August 2011
FightingBob.com readers talk back
Letter on: Are you kidding about FEMA Eric, or have you lost your mind?
“Ed...allow me to rewrite your final paragraph, changing only a few names and words to turn it the other way.
"The Bradley saga continues while leaders remain silent. Bradley admits that she attempted to intimidate Prosser both physically and verbally. Ask yourself--would you keep an employee on your payroll if she aggressively charged and demeaned one man or struck another man on the head? Of course not! Abrahamson was part of the intimidation of Justice Prosser--time for her recall?"”
-Tim | Madison, Wis. | August 31, 2011
Letter on: Are you kidding about FEMA Eric, or have you lost your mind?
“Maybe the department to do make disappear is Homeland Security, a Cheney/Bush invention to keep us fearful and to give them their reasons to dismantle government and hand out bidless contracts to Halliburton and the likes. That silly alert system always peaked just before elections. Gee, a coincidence? Cheney/Bush are gone and so are the alerts. Surprise, surprise.
And what about those contracts handed over to buds of the administration and congress? I be there is a bundle of cash disappearing that we will never even know about.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 31, 2011
Letter on: Are you kidding about FEMA Eric, or have you lost your mind?
“This nation of ours continues to disappoint with each passing day. I'm beginning to believe we have it too good and have lost sight of our past and where we are going.
We survived our youth and struggled through our middle years. Has the US finally reached those golden years? There's a vein of senility that seems to have hold of congress and those in leadership roles. Time to put the lot out to pasture or send them to the glue factory.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisc. | August 31, 2011
Letter on: Down in the sand
“Einstein said that a hundred experiments could not prove him right, but one could prove him wrong. The flat or decreasing global temperatures observed from around 1940 to 1980 led some at the time to speculate on an oncoming ice age at the same time that CO2 levels were rising. This demonstrates that CO2 plays only a very minor role in global warming and other factors are the main drivers.
When the observations do not support the theory the correct thing to do is disregard the theory, not the observations.”
-Gary Glonek | Montreal, Wi | August 31, 2011
Letter on: Down in the sand
“"The tar sands project is an excellent source of petroleum." Say what? The amount of energy required to mine, extract, process and transport this low grade petroleum is not much less that the amount gained. Any buisness model would show this as a bad investment.
Yes climate change is a natural process, but the current warming trend is largely due to mankind's excessive use of fossil fuels. The global warming hypothesis has been extensively challenged and most scientific theories have come to support this conclusion.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha, County | August 30, 2011
Letter on: Something must happen
“Go here and scroll down the left side of the page to hear audio of the Prosser interview by investigators, with attorney present and trying to keep him on track. Most is rambling, but bump it ahead to about the 1 hr. mark and listen for the next 15-20 min.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/128463653.html”
-Jane Doe | Mosinee, WI | August 30, 2011
Letter on: Wonder why?
“Remember when Walker, describing the outcries against him, broke the state into 'Madison' and 'Not Madison'? Well, 'Madison' is now anywhere we take a stand for our once great Progressive state. If you can, please help us commemorate Labor Day and stand up for the working class by joining our parade in Wausau...and let's tell the Republicans to 'Get Your Own Damn Parade !'
Read more at middlewisc.wordpress.com”
-Nathan at Middle Wisconsin | Wausau, WI | August 30, 2011
Letter on: Down in the sand
“Thank you Rick for your courage and willingness to put yourself on the line. I don't know how long it will take for the people of this country (and this world) to awaken. We can decide now to invest in a real future with real possibilities instead of waiting for China or some other nations to take the lead in alternative technologies, while we poison our water, land and air sinking further into to debt, unemployment and general disaster on the fading trail of fossil fuels.”
-John E Davey | Kendall, WI | August 30, 2011
Letter on: Down in the sand
“An important issue relative to any extensive pipeline is that to enable such an extensive project the use of eminent domain will cause many to lose property along the route. Regardless of their desire not to sell, units of government will force people to lose their land to satisfy industry not the will or needs of the people.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, IL. | August 30, 2011
Letter on: Down in the sand
“Gary: Planet earth is a finite environment with finite resources. There is only so much oil on the planet. When it is gone, it will definitely be a done deal. Even if we can prove we have a 1,000 year supply left, what gives us the right to rape and plunder our planet, our home, and at the same time have total disregard for future generations of humans?
We are mere caretakers of this planet. We need to concentrate on renewable energies. Oil is not on the list. Solar, wind and water are.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisc. | August 30, 2011
Letter on: Down in the sand
“The tar sands project is an excellent source of petroleum, the second most abundant liquid on the planet and the most useful source of energy we have found. Climate change is the normal condition of the earth and as we are, hopefully, still rebounding from an ice age we would expect to see the temperature increase over time. The idea that humans have caused catastrophic climate change which has resulted in deaths is simply absurd.
It is important that we are able to sort fact from fiction and I would encourage a skeptical, critical examination of what you accept to be true. The scientific method shows us that theories are to be aggressively tested to intentionally try to prove that they are false, and if they survive all such rigorous tests and if there are no other explanations available at the time, then they can be considered valid. The climate crisis, as promoted by Al Gore, consistently fails this test.
I would suggest directing your energies in a more useful direction.”
-Gary Glonek | Montreal, Wi | August 30, 2011
Letter on: Mike Huckabee?
“Maybe we could just get rid of the words, liberal and conservative and replace them with "Labor and Small Business Party," or the "Corporate Republican Party." Ed's in a good place...moderate, ethical, and moral. Too bad some politicians sell out on those issues. Perhaps a written contract for those we back would be good. How about a "truth in advertising" enforcement during elections?!”
-hmj | Madison, WI | August 29, 2011
Letter on: Mike Huckabee?
“Maria is right. Watch out, nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American electorate.
All the smart folks voted for Obungle because he was the smartest guy in the room and look what a dogs lunch he has made of things.
When liberals wake up and realize that communicating to the public doesn't mean educating them they might actually make some gains. Liberals always want to send everyone to college at election time but people want a clear message that rings true to them. When, and if the liberals get one please let me know. All they are doing so far is talking smart and acting stupid. I would love to be on their side but...”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 29, 2011
Letter on: Mike Huckabee?
“I wouldn't take any of the wackos for granted. You do, and sure enough one of them will become POTUS. Huh? Well, consider G. W. Bush. Texas took him for granted and he became governor. The country didn't take him seriously and Cheney became president.
These are strange times with many scary candidates masquerading about.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, WI | August 29, 2011
Letter on: Choose Fighting Bob
“We need preferential voting. Then the parties will see where the strength is. And we can vote for a third party and not be stuck with what the GOP hands us.”
-Lynn Marquardt | Stevens Point WI | August 29, 2011
Letter on: Mike Huckabee?
“Michelle Bachman railed against the EPA yesterday in Florida. She advocated possible drilling for oil and gas in the Everglades! Even Jeb Bush moved to protect the Everglades. A unique natural treasure; a 70 mile wide river of grass; nothing like it in the world.
Bachman wants to eliminate the EPA; let the states do it. My God, she is truly unfit to be President.
Bachman should read Marjorie Stoneman Douglas' book, The Everglades: River of Grass (1947). In part, Douglas explains how the dredging of fresh water in the 1920s for agriculture backfired in some parts of the Everglades. The reason is the limstone rock under the muck and water is porous. Once the weight of the water is gone, seawater percolates up into the soil. (You can't grow tomatoes in saltwater.)
Michelle Bachman has no concept of what Aldo Leopold called "The Land Ethic." No concept that man is part of God's creation along with the natural world. Those who worship blindly at the "altar of free enterprise" like to dismiss some human attributes such as greed and avarice. As my former Economics professor at UW-Madison, Robert Lampmann used to say: "Supply and demand really works; it really does; but, not all of the time in every market." The course was Public Finance. What a concept: using taxes for the public good.”
-Steven Arvid Anderson | Appleton, Wisconsin | August 29, 2011
Letter on: Mike Huckabee?
“Blaska,
I think you know the answer to your question. Ed Garvey is obviously a way left extremist who thinks we should look out for each other through government policies that promote the common good, which is obviously just downright un-American.
Good work unmasking the true Garvey, Dave.”
-Steve Carlson | Trego, WI. | August 29, 2011
Letter on: Mike Huckabee?
“Ed, are you a moderate?”
-David Blaska | Madison, WIsconsin | August 29, 2011
Letter on: Mike Huckabee?
“I bet Rick Perry meant to say that evolution is just a theory and that it has some GOPs in it. Surely Perry and all the other oppressors aren't part of Intelligent Design.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 29, 2011
Letter on: Something must happen
“"... he found his hands around her throat"?
This man should be in jail.”
-Sammy Wms | Detroit,MI | August 29, 2011
Letter on: 'Did my hands find their way to her neck?'
“How appropriate that a Justice of the State Supreme court would initiate a new standard of innocence for the State of Wisconsin. Justice Prosser's excuse for placing his hands on the throat of Justice Bradley, "reflexive response" is poised to become a standard and proven defense in abuse cases across the state. Thanks, Dave.”
-Peter Rhoades | New Holstein , WI | August 28, 2011
Letter on: False choice
“Well, I guess one way to convince the skeptics of the value of a clean environment would be to lock them in the garage and leave the car running. Check up in hour and see how they feel.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 28, 2011
Letter on: Something must happen
“Prosser hired an attorney to represent himself. Why? Probably because Prosser knew he was wrong. He knows he is wrong. We know he is wrong. Why do bad politicians choose to cling to their offices than to do what is honorable and step down?”
-Naura Vslirnyr | Milwaukee | August 28, 2011
Letter on: False choice
“I believe it is a shame that all things must be judged by their economic value.
It is the same thinking which is destroying our schools by monetizing the value of education and telling us that they must be operated as a business. How much are clean air and water worth if you are dying for a lack of them, as some are in the world today?”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, IL. | August 28, 2011
Letter on: Railroad Commissioner?
“The democrats would do themselves well to keep quiet about Walker's pick for railroad commissioner. Doyle appointed Roger Breske to the position after the Windbag on Whitney Way retired. Breske, as I recall was a democrat state senator opposed to the anti-smoking bill. By appointing Breske to the job of railroad commissioner, Doyle got his troublesome democrat senator out of the way by giving him a hell of a big increase in wages and state retirement.
The job of railroad commissioner in the past has been primarily to ensure railroad grade crossing safety. But as the Windbag on Whitney Way once told me, it was his job to ensure that Wisconsin and Southern remained profitable. Apparently he was successful at that considering how much Bill Gardner gave Scott Walker in illegal campaign contributions.
What did Breske know about railroads, probably not much but what he did know was he was going to get a heck of a big boost in salary and retirement.
It was rather interesting to watch what occurred after Wisconsin Central Railroad derailed at Weyeueawaga. The Windbag and Tommy were at the podium screaming at Wisconsin Central as a way to get back at a member of the board of directors of Wisconsin Central because he and Thompson had had rather heated phone conversation in which Tommy was told where to go and how to get there. And at the same time the dynamic duo was screaming at Wisconsin Central, Wisconsin and Southern dumped one or two of their trains on the ground at their Pearl Street yard in Janesville.
If Wisconsin really wants this department they need to appoint someone with real railroad experience and not allow the position to be a dumping ground for people needing jobs and retirement checks.”
-The Flying Burrito Brother | Somewhere in Wisconsin | August 28, 2011
Letter on: 'Did my hands find their way to her neck?'
“This whole thing reminds me of the Sol Stein book, The Magician, that the bible thumpers in Montello tried to ban in 1981. The entire Prosser escapade plays itself out just as the plot in Stein's book, did.
Here you have that pathetic little twit of a bully Prosser hiring Steve Meyer, a very good defense attorney, to save his whiny butt. But in a different situation Prosser and his conservative friends would be screaming bloody murder about an attorney just like Steve Meyer, condemning him as one of those hated "trial lawyers who protect bad guys and keep them out of jail." You know the type, the lawyers who bring these foolish cases before the courts costing everyone more money. Or so goes the GOP mantra.
Good heavens, the State of Wisconsin has work rules for their blue collar workers that are apparently much tougher than those governing the behavior, or lack thereof, for Wisconsin Supreme Court justices.
If one of those overpaid lazy suck butt union thug state workers (said with tongue firmly planted in cheek) making $12 an hour did what Prosser did and admitted to doing it as Prosser did, they would get at minimum, a letter of reprimand and very possibly a one day suspension and potentially a psychiatric exam and a number of visits to the anger management institute.
The only sad part of this is it's too bad that Justice Bradley didn't roundhouse Prosser then walk on him as she left her office.
As Flip Wilson used to say, "violence is the tool of the ignorant," but once in a while ignorance may be the solution to the problem. Wouldn't you love to hear Prosser's telling of how it came to be that a woman justice beat the snot out of him.”
-The Flying Burrito Brother | Somewhere in Wisconsin | August 27, 2011
Letter on: Justice
“As the former wife of a man with an explosive temper and an inability to control his own actions--the kind of man who might say "I found myself with my hands on her throat"--I will vouch for the fact that the other justices are in a no-win situation.
First, here is NOTHING the targets of such abuse can say to the abuser that will be understood. He will find a way to perceive every word from their mouths as a further provocation. There is no one on the planet who has less of a chance of successfully speaking reason to an abuser than those he has chosen as his targets.
Fight back, and you're as guilty as he.
