:argh!:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/10/us-wisconsin-idUSTRE72909420110310?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews
I'm so fucking pissed I could just put my fist through a triple pane window. I've watched as the ogliarchy/plutocracy has chipped away at everything that we had taken back from the robber barons. Everything that made this country almost bearable is being fucked with a corkscrew.
What the hell can I do? I don't live in Wisconsin. I mean, aside from donating money to ActBlue or MoveOn.org... since they all so adeptly pussyfooted through their opportunity to fix things, what is there? It's obvious the typical means just aren't going to work.
TGRR, ECH, Cain, what do we do? I'm almost a thousand miles away, I got not so much money, and I'm just a little guy, how can I fix this?
Anything. Hell, get bella on here to show me some black magic or something. Action is necessary, and I've been such a candy-ass for so long (assuming the natural order of things would fix themselves, I guess... I know, very naive) I have no idea what to do.
If it's best to let alone, fine... how do I get rid of this urge to stabbity stab GOPers and Tea Party fux?
Quote from: I_Kicked_Kennedy on March 10, 2011, 03:42:00 AM
TGRR, ECH, Cain, what do we do? I'm almost a thousand miles away, I got not so much money, and I'm just a little guy, how can I fix this?
Fix what? This is what the American people have DEMANDED. SCREAMED FOR.
Now they're going to get what they've wanted. Good & hard.
TGRR,
Doesn't interfere with the sacred principle of 50%+1
Not necessarily refuting your position, but I cannot stomach the sight of a handful of ne'er-do-wells leading the sheep to their slaughter. If I were to see a parent gleefully suggesting to their toddler that they should drink whatever tasty beverage sits below the kitchen sink, weeks after purchasing a life insurance policy, I feel the need to step in.
"Well, they get what they voted for...." I get this, but I don't want thousands of families to watch as their livelihoods go to shit in slushpool for years before they get what they truly needed in the first place.
Fine, I'll avoid interfering. But for the sake of sleeping tonight, TGRR, tell me someone at the helm of this debacle dies fifteen pounds lighter with the supplementary weight in a basket on the other side of the blade.
Please...
Roger's spot on. There's not much any of us can really do. Wisconsinites are filling the State House, Democrats left to avoid the quorum, but Walker found a way to pound it down their throats anyway. And this is exactly what the majority wanted. And it isn't unique to Wisconsin. It's happening here in Maine as well. Out Teabagger in Chief is going to fuck over the public unions the same way Walker did. He also just appointed a super sekret business advisory council that will be immune from FOIA.
But this is what the people wanted. They voted this shit in and they'll reap the rewards that come out of it. Those rewards most likely being worker's rights going backwards.
Quote from: I_Kicked_Kennedy on March 10, 2011, 04:07:47 AM
Not necessarily refuting your position, but I cannot stomach the sight of a handful of ne'er-do-wells leading the sheep to their slaughter. If I were to see a parent gleefully suggesting to their toddler that they should drink whatever tasty beverage sits below the kitchen sink, weeks after purchasing a life insurance policy, I feel the need to step in.
"Well, they get what they voted for...." I get this, but I don't want thousands of families to watch as their livelihoods go to shit in slushpool for years before they get what they truly needed in the first place.
Fine, I'll avoid interfering. But for the sake of sleeping tonight, TGRR, tell me someone at the helm of this debacle dies fifteen pounds lighter with the supplementary weight in a basket on the other side of the blade.
Please...
Sorry. This is how a republic works. It is a tree that periodically needs to be watered with the blood of the poor and the stupid. It is its natural manure.
There's plenty of manure on this one.
http://www.alternet.org/story/150192/updated%3A_wisconsin_gop_rams_through_union-busting_measure%3B_thousands_storm_capitol?akid=6629.118105.dF0rX-&rd=1&t=8
As is pointed out in the article, this is something that will be going to the State Supreme Court...
And there's an upcoming election for a seat on that court. A Democrat winning the seat will swing the State Supreme Court from a GoP majority to a Democratic majority.
