John Edwards "bumper sticker politics"
It's just a bumper sticker, huh?
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
This is embarrassing for Wisconsin
H/T: Charlie Sykes
Oh there is more. See the rest here.
Things We Thought We’d Never See at the Tax Foundation, But Thanks to the Wisconsin Senate ….
- state legislative body has voted to double its tax collections in one year.
The Wisconsin Senate passed a budget plan to increase taxes $15.2 billion in fiscal year 2009. That would more than double Wisconsin's tax collections of $13.8 billion in fiscal year 2006, according to the latest available data from the Census Bureau.
- A state legislative body has voted to raise taxes by almost the same amount as the state's taxpayers send to the federal government in income tax payments.
The $15.2 billion tax increase is only slightly less than the $15.8 billion Wisconsin taxpayers sent to the IRS for income taxes in 2005. And that's just the increase!
- A state legislative body has voted a tax increase equivalent to 50 percent of general fund revenue. See Table 1.
able 1: Top Ten Tax Increases at the State Level, Compared to Wisconsin Senate Budget (Percentage of State General Fund Revenue), 2000 - 2009 | |||
Rank | State | Tax Increase as a Percentage of State General Fund Revenue | Year |
N/A | Wisconsin* | 50% | 2009 |
1 | Nevada | 14.05% | 2004 |
2 | New Hampshire | 13.54% | 2000 |
3 | Tennessee | 11.75% | 2003 |
4 | Nevada | 10.43% | 2005 |
5 | Indiana | 10.08% | 2003 |
6 | Idaho | 8.87% | 2004 |
7 | New Hampshire | 7.52% | 2001 |
8 | Oregon | 7.5% | 2004 |
9 | New York | 6.2% | 2004 |
10 | Ohio | 6.09% | 2004 |
* Proposed. The ten ranked tax increases were signed into law. Wisconsin's tax increase has passed the Senate but still must be considered by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. Doyle. | |||
Oh there is more. See the rest here.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Shouldn't we have talked about this?
No really, I am not kidding.
The Democrats never even bothered to talk to us, before slamming universal health care down our throats.
One day- that was it. The Democrats gave Wisconsinites one single day to talk about this plan before they voted on it.
I received some emails yesterday asking me how I felt about this new health care plan. Some folks were furious, some were just curious.
Let me start by saying- under no circumstances am I in favor is letting our state government handle my health care.
Like the rest of your folks, all I know is what I have read in the papers.
So far- this is what we have been told-
How it works is employers and employees will pay into the Healthy Wisconsin Trust. Employees' contributions are four-percent of their social security wages. Employers contribute 10.5-percent of social security wages. That mean on an average salary of $42,300, an employee pays $140 and the employer pays $370 a month. Sole proprietors or those with other sources of income pay 10-percent of income up to a cap.
The reason we know so very little about this plan is because the Democrats haven't bothered to discuss this with anyone.
We have also been told that this plan is similar to the Canadian health care system.
For the most part, this is all we know about this plan. That's it!
So here are some questions. Since this has already passed the Senate, I expect answers immediately.
The above plan states that an employee must pay on average $140 per month. Is this for family coverage?
If not, does that mean that both a husband and wife that are working and paying taxes- will they both be paying $140 per month?
How about junior's job? Is junior also paying for his own insurance?
My guess is that the $140 per month is only for single coverage. The Democrats have not bothered to tell us the real numbers and how much it will cost for family coverage.
More questions- I work in Illinois, but live in Wisconsin. How does this work?
Is my Illinois employer part of this plan?
Why is this plan mandatory and not voluntary?
Since this plan is based on percentages, does that mean every time I get a raise- my insurance payments and my employers payments will go up?
As it is- it is difficult to get in to see a doctor in a timely fashion- won't this send the Wisconsin health care system into a crisis? After all, we are adding hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites to the same system.
Last question for today(although there will be more) -
Hey Democrats, shouldn't we have talked about this?
I would like to receive answers to the above questions immediately. I assume state Senator Bob Wirch has answers to these questions, because he already voted to approve this insurance.
I will let you know when he answers.
The Democrats never even bothered to talk to us, before slamming universal health care down our throats.
One day- that was it. The Democrats gave Wisconsinites one single day to talk about this plan before they voted on it.
I received some emails yesterday asking me how I felt about this new health care plan. Some folks were furious, some were just curious.
Let me start by saying- under no circumstances am I in favor is letting our state government handle my health care.
Like the rest of your folks, all I know is what I have read in the papers.
So far- this is what we have been told-
How it works is employers and employees will pay into the Healthy Wisconsin Trust. Employees' contributions are four-percent of their social security wages. Employers contribute 10.5-percent of social security wages. That mean on an average salary of $42,300, an employee pays $140 and the employer pays $370 a month. Sole proprietors or those with other sources of income pay 10-percent of income up to a cap.
The reason we know so very little about this plan is because the Democrats haven't bothered to discuss this with anyone.
We have also been told that this plan is similar to the Canadian health care system.
For the most part, this is all we know about this plan. That's it!
So here are some questions. Since this has already passed the Senate, I expect answers immediately.
The above plan states that an employee must pay on average $140 per month. Is this for family coverage?
If not, does that mean that both a husband and wife that are working and paying taxes- will they both be paying $140 per month?
How about junior's job? Is junior also paying for his own insurance?
My guess is that the $140 per month is only for single coverage. The Democrats have not bothered to tell us the real numbers and how much it will cost for family coverage.
More questions- I work in Illinois, but live in Wisconsin. How does this work?
Is my Illinois employer part of this plan?
Why is this plan mandatory and not voluntary?
Since this plan is based on percentages, does that mean every time I get a raise- my insurance payments and my employers payments will go up?
As it is- it is difficult to get in to see a doctor in a timely fashion- won't this send the Wisconsin health care system into a crisis? After all, we are adding hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites to the same system.
Last question for today(although there will be more) -
Hey Democrats, shouldn't we have talked about this?
I would like to receive answers to the above questions immediately. I assume state Senator Bob Wirch has answers to these questions, because he already voted to approve this insurance.
I will let you know when he answers.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Democrats just don't get it
There it is, in black and white; the difference between Republicans and Democrats.
After voting to pass the largest tax increase in the history of this state, Senator Russ Decker, Democrat, had this to say:
Sen. Decker slammed Republicans as "a one issue party (taxes) with no mission."
No mission?
This statement by Senator Decker is truly one of the silliest things I have ever read.
Apparently, Senator Decker does not realize that the Republican's mission is to keep taxes at a level that people can afford to pay.
Keeping taxes at a reasonable rate is the mission of the Republicans!
Clearly this budget debate in our state government has brought out the primary goals of both political parties.
Democrats believe in charging Wisconsinites more in taxes, Republicans do not.
Wisconsinites have been pretty clear where their priorities lie. Taxes are important to them.
My guess is that the Democrats just do not get it.
Even a poll done as recently as last week show that the tax issue is the #1 priority of our state's residents. Taxpayers care about how much they are being charged in taxes by our government.
We are already one of the highest taxed states in the country.
Do the Democrats think that the taxpayer’s do not notice that they are being charged excessive taxes?
Perhaps the Democrats are planning to spend this next election year accusing Republicans of only caring about taxes.
I say, bring it on, Democrats!
I will be super excited if the Democrats want to debate tax increases during next year's election cycle.
So much of what happens in this state revolves around the tax issue. Obviously funding is needed for education, roads, safety, etc…
As good Wisconsinites, most of us are willing to pay our fair share.
However, the tax increases the Democrats and Governor Doyle are proposing, are not fair.
A 23% budget increase is horrifying! Even the Governor’s 9% was horrifying!
As taxpayers, we want to be treated fairly by our government.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
I am not too proud to beg.
I am not too proud to beg.
No one- absolutely no single Senator should be voting for the horrifying budget.
Let's start with the fact that if this budget passes as the Senate Democrats have proposed, it will be the largest tax increase in the history of this state.
The $15.2 billion payroll tax increase offered by the Senate Democrats for socialized health care alone makes this the largest increase in history. Of course, we all know that there are alot more tax increases in this budget, besides this health care stuff. $1.7 billion in tax and fee increases!
I, like others, believe that this issue by the Democrats is totally bogus. This issue is purely a distraction technique put forward by the Senate Democrats.
I agree with Brian Fraley and Owen Robinson. The Democrats are just playing games.
I believe that the Senate Democrats want to get folks talking about health care and start ignoring the massive tax increases proposed in this budget.
The distraction technique will not work.
I couldn't help but notice that yesterday, while everyone is talking about the socialized health care- the Senate Democrats stuck a few more tax increases into this budget.
For one, the Democrats have decided that business's do not pay enough in taxes. So instead of just charging taxes made on profits in the state of Wisconsin, they are going to charge for the parent company's profits also. That is right, folks. The Democrats plan on taking on profits made by a company in other states. That's another $90 million in taxes that Wisconsin business' will pay to the Democrats.
They reason for doing this?
"Other states do it", sniveled the Wisconsin Democrats. (obviously, this is not a direct quote)
Of course, we cannot forget about the Democrats adding another $26.7 million more taxes for registering heavy trucks in the state of Wisconsin. As if Doyle registration fee increases in this budget were not bad enough, the Democrats decided they would pile on additional fees to Wisconsin trucking companies.
They reason for doing this?
"That tax has not been raised since 1997", sniveled the Democrats.(once again, this is not a direct quote)
Don't even get me started on the rental car tax to be imposed only on those living in Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee. The Democrats also added this to the budget yesterday.
It is truly stunning the Senate Democrats would pile on the tax and fee increases above the level that Governor Doyle has piled on.