Keep letting it go on and when he finally does break your bones, everyone (including yourself) will think you were a fool and a chump.
Seek allies, such as the police, and there won't be enough evidence for them to do anything. And the police are probably more likely to believe you than untrained people. Irrational anger is rare enough that when people shake their heads and say "Unbelievable!" they often mean it literally. The behavior is just too weird to believe unless you've personally witnessed it.
Think about: what would you do if you were Justice Bradley?”
-Karen McKim | Waunakee, Wisconsin | August 27, 2011
Letter on: 'Did my hands find their way to her neck?'
“And Mike Gableman tells the investigators that Prosser never touched her neck; that he just pushed her. Someone's lying. Guess who?”
-disgusted | Madison WI | August 27, 2011
Letter on: Justice
“This whole incident seems to have been blown out of proportion which is not unusual except that came from members of the supreme court. It serves to further destroy the illusion that our higher institutions are somehow immune from silly and immature behavior. There is simply no institution or class which can be trusted to be free of corruption, delusion or fraud.”
-Gary Glonek | Montreal, wi | August 27, 2011
Letter on: Justice
“Surprised Barrett didn't want to pursue. She goes after everything else, just or unjust.
She literally likes to wear a big star on her chest, like she's top cop and don't you forget it.
Come to think of it, whatever happened to all the Sauk deputies who got busted for DUI? The joke used to be that when you got pulled over in Sauk county you had to give the cop a sobriety test.
Could it be? Is the justice system partial when handing out justice?”
-Michael Reinfeldt | Reedsburg WI (Sauk County) | August 26, 2011
Letter on: Feeling no Paine
“This country is like the Titanic, the rich have room in the life boats and the poor are left to hope that help will arrive before they drown. If this is a "Christian" country as so many people say, don't we have an obligation to help make sure there are enough life boats for everyone? Or has Christianity been changed?”
-WisconsinLiberal | Fox Valley, WI | August 26, 2011
Letter on: Railroad Commissioner?
“Does Wisconsin have a rail infrastructure? Really? Most of what we had is now abandoned or a bike trail. There isn't much infrastructure left. A few months ago Walker was against rail service. Now he is for it? I have an idea. Let's recall Walker posthaste.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 25, 2011
Letter on: Feeling no Paine
“Ernest: You are just another misguided naive person who believes that my Grandfather's Republican Party of small business is still in existence. It is not. you are deluded. It is gone... It was destroyed by those at the top of the shark tank who are eating their young...for international corporate expansion, and soon to be, frisking, robbing, all Americans of programs designed for minimal safety nets. Republicans and probably the Tea Party are prostituted to those mega corps who fund the top 1 to 3 %. Your priorities indicate that you must be in that top 3 %? If not, please do some real research.”
-mjh | madison, wi | August 25, 2011
Letter on: Feeling no Paine
“Ernest, Somehow I get the idea that you prefer a government that stagnates or freezes in time. Government is a service organization. It needs to change with the times and needs of the governed. I don't think anyone is getting a free ride. I do think there are too many Americans who are being oppressed due to business refusing to offer workers decent jobs, wages and benefits. Americans have practiced segregation in a variety of forms over the years. Many of us dissociate ourselves from those of "other" economic backgrounds. We pick and choose our communities and schools and neighbors. We build gated communities and put up walls. Government is more than just providing for defense. Good government should be a way to manage the country so everyone has a fair shot.”
-Beatrice LaReau | Blue River Wisconsin | August 25, 2011
Letter on: Feeling no Paine
“Thomas Paine has been perverted to speaking to us today in this way: Forget about freely pledging your fortune when you can vote for a government that pledges the fortunes of others to foot the bill for your freeloading. It seems that the role of government has changed from protecting the free society to protecting the free ride. But there is no free ride, much as we think our military can conjure up an endless flow of cheap oil from beneath the blood soaked sands of the Middle East or our bureaucratic Big Brother can bestow on us eternal healthcare and retirement from the slavery of future generations”
-Ernest Martinson | Hayward Wisconsin | August 25, 2011
Letter on: Railroad Commissioner?
“Why does Wisconsin even need a rail commissioner of any sort? On the other hand, Walker has created one more family supporting job. How many more to go?”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin. | August 25, 2011
Letter on: Can hardly wait!
“Can you imagine being an elected official and then charging your constituents money in order to get your ear? Check out this Paul Ryan crap: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/61454.html
He's not alone. Whose fault will it be if these fellows get reelected?”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisc. | August 24, 2011
Letter on: Gotta love a winner
“Jeff Plale and Russ Decker, were the only Democratic Senators to vote against renewing the state employee's employment contracts.
On Tuesday Plale was named the new Railroad Commissioner by Walker.
Decker is still waiting for his pay off.
Politicians make us synical.”
-Terese | Little Chicago, Wisconsin | August 24, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“Remember blaska just like your corporations, UNIONS ARE PEOPLE so what you're really saying is that you hate teachers.”
-trebor eebrab | Fond du Lac | August 23, 2011
Letter on: Half the jobs? Oops!
“Right”
-roher erabe | Fond du Lac | August 23, 2011
Letter on: Choose Fighting Bob
“Grieb makes an excellent point. Put progressives where they can make a difference.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 23, 2011
Letter on: Choose Fighting Bob
“The biggest mistake of the third party start up is that they end up being one man shows going for the top office.
Bob LaFollette didn't really last that long in office but.., progressives kept getting elective office and were a significant element in policy formation due to the fact that they could swing allegiance to the major parties on given issues when votes were needed.
Skip the top of the ticket ego trips. Go for the legislative seats. 34% of the vote gets you elected in a three party race and it is much easier to get on the ballot.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 23, 2011
Letter on: Choose Fighting Bob
“More important than the talk of another party (unless it includes beer and pizza and I get invited) is we need viable candidates. We need fresh ideas and brilliant strategists. We need to offer the American people something better than the confusion they have now. We need leaders who are people-oriented and not corporate concubines.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 23, 2011
Letter on: Choose Fighting Bob
“Let's start having a real conversation about something visionary that we can accomplish. And let's take a look at what has been done in other states to build real progressive power and institutions. I think we ought to be discussing a Working Families Party here in Wisconsin -- and I personally have put in a significant amount of research to figuring out how to make this happen.
A third party isn't going to happen, but a second-and-a-half sure can. Lots more to say than this -- but that's why the conversation needs to start. It needs to include people who will work hard, people who have some inspiration as well as savvy, and people with some base or institutional backing.
Who's in?”
-Peter Rickman | Madison, WI | August 23, 2011
Letter on: Gotta love a winner
“David Blaska:
Don't blame Janesville on Obama. Ask GMC they why's of their decision. Obviously they found a way to make their money elsewhere, so why should they start up the Janesville plant again? We've seen this too often in the nation's history. A town becomes overly dependent on one business, that business fails or moves on, the people left behind haven't a clue what to do next.
What GMC did to Janesville and area workers is a perfect example of how committed US corporations are to workers and the nation's future. Corporations go where the profits are. Janesville, you have outlived your usefulness!”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 23, 2011
Letter on: Gotta love a winner
“Nor has Barack Obama's bailout helped Janesville's auto industry.”
-David Blaska | Madison, WIsconsin | August 23, 2011
Letter on: Choose Fighting Bob
“Yes.
Eugene McCarthy asked the same question in the 1960s and suggested that there possibly should be three and maybe four parties.
The tea party is not a party and would probably have greater influence if it were, instead it allowed the Republican party to absorb its members and dilute its power. The Republicans fear another Ross Perot just as the Democrats fear another Eugene McCarthy.
Both political parties would be in jeopardy if there were additional parties participating in an election and I firmly believe that the third party candidate could quite possibly be elected. It is apparent to many that the current system has failed to deliver justice for all.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 23, 2011
Letter on: Choose Fighting Bob
“If ever there was a time to enlist folks for a third party it was during the demonstrations in Madison this past winter. It did not happen. For what ever foolish reason what passes for the left is still wedded to the "wife beater" Dems, no matter how feeble their record.
The powers that be are acting much like they always have. They pick and back the useful fools from each party and suck up the cream while the lower orders either follow blindly or fight each other. Same old same old.
The left has no guts, only talk, and the right has no brains, only numbers. Enjoy the show. It is going to be a long hard slide to the bottom.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 23, 2011
Letter on: Choose Fighting Bob
“Very seriously good question and one I've been asking about for 10 years now ever since I ran for governor under the Beer Party.
The Tea Party took over the Republicans which I suspect is easier to do than to start a third party. Our winner take all system further complicates matters.
This is a good question which one has to answer either through the calculus of political mathematics or through the gut instinct of political frustration.
Can a third party garner enough votes to win anything or would a third party cause further fragmentation in an already fragmented opposition? Perhaps it is time to find out.”
-Randy Lee | Ridgeland, WI | August 23, 2011
Letter on: Fellow slobs arise!
“They continue to enrage many and enrich few.
So pathetic.”
-ed nightshade | montrose, wi | August 23, 2011
Letter on: Run for the hills?
“Richard is right about message. FDR never did end the Great Depression. Yes, he did some very good things but without WW II it would have been a VERY LONG climb out of that mess. As it was it still took over a generation to make up for it.
That being said the Dems hammered the GOP for years on Hoover and his terrible performance. And it worked. Well, the GOP of today is the same old GOP of then with the addition of some certifiable sociopaths running for the White House. And what do we see from Obungle and crew? The persistent and insane belief that some cooperation from that crew is possible.
When people see that they just decide to believe their lyin' eyes instead and tune out the Dems. That the Dems have so much trouble against the GOP is just beyond belief. No message, no unity, no consistent pattern except cave, cringe, co-opt, and crap out.
Any competent Dem message guru should have the GOP wearing their butt cheeks for ear muffs by now. Guage for yourself if that has happened.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI> | August 22, 2011
Letter on: Fellow slobs arise!
“Dolomite:
You left out the hiring of private law firms to protect Walker/Fitzgerald/Republican't interests: Unnecessary spending.
Figured out why private firms were hired, especially for the redistricting. Attorney-client confidentiality would keep private any communications or gimmicks to redistrict to favor Republican'ts. Imagine if all the ruses were subject to open meeting laws! We'd know for sure that the intent was to divide the state and skew to Republican't reelection.
What is curious to me is the excuse Walker has used for hiring outside firms to represent Republican'ts with regard to union busting legislation. Their claim is the justice department has union employees and there may be a bias or conflict of interests. So, with great wisdom and concern, Walker gives the work to Republican't law firms. Thank goodness that Republican'ts have no bias and are full of concern and understanding!”
-Franz Fripplfappl | Madison | August 22, 2011
Letter on: Fellow slobs arise!
“Voter ID, unnecessary spending.
Tax cuts to corporation for not creating jobs, unnecessary spending.
Police overtime to protect a bunch of scared old men, unnecessary spending.
I can't wait to see what unnecessary spending legislators come up with next.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha, County | August 22, 2011
Letter on: I am fair, I am honest, I am impartial
“The hubris of Prosser reminds me of an article I read regarding the way drug companies get their sales reps to 'recruit' doctors to become promoters of their pharmaceuticals. The reps know that most of the doctors BELIEVE themselves to be too logical/rational to fall for simple exaggerated compliments, but some the doctors WILL fall for the idea that they personally can become an 'expert' on the particular drug and give lectures to fellow doctors about it's reputed efficacy. Also, while many fellow doctors won't attend a free vacation trip to hear a drug rep lecture about his product, they WILL attend a free vacation trip to hear a fellow doctor lecture about the general class of drugs involved.
Also, there really isn't such a thing as 100% human impartiality, because we all bring existing attitudes, ethics, knowledge to the table, but there's a LOT less chance of these things having an overriding influence when the judges involved have no personal interest in it.
Finally, even IF (for the sake of legal argument) Prosser himself WERE capable of the detachment he claims, the precedent he is setting leaves it open for future judges to use the same reasoning/rationale, while they may not be as (ahem) self-controlled as he is. It's just too easy of a situation for corruption to creep into the picture....”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | August 21, 2011
Letter on: Run for the hills?
“Ryan's asinine budget fix pays off the debt in 2060 and adds at least 25 trillion to the deficit in that time. The budget proposed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus pays off the debt by 2020. That's forty less years of paying interest. Why is it people with the worst ideas are the ones who seem to command respect(sorry Aretha).”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha County | August 21, 2011
Letter on: Well, that was easy
“But wait; there's more!
http://northwoodspatriots.blogspot.com/2011/08/election-perspective-follow-up.html
Hey, aren't these the same people who were freaking out over supposed union boycotts? And telling us that "the people have spoken" after Walker revealed his true agenda?”
-Sore losers are just plain sad | Eagle River, WI | August 21, 2011
Letter on: 'Hold and strengthen'
“Richard:
It's only a matter of time before conservatives control our media and social networking options, too.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 21, 2011
Letter on: Run for the hills?
“Richard:
Wasn't it Clinton who wagged a finger and convinced us for only a moment, "I did not have (truth) with that (voter)!"?
And, GWB still takes the cake with "Mission Accomplished". If only we knew then what we know now, we'd still get suckered into the slipperiness of the times.
As for Reagan, Oh, I forget.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisconson | August 21, 2011
Letter on: Run for the hills?
“Yes, and that dreamy-eyed picture of Ryan that accompanies the op-ed piece is choice. I think I shall go and toss some cookies.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisc. | August 21, 2011
Letter on: Run for the hills?