The Democrats are howling for blood, and are moving to begin proceedings to recall every GoP senator who voted for this who is eligible for recall.
Fur will fly.
Quote from: Luna on March 10, 2011, 02:08:52 PM
There's plenty of manure on this one.
http://www.alternet.org/story/150192/updated%3A_wisconsin_gop_rams_through_union-busting_measure%3B_thousands_storm_capitol?akid=6629.118105.dF0rX-&rd=1&t=8
As is pointed out in the article, this is something that will be going to the State Supreme Court...
And there's an upcoming election for a seat on that court. A Democrat winning the seat will swing the State Supreme Court from a GoP majority to a Democratic majority.
The Democrats are howling for blood, and are moving to begin proceedings to recall every GoP senator who voted for this who is eligible for recall.
Fur will fly.
WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN.
Just kidding. Americans don't do that, anymore.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 10, 2011, 02:11:04 PM
Quote from: Luna on March 10, 2011, 02:08:52 PM
There's plenty of manure on this one.
http://www.alternet.org/story/150192/updated%3A_wisconsin_gop_rams_through_union-busting_measure%3B_thousands_storm_capitol?akid=6629.118105.dF0rX-&rd=1&t=8
As is pointed out in the article, this is something that will be going to the State Supreme Court...
And there's an upcoming election for a seat on that court. A Democrat winning the seat will swing the State Supreme Court from a GoP majority to a Democratic majority.
The Democrats are howling for blood, and are moving to begin proceedings to recall every GoP senator who voted for this who is eligible for recall.
Fur will fly.
WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN.
Just kidding. Americans don't do that, anymore.
Nah, but a massive strike of everyone hit by the splatter from this might make an impression.
Quote from: Luna on March 10, 2011, 02:15:03 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 10, 2011, 02:11:04 PM
Quote from: Luna on March 10, 2011, 02:08:52 PM
There's plenty of manure on this one.
http://www.alternet.org/story/150192/updated%3A_wisconsin_gop_rams_through_union-busting_measure%3B_thousands_storm_capitol?akid=6629.118105.dF0rX-&rd=1&t=8
As is pointed out in the article, this is something that will be going to the State Supreme Court...
And there's an upcoming election for a seat on that court. A Democrat winning the seat will swing the State Supreme Court from a GoP majority to a Democratic majority.
The Democrats are howling for blood, and are moving to begin proceedings to recall every GoP senator who voted for this who is eligible for recall.
Fur will fly.
WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN.
Just kidding. Americans don't do that, anymore.
Nah, but a massive strike of everyone hit by the splatter from this might make an impression.
Google "Ronald Reagan aircraft controller strike".
Quote from: Luna on March 10, 2011, 02:15:03 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 10, 2011, 02:11:04 PM
Quote from: Luna on March 10, 2011, 02:08:52 PM
There's plenty of manure on this one.
http://www.alternet.org/story/150192/updated%3A_wisconsin_gop_rams_through_union-busting_measure%3B_thousands_storm_capitol?akid=6629.118105.dF0rX-&rd=1&t=8
As is pointed out in the article, this is something that will be going to the State Supreme Court...
And there's an upcoming election for a seat on that court. A Democrat winning the seat will swing the State Supreme Court from a GoP majority to a Democratic majority.
The Democrats are howling for blood, and are moving to begin proceedings to recall every GoP senator who voted for this who is eligible for recall.
Fur will fly.
WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN.
Just kidding. Americans don't do that, anymore.
Nah, but a massive strike of everyone hit by the splatter from this might make an impression.
No it won't. Americans are too goddamn lazy.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 10, 2011, 02:17:02 PM
Google "Ronald Reagan aircraft controller strike".
Don't need to, I remember it. I also remember that air traffic controllers striking was, at the time, at least, against the law, as a violation of public safety.
Sure, I suppose they can fire every single public worker in the state, but that raises a hell of a stink. Just look at what happened in Providence, when they fired all the teachers. That's gone over like a fart in church, even when it was pointed out that, due to the combination of the contract requirements and the demand to at least bring the budget somewhere CLOSE to balanced, it's pretty much all they could do.
