July 2011
FightingBob.com readers talk back
Letter on: The People vs. Halliburton
“I still have a t-shirt in my dresser which expressed the sentiment "anybody but Bush," how naive I was to expect a change. Obama is worse than Bush since now those that voted for him must defend him and his actions regarding continuation and expansion of war after so vociferously denouncing Bush and Cheney.
I cannot defend him and the spineless Democrats who continue to support his wars with the statement that it could have been worse had we elected his opponent. It is all too apparent that neither party will challenge their investors, since they control the elections with their dollars.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | July 31, 2011
Letter on: Feeling kind of stupid?
“There are at least three apparent problems that I see. One lobbyists and the money they put into the election. Two Republicans and the Tea Party nuts who refuse let facts get in the way of their opinions. Three reliance on the same old "experts" who advise both sides that come from the same old Universities and Corporations. We need fresh thinking.”
-WisconsinLiberal | Fox Valley, WI | July 31, 2011
Letter on: Feeling kind of stupid?
“Are we placing too much responsibility and too many expectations on our elected officials? How many are truly qualified or have expertise in most areas of government? How many are economists? How many understand banking? I would suggest that none, if any, are truly in positions to make rational decisions about the nation's economy. They all depend on outside advice from experts of dubious backgrounds and qualifications.
Our legislators do not have all the answers. In fact, they probably have very few answers. Yet we entrust them with out lives and future. Very few have ever had an original idea. There are think tanks and people with money to do the thinking for those we have elected.
Are we the dumb ones or are they?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 31, 2011
Letter on: The People vs. Halliburton
“How do you convince an unresponsive elected official to end war and bring all our troops home? How do you convince the warmongers that the US does not need bases scattered throughout the world? The thirst for profits supersedes reason and what is the correct thing to do.
I have written many anti-war requests to elected officials. In return, I receive canned responses or none at all. The canned ones are the expected ones: the US needs to be secure, the US needs to counter anything that threatens our interests and goals. Why don't they simply write that US corporations would suffer without the profits gained through weapons and warfare and, without corporate profits, most elected officials would not make it through the next election cycle?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wis | July 31, 2011
Letter on: O.K. Stanley!
“I couldn't agree more that the redistricting situation in Wisconsin is another great illustration of how ethically challenged the GOP really is with regard to elections and inclusiveness, but there was an opportunity to do something about this BEFORE the last election.
Could the Republicans have undone anything put into place by the prior legislature? Sure, but it would have made it even more lame and awkward than the ham-handed power play that eventually came to pass. There would have likely been a lot of supportive statements from GOP leaders about establishing a non-partisan redistricting commission while they were in the minority. It would have been a lot of ammo to give away to change it back. Instead, we have something that -- while reprehensible -- is still rather arcane to a large share of the electorate.
Timing is everything and we've known forever that redistricting would occur in this session of the legislature. Asking for the rules to be changed AFTER Democrats came up on the short end isn't nearly as compelling of a case as it would have been to show leadership from the majority position.
Did too many on our side simply want to roll the dice on having the opportunity to do what Republicans have now done, preventing them from doing the right thing when the opportunity was there to do it? Iowa's redistricting process hasn't changed significantly since 1980. We've had a few decades to figure this out now. While a non-partisan redistricting process has everything to recommend it, calls for it NOW are bound to be seen as self-serving. It didn't have to be this way.”
-Jim Rosenberg | Wausau, Wisconsin | July 31, 2011
Letter on: O.K. Stanley!
“I really don't understand this business about "ordering MB&F to avoid discussions with Dems or the public." If we are paying the bill, are we not the client? On what basis do the FitzWalkers claim some kind of non-disclosure and exclusivity regarding the work these highly paid attorneys are doing, supposedly on our behalf?
It would seem that the GOP or ALEC should otherwise pay the bill. It seems to be a pretty straightforward argument. Why is no one making it?”
-Jeff Pieterick | Waterloo, WI | July 31, 2011
Letter on: O.K. Stanley!
“Is there any way to get a Constitutional Amendment having non-partisan group do the redistricting? With the provision that the districts be as compact as possible with county, city, towns being kept intact as much as possible. We might even get more competitive districts.”
-WisconsinLiberal | Fox Valley, WI | July 30, 2011
Letter on: O.K. Stanley!
“With regard to the redistricting, at what point does governance become conspiracy? Restrict or eliminate discussions, especially with those who disagree or are of another party. Wouldn't this become obstruction? The Democrats have so many opportunities to learn from the Walker mistakes of the past 6 months. Not only do they have the chance to take back our statehouse, they also have a golden opportunity to get governance done right, I mean "correct".”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 30, 2011
Letter on: Who picks up the pieces?
“Thanks for the poem, John.
I hate to point out Ed that your questions show you to be pulled around like the rest of us as though we had rings in our noses. How did we ever get to a point where the debt and budget cutting and the "required" decimation of our government became the primary issue of concern to us? ESPECIALLY in this period of record unemployment, home foreclosures, and a banking/finance industry that makes the Vandals from history look like amateurs.
Obama and the Dems have been the extreme (and, I would argue, purposeful!) enablers of these asshats in the tea party who have defined the issues available for debate. The proper response when first confronted with this call for starving government in the midst of a recession/depression would have been: "WTF?!?! Are you f*cking kidding me???"
Instead, we chose to "negotiate" a solution, even setting up Bowles and Simpson in their Catfood Commission. It's a win-win for Grover Norquist and the corporate oligarchs. Not so cool for us, but we'll vote Dem anyway, right? After all, they're OUR guys, right? Hello? Is anyone home?”
-Jeff Pieterick | Waterloo, WI | July 30, 2011
Letter on: Who picks up the pieces?
“I saw something on Alternet about a woman and son that videoed the DMV ID card attempt. Wrote representative and all she said was gee Democrats voted for it.
The budge mess, well first the Republicans have theie own version of death panel for the old people like me, no medical care you can afford so die cause they will get rid of medicare and SS.
Education, well the rich will get it and the the poor republians with just stay dumb. The Democrats will probably pay until they run out of money. I am not sure where the teachers union will go but they had better wake up and shape up. The rest of the unions had better figure on cleaning out the bad members and start to look like really responsible citizens. If they want to attack me for that so be it but then they better attack the bad teacher, bad police and other public workers that we all know are there.
First clean your own house then we will clean the rest.
I am so fed up with this state but can not leave I keep remembering the old saying "may country right or wrong MY country" so I will stay and fight the good fight.
Oh man come on Bob Fest I need to meet with some like minded people again. Been to long and a mean and nasty winter since the last fest.”
-CarlG | Twin Lakes, WI | July 29, 2011
Letter on: Who picks up the pieces?
“Still think we are looking the wrong way on this. There's something brewing beyond what's happening in congress. It's the dismantling of government as we know it. The privatization of government services and departments. The deregulation of corporations and business. An opportunity for investors, not the mom-and-pop variety, but the big guys, the ones fueling the chaos and paying off officials.
What has happened in Third World Countries throughout the world has finally come home to us.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc | July 29, 2011
Letter on: Who picks up the pieces?
“http://www.rawilson.com/arlen/breath.html
The late Arlen Wilson
Save Your Breath
Don't budget deficit me you old men with eyeglasses and no
lips who say we can't afford to house the houseless or
to heal the sick.
Don't fiscal responsibility me you devourers of the fat of the
land may it clog your devious up-for-election arteries.
Don't balance of trade me you horny-handed peddlars of
shoddy shares in finger-crossed bonanzas based on
non-existent enterprise.
Don't national security me you who make deals behind our backs
under cover of law-proof dark.
Don't family-values me you who force apart man woman and
child in the interest of an ever-grosser national product.
Don't state of the union me you unctuous apologists for
quotidian horror may you choke on your aw-shucks-
just-plain-old-me charisma.
Don't pay your speech-writers one more cent on my account
or your column writers or The News Tonighters.
Epoxy in my ears before I hear another word.”
-John E Davey | Kendall, WI | July 29, 2011
Letter on: Unfair and off balance
“Why don't they get all over the inept and irrelevant Sensenbrenner? This career politician recieves 92% of his funds from outside the 5th district and 88% from out of state donors”
-Dole O'Mite | Oconomowoc | July 28, 2011
Letter on: They do sleep but apparently take turns
“The nightime is indeed scary.
If you are religious, it looks like some legislators believe the end times are near and they want to help it along.
If you are a secularist, it looks like disaster capitalism.
If you follow Star Trek, it looks like the Borg. "Resistance is futile."
It does not look like democracy.”
-Linda | Wisconsin Rapids,WI | July 28, 2011
Letter on: They do sleep but apparently take turns
“Wasn't there something in the budget repair bill or elsewhere to deregulate water supplies in Wisconsin? Do you think Walker is setting the stage to privatize municipal water and sewage treatment facilities?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 28, 2011
Letter on: They do sleep but apparently take turns
“Last week's tragedy in Oslo has brought out some very good and very positive articles about Norway and the Norwegian people. The country, like much of Scandinavia, enjoys good jobs, excellent wages and benefits, a solid health care system, a healthy environment and more. There's also a sense of calm and security even after the murderous attacks.
Where did the US go wrong? Why shouldn't we be enjoying just as much as our European neighbors? What I find particulary amazing is how Norway is not in panic mode nor does it propose to overreact with security measures similar to how Bush and Cheney put in place following 9/11.
We have so much to learn from other people. Why don't we? We do have a wonderful country, but something's not correct here.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton Wis | July 28, 2011
Letter on: They do sleep but apparently take turns
“What appears to be the big stuff (e.g., debt ceilings, deficits, spending cuts) could well be a smoke screen to distract us from the real "magic" being undertaken by elected officials. Read the fine print on all legislation, please. Hidden within will be sneaky little add-ons that will erode what is ours: the air we breathe, the water we drink, freedoms we enjoy or think we have. It's the hidden agenda, the seemingly innocuous that will eventually be the cancer which grows. Watch as these hidden little gems make it easier for corporations to gain greater control of who we are. We are witnesses to disaster capitalism.
Politicians have no power. Corporations do. We should.
Stay vigilant. Sleep with one eye open. Question authority, always.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisconsin | July 28, 2011
Letter on: Unfair and off balance
“Thank you for digging into WisconsinReporter.com. If one critically analyzed the article about campaign contributions, it was obviously meant to "spin, baby, spin." Unfortunately, how many simply accepted the author's idiotic "spin."”
-RH | La Crosse WI | July 28, 2011
Letter on: Once upon a time...
“Once upon a time people overthrew the ruling oligarchs by force to found the new democracy, the United States of America. Perhaps the time has come again.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha County | July 27, 2011
Letter on: Harmageddon
“Is the "Big Money political machine" the Teacher's Union?
I think we are proving that conventional wisdom wrong.”
-Ken P | Oshkosh | July 27, 2011
Letter on: Once upon a time...
“Life was so much better when democracy meant no spending limits.”
