Ed tells the Huffington Post "Why Wisconsin Matters" to middle class Americans in his Op-Ed today.
The attack on education isn't only happening in Wisconsin:
New Jersey has the third highest percentage of millionaire residents in America, near 7 percent of the people that live in New Jersey are millionaires. New Jersey millionaires, how many of them are there? Well, there are 212,000 of them. How many teachers? A hundred and twelve thousand. There are more millionaires in New Jersey than teachers, but we're asking the teachers pay for everything. We can't raise the taxes on the rich folks over in New Jersey, maybe the top two percent maybe giving one more percent?
You can see the whole article after the jump.
Why Wisconsin Matters
Governor Scott Walker has leveled the largest assault on public education in the history of the state of Wisconsin. This is an attack on the middle class and an attack on teachers who are being treated as political tools and pawns. They're bargaining chips in negotiations.
Teachers, who play more of a role in economic development than anybody who wants to take a chance on Wall Street, are being vilified and targeted unfairly.
Nobody goes into teaching to get rich. They do it because they love helping people. They love the reward of seeing kids reach their potential. It takes a special person to be a teacher.
The wonderful thing about public education is that everybody's welcome -- the gifted, the talented, the challenged. The socioeconomically challenged kid can walk in the door and have a chance to learn and his or her only hope, because that home life might not be the best, their hope is that teacher.
Republicans are placing the burden of economic recovery on the backs of the middle class and our teachers. An economic recovery required because of the policies put in place by Republicans, resulting in wealth distribution from the middle class to the top two percent.
My mother was a high school English teacher at Granby High School in Norfolk, Virginia. She had three accelerated classes and three regular classes. My mother graded papers until the wee hours of the morning. She got her kids off to school every day. And when she came home in the afternoon, she was still grading papers, and then she was working on lesson plans on Saturdays.
My mom used to take tremendous pride in knowing that one of her students went off to the University of Virginia and became a doctor. She took a tremendous amount of pride in being part of that student's education.
And I know in my heart that teachers haven't changed over the years even though my mom died years ago and came from a different generation. They're still the same. I know they're the same because I was in that crowd at Madison, Wisconsin and I looked into the eyes of those teachers. They haven't changed a bit.
This philosophy that teachers are overpaid is running them out of the industry. And we don't have the quality teachers in the classrooms that we could have as a nation if we invested in what should be a shared value by all.
How about tax credits for teachers who want to expand their horizon and get maybe a PhD? Is that a good idea? And how about the income for people in New Jersey?
New Jersey has the third highest percentage of millionaire residents in America -- nearly 7 percent of the people that live in New Jersey are millionaires. New Jersey millionaires, how many of them are there? Well, there are 212,000 of them. How many teachers? A hundred and twelve thousand. There are more millionaires in New Jersey than teachers, but we're asking the teachers pay for everything. We can't raise the taxes on the rich folks over in New Jersey, maybe the top two percent maybe giving one more percent?
It's unfortunate. And now, here we go with the attack on labor. Wisconsin, Ohio, New Jersey, Indiana -- let's keep up the fight. We can win this. And it's a long way from over.
And, mom, this is dedicated to you.
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Isn't raising the health care and pension contributions for the public sector a form of tax increase? Oh yeah I forgot, Republicans are against tax increase (for the rich that is).
Republicans are against tax increase, that is what they say. Just NOT for the lower and middle class.
Making the rounds on the Internet
Next Season on Survivor
Have you heard about the next planned "Survivor" show?
Three businessmen and three businesswomen will be dropped in an elementary school classroom for 1 school year. Each business person will be provided with a copy of his/her school district's curriculum, and a class of 20-25 students.
Each class will have a minimum of five learning-disabled children, three with A.D.H.D., one gifted child, and two who speak limited English. Three students will be labeled with severe behavior problems.
Each business person must complete lesson plans at least 3 days in advance, with annotations for curriculum objectives and modify, organize, or create their materials accordingly. They will be required to teach students, handle misconduct, implement technology, document attendance, write referrals, correct homework, make bulletin boards, compute grades, complete report cards, document benchmarks, communicate with parents, and arrange parent conferences. They must also stand in their doorway between class changes to monitor the hallways.
In addition, they will complete fire drills, tornado drills, and [Code Red] drills for shooting attacks each month.
They must attend workshops, faculty meetings, and attend curriculum development meetings. They must also tutor students who are behind and strive to get their 2 non-English speaking children proficient enough to take the SOLS tests. If they are sick or having a bad day they must not let it show.
Each day they must incorporate reading, writing, math, science, and social studies into the program. They must maintain discipline and provide an educationally stimulating environment to motivate students at all times. If all students do not wish to cooperate, work, or learn, the teacher will be held responsible.
The business people will only have access to the public golf course on the weekends, but with their new salary, they will not be able to afford it. There will be no access to vendors who want to take them out to lunch, and lunch will be limited to thirty minutes, which is not counted as part of their work day. The business people will be permitted to use a student restroom, as long as another survival candidate can supervise their class.
If the copier is operable, they may make copies of necessary materials before, or after, school. However, they cannot surpass their monthly limit of copies. The business people must continually advance their education, at their expense, and on their own time.
The winner of this Season of Survivor will be allowed to return to their job.
True, true, true. However, the following should be included: Business people must support, promote, administer, collect and contribute to all school-sponsored fund raising activities including sub-for-Santa. Physically disabled students may be unable to communicate orally, be blind and/or deaf, strapped in their wheelchairs with the possibility of missing one or both arms/hands. (I, personally, have at some time had students as described included in my class. In some cases I had not been informed of such disabilities in advance.)
One must also be prepared to teach with/without an updated text and in some curriculum areas books are not available. And expect class size in grades 6-12 to average 35-40 students in many underfunded districts.
Of course, the average educational authority (politician and some parents/citizens) reject collective bargaining to improve work environment.
A final thought: What were the working conditions before professional organizations and unions? Collective representation has set the "bar" for the private sector working environments. We Americans simply became lazy and selfish is wanting someone else to "pay" for organized representation in the work force. Professional/union membership is dropping and so is the work environment of all employees! Free loaders beware: We all get what we pay for in the end.
As a former substitute teacher, I think you should add in some quality sub time as well. You would be expected to decipher the teacher's notes in the plan book & teach the class so they are not behind when the teacher returns. Study hall, videos, etc are not permitted.