Given that the governor has all but proven that the entire point was to strip unions of their collective bargaining rights, rather than ANYTHING to do with the budget... People aren't going to be happy.
Let's not forget since the former mayor failed to negotiate the contracts for the firefighters, they also went on strike and Providence was relying on Cranston and Pawtucket to come in and save us.
...HOW THE FUCK IS CICILLINE IN CONGRESS AGAIN?!!!!
I had to google the aircraft controller strike...
So there's going to be emboldened management everywhere, and workers will become viewed even more as interchangeable cogs?
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 10, 2011, 01:48:53 PM
Sorry. This is how a republic works. It is a tree that periodically needs to be watered with the blood of the poor and the stupid. It is its natural manure.
May I use that?
Quote from: Luna on March 10, 2011, 02:33:54 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 10, 2011, 02:17:02 PM
Google "Ronald Reagan aircraft controller strike".
Don't need to, I remember it. I also remember that air traffic controllers striking was, at the time, at least, against the law, as a violation of public safety.
Wisconsin has a law against strikes by ANY public workers.
Quote from: ☄ · · · N E T · · · ☄ on March 10, 2011, 02:52:40 PM
I had to google the aircraft controller strike...
So there's going to be emboldened management everywhere, and workers will become viewed even more as interchangeable cogs?
Yes.
Problem?
Quote from: Doktor Howl on March 10, 2011, 05:58:20 PM
Quote from: Luna on March 10, 2011, 02:33:54 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 10, 2011, 02:17:02 PM
Google "Ronald Reagan aircraft controller strike".
Don't need to, I remember it. I also remember that air traffic controllers striking was, at the time, at least, against the law, as a violation of public safety.
Wisconsin has a law against strikes by ANY public workers.
There's some question about whether destroying the unions will make it legal for them to strike.
http://gazettextra.com/news/2011/feb/25/public-workers-prepare-strike-experts-disagree-law/
QuoteStrikes by public employees are illegal in Wisconsin, but Paul Secunda, Marquette University Law School associate professor, said laws vary between state and municipal workers. Contract language also makes a difference.
"There is a limited right to strike based on going through mediation and the arbitration process, but of course the bill would get rid of all that," he said. "Maybe all bets are off if this legislation goes through."
Janesville Education Association President Dave Parr isn't so sure.
He said unions are prohibited from striking as long as there is arbitration. Since Walker's proposal permits negotiation of wages, it could prevent a legal work-stoppage.
...
A "state of emergency" provision authorizes "a state agency to discharge any state employee who fails to report to work as scheduled for any three unexcused working days during a state of emergency or who participates in a strike, work stoppage, sit-down, stay-in, slowdown, or other concerted activities ..."
A general strike, discussed by the Madison-area AFL-CIO, might circumvent that provision. A general strike involves several unions—public and private. Some of which might not immediately feel the effects of the bill.
Secunda said there hasn't been a general strike in the U.S. since 1968. That's when Martin Luther King Jr. marched with sanitation workers in Memphis, boycotting unfair treatment and harsh working conditions.
"There would have to be some legal analysis done," Secunda said, "but I think, personally, the public sector does have the ability to engage in a work stoppage if this law is enacted."
Sounds like people are pretty damn pissed.
http://www.themudflats.net/2011/03/10/wisconsin-capitol-stormed-occupied-by-protesters/
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/117739363.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41996994/ns/politics-more_politics/
They stormed the Capital building last night, had to be dragged out by the police today. The building is locked down. The measure has to go to the Assembly, which can not meet if the building is not open to the public.
Quote from: Doktor Howl on March 10, 2011, 05:59:01 PM
Quote from: ☄ · · · N E T · · · ☄ on March 10, 2011, 02:52:40 PM
I had to google the aircraft controller strike...
So there's going to be emboldened management everywhere, and workers will become viewed even more as interchangeable cogs?
Yes.
Problem?
Just checking to see that we're on the same page.
Before I started looking into it, I was as optimistic as Luna.