-Ken P. | Oshkosh, WI | July 27, 2011
Letter on: Once upon a time...
“My life is falling apart. It began when I found out that the Easter bunny didn't really exist. Then it was the tooth fairy. Now it's the political process we thought to be a democracy. My world is collapsing.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisc. | July 27, 2011
Letter on: Once upon a time...
“Do our votes really matter? When I lived in a democratic district, I could always count on my elected official responding to letters and calls whether they disagreed with me or not. Now that I'm in a republican district, I send letters and make calls. No responses. I've heard some lucky writers have gotten responses from the likes of Ron Johnson but the responses are canned and not to the point. We vote but we seem to put the unresponsive into high office. Technically these people are elected officials, but if they don't answer to the people, are they really?”
-Chet O'Brien | Oshkosh, Wisconsin | July 27, 2011
Letter on: Thanks again, Bernie Sanders
“The incompetence of conservative never ceases to amaze me. These folks aren't resigned to solving problems or even offering solutions. They are out to destroy everything they can. Watch when this is over. Corporations and the wealthy will come out ahead. It's their plan, not that of Boehner that matters. We're witnesses to the destruction of democracy so their capitalism can reign.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, WI | July 26, 2011
Letter on: Thanks again, Bernie Sanders
“There are no longer impediments to corporations so they have successfully managed a coup d' etat. What we are witnessing are the remnants of an anemic government making decisions at the behest of corporations and the wealthy. Only a few exceptions exist in the likes of the venerable Bernie Sanders. Time to end this game of political charades. Perhaps it's time for the rebellion to kick into high gear. In doing so, we can protect our dignity and hopefully avoid letting despair rule the day.”
-Pamela B. | Sun Prairie, WI | July 26, 2011
Letter on: Thanks again, Bernie Sanders
“It seems quite apparent to me that the function of governments as demonstrated by current administrations throughout the world is not the nurturing and sustaining the welfare of its citizens but supporting and funding of the financial institutions. How else can the disregard for the well being of not only the least among us but the majority of its citizens be explained. Throughout the world they are being told by both the IMF and World Bank that the citizens must sacrifice what little they may have to bolster their economies (big banks) to prevent economic failures. For those who have little today the cost of sacrifice is unacceptable.
Each new day brings further words from the talking heads who have declared themselves in charge that there must be a shared sacrifice even though these individuals themselves sacrifice only their honesty and integrity in their speeches. The ease at which they sacrifice their virtues are an indicate their basic morality and as in a court of law legality takes precedent over morality.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | July 26, 2011
Letter on: Thanks again, Bernie Sanders
“Bernie Sanders is a hero, I've always admired him but after hearing him at Fighting Bob Fest, I admire him even more. To see him on TV speaking truth to power, I am proud to have him in the Senate. Too bad that Feingold isn't there to help him. To see Ron Johnson in his place is a sad time indeed for this state.”
-WisconsinLiberal | Fox Valley, WI | July 26, 2011
Letter on: Nothing left to lose
“I think we need to call it what it is, there are traditional republicans, who see themselves as fiscally conservative. They have had strong debates through out history that may have helped to create better legislation in the past. But what you describe is not a traditional republican. This new breed is a corporate republican. They are many of the things you posted and more. Many talk of our government with disdain. They are not representative of the masses of people who care about our country, our people, our environment. We need true, intelligent traditional republicans to take a stand against these bullies and get them 'off the playground' until they can be respectful of our country and our people. Boycott the corporations who have funded the attacks on us. Check out The Center for Media and Democracy and read their section called ALEC exposed. Traditional republicans please step up!”
-Oma Vic | Madison Wisconsin | July 25, 2011
Letter on: Buckle your seat belts and don't forget the brandy
“Yes, Ed, I do think it's time for a Progressive Party - and a separate Tea Party, a Conservative Party, a Green Party, etc. As I wrote back in February [http://fightingbob.com/article.cfm?articleID=1273], maybe it's time for a multiplicity of political parties.
Republicans are under fire from the right, and moderates are no longer welcome. The Tea Partiers kind of slammed them in the last election, at least in some venues - Nevada, Maryland, etc.
And we are increasingly aware that "lefties" are losing faith in Barack Obama, and, for that matter, the entire "Big Tent" Democratic Party.
Maybe it's high time we bust them up. Other nations function with lots of parties - maybe we should too...”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | July 25, 2011
Letter on: Supreme nonsense
“It's all about one's viewpoint. We think they're wrong. They think we're wrong. On this we can agree: They are definitely right, but we are most likely correct.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | July 25, 2011
Letter on: Working against the out-of-work
“We all know what Walker and his lackeys are doing to our Wisconsin. Yes, we will recall as many as we can on our way back to a balanced approach to governing.
There's much smart talk these days. Will Democrats do more than simply take control? Will state Democrats rise above the corruption and lies and be able to show us the way without sacrificing their integrity or ours?”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, WIsconsin | July 24, 2011
Letter on: Buckle your seat belts and don't forget the brandy
“I'm beginning to think that people who complain about government or want to downsize it or even dismantle it completely, haven't a clue what government is nor do they know what government ought to be. If we took away everything associated with government, those who complain most now will most likely be the first in line in trying to put government back together again. When they're all done, it's going to look exactly as it does now.
Government is a process that holds us together a people and gives us a framework within which to function.
It's hard to deal with ignorance, but this is what the GOP and conservatives seem to need most for their radical agenda to succeed. Ignorance is bliss. It's also dangerous and very GOPish.
Let's forgo the brandy. Pass me a good IPA and I'll be hoppy enough.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 24, 2011
Letter on: Buckle your seat belts and don't forget the brandy
“There are bookmobiles throughout the state. Why not roving DMV mobiles to service less populated parts of the state? Make it easy to get the IDs. Passports are done via mail. Why not voter IDs, if we indeed are stuck with them?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley | July 24, 2011
Letter on: Buckle your seat belts and don't forget the brandy
“Grover Norquist said his goal was "to get government down to a size where he could drown it in the bathtub" Sounds like a treasones act to me. Where are the patriots who should be calling for his arrest.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha, County | July 24, 2011
Letter on: Buckle your seat belts and don't forget the brandy
“Yes to a Progressive Party with written "legal contracts" for those who would take office as a result of our backing and electing them. These contracts would state they cannot ignore or change the priorities for which they were elected.”
-hmj | madison, wi | July 24, 2011
Letter on: Oh sure!
“The reason for so many new tourism jobs in Wisconsin - no one can afford to leave the state to go on vacation.”
-Joe | Middleton, WI | July 23, 2011
Letter on: Oh sure!
“Imagine the excitement when Wisconsin led the nation with progressive government and reform a century ago! What's happened?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisconsin | July 22, 2011
Letter on: Oh sure!
“Scott Walker created 50% of all new jobs nationally in the month of June. Wow! Very inpressive!
Turns out Minnesota is claiming they created roughly 75% of all new jobs nationally, and Massachusetts claims they created 57%.
http://www.startribune.com/business/125960543.html
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/07/21/massachusetts-responsible-for-more-than-half-the-nations-job-growth-in-june/
Scott Walker, Minnesota and Massachusetts account for roughly 182% of all new jobs created nationally in the month of June!
Looks like we might have a sub-prime jobs bubble on our hands!”
-Steve Carlson | Trego, WI. | July 22, 2011
Letter on: Oh sure!
“Yesterday I found a job no doubt created by Walker! Went to the DMV and on the way into the stripmall where it was located saw a very small boy mowing the grounds. He could barely push the mower and it had fallen on him but he was fortunately able to get out. The folks at the DMV desk said he was "almost 14" - ten years old! I thought about reporting this somewhere (besides here) but then realized maybe his brother did get nailed by the mower and is in ICU or some such, and the family is surely struggling to make ends meet.
We are in such serious trouble I can hardly bear it. Must continue working on Shelly Moore's campaign!”
-CL | Hudson, Wi | July 22, 2011
Letter on: Are you kidding us?
“Dear Ed, It is time for someone to step forward and run for President against this corporate shill who people call a progressive. We can't stand by and watch him destroy our Senior's cushion against poverty in old age. Enough is enough.”
-Barbara Barton | Montello, Wisconsin | July 22, 2011
Letter on: Oh sure!
“If a job does not pay a family-supporting wage, is it really a job or simply busy work to keep a worker occupied and quiet?
It would be interesting to compare how many jobs are added every year at this time. The end of a school year. The beginning of summer vacations. Gee, could there be a connection to a spurt in jobs?
How many people do you know hold down 2-3 jobs just to make ends meet? This has to skew employment charts. A single worker with 2-3 jobs is not the same as 2-3 workers with individual jobs.
Maybe we ought to limit one job per worker until the economy does turn around. This would put more folks to work.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 22, 2011
Letter on: Oh sure!
“Our lazy media folks had to hold their noses at this nonsense.
By the way, a couple of other thoughts - first of all, was this another "closed" meetings such as all the others Mr. Courageous calls?
Secondly, he most likely will not be involved in "creating" jobs in Wisconsin, he will be in the unemployment line hoping like hell his fellow puppets and lemmings find a way to make sure he can collect unemployment dollars.”
-Steve Anderson | Eau Claire, WI | July 22, 2011
Letter on: Are you kidding us?
“Are you sure anyone in congress really wants to solve this debt ceiling issues? Could it be what they do is no more than distract from their real intent: deregulate, privatize, consolidate wealth. Create chaos and keep people confused or guessing makes it so easy to accomplish the conservative agenda. Milton Friedman would be proud of them all.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, WI | July 21, 2011
Letter on: Nobody knows her?
“Herb Kohl talk to the Media? He is to busy locking out his NBA players and busting their Union. Old Herbie like all the other "Super Rich" owners don't like paying their mostly african american employees a living wage and benefits.”
-SW | Waukesha WI | July 21, 2011
Letter on: Are you kidding us?
“"I think it is time for the 'gang of 535' house and Senate gangsters, to live up to their oath of office."
Why is it not a violation of the Oath of Office when 41 US Senators and 235 Members of the House have signed Grover Norquist's Anti-tax Pledge.
Scott Walker has signed the pledge, Ron Johnson has signed the pledge along with the five(5) Republican House Members including Paul (Ayn Rand) Ryan.
Ed, you must know some top shelf Constitutional Lawyers who could put their heads together and determine if signing these pledges is not some sort of conflict of interest or perjury.
Grover Norquist, who is a close associate of Convicted Felon Super Lobbyist Jack Abramoff and Ralph Reed, was not elected to be responsible for anything; yet he is the Puppet Master of the Republican/TEA Party.
Is there no legal way to take this slimeball out of the picture?”
-Jim Kubiak | Hudson, WI | July 21, 2011
Letter on: Nothing left to lose
“Well said Margaret! The Republicans are basically operating on two principles:
1. Destroy or privatize most functions of government except for the military. Recently, even many of the functions of the military have been privatized to maintain a cloak of secrecy about what they do(no oversight).