“Regardless of their intelligence on issues, the candidates for elected office who stay on message appear to have the ability to convince the voters, to cast their vote contrary to the voters own best interests. How else can one explain a union busting, outsourcing, public education and social services destroyers like Reagan, Clinton, and Bush to each be elected twice?
Each of the above in their own way were able to convince those who went to the polls to cast their votes for them and to demoralize many who then never even went to the polls.
The three above mentioned Presidents all had the ability to smile and appear your friend while quietly inserting the knife in your back. I personally would not want to go into the bar to have a beer with any of them, for if a fight broke out in the bar they would quickly show their true colors.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 21, 2011
Letter on: 'Hold and strengthen'
“I also believe in the mantra "stand up, keep fighting" which came from Paul Wellstone. It is difficult to maintain the optimism required to keep standing up. Fighting Bob Fest is where I go to once again rejuvenate my spirit.
Since there was no mass media during the time when Bob was fighting he took his message directly to the people in numerous public meetings. Today the social media is one method of conveying the message to the masses. Though I utilize them very little, many people do and spend an inordinate amount of time being connected. As has been shown in many foreign countries today this is an effective means of communication. So effective that in many countries such as China government is attempting to control the communication.
I guess it is time for all to be uploading their images while attending Bob Fest 2011.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 21, 2011
Letter on: 'Hold and strengthen'
“We need to become upbeat, hopeful and positive. Anything else will hold us back and do us in. We also need to take the message statewide with regular town meetings in libraries, community centers, church basements, etc. With all the talent in our state, we should be able to put together roving teams of knowledgeable people who can give a series of lectures that will attract citizens from all walks of life and all political persuasions for the purpose of learning and discussions. The way to motivate is to speak the truth, to teach, to get others to think.
I bet there are many retired academics and others out there who would love to get back into the groove to share knowledge.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wi | August 21, 2011
Letter on: Well, that was easy
“No, it wasn't easy. But it was fun!
Team Holperin had an incredibly well organized ground game and sustained GOTV effort involving hundreds of volunteers. They took absolutely nothing for granted, worked their behinds off and ended up winning areas that haven't gone blue for a very long time, if ever. Senator Holperin emerged stronger for the experience with an energized base that will be a force to reckon with in future.
The post-election reaction from the Simac Camp has been nothing short of hilarious. Her Northwoods Patriots declared jihad on the conservative Vilas Co. News out of Eagle River, blaming that paper's rather limp endorsement of the incumbent for the Tea Party challenger's lack of success on her home turf. http://northwoodspatriots.blogspot.com/2011/08/election-perspective.html
Equally jaw dropping was seeing Simac thrown under the tea party bus by the managing editor of Rhinelander's even more right wing newspaper where Holperin has been a frequent punching bag. http://www.rivernewsonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=145&ArticleID=48786&TM=38811.91”
-Northwoods Raging Granny | Rhinelander, WI | August 20, 2011
Letter on: I am fair, I am honest, I am impartial
“John,
Don't fret. Walker and his buds have it all under control. The way that Walker is consolidating power in the Dept of Admins, it won't surprise me if he includes the supreme court. Isn't a single solid branch of government better and more effective than three? And, all that checks and balance crap, Walker knows what he's doing.
And, the Koch brats smile on and on...”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 20, 2011
Letter on: I am fair, I am honest, I am impartial
“That stench coming out of Wisconsin ain't just the Limburger cheese Jacko.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 20, 2011
Letter on: I am fair, I am honest, I am impartial
“Yeah, Ed - I read that NYTimes editorial too. It's embarrassing as hell!
So, what do we do about it? Do we stop electing judges? Do we clamp down on campaign donations? Does the legislature pass some sort of restrictive regulations on the court? Can they? And, if so, would we trust the current legislators to do so?
It's a tricky business to try to regulate our courts. We don't want to prejudice them in any way by ham-handed rules.
So, Ed - let's say that you're our legal adviser on this one - what do you think we can/should do?”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | August 20, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“Mr Shultz,
There are three classes of voters. The very rich,those who want to be rich and the very poor.
Its the poor we worry about.If the rich and wanabes can keep the poor from voting they get richer and the poor get poorer.
We need to get rid of Gov. Walkers ill gotten voter I.D election law.It is the work of the Devil.Remember Jesus so loved the poor thats why he made so many of them.And he said "what so ever you do to the least of my brothers you do unto me".”
-Joe Gruber | Campbellsport WI | August 20, 2011
Letter on: I am fair, I am honest, I am impartial
“Wait! Wisconsin still is a model state for rightwing agendas. Our conservative political hacks are showing the country how to run good government into the ground.
Remember the protest sign "The Whole World is Watching"? Well, it is.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 20, 2011
Letter on: Half the jobs? Oops!
“I always thought one had to be smart to make it through law school. How did Prosser make it? He is one dumb cookie who just doesn't understand the concept of impartiality and justice. He is delusional and a major contributor to our high court's dysfunction. How do losers win elections?”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | August 20, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“I'm curious Mr. Dietz, what's the theory here? Republicans have picture I.D and your " base" is so lame they are unable to procure one?”
-Richard Schultz | Baraboo, WI | August 20, 2011
Letter on: Half the jobs? Oops!
“So, Governor "Wisconsin is Open for Business" Walker has allowed Polaris to close the plant in Osceola and move the jobs to Mexico.
Good on Scooter.
Then Governor "I will create 250,000 jobs" Walker is not preventing $900,000+ Federal Dollars to come to WI to "retrain" the Polaris workers. The same Governor "I don't want no stinkin' trains" Walker that turned back $800,000,000 for high speed rail.
As a point of interest, the CEO of Polaris, Scott Wine (hmmm, name similarity) received $2.75 Million in compensation in 2010.
Another RepubliBagger looking out for the best interests of the US. A graduate of the Naval Academy... a "True Patriot".
Why do both of these Scotts hate America?
Nobody in Wisconsin should ever buy a Polaris product again.”
-Jim Kubiak | Hudson, WI | August 20, 2011
Letter on: Half the jobs? Oops!
“FYI.
News Release
ETA News Release: [08/18/2011]
Contact Name: Gloria Della or Clarisse Young
Phone Number: (202) 693-8666 or x5051
Release Number: 11-1214-CHI
US Department of Labor announces National Emergency Grant to assist Wisconsin manufacturing workers affected by layoffs
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $918,010 National Emergency Grant to provide an array of services to about 325 workers being affected by layoffs at Polaris Industries in Osceola, Wis., and Robin Manufacturing U.S.A. Inc. in Hudson, Wis., to assist them in gaining new employment.
”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 19, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“Ernest:
"Tax" certainly conjuries up some bad imagery. I don't think anyone likes the word or concept. It's part of our responsibility to live in a country, a county, a township, a community. We'd all like our lives to be free and without troubles. This will never happen.
If we don't pay "tax", how do we pay the rent for being a citizen? Maybe what bothers us most is that we pay tax and then lose control over how that money is spent. Even if we do have control, there will always be those who will argue that we are collecting tax and spending it wrongly.
The option is to die. Not sure I want to do this yet.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 19, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“Thanks Steve for engaging me in non- patronizing and non-insulting interaction. In fact, thanks for even recognizing what I have to say since I am usually written off as a radical which I suppose I am.
No, all taxes are not theft. But income taxes are definitely legal theft, as is taxation of any economic effort such as the payroll tax, sales tax, tax on land improvements, tax on savings and investment, tax on capital gains. tax on profits, and tax on income of companies as well as the tax on individuals which I think we were originally talking about. The complexity of the tax code reflects not just greed but the fact that taxes on economic effort is recognized as destructive of the economy.
On the other hand, if we do not tax the earth, then we promote theft of another kind. The robber in this case is not government but private parties who are monopolizing the earth and natural resources contained therein without paying a fee or tax on the rental value. The earth is our common inheritance and he who occupies it or pollutes it or mines it should pay the rest of us for that privilege.”
-Ernest Martinson | Hayward Wisconsin | August 19, 2011
Letter on: Half the jobs? Oops!
“I got my ears lowered this morning. The barber was trying to convince me that most people make $250,000, especially couples. That must be many haircuts at $9 a pop! I'm missing out by not being a couple, I suppose.
The barber said he doesn't like taxes. He thinks they are too high but doesn't know which tax he doesn't like.
I think I'll spend the afternoon on Silver Street and think about all that tonsorial wisdom and facts.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 19, 2011
Letter on: Half the jobs? Oops!
“If a job fails to pay wages that can support a family, is it really a job or is it simply a way to keep people busy so they complain less?
Magicians create their illusions by distracting the observer.
By the way, if you, the reader, has a good job with wages and benefits, have you considered how secure that job really is?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 19, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“To Ernie M,
All taxes are theft? C'mon Ernie. Are you just out to yank some progressive chain this morning?”
-Steve Carlson | Trego, WI. | August 19, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“@Randy Lee,
Go to Wikipedia and you will learn that Progressivism, Solidarism, and Liberalism are three of the many forms of Corporatism - a concept far older than Mussolini - who did not even "coin" the term "Fascism."”
-Laurence Meade | Madison, Wisconsin | August 19, 2011
Letter on: Half the jobs? Oops!
“Net jobs added/lost during Walker administration: +27,600.”
-Laurence Meade | Madison, Wisconsin | August 19, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“Dave, You did a great job describing the difference between a Progressive and a far right Republican. "Rather than share the small sacrifice required by this tough economy", your exact words Dave, copied from your blog above. The far right chose to go after a relatively small group of individuals, public employees, rather than, as you so eloquently state "share the small sacrifice" across the state population and economy. Where exactly is the shared sacrifice. If you consider docking the pay of public employees and distributing the proceeds to corporations/campaign donors as "shared", you may have a point.
The Walker, Fitzgerald combo chose to expound the ALEC line and push through their anti union ideals. They not only selectively punished the public workforce with current legislation, they also forwarded ALEC principles by attacking public education and installing suppressive and unnecessary voter I.D. laws in an attempt to ensure political domination over the Wisconsin voter. Can't wait for Ed to fire up our "base" at Bobfest, a great one coming up on the 17th of September.”
-John Dietz | Rock Springs, WI | August 19, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“Some loyal opposition to progressive government thieves you are. So you don't want higher taxes just more taxpayers. More people who are robbed is what you want. But what about stopping the robbery itself. Sure it's legal but it's not right.
One can speculate why both conservatives and liberals want to keep this robbery legal. I suppose an obvious reason is that the privatization of the IRS would put it behind prison bars, creating a budget crisis for the welfare/warfare mafia state, which only a liberal printing of fiat dollars by the Federal Reserve could remedy.”
-Ernest Martinson | Hayward Wisconsin | August 19, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“"We're glad to have a black president, we just wish he wasn't such a liberal redistributionist."
Obama is somewhere to the right of Nixon. This is how far this country has gotten out of whack when a "conservative" is so far to the right that they think Nixon was a Marxist. We are in deep, deep dodo.
You need to understand that the GOP has been taken over by Corporatists* and these people are not interested in democracy but aristocracy. They are interested in Big corporation rule, *not* about what is best for Wisconsin.
When you old line conservatives wake up and realize that you've been had by the people in your party, then we can get on with the business of agreeing to disagree. We are *not* in a right vs left fight but in a top vs bottom fight these days.
*Corporatism was a word coined in the 20's by one Benito Mussolini to describe the marriage of state power with corporate goals. Most people know it by it's more popular name "fascism"”
-Randy Lee | Ridgeland, WI | August 19, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“Why do I get the feeling that Blaska would like to shrink government to a purely law and order role? Maintain a strong police and military and one doesn't need much more. I don't understand conservatives. I bet most conservatives don't either.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 19, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“Dave,
Most of us have conservative friends and family members, so you're not as foreign as you'd like to think.
We realize you don't know the Koch brothers, but we also realize you'd probably like to get to know them.
We think the contemporary conservative movement is the most reactionary force in our society. We think William Buckley would probably agree with us.
A lot of us don't live in Madison or Dane County and don't really know what a vuvuzela is.
Most of us wouldn't avoid you at the fairgrounds, rather, we'd love to see you in the dunk tank.
If the conduct of you folks during the health care reform debate is what you consider meaningful debate on the issues, it's clear we have markedly different definitions of words we thought were commonly understood.”
-Steve Carlson | Trego WI | August 19, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“Glad to hear you follow the Constitution. I have read and reread the second amendment. I still don't see where it allows concealed carry. If there ever was an amendment that has been misinterpreted, the second would be at the top of the list.
Much of the constitution is vague and left to interpretation. It was written more than 200 years ago for and by a group of people living 200 years ago. I doubt the founding fathers believed their handiwork would still be around two centuries later. The constitution resolved issues of the time. We have two centuries of figuring out what it means. We have had decisions and reversed decisions. We always will.
The constitution is a good piece of writing. It doesn't belong to conservative interpretation alone. it belongs to all of us.
Taxes? Which tax is too high? Which tax don't you like? If you don't collect tax, how do you pay the bills? Ah, privatize government, you might say. If you think taxes are high now, just wait until government services get dismantled and handed over to private enterprise. We'll pay much, much more for less and less.
Business should always pay more in taxes. Mark it up as the cost of doing business. A good business will always have good profits. Reducing taxes to business does little more than increasing profits, profits that go to owners and shareholders and rarely to workers.
