OK, but what about single-payer?
“Really appreciate your comments today. I think the same, so far Herb Kohl's e-mail does not go out on a limb for anything or against anything. Where is the leadership we need?”
-Cheryl Congdon | Horicon, WI | June 23, 2009
Letter on: Uniquely American
“Great article, Steve! And right on target.
But I think I know what the president is referring to: it's sort of accepted political truth that a new administration needs to push as much of its agenda through as quickly as possible - before the next campaign starts. And the next campaign starts in a couple of months.
Members of congress are not generally known for the courage of their convictions, and, when they are in campaign mode, beefing up for the next run to keep their creamy jobs, it's even less. I agree with you and most of the American people that we need to get health care reform, and we need to push for as much of the single-payer system as we can get. Agreed...
But if the administration waits until let's say late in the year or even next year, it won't happen. By then, the congress will be in campaign mode and unable or unwilling to go out on any fragile limbs. Big pharma and the insurance fatcats will be dispensing funds to members who play ball, and the others will panic.
So, I know what you're saying, and I kind of agree with you, but I think that health care reform has to happen soon or it won't happen at all. Sorry. I can't tell you how sorry I am...”
-John Smart | Park Falls, WI | June 22, 2009
Letter on: More tepid--more tepid!
“Ed, the president did not duck the question about a single-payer system in his town meeting in Green Bay, as I wrote in my article about that exciting event. You may not have approved of his answer, but he didn't duck it.
I believe that he still wants universal coverage, and I think he has determined that this is the best way to accomplish that - step by step.
I'm reminded of something I heard Dave Obey say a long time ago to the effect that he was not my own, personal congressman. He also represented other people.
This president is certainly the best opportunity we've had in a very long time to make important changes in this nation, and it's important to remain constructive.”
-John Smart | Park Falls, WI | June 18, 2009
Letter on: Making the paper
“At first, I thought you might be joking. I am not laughing now. Let me guess-you think, NPR is fair and balanced? Tell me which of their hosts is either conservative or libertarian?
Oh to be sure they occasionally have a token conservative or libertarian on, but the preponderance is with the worshippers of Big GoverNMEnt, which is far scarier than any of the other "Bigs" that the left fears. In fact, without government complicity, Big Oil, Big Pharma and others would neither be so big nor so scary.”
-Ken Van Doren | Mauston, WI | June 18, 2009
Letter on: Making the paper
“Newspapers functioned best when they were truly unbiased voices, telling the messy, unpleasant truth regardless of who was embarrassed or exposed in the process.
What we have today in the mainstream media, both print and broadcast, doesn't even attempt to present an unbiased face. A stunning example of this is the upcoming Obamacare Extravaganza scheduled for next week on ABC. They do not plan to offer any dissenting views or opinions, and will not accept any opposition advertising during this all-evening infomercial for the conscription of the health care industry into the federal government.
Is this unbiased reporting? If you think so, I would be interested to hear your views.
PBS? NPR? Not exactly the most balanced voices in journalism. Do we really need another federally-funded source for the Liberal point of view to be rammed down our throats?
If you think the New York Times, which once truly was the "Paper of Record", is a bastion of journalistic integrity, again, I would be thrilled to hear your justifications. How many times do they need to be caught with their journalistic pants down, with plagiarized copy, with stories with no fact-checking in evidence running on page A1, with the constant and obvious political bias on display, for everyone to accept that they are NOT in any way, shape or form, journalists, but are rather commentators.
I have no problem with commentators. I read and listen to them all the time. The difference is, I know they are commentators, and I am not listening to them or reading them as a source of FACTS, necessarily. I am listening to something that I KNOW is their OPINION.
That is the difference between journalists and commentators. Facts and opinion.
Personally, I feel no pressing need to spend more public money to prop up a failed business model - that is, a politically biased, ethically challenged, self-important, arrogant print media. If they cannot survive in their current form, they need to change or disappear. Other media outlets (which one would hope would learn from the failures of their predecessors) that will provide a product or service that the public wants.
That is the difference. If the product is desired by the marketplace, the producer of that product will survive and thrive.
Do the terms "State-run media" strike fear into anyone's hearts any more? They do mine. America for years heaped disdain on any story in Pravda, because we knew that it was just a propaganda tool for the Soviet government. What sort of credibility would a government-funded New York Times have (not that they have much now)?