Excellent!!!!! Posted on Facebook (hope you don't mind). Great job
Everyone that can read and write , thanks to a teacher in their lives, needs to sit down and write a hundred times:
I will not vote Republican. I will not vote Republican. I will not vote Republican.
Not only I will not vote Republican but...
I will think for myself. I will think for myself. I will think for myself.
I can't believe the support everyone is giving these 14 so called State Senators. Ed is calling them Heros. To me they are cowards. I wonder what you would have called the House Republicans if they pulled the same trick last year during the healthcare vote. I doubt you would being calling them Heros.
I found it interesting last night watching Ed explain his Union Membership chart. I have a question for Ed. I wonder how many people that were once in a union now have a Federal government job. They are not permitted to unionize. I wonder how many people who were in the union are now on government assistance. Just wondering because I am a numbers person.
As the son of a proud union carpenter, I have benefited from what the union has gained for us. I don't doubt that in the least. I am also married to a union teacher and watched them get treated like dogs by the public during a contract dispute. But my wife never hears from her union until it is time to settle the next contract. If they care so much about her then why are they not there on a more regular basis. They sure do collect the union dues every payday.
But I have been on the other side. I worked for a union company. We were underbid by non-union contractors because of all the extras we had to provide for the unions. May be that is another reason why membership is down.
It is time that we all quit looking at the talking points of our side and just start talking. What happened to true reporting in this country? If you don't like what the Governor is saying or doing then by all means call him out and prove it. But most people just shout without ever saying a word.
It is great that all those people can rally for what they believe in and do it in a peaceful manner. That is great to see. But I wish that most people would just shutup and listen and more importantly - solve the problem.
yeah right,,thats why 3/4 of america are on there side.i,ve been anti-union my whole life but what that a$$hole walker is doing is going to tear this country apart.you let them bust the union,then there goes minimum wages and were working for peanuts.we already pay our taxes and we pay the rich's taxes to and if you think thats right,,then your dummer than you sound
Dear Sick of,
Are you Rich? or one of dumb bunnies that buys into this Conservative Value crapola the TEA party and Republicans have been feeding you??
Your chances of getting your American dream dwindle with every district that the Republicans take. If you were not born rich, your chance of getting into the magic 2% club is slim and none. Your only redemption is supporting the growth of the middle class.
Since Republicans want to drive the middle class into poverty, which team do you want to be on? Because if you think you are going to make the final cut as a true member of their elite club, think again! They are already measuring you for a yoke to pull the plow, so don't get so uppity. Jus sayin'
Sick of, you neglect to mention the fact that the Republicans were filibustering every bill there was and they dont have to be in their office or on the floor to be able to do that. They can filibuster from the golf course with one simple phone call. People also seem to forget in this day and age of technology, very few of our Congressmen and women are sitting at their desks all week long. The 14 Senators in WI are in touch with their constituents by phone and e:mail, and according to polls their constituents are happy with what they are doing and they are in the majority.
annnottheman, perhaps you need to re-read the comment people are responding to, they were referencing House Republicans during the healthcare vote aka Congress. And we all know if the situation was reversed in IL, you would be cheering your precious Republican Tea Party on. I love it that its just steaming you Tea Partiers, lol. I guess its an eye opener isnt it, to learn that you dont control everyone. Too bad, so sad.
I keep telling ya annnott, follow the money and it wont lead you to a union worker. Look up Americans For Prosperity, its run by your leaders, the Koch Brothers. AFP is running the Stand With Walker little game. But I keep forgetting, you must already know that because judging by your comments, you must be trying real hard to get a job working for them. They would love you! Although if they crush the unions, you will be lucky to get minimum wage. Hope you enjoy shining their shoes because in reality thats all they consider you, their shoe shine boy.
I have come to the conclusion that the vast majority of the people posting on this site have completely dissolved the individual citizen of any and all responsibility for their own situation. The “Give Me” generation! The government owes me, my employer owes me, the rich owe me, etc… Nobody owes you anything. Your government handouts (subsidized housing, food, childcare, healthcare, transportation) are insufficient to support the lifestyle you want, get a job. You don’t like the pay and benefits your employer provides, get another job or better yet start your own business. Stop blaming everyone else and look in the mirror. There is an old saying, “Make your bed and sleep in it.” The government didn’t make your bed, neither did your employer, or the tax payer. Life decisions matter, you can’t blame them on anyone but yourself. Stop crying “Poor Me”, stand on your own two feet, and carry your own weight.
2ez, apparently if someone isnt self-employed, like you are, earning $100,000 per year, like you are, they are scum and living off of handouts. Most of us so-called well paid union workers are lucky if they earn $40,000 per year but guess what, we still manage to buy homes, cars, food, and pay for childcare and healthcare, etc on our wages. You may like to try to convince people otherwise, or maybe you are trying to convince yourself, I dont know, but the minute you drive on a Federal highway or have your street plowed or accept your medicare/medicaid, or your ss, you are also the recepient of a "government handout". No one is asking for a handout, they are trying to hold on to their bargaining rights, the only thing that protects them from employers like Walker who could care less about them and if he had it his way, they would be working for $5.00 per hr. For the umpteenth time, they agreed to his financial concessions. They dont agree with having their collective bargaining rights removed with no say in any of it and fortunately the majority of people in WI agree with the union workers. I would rather back a firefighter or a policeman or a nuse with my taxes any day. Oh and speaking of private businesses, a good many of them support the union workers in WI...could it be they know union workers spend money at their businesses? I dont know what kind of business you have but apparently you dont do business with union workers.
Sam
I don’t own a business, never have. I have worker for other employers my entire adult life. Have you ever heard the saying, “If the shoe fits wear it”? 50% of the population doesn’t pay income tax. The other 50% supports them. You defend them and I don’t. You believe the so called rich should support them even more and I don’t. 40K a year is a good waged and I am confident you will end up making a lot more by the time you retire. As a matter of fact, I believe I was earning about 40K when I purchased my home. I don’t consider receiving a service or benefit that I paid for as a handout. On the other hand, I do consider receiving benefits one has not paid for a handout. Like I said 50% of the population is holding their hands out. Federal tax return checks going out to people that didn’t pay Federal taxes. That means the Federal government took money from one citizen and gave it to another. 50% of the drivers on our freeways didn’t pay a dime for their construction or maintenance. You excuse them, I don’t. You have a job that pays 40K. You didn’t get that much compensation when you first started working. I imagine you worked hard, maybe moved from one job to another, maybe went to school, did what you needed to and were successful. Is it really too much to expect the same from others. I have do it, you and the teachers in Wisconsin do it, as do the police and firefighters. The point of my post was that I don’t understand why you support the 50% of the population with there hands out and expect others (the Rich) to pay even more. Why don’t you hold individuals accountable and responsible for themselves? As for the Teachers, I think they should pay for a percentage of their benefits and pensions. I also believe if collective bargaining remains intact it will only be a matter of time that their concession today will come back to them in the future. The pay and benefits of the UAW members is a prime example. Public sector Union members’ work for the public, I don’t believe they should have collective bargaining. Lastly, I didn’t call anyone scum.
