Here’s the Friday open comments post.
I’ve added a poll, as a new part of the comments post, based on a suggestion; readers can comment through the poll on the text box below.
Today’s suggested topic — Do you support Gov. Walker’s restrictions on public employee unions?
My answer’s no: government can be smaller — much smaller — without changes to Wisconsin’s long-established collective bargaining laws.
The use of pseudonyms and anonymous postings is, of course, fine. Although the comments template has a space for a name, email address, and website, those who want to leave a field blank can do so. Comments will be moderated, against profanity or trolls.
Otherwise, have at it.
I’ll keep the post open through Sunday afternoon.
Whatever it TAKES!!!
Pro-Walker all the way.Time to end the union gravy train, and sock it to these clowns.
Stop this bill NOW Union busting creeps have got to go NO to Walker and his worker bashing crap
walker only wants to kill unions in wisconsin collective bargaining s not the problem but he inspires resentment over other workers to get his way
When politicians outlaw unions, only outlaws will be politicians
total support! there’s no other way to stop sea of red ink than to stop unions from ripping off america
As a teacher, I do not want to constantly defend my job, I want to do it/teach. Some of the comments in the press about teachers are cruel and unfounded. Don’t we live in a country that values education and values children? A good working environment for us is also a good learning environment for kids. We are not asking for more – we just want to keep what we have.
How is Scott Walker an expert on education? Does he have any background in the profession? Any coursework in education? Any field experience? Why trust his judgement in this area?
Employee benefits/collective bargaining: Gone! High speed rail: Gone! Faster Internet speed for schools, libraries, hospitals: Gone! Empathy and compassion: Gone! The Great Dictator’s only supporters are Republican and Tea Party whonks, and those who voted for him under the impression that he is a crusader for the everyday working Middle class. Wrong. He is the mouthpiece and Der Furher of The Republican Party. Heil Walker!
As I have mentioned time and again: he decimated Milwaukee County, now it’s the Statehouse. The pitiful part about all of this: self-righteously, they actually believe that their’s is the Right Way; the Only Way. Come, all, drink of The Republican Kool-Aid…
I saw today’s coverage and postings. Umm…so, let me get this right…unions give in on salaries and benefits…ask ONLY to retain bargaining rights…and Walker still says “my way, or the highway…” Well, on to 2012, 2014, 2016, whatever…turn the Evil Empire out…Republicans only care for Big Business, Big Bucks, Babbitts of Whitewater (and Elsewere), and Big Tax Breaks…sickening and maddening…The Fugitive Democrats are The Patriots…
I think Walker may have unfortunately taken a dictatorial approach, but he is doing exactly what he said he would do when he campaigned.
I think it is time for some of the public employees to stop having a “poor me” attitude and to compare their salaries and benefits to those in the private sector. Private sector employees face constant increases in their health insurance contributions and other benefits. And as for the teachers, their salaries are for only nine months of work!
Although a Democrat, I support the proposed change as this spending cannot continue. My regret is that the Police are considered untouchable and are not included.
Union busting or not, his plan to let municipalities handle their own affairs is flawed. At the state level, education/teachers make up a large portion of costs… At the municipal level, a majority of employee costs are Police and Fire. But not touching those unions (why is that?…Hmmm), you really aren’t giving municipalities a fair opportunity at steamlining across the board.
Regardless of where people stand in what is most important as to functions of daily government, EVERYTHING should be on the table.
I think the saddest thing here (besides people battling each other) is the fact that we have become so numb to increasing health care costs, we are not even figuring out ways to reduce them. Everyone acknowledges that their health care continues to go up, yet we stand by and let it happen.
Thanks, dear readers — Your comments are much appreciated. I’ll post soon on the local politics for Whitewater of budget cuts (with or without an end to collective bargaining). One thing’s certain — with or without changes to public-employee collective bargaining, Whitewater — both city and school district — are sure to see significant reductions in state aid.
P.S. I think I’ll keep a poll as part of this comments feature, for those who’d like to submit an opinion that way.