Of course, these are just my opinions. I could be wrong (H/T Dennis Miller)”
-Steve | Kewaunee, WI | June 18, 2009
Letter on: Green Bay Democrats
“Run for Congress, Senate, School Board, Judge, Town Board, Mayor or any other elected position in your region. Run as a democrat or a republican. Give the people another choice on election day. Take back our government and offer your own spine to hold up the concepts of liberty and social justice. Only a massive turnover in the existing governing body can shake loose the special interest strangle-hold on our national interests.”
-Lex Tinker-Sackett | Eau Claire, WI | June 17, 2009
Letter on: Green Bay Democrats
“Those of us who worked the event as volunteers noticed that the Health Industry successfully hijacked the Obama Health Care Town Hall meeting in Green Bay. Early on the car park filled with high end SUVs as sharp suited local hospital executives (male and female) were given time off work to attend and had gotten priority tickets.
Seated at the front they asked three of the four health care questions (the fifth question was on education). The three executives were Chris Woleske, Bellin Health Executive Vice President and Corporate Counsel, John Corpus – Senior Account Executive at Bellin Health, and Jean Marsch – head of Human Resources at St. Vincent Hospital.”
-John | Green Bay, WI | June 17, 2009
Letter on: Linda Farley & Gene
“Ed, you said it very well in describing Linda and Gene Farley. Linda and Gene are two of the best spokespersons for single payer health care that we could ever wish for. Tragically, Linda passed away before seeing her dream come true.”
-Kim Tschudy | New Glarus, WI | June 16, 2009
Letter on: Have we become Illinois?
“Greg Palast wrote a book in 2002 called The Best Democracy Money Can Buy. Who wrote first, Palast or Stern?”
-Reasonable Citizen | Chetek, WI | June 16, 2009
Letter on: Have we become Illinois?
“This is about your article addressing the need to save the newspapers from going the way of the dinosaurs. I am not panicked yet, because most newspapers have an online version that is quickly becoming more read than their print version. The trick will be finding a way to support the research and writers -- wait! Can't ads be sold online just as easily if not easier than ads in print? Maybe all those trees can be spared without sacrificing democracy.”
-Julie Fitzpatrick | Madison, WI | June 16, 2009
Letter on: Paying the price
“While I agree that taxation is necessary, it has gotten completely out of control, and the federal government has gone beyond the bounds of its Constitutionally-granted powers.
I can't speak for anyone else, but personally, after all is said, done and withheld, between 40 and 45% of my gross income never made it to me.
How much is enough? You propose MORE taxes? HIGHER taxes? For what?
Think back to your American History classes. Remember the Boston Tea Party? What was that about? Taxation without representation, right? Do you recall the tax rate that the evil King of England had imposed on their tea, the rate that was so egregious as to push the colonists into open civil revolt?
3 percent.
Now, we think a reduction from 28 percent to 25 percent is just great! Thanks, Federal Government! That was really wonderful!
What us "right-wingers" (nice use of pejorative language, there) believe is that the discussion does NOT have to be about what taxes need to be raised, or on whom do taxes need to be raised, but rather on what programs are unnecessary; what programs are duplications of other programs and can be eliminated entirely.
You start from the assumption that everything the government does is correct, necessary and cannot be improved-upon.
Fine, let us have an open and honest discussion about taxation. If, however, you eliminate reduction in government spending and programs, you are no longer having an "open and honest" discussion.
Be intellectually honest, at least.
Consider this: if you think the People of the United States know, understand and fully accept how much they really pay in taxes, propose the repeal of the regulations requiring withholding of payroll, FICO and Medicare taxes. Make the American public pay those taxes directly.
THEN see how large the "Tea Party" gatherings are!”
-Steve | Kewaunee, WI | June 15, 2009
Letter on: Linda Farley & Gene
“I can't remember where or when I first met Linda and Gene but I made sure to keep their card. When I was a Democratic County Chair I invited them to speak at a meeting. They came all the way to Sturgeon Bay to speak to about 30 people.