2ez, I sincerely apologize for confusing you with a different person.
Anyhow, I know its a waste of time trying to convince you. In your comment above you are talking about people that dont pay taxes and union workers in one sentence which makes no sense and is flat out wrong. What I see is a Governor, one of the few in the country who wont even sit down and talk to any of the parties involved, I see a Governor who has admitted in the fake phone call that he is stubborn and refuses to give, I see a Governor who is dividing his state, being disrespectul and perhaps even involving himself in illegal actions to get even, I see a Governor who admitted he thought about bringing in outside thugs to cause trouble at peaceful rallies and I see a Governor who jumps at the chance to be in front of a camera any chance he can get. He is egotistical, he doesnt know how to work with people to bring them together which as Gov is part of his job. Ive read that he is having charges brought against him and I think he deserves every bit of it.
Sam
No problem, I think you’re right about convincing me. Our perceptions are based on our life experience and influences of our families, friends, neighbors, teachers, employers, coworkers, the church, etc… We all have different experiences and as such have different opinions and perceptions. In my life the vast majority of the people I have known are just like me when it comes to work ethic. We work hard for what we have and with have earned every penny. We live within our means and do not rely on the Federal or state government for our sustenance. As for the teachers, I don’t begrudge them. In fact I appreciate them for their decision to pursue such an honorable profession. I also appreciate their participation in public assembly and protest to voice their opinions. I simply do not agree with them. I don’t believe collective bargaining for public sector employees is appropriate. Taxpayers are not a consortium of wealthy corporate leaders, they are the citizenry. On these pages there have been many comments about the plight of the steel workers, coal miners, railroad workers, etc… These Union battles were working people fighting corporate giants. Taxpayers are not corporate giants; for the most part they are every day working people. Collective Bargaining for public sector Unions pits the benefits of the public against the benefits of the bargaining unit members. The end result, public sector Union members end up receiving compensation not seen by their employers, the average citizen. I understand we will probably never agree, but I do enjoy the discussion and the opportunity to voice my opinion. Thanks for that.
2ez, you said "On these pages there have been many comments about the plight of the steel workers, coal miners, railroad workers, etc… These Union battles were working people fighting corporate giants." And that is exactly what is going on now. Go take a look at who is behind all of this, you will find corporate giants. The campaign called "Stand With Walker"? Its funded by Americans for Prosperity....a group started by the Koch Brothers. I know they say they have no interest in whats going on in WI but if thats so, why are they running million dollar ads supporting Walker and trashing union workers.
Thanks for the respectful exchange of views.
I am with the middle class in their fight. It took something like this for the people across the country to pay attention to what the Republicans are doing. President Obama has make efforts to improve this country. We should understand that it is all about money, the top 2 percent. I fault many of the people that are protesting not for standing up for what is right but voting for these Republicans that are tearing this country apart. People seem to forget about the mess that former President Bush put this country put this country in and blame President Obama for the short coming. It was eight years that Bush mess things up and it will take longer to clean it up. The thing to do is recall these tea party elects and all of these Governors which do not have the interest of the people. People PLEASE UNDER THE REPUBLICANS DON'T CARE ABOUT THE MIDDLE CLASS. The next elections THINK about who you vote for. Give President Obama the support he needs to serve all the people!
What would Ed be saying if Republicans left the state dodging their responsibility for doing their job? What if Republicans attacked a Wisconsin Democratic Senator? What if a Democratic Governor was referred to as Hitler on posters? What if cross hairs were drawn on the Democratic Governor on posters?
Where is Ed on these issues when the Republicans are NOT doing these things, and the Democrat Union Thugs are?? A DOUBLE STANDARD ED?
Blo,
You are so full of crap. The crosshairs, and all of these other vile things were done in very clear and robust ways by the TEA Party, and the Republicans in the last election cycle. including Sarah 'crosshair'Palin LOSER.
It wasn't democrats that were screaming for second amendment solutions. it was nutjobs like Sharron Angle, Republican LOSER.
It wasn't democrats that showed up with loaded weapons at a motorcade of our president in Bristol VA. It was TEA publican LOSERS. I was really suprised that the Secret Service wasn't more robust going after these LOSERS.
Trying to spin the garbage that I have seen from the extreme right is madness. making you a LOSER.
Why don't you get your centerfold of Rush Limbaugh in a bikini and enjoy a virtual nooner.
YOU MUST BE RELATED TO ED!
I don't believe the tea party was in Wisconsin holding the hitler/governor signs, or holding the signs with crosshairs, or attacked the Republican Senator. I haven't heard anything about the tea party and wisconsin. It was always about your democratic senators running and hiding when the going gets tuff. Oh and the union thugs that are bussed in to protest.
WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM? PLANET ED? Your response is typical of your party. Keep up the good work!
People earning over $379,000.00 annually pay 35% income tax to the Federal government. If they happen to live in New Jersey they pay an additional 9% in state income tax. That is a total of 44% of their earnings going to the Federal and state governments. Add to that an additional 7% State Sales Tax and they are left with 49% of what they have earned. I my self pay 25% income tax to the Federal government, 11% to state income tax, and another 9% in state sales tax. A total of 45% of my earnings vanishes in taxes. I am not wealthy and not a millionaire. I am middle class. There are two problems with the Federal and state governments; one has to do with revenue. 50% of the population doesn’t pay any Federal income tax. That is a problem. These people that are not contributing are sucking the coffers dry. This leads to the second problem, the welfare state created by social programs that have resulted in the mindset of entitlement. People have abandoned their personal responsibility, ethics, honor, and every other character trait embodied in our founding documents. “The land of the Free” was never intended to mean free food, free housing, free transportations, free education, free clothes, etc… We are free as individuals to prosper and succeed or to fail. Our freedom has ramifications as do the decisions we make in life. 50% of the population has become enslaved by the government’s social programs. They believe they arte entitled. This enslavement crushes their hopes and desires for a better life. They sit without shame holding their hands out, not knowing or caring that every penny they receive comes from the pocket of someone else. You may support placing even a greater tax burden on the rich, but will you support an additional tax burden yourself once all the money has been confiscated from the wealthy. Every time tax revenues at the Federal and state levels increase, social programs are increased, enslaving even more of the population. The day is not too distant when all the middle class is paying 50% or 60% of their earnings in one form of tax or another. As the number of people enslaved by these social programs increases, it will be the middle class that is the minority and the call to tax you more will be heard and acted upon. The problem in not that of revenue, it is a matter of spending.