It is a pretty safe bet that this ridiculous budget will be passed by the Senate Democrats today.
Still, we have to fight the Democrats every single step of the way.
Call the Democrat senators and insist that this budget not be passed.
As the chair of the Republican Party of Kenosha County, politically, this budget, with it's billions in tax increases, will hurt the Democrats in 2008. This should bode well for Republicans.
However, there are issues that are bigger than politics here. This budget has to be stopped. Wisconsinites cannot afford.
Don't be too proud to beg.
Contact your Senators today!
Here is a list of our state senators.
No one- absolutely no single Senator should be voting for the horrifying budget.
Let's start with the fact that if this budget passes as the Senate Democrats have proposed, it will be the largest tax increase in the history of this state.
The $15.2 billion payroll tax increase offered by the Senate Democrats for socialized health care alone makes this the largest increase in history. Of course, we all know that there are alot more tax increases in this budget, besides this health care stuff. $1.7 billion in tax and fee increases!
I, like others, believe that this issue by the Democrats is totally bogus. This issue is purely a distraction technique put forward by the Senate Democrats.
I agree with Brian Fraley and Owen Robinson. The Democrats are just playing games.
I believe that the Senate Democrats want to get folks talking about health care and start ignoring the massive tax increases proposed in this budget.
The distraction technique will not work.
I couldn't help but notice that yesterday, while everyone is talking about the socialized health care- the Senate Democrats stuck a few more tax increases into this budget.
For one, the Democrats have decided that business's do not pay enough in taxes. So instead of just charging taxes made on profits in the state of Wisconsin, they are going to charge for the parent company's profits also. That is right, folks. The Democrats plan on taking on profits made by a company in other states. That's another $90 million in taxes that Wisconsin business' will pay to the Democrats.
They reason for doing this?
"Other states do it", sniveled the Wisconsin Democrats. (obviously, this is not a direct quote)
Of course, we cannot forget about the Democrats adding another $26.7 million more taxes for registering heavy trucks in the state of Wisconsin. As if Doyle registration fee increases in this budget were not bad enough, the Democrats decided they would pile on additional fees to Wisconsin trucking companies.
They reason for doing this?
"That tax has not been raised since 1997", sniveled the Democrats.(once again, this is not a direct quote)
Don't even get me started on the rental car tax to be imposed only on those living in Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee. The Democrats also added this to the budget yesterday.
It is truly stunning the Senate Democrats would pile on the tax and fee increases above the level that Governor Doyle has piled on.
It is a pretty safe bet that this ridiculous budget will be passed by the Senate Democrats today.
Still, we have to fight the Democrats every single step of the way.
Call the Democrat senators and insist that this budget not be passed.
As the chair of the Republican Party of Kenosha County, politically, this budget, with it's billions in tax increases, will hurt the Democrats in 2008. This should bode well for Republicans.
However, there are issues that are bigger than politics here. This budget has to be stopped. Wisconsinites cannot afford.
Don't be too proud to beg.
Contact your Senators today!
Here is a list of our state senators.
I assumed it was fake
Like many others, I read the so-called interview by Eugene Kane and I thought it was fake.
Charlie Sykes is also questioning the validity of this interview.
The guy is a editorialist, it does not have to be real.
However, to give the impression that it might be real, is truly unethical.
Of course, it may be real. Wink,Wink.
Charlie Sykes is also questioning the validity of this interview.
The guy is a editorialist, it does not have to be real.
However, to give the impression that it might be real, is truly unethical.
Of course, it may be real. Wink,Wink.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Good faith bargaining is over
Good faith bargaining is over. Of course, folks want to blame state Republicans for this.
It was not the Republicans in our state government that broke the faith with the Wisconsin taxpayer.
Today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is demanding that the Republicans negotiate in good faith to pass the governor’s budget.
The good faith should have started with the governor.
On January 30, 2007, Governor Doyle promised tax cuts to the middle class of Wisconsin.
Two weeks from tonight, I’ll present a budget designed to do just that, while putting our fiscal house in order. It will cut waste and yes, cut taxes for hardworking Wisconsin families.
This is after spending his entire re-election campaign promising not to increase the taxes on Wisconsin’s hard working families.
Two weeks after Governor Doyle’s State of the State address to Wisconsin, the governor promptly proposed raising taxes and fees on every single Wisconsin taxpayer.
The good faith that we had been promised by Governor Doyle was promptly broken on February 13, 2007, when he rolled out his new budget.
The tax cuts the governor promised to Wisconsin’s middle class was swallowed under by a $1.7 billion tax and fee increases.
Governor Doyle and the democrats broke the faith with the Wisconsin taxpayers.
Like the MJS editorial board, I also expect good faith negotiations. Where the MJS is wrong is that they expect Republicans to negotiate in good faith to benefit Governor Doyle and the Democrat's budget.
Absolutely not!
I expect the Republicans to negotiate on my behalf and not on the behalf of government.
The Republicans have made a commitment to the taxpayers of Wisconsin that they will not raise their taxes. I expect them to keep that commitment.
To make matters even worse for the taxpayers, the Democrats in the state senate have decided to pile on even more taxes to Wisconsin’s middle class. As if this budget was not bad enough, they want $15 Billion more!
$15 Billion!
Let that sink in for a second.
It is stunning that will all of the heat the senate Democrats have taken for this budget; they would actually demand more money from the taxpayers.
Are they not listening?
Good grief. It seems every time the Democratic caucus meets, they come out of those meetings with new tax increase proposals.
It is not as if the Democrats are trying to hide the fact that this will cost working class Wisconsinites even more money-
Wisconsin residents would receive universal health care coverage through a plan paid for by workers and their employers starting in 2009, under a proposal state Senate Democrats will include in their version of the state budget.
Since the Democrats love watching the polls so much, did they happen to notice that Wisconsinites are more concerned with taxes than they are with health care.
The Governor and the Democrats have broken the faith with Wisconsin residents. They made a commitment and then failed to follow thru.
It is now up to the Republicans to fulfill the government’s responsibility to the taxpayers. After all, these guys do work for us.
It was not the Republicans in our state government that broke the faith with the Wisconsin taxpayer.
Today’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is demanding that the Republicans negotiate in good faith to pass the governor’s budget.
The good faith should have started with the governor.
On January 30, 2007, Governor Doyle promised tax cuts to the middle class of Wisconsin.
Two weeks from tonight, I’ll present a budget designed to do just that, while putting our fiscal house in order. It will cut waste and yes, cut taxes for hardworking Wisconsin families.
This is after spending his entire re-election campaign promising not to increase the taxes on Wisconsin’s hard working families.
Two weeks after Governor Doyle’s State of the State address to Wisconsin, the governor promptly proposed raising taxes and fees on every single Wisconsin taxpayer.
The good faith that we had been promised by Governor Doyle was promptly broken on February 13, 2007, when he rolled out his new budget.
The tax cuts the governor promised to Wisconsin’s middle class was swallowed under by a $1.7 billion tax and fee increases.
Governor Doyle and the democrats broke the faith with the Wisconsin taxpayers.
Like the MJS editorial board, I also expect good faith negotiations. Where the MJS is wrong is that they expect Republicans to negotiate in good faith to benefit Governor Doyle and the Democrat's budget.
Absolutely not!
I expect the Republicans to negotiate on my behalf and not on the behalf of government.
The Republicans have made a commitment to the taxpayers of Wisconsin that they will not raise their taxes. I expect them to keep that commitment.
To make matters even worse for the taxpayers, the Democrats in the state senate have decided to pile on even more taxes to Wisconsin’s middle class. As if this budget was not bad enough, they want $15 Billion more!
$15 Billion!
Let that sink in for a second.
It is stunning that will all of the heat the senate Democrats have taken for this budget; they would actually demand more money from the taxpayers.
Are they not listening?
Good grief. It seems every time the Democratic caucus meets, they come out of those meetings with new tax increase proposals.
It is not as if the Democrats are trying to hide the fact that this will cost working class Wisconsinites even more money-
Wisconsin residents would receive universal health care coverage through a plan paid for by workers and their employers starting in 2009, under a proposal state Senate Democrats will include in their version of the state budget.
Since the Democrats love watching the polls so much, did they happen to notice that Wisconsinites are more concerned with taxes than they are with health care.
The Governor and the Democrats have broken the faith with Wisconsin residents. They made a commitment and then failed to follow thru.
It is now up to the Republicans to fulfill the government’s responsibility to the taxpayers. After all, these guys do work for us.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Did he really say that?
What a goof Mort Kondrake is becoming.
Last year, when Congress' approval rating was low and they tossed out the Republicans, folks believed that the Republicans were to blame. Rightly so.
Now that the Democrats have control and Congress' numbers are even lower than the Republican controlled Congress, Kondrake believes that this is still the fault of the Republicans.
Check out this exchange:
HUME: All right, suppose, Mort, these numbers persist into 2008. Does this mean that the Republicans have a chance of getting back in in the Congress or is it going to be a pox on all houses?
KONDRACKE: Every indication is that what the public wants is a change. and my guess, the next change is to deliver the entire government into the hands of the Democrats, and let them try it, try their--
HUME: So the public, in your view, is blaming the Republicans, and that's why they don't like Congress?
KONDRACKE: They don't like what is happening in Washington, but one formula that has not been tried lately is all Democratic rule. We haven had a Democratic president, a Democratic Congress since the Clinton administration. And I think that the public will want to try that.
Huh? I don't know how Brit Hume kept from laughing in his face.
Thank goodness for the voice of reason:
KRAUTHAMMER: I find it hard to interrupt a drop in Congressional approval when liberals and Democrats take over as an indication that the public is going to want them even stronger in 2008. I think if anything, this bodes ill for Democrats.
