Government Unions and Bankrupting America

Here's a primer on public employee unions and what they're doing to the country:

Paul Ryan 2012 Reelection

The lead story of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel online edition is a "what if" piece by Craig Gilbert.

It's a Democrat fantasy about Paul Ryan struggling to win reelection and the possibility of him losing.

It's a very odd article, something that reads more like Democrat party campaign literature than news.

As the fiscal voice of the GOP and the architect of its plan to scale back Medicare, Paul Ryan is the Republican many Democrats would most like to defeat next year.

A Ryan loss would cost his party a lot more than a seat in Congress. It would deprive it of one of its most influential figures. And it would be a huge blow to its policy agenda, which Ryan has played a central role in crafting.

Could Ryan, often touted as a candidate for Senate or even president, lose a re-election bid for his own U.S. House seat?

That would be a shock. By any conventional calculus, the odds are substantially against it.

At the same time, Democrats are correct in saying this contest won't be a nonevent like Ryan's past campaigns. Wisconsin has been turned upside down politically since the last time Ryan was on a ballot.

"It will definitely be a race he's not used to running," says his likely Democratic opponent, Kenosha County Supervisor Rob Zerban.

In other words, prepare for national money to probably pour into the state again, this time to bloody Ryan.

I'm sure Obama would encourage roughing Ryan up.

Gilbert concludes:

Ryan will enjoy obvious advantages next year (money, the makeup of the district, his own political skills, his electoral history). But there are major wild cards: the political fallout from his Medicare plan, the impact of having Obama on the ballot (and possibly even Walker if there's a successful recall drive next year), and the mad intensity of Wisconsin politics these days.

Gilbert seems to be giving a "you gotta believe" pep talk to Democrats: Stop Ryan. Recall Walker. Reelect Obama.

I think Obama being on the ballot will help Ryan, not hurt him.

This election is going to be a referendum on Obama's policies and his stunning ineffectiveness, especially in terms of the economy.

Wisconsin Recall Elections and Obama

Obama and his political machine are meddling in Wisconsin politics.

Here's an e-mail from Obama's campaign operation:

Friend --

On August 9th, Wisconsin voters will go back to the polls to decide whether six Republican senators have failed to serve the needs of Wisconsin's hard-working families.

Senate Republicans broke the trust of Wisconsinites earlier this year when they forced drastic cuts in funding for schools, seniors, and the disabled to cut taxes for their own contributors.

Since then, hundreds of OFA Wisconsin supporters across the state have spoken up, saying they want to have an impact in the recall elections in August. So in the coming weeks, volunteers will be organizing their networks, working phone banks, and knocking on doors to get the word out about what's at stake on August 9th -- and this Saturday, there's an event in Glendale.

Can you make it? Here are the details:

What: Wisconsin legislative recall event

Where: 6807 N Green Bay Ave
Glendale, WI 53209

When: Saturday, July 23rd
10:00 am

If you can't make that event, find another one near you here.

Six Republican-held seats are up for grabs on August 9th -- and two more held by Democrats are up on the 16th.

While the campaign remains focused on re-electing the President, Organizing for America will provide support to OFA Wisconsin volunteers organizing around Democratic candidates in the recall elections.

I hope you can join the event in Glendale on Saturday. Sign up here:

http://wi.barackobama.com/Wisconsin-Recall-Events

Thanks,

Michelle

Michelle Kleppe
Wisconsin State Field Director
Organizing for America

Clearly, Obama considers Wisconsin to be vital to his own political future. It's no surprise that he's poking around in our state politics.

It's no surprise that Obama is waging class warfare and distorting what Governor Scott Walker and the Republicans have accomplished for Wisconsin's families.

Instead of being divisive and being a big labor hack, Obama should learn from Scott Walker and the Republicans.

"Wet blanket" Obama should observe the successes and reconsider his policies.

Wisconsin Jobs

Check it out, Wisconsin:

Net new jobs in June in WI: 9,500. Net new jobs in June in America: 18,000.

Amazing!

Wisconsin is open for business.

Thank you, Governor Scott Walker!


________________

Read "JUNE JOBS, UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS ANNOUNCED FOR STATE."

Rob Cowles Threatened

According to an unnamed prominent Green Bay-area business leader, Republican Wisconsin State Senator Rob Cowles was "threatened" by Gov. Scott Walker's office.

Cowles was told that if he didn't vote for the Budget Repair Bill, the administration would run a Tea Party candidate against him.

This was reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Dan Bice, union member.

He tosses out charges against the Governor's office without naming the accuser.

Bice provides quotes from the "prominent business leader" that literally puts words in Cowles' mouth.

Bice makes the case that although he doesn't name the "prominent business leader," he's not anonymous.

The Green Bay-area business leader, who has not given campaign money to Democrats or Republicans, contacted No Quarter last week and spoke on background, meaning the paper knows the individual's identity. But the leader asked not to be identified by name in the Journal Sentinel because doing so would hurt the person's business and industry relationships.