Beautiful put PERIOD
Ed and your fans do you not understand this ??????
Again you are spot on. There are takers and makers and the takers want more from the makers. Over the past decades the takers took so much from the makers they had to leave the country so they can make something again. The takers did not like this so they went after the tax payers. Now we are left with haters, riot baiters, instead of creators. We all need to contribute for all the natural resourses we all use. We should stop spreading the wealth around and start spreading the burdon around people will be better off period! Help will allways be there for those that really need it we are a passionate society when it comes down to it. look what americans do when there are natural disasters we all come together to help everyone even in other countries.
The disparity between Rich and the working class has never been greater. I could live a VERY nice life on less than 1/3rd of that $379,000. It just goes to show you how all of the money is going into too few pockets.
The rich chose to be stingy and not pay a fair wage, so they take a haircut in the tax area. Too bad so sad. They cry their way to the bank, while those people they refused to pay a decent salary to didn't have enough money to pay the electric bill.
There is no depth to greed.
and they still end up paying less than those of us making under $110K, particularly the self employed. Do you not realize that currently all income above $110K =/- is not subject to social security tax? which is a SIGNIFICANT tax? I really do not give a damn about someoneabove $379K paying an additional percentage of their income in taxes - they also typically have larger mortgage write offs, and you can talk tax rates all you want, but you have to look at the effective tax rate, not just the statutory rate. ALSO!!! any taxes paid to a local municipality, whether local, county, or state, including property taxes, are deductible from your federal taxes. I would be willing to bet that MOST folks above that income level are fully utilizing their accountants to minimize their taxes and are likely paying NOWHERE NEAR this "44%" that you state. I'll bet you my last dollar that none of them pays more than 20% of their actual income to the Fed when it's all done - oh, but wait a minute -- that just doesn't sound as bad now, does it? No wonder you left all of that out. Or are you just uninformed and don't understand all that? Meantime, those of us around $100K AGI really DO pay that much, so get over it.
David
I agree there are deductions. The tax system was note the point. The seizure of one citizen’s property to benefit another citizen was the point. Let’s drop taxes and governments for a minute. I have two cars, you have one, while our neighbor has none. I am 55, have been working for 35 years, and earn 47K a year. You are 35, have a college education, have been working for 12 years, and earn 56K a year. Our neighbor is 40, has worked 22 years, and earns 29K a year. A forth party sees what he believes is a disparity and takes one car and 3K from me and 12K from you and gives it to our neighbor. When it is all said and done, we all have one car and 44K a year. Would you stand for the forcible seizure of our property for the benefit of our neighbor, in this case? I myself fine this unfair as do I fine the current tax situation unfair. Each and every one of us has the opportunity to succeed. Why should one carry a greater burden than another? If I work two jobs and earn 100K, why should I pay a greater percentage of taxes than my neighbor that only works one job and earns 50K. Why should the guy that works and earns 50K pay less of a percentage than a guy who risks every thing in his own business, is successful and earns 250K. Why aren’t traffic fines based on the value of the automobile involved. Would it be fair for a guy driving an $80K BWM to pay $2,000.00 for a speeding ticket and a guy driving a 20 year old Chevy pickup pay only $20.00 for a like offense? How about the purchase of a TV, should the rich pay a higher price for the same TV as a less wealthy person? Where else in our society do you fine such a disparity?
nobody is tearing the country apart!!
too damn emotional and too many personal attacks.
deal with the issues not what palin or rahm tweeted people!!
I bet if any Senator in Congress decided to leave the Country to not vote on an Obama bill would be called a coward, childish and immature.
Every worker Must sign up for the union.
Every worker has no option and no voice, the union demands their dues. No union, no employment.
Every worker must sign up for the unions health ins plan. No options and no voice.
Google what % the poor make and you will find out that 47% do not pay income tax. They actually get a refund for earned income credit.
Ed - Is this your future leaders?
Protesters not sure what they are protesting.
The truth about private sector and government sector
Does any Democrat care what we owe?
Rosie,
We know exactly what we are protesting. Walker trying to destroy the middle class.
Republican trying to take away the right of association and representation in Collective Bargaining.
Scott Walker is trying to turn the State of Wisconsin into a two-tier society by busting the workers ability to negotiate over a full range of employee benefits and salary.
Scott Walker wants to literally give away valuable assets of the state of Wisconsin (Power Plants etc) on no-bid contracts to his cronies, like the KOCH brothers.
And that's just for starters.
We have also seen where Walkers goons tackled and beat up a Democrat legislator entering the Capitol to do his job.
What's next? Some Walker head stomping, like in Kentucky?
The last time there was such a disparity between the salaries of the wealthy and the working class was at the beginning of the great depression in 1929.
Either the price of goods must come down, or working class salaries must go way up to meet the cost of goods. X marks the spot on supply and demand.
Ricky,
No Walker is standing up to big Unions saying they are not the ones pushing the buttons.
Say I average $35.000.00 a year. I pay a premium for my health insurance, with a 3000.00 deductible. My insurance pays 80% while I pay 20%.
I pay for my own retirement.
Most likely I should increase my taxes to pay more for the Government workers who want all the benefits free while I pay more? The Government would have no money if there were no tax payers in the State. Taxes accrue by Real Estate, Purchases, Payroll amongst a few.
Please Google and find out that the previous Admin - Democrats had spent 3.4 billion in stimulus grants from the Federal Government. They spent it all by 2010.
You really think that I want an automatic debit card in the hand of a Democrat when they don't know how to budget? The sky is the limit? No holds bar? NO Thank You!