If an individual has done well and become wealthy, then that individual ought to willingly pay more in taxes. How many millions does one need in life to be happy? It's not wealth redistribution, it's payback for being in a country that allows free enterprise and success.
I agree, we need more taxpayers. How do you accomplish this with mininum wages as well as those which are non family supporting? Pay workers better and they will not only be able to pay their bills but will also become taxpayers.
Workers have a right to organize and form unions just as much as you have a right to be a conservative and associate with conservative cronies. Just think, if business could get it right, there wouldn't be a need for unions. We have unions because of how business mistreated workers.
Instead of tearing apart workers who are doing well, why not work with us to bring up all workers to the same standards? Better wages, better benefits, job security, retirement, health care all are worker rights. In fact, these are human rights. I agree with hard work but at least give everyone a fighting chance.
My impression of conservatives is that they are ones to take away or limit. They live in boxes and expect everyone else to do the same. They love living in communities but only when the communities are run their way.
Not impressed. Impress me more, please.”
-Franz Fripplfrapplo | Madison | August 19, 2011
Letter on: Alive and well in Door County
“Please consider what an independent DNR would be independent from, that is the oversight of the elected representatives of the people. Do not think for one second that there is an elite class of people, so immune from corruption that they can be trusted to create regulations and spend public money without restraint.”
-Gary Glonek | Montreal, Wi | August 19, 2011
Letter on: A bet's a bet
“How does having the state mandate how workers are able to be compensated for their service fit with the free market aspect of conservatism? The argument against workers rights seems to be that they might actually exercise them and that management is not competent or capable of making a successful argument to keep worker compensation fair to both sides.
In order to be consistent with your opposition to unions, which is the vehicle that workers use to employ professional advice and assistance in negotiating their working conditions and compensation to provide for themselves and their families; would you also support a state statute that would limit the legal assistance that a company could seek in protecting their interest?
Please explain how the Republican anti-workers rights legislation is not social engineering.”
-Gary Glonek | Montreal, Wi | August 19, 2011
Letter on: Alive and well in Door County
“Take Fighting Bob on the road utilizing the electronic media.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 18, 2011
Letter on: Well, that was easy
“Hey, although the results are good, it was far from easy. I live in the 12th and was amazed at the Holperin volunteers. Many lit drops to our home, phone calls (okay, we turned off the ringer after a few of those from both sides) and neighbor-to-neighbor encouragement.
Even though Simac was an awful candidate, it wasn't easy. But Holperin did do well in areas Walker had sailed through.
Thank you Holperin volunteers! And thank you Jim!”
-BuckshotNorth | Rhinelander Wis | August 18, 2011
Letter on: Stopping the madness
“Speaking of money and speech.
People For the American Way reports.
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) is not holding any open-to-the-public town hall meetings in his district this August recess -- instead, he's charging constituents $15 for face time with their democratically elected representative. And Ryan isn't the only member of congress whose recess meetings are, as Politico put it, "strictly pay-per-view."”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 18, 2011
Letter on: Standing up for Obey
“John,
Dick Gephardt actively worked against inclusion of a public option in the Affordable Care Act. One need not have been looking for either conspiracy or skullduggery; he was on MSNBC and the Huffington Post arguing against it. And he did this while United Health Group was on his client list.
If one is looking for the obvious one can always readily find it. Unless, of course, one is wishing to avoid it altogether.”
-Steve Carlson | Trego WI | August 18, 2011
Letter on: Review session
“Republicans and their spin meisters in the press cannot have it both ways. Either the recall elections are just like all other elections or recall elections are their own category. If they are regular elections, then Democrats knocked off one-third of the Republican incumbents and protected all of their own. If they are recall elections, then for the first time in history two legislators were recalled on the same day and they both happened to be Republicans.
Eithter result is quite remarkable, and can be accounted for only by anger over Walker's union busting bill. To pretend otherwise is quite dishonest and, frankly Bill, makes you look rather foolish. We are accustomed to seeing the editorial page editors of the state's daily newspapers looking foolish, but not you. You are better than that.
Sure, some believed or hoped there was so much anger across the board that Democrats might be able to win all of the recalls or at least enough of them to regain the majority in the Senate, but that does not mean the Senate majority was sole purpose of the recalls and that anything short of that is failure.
Eighteen Republican senators voted for Walker's bill in March and now two of them are gone because of it. Fourteen Democrats left the state to protest Walker's bill and all of them are still here. No matter how you parse the results or your words, you can't get around that.”
-Ms. Forward | Madison, WI | August 18, 2011
Letter on: Well, that was easy
“Do we in Wisconsin have a way to recall specific legislation? This would make more sense than recalling politicians. If not, we should. The ability for the citizens of this state to be directly involved in all legislation might be better than trusting a handful of misfits from both parties.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 17, 2011
Letter on: Standing up for Obey
“Yes, Steve & Eric, I did read the article in The Nation, and I will admit that reading that list of clients is a stumbling-block.
But, my natural tendency is to give people I respect the benefit of the doubt.
I know Congressman Obey quite well. He has been a friend of my family for years, and we carried on a valuable correspondence for the three years I served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Uzbekistan [1995-1998]. Yes, Steve, I'm an Obey fan!
I also met Congressman Gephart in Washington, and spent an hour with him [in a group] discussing foreign affairs issues.
I feel comfortable with both of these statesmen, and am inclined to trust them.
If you are looking for conspiracy, if you want to find skullduggery, of course you can find it.
But that's not the way I think...”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | August 17, 2011
Letter on: Well, that was easy
“Actually, it wasn't easy. It took many, many volunteers and much work on the part of the candidates to make it happen. I am so grateful to all of them for the alternative would have been hard to endure.”
-Pat Nelson | Three Lakes, WIsconsin | August 17, 2011
Letter on: Well, that was easy
“Speaking of hate, why is it the Republican'ts, the right wingers, the Tea Party, conservatives, Christian fundamentalists, etc, all are hate enablers? They are all about slash and burn, rape and pillage, divide and conquer. These are the naysayers holding back the rest of humanity.
We can change faces in the statehouse among all political parties, but we aren't going anywhere fast until we can undo the hatred and counterproductivity of those intent on impeding any sort of forward momentum.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 17, 2011
Letter on: Well, that was easy
“Scott Walker next.”
-Susan Hagstrom | Madison, WI | August 17, 2011
Letter on: Well, that was easy
“Yeah just keep the hate coming buddy!”
-Rick W | West Allis | August 17, 2011
Letter on: Money, jobs, and your kid's future
“In theory, natural resources do belong to the people. Any profits should go to the people who own them. Unfortunately, our natural resources are just one example of public property that has been privatized many moons ago. The Republican agenda is to privatize as much of what's left of government and public assets as it can so that the wealthy can become wealthier.
The bottom line is that the public who once owned the assets will now pay more to have access to them. Additionally we will pay more in taxes to whatever government is left.
Capitalism is not the answer to humanity's survival.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley | August 16, 2011
Letter on: Money, jobs, and your kid's future
“Griebnotz is correct, capitalism can only create wealth through the exploitation of resources and labor, nothing more. So what if the lumber barons are replaced by the ore barons. The future is just as bleak for the miners as it was for the lumberjacks/jills. If the US government can't collect the billions in unpaid royalties from the oil companies, I bet Scooter won't even try.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha, County | August 16, 2011
Letter on: Money, jobs, and your kid's future
“The iron mine project in Iron County consists of minerals owned by mining companies for over 120 years specifically for the desired purpose of eventually developing them. There is a legitimate function of government to ensure that the legal development of these resources will not adversely affect the public interest of clean air and water while protecting the right of the land owner to benefit from their investment, but to characterize this as giving away public resources is inaccurate and perhaps worse.
The resource is here, the boost to the economy is needed and the environment will be protected; it is time to support and facilitate the responsible development of a mineral resource which is essential to our own survival. Rather than opposing responsible development in the north, there may be a greater ecological benefit to the state by restoring the city of Madison to its pre-European settlement conditions.”
-Gary Glonek | Montreal, Wi. | August 16, 2011
Letter on: Money, jobs, and your kid's future
“The northwoods of Wisconsin and Michigan were built on resource extraction. Go look at it now. No real centers of commerce, learning, culture, etc. Just muskies on the knotty pine wall and seasonal tourist income along with high property taxes because the wealthy summer homes drive up property value but add little to the real wealth.
Go ahead you idiots, dig it up again and see what it gets you this time.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 16, 2011
Letter on: Money, jobs, and your kid's future
“The accusations are all over the internet business pages, and on this blog's letters. Buffett is a hypocrite.
Give me a blanking break! If you or I had the money to positively impact the lives of people--would you give it to the government, or would you give it to a private charity, which you could monitor and perhaps have some say in how your money was used? I don't see how anyone can question the man's sincerity.
The mass media is putting spin on this that makes me dizzy enough to vomit. "If he wants to cut a check to the Treasury, why doesn't he?" Blank you media, AGAIN. You missed the point, AGAIN.
The point is this: we need to get those making 1 million dollars or more to pay at least the same percentage of their income as the middle class pays. Right now they pay less--percentage-wise.
Another thing, Buffett didn't repeat this stance for the benefit of the unwashed wealthy masses. This revelation is meant to educate the middle class who are buying into the Republican idea: higher taxes on the rich will stifle new business and business investment that will create jobs. It is a hoax. Taxes don't deter those who see a chance to make some money.
I don't want to canonize Warren Buffett, or anyone for that matter. That's a sucker's game. I'm just saying, take the man at his word. Just because he is wealthy doesn't disqualify him from being sincere and part of the solution.”
-Ty O'Mara | Grayslake, IL | August 16, 2011
Letter on: Money, jobs, and your kid's future
“Why the anti-union attitude of workers and consumers? Why are so many people negative on government workers and teachers? Why do those without good jobs and benefits want to drag down to their level those workers lucky enough to get paid and treated better?
Arguments I have heard against state workers include stupid remarks like "Government workers don't do a damn thing"; "Government workers don't produce any products"; "Teachers are overpaid and have summers off"; "Government workers are costing taxpayers money"; "They get health and retirement benefits and I don't"; "I have to pay for my own health insurance".
Wouldn't it be better for all workers to organize and demand better wages, better jobs, better workplaces, better benefits, etc?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 16, 2011
Letter on: Standing up for Obey
“I found the announcement in The Hill of Dave's new job to be, at the very least thought provoking. It spoke only of Dave's knowledge of how the money flows in Washington and how valuable that knowledge will be to the Gephardt Group and, I presume, it's clients; Boeing, Goldman Sachs, Peabody Coal, Visa.....Nothing of his touted liberal/progressive credentials or the ideology he's so long espoused from one celebratory ice cream social and Party picnic to the next.
Yes, The former Congressman (do they get to wear these titles forever?) says that Gephardt is and has been a great advocate for unions and working people. He also told me he will be working only on things he wants to, like assisting non-profit community groups, but none can deny that those named above are something of a rogue's gallery of corporate cashiers. So irrespective of our long admiration and appreciation of him, for Dave to be even remotely associated with those representing them must, justifiably give us pause. So John, if you've not read The Nation magazine expose of Dave's new employer,I suggest you do so.”
-Eric Schubring | Drummond WI | August 16, 2011
Letter on: Money, jobs, and your kid's future
“Buffett and the wealthy do have shared sacrifice. That would be us. We are oblation to their gods.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton | August 16, 2011
Letter on: Money, jobs, and your kid's future
“If I had oil in my backyard, heck, I might just go out and buy myself a governor and legislature. If the Kochs can do it, why can't I? AFter all, this IS a democracy, isn't it?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 16, 2011
Letter on: So goes the nation
“As each social safety net program is destroyed forcing more people into poverty making them willing to act in an antisocial behavior to sustain family and life, then and only then will the masses once again rise and take back their country.
Corporations have used the power of government to control the people as is historically shown by the use of the police and military to control labor and civil unrest.
Native Americans and the labor unions have experienced the lesson many times.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 16, 2011
Letter on: Stop doing us favors--please
“Mr. Buffet is the one who feels he isn't paying enough. There is no law that says he must take advantage of every tax loop hole he can but yet he does. Buffet and all his rich peers have the power to put into action paying higher taxes if they really want to right now. They don't need a act of congress to do it. Actions speak louder than op-eds. If he really believes in higher taxes let's see him step up to the plate and be the great shinning example. Until that happens (which it won't) he is just full of BS.”
-SW | Waukesha WI | August 16, 2011
Letter on: Stop doing us favors--please
“Just caught the, "The Oracle," on Charlie Rose. I can only say what I feel is true about the man. He is a Patriot. He wants to be on the team, and I think he is doing his part.
He made some great points about income taxes and payroll taxes in regards to capital gains. He expressed his concern over Obama's lack of leadership, but at the same time laid much of the blame at the feet of the tea party. I certainly don't think anyone should be concerned about the way he uses his money. He puts his, "bread on the water," and that bread just keeps coming back to him. Marvelous man who admits he is only wired to make money, and therefore, is not as important as some.”