I've been wondering what have public sector unions been able to leverage in their bargaining if they can't legally strike?
Quote from: ☄ · · · N E T · · · ☄ on March 10, 2011, 08:12:00 PM
Before I started looking into it, I was as optimistic as Luna.
I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult around here...
Quote from: Luna on March 10, 2011, 08:17:50 PM
Quote from: ☄ · · · N E T · · · ☄ on March 10, 2011, 08:12:00 PM
Before I started looking into it, I was as optimistic as Luna.
I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult around here...
Neither.
I still hold out a tiny bit of hope that people will figure out a way to learn from the air traffic controller fuckery, but in my gut I know people are more swayed by talking points, talking heads, and hearing themselves talk than they are by things like history and facts.
The fact that it was Saint Ronnie who did it (and therefore MUST be the anti-union god... despite the fact that he was a union boss) means it MUST have been the right thing to do.
Mind, I'm not a big fan of unions. I have to deal with them, and the ones infesting this place are a constant pain in my ass. Yes, they had a valid purpose. Yes, they did good things.
Yes, I'm sure some of them still do good things.
Negotiating safety issues? Excellent. Good. This they SHOULD do.
Demanding free health insurance for state teachers, when every other bloody teacher in the state pays a percentage of their own insurance? Sketchy.
Here's the trick, people. It's called NEGOTIATIONS. Learn to say no. When they demand something outrageous, take something they want off the table.
Quote from: Luna on March 10, 2011, 09:06:27 PM
The fact that it was Saint Ronnie who did it (and therefore MUST be the anti-union god... despite the fact that he was a union boss) means it MUST have been the right thing to do.
Mind, I'm not a big fan of unions. I have to deal with them, and the ones infesting this place are a constant pain in my ass. Yes, they had a valid purpose. Yes, they did good things.
Yes, I'm sure some of them still do good things.
Negotiating safety issues? Excellent. Good. This they SHOULD do.
Demanding free health insurance for state teachers, when every other bloody teacher in the state pays a percentage of their own insurance? Sketchy.
Here's the trick, people. It's called NEGOTIATIONS. Learn to say no. When they demand something outrageous, take something they want off the table.
Are you "Lady Luna" over at politicalforums.com?
Quote from: Luna on March 10, 2011, 09:06:27 PM
...
Demanding free health insurance for state teachers, when every other bloody teacher in the state pays a percentage of their own insurance? Sketchy.
Here's the trick, people. It's called NEGOTIATIONS. Learn to say no. When they demand something outrageous, take something they want off the table.
Not to necessarily refute your point, but please read the following and entertain the possibility that, if they had requested such a thing (I can't find it right now, but it wouldn't be the first time I sucked at Google), you may understand where they were coming from:
http://news.illinois.edu/news/11/0302teachers_CraigOlson.html
I guess my biggest issue is that, not only will this NOT improve the state's budget (in fact, I'd assert it will make things MUCH worse... what with a decrease in income you will see a drastic decrease in... duh... tax revenue), but its a red herring. We know that the largest reason for budget shortfalls is corporate tax breaks, poor distribution of tax resources ("hey, instead of putting your contributions into a money market account, or something that will somewhat correlate with inflation, we'll use it elsewhere and hope that by putting other state contributions into the stock market and high-yield high risk mutual funds, we'll be able to give you what you already paid for and exploit that for our pet projects, as well), and misrepresentation of fiscal status (Wisconsin's budget is not 3.8billion off. Read this: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lfb/Misc/2011_01_31Vos&Darling.pdf). What people are trying to avoid mentioning is, dollar for dollar, the state worker's pensions were covered. The Ombudsmen fucked up, but even then, not as bad as they'd suggest.
Actually, the problem wasn't the public workers at all. The problem was that the governor manufactured the budget "crisis" in order to stage this whole mess.
There was, according to the governor, a 137 million dollar deficit.