The previous Wisconsin administration was given 12 months by design to spend the stimulus money.
Why? To get the money back in the system. Stimulus money does nothing if it is sitting in the bank waiting for a rainy day.
Our economic system in the US works like a waterfall - and our waterfall went dry.
When we had a manufacturing based society, there were at least 7 turns of the money in this waterfall. Now that most all of these jobs have gone to other countries, the money only turns 3 to 4 times. This is not good.
when the stimulus money was spent. Family 1 was able to buy some groceries and goods, like a car or clothing.
Family 2 that works at the supermarket was able to buy groceries and goods like a car or clothing.
Family 3 that works at the bank that cashed the checks was able to buy groceries and goods.
Family 4 that works at the car dealership that sold the car was able to by groceries and goods.
And that in a simplified term is why the money was spent right away. Every turn meant more jobs and activity in our economic system.
I appreciate your hard work as part of the working class of America. It is unfortuntate that every worker does not have the same benefit package 100% paid for, most especially when it comes to health care. The reason you or I have access to health care benefits, a 40 hour work week, paid vacations, Worker compensation, or many other benefits are because of better paid UNION workers. They set standards for others to follow.
NON-union employers are compelled to compete with the better wages of union operations, and offer similar packages to get the best people.
I have never worked in a Union shop, however I have lived in Southwest Virginia, and know first hand what these people had before and after the union movement arrived in the coalfields.
Before unions arrived, people were virtual slaves to the coal mine operators. They were not even paid in US dollars! The money was only good at the "company store" which the coal mine operator owned, and goods were marked up much higher than a regular store.
They lived in "company housing" which the miners had to rent from the same coal mine operator. There was no way to save. And when you got sick, you were left to die. children as young as 12 worked with their parents in those coal mines.
Coal miners whether they are union or not are now paid a much better wage, in US dollars, have great benefits and protections. None of this would have been possible without the blood sweat and tears of the Union workers, who risked life and limb for every benefit that all enjoy.
I agree, there needs to be sensible, effective spending of tax dollars.
Special interests of Major corporate donors like the KOCH brothers are now unchecked, as they are now legally able to write HUGE checks to Republican campaigns to get their special interests. This needs to be hemmed in again.
You can point out the greed of the Coal Companies but there are also examples of Business improving the lives of their employees without the pressure of the Unions. Henry Ford started Ford Motor Company with a few other investors. He paid employees $5.00 for an eight hour workday, over twice the prevailing wage of $2.34 per day for a 9 hour workday. Ford provided employees with in house educational opportunities at no cost to the employees. Big Business and Corporations are not the evil entities you folks make them out to be.
2ez are you a working person, business owner, or retired? I would just like to know how you get these fairy tale happy days images in your mind about the industrial lifestyle.
Whether you got paid well or not, the Management Style in most manufacturing facilities was top down "Autoritarian rule." with 0% job security.
You could be working one day and locked out the next.
The coal companies were notorious. Also in your research look up the "Triangle Shirtwaist Disaster." This happened this month of March 100 years ago. Read about it. If you have an ounce of humanity in you... you will be stunned. Women who leapt to their death from 7 stories above NYC because the weasel owner locked the fire exits. The factory was filthy with lint, which caused the massive fire. The Owners of the business never paid a dime or served a day in prison. Really nice business folks alright.
Read about the Pullman strike.
Read about how Carnagie and the Pinkertons went after the workers in the steel mills.
Tell me about how the Asian workers were abused with the making of the railway from coast to coast.
And then tell me that there wasn't a problem with labor. We are just one generation away from going back in those sad days again. There are people in business today that want those Robber Baron days back so bad, they are willing to spend millions to bring in weasels like Scott Walker to do their bidding.
Henry's failing was the Ford plant in the beginning was a high risk environment. If you got hurt on the job. Too bad, so sad. Unions brought about Workers compensation. It later became the law for obvious reasons.
Henry's philosophy was more from a working man's standpoint, because that is where he came from - a self made man. Today's wealthy elite do not reflect an understanding of the working class on any level. We are just numbers on a piece of paper.
Ricky
My work history has nothing to do with the discussion other than it as a portion of my life experience and has contributed to my perception. I understand the history of the industrial revolution and agree there were many cases of injustice. I also understand the 13th Amendment abolished indentured servitude and slavery in 1865. I knew and understood the terms of employment as well as the wages and the benefits for every job I have ever had, prior to accepting the job. I have left jobs because of the lack of advancement opportunities or low pay. I have relocated to accept a job with better wages and benefits. I have never been forced to continue to work for an employer. I have never accepted a job from an employer, only to protest the wages or benefits. I have had the freedom to change careers and employers as it best suits me. I have had the same opportunities as you and every other citizen. If we lacked the freedom to come and go as we please, I would concede to your point, but we do. As it stands, if you’re dissatisfied with your employer, find another job.
None of my links came across ~
How come your sight will not retain any website links???? What's up Ed??
Since no links will come across. I cannot provide the links.
Why did the State of WI receive 3.4 billion dollars and the Democrats spent it all in 2010.
Over one billion was on education. Where did the money go? Did you not hear Gov Walker say that the stimulus money is gone? He didn't spend it.
The Democrats think they have an unlimited credit card with NO responsibility. It's time to get wise before we have to pay off our debt.
Also, Bush did not put this Country into debt. What about Fannie May and Freddie Mack, Enron, AIG, GM, Ford, The Airlines industry, Maddoff.
Why do you point fingers at everyone else and not the people who are responsible.
Who's business were failing???
History lesson Rosie!
Kenneth "Kenny boy" Lay was one of the single biggest contributors to Bush's campaign. He was the Head of ENRON.
And the criminal activity that went on with MCI/Worldcomm featured more Bush supporters.
The list goes on and on. You are known by the company you keep.
I stand with the working people. Do right by them and they will lift you up.
Walker and his sideshow of goons have been using them as a urinal.
You better figure out if you are working class or RICH.
IF you are Rich. GOOD for YOU.
IF you are working class and talking this Republican smack, you are delulsional. You need to take a reality check, look in the mirror and see what a fool looks like.
Rickey,
Please! If you think pointing a finger at one person (Bush)is legitimate, I feel sorry for you. So every Bank that defaulted, Auto dealer, AIG insurance, Airliner(s) and every Business that failed is Bushes fault? Really?