2. Use government to further enrich the wealthy and corporations. While they are doing this, they contract out functions to make money for their cronies which enriches themselves with political contributions and kickbacks. They do this with explicit and/or implicit promises from their wealthy allies in the private sector that after serving in office they will be rewarded with a lucrative private sector job or appointed to a high paying public job to continue the exploitation and destruction of government for the common good.
This is their true platform and over the years they have become more blatantly transparent about what they do. Ayn Rand and one of her clones, Congressman Paul Ryan from Racine, should be very proud of their accomplishments.”
-Bob Menamin | Verona, WI | July 21, 2011
Letter on: Nothing left to lose
“The historic origins of this hatred of government can be traced-in part-to two events: The 1976 dumping of Vice-President Nelson Rockefeller (a moderate, noblesse-oblige Republican) in favor of Bob Dole to be President Ford's running mate against Jimmy Carter. "Rocky" loved politics; he was so rich, he didn't care if he made another $1 million or not. Rockefeller was too liberal for the Republican power brokers. Carter won.
Voodoo Economics: 1980 Republican Presidential candidate, George H.W. Bush called Reaganomics-tax cuts and defense spending increases, and endless deficits: Voodoo Economics. Bush Sr. knew the numbers did not add up. We are living with 32 years of Voodoo Economics and it's casting an ugly spell. (Once selected as President Reagan's V-P running mate, George H.W. Bush dropped "Voodoo Economics" from his vocabulary.)”
-Steven A. Anderson | Appleton, Wisconsin | July 21, 2011
Letter on: Nothing left to lose
“Very well written and to the point. Thank you!
So, why are so many ordinary people affiliating themselves with Republicans? Why do the ordinary believe the lies and vote into office people like Walker and the Fitzgeralds? How do we change this or are we simply waiting for the Republican party to implode? When this happens, all those supporting Republicans will blame their nearest Democrat leftover.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisc. | July 21, 2011
Letter on: Mock Senate
“Miss LBJ and HHH, Hell did you ever think you'd miss Nixon, started the EPA, put price controls in effect....
As for Citizens United, why do these unpatriotic republicans think a corporation can spend unlimited funds on a political campaign without stockholder approval, yet (according to pending HB 1021) think unions can only spend collected dues on campaigns with annual member approval.
Recall?, I'm thinking mortars!”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha County | July 20, 2011
Letter on: Mock Senate
“If Murdoch decides to run for POTUS, will the birthers be there to tell us he's not a natural born citizen? Maybe because he is white and holds right wing values, they'll make an exception.”
-Linda L. | Westby wiscosin | July 20, 2011
Letter on: Mock Senate
“Madame President Michelle Bachmann when she experiences her first Katrina moment: "Oh, I'm sorry. I have a headache."
Let's not assume anything. This is how W got into office. Is this country ready for an "I've got a headache" president?”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisc. | July 20, 2011
Letter on: Mock Senate
“Not so long ao we were told over and over by certain groups how much better off the country would be if only we had a woman president. Haven't heard much from them lately. Maybe they are too busy preparing to support Bachmann.”
-nonheroicvet | Curious, WI | July 20, 2011
Letter on: Nobody knows her?
“Have you tried sending Ron Johnson an email? His drop down menu doesn't even cover people like Elizabeth Warren. I now wonder if he even reads emails.
The best way to petition any elected official is via regular snail mail. It's pretty hard to say you didn't get a letter when the damn envelope is still in one's hands.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | July 19, 2011
Letter on: Nobody knows her?
“One qualification Warren and Nourse lack is neither is male. Not so sure Ron Johnson can accept the fact that women are smart, decisive and qualified. Why can't we get a progressive woman elected as our senator? Sure would be an improvement over what we have now. (Sorry, Herb, we thought you died years ago.)”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc | July 19, 2011
Letter on: Nobody knows her?
“Seems to me that no one knows anything about RoJo. How did this bozo get into office? Is he making waves just to make himself look self-important? Didn't the Wizard of Oz do this before he got discovered?
5 1/2 years left of Ron Johnson. Writing letters doesn't help since he only answers those with whom he agrees.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 19, 2011
Letter on: Nobody knows her?
“After reading your rant (and a good one it is) I pushed the button and called "Senator" Johnson's office in DC. I asked the polite young man who answered to pass on a message to his boss.
My message was: "Tell your boss to get his head out of his butt and to start acting like a grown-up. That is was time for him to not perform like a two year old holding his breath and kicking on the floor of the supermarket near the candy counter".
I added that the "Senator" asked for the job so now he needs to become an adult and actually do the job.
It was pretty obvious to me from the comments the young man made and his tone of voice that I was far from the first person who had called with a similar message to Mr. TEA Party.
I left my phone number in case the "Senator" wanted to talk about it.”
-Jim Kubiak | Hudson, WI | July 19, 2011
Letter on: Touching the void
“Though we never met in person, I had the great pleasure to speak with Rod Nilsestuen on two occasions by phone on WOJB radio. Thank you, Bill Berry, for reminding me of this extraordinary man.”
-Eric Schubring | Drummond, WI | July 19, 2011
Letter on: Touching the void
“You are right we need Rob Nilsestuen's quality of leadership more than ever today in the state of Wisconsin.He was a great leader. I also have a signed copy of Ben Logan's book 'The Land Remembers'. It's a good read for anyone who grew up on a farm. I got the book while helping another friend Harvey Stower run for Congress in the 3rd Congressional District some years ago. Harvey is another person who is missed by many.
Both Rod and Harvey knew the meaning of the word 'commonweal' and worked to that end their entire lives.”
-Joe Gruber | Campbellsport WI | July 19, 2011
Letter on: Drought?
“I think the attack on credit unions in WI is a very serious threat, an endgame move amongst the other such moves made by the financial-corporate powers to take away from the little people any path of financial freedom or measure of independence. We credit-union members all need to take this seriously right now. It is quite a final and deadly financial attack.”
-bruce powell | antigo WI | July 19, 2011
Letter on: I challenge you
“Warren says her hand-picked 2nd is good, the right guy, so we should believe her. Especially since the Republicans and WALL STREET then immediately said, no way with him, either. This is very sad, that right in our faces, bankers can just shout him down. Well, on the other hand, this is exactly where a real Dem. Prez would step forward and take a swing back. Think he will? I think he's too young, and afraid of "losing" anything, and thus losing face--if he isn't really a republican, which I'd say he is. He is at least in the financial party, which is the same effect. And the war party, and the torture party, and the no-transparency party, oh, forget it....”
-bruce powell | antigo WI | July 19, 2011
Letter on: Drought?
“I thought we all decided to blame global warming and natural disasters on gays and abortion. Isn't this what the GOP would want?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley | July 18, 2011
Letter on: I challenge you
“J Smart,
I agree that people tend to fly off the handle before learning all the facts. Can't believe that we are all turning into tea party types or Republican'ts. I would expect as much from them.
You're right. Let's keep our cool and go for the facts. Warren as a Massachusetts senator would be awesome and help restore some quality to the senate.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 18, 2011
Letter on: What's bad for the goose
“The 'infamous five' is already on record voicing their intent to cling to their tax-payer subsidized health insurance plans.
The week of Jan. 3, Ryan, Sensenbrenner, Petri, Duffy and Ribble all voted NO to a Democratic proposal to require House members to publicly disclose whether they will continue to remain on that cushy health plan.
The week of Jan. 17, the same 'party of five' voted NO on yet another Democratic proposal that would have prevented lawmakers from keeping their tax-subsidized health insurance if they voted to repeal the health care reform law. Which, of course, they voted to repeal, during that same week...
Then they all (with one obvious exception) retired to the tax-payer subsidized gym to work out because...it's really important to have good health, and if you don't take care of it yourself, who will??”
-diz allusioned | Middleton, WI | July 18, 2011
Letter on: What's bad for the goose
“Paul Ryan, I say "you go first" and see how it works. If you like it after 20 years, then "maybe" the rest of us will follor suit. But then again, maybe not.”
-Casper Green | Franklin, WI 53132 | July 18, 2011
Letter on: I challenge you
“I just heard an interview with Elizabeth Warren, and she as much as said she didn't want the job anyway! It sounds like her plans are to return to Massachusetts and run against Scott Brown for the Senate, which would be a great use of her acknowledged abilities. She sure sounds senatorial to me! By the way, she hired the guy from Ohio that our president did appoint to the consumer post, and vouched for his expertise, so I don't think it will be so bad...
We are so quick to ascribe the worst to this president - our president - and I don't understand why. We won't accomplish much if we insist on carrying on pitched battles within our own "big tent!"”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | July 18, 2011
Letter on: I challenge you
“When people suggest names for powerful positions, why do the choices always seem to be those of has-beens? Aren't there any new talents out there?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley | July 18, 2011
Letter on: I challenge you
“Ralph Nader!”
-Tony | Little Chicago, Wisconsin | July 18, 2011
Letter on: I challenge you
“What would happen if Obama would switch parties and turn Republican for the balance of his term? He might get more work out of congress. He could get all his pet projects passed quickly. Being a Republican seems to work for Walker. Why wouldn't it work for Obama, too?”
-Betty Fehls | Blue River, Wisconsin | July 18, 2011
Letter on: I challenge you
“Obama continues to disappoint. He lacks leadership skills as well as courage. He ran his upbeat campaign on promises and duped enough voters to win the presidency. Obama has missed so many golden opportunities to make a difference that affects the lives of ordinary Americans. But wait! Is Obama an ordinary American? Not really. He's a very wealthy black guy who is hobnobbing with corporations and wealthy patrons. Take a good look at those we put into high office. They tend to be lawyers. They tend to be wealthy by middle class standards. They are all out of touch with our plight. Obama may just be another one-term president without any noteworthy legacy.
Why does Obama seem to be so afraid when dealing with the GOP? Why do we let him?
Elizabeth Warren is the person for the job. The department was her brainchild. Let her nurture and develop it. Give her the authority and power to make it work.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton | July 18, 2011
Letter on: I challenge you
“I don't think you will find anyone as qualified as Elizabeth Warren.
It is clear that no one will be accepted by the GOP.
It is clear that Obungle won't go to the mat for anything and it is clear that he is now the most electable of the various GOP candidates for President.
Is there a way for her to get Wisconsin residency in time for her to run against Walker should the recall work? You have nothing but old re-treads now so what have you got to lose. I suspect she could have Walker eating dog crap out of that brown bag in about a weeks time.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | July 18, 2011
Letter on: Drought?
“Bob, global warming is not based upon what the temperature is in one region over one season or one year. It is based upon what is happening over a long period of time (decades and centuries) over the entire planet. So Bob, do some reading of factual information from many sources around the globe going back 40 years to the present and don't base your opinion on your narrow view of what you experience in your back yard. You and your back yard do not represent the entire planet.”
-Craig Koch | Appleton, WI | July 18, 2011
Letter on: Drought?