AFTER the governor handed 140 million in tax breaks to large corporations.
http://jacksonville.com/forums/politics-forum/2011-03-06/wisconsin-governor-gave-140-million-tax-breaks-corporations-last
Yeah, I hope the Wisconsin voters are realizing what they've done. I mean, I KNOW people who live there and think they live in a motherfucking "Progressive Paradise." But I believe those folks were just a WEEEEEEE bit complacent and didn't get their voters out.
Quote from: Luna on March 11, 2011, 03:04:37 AM
Actually, the problem wasn't the public workers at all. The problem was that the governor manufactured the budget "crisis" in order to stage this whole mess.
There was, according to the governor, a 137 million dollar deficit.
AFTER the governor handed 140 million in tax breaks to large corporations.
http://jacksonville.com/forums/politics-forum/2011-03-06/wisconsin-governor-gave-140-million-tax-breaks-corporations-last
The Koch Bros thank him for his service.
:argh!: :lulz:
Quote from: Doktor Howl on March 10, 2011, 05:58:20 PM
Quote from: Luna on March 10, 2011, 02:33:54 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 10, 2011, 02:17:02 PM
Google "Ronald Reagan aircraft controller strike".
Don't need to, I remember it. I also remember that air traffic controllers striking was, at the time, at least, against the law, as a violation of public safety.
Wisconsin has a law against strikes by ANY public workers.
They should strike anyway. It's a retarded law that can be peacefully resisted.
Well, here's one way to deal with it.
http://www.dane101.com/current/2011/03/10/firefighters_target_mi_bank_for_executive_support_of_walker
QuoteWhen the firefighters arrived at the Capitol this morning they started the chant "MOVE YOUR MONEY!" Firefighters Local 311 President Joe Conway told the audience they should move their money out of M&I Bank. The bank was one of the leading contributors to the Walker campaign due to contributions by current and former executives and board members.
...
Following speeches by Conway and Wisconsin Professional Firefighters Association Mahlon Mitchell, the firefighters marched to the M&I Bank across the street and picketed the bank. Some reports suggest the firefighters withdrew $192,000 from the bank.
The branch is now closed for the day, apparently.
NICE.
Politicians. Kick 'em in the wallet.
Quote from: Luna on March 11, 2011, 07:33:25 PM
Politicians. Kick 'em in the wallet opinion polls.
Because one follows the other, see. But I totally agree that this was an awesome move. Seems the protests are stronger when it's not the teachers leading it but rather the emergency responders.
Given that the bill signed actually exempts police and firefighters, extra points to the firefighters for protesting.
I'm digging the solidarity. I know the so-called "Progressives" in Wisconsin are totally kicking themselves for not paying enough attention this last election cycle.
Quote from: Jenne on March 11, 2011, 07:44:18 PM
I'm digging the solidarity. I know the so-called "Progressives" in Wisconsin are totally kicking themselves for not paying enough attention this last election cycle.
They chucked Feingold, the only honest senator in our nation's history.
That's all you really need to know.
Quote from: Luna on March 11, 2011, 03:04:37 AM
Actually, the problem wasn't the public workers at all. The problem was that the governor manufactured the budget "crisis" in order to stage this whole mess.
There was, according to the governor, a 137 million dollar deficit.
AFTER the governor handed 140 million in tax breaks to large corporations.
http://jacksonville.com/forums/politics-forum/2011-03-06/wisconsin-governor-gave-140-million-tax-breaks-corporations-last
This is completely inaccurate.
QuoteThere is fierce debate over the approach Walker took to address the short-term budget deficit. But there should be no debate on whether or not there is a shortfall. While not historically large, the shortfall in the current budget needed to be addressed in some fashion. Walker's tax cuts will boost the size of the projected deficit in the next budget, but they're not part of this problem and did not create it.
Source (http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2011/feb/18/rachel-maddow/rachel-maddow-says-wisconsin-track-have-budget-sur/)
What the fuck?
:lulz:
His cuts boost the size of the deficit, but aren't part of the deficit problem?
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 11, 2011, 09:55:54 PM
What the fuck?
:lulz:
His cuts boost the size of the deficit, but aren't part of the deficit problem?