I didn't care for him either... but my finger points to those CEO, CFO and Controllers. What I would say to them it's your poor mismanagement and the Company was in your hands, you failed. I suppose Madoff is Bushes fault too!
I find it rather difficult when Americans can point fingers at everyone else but the people that were directly involved on the day to day business deals.
Gee Whiz
As the old saw goes... Follow the money. You will find who is complicit. John Boehner handing out walking around money on the congress floor. Shameful, but has that stopped him?
Scott Walker and his very warm relationship to the KOCH brothers. Busted with a prank phone call, where he was obviously very complicit in destroying the collective barganing power in Wisconsin for the betterment of two VERY RICH MEN.
It takes two to tango. Rich people that have the money to bribe, and leverage what they want from politicians, and the working class that calls and writes their legislators with the hope that they grow a consience.
The consience belongs with the Democrats. Their whole being is based on the working class. Once the Unions have been busted, the Democrats will have very little to finance their campaigns with, and you and I can look forward to a Two tier society ... Just like Mexico, and Egypt.
BTW that is why the Mexican people are trying to flee Mexico, because there IS no middle class.
I wonder where they will go when the US is in the same situation. Its not that far away, if Scott Walker and his goons get their way.
Rosie, are you with the working class people or the rich people? Tell the truth.
Davido618 is right on and the poor guy that is making $379 K convieniently is leaving out the truth that he has more tax breaks and right offs than he knows what to do with and he is not speaking to fools. We can and do see through his half truths. He is very articulate. I thank him for clarifying the real meanness and selfishish that supports the ideology of the rich in this country and attempt to defend and justify it by this momogumbo about the the government imprisioning people making the rich and well off the victims. Just follow the money to see where the power and control is. Please spare us with your trying to make the rich out to be the victims. You know nothing of shared sacrifice. My own father gave me that line of crap forty years ago--I did not buy it then and I don't buy it now. Not because I'm attached to some ideology and am not open to being persuaded or convinced. It is because practically speaking that conservative rationale does not work and we tried that experiment already. Please note I'm no spring chicken, I was born and lived here in the US my whole life. I also grew up in the highest per capita county in the US. I know the rich and lived next to them my whole life and many are my friends. You can deny it all you want and it is amazing that there is such a denial even after the captains of this philosophy nearly destroyed our whole economy in one month through the practices of greed and deceit over years after the Reagan era. Don't tell me that you are going to ignore and deny that reality. If you are then you are moving in the direction of psychosis.
My hard working family is not a "taker", but hard human service workers like many other families in this country that bring more value and meaning and compassionate care to our society than any millionaire sports star or tv/movie star--yet the money goes to people that don't impact the benefit of a large portion of all of us. That is the system we live in and I accept that, but no one can deny that our system does not monetarilly reward workers that we all need to make this counrty great. It seems that the right is completely oblivious to this and are willing to destroy and forsake who we need to most to make us great. Perhaps it is because these are the egocentric ones that can afford to send their children to private schools and colleges and it is too bad that the vast majority of us can't--basically tough you know what. This is the problem with pure, unbridled capiticalist values with no checks and balances. Do we forget the time when the caitalists (I call them the Mr. Potter's of the world) hired children and women and provided unsafe conditions for workers and the factory burned down killing women and children after the warning of these unsafe conditons? Someone always needs to die like the coal mine workers before we wake up to see the robbers barrons at work again. My friends I have come to learn that people and business and anyone does something simply because they can, it is an aspect of human nature that is within us all. But we can't let our selfhish impulses rule every decision we make. If they (those in power and under the control of big business) have the power and money to do it they will and they will run over anyone in their way. That is the GOP and the TEA. This is very similiar to any dictator or brutal dictatorship once they get into power. Watch out if they are egocentric because they will enact practices that only serve to keep them in power and to hell with the rest of the people. WE THE PEOPLE IS NOT HALF THE PEOPLE IT IS RESPECTING AND HONORING AND GOVERNING ALL THE PEOPLE. An election is not an excuse for ignoring half the people and treating 50% of the electorate like they have no voice and making up lies and proagranda against them. That is the problem with pure unbridled capitalist values that go unchecked by justice and human dignity and descency ---it does not address the larger issue that we are all part of a hugh whole and what anyone does to the least of us is doing to all of us. Or what goes around comes around.
We are getting ripped off not by the government but by greedy big business. Big oil, big insurance, big banks. This private capitalistic group is what caused the crash--in 1929 (era of the robber barrons) and in 2008, not the government. If anything the government particiption in the poor economic condition has more to do with corrupt politicians cow towing to big business rather than government officials calling out the real greedy "takers" and destroyers of the middle class and the environment. These are the ones that we need protection from--We the people need protection from these greedy egocentric takers and they are not the middle class.
To test this premise all one needs to do is follow the money. What does the GOP and the TEA want? What is behind all the rhetoric? They are wanting to defund every government agency that protects the American public from harm. Why, because they are voices of big business in my opinion and big business is not driven my morals or ethics for the most part, they are driven by the bottom line (IT IS CALLED MONEY). There are some moral and ethical business people for sure, that I appauled, but the good ones are not crowding out wall street or the banking and insurance industry. These businesses are all about perception and marketing and image to make us feel that they have a moral core, when they do not. To hell with the reality that we are poisioning our air, water, and food. All you need to do is follow is the money--who is gettting it and why. The greedy rich DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE REST OF US. Just follow the money and you will understand how simple it is to pick apart any GOP AND TEA party argument. Follow the train of thought and keep asking the question, who is getting the break? Who is getting the money? You will always see that it is not the middle class--in the end the middle class gets screwed by the GOP and the TEA philosophy. I can hardy afford health care insurance and the GOP and TEA wants to dismantle a bill that will make me more vulnerable to the greed of the big insurance companies. We tried the trickle down experiment and it did not work. We are not fooled by the GOP and TEA. Perhaps we are now waking up and I beseech all to stand up and fight back the unfair and inequitible practices of big business and their front men and women--the GOP and the TEA. I hate to be reducdant, but it seems that we are always forgetting to follow the money all the rest of the talk about the american way and patriotism is a distraction, and part of the Koolaid that is in the TEA party cups. Don't drink it, it is poision to the mind.