-Ty O'Mara | Grayslake, IL | August 16, 2011
Letter on: Stop doing us favors--please
“It's refreshing to at least see the subject broached. Of course it takes an ultra-rich man to do it, and it's covered more in the category of 'look-how-weird-this-is' than of good economic policy, but at least his vaunted place in the stock market means we don't have to listen to "he's a socialist/communistic" type of crapola...”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | August 15, 2011
Letter on: Stop doing us favors--please
“What? Waukesha has a corner on all tax write-offs; and Buffet should not? Tsk Tsk. The Republican Party of small business has been replaced by the Mega Corps who appear to be partially international monopolies...invading the US market more and more. We have become a nation of investors....trying to make that extra little percent off the backs of workers world wide. How about returning to a nation of production? And, provide living wages in the US! What a patriotic idea! Instead, we have economic treason, unchecked.”
-hmj | madison | August 15, 2011
Letter on: Stop doing us favors--please
“Until he fires his army of accounts and tax attorneys that exploit every loop hole in the law he is just full of BS.”
-SW | Waukesha WI | August 15, 2011
Letter on: Review session
“The erstwhile liberals essentially wanted a Mulligan on the election. That rarely works. Had they been half so motivated during the real election Walker would not have been elected and some of the GOP may have been tossed at that time.
What can one say about the Dems and that pitiful election of 2010? AWOL on ideas, message, lack of a gubernatorial candidate that actually seemed to want the office, etc. etc. etc. Now they want to tap into the various grievance committees. As always with the Dems, a day late and a dollar short.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 15, 2011
Letter on: Standing up for Obey
“You calling people jerks, what does that make you??”
-RIck Smith | West Allis WI | August 15, 2011
Letter on: Stop doing us favors--please
“Has Buffet cut a check to the Treasury Dept.? If so, how much was it for?”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 15, 2011
Letter on: Standing up for Obey
“Who should we trust in this instance; long time Obey admirer John Smart, or The Nation magazine?
http://www.thenation.com/article/dick-gephardts-spectacular-sellout
It looks like Gephardt is doing a lot more than brokering labor agreements.”
-Steve Carlson | Trego, WI. | August 14, 2011
Letter on: Standing up for Obey
“Uh, excuse me, Mr. Kubiak - did you read my article? I think I did explain this... You just don't like my reasoning.
Sorry, but I've never subscribed to your "All politicians are crooks" crap. Like in any other field, there are good ones and not-so-good ones, and Dave Obey is a good one!
P.S. By the way, regarding my bio information following the article, I WAS an appointed member of the Wisconsin Governor's Commission on the United Nations, an interesting [virtually budget-free] project instituted in 1960 by Gov. Gaylord Nelson to help educate our citizens about the work of the UN - I was until Scott Walker nixed it out of existence. It was a creative idea from a revered Democratic predecessor - how could he allow it to continue? The JERK!”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | August 14, 2011
Letter on: Standing up for Obey
“I for one am still not enamored of the idea of lobbyists. To me they're salesmen, no more nor less. Yes, salesmen WILL tell you SOME truths in their pitch, but they won't give you an objective, overall truth - - - they're there to represent/sell their product, NOT be a neutral source of information. I don't listen to salesmen when purchasing significant items, but instead go to the most objective source I can find which is usually Consumer Reports. With all the online information available today, there seems little reason why a politician should seek out a lobbyist for background info on a bill.
Also, if we elect these politicians because of their existing political views, why should they need to be influenced by lobbyists? And as far as providing detailed information, don't these politicians have personal staffs that can get them objective info, as well as sub-committees that study issues and report back to the whole body?
While I wholeheartedly support labor unions (and have been a member of several), I think it would be better if personal lobbying was virtually banned in the US, since it too easily breeds an atmosphere such as we have now with a quid-pro-quo votes-for-compensation arrangement. Additionally, ideas I have seen for legislation to prevent the 'revolving door' situation (where regulators retire and become executives in the industry they regulated) --- such as a 5 or 10 yr minimum between office exodus and employment in the regulated industry --- should be implemented.
Of course all this idealism assumes a political atmosphere that is NOT corrupt, which is something I may not live to see again in my lifetime.
PS - I don't know why an enjoyable demeanor from a lobbyist (or anyone else) should justify their existence? I know a lot of conservatives who (outside of their political views) are really nice people, but that doesn't mean their political views are desirable/moral.”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | August 14, 2011
Letter on: Standing up for Obey
“Please explain how this position for Mr. Obey is any different from the other money-grubbing former members of the US House and Senate?
Isn't their lifetime pension and gold-plated health care good enough for them?”
-Jim Kubiak | Hudson, WI | August 14, 2011
Letter on: Another look
“Actually Sam you need to run on something. What was the Democratic platform for recall? If you go by all the comercials you guys ran it seems you just want to be the party of no and raising taxes is your whole economic plan. Not one of your canidates ran on a plan for jobs. Only stop Walker, hate the rich and the stupidest one of all the secret plan of state legislatures to end the federal medicare plan of which they have no control. A little advice you won't take but Mike Tate and Graeme Zielinski being the face of the WI democratic party is not working out for you guys.
My comment on teachers is this. My wife works aprox. 40 weeks a year. She is off 10 weeks straight in the summer and gets all her summer pay in one lump sum at the end of the year. She spends the summer sleeping in, walking the dog, going shopping, exercise classes, going to summerfest, the fairs and we go on several up north road trips. Its a real rough life she has as a public teacher and she will be the first to admit how good she has it in her job. After sitting down and looking at what Walkers changes really mean to us. Its all going to be a wash after her yearly raise and dumping the useless union dues. We won't be selling our house or working multiple jobs. When teachers start receiveing thier pay checks in September they are going to find that out.”
-SW | Waukesha WI | August 14, 2011
Letter on: Another look
“Forgot to mention: SAM! You have it right...the voting divisions do combine at least four large strange, incompatible, but focused combinations of large groups: 1.) Huge corporations, and all the Wall Street jockeys, and their screamin' ragin' Investors "NO-Taxes-Group, 2.) Misled, Used Evangelicals, 3.) Rifle-totin'-Beer-Supportin'-Ball-Game combined with various sports-obsessed, and their cheerleadin', Fame-Idolizin'Fashion obsessed, Stepford Wives. and 4.) the small businessmen who still think that there is a Republican party like Grandpa's.
The only response just like Evers....Do NOT BUY
from these people's stores. Let the Great American Boycotts begin the very minute that they attack our children and grandchildren's safety net priority programs. It's the only thing they feel.”
-hmj | Madison, WI | August 14, 2011
Letter on: Another look
“Alternatives to "Boehner-Baloney": 1. Collect what is owed to "entitlement" PRIORITY funds by the government by assessing the mega corporations, many of whom, including General Electric, paid NO taxes, to completely refund the entitlement funds, with interest. 2. Assess Social Security contribution taxes to the complete top, for high income brackets...NO exclusions. 3. Assess all adult Americans including Seniors, $1.00 more per month for Social Security contributions. 4.Make it illegal for the government to tap Social Security for ANY other reason.5. Raise taxes to the max on upper income individuals making over $170,000 a year. They whine that there are too high US corporate taxes? Then how come many corporations are not paying any??? Some individuals laughingly tell you that they are not about to create jobs with their tax breaks. That is a joke.
6.Do not DARE to touch entitlement programs for our children and grandchildren, or discriminate against them by raising the retirement age. It is criminal to even think of it, while the internationals are invading our country through buying our banks, our stock market, and our media.
7. Must comment once again on a maniulated, skewed, world of International mega corporations who have been allowed to invade the US Wall Street nation. and are dictating this country's economy and military support for their own purposes. (It was interesting to note that Murdoch's outfit, including Fox, is 7% owned by an Arab...who is not, to my knowledge, a US citizen. Many corporations who are sending our armies to war, (with falsely disguised "nation and democracy-building, propaganda), are NOT all US citizens. When did this become OK? NEVER, if you are a true patriot. My view is that the only time Wall Street and the banks recognize the US as a nation is when they need a military to prep, clean up, or maintain somewhere overseas for their expansion.
8. Assess all these mega corporations at least unescapable taxes at a minimum, and a war tax.
9. Do NOT REWARD companies for moving back to the US from overseas location. Tax and tariff them for any products brought back here from those locations....or strip them of US licenses and deport them....including the arm chair investors who allow it, in their name...and within their investment.
10. Prosecute any who lobby, promote, or vote for war if they or their family receive or will receive any funds from the war-machine industries.
Why do we hear of none of these alternatives to corporate welfare and financially casino rolling the middle and lower classes? Because these are not moral people...they comfort and insulate themselves with pretending that they are. I do not believe that all are even Americans. Finally, Grandpa's Republican Party is dead....it was replaced by these Mega-Corporate-Prostituted politicans who still call themselves Republicans..
But them, the Democrats are not all the same as the old Dems. Kindly kick some X**!”
-hmj | Madison, Wi | August 13, 2011
Letter on: Another look
“Dear Ed, thanks for all your work, energy and encouragement in the run up to the senate recall elections. And thanks to you and Dave and John as we ready for another exciting, much needed Bobfest. Here are some thoughts following the recall elections.
I think liberals and progressives, after the last 3 general elections in our state, (governor, supreme court, senate recalls) have to grudgingly accept that there are more people in Wisconsin who will turn out to vote who value and believe in the Republican agenda than people who will turn out to vote who value and believe in the Democratic agenda. Republican voters are mobilized and energized by huge amounts of corporate money, but we might consider that Republicans start every election with a base of 40-45% of voters toward a needed 51% majority with voters who are primarily motivated not by their economic and justice philosophies and values, but by social issues such as ie. "right to life", "anti-gay rights", "gun rights",and some "some unspoken lingering social and racial prejudice". These are difficult voters to budge, even with all our protesting this spring in the Capitol and our organizing this summer. They are motivated voters, maybe some of them are against union rights, but for the most part it seems that the "social" concerns mentioned above motivate the majority of our Republican and Tea Party friends. The Republicans can nominate and elect virtual unknowns ie Ron Johnson over a superstar like Russ Feingold not just because of the large money they bring to elections, but because the money mobilizes all their at the ready foot soldiers. I might bet that any Republican majority in our three recent elections begins with 40-45% of their needed 51% with Evangelical Christians, conservative Catholics, gun rights proponets and some people still harboring lingering social prejudice (that argues with the politically correct mantra of reigning in entitlement programs). Throw in another 5-10% of folks who are angry at having to pay any taxes for social, health, safety and educational needs and you see how easily they fashion their recent 51-55% majorities. NO doubt unlimited undisclosed money helps mobilize their vote but no amount of marching at the Capitol or phone calls or door knocking will change their vote or keep Republican voters from the polls. Right now they have a very large base, seemingly larger than ours.
We have to find a way to expand and mobilize the number of voters who endorse and benifit from Democratic priorities ie. fairness in taxation, a good public education system, health benefits for those who can't afford them, social and jobs programs, environmental protection etc. but so far we have not found a way to do that. If we don't, we will continue to fight the very good fight but lose in Wisconsin. And as heaven has known for a very long time, and as we know now, we will always be outspent.”
-Sam Romano | Oregon, Wi | August 13, 2011
Letter on: Another look
“Mr. Wys makes a few valid observations but draws some really bad conclusions. Yes, in many cases public employees do make better wage and benefit packages than their private sector (those that exist) counterparts. It makes it easy for politicians to vilify those "lazy" and "pampered" public employees and the voting public gets on the bandwagon.
What the public does not ask is to see the balance sheets of the private sector employers they work for. Why so few private sector unions, why the benefit cuts, why the shabby treatment? The angry voters never ask and frankly, are too damned gutless to fight for their rights. Easier to kick around the school teachers or garbage collectors.
What people like this never realize is that you don't make one set of workers better off by makuing another set worse off. The only ones who suck up the cream on that deal is the boss class, whether they are private sector bosses or politicians who kick around public employees.
Remember, today you helped these sociopaths shaft your neighbor, tomorrow it is your turn. And your turn will come again, and again, and again..., until you (hopefully ) wake up and get a spine before it is totally too damned late.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI> | August 12, 2011
Letter on: Another look
“To John Wyss:
Instead of dissing public employees or any other employee with a family supporting job, benefits, etc, let's work to raise all workers to the same level or better.
No worker should work for substandard wages and no worker should work without job security, benefits, vacations, healthcare, retirement, etc.
A burden on employers or corporations? Hell, no! Workers are assets. They are not liabilities to be discarded for cheaper labor. Unions have done workers wonders but their benefits were soon forgotten in the 70's-80's. Today the worker has no idea why they work 40 hr weeks or have workmen's comp or any other benefit. If workers were to quit working, corporations and the wealthy would be toast.
What we need is more employee involvement in the ownership and decision making roles of business. We also need more balanced wages between management and workers. There is not a single employee worth millions of dollars. At the same time, every employee is worth more than non-family supporting wages tossed at many of them.
A healthy workforce means people can enjoy life after work hours. It means more money to spend and thus more demand for goods. It means more taxes collected.
Trash workers like Walker, Fitzgeralds, Tea Partiers, convervatives, the religious nuts, etc, do and all society suffers.
We saw communism implode in Russia after 75 yrs of corruption and mismanagement. There is no reason that capitalism should be immune from the same collapse once corruption and mismanagement corrupt it. Money in your pocket, Mr. Wyss, at the expense of others does nothing to make ours a better society or the planet a better home for all.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 12, 2011
Letter on: Another look
“Mr Wyss--
These day we look at our candidates based on how much they will or won't take away from us, it seems, not what "they" give us (we earn that ourselves). You know, I hope, that the so called middle-class is becoming poorer and poorer and the the richest people in the nation are getting huge bonuses and all the tax breaks.