The current deficit problem, yes:
"The tax cuts will cost the state a projected $140 million in tax revenue -- but not until the next two-year budget, from July 2011 to June 2013. The cuts are not even in effect yet, so they cannot be part of the current problem." - From the same Politifact page cited above
Quote from: ☄ · · · N E T · · · ☄ on March 11, 2011, 10:06:16 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 11, 2011, 09:55:54 PM
What the fuck?
:lulz:
His cuts boost the size of the deficit, but aren't part of the deficit problem?
The current deficit problem, yes:
"The tax cuts will cost the state a projected $140 million in tax revenue -- but not until the next two-year budget, from July 2011 to June 2013. The cuts are not even in effect yet, so they cannot be part of the current problem." - From the same Politifact page cited above
Ah, I see. So HIS deficit is okay, because the money is going to corporate pigfuckers, and the dems deficit is bad, because a tiny fraction of it is going to teachers.
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 11, 2011, 10:07:38 PM
Quote from: ☄ · · · N E T · · · ☄ on March 11, 2011, 10:06:16 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 11, 2011, 09:55:54 PM
What the fuck?
:lulz:
His cuts boost the size of the deficit, but aren't part of the deficit problem?
The current deficit problem, yes:
"The tax cuts will cost the state a projected $140 million in tax revenue -- but not until the next two-year budget, from July 2011 to June 2013. The cuts are not even in effect yet, so they cannot be part of the current problem." - From the same Politifact page cited above
Ah, I see. So HIS deficit is okay, because the money is going to corporate pigfuckers, and the dems deficit is bad, because a tiny fraction of it is going to teachers.
No, I think his tax cut for the pigfuckers is slimey on it's own.
But it did NOT cause the current deficit, as many leftists claim. There was no need for Maddow and others to propagate misinformation about it—this only weakens their argument.
Quote from: ☄ · · · N E T · · · ☄ on March 11, 2011, 10:31:06 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 11, 2011, 10:07:38 PM
Quote from: ☄ · · · N E T · · · ☄ on March 11, 2011, 10:06:16 PM
Quote from: The Good Reverend Roger on March 11, 2011, 09:55:54 PM
What the fuck?
:lulz:
His cuts boost the size of the deficit, but aren't part of the deficit problem?
The current deficit problem, yes:
"The tax cuts will cost the state a projected $140 million in tax revenue -- but not until the next two-year budget, from July 2011 to June 2013. The cuts are not even in effect yet, so they cannot be part of the current problem." - From the same Politifact page cited above
Ah, I see. So HIS deficit is okay, because the money is going to corporate pigfuckers, and the dems deficit is bad, because a tiny fraction of it is going to teachers.
No, I think his tax cut for the pigfuckers is slimey on it's own.
But it did NOT cause the current deficit, as many leftists claim. There was no need for Maddow and others to propagate misinformation about it—this only weakens their argument.
What argument? The firefighters, etc, there are doing just fine without the rest of the country kibbitzing.
Quote from: Jenne on March 11, 2011, 07:44:18 PM
I'm digging the solidarity. I know the so-called "Progressives" in Wisconsin are totally kicking themselves for not paying enough attention this last election cycle.
The "progressive" vote had nothing to do with Wisconsin.
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/states/US/H/00/epolls.0.html
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/polls/#val=USH00p1
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2010/results/polls/#USH00p1
Looks like the "moderate" (by which I assume they mean "independent") vote dropped by 6% over the last two years, while the liberal vote, after a drop in 2006, held steady.
What is happening is that Democratic partisans are framing it as a "progressives dropped the ball" issue so they can use this stick to beat the left of the party with when they start spouting (their admittedly highly naive and stupid) shit about primarying Obama in 2012 or not voting.
Because if the Republicans get back in, they may start torturing people and subverting the Constitution and stuff!
Quote from: I_Kicked_Kennedy on March 10, 2011, 03:42:00 AM
:argh!:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/10/us-wisconsin-idUSTRE72909420110310?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews
I'm so fucking pissed I could just put my fist through a triple pane window. I've watched as the ogliarchy/plutocracy has chipped away at everything that we had taken back from the robber barons. Everything that made this country almost bearable is being fucked with a corkscrew.