Last year, when Congress' approval rating was low and they tossed out the Republicans, folks believed that the Republicans were to blame. Rightly so.
Now that the Democrats have control and Congress' numbers are even lower than the Republican controlled Congress, Kondrake believes that this is still the fault of the Republicans.
Check out this exchange:
HUME: All right, suppose, Mort, these numbers persist into 2008. Does this mean that the Republicans have a chance of getting back in in the Congress or is it going to be a pox on all houses?
KONDRACKE: Every indication is that what the public wants is a change. and my guess, the next change is to deliver the entire government into the hands of the Democrats, and let them try it, try their--
HUME: So the public, in your view, is blaming the Republicans, and that's why they don't like Congress?
KONDRACKE: They don't like what is happening in Washington, but one formula that has not been tried lately is all Democratic rule. We haven had a Democratic president, a Democratic Congress since the Clinton administration. And I think that the public will want to try that.
Huh? I don't know how Brit Hume kept from laughing in his face.
Thank goodness for the voice of reason:
KRAUTHAMMER: I find it hard to interrupt a drop in Congressional approval when liberals and Democrats take over as an indication that the public is going to want them even stronger in 2008. I think if anything, this bodes ill for Democrats.
Attention: Obama... In God we trust... not you!
Once again the liberals are attacking the Christian Right. This time they have sent candidate Barack Obama as their messenger.
This is yet another attempt by the liberals to silence the Christian right.
As a proud member of the Christian right, let me first start by saying that this does absolutely nothing to endear the Christians in the country to the Democratic Party. In fact, you drive the Christians away with this kind of rhetoric.
"At every opportunity, they've told evangelical Christians that Democrats disrespect their values and dislike their church, while suggesting to the rest of the country that religious Americans care only about issues like abortion and gay marriage, school prayer and intelligent design," according to an advance copy of his speech.
If you are wondering why a large majority of the Christians call themselves right wingers, the answer is very simple.
The Democrat Party has hijacked morality in this country. They have chosen to dictate what is the right thing to do.
For years, folks have been told, if it feels good do it. If you want it, take it. If you cannot take it, the Democrats will provide it for you.
The Democrats have even gone so far as to remove responsibility from society.
During that time, Democratic leaders have made excuses for criminals. It's not the criminal's fault, it is society's fault. How many times have the Democrats sided with the terrorists and his rights and totally ignored the rights of everyday Americans?
Just say the word "Gitmo" around a liberal and watch their head's spin!
Attention Barack Obama and all your left wing liberal disciples-
Christians answer to a higher power than the Democrat Party.
When we Christians claim "In God we trust" , we actually mean it.
When we Christians say "God bless America", we mean that too.
I think this is the real sticking point with Barack Obama and the liberal disciples- we do not put any of our faith and trust in the Democratic Party.
No, in fact, we place our faith and trust in God.
Instead of following the liberal teachings of the Democrats, we chose to teachings of a higher power.
For years the Democrats have attempted to squelch all religion from the public domain, and they have asked us to put our moral faith in them.
Well, things do not work that way. You cannot cream Christians for their religious beliefs and then ask them to vote for you.
The day liberals decided that killing babies was morally right, is the day they lost many Christians votes.
Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Howard Dean and the rest of the liberal disciples that bow to their god, known as the Democratic Party- you are all morally bankrupt!
Don't expect Christians to follow your religion known as the Democratic Party.
PS. Edited to add:
Apparently great minds think alike. Red State has a post up on this. I love their title: Obama To Christians: We Are The Way, The Truth, and The Life — Not Christ.
This is yet another attempt by the liberals to silence the Christian right.
As a proud member of the Christian right, let me first start by saying that this does absolutely nothing to endear the Christians in the country to the Democratic Party. In fact, you drive the Christians away with this kind of rhetoric.
"At every opportunity, they've told evangelical Christians that Democrats disrespect their values and dislike their church, while suggesting to the rest of the country that religious Americans care only about issues like abortion and gay marriage, school prayer and intelligent design," according to an advance copy of his speech.
If you are wondering why a large majority of the Christians call themselves right wingers, the answer is very simple.
The Democrat Party has hijacked morality in this country. They have chosen to dictate what is the right thing to do.
For years, folks have been told, if it feels good do it. If you want it, take it. If you cannot take it, the Democrats will provide it for you.
The Democrats have even gone so far as to remove responsibility from society.
During that time, Democratic leaders have made excuses for criminals. It's not the criminal's fault, it is society's fault. How many times have the Democrats sided with the terrorists and his rights and totally ignored the rights of everyday Americans?
Just say the word "Gitmo" around a liberal and watch their head's spin!
Attention Barack Obama and all your left wing liberal disciples-
Christians answer to a higher power than the Democrat Party.
When we Christians claim "In God we trust" , we actually mean it.
When we Christians say "God bless America", we mean that too.
I think this is the real sticking point with Barack Obama and the liberal disciples- we do not put any of our faith and trust in the Democratic Party.
No, in fact, we place our faith and trust in God.
Instead of following the liberal teachings of the Democrats, we chose to teachings of a higher power.
For years the Democrats have attempted to squelch all religion from the public domain, and they have asked us to put our moral faith in them.
Well, things do not work that way. You cannot cream Christians for their religious beliefs and then ask them to vote for you.
The day liberals decided that killing babies was morally right, is the day they lost many Christians votes.
Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Howard Dean and the rest of the liberal disciples that bow to their god, known as the Democratic Party- you are all morally bankrupt!
Don't expect Christians to follow your religion known as the Democratic Party.
PS. Edited to add:
Apparently great minds think alike. Red State has a post up on this. I love their title: Obama To Christians: We Are The Way, The Truth, and The Life — Not Christ.
Great article from George Will...
The attack on the Christian Right and free speech has hit a fevered pitch.
Check out what is happening in Oakland.
George Will:
Marriage is the foundation of the natural family and sustains family values. That sentence is inflammatory, perhaps even a hate crime.
At least it is in Oakland, Calif. That city's government says those words, italicized here, constitute something akin to hate speech and can be proscribed from the government's open e-mail system and employee bulletin board.
When the McCain-Feingold law empowered government to regulate the quantity, content and timing of political campaign speech about government, it was predictable that the right of free speech would increasingly be sacrificed to various social objectives that free speech supposedly impedes. And it was predictable that speech suppression would become an instrument of cultural combat, used to settle ideological scores and advance political agendas by silencing adversaries.
That has happened in Oakland. And, predictably, the ineffable U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit has ratified this abridgement of First Amendment protections. Fortunately, overturning the 9th Circuit is steady work for the U.S. Supreme Court.
continued...
Check out what is happening in Oakland.
George Will:
Marriage is the foundation of the natural family and sustains family values. That sentence is inflammatory, perhaps even a hate crime.
At least it is in Oakland, Calif. That city's government says those words, italicized here, constitute something akin to hate speech and can be proscribed from the government's open e-mail system and employee bulletin board.
When the McCain-Feingold law empowered government to regulate the quantity, content and timing of political campaign speech about government, it was predictable that the right of free speech would increasingly be sacrificed to various social objectives that free speech supposedly impedes. And it was predictable that speech suppression would become an instrument of cultural combat, used to settle ideological scores and advance political agendas by silencing adversaries.
That has happened in Oakland. And, predictably, the ineffable U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit has ratified this abridgement of First Amendment protections. Fortunately, overturning the 9th Circuit is steady work for the U.S. Supreme Court.
continued...
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Great job fellows
Great job everyone.
They were able to dismantle a bomb today with no injuries.
No, not in Bagdad. This took place in Milwaukee.
Is it a crisis yet, Mayor Barrett?
They were able to dismantle a bomb today with no injuries.
No, not in Bagdad. This took place in Milwaukee.
Is it a crisis yet, Mayor Barrett?
Friday, June 22, 2007
Pathetic job, Biskupic!
What an absolute joke this is-
Troha plea deal
A misdemeanor? This is just pathetic.
Clearly, campaign laws mean nothing.
What is up with the charges of only "conspiring to violate campaign laws"? What, Troha didn't actually VIOLATE the campaign laws?
More later...
Troha plea deal
A misdemeanor? This is just pathetic.
Clearly, campaign laws mean nothing.
What is up with the charges of only "conspiring to violate campaign laws"? What, Troha didn't actually VIOLATE the campaign laws?
More later...
Careful Edwards, the media are catching on...
Even if you can ignore the fact that John Edwards was banking some dollars with his "fight poverty" lingo, some of the rest of this stuff is harder to ignore-
However, the nonprofit Center for Promise and Opportunity offered distinct advantages to Edwards, its honorary chairman. The center's five officers all had worked for his previous presidential campaign, for example, and it appears to have paid for his travel to New Hampshire and several delegate-rich states.
The center wasn't subject to the limits imposed by federal election laws on a presidential exploratory committee, the first major step in raising money toward a bid. Meanwhile, it may have stretched the limits of tax law, which prohibits political nonprofits from having a primary purpose of supporting or opposing candidates.
What are they thinking?
My first thought when I read this, is whether or not the UAW accepted this.
Senate passes pro-renewables energy bill
Common sense tells us that this cannot be good for the American auto worker. For quite a few years, American cars and trucks were built big and tough. These are the types of vehicles Americans wanted- SUVs, minivans, etc.
No one could build these types of vehicles better than the American auto worker.
Now that the price of gas has soured, that is changing. These events are driving Americans to choose more fuel responsible vehicles.
However, American manufacturers are at a distinct disadvantage to the foreign manufacturers.