Where do you get this myth that union people are somehow fabulously wealthy? Teacher salaries are really not that great if you look at the numbers and if they pay less for health care and pension than a non-union person then what does that tell you? That they get compensated for a low salary somewhat by getting a little better deal on health care and pension (or used to.) And that maybe you should join a union if you want any negotiation power at all in the work place. These people you think of as "rich" are some of the hardest working people of our nation. Do you know how hard a teachers works? A corporate CEO wouldn't last a day in their shoes.
You see this is all a part of the big ruse to pit working people against working people, while giant corporate entities get truly obscene benefits and pay no taxes. The fact that this ruse works at all shows us something is not quite right with the electorate's thinking. People need to wake up. And, by the way, I'm 57 and have been watching this erosion for most of my life. The American Dream is only a dream at this point, and will remain so until we do real things to change this country in a positive direction.”
-John E Davey | Kendall, WI | August 12, 2011
Letter on: Another look
“This is for John.
You need to be concerned about your children as I am for my children and grand and great grand children.I am 80 years old and have been through many recessions and grew up in the great depression.My dad was a successful baker with his own business.He lost his business in 1935 and was lucky enough to get a job on a Gov.program called the WPA.My oldest brother joined another Gov.program called the CCC.All his money except for $5 per month was sent home to help my dad feed our family.
The only place for old people to go when they were down and out and their kids could not feed and house them was the Poor Farm.For the kids it was an Orphanage.
1935 was also the year that Social Security was passed with the 1st payment going out
in the early 1940's.
1935 was also the year that the Wagner Act was passed that allowed workers to organise into unions and be able to bargain with their employer on all matters of wages,hours of work and working conditions.
We are on the edge of loosing all that has been gained for all workers.Remember "an injury to one is an injury to all"
Workers rights is like a "Victory Garden" of World War II.It was mostly free of weeds in the 30's,40's and 50's and most of the 60's.We then started to neglect weeding the garden.We started to sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor.You know watch TV,go fishing,go out to eat,go to Las Vegas and yes evan take trips overseas.
Most of the unions went on their own way and felt they could do better by themselves and all the while the weeds kept taking over the garden.
Today all unions and most of their members and retirees (like me)are out pulling weeds from this 'Garden of Labor Rights'.
I hope you will join us in this effort for your kids sake.
Like the old slogan from Boys Town of the past(a former orphanage) "He's not heavy he's my Brother".”
-Joe Gruber | Campbellsport,WI | August 12, 2011
Letter on: Another look
“It shouldn't be necessary, but, judging from Mr. Wyss's letter, I guess we need to point out yet again how teachers and other public employees got the benefits they receive: They got them because it was cheaper to give employees group medical coverage and retirement than to give them raises. Henry Ford figured that one out long ago.
Then, some more thoughts: I remember living in New York City years ago when John Lindsay was Mayor, and he approved a new contract with garbage workers. Of course there were complaints, and he said, "So - do you want to collect the garbage?"
Several years ago, I was on our local school board and a citizen at a board meeting said that the teachers were already making more than the average salary in our town - to which I replied, "Well, I certainly hope so!"
'Nuff said...”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | August 12, 2011
Letter on: Another look
“Dear Fighting Bob, how fair is it to the men and women of Wisconsin that don't have a state job, to continuously pay more for their health insurance & retirement savings while a state paid workers benefits go untouched? To me it seems quite inequtable and I think tuesday's election is evidence of that. I can't believe people can't see that. When the economy tanks state union members can feel it too. The way I see it everything is on the backs of employers, private employers. From unemployment ins to workers compensation to social security taxes. You blame corporate greed, well teachers and 911 dispatchers, city police and fire workers are greedy as well. I've never seen people have so much. New houses, cars, boats, atv's, lawn equipment, campers, tv's and electronics. When I grew up, and I'm 37, no one had all this. But it's never enough. We now elect our government representatives based on how much they will give us. It makes me sick and I fear for the future of my kids.”
-John B Wyss | Boyceville WI | August 11, 2011
Letter on: Stuck in the '60s
“Steven Anderson, in his letter comment on the article has, IMHO, an excellent idea to ameliorate the problems of the Milwaukee ghetto
by turning the industrial wasteland of the Menomonee River valley into a green space.
If we could get Milwaukee philanthropist and Herb Kohl friend Sheldon Lubar on board it would help raise the private money needed.”
-Happy Clam | Mellen, Wisconsin | August 11, 2011
Letter on: Stuck in the '60s
“Great idea Steve. I have lived in Appleton for the past 25 years, but grew up in Milwaukee during the 60's & 70's. I go back occasionally and routinely watch programs on WPTV that highlight stories about urban agriculture in Milwaukee. These programs give me hope for Milwaukee and I think your ideas would be a great addition to what is already starting to happen. How do we start this? In addition, tie this in with public school system...linking members of the community with students and urban agriculture.”
-Craig Koch | Appleton, WI | August 11, 2011
Letter on: Stuck in the '60s
“Ed, unfortunately, your analysis is totally accurate. Here's an "outside the box" idea. Recently, I was camping at Richard Bong, State Recreation Area, near Burlington. As you probably know, this area was scheduled to be an Air Force Base in the early 1950s; but, plans changed and it was returned to its native prairie and eventually a multi-use State Rec. area with camping, hiking trails etc. (This required action by the Wisconsin State Legislature-working with the Feds.)
Here's the idea: (1). Turn Milwaukee's industrial wasteland, Menomonee Valley back to a green zone: prairie, river and green space. And, (2). On every block in Milwaukee's Core (Ghetto) have a green space; put up a greenhouse on every block. Teach every young child about the beauty of plants, about the cycle of nature. put a "mini" prairie into a vacant lot. Turn every brown field into a green field. You will need police protection to get these projects established; but a child who has the love of nature in his/her heart; who has what Rachel Carson called " A Sense of Wonder" will carry that every day for the rest of their lives. They will want to grow things. These green spaces would provide jobs and training. In addition to the Greenhouses; provide a computer lab attached to the greenhouses so that every child can upgrade their skills in the computer age.
How to pay for it: since State and Federal dollars are unlikely to flow to such a project, the private sector may hold the key: Give a tax credit to each corporation that spends money on the Milwaukee Core Revitalization Project. For $100 million, I think you could build 50 block greenhouses and computer labs and reestablish a prairie in the Menomonee Valley. As Henry David Thoreau said, "In wildness, is the preservation of the world."
You would need special allocations for the Milwaukee Police to protect these projects. You would need State action on the tax credit. And, if any State or Federal grant money could be found all the better, but that is unlikely.
How can we as a society claim to be just when Milwaukee has one of toughest Ghettos in the country within a few miles of the large estates in River Hills, and Waukesha County.
Maybe this is a project where U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, and long-time friend Baseball Commissioner, Bud Selig could ask some of their rich friends and acquaintances to "chip in" a few million, here and there. Maybe, Menomonee Valley Partners, a non-profit group already established to revitalize the Menomonee Valley could be a partner.”
-Steven A. Anderson | Appleton, Wisconsin | August 11, 2011
Letter on: Stuck in the '60s
“The audacity of hope has become the hypocrisy of our elected officials.
In any recounting of failed promises one must remember the hollow promises made to the Native Americans.
When you lose hope and can no longer dream of a better future anarchy is often the result.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 11, 2011
Letter on: Close, but no cigar!
“As Professor Kutler said, "we are cooked." Before I disagree with his conclusion (in the long term, that is )I must marvel at the fact that I can find such succint, factual, logical, and stylish writing anywhere for free. Fifty dollar bills should flutter down from the ceiling at his home whenever he touches a keyboard.
Yes, it looks like we are cooked for now, but if that remains a fact for very long, then I see things changing. I see the Democratic party expanding to include a new faction of its charter that will be somewhat more fiscally responsible yet, at the same time, more critical and demanding of the judiciary to take action against the criminals who are funding government. This will take a reasonable sacrifice by us, when everything seems or really is unreasonable.
Barring this, fantasy of mine, I cannot see the violent streets of America staying so tranquil in the future. We must find a way, politically, to spend our money on the education of Americans, the health of Americans, and the dignity of Americans.”
-Ty O'Mara | Grayslake, IL | August 10, 2011
Letter on: Close, but no cigar!
“Anyone interested in overturning Citizens United? If this election stuff doesn't convince us, nothing will.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 10, 2011
Letter on: Close, but no cigar!
“Yes SW from Waukesha, Progressives don't have money. Of the ten largest donors to campaigns 3 are unions, unions made up of thousands of workers. 2 are funded by Koch Industries owned by two people. The rest are paid for by corporations and trade groups made up of maybe a couple of hundred. I know with your fuzzy math skills this might not mean anything to you, but in a democracy thousands matter more than a few. How much was spent per vote on either side is disgusting when our schools are suffering.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha County | August 10, 2011
Letter on: Close, but no cigar!
“Really Maria progressives don't have money? Who paid for all those ads on TV and radio that were played every 3 seconds to vote against all the GOP canidates? You guys and 0 for 3 Mike Tate just keep up the good work.”
-SW | Waukesha WI | August 10, 2011
Letter on: Close, but no cigar!
“Not to belabor a point but I can't help but wonder if a strong and vigorous third party might have been able to boot some of these GOPers. Remember, the Dems agreed that workers should take it in the neck, just less so than the Walker crowd was dishing out.
The most disappointing thing coming out of all this is that no strong third party formed. After all, in many districts people are just as fed up with Dems as they with the GOP.
Off course we will never know but one does wonder.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 10, 2011
Letter on: Close, but no cigar!
“Why didn't recall candidates push the collective bargaining rights of workers? Wasn't this the primary reason for recalling senators? Seems most Democrats concentrated on everything else. Tea Party ads focused on taxes and spending.
What is wrong with taxes? Never did figure that one out. Other than schools taking up 3/4 of our property tax bills, taxes aren't so bad in Wisconsin, or are they?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 10, 2011
Letter on: Close, but no cigar!
“Petition your legislators ad nauseum until the messages get through. Attend town meetings with specific comments, observations and requests. Publicly put the clowns on the spot and expose them for what they are doing. Don't talk with generalities, but lay specifics before them. I feel a sense of hopelessness after yesterday's defeats quite like how I felt when Cheney and Bush won their second term. I wish I felt better. Maybe chopping a few chords of wood will help me forget.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, WI. | August 10, 2011
Letter on: Close, but no cigar!
“True about Alberta Darling, but when the roughly 5000 votes comes at a $9 million pricetag, she needed roughly $1800 a person to come out ahead.
At that pricetag, that's not a compliment.”
-Susan Hagstrom | Madison WI | August 10, 2011
Letter on: Close, but no cigar!
“The thing now is to keep pushing. Never give an inch!!
Take it to the streets, boycotts, more and more action, and press, against this GOP onslaught.
Mordecai Lee was not all wrong here. On the other hand the fact that the GOP were tossed out of some very strong seats is indeed noteworthy and is to congratulated! It is also tempting to question anything that comes out of Waukesha Co.
Keep pushing. And for all of you rats who keep playing devils advocate for the cat eating up the liberal mice remember this. With each mouse eaten the cat gets bigger, faster, and stronger and develops a real taste for rodents. When the mice are gone it will be you he comes for. If it is true that you don't make the poor rich by making the rich poor then remember this, you don't make one worker better off by making a different one worse off either.
Push them to the wall folks. To the wall.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 10, 2011
Letter on: Close, but no cigar!
“After last night we need more than simply talk and hot air. We need candidates and action. If Bob Fest can do this, then it will be a success. If all Bob Fest accomplishes is getting the choir together for a sing-a-long, then why do we bother? The time has come for Bob Fest to take its message nationally instead of being just another quaint Wisconsin moment. The problem remains that conservatives, the Tea Party and others have money. Bob Fest and progressives do not.
As I bounce around websites and spin the radio dial, why are there so many more conservative outlets for faux news than there are for progressives? Why can conservatives stir people into action and all progressives manage to do is talk about doing so?”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisc. | August 10, 2011
Letter on: The imagined middle
“Great analysis of Obama's shortcomings and the second to last paragraph really illuminates the role of George W. Bush in the economic woes of the 21st century. Despite agreeing with the author, I still think Obama's far and away the best presidential choice for 2012, not that that's saying all that much!!”
-Bob Franze | Waukesha, Wi. (Beloiter by birth!) | August 9, 2011
Letter on: Here it is!
“Ed -- Whether the GOP wins or loses tonight, the names of the Republican members of the 2011 Wisconsin Legislature will not be forgotten. They are the equivalent of the 1919 Black Sox. They have ruined their good names and reputations and it is likely that they will never be able to repair the damage they did to themselves. I would like to hear them explain their votes to their grandchildren.”
-Linda Brazill | Madison, WISCONSIN | August 9, 2011
Letter on: Here it is!
“I'm not one for superstition but I was voter #13 this morning. Maybe Wisconsin's luck will change once the day is done and the votes added up.
As I drove around Columbia and Marquette counties, I was amazed the number of Fred Clark signs in yards and on vehicles. Wherever I stopped on my errand run, I reminded folks to vote and they all said voting was on their day's todo list. Everyone was cordial, too. Last fall I traveled the same part of the state and rarely saw any yard signs for Democrats. Maybe the recalls are stirring the voters. Maybe we are going to get our statehouse back. Maybe the Scott Walker recall will indeed become a reality.