“Ed, I have written a novel, Twenty One Hundred, about water, politics, and power. Available as an ebook on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Ibookstore for Ipad. ISBN: 9781937003852, MOBI & 9781937003869, ePub
It is about a water pipeline from Duluth to Tucson; Lake Superior is ruined. It's also about a "28th" Amendment being added to the Constitution so that states can break away on their own without congressional approval.
What's happening in Wisconsin under Walker makes me sick. My father, Arvid Anderson has an award named after him by the ABA, "The Arvid Anderson Public Sector Labor and Employment Attorney of the Year Award." He spent 60 years of his life dedicated to public sector labor relations; and, now, in his 90th year of life, he is appalled by what's happening in Wisconsin.
My uncle, Norman Anderson, former Speaker of the Assembly, was a friend and colleague of Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day, Governor and U.S. Senator. The days when you could work with a moderate Republican are gone. There are no Warren Knowles; there are no 'Tiny' Kruegers.
Hopefully, with the Senate recalls, Wisconsinites can put the breaks on the anti-labor, anti-environmental Republican majorities in the legislature. And, if and when, Scott Walker is recalled from office next January or February, The great state of Wisconsin can resume its progressive tradition. The state of John Muir, Aldo Leopold, Nate Feinsinger, and Edwin Witte, U.W. professor and main author of the Social Security Act.
One more thing, no 'sweetheart' laws to circumvent the mining laws so that the proposed iron mine near Mellen and Copper Falls can be "fast-tracked."”
-Steven Arvid Anderson | Appleton, Wisconsin. | July 17, 2011
Letter on: Drought?
“Yes, Ed, I entirely agree with your stance on both issues - - - global warming and the M&I takeover. But when you say about global warming "...this is one more global issue that cannot be swept under a rug", I have to wonder. I definitely think that it SHOULD NOT be swept under the rug, but if I were a betting man, I'd sadly have to bet that it WILL continue to be diminished/obfuscated by the Republicans/Libertarians. The obvious reason is for crass political purposes --- it plays well to their partisans so they'll keep going to the well. The Republican electorate have shown themselves to be VERY amenable to hearing what they want to hear (ie; there's WMDs in Iraq, Ronald Reagan/W/Palin/etc were/are good candidates/leaders, Republicans embrace 'family values' more than Democrats, our military needs more money, the media is 'liberal', Tea Party-ers are a grass-roots political force, etc, etc) even when these things are blatantly, discernibly false. I see the Republicans continuing this ruse even if the average temperature in January in WI gets to be 70ºF - - - why wouldn't they? If they can get their minions to believe all the other crap (EVEN economic theories that hurt many of their own constituency) that they peddle, what reason would they have to change their tune? Some sort of ethical epiphany? They've shown themselves to be utterly immune to that. And with BIG money interests (ie; the coal & petroleum industries primarily) behind this anti-global warming push, they can continue pumping out the propaganda long after it's discredited.
The M&I golden parachutes just demonstrates the Republican / corporate version of 'accountability'. As an executive, you get huge sums when you're hired, retained, & fired --- even with 'just cause'. You can also just predict that it'll be a matter of time before the new Canadian owners start reducing staff (down at the level where people actually DO THINGS), and one of the reasons will be to recoup the 'acquisition costs'.”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | July 17, 2011
Letter on: Drought?
“Okay. Here you liberals go again with that climate change babble. I mean, come on. If climate change was actually happening, we'd probably be in a huge heat wave right now. Not just a day or so of upper 80s or low 90s - I'm talking days of mid- to upper-90s. And probably a heat wave that would be gripping most of the country. So, come on. Stop with the horror stories. Gotta go. The air conditioner just quit.”
-Bob N. | Oregon, WI | July 17, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“John from Racine,
Obey has gone to the dark side. He's taken a position with the Gephardt Group, a K Street lobbying firm which represents corporate clients like Goldman Sachs, Boeing, Peabody Coal and United Health Group.
I guess the old adage too often holds true: if you can't beat'em, join'em.”
-Steve Carlson | Trego, WI | July 17, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“David Obey. He has the guts to straighten things out and will fairly represent everyone.”
-John | Racine | July 17, 2011
Letter on: What's bad for the goose
“Bravo, CWAG! Let's see the gang of five lead the way bravely!
Sean Duffy recently told a crowd in Hayward that his families federal health insurance cost him $600.00 a month. He spoke the words as though he were sharing in our hardship.
Well, Congressman Duffy, my sister was recently laid off from her job and because her former employeer is self insured she was informed that her COBRA plan would cost $1,700.00 per month for two adults and two minor children. And she didn't make $175,000 per year, rather, she made $40,000 per year.
Duffy and his wife have six kids. What would a family plan cost you on the open market, Mr. Duffy? $3,000 per month? $4,000 per month? $5,000?
Be a man, Congressman Duffy. Show us the way. You voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act and you voted to turn Medicare into a voucher program.
So lead by example. Drop your family coverage and start shopping around for a plan in an unregulated free market. It's the Ayn Rand thing to do.”
-Steve Carlson | trego, WI. | July 17, 2011
Letter on: Drought?
“Not to diminish the global climate change argument but the southwest has seen droughts that have lasted up to three decades. These severe climate events may well have played a part in the abandonment of places like Mesa Verde. Living in the desert after escaping Wisconsin is an eye opener. Water use being the biggest surprise.
Despite what you may think the two biggest uses of water in many areas are for flood irrigation (growing sweet corn in Florence AZ? ~ Really?) and as a media for moving coal slurry to power plants.
New Mexico, where I live, has a super abundance of sunshine but very little in the way of solar energy. When projects are planned it is super systems out in the desert but here in Las Cruces we have acres of empty Big Box rooftops available yet nobody in the state can see that. Our dear (GOP!~) governor just got rid of a former Richardson appointee to an energy board. This person was in charge of alternative energy. So, even as we sit in the middle of a severe drought and burn coal to keep the air conditioning on the GOP governor fires a person in charge of finding sustainable alternatives.
Talk about being stuck in stupid! Of course the Gov was fronted by the energy crowd.
In the meantime I use the pool at our apartment complex every day and it saves me from needing to take shower so that is how I save water. It works as I rarely, if ever, sweat in this dry climate. I do need to shampoo though as the water is hard on the little hair I have left. Still, when I think about the Wisconsin muggy weather I am ...”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI> | July 17, 2011
Letter on: Drought?
“Why does the party of the great "No!", a/k/a the Republican'ts, deny global warming and scientific evidence to support the facts that the climate is changing and not to the better?
I cringe every time I hear "Army Corps of Engineers" for this one group has done more environmental harm to our waterways than any other group. As soon as they begin diverting waterways to satisfy corporations and populations of people living where people ought not to be living, that'll be it for the rest of us.
I recall a BWCA outfitter once where we stocked up on supplies prior to an extended canoe trip. One curious item on the shelf was a tin of dehydrated water. I thought this to be a great idea, lightweight and easy to pack. The directions were simple enough for even a Republican't or an Army Corp engineer to understand: To reconstitute, add 1 gallon of water.
If good, clean water were only this simple.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 17, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“To those who wish for more than pen names: It is common practice at most blogging sites to use pen names for many internet and other protective reasons. You should be doing so also. There are some groups out there like one you named who do NOT need your names. Most sites wish only pen names used. Those organizations love to get you "on their list."”
-hmj | madison, wi | July 17, 2011
Letter on: Here comes the redistricting plan!
“Ah, a 1-party system orchestrated by the Kochs and their buds. Are we even invited? If so, is it BYO? How can money buy elections? How did we ever let our system deteriorate to this point where people like the Koch brothers can do us irreparable harm?”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, WI | July 16, 2011
Letter on: Here comes the redistricting plan!
“Do you really think the GOP cares what the rest of us think with regard to redistricting? I suspect their egos are bigger than the national debt and their worlds don't go beyond the moneyed. When's the last time you can recall that you have gotten a written response from a GOP member of the legislature? Do you really expect a response to our dissatisfaction over how they are skewing future elections to their favor?
At what point do these special sessions become conspiratorial venues?”
-Pietr Hakuu | Hurley, Wisconsin | July 16, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“I too want to thank Eric for his wise words. And I too wonder about those writers with the phony "pen-names" - especially that one who proclaims to be glad that he is no longer a Wisconsinite! Can't say I'm sorry we lost him...
I am second to nobody in my admiration of Barbara Lawton, and tried to convince her to run for Kohl's senate seat. [I can so easily picture her in the U.S. Senate...] If she ever decides to run for public office again, I'll be there in her parade!
And again, I am supporting Russ for governor, and I shouldn't worry about him being a "party-slave" - he never has been before! His independent nature is unassailable.”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | July 16, 2011
Letter on: Compromise be damned
“I am willing to compromise if you are willing to compromise and do it my way. This is aristocracy not democracy.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | July 16, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“I agree with Eric from Drummond.Who are these people who do not use their real names? Maybe they are members of ALEC.
What's that? Look it up on your computer.
American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)or just enter:
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2011/07/10880/alec-bills-wisconsin
It is a long read but you can find out if your state representatives belong to it.”
-Joe Gruber | Campbellsport WI | July 15, 2011
Letter on: Compromise be damned
“I like to complain, too. All we seem to do is complain. How about proposing solutions and people who can solve them?
Seems like the conservatives blame and our collective response is to complain. Part of compromise is doing neither and finding common grounds that go beyond our own individual needs.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison and looking for a snowdrift for the next week | July 15, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“Who are these pseudonomenous letter writers and what are they hiding from?
I think Russ would be a great candidate in a Walker recall election. Apart from other attibutes, name recognition, etc.,he has been and I hope, remains far enough above, beyond and away from owing anything to Democratic Party loyalists, yellow dogs, sycophants and others (and oh, they are legion) to actually be representative of the people, not the party, hopefully. He actually seems to have integrity --someone who will act for change we can really believe in and not simply a sloganeer fronting an award and election-winning ad campaign. And as far as I know, he's still opposed to and would act to end the blood sacrifice war on Afghanistan. And he's an unabashed Bob Dylan fan.
Barbara Lawton? As good and smart as anyone who's held her former state office or higher. I wish she'd have stayed in the race last time. She'd certainly have run a more aggressive campaign than Tom Barrett did and perhaps with a better outcome -- and would again, no doubt.
Whomever, it must be borne in mind that he or she will be replacing Walker, so the platform, the plan for the future will be more important than who is the candidate.
But let's hope whomever the candidate is that he or she is not chosen by THE PARTY alone. So how about having the Democratic Party pay for the campaigns of any who wish to run for the right to run against Walker..and demonstrate how a publicly (or in this case quasi-publicly) financed campaign could work.”
-Eric Schubring | Drummond WI | July 15, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“My choice would be Stan Gruszynski.He served 10 years in the State assembly,representing the good people in the Stevens Point area.I like someone who knows what 'commonweal' means.
What do you think?”
-Joe Gruber | Campbellsport WI | July 14, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“Someone who is well liked in the rural communities, and a great speaker plus backed by unions. Barbara Lawton would be a perfect candidate for the Progressive Party.”