Then, the federal government stepped in. Instead of letting the markets drive Americans to more fuel efficient cars, the government feels the need to mandate change.
They just could not leave well enough alone.
When I read this news this morning- I immediately felt for the american auto worker. This could be devastating to some.
I was stunned to see the Democrats pushing this. How could they ignore one of their base groups, the UAW, and put the auto worker's jobs at risk?
Apparently, Detroit is not too happy this morning-
In a bitter defeat for Michigan automakers and lawmakers, the U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to hike fuel economy requirements 40 percent by 2020.
It is not like the Democrats did not know that the auto industry and the unions were against this.
The UAW was very vocal in coming out against this-
The United Auto Workers and the trade group that represents Detroit automakers sent strongly worded letters to a key Senate committee on Monday urging members to reject a bill that would dramatically raise fuel economy standards.
When do the Democrats actually start listening to the people that support them?
The latest move by the US Senate flies in the faces of the very people that have staunchly defended them.
Let's hope that the House has a little more sense that the Senate did.
Please vote "no" on this bill, Congressman Ryan.
Senate passes pro-renewables energy bill
Common sense tells us that this cannot be good for the American auto worker. For quite a few years, American cars and trucks were built big and tough. These are the types of vehicles Americans wanted- SUVs, minivans, etc.
No one could build these types of vehicles better than the American auto worker.
Now that the price of gas has soured, that is changing. These events are driving Americans to choose more fuel responsible vehicles.
However, American manufacturers are at a distinct disadvantage to the foreign manufacturers.
Then, the federal government stepped in. Instead of letting the markets drive Americans to more fuel efficient cars, the government feels the need to mandate change.
They just could not leave well enough alone.
When I read this news this morning- I immediately felt for the american auto worker. This could be devastating to some.
I was stunned to see the Democrats pushing this. How could they ignore one of their base groups, the UAW, and put the auto worker's jobs at risk?
Apparently, Detroit is not too happy this morning-
In a bitter defeat for Michigan automakers and lawmakers, the U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to hike fuel economy requirements 40 percent by 2020.
It is not like the Democrats did not know that the auto industry and the unions were against this.
The UAW was very vocal in coming out against this-
The United Auto Workers and the trade group that represents Detroit automakers sent strongly worded letters to a key Senate committee on Monday urging members to reject a bill that would dramatically raise fuel economy standards.
When do the Democrats actually start listening to the people that support them?
The latest move by the US Senate flies in the faces of the very people that have staunchly defended them.
Let's hope that the House has a little more sense that the Senate did.
Please vote "no" on this bill, Congressman Ryan.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Back on track?
It sure appears that the Brewers are back on track.
Making a home stand
They are back to 10 games above .500Vetoed!
I know I do not want my tax dollars paying for EMBRYONIC stem cell research, something I am morally opposed to. I am also encouraged by the President's executive order encouraging other forms of stem cell research.
"Once again, the Congress has sent me legislation that would compel American taxpayers, for the first time in our history, to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos," Mr. Bush said.
"Once again, the Congress has sent me legislation that would compel American taxpayers, for the first time in our history, to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos," Mr. Bush said.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The truth about the Democrats' budget
As the Democrats continue to dramatize the effect of not passing a budget, it is time to really look at this budget.
The spending increases are equally as dramatic as the Democrats are acting. I will get to that in a moment.
As I read thru this budget (yes, I am a geek), I am stunned by many of the blatant tax increases that really have very little to do with improving the quality of life here in Wisconsin.
Once you have taken a close look at this budget- like me, you will discover things that “curl your hair” or “chap your hide”- whichever cliche you like to use.
I am actually going to like to the Governor’s Budget proposals listed on the Governor’s website. Feel free to check out all of this information for yourself.
As we move forward, please not that the Democrats in the Assembly and the Senate have stated that they whole-heartedly support Governor Doyle’s budget.
Department of Administration
Let us start with the Democrat’s proposals for the Department of Administration:
In 2006- the DOA spent $593,468,200
In 2007- projected DOA spending $765,743,600
Let us stop here for a second. Holy Cow! What in heaven’s name, did we spend an additional $172,275,400 on this year? That is a walloping 29% spending increase between last year and this year. I would like an explanation from someone, as to why this happened.
In the 2007-2009 budget, the Department of Administration requested:
Total Budget requested by DOA- $1,547,773,600.
That DOA is requesting an additional $188,561,800 for the next 2 year budget.
Apparently, the Democrats do not believe that an additional $188+ million is nearly enough money to effectively run the DOA so they are requesting even more money than the agency believes they need.
Here are the details:
The governor is requesting a total of $1,579,078,300.
The governor is asking for $31,304,700 more than the DOA believes they need.
If this budget passes, the DOA’s budget will go up by $219,866,500.
So, what does the DOA need an additional $219 million dollars for?
Among other things, the Democrats want to grow the size of government in the DOA. Even though the agency does not believe they need any more employees, the Democrats will increase the DOA by an additional 121 people by 2009. At first glance, it appears that the majority of the new hires will be for “supervision and management”.
Oh goody- that is all government needs, more supervisors and managers! (Sarcasm)
Don’t believe me? See for yourself.
That is only one department.
Office of the Governor
Now let’s take a look at the budget for the Office of the Governor
In 2006- they spent $3,280,900
In 2007- they will spend about $3,866,600
Spending also went up in this office by over $500,000 between ’06 and ’07 (Why?)
In the ’07 to ’09 budget the agency is requesting a total of $948,100 additional dollars.
Of course, the Governor and the Democrats do not believe that almost a million dollar increase is enough, so they are asking for even more money than the agency believes they need.
The Democrats budget is giving the Office of the Governor a total of $8,806,200.
The total increase the Democrats will give to the Office of the Governor is $1,658,700.
So why does the Office of the Governor need an additional $1,658,700?
At first glance, it appears that the Democrats also want to hire new people for the Office of the Governor. Even thought that agency does not believe they need new people, the Democrats are giving them an additional four employees. These new hires will be for office staff.
Don’t believe me? Look it up.
This is only scratching the surface of the Democrat’s budget. We will find very similar problems in every department of state government.
I will continue to update you are I go along with the budget.
What I do know is that not all of the excessive spending is necessary.
It is time for Wisconsinites to understand what is actually in this budget and what we can do to hold our government accountable for tax increases.
The spending increases are equally as dramatic as the Democrats are acting. I will get to that in a moment.
As I read thru this budget (yes, I am a geek), I am stunned by many of the blatant tax increases that really have very little to do with improving the quality of life here in Wisconsin.
Once you have taken a close look at this budget- like me, you will discover things that “curl your hair” or “chap your hide”- whichever cliche you like to use.
I am actually going to like to the Governor’s Budget proposals listed on the Governor’s website. Feel free to check out all of this information for yourself.
As we move forward, please not that the Democrats in the Assembly and the Senate have stated that they whole-heartedly support Governor Doyle’s budget.
Department of Administration
Let us start with the Democrat’s proposals for the Department of Administration:
In 2006- the DOA spent $593,468,200
In 2007- projected DOA spending $765,743,600
Let us stop here for a second. Holy Cow! What in heaven’s name, did we spend an additional $172,275,400 on this year? That is a walloping 29% spending increase between last year and this year. I would like an explanation from someone, as to why this happened.
In the 2007-2009 budget, the Department of Administration requested:
Total Budget requested by DOA- $1,547,773,600.
That DOA is requesting an additional $188,561,800 for the next 2 year budget.
Apparently, the Democrats do not believe that an additional $188+ million is nearly enough money to effectively run the DOA so they are requesting even more money than the agency believes they need.
Here are the details:
The governor is requesting a total of $1,579,078,300.
The governor is asking for $31,304,700 more than the DOA believes they need.
If this budget passes, the DOA’s budget will go up by $219,866,500.
So, what does the DOA need an additional $219 million dollars for?
Among other things, the Democrats want to grow the size of government in the DOA. Even though the agency does not believe they need any more employees, the Democrats will increase the DOA by an additional 121 people by 2009. At first glance, it appears that the majority of the new hires will be for “supervision and management”.
Oh goody- that is all government needs, more supervisors and managers! (Sarcasm)
Don’t believe me? See for yourself.
That is only one department.
Office of the Governor
Now let’s take a look at the budget for the Office of the Governor
In 2006- they spent $3,280,900
In 2007- they will spend about $3,866,600
Spending also went up in this office by over $500,000 between ’06 and ’07 (Why?)
In the ’07 to ’09 budget the agency is requesting a total of $948,100 additional dollars.
Of course, the Governor and the Democrats do not believe that almost a million dollar increase is enough, so they are asking for even more money than the agency believes they need.
The Democrats budget is giving the Office of the Governor a total of $8,806,200.
The total increase the Democrats will give to the Office of the Governor is $1,658,700.
So why does the Office of the Governor need an additional $1,658,700?
At first glance, it appears that the Democrats also want to hire new people for the Office of the Governor. Even thought that agency does not believe they need new people, the Democrats are giving them an additional four employees. These new hires will be for office staff.
Don’t believe me? Look it up.
This is only scratching the surface of the Democrat’s budget. We will find very similar problems in every department of state government.
I will continue to update you are I go along with the budget.
What I do know is that not all of the excessive spending is necessary.
It is time for Wisconsinites to understand what is actually in this budget and what we can do to hold our government accountable for tax increases.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Let's push our guy to victory
Prince Fielder needs our help.
Voting for the All-Star Game is running neck and neck for first base between Fielder and Pujols.
Prince Fielder has earned our respect- so let's help him make it to the All Star game.
You are allowed to vote early and vote often.