J547726
Talk about mombogumbo. I am mean and selfish while you are the most compassionate and caring soul to every walk the earth. How many families does your compassionate and caring heart employ? Big business and the evil corporations created and sustain the middle class. At&T 190,000 employees, Wal-Mart 1,800,00 employees, Sears 355,000 employees, Exxon 83,700 employees, McDonalds 385,000 employees, and the list go on. Big Business and Corporations that you hold in disgust employ the middle class. The rich are rich because they are successful. Their willingness to take risks and start a business creates employment opportunity for others. Your compassion and care doesn’t feed or shelter an employee’s family, pay his utility bills or provide him transportation. Big Business and Corporations may very well be in it for the bottom line, but along the way they support millions of citizens in their pursuit of the American Dream. Ask a young father purchasing his first home if he would rather have your compassion and caring, or his job with Microsoft.
Corporations are also compassionate and caring. Ford, Chrysler, Wal-Mart, Chase, Bank of America, and GE donate in excess of 30 billion dollars to non-profit institutions and charities annually. I imagine the recipients would much rather have your compassion and caring.
Your right about ENRON, wasn’t the first time and it will not be the last. There is greed much like there is pride and other sins. This is the nature of man. These things exist in us all to one degree or another; one cannot reasonably expect a CEO of a major corporation to be void of basic human characteristics. To condemn all business or even compare them to ENRON is unjust. Are all employees thieves because one took a company computer?
As for the Kool-Aid, I drink Coca-Cola. You know the evil uncaring corporation that employs 140,000 and donates billions to charities.
Yes, I know that COLA company. They are the ones that laid off 6000 employees to pay for the golden parachute of ONE top executive and for his farewell party.
The shareholders of America are getting robbed quietly in the boardrooms of corporate America. It is an inside baseball game, they vote each other in varying levels on to these high paid corporate boards, where they are paid tons of money and given millions of shares of stock just to level an opinion. NOBODY is worth that much!
Average workers like you and I get little proxy statements in the mail. Our votes of 100 or 1000 shares don't mean much.
If you went to a shareholders meeting, you would probably be ferried off to a little side room with a tv set showing the meeting, while those who have the majority actually sit in the meeting room. They vote the board bigger compensation packages, and more share options. It's like the new form of organized crime. Rob the corporation from the inside out.
The major corporations have never made more or paid less in salaries and benefits since just before the great depression.
Ricky why don't you pack up and move the hell out of america. You are the problem as well as your progressive left. We will never get our debts paid down with people like you. When it comes down to the brink, watch, you can say all you want, blame the republicans, Bush, Walker everyone else but in the end Conservatives will win and and you Sir will be proven wrong. You all can comment I do not care you are wrong and to damn generous with other peoples money use your own money to help your causes not mine! If you people want to change the world do it on your dime. We have to stop spending or our country will fall apart because of the social justice you keep putting on the backs of all tax payers. WE CAN'T AFFORD YOUR IDEAS WE NEED TO CUT UNNESSESARY SPENDING IN ALL PROGRAMS BY 25% AND LIVE WITHIN THOSE MEANS. AND CHANGE SOME OF THE TAX LOOP HOLES NOT RAISE TAXES MORE. IT HAS BEEN CONGRESS WHO CREATED THE TAX LOOP HOLES FOR WRITE OFFS IN THE FIRST PLACE JUST ELIMINATE SOME OF THEM AND YOU WILL HAVE MORE MONEY. bUT YOU HAVE TO REDUCE THE OUT GOING MONEY OR WE WILL FALL DOWN.
"They remind us that where free unions and collective bargaining are forbidden, freedom is lost. They remind us that freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. You and I must protect and preserve freedom here or it will not be passed on to our children and it would disappear everywhere in the world. Today the workers in Poland are showing a new generation how high is the price of freedom but also how much it is worth that price."` Ronald Reagan
I have nothing against collective bargaining. However having served as a chairman of an advisory committee to a government agency, irritates me to no end that it is next to impossible to fire a department head or administrator. Also it extremely irritates me when government employees do a major foul up in private life they would be fired, in government they get put on administrative leave with pay. I have worked with many excellent government employees, but I have also worked with those who should have been fired.
Having worked in a non-union environment I have seen how darned easy it is for people to get fired for absoltely nothing. It is called the "right to work act".
All it is the right for the BOSS to fire anyone for no reason at all. Maybe he didn't like the shirt you wore today. Maybe she didn't like the fact that you are a catholic. Maybe you like cats instead of dogs. NO MATTER. You are fired.
That is why unions exist, and why the "right to work" act should be thrown out.
Never have so many people worked for so little money to make so few rich people even richer. Look at that RUpert 'ozzie' Murdoch. Makes billions telling FOX LIES, and then jets off to Las vegas and play high roller games. I have heard he will put what would equate to one single persons annual salary on one bet.... and then lose it. And then do it 60 more times in one hour. If i am not correct about this please let me know... but I have heard he is one of Vegas's biggest Whales.
The Billionalres need to maintain their lifestyle that is why YOU don't count. Are you not happy making the same money you were making 10 years ago with no inflation adjustments. We must celebrate the FATCAT lifestyle. They are so much better. They deserve to jump line in a liver transplant, and get a chance at life when other less wealthy die.
Has it become the law of the jungle? Many of these little african nations work on the princlples of the two tier economy... and the only thing it has gotten for the people is genocide, epidemics, starvation and a loss of hope for everyone execpt the inner circle.
Ricky
Talking about gambling, I went to a local Indian Casino the other day to play some poker. There were 9 players. We all started with a $100.00 buy in. After a few hours, one guy had over $600.00, while the rest of the players had anywhere from $70.00 to $30.00. I applied the same logic that is so wide spread on this web site to the game. I suggested the chip leader give each of the other players his chips so we would all have equal amounts. Believe it or not, none of the other players backed my suggestion. Do you think they were all republicans or could it be they just didn’t think it would be fair.
Mr Porter I have also worked with many fine private business employees but have seen many that should be fired as well and they arent. Mostly the dept heads or administrators you are referring to are positions protected by the appointees or are the appointees. Most dept heads are put in by the Governor. I agree though, I have seen many of them as well that should have been fired..or better yet, not even hired.
I saw the show and it was very touching. Keep the great reporting going Ed. I would like to thank the teachers also.
I was the class clown. I was the trouble maker. I always gave the teachers grief, but they never gave up on me. and as much trouble as I gave them in my opinion they deserve more. If I was a child in today's society. I am sure. I would have been classified as hyperactive and have A.D.D.
Sorry I Have not read the comments to this article yet.