-Barbara Barton | Montello, Wisconsin | July 14, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“Russ Feingold would be my number one choice. Name recognition, great track record as a progressive in the U.S. Senate.
Tom Barrett would be second choice; he only lost to Walker by 7pts. in the fall. With all that has happened, I think he beats Walker.
Third, Jon Erpenbach, State Senator. Good speaker, strong progressive.”
-Steven A. Anderson | Appleton, Wisconsin. | July 14, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“There are so many reasons to oust Republicans. If they change the recall rules to benefit Walker, will this work against Republicans or advance their cause?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley | July 14, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“I think we should try to convince Russ Feingold to run against Walker in a recall election a.s.a.p. next year. Russ is highly qualified, and probably the most popular Democrat in the state. Then too, some experience as a chief administrator would look good on his resume for - oh, some future position?”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | July 14, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“When we choose and encourage our candidate to run against a recalled Walker, we must first figure out a platform. To run someone simply to counter what the Walker group has done will not work. We need positive commitments, we need an upbeat campaign, we need someone who can bring people together, listen and then act by bringing out the best in others. We have had enough arrogance and bickering these past few months and years. Now is the time to change the culture in our statehouse.
Yes, Feingold would be nice but it's an overreaction to a wish and regret that he got outsted by plastic Ron.
Can we find one who is charming, witty, intelligent, consensus-building?”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | July 14, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“If redistricting is based on the census and population, why are legislators and attorneys both involved in the process? This is a job for a mathematician or statistician. What do legislators or attorneys know of either field?
Walker has already decreed "Wisconsin is broke". Now I know he does not mean financially. He means we are broke when it comes to integrity, honesty, fairness. He is making sure we remain broke when it comes to programs and policies which benefit us all.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Maidson, WI | July 14, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“I talked recently to a retired state senator from Madison that was up here on vacation and he claims that this legislature will quickly change the rules on recalls and set the new rule so Walker will not "qualify" for recount. They can change the rules so it won't be recall by getting necessary signatures, but recall by committing a felony while in office, or something similar. Would not surprise me a bit.”
-J W | Tomahawk | July 14, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“to hmj. Really? Are those two old fossils the best the Dummycrats can come up with to run for Governor? Oh boy. One hardly knows what to say.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | July 14, 2011
Letter on: Whose money?
“How about Herb Kohl or Russ Feingold. Think that Kohl would get in in a heartbeat. We may need Russ in a different spot....like Attorney General or on the US Supreme Court?”
-hmj | madison | July 14, 2011
Letter on: Real or fake?
“IF by some odd circumstance there ever is a real progressive governor and legislature again in Wisconsin they might want to adopt Andrew Jackson's attitude towards this corrupt court. I don't remember the particulars, probably something to do with Native Lands, but when the court went against Jackson he just said fine, they have made their decision, let them enforce it,if they can.
Now Jackson wasn't always the nicest guy, not by today's standards, but he was on to something. If the corrupt court stays then let the progressives ignore the damned bunch of nitwits.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | July 13, 2011
Letter on: Real or fake?
“How does one initiate a federal election fraud investigation? We could start with Waukesha. I can't understand why GAB did not do a random sampling of voters to see if they did indeed vote. Misrepresenting party affiliation and deliberately getting on ballots to alter the voting process is also akin to abuse and fraud.
Where are the feds when they are really needed?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, WI | July 13, 2011
Letter on: Real or fake?
“Like most implants, those fake Democrat boobs did little to cover up GOP sleaze or that of incumbents. There are about 27 days left until the August elections. 27 more days of GOP tomfoolery and fraud.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | July 13, 2011
Letter on: Real or fake?
“Isn't it time for the Feds to get involved in this investigation from DC? Everyone is playing hot potato. Wisconsin looks more inept every day that this isn't resolved. I actually hope all of it is not a "case," but it is most peculiar... What is also concerning is the idea that appointments (unending) can stack the courts nationwide... not a good idea. Even the Supreme Court should be elected.... and NONE of them should have lifetime services. There needs to be a limit on service for all positions, appointed OR elected.”
-hmj | Madison | July 13, 2011
Letter on: Real or fake?
“There indeed is fraud in our voting system. It starts when people misrepresent themselves and try to dupe voters. The six Republican't faux Dems did just that. I can't believe anyone with even an ounce of integrity stooping to such lows. But whoever said that Republican'ts had integrity?
If justices don't have to recuse themselves and, in the instance of Roggensack, make decisions that affect themselves directly, does this mean that defendants can now sit on their own jury panels? Can we take the justice system seriously? Does this mean I don't have to pay parking tickets because I simply disagree? Concealed carry should solve all our problems.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 13, 2011
Letter on: Banking it in
“You mentioned a Democrat supporting this bill, but not a name. Give us the name so we can put some pressure on.”
-Michael O'Rourke | Madison, WI | July 13, 2011
Letter on: Real or fake?
“We have the best court money can buy.”
-WisconsinLiberal | Fox Valley, WI | July 13, 2011
Letter on: Banking it in
“The only new bank we need in Wisconsin is a State run Bank. One need only look at the once respected,locally owned M&I bank. Once taken over by executives who failed at their other jobs turned the formidible bank into a mess. The board of directors going against all aspects of capitalism managed the bank not for the shareholders, but solely for themselves. Proof of this is apparent at the last stockholders meeting where the inept CEO Mark F. Furlong cut off shareholder discusion about his multi-million dollar parachute for the good work of trashing a once venerable institution. Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple. What would Mao do?”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha County | July 12, 2011
Letter on: Banking it in
“Credit unions and banks are for folks with money they can squirrel away. When one makes less than family supporting wages, there simply is none. Credit unions and banks are not even on the minds of those making low wages. They probably get their help through payday loan businesses. Perhaps this latest banking legislation doesn't matter to most of th electorate because they haven't the funds to invest or the financial standing to borrow.
Once again, the people lose.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 12, 2011
Letter on: Welcome Caterpillar?
“Ed, you continue to blog as though you just landed on the planet. Corruption, greed, cheating, lies, etc, they all abound. When corporations merge, consolidate, buy out the competition, they create a marketplace where there are minimal players and thus maximum profits. You don't have to go international to see this either. Rural and small town grocers throughout Wisconsin charge more for their wares because they have no competition. Interestingly, folks who live outside urban areas also earn less in wages, too. It's almost as though Wisconsin has become a developing state, a third world unto itself. Once the wealthy achieve their goals of amassing it all, we will be just like the others where 10% of the population holds 90% of the wealth, power and resources.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | July 12, 2011
Letter on: Banking it in
“I posted your line without attribution in emails to my Senators and my Representative. Plagiarism for a nobel cause, I hope.
"The Justice Department rounded up 393,000 illegal immigrants last year and zero bankers. Who did more harm to America? Those 393,000 illegal immigrants or the bankers who continue to run free? Not one banker was caught by our Justice Department. Not one! And it seems fair to conclude that real bank reform is as far away as a Chicago Cubs World Series championship."
The justice department is inappropriately named since it does not deliver justice as is the Defense Department which wages war and only defends oil company investments.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | July 12, 2011
Letter on: Looking for trouble
“I just don't get the gun advocate's reference to the 2nd amendment. Are we all part of a "well regulated militia"? Or is the 2nd amendment obsolete?”
-William Lewis | Spooner, WI | July 12, 2011
Letter on: Football and baseball
“It would not be "German" enough, but it might benefit us all if 'politics (was) a game played by adults -- demonstrating a childlike joy and excitement in the process." It is way too much a "blood sport" now. There is a short bit in today's WaPo that Betty Ford (R-MI) planned her funeral to have Cokie Roberts (D-LA) deliver a eulogy specifically to remind people of when Dems and GOPers families knew/liked each other. "The main message she wanted me to say is that when you're friends, government works." You are olde fashioned, Bill K. I like that about you!”
-Mark Popovich | Washington, DC | July 12, 2011
Letter on: In defense of Afghanistan
“An expanded military presence helped destroy the Roman empire and almost destroyed the British empire. If continued, it will destroy our empire.”
-William Lewis | Spooner, WI | July 12, 2011
Letter on: Banking it in
“Ed, Thanks for writing about this travesty. First of all, that this could happen without a whisper or hint that it was going to happen is an example of how corrupt our political system has become. I have been a credit union member for many years and I can't get my arms around this event and the fact that it hardly gets media coverage, even after the fact, except for your efforts.
Secondly, there has been no visable response from the credit unions themselves. Does this mean that the credit union leadership is complicit in the future takeovers by banks? Can we conclude that some people are hoping to enrich themselves as credit union members are sold down the river to the banksters? Where is the media outrage? This is conclusive evidence that our culture is so corrupt that people don't even recognize "corruption" when it is visable to all. Corruption is the norm. MOLOCH help us.”
-Bob Menamin | Verona, WI | July 12, 2011
Letter on: Looking for trouble
“I agree with you completely, this country (through much manipulation) has managed to elect some of the weakest mind in our society, I use to laugh at the political candidates on the right starting with Ronald Reagan (obviously already suffering from Alzheimer's when elected) now he and daddy bush actually look kinda ok when you consider the likes of W bush, Palin, Bochmann and Wlaker. Yes I used to laugh, now it freaks me out that I actually live in a country where the public finds these people electable. It really is time to be beamed up!”
-Robert | Fond du Lac, WI | July 11, 2011
Letter on: Looking for trouble
“Heroin is legally declared contraband. Contraband is a legal definition that dictates that in and of itself something is illegal. It has no useful purpose.
Hand guns have no purpose except to kill humans. Why aren't they contraband?”
-blurondo | Wauwatosa, WI | July 11, 2011
Letter on: Football and baseball
“The daily drivel is just too much. Let's throw out both parties. Republicans and Democrats both must go. Let's get a new one going. The tea party group is NOT a party.
Next Bob Fest is in September and at a great venue: Alliant Center, Madison. Let's get a progressive movement/party going and do something positive for the nation.
Why aren't there any progressive candidates running in the recalls? All I see on the tickets are cowards and coward wannabes.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley | July 11, 2011
Letter on: Football and baseball
“I haven't decided yet whether today's politics remind me of high school student councils or roving menacing schoolyard bullies. I'm not so sure politicians really care how they are perceived by the rest of us. There are so many layers of lackeys between them and us. I'm not so sure politics is a game. It's more akin to terrorism.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison, WI | July 11, 2011
Letter on: Looking for trouble
“Well, if we end poverty by ending humanitarian welfare aid, and bring peace by waging war, why not reduce violence by increasing guns in the public arena? Especially in these contentious and highly volatile times.”
-DHFabian | Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 | July 11, 2011
Letter on: In defense of Afghanistan
“First, I respect your work with the peace corps. That is wonderful.....but it was a PERSONAL committment...not forced upon you by the "boss."
Second, none of us want the misery that seems to inflict the less fortunate countries who have, it seems, often fewer resources and know-how in regard to managing what they do have...and practicing birth control so that they do not overpopulate what they do have, in resources to take care of their people.