PS. There are a few other Brewers that have come thru for us this year(Hardy)- let's see if we cannot get JJ to the All Star game also.
Voting for the All-Star Game is running neck and neck for first base between Fielder and Pujols.
Prince Fielder has earned our respect- so let's help him make it to the All Star game.
You are allowed to vote early and vote often.
PS. There are a few other Brewers that have come thru for us this year(Hardy)- let's see if we cannot get JJ to the All Star game also.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Democratic Chicken Little: Cluck! Cluck! The sky is falling!
As entertaining as it is to watch the Democrats running around clucking that the sky is falling, perhaps it is time to bring a little honesty to the budget process.
Democrats are playing their typical tax increase game. If they do not get their tax increases in this year’s budget, they are telling Wisconsinites essentially, “the sky is falling”.
Governor Doyle:
The governor has said that not taking action on a new two-year spending plan would be devastating to such important programs as public schools, transportation, health care and prisons.
What is just as bad, if not worse, is the fact that the media is helping the Democratic cluckers make this claim. Check out these claims in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
No limits on the future property tax levies of cities, counties, towns and villages. Limits that had been in place to control property taxes over the last two years expired on Jan. 1; Doyle had recommended in his budget 4% limits or growth in new construction, whichever is greater.
A potential 50% cut in the number of highway construction projects that could be bid in both the 2008 and '09 construction cycles and "minimal" work to start rebuilding Milwaukee's Zoo Interchange and I-94 from Milwaukee south to the Illinois state line. The governor's budget recommended extensive construction work on those two projects.
Certainly, not passing a budget could very well trigger some of these things happening. However, there are fixes. Unfortunately, MJS is not telling folks about all of these fixes.
As we all know, government has no problems passing spending bills, whether we need them or not. In fact, I am convinced; government knows every trick in the book in order to spend money. No one spends money faster than government officials.
Would it be that difficult for the legislators to pass a bill that would keep the schools moving along without allowing schools to jack the taxes as high as possible?
Of course they can!
Could the legislators pass a tax cap for property taxes, until a budget is passed?
Of course they can!
In fact, a lot can be done to keep state programs moving. The sky is not falling!
By the way, make no doubt about it, the Democrats will do everything in their power to increase your taxes. They have no problems with this budget. Even when their own constituents are hollering, they are ignoring them.
From MJS-
Democratic leaders promise that it will include all of Doyle's tax increases and dozens of new spending programs.
Why am I not surprised?
“Cluck, cluck, cluck!” go the Democrats.
“Up, up, up!” go my taxes!
Let us be perfectly clear, not passing this ridiculous budget is a good thing.
Not passing this budget does not mean that Wisconsin government shuts down. Not passing this budget does not mean that Wisconsin schools will shut down.
School doors will once again open in the fall. Prisoners will still be in prison.
The Democrats and Governor Doyle must be stopped from increasing our taxes. Spending is thru the roof on this budget.
Republicans- we are counting on you to curb the spending and stopping all tax and fee increases. If it means that no budget passes in the near future, so be it!
Democrats are playing their typical tax increase game. If they do not get their tax increases in this year’s budget, they are telling Wisconsinites essentially, “the sky is falling”.
Governor Doyle:
The governor has said that not taking action on a new two-year spending plan would be devastating to such important programs as public schools, transportation, health care and prisons.
What is just as bad, if not worse, is the fact that the media is helping the Democratic cluckers make this claim. Check out these claims in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
No limits on the future property tax levies of cities, counties, towns and villages. Limits that had been in place to control property taxes over the last two years expired on Jan. 1; Doyle had recommended in his budget 4% limits or growth in new construction, whichever is greater.
A potential 50% cut in the number of highway construction projects that could be bid in both the 2008 and '09 construction cycles and "minimal" work to start rebuilding Milwaukee's Zoo Interchange and I-94 from Milwaukee south to the Illinois state line. The governor's budget recommended extensive construction work on those two projects.
Certainly, not passing a budget could very well trigger some of these things happening. However, there are fixes. Unfortunately, MJS is not telling folks about all of these fixes.
As we all know, government has no problems passing spending bills, whether we need them or not. In fact, I am convinced; government knows every trick in the book in order to spend money. No one spends money faster than government officials.
Would it be that difficult for the legislators to pass a bill that would keep the schools moving along without allowing schools to jack the taxes as high as possible?
Of course they can!
Could the legislators pass a tax cap for property taxes, until a budget is passed?
Of course they can!
In fact, a lot can be done to keep state programs moving. The sky is not falling!
By the way, make no doubt about it, the Democrats will do everything in their power to increase your taxes. They have no problems with this budget. Even when their own constituents are hollering, they are ignoring them.
From MJS-
Democratic leaders promise that it will include all of Doyle's tax increases and dozens of new spending programs.
Why am I not surprised?
“Cluck, cluck, cluck!” go the Democrats.
“Up, up, up!” go my taxes!
Let us be perfectly clear, not passing this ridiculous budget is a good thing.
Not passing this budget does not mean that Wisconsin government shuts down. Not passing this budget does not mean that Wisconsin schools will shut down.
School doors will once again open in the fall. Prisoners will still be in prison.
The Democrats and Governor Doyle must be stopped from increasing our taxes. Spending is thru the roof on this budget.
Republicans- we are counting on you to curb the spending and stopping all tax and fee increases. If it means that no budget passes in the near future, so be it!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Kenosha County’s Dairy Breakfast
Wow- this is great news. This year’s Kenosha County Dairy Breakfast will be at Eppers Farm.
It was only a few short months ago that the Eppers Farm had a devastating fire destroyed a barn and killed 1/3 of their dairy herd.
It will be great if everyone could head out the dairy breakfast on Saturday, June 16 to see all of the great work that the Eppers family and friends have done to recover from this disaster. It will be great to see how hardworking Wisconsin’s dairy farmers are.
Come on folks- it is only $5 to attend.
Kenosha County’s Dairy Breakfast
Eppers Farm
24213 18th St
Saturday 6am to 10am
Cost: $5 with children 6 and under free
It was only a few short months ago that the Eppers Farm had a devastating fire destroyed a barn and killed 1/3 of their dairy herd.
It will be great if everyone could head out the dairy breakfast on Saturday, June 16 to see all of the great work that the Eppers family and friends have done to recover from this disaster. It will be great to see how hardworking Wisconsin’s dairy farmers are.
Come on folks- it is only $5 to attend.
Kenosha County’s Dairy Breakfast
Eppers Farm
24213 18th St
Saturday 6am to 10am
Cost: $5 with children 6 and under free
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Prayers for Rahjeen Mitchell
Another innocent child has been caught up in the violence in Milwaukee-
Caught in dispute, girl is shot
12-year-old is unintended victim; condition is critical
Prayers for Rahjeen and her family.
Caught in dispute, girl is shot
12-year-old is unintended victim; condition is critical
Prayers for Rahjeen and her family.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Do people care about this issue?
For months we have heard from the media and the political pundits about Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and the firing of eight prosecutors.
Quite honestly, I am not sure how many people care about this subject.
Normally, when the media and political pundits work themselves up over an issue, you find that Americans also get worked up.
Now, I have only taken my own personal impromptu poll, so this is not scientific.
I have plenty of friends who are Democrats ranging from hard core to mild mannered voters. I also have some friends who call themselves independents.
Over the last month or so, I have asked many of these friends- "Should Attorney General Alberto Gonzales be fired?".
The number one answer when I asked this question was "Who is Alberto Gonzales?" Sigh!
I was surprised by a few hardcore Democrats who said "No, Bush can fire whomever he wants."
Of course, there who two hardcore Dems that exclaimed "Yes". When I asked why- one started bashing Bush over the Iraq war. The other one started ranting about the Patriot Act. Neither of them discussed the issue at hand, the eight procecuters that were actually fired.
As the media works itself into another tizzy today, I want to ask you folks.
Does America care about Alberto Gonzales and the eight fired prosecuters?
Quite honestly, I am not sure how many people care about this subject.
Normally, when the media and political pundits work themselves up over an issue, you find that Americans also get worked up.
Now, I have only taken my own personal impromptu poll, so this is not scientific.
I have plenty of friends who are Democrats ranging from hard core to mild mannered voters. I also have some friends who call themselves independents.
Over the last month or so, I have asked many of these friends- "Should Attorney General Alberto Gonzales be fired?".
The number one answer when I asked this question was "Who is Alberto Gonzales?" Sigh!
I was surprised by a few hardcore Democrats who said "No, Bush can fire whomever he wants."
Of course, there who two hardcore Dems that exclaimed "Yes". When I asked why- one started bashing Bush over the Iraq war. The other one started ranting about the Patriot Act. Neither of them discussed the issue at hand, the eight procecuters that were actually fired.
As the media works itself into another tizzy today, I want to ask you folks.
Does America care about Alberto Gonzales and the eight fired prosecuters?
The future of Wisconsin’s children are not the Governor’s priority, WEAC is
As I read the headlines in today’s Milwaukee Journal, I am not surprised the least bit surprised.
The taxpayers are once again bearing the burden for government greed.
Shift in voucher funding sought
The man who likes to call himself the “education” governor is once again proving that educating children is not important to him.
Milwaukee Mayor Barrett is fussing over the fact that the school voucher program that sends public school children to private schools for a better education is costing the Milwaukee taxpayers even more. I cannot blame the Mayor for being upset, he is right.
Let us start with a few basic facts first.
A child gets a better education at a private school than they do at a public school. I do not think there is any doubt about this statement. There is a reason that many parents sacrifice so much extra money in order to send their kids to private schools.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Milwaukee taxpayer is paying about $2000 per pupil to send kids to public school and $2975 per pupil to send kids to private school.