What the hell can I do? I don't live in Wisconsin. I mean, aside from donating money to ActBlue or MoveOn.org... since they all so adeptly pussyfooted through their opportunity to fix things, what is there? It's obvious the typical means just aren't going to work.
TGRR, ECH, Cain, what do we do? I'm almost a thousand miles away, I got not so much money, and I'm just a little guy, how can I fix this?
Anything. Hell, get bella on here to show me some black magic or something. Action is necessary, and I've been such a candy-ass for so long (assuming the natural order of things would fix themselves, I guess... I know, very naive) I have no idea what to do.
If it's best to let alone, fine... how do I get rid of this urge to stabbity stab GOPers and Tea Party fux?
Fortunately, oligarchy is self-correcting.
Eventually.
One way or the other.
Also, I wouldn't worry too much about the Tea Party. I have a feeling those particular numpties have peaked, and while they may retain a few more years in the sun (especially thanks to marketing types with large databases), they too will go the way of "security moms".
Those senators who voted for the bill and upset a lot of people?
They should be very afraid.
It's not the death threats...
It's the fact that there are a LOT of people going to be looking VERY closely at them.
Take Senater Hopper, for instance.
According to reports, when protestors showed up at his house, his wife came out and informed them that he no longer lives there, Mr. "Family Values" been shacking up with his 25 year old mistress in Madison...
http://malcontends.blogspot.com/2011/03/sen-randy-hoppers-wife-tells-protesters.html?spref=fb
http://foxtrot-echo.blogspot.com/2011/03/state-senator-randy-hopper-needs-to-be.html
Quote from: I_Kicked_Kennedy on March 10, 2011, 03:42:00 AM
:argh!:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/10/us-wisconsin-idUSTRE72909420110310?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews
I'm so fucking pissed I could just put my fist through a triple pane window. I've watched as the ogliarchy/plutocracy has chipped away at everything that we had taken back from the robber barons. Everything that made this country almost bearable is being fucked with a corkscrew.
What the hell can I do? I don't live in Wisconsin. I mean, aside from donating money to ActBlue or MoveOn.org... since they all so adeptly pussyfooted through their opportunity to fix things, what is there? It's obvious the typical means just aren't going to work.
TGRR, ECH, Cain, what do we do? I'm almost a thousand miles away, I got not so much money, and I'm just a little guy, how can I fix this?
Anything. Hell, get bella on here to show me some black magic or something. Action is necessary, and I've been such a candy-ass for so long (assuming the natural order of things would fix themselves, I guess... I know, very naive) I have no idea what to do.
If it's best to let alone, fine... how do I get rid of this urge to stabbity stab GOPers and Tea Party fux?
You should complain about it on the Internet and use asinine phrases like "stabbity stab".
And, in what must be TOTALLY unrelated news...
The Wisconsin state energy program has just been handed over to Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Inc., a company with ties to Koch Industries.
http://host.madison.com/business/biz_beat/article_342009e2-4b6a-11e0-8e1d-001cc4c03286.html
And the nutbaggery continues.
QuoteFrom an email written by Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald:
Dear Members,
With the return of the Senate Democrats this weekend, questions have arisen regarding Democrat members' participation in Senate standing committee public hearings and executive sessions.
Please note that all 14 Democrat senators are still in contempt of the Senate. Therefore, when taking roll call votes on amendments and bills during executive sessions, Senate Democrats' votes will not be reflected in the Records of Committee Proceedings or the Senate Journal. They are free to attend hearings, listen to testimony, debate legislation, introduce amendments, and cast votes to signal their support/opposition, but those votes will not count, and will not be recorded.
http://www.alternet.org/story/150256/wisconsin:_gop_blocks_democrats_from_voting;_republican_senator_tries_to_outlaw_picketing,_as_recall_efforts_pick_up_steam?page=entire
BAAAHAHAHAHAHAAHAAAAA! Ok. Lovely. Someone SOMEWHERE needs to sue the SHIT out of all those fucking Republitard Legislators in WI.