But then we come to the point. Are we or are we not going to be prepping for Us empire, and the nation building and government coups, and military personnel losses, (and not the Brass or the peace corps), that that involves? There are a lot of countries that we have tossed money at to no avail in democracy building. There are lately, many nations that we seem to have "preemptively" become involved with...and I'd like a look at the profit book from military-war-machine-industry profits from the families and those who voted or lobbied it into place.
After looking at all that, I'd say, send boatloads of computers and internet access, humanitarian supplies in a crisis, food in drought if we aren't in the middle of one ourselves, boatloads of birth control, lots of garden supplies at wholesale prices, but John, let's keep Wall Street and our abused (except for the brass) military at home. Send Wall Street in person, or the brass alone if they want to play cop all over the world,”
-hmj | madison | July 11, 2011
Letter on: Looking for trouble
“Perhaps its a way to get rid of pesky Democrats.”
-L Kolosso | Madison, Wi | July 11, 2011
Letter on: Football and baseball
“Policymaking ought to be a process and not a game. Winners should not be policymakers but rather the people. Unfortunate as it may be, too many policymakers view elected office as their livelihoods and as such the money to be had. Their goals are the next election and how much money it will take to get there.
Statehouses and Washington are not for saints.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | July 11, 2011
Letter on: The butler did it!
“I had both hands open at Fete de Marquette in Madison this afternoon. A woman filled them with an empty paper plate and a cracked beer cup. How does David do it, get women to fall into his open hands?
Nothing seems to work for me this afternoon. Should have brought my black robe.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 10, 2011
Letter on: The butler did it!
“I recoiled upon reading "...the actions of Prosser, Bradley and Abrahamson."
Bradley and Abrahamson CANNOT be put into the same category as Prosser as regards their "participation" in this crime. I expect Supreme Court Justices to be contentious (almost by definition, no?). But I also expect them to be lawful. Prosser has allegedly committed physical assault against one Justice (Bradley) and verbal assault upon another (Chief Abrahamson). To throw them all in together as active contributors to the episodes in question is to blame the victims - or, at least, to diminish the exceptional nature of Prosser's assaults.
I know you share with me the absolute sense of horror that we have loosed such an aggressive madman upon our Supreme Court. But I write now to warn that sometimes the words we choose to express ourselves sometimes betray us. Such is the case in conflating Prosser's alleged crimes with the non-criminal behaviors of his victims.”
-Jeff Pieterick | Waterloo, WI | July 10, 2011
Letter on: Looking for trouble
“Expect a rise in ER visits involving concealed firearms and injuries to the feet. The new legislation will enable more people to shoot themselves in the foot. Ah, but perhaps this is another Republican't ruse to keep us from the polls. For every Democrat who shoots himself/herself in the foot, that's one less hobbling to the polls to vote. Very clever, those Republican'ts.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Fete de Marquette, Madison | July 10, 2011
Letter on: The butler did it!
“So, Prosser has retained attorneys to represent him during the investigation? Would this suggest he knows he did wrong?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisco | July 10, 2011
Letter on: Looking for trouble
“It used to be that when someone held you up, you'd simply hand over your wallet or purse. Now we have the option to shoot them. Ah, freedom of choice. I love it! I wonder how many concealed carry types will forget to take off the safety and end up getting shot themselves.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc | July 10, 2011
Letter on: The butler did it!
“Could we simply do away with the supreme court? This would save taxpayers money and free up space in the capitol for more bad legislation.
I'm thinking consolidating more power in the governor's office and legislature. If Walker and the Fitzgeralds were given the duties of the 7 justices, decisions would be made faster and they'd always be "right".
Next step would be to dissolve the entire constitution and let Walker and boys rewrite a better one.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | July 10, 2011
Letter on: Looking for trouble
“Gee, this was a bit of a 'light' entry on a major right-wing propaganda item. I would've liked to have seen something more substantial, with more insight/historical info, such as this one from 2008:
www.wsws.org/articles/2008/jun2008/guns-j28.shtml”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | July 10, 2011
Letter on: Looking for trouble
“My question, do you have to conceal to carry? Why can I not just strap on my sidearm? If I carry, is it against the law to discharge my firearm to eliminate the barking dog which attacked me?”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | July 10, 2011
Letter on: Here comes permanent victory
“A year of conservative Republican right wingnut rule would seem permanent enough for me. Decades would be hell.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley | July 9, 2011
Letter on: Here comes permanent victory
“Tip your hat to Lucifer indeed. That is why liberals shoud read Ayn Rand, especially "Capitalism- The Unknown Ideal". Never hurts to be versed in the supposed talking points of the other side. That way you can call them out on their inconsistencies!
Liberals, progressives, whatever they want to call themselves these days need to break their sick and pathetic co-dependance with the Democratic party. Face it, the are a negative. There is no HOPE there. When the supposed head of the party, the President, repeats the GOP mantras all HOPE is lost. There is no fight left in that party.
I find it pathetic that after all the demos and sign carrying and pent up rage in Madison this winter that no third party organized. What happened to the "can do" American? How pathetic are we?
The time is long past due when the Democratic party should be the minority Third party. The Working Families Party speaks more directly to the needs and concerns of the traditional Democratic base. So, they don't run candidates. So what? Use them as a template, call it what you will, but drop this sick, depressing, negative need to support that miserable and philosophically bankrupt Democratic Party. They are like the wife beater or alcoholic who comes home and says "honest honey, this time I will do better". Don't believe it! The evidence is all against them.
Now, you know what you have to do. All that is lacking is about 4 or 5 people of some note and trust who will take it on and get out there and enlist folks and then for that new party to run candidates starting with the various state legislatures. After all, the GOP did it and less than a decade later Lincoln was in the White House and had served as a Senator.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | July 9, 2011
Letter on: Exit Afghanistan
“Bob,
I guess all the commenters figured we already covered the Afghanistan issue in the last couple of days?”
-Steve Carlson | trego WI | July 8, 2011
Letter on: Does it have a loo?
“Pardon me for horning in again but this is essentially a reply to "Fritz F".
First of all, we need to elect representatives who are willing and able to give the boot to "leadership". As near as I can tell the "leaders" in both parties work essentially like John Gard did. They raise the most funds, have a secure position, and dole out favors and funds to those who go along to get along. That system has to end and only a crictical of newly elected reps who want real change can give those old fossils the boot.
Second, we the electorate have to quit thinking that just because someone is 'smart", or can raise the most money, or has the most important connections is the best candidate. If they are good enough and smart enough to do all that they are probably just smart enough to screw you.
Honestly, we couldn't do any worse if we picked our representatives the same way we pick folks for jury duty. At least we might have people who have had to live under the insane system our "smart" and "connnected" reps have made for us.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | July 8, 2011
Letter on: Walker is a leader after all
“Hello, Sarcasm.”
-Steve | Madison, WI | July 8, 2011
Letter on: Does it have a loo?
“Unless we start having viable do-something candidates, we'll never change things. Ranting/raving does little to solve problems or go forward. The right is successfully dismantling government services and employment as we know it. The wingnuts are effectively setting the stage for further deregulation which will inevitably lead to privatization of government services. The right is hitting us from all sides as it continues to turn us against one another with fear, distrust and confusion. Think again, if you believe privatization will save taxes. It will not, since private enterprise is profit driven and we'll be paying more for what we had before. The protests at the capitol were great but I'm beginning to think they were only something to keep us occupied while the Fitzwalkers did their deed.
Have we given our elected representatives too much power over our lives and affairs?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 8, 2011
Letter on: Does it have a loo?
“It is long past time for all the Obamapologists out there to realize that in Obungle we have the Neville Chamberlain of our time. He would sell his grannies dentures to claim he got a bi-partisan deal.
We need a Democratic candidate for President. Right now Obungle is simply the most electable GOP candidate. Dump the Hope Dope in 2012!
Odd, he once said he would rather be a good one-term president than a mediocre two term president. Looks like he could well be the worst one termer since Carter. That is a pretty high bar to exceed.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | July 8, 2011
Letter on: Does it have a loo?
“Obama mugged us with the bank bailouts.
He mugged us with the continuation of taxcuts for the wealthy.
Be prepared to mugged with social security, medicare and medicaid cuts.
There is no way Obama is a centrist.
Obama was a manchurian candidate for the wealthy, corporations and the military.”
-Sonny | Little Chicago, WI | July 8, 2011
Letter on: Walker is a leader after all
“Walker a leader? You are delusional.”
-Maria C | Middleton | July 7, 2011
Letter on: Mike Nichols
“There is a tea party sign on the outskirts of Wyocena that reads "Restore Constitutional Law."
Huh?
Is this some secret project Prosser is working on? I wonder if the Fitz fellows are aware of this one.
Why is the right so good at meaningless pairing of words?”
-Pardeeville Bob | Pardeeville, wisconsin | July 6, 2011
Letter on: In defense of Afghanistan
“Americans are unique, I think, in that they love to meddle in everyone's business. Part to control and part to get something in return. We have done much good throughout the world and throughout our short history. We have also screwed up masterfully many, many times. The Cheney/Bush fiascoes in Iraq and Afghanistan and now the Obama lost chances throughout the Middle East and northern Africa have us mired in expensive and nonaffordable undertakings. If there ever is an outcome, it will be to the benefit of weapons makers, petroleum and minerals bullies, etc.
We ought to bring America home: our troops, our military bases, our influence. Give the world a chance to discover itself without our "help". This is not an isolationist mentality but rather one where we recognize other nations, cultures and people and give them a chance. American dictators and global corporations do more harm than good.
Read Naomi Klein's Shock Doctrine for one author's insights into how we have misbehaved the past 40 years. We have done little to world stability. We have done so much to turn the world upside down.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | July 6, 2011
Letter on: In defense of Afghanistan
“John,
You called Bob M. and I screaming lefties when weve done nothing more than echo the sentiments of Dave Obey and delegates to the 2010 DPW convention.
You've implicitly suggested that your world travels give you expertise regarding the war in Afghanistan, which is a flat out ludicrous assertion.
If you absolutely have to have the last word you can have it, though I hope you'll write with greater clarity and sense than you have so far.”
-Steve Carlson | Trego, WI | July 6, 2011
Letter on: Mike Nichols
“Who is the person or persons who are listed as the publishers of The "Once Vaunted Wisconsin State Journal"? They are the culprits. They will print anything if it will keep them afloat.
They know who they publish.
So the WSJ, once revered, stays afloat like a dead fish bumping along the shoreline of a small Wisconsin lake, like the one I grew up on. Its only a matter of time before that dead fish gets so slimy and smelly before it disappears altogether.”
-Ty O'Mara | Grayslake, IL | July 6, 2011
Letter on: Mike Nichols
“There was a time when it took a certain degree of intelligence to be hired on as a journalist. Guess it doesn't take much to be one now, intelligence, that is.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 6, 2011
Letter on: In defense of Afghanistan
“Steve - Dave Obey and I didn't/don't always agree on everything. I always remember his comment to a heckler to the effect that he wasn't this guy's personal representative in congress!