Linda and Gene did so much in this regard which really makes me wonder where the Dems etc. were when Obama came to Green Bay. Funny how the right wingers who rave against "socialism" can always make it out there and get press but not those for single payer. Given that Obama is essentially against single payer it kind of makes you wonder how much the so-called left is really ready to stand for anything. If you want single payer you are going to have to make Obama et. al. go for it. Are you folks so desperate to have a Dem, any Dem, in the White House that you will settle for the balony being put out by the centrists?
Linda wouldn't say it, she was too gentle. I will. Shame on you, you are gutless.”
-Greibnotz Dorkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI | June 15, 2009
Letter on: Paying the price
“Overall, there is enough tax revenue for all levels of government to function properly. What needs to be discussed is how to spend the funds wisely.”
-Mark Kochanski | Fitchburg, WI | June 13, 2009
Letter on: Conserving Coulee Country
“Let's consider the Seldom Seen Farm story in another light.
Ben Logan has been used as a pawn in promoting Working Lands Initiative (WLI) agenda items like Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements (PACE). PACE didn't make sense when land prices were inflated and it doesn't make sense now that land prices are falling.
Quaint ”
-Linda Zillmer | Birchwood, WI | June 13, 2009
Letter on: Great news for Great Lakes
“Congratulations, Ed Garvey. I see you haven't lost your gift for righteous indignation. Heavens knows this world needs that, especially from liberals. When and how did we lose our courage?”
-Arvonne Fraser | Minneapolis, MN | June 12, 2009
Letter on: Good morning Wisconsin!
“I wish to add my own remembrance of Dr. Linda. I met the Farleys years ago, and they said that they would be happy to journey up to Price County to speak to our citizens - which they did. They brought their camper and stayed overnight in Hines Park on the Flambeau River in Park Falls.
We had a small turn-out for their program at the Public Library, and when I apologized, Linda and Gene said that didn't matter if the ones who showed up were serious - and they were. I think it was the first time that these problems were brought home to people up here.
A couple of years later, we had a forum on healthcare reform at our county fairgrounds, with Linda & Gene, David Newby and other speakers as well. The issue is definitely "on the map" in the northwoods now.
Our sincere condolences go out to Dr. Gene and the Farley family. Their loss is our loss too.”
-John Smart | Park Falls, WI | June 10, 2009
Letter on: Spare our schools
“Here is a copy of an e-mail I sent to my representative, Mark Pocan
Mark,
I am writing because I am so very disappointed that even more cuts will be on the backs of teachers. I became a teacher in 1993, the first year of revenue caps and the QEO. I thought that once the democrats finally had control of all parts of state government and the Governor's office we would finally see a change and the "War on Teachers" would finally be over. It is not over, it just has new generals. I know that you are hoping to maintain our majority, but you need to realize that it is on the backs of the teachers and children of the state of Wisconsin. I remember signing your nomination papers in front of Jennifer Street Market. I remember meeting with you at an MTI meeting on state funding reform last summer. I remember seeing you earlier this year at the South Central Federation of Labor.
Raise taxes to pay for services. Do the 1% sales tax, I heard you on WPR boasting that you have not raised taxes, and so proud that you have cut funding to schools. I wanted to throw up. You sounding like you should be representing Whitefish Bay, not Madison.
We can't take any more cuts.
Can you tell me what would be the difference for our schools if State Government was run by Republicans? The cuts would be even deeper? 300 Million is already very deep. That is on top of all of the horrible cuts that I see every day happening to the children I teach over the last 16 years.
If you can explain this to me I would really appreciate it.”
-Troy Dassler | Madison, WI | June 9, 2009
Letter on: Coming together for single payer
“The only healthcare reform that is coming down the pike will be the attempt to drive down wages in that industry just as wages were driven down by NAFTA/Clinton/Bush/Republicans and Obama in other industries.
Who needs a stinking middle class? Certainly not the Republicans and Corporate America.
Mark my words, the only change in status quo will be less healthcare coverage at a higher cost.”
-Ralph | Marathon City, WI | June 9, 2009
Letter on: Conserving Coulee Country
“Let's consider the Seldom Seen Farm story in another light.
Ben Logan has been used as a pawn in promoting Working Lands Initiative (WLI) agenda items like Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements (PACE). PACE didn't make sense when land prices were inflated and it doesn't make sense now that land prices are falling.
Quaint ”
-Linda Zillmer | Birchwood, WI | June 9, 2009
Letter on: Throw away the key!