NEWSMAX.com is taking a poll currently supporting Walker.
take the poll
Thanks for the tipoff!
newsmax is famous for running slanted polls.
like a typical fox or newsmax poll might look like:
If given the choice would you
A. Get rid of collective barganing in order to balance the budget.
B. Fire all union member so that more flunky scabs could be hired.
C. Tell the rank and file of Wisconsin that your 50 years of hard fought labor concessons are being flushed down the toilet, for the good of TWO billionaires.
Obviously, there is no good way to answer that survey. But I will take a look at that survey.
I heard FOX crying on one of their talking head shows over the weekend that those DARNED LIBERAL POLLS were so slanted because THEY didn't ask the questions right! TOO FUNNY! FOX, NEWSMAX and Rasumssen invented slanted polling!
I worked in statistical analysis for several years with the Gallup Poll and Starch INRA HOOPER. I know how serious they took making up unbiased and scientifically accurate polling and readership statistics.
Real statistics are very hard work. Fox statistics are easy as making up a lie.
All I can say is be very careful when you do a poll, and make sure you read each response closely to make sure your interests and feelings are recorded correctly.
Suggested email activism concerning Wisconsin.
I just sent this to all of Wisconsin's Republican Senators:
Dear Wisconsin Senators:
We know that you, as Republicans, hold Ronald Reagan in high regard. Therefore, we thought you may appreciate being refreshed as to what President Reagan said concerning free unions and collective bargaining:
"These are the values inspiring those brave workers in Poland ... They remind us that where free unions and collective bargaining are forbidden, freedom is lost." ˜ RONALD REAGAN, Labor Day Address at Liberty State Park, 1980.
We will be carefully watching your vote in the best interests of ALL of the citizens of Wisconsin. We look for your support of our public servants and your efforts to keep Wisconsin's public education respectfully and fully funded - resulting in a strong and vibrant future for Wisconsin.
Sincerely, Tim Nyberg and family
Sturgeon Bay, WI
here is the list of emails:
Sen.carpenter@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.coggs@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.cowles@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.Cullen@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.da...rling@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.ellis@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.erpenbach@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.fitzgerald@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.Galloway@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.Grothman@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.hansen@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.harsdorf@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.Holperin@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.Hopper@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.jauch@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.kapanke@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.kedzie@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.Larson@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.Lasee@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.lassa@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.lazich@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.leibham@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.miller@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.Moulton@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.olsen@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.risser@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.schultz@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.Vinehout@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.Vukmir@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.Wanggaard@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.wirch@legis.wisconsin.gov, Sen.Zipperer@legis.wisconsin.gov, Robert.Marchant@legis.wisconsin.gov
Unfortunately Tim you're talking about the President who dismantled the union for the air traffic controllers...that's why he's revered by Republicans...his other claims to fame are getting elected saying he would balance the budget and when he left office we had the largest deficit in history...well except for the bushes...of course he also is know for the Iran/contra hearings where his personal dog (oliver North) hid documents in Fawn Halls boots to get them out of the Pentagon..he illegally sold arms to Iran to get money to pay for an illegal war in Nicaragua....He and his posse lied to Congress...and the American people...yeah he was a piece of work...Republicans at their finest...they don't have to obey the laws...
Walmart and McDonald's workers are middle class?? They typically hire part time workers and you can not support a family on what you earn from these two places for most employed by them. Oh, and Walmart takes out "peasant" insurance on their workers...death benefits if an employee dies...but do they give it to the family???
Victoria, you are so very right. These 23 Wal-lionares made their billions by creating a new povery class of workers. You can really buy a new home on a $10 per hour paycheck.... NOT!
McDonalds does hire a lot of what used to be the working class. I have heard the insurance sham that some of the corporate giants make. Get life insurance on some employees, and when they die... Jackpot for Richie Rich!
Did I hear right that some of the richies actually have renounced their US citizenship for more favorable tax treatment. Yes a global economy, Outsourcing to scab labor to break the back of the middle class.
Victoria
According to the US Census in 2009 the Median Individual Income was $26,530.00. The Average wage, not total compensation of a Full Time Wal-Mart employee is $10.40 an hour or $21,632.00 annually. While the average Full Time Wal-Mart employee’s income is slightly below the Median Individual Income, it is well above the Poverty Level. A Full Time Wal-Mart employee is in deed Middle Class. The question is why anyone other than a high school or college student, or someone retired from another job be satisfied for working at Wal-Mart10.40 an hour? If an employee is not content with the wage and benefits, why does he stay with Wal-Mart? I don’t understand it. Why do they not better themselves, make themselves more valuable to an employer, and seek better paying jobs? I guess its easier to Unionize and extort the employer with the threat of strike, than it is to assume individual responsibly and better yourself.
perhaps you'd like to check your facts at Taxfoundation.org. You can look up any states tax rates on that site. If you do you will see you are incorrect. In New Jersey if you make $75,000. your tax rate is 6.37%. The tax rate doesn't go up until you hit $500,000. So you can $499,000. and still pay the same rate as someone making $75,000.....When you go over a half million mark you then only pay 8.97%. which is only 2.6 more than someone making $75,000. What a rip off.....I guess if you can afford good enough accountants you could keep that amount of income under $500,000 so you pay the same rate as the poor smuck who actually works for a living...shared sacrifice? I just heard that New Jersey has 212,000 millionaires in the state. Wonder why they all want to stay in NJ. New jersey only has 112,000 teachers...wow more millionaires than teachers but the teachers have to pay.....well I know where I'll move to if I win the lottery...Governor Christie you and anyone who supports you should be ashamed!
Having different tax rates for people based on the amount of their success is unfair and discriminatory. What would you say if tax rates were based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, or religion? If it were there would be outrage and complaints of discrimination. Discrimination is discrimination regardless of who is being discriminated against. I cannot understand how people can defend the discrimination in the current tax system. There is nothing fair about it.
I watch your show all the time and I am appalled at what is going on in Wisconsin. Republicans, such as Scott Walker and Chris Christie, think they are of the "Party of God" and what they are doing is "God's will." Well I have proof otherwise. I recently found a passage of scripture proving that God is on the side of the people. Mal. 3:5 says:
"So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me," says the Lord Almighty.
In the end, the people will win this fight and these governors will have to answer for what they are doing. So next time they claim to be doing God's will, we should take a look at what their agendas are and ask, "What would Jesus do?"