And Bob - a Cheneyite? Please!
And I don't mean to imply that we should "bear any burden" in fighting the Afghan war. It was seriously mismanaged by the Bushies, and much of what's happening now is make-up work. But, there's a reason for it.
You can pooh-pooh my world views and international friends, but I wish that more Americans could see beyond our own borders...”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | July 6, 2011
Letter on: Mike Nichols
“Blaming the Chief Justice for Prosser choking another Justice is a Republican MO. Just as George W Bush went to war with Iraq because we were attacked by a group from Afghanistan.”
-nonheroicvet | Fargo, North Dakota | July 6, 2011
Letter on: Mike Nichols
“Nichols' worst column asserted that we ought admire a prosecutor who sees crime where there is none.
In other words, the proseuction of an innnocent woman, Georgia Thompson, was applauded by Nichols.
The guy's a joke. From 2007: http://uppitywis.org/should-we-admire-prosecutor-who-sees-crime-where-there-is-none”
-Michael Leon | Madison, Wisconsin | July 6, 2011
Letter on: Mike Nichols
“Madison Newspapers already has one Nichols - they don't need two. I say they should keep John, and boot Mike. He can get another job - I hear Glenn Beck is looking for a new writer.”
-Bob N. | Oregon, WI | July 6, 2011
Letter on: In defense of Afghanistan
“"But haven't the lefties come out screaming"? John is that the best you can do? How would you characterize your position? A righty screaming? A Cheneyite screaming? After being there 10 years, clearly state your position for remaining? Speak in policy terms, not about people that you personally know in that region. Personal anecdotes of a world traveler don't get it.
Our permanent war economy for the last 60 years has brought us to the edge of bankruptcy. Bring our armies home. Quit selling arms and munitions to the world which provokes continual warfare. Pursue peace and rescue our economy! Get it?”
-Bob Menamin | Verona | July 6, 2011
Letter on: In defense of Afghanistan
“John,
If I'm not mistaken, Dave Obey railed against the war in Afghanistan during his last year in office, and delegates to the DPW convention in 2010 passed a resolution calling on our democratic congressional delegation to vote against the war supplemental spending bill.
The lefties have come out screaming, indeed.”
-Steve Carlson | Trego, WI. | July 5, 2011
Letter on: In defense of Afghanistan
“How can a country that is gutting the principles of Democracy and Justice at home be expected to bring Democracy and Justice to other countries. It's all about the money in the exploitation of Natural Resources.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha County | July 5, 2011
Letter on: Crazy like a fox?
“Ed, your "Bernie Sanders our keynote, September 17 at Fighting bob Fest!" gave me the lead-in to write this little heresy.
Democratic Green Socialism: The Solution
Some shoot-from-the-hip common sense observations.
Capitalism is based on "constant growth." There is no such thing as "steady-state" capitalism. Nothing on this whole planet can operate in "constant growth" mode. This is Nature. Only humans can deceive themselves into this erroneous perception. Capitalism is "unsustainable." All life on our earth operates as a self-sustaining, self-correcting, self-regenerating system.
Not just Wisconsin, not just the United States but the whole world is rapidly falling into ruination. This is the shadow-side of globalization. Money escapes 21st Century nation-state politics and becomes the dominant "government" of humans and attains a entity-like intelligence that has but one need--profit.
Energy+Intelligence=Wealth. Renewable energy sources are the only hope for the human species to move forward (or even survive). Fossil fuels and their by-products are killing us and many other nations of life.
Our country, and our human-global world need radical re-organization that is impossible within the existing political-economic paradigms. Somehow we need to create social-political structures that will serve all the people...and sustainably. Do we all have to fall into ruination to come to understand this? Can something trump the hypnotism that pervades our species. Can human intelligence? Can common sense?
So, how to get from here to there. I am not sure. It may be a realization that needs to be born of more and more suffering, but I would like to think not.
I want an elected government that will implement socialized publicly-owned renewable energy and make it available to all as determined by necessity and greatest good as it becomes available. An elected--and responsible to the people--government to make this happen. Does the profit motive really promote innovation? Perhaps, but much more it provides us with more and more crap that we "just have to have" and poisons in our food, water, air and minds. Perhaps intelligence and necessity would prove wiser. Provide for the common necessities first. Then build on that. Build a government based on community (or synergy, where the whole is always greater than the parts) instead of competitive mammalian-territorial politics.
I am not "crazy like a fox" but I think I am becoming crazy like a coyote.”
-John E. Davey | Kendall, WI | July 5, 2011
Letter on: In defense of Afghanistan
“My, my, but haven't the lefties come out screaming? I reread my piece several times to see whether it was in reality a masked defense of President Obama, or a clarion call for international militarism - and I don't find those things there.
Several points: I'm seventy years old and have traveled the world quite extensively, but, when I was young and a student at the UW-Madison and a starving actor in New York City, I was significantly more to the left than I am now.
Then I starting traveling the world, meeting people who lived significantly different lives from mine - and I now think of myself as more of an internationalist than a traditional leftie. If this point-of-view is unsettling to you guys, so be it. Let's just agree to disagree.
But I am concerned about the Afghan people. [I actually know some - do you?] I am not in favor of militarism either, but sometimes it's necessary, and Afghanistan is a case in point. We went into that country in a covert way and then simply walked away and left them high and dry.
That part of the world is important to us. Pakistan and India are huge nations population-wise, and nuclear powers. What happens there will unquestionably affect us at some level, much as it did on 9/11. Closing our eyes to the challenge will not work. Somebody else will step into the breech if we step out.
I wish that more Americans would travel, and I don't mean just hitting tourist stops, shopping, eating and basking in the sun - I mean really learning about the rest of the world. I believe that attitudes would change if that happened...”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | July 5, 2011
Letter on: In defense of Afghanistan
“This is one of the most misguided articles I've ever read on FightingBob.com, based as it is on the wholly false and destructive premise of so-called "isolationism " versus American military intervention. Is there no other way for America to participate in world affairs other than with ground troops, bombs and drone strikes?
A second likely false premise is that Mr. Smart is writing in defense of Afghanistan when what he's probably doing is attempting to defend President Obama. It's a prime example of how being a good and loyal democrat can lead someone seriously, seriously astray.
A recently published Brown University Study titled " The Costs of War" said an "extremely conservative estimate" from our wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen since the September 11th attacks is 225,000 people killed and 365,000 wounded, including the deaths of 12,000 Afghan civilians. These are "extremely conservative" estimates. Good God.
Furthermore, a staggering 7.8 million people are estimated to have been displaced and the wars are ultimately expected to cost a mind boggling 3.2 to 4.4 trillion dollars.
And what's truly stunning is that it's not clear at this point what benefits have been obtained from these wars. It's not clear, after ten years, if Americans are any safer or if Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan are more stable and democratic nations.
What is crystal clear is that hundreds of thousands of people have been killed, hundreds of thousands more have been wounded, millions and millions more have been displaced, orphaned and widowed, and trillions of dollars have been or will be spent. The mind struggles to grasp the horrific magnitude of it all.
It's high time democrats like John Smart take off their partisan blinders and join the expanding chorus of diverse voices that includes the Congressional Progressive Caucus, an increasing number of congressional republicans, and the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, to collectively call for an end to this seemingly unending madness.”
-Steve Carlson | Trego WI. | July 5, 2011
Letter on: In defense of Afghanistan
“John, I could not disagree more with you about Afghanistan, our policy toward Iraq and now Libya and maybe Yemen, Tunisia, Egypt and etc.,etc.
The lame, old warning of "we can't become isolationists", is so off the mark. Read Chalmers Johnson last book published in 2010, entitled, "Dismantling The Empire" where he clearly establishes the fact that for the last 60 years we have had a "Military Keynesianism Ideology--the determination to maintain a permanent war economy and to treat military output as an ordinary economic product, even though it makes no contribution to either production or consumption. In fiscal year 2004 it was estimated that the world total military expenditures were $1100 billion and the world total(minus the United States) was $500 billion. The real issue is how long are we going to indulge in this insanity in the midst of going bankrupt. We need to secure our domestic base or we won't be arguing about this. We will collapse and not be able to intervene anywhere.
John, it is Democrats like you(and there are many) that make it impossible to oppose and stop this insanity. This makes me think there is really only one political party RE foreign policy, The Know Nothing Party. Read Chalmers Johnson's book!!!”
-Bob Menamin | Verona, WI | July 5, 2011
Letter on: 'Freedom to make choices'
“My apologies. She wrote a very nice essay. I'd love to read those that did not make it.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley | July 4, 2011
Letter on: 'Freedom to make choices'
“I certainly understand your concerns with corporate America, Pietr, but this essay was written by a fifth grader. Go gently if you please. There will be occasion to frighten her in good time, but, for now, lay off!
And, as a citizen of Park Falls, I want to say how proud I am of her efforts, and those of the 400 or so elementary school kids who competed in this American Legion 4th of July contest...”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | July 4, 2011
Letter on: Share the wealth or let them take it?
“SW - You are so full of crap that it is just pathetic. For one thing, trains do not cause anywhere near the degradation of a mine and they also help by efficiently (energy wise) moving people around. They also produce side benefits in the servicing of passengers and the rolling stock.
Show me one boom and bust mining or lumbering town that didn't go bust in short order. Go ahead, find one.
Get your head together SW or we might have to release the flying monkeys. You probably believe in the Wizard of Oz too so that would be fitting punishment.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | July 4, 2011
Letter on: Share the wealth or let them take it?
“Again liberal linear thought process is interesting. Barry wants to give $800 million to Wiscosin for a choo choo train. You guys are all about jobs but no concern what so ever about the enviromental impact not one word as a matter of fact. Trains crossing all over the place is no big deal. A comapny wants to come in and no job is worth the enviromental impact.”
-SW | Waukesha WI | July 4, 2011
Letter on: Share the wealth or let them take it?
“The timber companies made rural northern Wisconsin prosperous and then they left leaving environmental degradation.
Is that what prosperity means, slash and burn? Does a paycheck for one year make you prosperous?
I grew up in northern Wisconsin and for all the years I lived there the only consistent source of income was tourism and degradation of the environment affects tourism.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | July 4, 2011
Letter on: Share the wealth or let them take it?
“An education fund? Come now, do you really want an educated public and voters who can discern fact from fiction? This would not necessarily be part of the conservative wingnut agenda.”
-Maria C. | Middleton Wisconsin | July 4, 2011
Letter on: Share the wealth or let them take it?
“Do the math. "Average" means just that "average." Take all salaries, add them up and divide by the payees. If management is paid handsomely and the ordinary slave peanuts, you can easily have an average that will be nearly 2x what regular incomes make for northern Wisconsin and the UP.
Typcial math class comment in high school was "why do we have to know how to do all this math stuff?" Now we know, and the dummies who asked are the same who believe that mining or any other industry will make them members of the same country clubs as the Kochs.