The reason this is such an outrage is that funding these private school vouchers costs the taxpayers less, not more.
In the ’05-06 school year, it costs $11,885 in Milwaukee to send a child to public school. In that same time frame, it costs $6610 for vouchers to send them to private schools.
Wow- it is actually $5275 per pupil less to send a child to a private school and the child will get a better education!
Why are the cost savings for sending kids to a private school using the voucher system not being passed on to the state taxpayers?
After all year after year, not only the Milwaukee taxpayers, but all Wisconsin taxpayers are paying more and more out for educating students.
Clearly, it appears that the Governor and the state are absorbing the cost savings in the voucher program, then turning around and raising our taxes to fund public schools each year. On top of that, they are forcing the local government to increase property taxes and school taxes because they are not funding as much as they should fund.
Every taxpayer in the state is being raided because the Governor Doyle and the Democrats. All of us pay state taxes, after all.
When there was an opportunity to fix this problem a few weeks ago, every single Democrat in the Joint Finance Committee actually voted against fixing the problem.
What is stunning about all of this is that Governor Jim Doyle likes to call himself the “education” governor.
However, children are getting a better education by using the school choice system and still the governor and the Democrats are against fully funding the program.
Why is that? Why are the “education” governor and the Democrats against fully funding the school choice program?
That answer is simple.
WEAC!
WEAC does not like the school choice program.
As long as WEAC continues to fund Governor Doyle and the Democrats, a child’s education will take a back seat.
Here is a perfect opportunity to provide Wisconsin’s children with a better education and it actually costs less.
Instead of taking this opportunity, Governor Doyle and the Democrats would rather concern themselves with whether or not WEAC will continue to fund their future political aspirations.
The future of Wisconsin’s children are not the Governor’s priority, WEAC is!
The taxpayers are once again bearing the burden for government greed.
Shift in voucher funding sought
The man who likes to call himself the “education” governor is once again proving that educating children is not important to him.
Milwaukee Mayor Barrett is fussing over the fact that the school voucher program that sends public school children to private schools for a better education is costing the Milwaukee taxpayers even more. I cannot blame the Mayor for being upset, he is right.
Let us start with a few basic facts first.
A child gets a better education at a private school than they do at a public school. I do not think there is any doubt about this statement. There is a reason that many parents sacrifice so much extra money in order to send their kids to private schools.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Milwaukee taxpayer is paying about $2000 per pupil to send kids to public school and $2975 per pupil to send kids to private school.
The reason this is such an outrage is that funding these private school vouchers costs the taxpayers less, not more.
In the ’05-06 school year, it costs $11,885 in Milwaukee to send a child to public school. In that same time frame, it costs $6610 for vouchers to send them to private schools.
Wow- it is actually $5275 per pupil less to send a child to a private school and the child will get a better education!
Why are the cost savings for sending kids to a private school using the voucher system not being passed on to the state taxpayers?
After all year after year, not only the Milwaukee taxpayers, but all Wisconsin taxpayers are paying more and more out for educating students.
Clearly, it appears that the Governor and the state are absorbing the cost savings in the voucher program, then turning around and raising our taxes to fund public schools each year. On top of that, they are forcing the local government to increase property taxes and school taxes because they are not funding as much as they should fund.
Every taxpayer in the state is being raided because the Governor Doyle and the Democrats. All of us pay state taxes, after all.
When there was an opportunity to fix this problem a few weeks ago, every single Democrat in the Joint Finance Committee actually voted against fixing the problem.
What is stunning about all of this is that Governor Jim Doyle likes to call himself the “education” governor.
However, children are getting a better education by using the school choice system and still the governor and the Democrats are against fully funding the program.
Why is that? Why are the “education” governor and the Democrats against fully funding the school choice program?
That answer is simple.
WEAC!
WEAC does not like the school choice program.
As long as WEAC continues to fund Governor Doyle and the Democrats, a child’s education will take a back seat.
Here is a perfect opportunity to provide Wisconsin’s children with a better education and it actually costs less.
Instead of taking this opportunity, Governor Doyle and the Democrats would rather concern themselves with whether or not WEAC will continue to fund their future political aspirations.
The future of Wisconsin’s children are not the Governor’s priority, WEAC is!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Now this is a start...
The man federal authorities say is an illegal immigrant who assumed the identity of a dead relative and became a Milwaukee police officer is off the payroll, a Police Department spokeswoman said Monday.
continued...
This should be interesting to watch as the investigation moves forward.
continued...
This should be interesting to watch as the investigation moves forward.
Seriously folks, can we use our heads here?
I understand the whole Republican vs. Democrat thing, but seriously folks, we need to stop announcing our plans to our enemies.
Joe Lieberman needs to not threaten Iran-
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, an independent from Connecticut and chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, said over the weekend the United States should be prepared to use military force to stop Iran from training and equipping Iraqi militants blamed for the deaths of U.S. troops in Iraq.
...
He advocated a military strike in retaliation, saying much of the job could be done with air strikes.
Harry Reid needs to not appease Iran-
"The invasion of (Iran) is only going to destabilize that part of the world more," Reid said on Monday after speaking at a forum hosted by the Center for American Progress think tank.
I know politicians love to hear themselves talk, but neither of these men are helping the delicate situation with Iran.
Perhaps these two men could have had this discussion in private, instead of the media.
Joe Lieberman needs to not threaten Iran-
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, an independent from Connecticut and chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, said over the weekend the United States should be prepared to use military force to stop Iran from training and equipping Iraqi militants blamed for the deaths of U.S. troops in Iraq.
...
He advocated a military strike in retaliation, saying much of the job could be done with air strikes.
Harry Reid needs to not appease Iran-
"The invasion of (Iran) is only going to destabilize that part of the world more," Reid said on Monday after speaking at a forum hosted by the Center for American Progress think tank.
I know politicians love to hear themselves talk, but neither of these men are helping the delicate situation with Iran.
Perhaps these two men could have had this discussion in private, instead of the media.
Monday, June 11, 2007
I'll believe it when I see it
Well, we have heard this one before-
Chrysler to make major investment in Wis. engine plant
This is the first positive news we have heard in months.
A year ago, we heard about possible big investment plans in Kenosha.
Chrysler may invest in Kenosha
4 months ago, we heard that the huge investment in Kenosha was off the table-
Kenosha factory plans dropped
A month ago, we heard that Chrysler had been sold to a private group for only 20% of it's value.
Sale clouds plant's future in Kenosha
Then, a little over a week ago, we heard that Mexico received a promise of a new plant-
Chrysler plans plant in Mexico, No word yet on impact in Kenosha
Last Friday we heard that more Chrysler workers than originally planned were accepting the buy-out plans-
Chrysler Buyouts Sought By More Workers Than Planned
Today we hear that another new project is being planned.
Of course, we still have to face the new ownership and the plans they will start making this fall.
So what is really going to happen?
Who know?
What I do know is that Kenosha needs this. Not only do the 850 current employees need this, but the thousands of retirees still living in Kenosha also need this.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Chrysler to make major investment in Wis. engine plant
This is the first positive news we have heard in months.
A year ago, we heard about possible big investment plans in Kenosha.
Chrysler may invest in Kenosha
4 months ago, we heard that the huge investment in Kenosha was off the table-
Kenosha factory plans dropped
A month ago, we heard that Chrysler had been sold to a private group for only 20% of it's value.
Sale clouds plant's future in Kenosha
Then, a little over a week ago, we heard that Mexico received a promise of a new plant-
Chrysler plans plant in Mexico, No word yet on impact in Kenosha
Last Friday we heard that more Chrysler workers than originally planned were accepting the buy-out plans-
Chrysler Buyouts Sought By More Workers Than Planned
Today we hear that another new project is being planned.
Of course, we still have to face the new ownership and the plans they will start making this fall.
So what is really going to happen?
Who know?
What I do know is that Kenosha needs this. Not only do the 850 current employees need this, but the thousands of retirees still living in Kenosha also need this.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Oops, they did it again and again and again....
Over and over and over again, each Democrat on the Joint Finance Committee voted to support Governor Doyle's massive tax increases.
Not one single Democrat had the courage to stand up for the people of Wisconsin.
Instead every single Democrat on the committee fought with reckless abandon to pile on to the Wisconsin taxpayers. It is almost like the pressure put on the taxpayers never crossed their minds. Never once did it cross the minds of these Democrats to control spending. In fact they increased spending.
This is absolutely one of the worst budgets I have ever seen written. Normally, government attempts to hide tax increases in a budget.
Not this time. This tax increases are being loudly defended and loudly cheered by the Democrats in the legislatures.
Check out these tax increases-
The cigarette tax gets to stay- 8 Democrats voted for it, 8 Republicans voted against it.
Higher gas prices- 8 Democrats voted for it, 8 Republicans voted against it.
Higher taxes on hospital stays were no problem for the Democrats- once again, the vote was 8-8. The Republicans tried to get the hospital tax removed- the Dems would not hear of it.
and on and on.
These Democrats even had the audacity to fight for a $5.00 tax on small business just to file their taxes!
5 lousy bucks and the Democrats could not let it go. How pathetic!
Tax increase after tax increase after tax increase, the Dems stood together. They want your money and they want it now!
Check out these tax increases-
The cigarette tax gets to stay- 8 Democrats voted for it, 8 Republicans voted against it.
Higher gas prices- 8 Democrats voted for it, 8 Republicans voted against it.
Higher taxes on hospital stays were no problem for the Democrats- once again, the vote was 8-8. The Republicans tried to get the hospital tax removed- the Dems would not hear of it.
and on and on.