“You are giving Walker way too much credit. He is a politician in the Republican Party. Every issue must be used to his benefit and to the detriment of his opponent, Jim Doyle. A crime scare, he is hoping, will accomplish that. It worked in the 90's (when Doyle was attorney general) and he and other Wisconsin Republicans are banking on it to work again. It's really not more complicated than that.”
-The Sconz | Madison, WI | June 7, 2009
Letter on: On to Baraboo!
“Interesting to note.
Gov. Doyle is having his own hospitality room this year at the Dem. convention, not together with Lt. Gov.Lawton. He must believe that he does not need her any more to win re-election. He reneged on his promise to pass campaign finance reform that's why the money keeps rolling in to his campaign.
Its time for Barb Lawton to take up the fight for campaign finance reform and its time for her to run for Governor. She is good at winning primary elections against the powerful.
All in favor say AYE!!!!”
-Joe Gruber | Campbellsport, WI | June 7, 2009
Letter on: On to Baraboo!
“I'm going to the convention, Ed, and will be pleased to write up a report. Hopefully others will as well, so FB followers will get a cross-section of impressions.”
-John Smart | Park Falls, WI | June 7, 2009
Letter on: What's wrong with this picture?
“I find it interesting that large city mayors such as Daley in Chicago are so arrogant as to truly believe that the solution to improving the schools can only be accomplished with themselves as CEO, even as they exhibit questionable wisdom when selling public assets as a means to financial security for their cities. The logical conclusion is to combine the two philosophies and privatize the public schools, for profit.
The most recent economic chaos points out how bright the private sector financial wizards really are when exposed to public examination. Smoke and mirrors financial dealings resolved at taxpayer expense.
An interesting article regarding school funding from Dorie Turner writing for AP June 4, 2009. ”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, IL | June 5, 2009
Letter on: Running on empty
“It frightens me how the goal of the corporate right wing to cut off funding to public services, so they fail, in order to show why we must privatize everything, coincides with the campaign professionals' dogma on never raising taxes.
It is also alarming how many working people of lower incomes I have talked to through the years, who blame taxes on their financial struggles, INSTEAD of low wages, and lack of unions to protect them.
Thanks for the interesting article Dustin!”
-Danish | Mauston, WI | June 3, 2009
Letter on: Taser money
“Ah yes, welcome to the "Copification" of Amerika.
I don't know about you but I don't really trust people who get off on wearing a uniform and a gun for work clothes. Something is a bit off there to my way of thinking.
Ever notice how "cop-speak" has infiltrated the language?
Face it, we are a bunch of fearful nitwits who want somebody, anybody, to make things safe. When that is the way you think you get "Officer Friendly" in the schools etc. Get a grip.
I am sure that areas of Milwaukee need better policing but I am also sure that many of the social dysfunctions are caused by slum landlords, lack of jobs, institutional racism, a poor attitude towards eduction on the part of these minorities, and a pathetic social and family structure caused by decades of welfare assistance that cut fathers out of the loop.
Cops are the tail wagging the dog here.”
-Griebnotz Dorkpfester | Egg Harbor, WI | June 2, 2009
Letter on: Throw away the key!
“Scott Walker running for Wisconsin Governor is the best news I've heard since Jim Doyle took office!”
-Julie | West Allis, WI | June 1, 2009
Letter on: Incongruities and incongruities
“Not sure about Republicans, but my response would be thus:
I oppose "campaign finance reforms" because they tend to limit speech, and therefore freedom, and the vast majority of reforms favor incumbents.
Moreover, until the electorate is smart enough and/or educated enough to vote out of office the corrupt representatives we have there now, the situation will stay pretty much the same. Just how has "McCain-Feingold" improved things, for example. NOT AT ALL!!”
-Ken Van Doren | Mauston, WI | June 1, 2009
Letter on: Incongruities and incongruities
“You are right, money is the root of all evil. Maybe that is why they took "In God We Trust" off of the new dollar coin. You know "Render onto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's". Then why do democrats love dirty money along with republicans who are the ones who mostly trust in God?
The only thing they seem to know is you can not buy love with dirty money but you can buy politicians.”
-Joe Gruber | Campbellsport, WI | June 1, 2009
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