It ain't gonna happen.
Company towns are bad towns. Consider what lumber did for employment the past 100 years. Look at any town with shuttered GM plants. Most one-company towns have failed and are now scrambling for solutions.
Take the money and run or future be damned.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc | July 4, 2011
Letter on: I miss the Milwaukee Journal
“The battle between what the corporations want the people to "know" and what the people need to know continues.”
-Glenn Fritz | Park Ridge, IL | July 3, 2011
Letter on: I miss the Milwaukee Journal
“Newspapers are businesses and they do exist to make a profit. Is it any wonder that staff gets cut and the truth gets spared if either or both stand in the way of profit?
Could it be that the MJS doesn't take seriously the role of credit unions in our communities?
I read the story about Johnson, too. How can a country go bankrupt? Countries print currencies and set policies. I'd still like to know more about Johnson's $10 million severance package and why he doesn't favor steeper taxes on rich bastards like him. Pony up, Ron. Let's see some real tax money start flowing in from the wealthy. It's time you and your ilk start paying this country back for all we have given you guys.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisconsin | July 3, 2011
Letter on: Ah, justice
“Oops I misunderstood that last link. Menedez is a US Senator, not a NJ State Senator. Please disregard.”
-Katrina | Madison, WI | July 3, 2011
Letter on: Ah, justice
“Now that the New Jersey Supreme Court has declared part of it's Constitution unconstitutional perhaps we don't really need a Supreme Court. See this from the American Civil Rights Union:
http://theacru.org/acru/new_jersey_supreme_court_rules_state_constitutions_recall_law_unconstitutional/”
-Katrina | Madison, WI | July 3, 2011
Letter on: I miss the Milwaukee Journal
“The fact that news media and elected officials did not know about the credit union debacle is incredible. We don't have open government at all in WI. This is a gross travesty and a mockery that is beyond belief. 2.2 million credit union members sold down the river without a whisper. We sit in judgement about how uncivilized the rest of the world is and brag about American Exceptionalism? What a pathetic joke we are. Spending trillions of dollars in military adventures to bludgeon countries to embrace democracy. We just elected a Supreme Court Justice that should be prosecuted for assault and battery, but he probably will become the chief Justice of the court. Physician heal thyself!!! We need help from people like Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Ralph Nader, Noam Chomsy and Christopher Hedges. Moloch help us!!”
-Bob Menamin | Verona, WI | July 3, 2011
Letter on: 'Freedom to make choices'
“Yes, we indeed have "freedom to make choices" in this country of ours. How many of those choices are truly yours and how many are choices made for us by corporate America?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisconsin | July 3, 2011
Letter on: Ah, justice
“Everyone seems to be drinking the "merit selection" Kool-aid. How about giving public financing another chance? How about a federal investigation into the Waukesha County Clerk's handling of votes? Who do I want to select my Supreme Court? A governor who is beholden to corporate interests or my fellow citizens? I go with the people everytime. But give me back public financing and clean elections.
Republicans are supporting merit selection because they don't want anyone coming as close to Roggansack as Kloppenburg came to Prosser. I don't know what Tim Cullen's motivation is - maybe he wants to be seen as someone who can work with the Republicans.”
-Katrina | Madison, WI | July 2, 2011
Letter on: Ah, justice
“I'm not sure that, in the grand scheme of things/the big picture, it would make any difference if we continued to have the justices elected or if we went to an appointment process because ultimately the voters (and NON-voters) would still be 'electing' them, albeit indirectly. To me, the basic problem is the electorate's voting pattern - - - too many lower/middle-class voters are voting against their own best economic and moral/ethical interests by voting for right-wing/Neo-con Republicans. Be it out of ignorance, indifference, manipulative diversion, stubbornness, tradition, or greed (undoubtedly some combination of all of these), some 20-30% of the voters (ie; the 'independent/undecided' faction) are hurting themselves and their peers by voting for the right-wing 'solutions'. So if these voters continue to go and elect a Gableman/Crooks/Prosser or these justices get appointed by a right-wing hack governor that people have ignorantly/stupidly elected, the base cause is the voters and either way they're STILL going to get these destructive yahoos into office, and we'll continue our descent into our fast approaching 'Wississippi' status.”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | July 2, 2011
Letter on: Will the GOP compromise?
“It is long past time for the Democrats to stand up to the GOP. Dems HAVE compromised, and so has their voting base. In Minnesota the GOP has brought on a crises by mollycoddling 0.03% of the population who don't want any part of a shared sacrifice. Let the public see the logical end result of what total GOP governance would mean for them.
If the Governor of Minnesota, the DFL, the national Dems, and Obungle (not much HOPE there!) gave it half a try they should be able to kick so much GOP butt that the whole wrecking crew would be wearing their butt cheeks for ear muffs.
Now lets see them do it. The public likes a fighter despite what all the whining peace love dove liberals might say. Give it to them. Like Truman did in '48. The public has been getting the shaft for so long that they can take it a bit longer, but only if they finally see somebody out there fighting for them.
If the Dems are not up to this pretty obvious task then send them to ash heap of history. They will have earned that spot.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | July 2, 2011
Letter on: Ah, justice
“[Correction]
An appointed judiciary would work fine if the governor or anyone in the legislature were NOT allowed to be part of the process. I would think it possible to gain consensus among lawyers within our state as to who would serve us well and best as a justice. We certainly don't need party affiliations either party to the process.
What we need most is an innovative method of selecting our justices”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, WIsc | July 2, 2011
Letter on: Ah, justice
“An appointed judiciary would work fine if the governor or anyone in the legislature were allowed to be part of the process. I would think it possible to gain consensus among lawyers within our state as to who would serve us well and best as a justice. We certainly don't need party affiliations either party to the process.
What we need most is an innovative method of selecting our justices.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisc | July 2, 2011
Letter on: Blame the chief!
“Why are so many so quick to blame others for their own inadequacies while at the same time inept at resolving differences? Prosser never should have been given the chance to be a justice. Blame Tommy. To get re-elected over Kloppenberg, blame a divided Wisconsin.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | July 2, 2011
Letter on: Can't stop watching
“This is really a joke. I love the posts here. Guilty as charged. What if Prosser's story is proven true and she is lying? Will all of you ask her to resign? Didn't think so. Why weren't the police called immediately? Why didn't Abramson, who hates Prosser call the police immediatley? Why doesn't she press charges, or seek a restraining order? There are alot of rational questions that need answers. The public needs to know the facts.”
-Jake Jacobs | pelican lake, wis | July 1, 2011
Letter on: Something ain't right!
“Spot-on post about banks and credit unions. Thank you for that.
But your comments about credit union efforts to get the conversion provision removed from the budget bill are off base. After it was secretly slipped in at the last minute, the Wisconsin Credit Union League and its member credit unions visited legislative offices (some several times), issued press releases, placed newspaper ads and letters to the editor around the state, and worked with other cooperatives to spell out forcefully that this provision was not good for Wisconsin consumers.
Nearly 1200 credit union members contacted their representatives about deleting the provision from the budget bill. Nearly 1000 more sent messages to Gov. Walker requesting a veto. And 15 Republican legislators signed a letter asking the governor to veto the bill.
The wishes of credit unions may have been ignored, but it's not accurate to claim they -- or their trade association or its VP of Government Affairs -- stood by and watched it happen without doing anything to try and stop it. And be assured that Wisconsin's member-owned credit unions will continue to provide fairly priced financial services that put people before profits.
Joanne Whiting, Executive Vice President
Wisconsin Credit Union League”
-Joanne Whiting | Pewaukee, WI | July 1, 2011
Letter on: Blame the chief!
“Blame the Chief? Unfortunately, this is a typical Republican reaction. She is after all the Chief Justice, and she rules the court with an iron fist - right? What she says, goes - right? How dopey...
I was fortunate to meet Chief Justice Abrahamson several years ago when she was touring the state, and had a chance to visit with her. We touched on how justices should be chosen, and she said that she liked the election process. I agreed, saying that I did as well, that it was the best way for the people's voice to be heard.
But that was "before" - before our government was reduced to a partisan cat-fight, with monstrous financial funding sources changing the face of politics for the worse.
Now I am supporting the bill from the two senators for a judicial commission [perhaps made up of retired judges?] recommending a short list of candidates, with the governor making the appointment, subject to senate approval. A similar plan is what is used in Washington, after all [of course, that's how we got Thomas and Scalia and Roberts et al!].
I wonder what the Chief Justice would say today?”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | July 1, 2011
Letter on: Something ain't right!
“This is a concern for many of us CU people but in defense of Tom Liebe, he worked tirelessly first with the legislature and then getting 997 letters to the governor before he signed the budget; there were articles in various state newspapers as well. It was a case of the bankers supporting the Republicans strongly in November and being thanked with this special piece of legislation. What the bankers will find is they don't understand that CU people are not greedy but really believe in helping people.
Dennis D. Degenhardt, President
Glacier Hills Credit Union”
-Dennis D Degenhardt | West Bend, WI | July 1, 2011
Letter on: Blame the chief!
“In this morning's WSJ there's an item where a couple of senators are proposing a change to the constitution to make justices appointed instead of elected. http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_562d81a2-a37d-11e0-91e8-001cc4c002e0.html
This makes sense because it has the potential to remove the money factor. Of course, Fitzgerald opposes the change. Wonder why.
We do need a better way of doing business in Wisconsin. Qualified candidates reviewed and chosen by a nonpartisan panel seem the way to go. Leaving the governor out of the selection process is even better.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley | July 1, 2011
Letter on: Will the GOP compromise?
“The GOP is an evil force, an out-of-control cancer eating away at our way of life. For at least 3 decades, the GOP has obstructed more than it has contributed. Yes, it is destroying the country but so are the Democrats who have not the courage to stand up and lead.
The puzzle remains why so many ordinary people back the GOP, especially in light of blatant wrongs it continues to perpetrate on the rest of us. Why is our own state so evenly split on just about every single issue? Why are elections "won" with razor thin margins? Why are so many Americans content living substandard lives and working for crumbs swept off the table of corporate America?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | July 1, 2011
Letter on: Will the GOP compromise?
“The thugs will have won? Hmm just a week or so ago a consevitive talk show host used that word and Ed said he was advocating killing blacks. Let me get this straight if the GOP gives in that's compromise if the president does that's lettting the "thugs win". I'm guessing that message of working together and getting along that Ed tries to pedal every so often just isn't resinating. I can't imagine why after all his love for a socialist like Bernie Sanders is some one we can all get behind.”
-SW | waukesha wi | July 1, 2011
Letter on: Will the GOP compromise?
“If Obama gives in to the GOP demands he will not be reelected. The thugs will have won and as you mentioned they will parade up and down reminding the people that they whipped the President and they not he rule.
Millions of voters who have offered continuing support would then withdraw their support knowing that he is only a smooth talker, and really not a man of convictions.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | July 1, 2011
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