Hope is all we have now.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 9, 2011
Letter on: Here it is!
“Ernest: If you knew anything about Walker, his control of all 3 branches of government, the loss of checks and balance, Walker's insult to ALL workers union or not, the total disregard for the needs of Wisconsin, Walker's and the Walker-controlled legislature's absolute refusal to even consider discussions and compromise with those who disagree with the Walker agenda, you wouldn't be writing such a foolish comment.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisc. | August 9, 2011
Letter on: Here it is!
“Don't know much about politics's and today's race, but as a liberty lover, I hope the Republican elephants cross the finish lines ahead of the Democratic jackasses. Don't know much about Governor Scott Walker, but he surely struck a blow for liberty when he confronted coerced collective bargaining. Liberty dictates that a person has a right to work without paying union dues. Liberty also loves free association but not coerced association.”
-Ernest Martinson | Hayward Wisconsin | August 9, 2011
Letter on: Nutter Nation
“Obama has lost his following. When he said he was for main street, he lied because as soon as he got into office, he promptly filled his cabinet with the architects of the banking disaster he inherited from Bush. He said he would help lead America into a new era of hope, yet his cowardice has ushered in a new era of American governmental disgust. His speeches no longer hold water, as we begin to see that his ideals of corporate compromise lead to middle class deprivation.
Unfortunately for Americans, who have been forced to crap in one hand and hope in the other, we can no longer hold enough crap, because both of our hands are full. We have a President who is crapping on us and a right wing minority slapping us in the face. I am tired of this two party system in which my party lies to me and the other steals my children's future. I want all of them out and I want assurances that they won't be back.
I want them gone because they have all been compromised. They have all taken something, some just a little, some too much to carry. There is an infection of money and greed and we must eradicate all who have been infected.
And yet we are too domesticated as a nation to do anything serious about our government's broken machine. We should be burning Washington down right now. Anything that would come afterwards would be an improvement on the bastardization that has become American Politics.
We should be watching as Billionares hang in the streets for their crimes against humanity, yet we are not mad enough to fight a measly parking ticket. We are just too cozy. Our fangs have been filed down, our unions too bloated and ineffective to do their wartime duties.
We(the 98% of us) walk like steers into an IBP factory. We are sheltered and coddled from birth. For those of us who are living life following the rules and "free", imagine yourself walking into the world's largest slaughterhouse. There are people from all countries hanging out in groups, and you notice how skinny each of the other people are. Suddenly some of the foriegners are pushed into the back room. It suddenly gets noisy. As an American you think " I am well fed, they won't hurt me right?"
The reason you are well fed? It's so you won't notice that the corporations are stealing your freedom. You will be the last to die, because you are happy being fed while others die.
We are in the yard. There we sit fat, tired, lazy, & unmotivated. It's just a matter of time before you get the bolt in the head. Unless... You break down the yard's fence. And you walk into that office on on the top floor of the slaughterhouse. You tell the bosses to get into the yard. And it gets noisy.”
-CJN | Madison, WI | August 8, 2011
Letter on: Ever bargained before?
“"I suspect that a lot of these angry progressives will end up voting to re-elect Obama..."
This one sure the hell won't. Crazy is doing the same thing over again and expecting a different outcome. I'm pretty sure this isn't the kind of change *I* had in mind when I voted for change I could believe in.
Since there isn't a nickels difference between Obama and the Republicans, it's time to vote somewhere else. Green or Indy or Dead Squirrel. Anything but the "same old, same old"
Winona LaDuke runs again, I'm in!”
-Randy Lee | Ridgeland, WI | August 8, 2011
Letter on: Chutzpah
“When you think about it, the economy is no more than a Ponzi scheme. At some point, people are going to stop spending, factories are going to slow down production and corporations are going to scramble for a new Ponzi scheme. Wages have leveled off since the mid-70's. Most workers today are not earning much for their efforts. There aren't enough people on the planet to keep everything humming prosperously as in the past.
I doubt any economy can keep going on forever without a recession or collapse. I feel sorry for all those rich bastards out there who have lost millions and billions as the markets collapse. Makes my meager thousands seem a bargain.
We have to come up with a better way to spend our lives on this planet than chasing dollars and spending them. Obviously we have bills to pay and groceries to buy, but we certainly should be smart enough to see through the insignificance of dollars and shift our focus to what is the essence of life itself.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 8, 2011
Letter on: Lessons from S&P
“Remember the activist who recently was convicted and fined for fraud because he misrepresented himself at an oil field lease auction? http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/27/nation/la-na-oil-leases-20110727
He was a small potato, got caught and now fined.
Meanwhile we have banksters and legislators who have ruined the economy and lives of millions of Americans. These people don't even get their hands slapped. It seems they get more concessions and make more money.
While we are at it, why do we expect every other country on the planet to abide by international law and think we are above it? Countless resources are spent pursuing war criminals around the globe and seeing to it that justice is served, yet our own leaders guilty of the same crimes are protected. Cheney, Bush and Rummy are criminals and should be tried in an international court of law.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 8, 2011
Letter on: Lessons from S&P
“Stupid and Pathetic is what S&P stands for. There was so much money involved in this illegal mortgage scam in which S&P participated in. Are we to believe that no one at Standard and Poors was involved and profited enormously. We need some white collar convictions, and everyone needs to know that Boehner and McConnell are nothing more that political hacks who are revelling in the recent downgrade of America's bond market. They see this bad news as bad news for the Dem's chances of retaining the executive branch. I must be half of stupid and pathetic(you pick)because I still believe the House, Senate, and executive branch will be all under Democratic rule after the 2012 elections.”
-Ty O'Mara | Grayslake, IL | August 8, 2011
Letter on: Lessons from S&P
“I guess the estimate now is around $30 million being spent in the recalls, a record amount by anyone's count. Seems like a lot of cash to me. I wonder what the worker netting $10 an hour thinks. Do you think they see $30 million as a ton of cash, too?
Not so sure there's a single candidate worth any of that $30 million. I bet there are plenty of workers out there who are worth better wages and working conditions.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 7, 2011
Letter on: Stopping the cycle
“Nice analogy, I have been using it for a while now. Just one difference. The Democratic party, and their politicians, are "wife beaters" too. Every election they tell us poor believers that this time it will be different, but then they cave, connive, out right cooperate with, and sell out to the same schmucks as the GOP.
Like I say, nice analogy, but..., maybe Obama is just getting what he really wants but keeps telling us what we want to hear.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI,. | August 7, 2011
Letter on: Too much power
“"... can shoe leather beat slick commercials and millions of dollars from the Koch brothers?" - - -I KNOW plain old INTELLIGENCE can beat slick commercials and conservative mainstream media domination, because we recently saw it in California where Jerry Brown got outspent by something like 7 times($20M vs $140M), but he still prevailed. Yeah, it ain't common lately, but if enough people get their heads out of their asses (collectively and 'gently' speaking), we could fairly quickly get rid of the most of the conservatives and their minions because corporations are in business to make money - - - supporting chronically LOSING candidates would quickly become a no-go for them. And if threats to their own livelihoods aren't enough to make the general populace pay attention, then there ISN'T any democratic way to make progressive ideas happen, unfortunately. We'll see what happens Tuesday...”
-Big Em | Milwaukee, WI | August 6, 2011
Letter on: Too much power
“The amounts of money spent by both sides on the recalls is obscene. The money doesn't create jobs. It is merely a transfer of funds from the rich to the rich, from one corporation to another. The owners and shareholders will profit, the workers who make the ads, billboards and flyers will not get a dime.
The candidates probably think the money means someone loves them. Hah!
These elections are OUR elections and concern OUR values and lives. Why is money pouring in from outside districts and the state? When will people have as many rights as corporations?
We do have a 3-tiered system in the US: the well off, those who think they are and the poor.”
-Maria Caliente | Middleton, Wisconsin | August 6, 2011
Letter on: Nothing to see here (and here and here...)
“Yes the world has warmed, "exactly what you'd expect in a rebound from an ice age" The problem with this statement is that we should be going into an ice age. What triggered the global warming studies was that fact that the world should have been cooling yet for unknown reasons was actually warming. There are numerous cycles that effect Earths climate(and here I agree with RoJo sunspot activity does slightly increase the global temperature)however right now we are expeirencing an abnormally low sunspot activity period. All climatic models show that when one increases the concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, temperature rises(this should be a DUH! moment for all by now). Newer studies, that show climatic change brings on more unstable and larger storms are just now begining to hypothesies that more extreme weather is a direct result of climate change.”
-Dole O'Mite | Waukesha County | August 4, 2011
Letter on: Nothing to see here (and here and here...)
“Well all I can say is no matter what your view it isn't right to pollute the atmosphere, or anything else. All this toxic waste isn't good and nothing good can come from it.”
-Michael Reinfeldt | Reedsburg WI | August 4, 2011
Letter on: Nothing to see here (and here and here...)
“Yeah, Gary we can play my website, your website forever.
There is this:
"Various criticisms have been raised, both about the specific content of IPCC reports, as well as about the process undertaken to produce the reports. On 13 March 2010, an open letter, signed by over 250 scientists in the United States, was sent to U.S. federal agencies that "None of the handful of mis-statements (out of hundreds and hundreds of unchallenged statements) remotely undermines the conclusion that 'warming of the climate system is unequivocal' and that most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-twentieth century is very likely due to observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations."
and:
"Some critics have contended that the IPCC reports tend to underestimate dangers, understate risks, and report only the 'lowest common denominator' findings"
and on and on.
and the endorsements:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intergovernmental_Panel_on_Climate_Change#Endorsements_of_the_IPCC
and go on and on.
So "more than a thousand scientists" disagree, with the general international consensus of the IPCC.
There are probably at least 10,000 scientists who work for ExxonMobil. And then there is the MotherJones article on the "Science of Why We Don't Believe Science" (How are brains fool us on climate, creationism and the vaccine-autism link)
Like I said, what is the use of trying to convince? Reason doesn't work, living experience is rationalized away...and for what purpose?”
-John E Davey | Kendall, WI | August 4, 2011
Letter on: Nothing to see here (and here and here...)
“Yes, I understand the other side of the argument and those trends which you think you have observed are simply not supported by measurements even though there is little doubt that the world has warmed slightly, exactly as would be expected during a rebound from an ice age. Science is the practice of aggressive skepticism and it was Einstein who said a hundred experiments could not prove him right, but one could prove him wrong. The observation which disproves the notion that CO2 is the main driver of our climate system is the increase of CO2 with observed periods of decades which do not show temperature increases. This does not conflict with the idea that CO2 contributes to warmer temperatures just as a candle contributes to warming your house in the middle of January, it just demonstrates that it is just not the controlling factor.
If you have a sincere interest in understanding the climate change controversy, you should be willing to examine and consider the opposing arguments. There are many scientists who have done exactly that and have come away skeptics: here are a few:
http://www.climatedepot.com/a/9035/SPECIAL-REPORT-More-Than-1000-International-Scientists-Dissent-Over-ManMade-Global-Warming-Claims--Challenge-UN-IPCC--Gore
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2011/07/16/devastating-paper-on-ipcc-consensus/”
-Gary Glonek | Montreal, wi | August 4, 2011
Letter on: Nothing to see here (and here and here...)
“Fluctuations always happen. I remember Christmas vacations when we could sled and skate and others with no snow. So what? As you say, it is the long term, and GLOBAL numbers that matter.
We have passed the tipping point now the question is how to adapt and also keep it from getting worse. I suspect a lot of folks have good ideas but the job providers, you know, the ones that need another tax break, are not out there being innovative and the president and congress are bound and determined to hamstring the economy even further.
Not an encouraging picture.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 4, 2011
Letter on: Nothing to see here (and here and here...)
“While this is not scientific data (what I am saying), my electric bill for July just came and reported that average daily temperatures in July were 11 degrees hotter than last year.
I live close to the land and can keenly observe the changes in animal and vegetation. We seem to becoming more of a tropical rain forest type environment, except for our wetter and warmer winters.
Gary, you are a perfect example of a climate change denier. You can think what you want but it is obvious to anyone watching that the weather as a whole has become much "weirder" than anything I remember in my 57 years. You will see, as time rolls on, that indeed humans have already changed the atmosphere and the biosphere past the "tipping-point." God, it is so frustrating to have been trying to make this point for 30 years and still hear people foolishly denying the obvious...obvious to science and to existential experience. We are indeed addicted to fossil fuels and instead of finding solutions we (politically) let big oil, coal, etc. have more and more power to strangle us alive and stop every sane effort to move to energy sources that are sustainable. We and our grandchildren are going to have to live through environmental hell.
But, yeah, Gary--"what the thinker thinks, the prover proves." You can't see the global picture and the obvious fact that as you put more CO2 into the atmosphere you are going to heat the planet. And as you deforest and cover the earth with concrete and asphalt you are going reduce the earths ability to absorb CO2.
You don't "get" that even a 1 degree difference over 114 years end up meaning a lot of difference in weather. Triple that number and we're pretty well done with life as we know it. And global warming isn't measured by looking at Wisconsin alone. Global Warming doesn't mean everyone gets hotter. Climate change models predict somewhat cooler and wetter conditions for Wisconsin and surrounding states. Global Warming means just that: the planet as a whole is warming and some spots get severely warmer and some places actually get cooler but everywhere weather get more extreme, one way or another. That is what Global Warming means.