EPIC SHIT FLINGING IN THIS STATE!
Next step in the plan moves on...
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2011/03/michigan-declares-financial-martial-law/35861/
QuoteMichigan's legislature has passed a bill declaring "financial martial law," as one legislator put it, which allows the state to appoint emergency managers who can break union contracts in school districts and cities having money trouble, Politico's Jennifer Epstein reports. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Al Pscholka, says the hope is that financial managers can stage an intervention before municipalities are so underwater there are few options to balance the books. The managers will also have the power to nullify elected councils and boards, or dissolve whole cities or school districts without a public vote. Gov. Rick Snyder will likely sign the bill soon.
ETA: Found a copy of the bill here:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2011-2012/billengrossed/House/pdf/2011-HEBS-4214.pdf
Rummaging through it now.
Quote from: Luna on March 17, 2011, 03:52:01 PM
Next step in the plan moves on...
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2011/03/michigan-declares-financial-martial-law/35861/
QuoteMichigan's legislature has passed a bill declaring "financial martial law," as one legislator put it, which allows the state to appoint emergency managers who can break union contracts in school districts and cities having money trouble, Politico's Jennifer Epstein reports. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Al Pscholka, says the hope is that financial managers can stage an intervention before municipalities are so underwater there are few options to balance the books. The managers will also have the power to nullify elected councils and boards, or dissolve whole cities or school districts without a public vote. Gov. Rick Snyder will likely sign the bill soon.
ETA: Found a copy of the bill here:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2011-2012/billengrossed/House/pdf/2011-HEBS-4214.pdf
Rummaging through it now.
Why change your regressive tax scheme when you can just fuck the lower classes even harder?
A judge has issued a TRO in order to prevent the law from going into effect.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/03/18/wisconsin.budget.restraining.order/index.html?hpt=T2
But wait, there's more!
Apparently, the state of Wisconsin, which is so broke they have to destroy unions and lower state salaries somehow has enough cash to give the 26 year old mistress of State Senator Hopper a job with a raise of 36% over her predecessor.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/03/21/958670/-Girlfriend-of-Wisconsin-Republican-state-Senator-gets-state-job,-36-raise
And it just keeps going. Walker's administration, despite a judge's order barring implementation of the law, has decided to implement the law as of the 4/21 paychecks.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/03/walker-administration-announces-implementation-of-anti-union-law-despite-judges-order-against-publicat.php?ref=fpb
Quote from: Luna on March 29, 2011, 01:45:23 PM
And it just keeps going. Walker's administration, despite a judge's order barring implementation of the law, has decided to implement the law as of the 4/21 paychecks.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/03/walker-administration-announces-implementation-of-anti-union-law-despite-judges-order-against-publicat.php?ref=fpb
HE DON'T NEED NO STEENKING JUDGES TELLING HIM WHAT TO DO! HE KING IN HIS OWN CUNTRY!
Quote from: Luna on March 24, 2011, 10:39:34 AM
But wait, there's more!
Apparently, the state of Wisconsin, which is so broke they have to destroy unions and lower state salaries somehow has enough cash to give the 26 year old mistress of State Senator Hopper a job with a raise of 36% over her predecessor.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/03/21/958670/-Girlfriend-of-Wisconsin-Republican-state-Senator-gets-state-job,-36-raise
But, wait, there's more!
QuoteDon't you hate those overpaid public employees? Why, just look at Brian Deschane. He's racked up two drunk driving convictions, has little experience, and no college degree, yet Scott Walker's administration is paying him $81,500 a year, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports. How did he get the job? Well, it probably didn't hurt that dad Jerry Deschane is a longtime lobbyist for the Wisconsin Builders Association, and that the group's PAC was one of Walker's top five campaign donors—ringing up $121,652 in donations.
http://www.newser.com/story/115595/scott-walker-gives-donor-jerry-deschanes-son-an-81000-a-year-job.html