These Democrats even had the audacity to fight for a $5.00 tax on small business just to file their taxes!
5 lousy bucks and the Democrats could not let it go. How pathetic!
Tax increase after tax increase after tax increase, the Dems stood together. They want your money and they want it now!
Friday, June 08, 2007
Immigration deal is over.
This is good news for many conservatives.
What I do not understand is why so many Senators voted to end debate on this issue.
All but seven Republicans voted against ending debate, with many arguing they needed more time to make the bill tougher with tighter border security measures and a more arduous legalization process for unlawful immigrants.
All but 11 Democrats supported the move, but they, too, were holding their noses at provisions of the bill. Many of them argued it makes second-class citizens of a new crop of temporary workers and rips apart families by prioritizing employability over blood ties in future immigration.
Still, they had argued that the measure, on balance, was worth advancing.
If the bill was so bad, why vote to send it forward anyway?
What I do not understand is why so many Senators voted to end debate on this issue.
All but seven Republicans voted against ending debate, with many arguing they needed more time to make the bill tougher with tighter border security measures and a more arduous legalization process for unlawful immigrants.
All but 11 Democrats supported the move, but they, too, were holding their noses at provisions of the bill. Many of them argued it makes second-class citizens of a new crop of temporary workers and rips apart families by prioritizing employability over blood ties in future immigration.
Still, they had argued that the measure, on balance, was worth advancing.
If the bill was so bad, why vote to send it forward anyway?
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
In Remembrance....
I spent part of the day today scanning thru online newspapers and web pages looking for some kind of recognition of today's date in history. I was sorely disappointed.
However, I believe this is a hugely important day for all of us to remember.
June 6, 1944 D-Day
On June 6, 1944 over 150,000 American, British and Canadian troops raided the beaches of Normandy.
Over 13,000 paratroopers dropped in behind German enemy lines.
The exact number of casualty figures is debatable.
However, at least 9,000 to 12,000 Allied troops lost their lives in that one day alone.
It is believed that over 60,000 Allied troops lost their lives to take and hold that piece of land.
Every time I look at the following photos, I often wonder what kind of incredible courage it took for each and every soldier to step off the platform into the water or to hurl their bodies out of airplane into the unknown.
"Almighty God. Our sons, pride of our nations, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor. A struggle to preserve our republic, our religion and our civilization and to set free a suffering humanity. They will be sore tried by night and by day without rest until the victory is won. Some will never return. Embrace these Father and receive them, the heroic servants, into Thy Kingdom." - President Roosevelt's prayer on D-Day
It is my belief that these courageous men saved the world.
Thank you.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
New mystery charge filed against McGee
I am actually starting to feel sorry for McGee's attorney. The charges against McGee are piling up so fast, he must feel like he is trapped in the middle of a firestorm right now.
Prosecutors filed a new criminal charge today against Milwaukee Ald. Michael McGee, Jr., today, but kept it secret pending a likely legal fight over whether tapes of taped conversations can be used in court.Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said he was barred from discussing the new charge under state law dealing with wiretaps. Chisholm agreed to turn over to McGee's attorney the recordings of the wire-tapped conversations, which were made by the FBI late last month. Chisholm also will provide copies of the recordings to the attorney for McGee's two co-defendants.McGee was previously charged with conspiring with two other men to assault a family friend they suspected of burglarizing the home of Little Al Stewart, described as McGee's godfather. Stewart, 52, and Dimitrius L. Jackson, 38, were also charged in the case.Details of those charges will remain under seal, along with the new charge, Circuit Court Judge Dennis Moroney ruled today in court.Defense lawyers for McGee, Stewart and Jackson will have 10 days to review the tapes and decide whether to seek to have them suppressed. Chisholm has previously said he'll push to have the tapes admitted into evidence in the case.Moroney said he would rule on a defense motion to suppress the tapes within about three days of receiving it, but warned that a hearing on suppression would be closed to the press and public. The unusual step is allowed under a state Supreme Court decision regarding use of wire-tapped conversations in criminal cases.The judge set the next hearing in the case for June 22, when the tape issue as well as other pretrial matters can be heard.McGee, as well as his two co-defendants, did not speak during today's hearing. About three dozen supporters of McGee stood and many returned a clenched fist salute to McGee when he entered the courtroom.McGee is being held in Milwaukee County Jail on $100,000 bail. Jackson also remains in the jail, but Stewart is free on $20,000 bail. Stewart declined to talk to reporters after the hearing.
Prosecutors filed a new criminal charge today against Milwaukee Ald. Michael McGee, Jr., today, but kept it secret pending a likely legal fight over whether tapes of taped conversations can be used in court.Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm said he was barred from discussing the new charge under state law dealing with wiretaps. Chisholm agreed to turn over to McGee's attorney the recordings of the wire-tapped conversations, which were made by the FBI late last month. Chisholm also will provide copies of the recordings to the attorney for McGee's two co-defendants.McGee was previously charged with conspiring with two other men to assault a family friend they suspected of burglarizing the home of Little Al Stewart, described as McGee's godfather. Stewart, 52, and Dimitrius L. Jackson, 38, were also charged in the case.Details of those charges will remain under seal, along with the new charge, Circuit Court Judge Dennis Moroney ruled today in court.Defense lawyers for McGee, Stewart and Jackson will have 10 days to review the tapes and decide whether to seek to have them suppressed. Chisholm has previously said he'll push to have the tapes admitted into evidence in the case.Moroney said he would rule on a defense motion to suppress the tapes within about three days of receiving it, but warned that a hearing on suppression would be closed to the press and public. The unusual step is allowed under a state Supreme Court decision regarding use of wire-tapped conversations in criminal cases.The judge set the next hearing in the case for June 22, when the tape issue as well as other pretrial matters can be heard.McGee, as well as his two co-defendants, did not speak during today's hearing. About three dozen supporters of McGee stood and many returned a clenched fist salute to McGee when he entered the courtroom.McGee is being held in Milwaukee County Jail on $100,000 bail. Jackson also remains in the jail, but Stewart is free on $20,000 bail. Stewart declined to talk to reporters after the hearing.
Things that make you go "Huh?"
I think there may be some confusion taking place in the media.
First- this story ran in Sunday's GM Today paper-
Seeing red in a blue state
It is a nice story and all, but I am certain that Chairman Courtney resigned in May to spend more time with his family.
It appears the story originally ran in April, but was run again this past Sunday. What is even more confusing is the fact that WisPolitics picked up on this story and ran in on June 3 also.
Here is another confusing story-
Huebsch not worried about blog pledges
Apparently, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is under the belief that it is the responsibility of Assembly Majority leader Mike Huebsch to get Governor Doyle's super sized tax increase budget passed.
Nope- it is the responsibility of Assembly Minority leader Jim Krueser to get the the bloated tax increase budget passed.
First- this story ran in Sunday's GM Today paper-
Seeing red in a blue state
It is a nice story and all, but I am certain that Chairman Courtney resigned in May to spend more time with his family.
It appears the story originally ran in April, but was run again this past Sunday. What is even more confusing is the fact that WisPolitics picked up on this story and ran in on June 3 also.
Here is another confusing story-
Huebsch not worried about blog pledges
Apparently, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is under the belief that it is the responsibility of Assembly Majority leader Mike Huebsch to get Governor Doyle's super sized tax increase budget passed.
Nope- it is the responsibility of Assembly Minority leader Jim Krueser to get the the bloated tax increase budget passed.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Finally, Jefferson is indicted
Over a year after finding $90K in his freezer- Democrat Rep. William Jefferson is finally indicted.
Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., has been indicted in a bribery investigation involving business deals he tried to broker in Africa.
continued...
Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., has been indicted in a bribery investigation involving business deals he tried to broker in Africa.
continued...
Vote buying- the ultimate betrayal
How could they do it?
How could any American actually pay cash for someone to vote?
To me, it is the ultimate betrayal of American values.
I am certain that I am not the only American or Wisconsinite that feels that vote buying is the ultimate betrayal of American values.
When reading about the new charges brought against a McGee supporter for buying votes, I have to say, most Wisconsinites are not the least bit surprised. Wisconsinites knew it was happening long before McGee and his cohorts in crime starting buying votes.
For years, vote buying has been a common practice.
Congress has made it a daily habit to buy votes via pork projects. The problem has gotten so bad that it is now standard practice in congress.
Even as recently as the Iraq war funding bill in Congress, the Democrats crushed the bill down with $21 billion in pork projects in order to buy certain votes from certain members of Congress. Without these projects, who knows if the bill would have passed on merit alone.
On the state level, the problem is also focused on special interest money. During the 2004 election cycle- incumbent State Senator Bob Wirch received $586,663 from special interests groups. Alone, Senator Wirch did not even raise half that amount of money.($216,801) Senator Wirch's opponent, Reince Priebus, only received $5961. That is about one-tenth of the money that Wirch received.
WEAC alone, spent $569,270 to get Senator Wirch re-elected.
With these types of staggering numbers, is their any doubt that Senator Wirch will be very loyal to WEAC? After all, WEAC has bought and paid for his loyalty.
We see that vote buying has trickled down to the local political level as well.
Only now, cold hard cash is being handed out by politicians or political supporters to get people to the polls.
This is totally pathetic. We have a system that is totally out of control.
Politicians can squawk about pretend election reform and pretend campaign reform. However, if truth be told, only the voters will be able to fix the system.
As voters, it is time for us to demand integrity.
For years, Wisconsin voters have overwhelmingly supported a voter ID requirement in order to vote.
However, Governor Doyle and the Democrats have stood in the way of Voter ID and bringing back integrity to the system.