How many thousand scientists from around the world does it take to convince you?
Oh, hell...what is the use in trying to convince? Reason doesn't work, living experience is rationalized away...and for what purpose?”
-John E Davey | Kendall, WI | August 4, 2011
Letter on: Nothing to see here (and here and here...)
“This is the type of nonsense which led me away from the Democratic cap and trade party and make the mistake of voting for Walker. The notion that extreme weather events are a recent phenomena is simply silly. At any given time we are either going into or recovering from, an ice age and it would truly be remarkable if the climate did not change as it has repeatedly done so in the past, if we are to believe the geologic record.
At least the article didn't go the extra step and claim that human caused CO2 is destroying the planet and that the climate can be controlled by changing our lifestyles back to the pre-industrial era.
In Wisconsin, the data of the state climatology office shows a total increase of less than one degree in the last 114 years with huge variations on a yearly basis, with 1931 being the warmest year, a 1.4 degree decrease in the 10 year period from 2000-2009, and a 50 year period from 1947-1996 which showed an overall decrease in temperatures. The one trend that does seem to be predictable over time is that increases are followed by decreases.”
-Gary Glonek | Montreal, Wi | August 4, 2011
Letter on: What? Markets plunge? Pahhleeezze!
“Apparently Fritz would rather believe that Obungle is just playing 11 dimensional political chess and things will be better later on. That has been the story on this butt clown since he was running. Time for the Obamapologists to face facts. This guy is no progressive. The Dems might be wise to shove him out of the party, outright disown him, and run Elizabeth Warren. She has raised kids so I am sure she could handle the three year olds in Congress. It would be fun watching her make McConnell and Boehner wear their butt cheeks for ear muffs.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 3, 2011
Letter on: What? Markets plunge? Pahhleeezze!
“I am beside myself on this raising tax thing when working people say don't raise taxes. They must like being screwed.
In the 80's the solution to the upcoming retirement of boomers was resolved by increasing the FICA tax rate an amount over what was necessary to cover the then current retirees - the so called trust fund or lockbox.
In 2001 along comes W with his Republican house and senate and look at the surplus and says this is your money and we will give it back to income tax payers. Never mind that there has never been a surplus as the result of the income tax and that much of the income tax was never on FICA taxable income such as investment income or earnings over the maximum. This was done with the blessing of some Dems as well.
Now when it is time to pay the money back it becomes a crisis and Republicans say we must cut social security benefits.
If people got a refund of FICA taxes that were never paid, they should pay it back.
Effing deadbeats.”
-nonheroicvet | POd, WI | August 3, 2011
Letter on: What? Markets plunge? Pahhleeezze!
“OK. The Republican'ts and Tea Party got their ways. Let them gloat. When all this fails, and it will, can we expect some sort of voter reaction in 2012 to oust the party that won't? Did Obama, as weak as he seems, plan this to perhaps cement his second term? Once in his second term, Obama would be rather free to move on all sorts of ideas and programs. It would be quite possible for swings in congress to increase the numbers in Obama's favor.
Our own recalls will be an indicator. I wonder if people have tired yet of the ads and flyers that money can buy. I toss the junkmail without even looking and I no longer watch commercial TV. I bet there are many that do the same and still go to vote.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 3, 2011
Letter on: What? Markets plunge? Pahhleeezze!
“The "markets" know that GOP policies are pure BS, they just won't say so in public. Given the cave in by Obungle I suspect the market drop is the best comment out there on stupid GOP policy and on a president who can't, won't, and refuses to fight for what is right for the economy and the public..”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 3, 2011
Letter on: Ever bargained before?
“Mr. Smart has it backwards. It was Carter who turned against the Dems. Remember, Carter was the first of what became the Blue Dogs. His prissy, blockheaded, preacher in Chief attitude got many Dems hot under the collar. THEN they turned against HIM.
Sadly, primary challenges to sitting presidents don't work well and the Dems really have no on TO challenge Obungle.
That leaves option two. Run the most progressive, liberal, hell raising candidates against the old fossils now in congress and shove it up Obungles back side. The mid- terms showed that the Blue Dogs took a spanking. Like they say, if folks want a Republican they will vote for the real one.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 3, 2011
Letter on: Ever bargained before?
“Has Obama ignited the Tea Party to vote in the recall elections or has he stirred the the rest of us to vote for change so we can regain the state senate on our way to reclaiming state government?
If we lose regaining the state senate, we have lost 2012.
You can't expect much from Democrats who act as eunuchs in a whorehouse run by the rightwing nuts.”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 2, 2011
Letter on: Ever bargained before?
“Interesting points, Ed. I'll admit, I never wondered whether or not the president was a "gambling man" and I think you're probably right that he isn't! It is indeed frustrating. But I keep thinking about what alternatives we have. Do we have any?
We've been in this situation before, and should have learned our lesson. We Democrats turned against Jimmy Carter, perceiving him as weak, and we elected Ronald Reagan instead. [I also backed out on Jimmy and voted for John Anderson.] Who knows, maybe this time we'll end up with President Romney or even President Bachmann!
I suspect that a lot of these angry progressives will end up voting to re-elect Obama, but won't work for that re-election - and that could give us the unthinkable...”
-John Smart | Park Falls WI | August 2, 2011
Letter on: Ever bargained before?
“Read Glenn Greenwald at Salon.com. He makes a convincing case that Obama got exactly what he wanted. He's banking on independent voters liking the cuts and he never was a fiscal progressive. SS and Medicare got put on the table by Obama.”
-tigerlily55 | Appleton, WI | August 2, 2011
Letter on: Nutter Nation
“I just hope there is a contender to run against Obama in a primary election.”
-John E Davey | Kendall, WI | August 2, 2011
Letter on: Nutter Nation
“Government budgets make nice arguments but they really are no more than columns of numbers that get moved around so government can do its governmental thing. Most families and individuals probably lack or misunderstand what budgets are.
Spending more money than one has is a problem for everyone whether you are running a government, a corporation or a family unit. Eventually the bills catch up and overwhelm. Putting caps on spending does not solve problems. You actually have to change spending habits. This doesn't mean you need to go without.
When you are unemployed and the rent is due, you will always be in trouble. When government reduces taxes and revenues and the bills need to be paid, can you expect anything but trouble?
Even if it were possible to cut spending and live within imaginary debt ceilings, it is going to cost us more to keep this country going. If inflation doesn't get you, the cost of goods and service will. In effect, we are going to be paying more for less with each passing year.
If you think we are in trouble now, just wait. You ain't seen nothing yet!
Government is us and as a group we really ought to be calling the shots when it comes to banking, corporations and the distribution of wealth. We should be the ones setting the rules so we are the ones who benefit. As it is now, the others set and keep changing the rules until we can no longer benefit and thus we find ourselves wallowing in perpetual hardship.
Government is not our enemy. Those who wish to dismantle government and use it to their own advantage are. You can bet your last Medicare voucher that if there is a government handout or benefit to be had, the rightwing nuts will be shoving and pushing to be first in line.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 2, 2011
Letter on: Ever bargained before?
“Obama has sealed his fate as a single term president. I am unaware as to how proficient he was as a community organizer but his most recent performance indicates to me he must have been inept. It is that or the community he was organizing was not a community I have ever been a part of, the community of millionaires.”
-Richard Kanak | Cherry Valley, Illinois | August 2, 2011
Letter on: Ever bargained before?
“There's an enlightening article at http://www.salon.com/news/tea_parties/index.html?story=/politics/war_room/2011/08/02/lind_tea_party today suggesting the deep southern roots of the Tea Party movement.
Makes me wonder if the nation would be better off if we would simply let the South secede and happily be itself. So what if the rest of us would be held hostage by Texas crude or Florida orange juice. That nation would do better without the racism, the hatred, the divisiveness we have now. I'm not so sure southern values are our values, nor do we want them to be.
Let's do away with the present two party system. Instead of Democrats and Republican'ts, why not start anew with Progressives and Regressives?”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 2, 2011
Letter on: Ever bargained before?
“Ed, you are wasting your time giving advice to this nitwit in the White House. Reich and Krugman do it all the time and he ignores them too. He is so wrapped up in his own self created mythology of what he wants his presidency to be that he has become the most stupid, bull headed, idiot of a Chief Executive since Carter.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 2, 2011
Letter on: Nutter Nation
“The only thing Obungle knows how to do is open cans of worms. By agreeing to the linkage of a debt ceiling vote and a budgetary vote he sealed his doom as a Democratic president.
Maybe the only option left to Dems is to go visit Shirley McLain, hold a seance, and see if somehow they can channel Harry Truman. Of course doing that with Obungle BEFORE the debate on this might have been more useful.
Face it, this guy is a flop and the party isn't much better. We are well and truly screwed.”
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | August 2, 2011
Letter on: Harmageddon
“On the issue of class warfare, this war has been going on for many years now. The war began by targeting those at the bottom, and America didn't care. The impact of "welfare reform" has been quite striking in many respects, but the one that probably stands out most to me is this: As a direct result of welfare "reform," the infant mortality rate among America's poor now rivals that of some Third World countries, and the life expectancy of our poor has actually fallen below that of some Third World countries -- not because America can't afford to aid the poor while rebuilding that "bridge to the middle class," but because we don't want to. Most of that money is gone now, so, as was inevitable, it is necessary to turn to the middle class for more money for corps/the riches, and to maintain our war(s). Now that the middle is targeted, Americans are finally starting to notice the class war that has been waged ever since Reagan.”
-DHFabian | Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 | August 1, 2011
Letter on: Ron Johnson is in D.C.
“First, Obama stated from the start, during his campaign, that he couldn't bring change alone -- it would take us, willing to get off our butts. I don't think this generation knows how to do that. We don't know how to mobilize, moving a hundred thousand people to DC for example, to take a stand. In the past, we'd all pitch in what we could, use whatever vehicles we had, took along those who couldn't pay but were eager to stand up for the cause. MLK's Poor People's March couldn't happen today. If you have a couple hundred spare dollars and some time off from work, you might be able to go to DC to protest the Great Wealth Redistribution, but most can't afford the travel fare, hotel accommodations, etc. But we seem to have lost the ability to demand change collectively.”
-DHFabian | Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 | August 1, 2011
Letter on: Ron Johnson is in D.C.
“How is it that the Tea Party can get sufficiently organized to intimidate congress, but progressives can't even get a visitor's pass to one of the capitol's loos?”
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | August 1, 2011
Letter on: Ron Johnson is in D.C.
“It's pretty remarkable to have to say that I think you give Obama too much benefit of the doubt when you assume it was his incompetence that caused to him to "cave" in this "debt crisis" negotiation.
Cave? I don't think so. I hate to say it, but you might want to consider that Obama got just what he wanted.
I'm reminded of LBJ when he told MLK and others to "make me do it" in getting the Voting Rights Act passed. He needed the Civil Rights Movement to provide political cover for what he wanted to do in the first place.
Obama has allowed Grover Norquist and the Catfood Commission (his very own!) and the Tea Baggers and the media to define and focus upon this contrived "debt crisis," with an intent to shrink government and undermine the social compact - even in the midst of the worst economic recession in my lifetime. ("Keynes, who?") Every step of the way, Obama has laid the groundwork for the Teahadists to "make him" agree to their fiscal "austerity" with nary a Progressive argument offered nor defended as an alternative.
Obama's role in all this has simply been way too conveniently compliant to be written off as mere incompetence. Factor in the Wall Street and Chamber of Commerce types he surrounds himself with, and the picture becomes much more clear, albeit disgusting to those of us who still believe in Progressive New Deal politics.
You give Obama WAY too much credit when you let him slide as a supposed incompetent. He knows EXACTLY what he's doing, and it's high time we get a second party in Washington that stands in opposition to the corporate wealth that now owns everything.”
-Jeff Pieterick | Waterloo, WI | August 1, 2011
Letter on: Ron Johnson is in D.C.
“I got an honest to goodness genuine RoJo canned response the other day to an email sent concerning the budget and deficit. Paragraph after paragraph, RoJo went on to blame Obama and the Democrats for the economic mess our country is in. He even boldly stated that the country is on the brink of bankruptcy.
Not only is he an expert on federal budgets and deficits, he is now an expert on matters judicial. Typical of Tea Party types, RoJo continues to get his facts screwed up. In fact, he doesn't even have the facts, all he has is his opinion. Wait! All robo RoJo has are the opinions of those who paid his way into office.
Are we ready for a one-party system? Sure seems that the Republican'ts are convinced so. Let's see, it took Russia's one-party rule some 75 years to fail. Not so sure I can hang around long enough to see the Republican't system implode.”
-Franz Fripplfrappl | Madison | August 1, 2011
Letter on: Anarchy on the North Shore
“Yep following the constituion, actually having a budget and not borrowing $.42 of every dollar we spend are pretty crazy radical ideas. Next thing you know they will want a law that all american's must buy a bike. Not just any bike it must be a government apporved bike by the transportaion secretary. If you don't want that bike you will be fined. Oops I mean you will be taxed for not participating in commerce.”
-SW | Waukesha WI | August 1, 2011
Letter on: Feeling kind of stupid?
“-Nationwide recall of Congress?
-Progressive Party
-Written contract for candidates stipulating
support for platform throughout their terms”
-hmj | madison, wi | August 1, 2011
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