Governor Doyle has vetoed a simple requirement of voter ID on three separate occasions.
This is truly stunning considering the fact that even a majority of Democrats want a Voter ID requirement. Less than a year ago- 78% of Wisconsinites wanted a voter ID requirement.
Ignoring all of these folks, the Democrats in Wisconsin have hurled accusations at Republicans stating that we just do not want the elderly or the minorities to vote.
That is hogwash! Democrats are only trying to provide a distraction as they continue to fail to bring a honest open system of government to the people.
Just like most of Wisconsin, Republicans want to take one single small step towards bringing integrity back to a very damaged system.
Voter ID will not end vote fraud. It is one step in the right direction to bring confidence back to the voters that our election system can be honest again.
I know this- our forefathers never imagined that our system would end up becoming this damaged. During the women's suffrage movement- this is not the kind of system women were hoping to join.
During the civil rights movement, this dishonest system was not what Martin Luther King dreamed about. Being the type of man he was
Step #2- eliminate same day registration.
As voters, we have been betrayed!
It is time to take the first step towards a open and honest government. Call your legislators and demand voter ID!
How could any American actually pay cash for someone to vote?
To me, it is the ultimate betrayal of American values.
I am certain that I am not the only American or Wisconsinite that feels that vote buying is the ultimate betrayal of American values.
When reading about the new charges brought against a McGee supporter for buying votes, I have to say, most Wisconsinites are not the least bit surprised. Wisconsinites knew it was happening long before McGee and his cohorts in crime starting buying votes.
For years, vote buying has been a common practice.
Congress has made it a daily habit to buy votes via pork projects. The problem has gotten so bad that it is now standard practice in congress.
Even as recently as the Iraq war funding bill in Congress, the Democrats crushed the bill down with $21 billion in pork projects in order to buy certain votes from certain members of Congress. Without these projects, who knows if the bill would have passed on merit alone.
On the state level, the problem is also focused on special interest money. During the 2004 election cycle- incumbent State Senator Bob Wirch received $586,663 from special interests groups. Alone, Senator Wirch did not even raise half that amount of money.($216,801) Senator Wirch's opponent, Reince Priebus, only received $5961. That is about one-tenth of the money that Wirch received.
WEAC alone, spent $569,270 to get Senator Wirch re-elected.
With these types of staggering numbers, is their any doubt that Senator Wirch will be very loyal to WEAC? After all, WEAC has bought and paid for his loyalty.
We see that vote buying has trickled down to the local political level as well.
Only now, cold hard cash is being handed out by politicians or political supporters to get people to the polls.
This is totally pathetic. We have a system that is totally out of control.
Politicians can squawk about pretend election reform and pretend campaign reform. However, if truth be told, only the voters will be able to fix the system.
As voters, it is time for us to demand integrity.
For years, Wisconsin voters have overwhelmingly supported a voter ID requirement in order to vote.
However, Governor Doyle and the Democrats have stood in the way of Voter ID and bringing back integrity to the system.
Governor Doyle has vetoed a simple requirement of voter ID on three separate occasions.
This is truly stunning considering the fact that even a majority of Democrats want a Voter ID requirement. Less than a year ago- 78% of Wisconsinites wanted a voter ID requirement.
Ignoring all of these folks, the Democrats in Wisconsin have hurled accusations at Republicans stating that we just do not want the elderly or the minorities to vote.
That is hogwash! Democrats are only trying to provide a distraction as they continue to fail to bring a honest open system of government to the people.
Just like most of Wisconsin, Republicans want to take one single small step towards bringing integrity back to a very damaged system.
Voter ID will not end vote fraud. It is one step in the right direction to bring confidence back to the voters that our election system can be honest again.
I know this- our forefathers never imagined that our system would end up becoming this damaged. During the women's suffrage movement- this is not the kind of system women were hoping to join.
During the civil rights movement, this dishonest system was not what Martin Luther King dreamed about. Being the type of man he was
Step #2- eliminate same day registration.
As voters, we have been betrayed!
It is time to take the first step towards a open and honest government. Call your legislators and demand voter ID!
Felons should finish paying their debt to society first
Way to go Reince.
Posted in Saturday's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Reince is correct. It is time for us to find a little common sense when it comes to our voting system.
A man convicted of a dozen serious crimes - ranging from armed burglary to sexual assault - was in and out of prison for years and is set to be paroled soon.
Another, who is a registered sex offender, committed crimes several times and is now on probation.
They both say they've cleaned up their acts, and now they want to vote.
It seems obvious: If you don't have enough respect for the law to abide by it, you shouldn't be able to be a part of the process that decides and writes those laws for everyone else. Unfortunately, this principle isn't quite as obvious to some.
When a felon is sentenced, the sentence usually consists of jail time, probation time and other forms of supervision. There are folks in Wisconsin, and in our own state Legislature, who want to restore voting rights to felons as soon as they are released from prison but before these felons complete their entire sentences.
This is a slap in the face to the overwhelming majority of people who abide by our laws and refrain from committing serious crimes. Parole and probation are part of the state's corrections process, and felons remain under the state's supervision for many reasons. Those who have not completed their sentences have not paid their debt to society and shouldn't be allowed to vote until they have done so.
Some say felons should be able to vote earlier because it helps them reintegrate into society. However, instead of tarnishing the rights of others by using the voting process as a reintegration tool, let's make sure convicted felons are properly integrated into society first before we allow them to make decisions about how the rest of us live our lives.
Remember, the reason these potential voters are convicted felons is because they spurned our system of democratically enacted laws. These criminals chose their own destiny, and that choice must have consequences.
In America, voting is a right, but even rights have some limitations.
For good reason, our laws don't allow just anyone to vote. Children can't vote because they have not reached the age of majority. Non-citizens can't vote because they are not afforded the right to do so under the Constitution, and they have no standing to vote. Convicted felons still serving their sentences should be no different.
As a society, we have established several limitations on convicted felons. This is nothing new. Among other things, we don't allow felons to own firearms or to hold certain jobs. We don't allow sexual predators to work and live in certain areas. We don't allow forgers and perjurers to hold certain governmental jobs.
So why on Earth would we trust felons still serving a sentence to take part in our democratic process - to make important decisions that influence how law-abiding citizens live their lives? It's akin to allowing your 2-year-old to choose the dinner meal. If that happened, surely M&Ms and cookies would be on the menu every night.
The Supreme Court has long concluded that the 14th Amendment allows states to deny voting rights to these felons because their past acts have proved them unworthy of voting.
And what does it say about us - as a society - when the day has come that enforcing a complete sentence upon a felon is somehow considered inhumane?
Convicted felons have a debt to pay to society. Once it is paid in full, they can vote again. But to allow them to vote while still serving their sentence is absurd.
Reince Priebus is chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.
Posted in Saturday's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Reince is correct. It is time for us to find a little common sense when it comes to our voting system.
A man convicted of a dozen serious crimes - ranging from armed burglary to sexual assault - was in and out of prison for years and is set to be paroled soon.
Another, who is a registered sex offender, committed crimes several times and is now on probation.
They both say they've cleaned up their acts, and now they want to vote.
It seems obvious: If you don't have enough respect for the law to abide by it, you shouldn't be able to be a part of the process that decides and writes those laws for everyone else. Unfortunately, this principle isn't quite as obvious to some.
When a felon is sentenced, the sentence usually consists of jail time, probation time and other forms of supervision. There are folks in Wisconsin, and in our own state Legislature, who want to restore voting rights to felons as soon as they are released from prison but before these felons complete their entire sentences.
This is a slap in the face to the overwhelming majority of people who abide by our laws and refrain from committing serious crimes. Parole and probation are part of the state's corrections process, and felons remain under the state's supervision for many reasons. Those who have not completed their sentences have not paid their debt to society and shouldn't be allowed to vote until they have done so.
Some say felons should be able to vote earlier because it helps them reintegrate into society. However, instead of tarnishing the rights of others by using the voting process as a reintegration tool, let's make sure convicted felons are properly integrated into society first before we allow them to make decisions about how the rest of us live our lives.
Remember, the reason these potential voters are convicted felons is because they spurned our system of democratically enacted laws. These criminals chose their own destiny, and that choice must have consequences.
In America, voting is a right, but even rights have some limitations.
For good reason, our laws don't allow just anyone to vote. Children can't vote because they have not reached the age of majority. Non-citizens can't vote because they are not afforded the right to do so under the Constitution, and they have no standing to vote. Convicted felons still serving their sentences should be no different.
As a society, we have established several limitations on convicted felons. This is nothing new. Among other things, we don't allow felons to own firearms or to hold certain jobs. We don't allow sexual predators to work and live in certain areas. We don't allow forgers and perjurers to hold certain governmental jobs.
So why on Earth would we trust felons still serving a sentence to take part in our democratic process - to make important decisions that influence how law-abiding citizens live their lives? It's akin to allowing your 2-year-old to choose the dinner meal. If that happened, surely M&Ms and cookies would be on the menu every night.
The Supreme Court has long concluded that the 14th Amendment allows states to deny voting rights to these felons because their past acts have proved them unworthy of voting.
And what does it say about us - as a society - when the day has come that enforcing a complete sentence upon a felon is somehow considered inhumane?
Convicted felons have a debt to pay to society. Once it is paid in full, they can vote again. But to allow them to vote while still serving their sentence is absurd.
Reince Priebus is chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Not great, but not bad either
The economy is chugging along-
Employers showed a decent appetite to hire in May, boosting payrolls by 157,000, the most in two months. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.5 percent.
Employers showed a decent appetite to hire in May, boosting payrolls by 157,000, the most in two months. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.5 percent.
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