Poor baby!

Being identified would hurt the leader's business and industry relationships.

Then why contact Bice?

The leader probably was confident that Bice would run the story that puts Walker's office in a negative light without expecting the leader to go on the record.

The Journal Sentinel knows the leader's identity.

So what?

Let the public know who is making the accusations or don't run the story. This is just gossip.

Very Bice.
__________________

UPDATE: Cowles fires back at Milwaukee report of intimidation

State Senator Rob Cowles is firing back at a story in the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel which alleges Governor Walker threatened to put up a Tea Party candidate against him, if he didn’t vote for Walker’s bill to limit public union bargaining.

"There was never any effort by the governor's office to intimidate any of us," the Allouez Republican says. "There were some aspects of the process that some of us didn't like, but there was never any effort to threaten us with any primaries, the whole story is a fabrication."

The paper says Cowles made the remark when he called a prominent Green Bay area business leader to seek support in his recall election next month.

Columnist Dan Bice said the business leader asked to stay anonymous. But the person quoted Cowles as saying “I didn’t like this bill, either … I didn’t like being put in this position … but the governor’s office told us if we didn’t give them our support, they would run a Tea Party candidate against us.”

...Cowles says it's an effort by national unions to smear him to try and defeat him in the August 9th recall election. He maintains his long-time support for the budget repair bill.

"When the private sector has been bludgeoned by this difficult recession, the public sector has to be part of the solution," Cowles says. "That bill brought some fairness between the government sector and the private sector."

Cowles rips Bice's story to shreds.

That's gotta hurt.

Chris Abele: Campaign Fundraiser, County Employees

Chris Abele isn't much of a stickler when it comes to following the rules.

During the county executive campaign, we learned of Abele's habitual violations.

For example:

Chris Abele: Parking Tickets

Chris Abele: OWI

Chris Abele: Fireworks

Chris Abele: Tax Lien

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Abele not only had a history of dismissing the rules, but it's still a pattern he follows.

Abele's campaign solicited from county employees

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele's campaign improperly solicited donations from county employees, seeking their attendance at a $50-per-person fundraiser held at Abele's home, an Abele campaign aide said Wednesday.

Abele said he was unaware of the county ban and would do whatever was necessary to ensure such solicitations won't happen again.

"I want to avoid even the appearance of impropriety," Abele said. Soliciting campaign contributions from county workers "sends the wrong message," he said. "I certainly in no way expect, nor have I asked, nor would I ever ask, any employee to support anyone other than someone they felt good with."

Patrick Gurasci, a campaign aide to Abele, took responsibility for what he called a mistake and said the telephone solicitation for a barbecue fundraiser at Abele's Lake Drive mansion on Monday had likely been made to about 30 to 40 county staffers. Gurasci said an automated phone call inviting people to the event came from a list of Abele supporters, as well as others.

The barbecue fundraiser was also listed on Abele's campaign website as his "Annual BBQ with Chris Abele." It suggested donations of $50 for supporters to $3,000 for his "executive's circle." There was no intention of targeting county staffers in the solicitation, Gurasci said.

He said the campaign so far had discovered only one $100 donation from one county employee and his spouse from the Monday event. The money was returned, Gurasci said. That donation was from Jeff Bentoff, Abele's spokesman and deputy chief of staff, and Bentoff's wife, Julie Penman, a former Milwaukee city official.

...Violations of the county ethics code carry fines of up to $1,000.

Assistant District Attorney Bruce Landgraf said he hadn't received any complaints about donation solicitations under the county ordinance. In similar instances of violations of campaign law that appear inadvertent and were corrected by the candidate, "we have considered that it was a good faith mistake," Landgraf said.

Good grief.

Abele was in violation of the county ethics code but the violation of campaign law appears to be inadvertent. It was a "good faith mistake."

When did the Journal Sentinel ever cut Scott Walker this kind of slack?

The newspaper would have tarred and feathered Walker for soliciting from county employees.

Abele is extremely inexperienced. But don't his aides have a bit more awareness of something like the county ethics code?

Apparently not.

No problem. The liberal media aren't troubled with Abele being caught soliciting from county employees.

Abele just made a tiny "good faith mistake."

Collective Bargaining Law Takes Effect

It's been a long painful process and taken a long time but Governor Scott Walker and Republican legislators can finally say "mission accomplished."

The budget repair bill takes effect today.

From the Associated Press:

After months of heated debate, ear-splitting protests and legal maneuvering, Gov. Scott Walker's divisive collective bargaining law is finally set to take effect.

Secretary of State Doug LaFollette published the law in the Wisconsin State Journal newspaper on Tuesday. The measure goes into effect Wednesday, capping an ugly four months in Madison that saw state senators flee the state and massive protests at the state Capitol.

The 14 Democrat senators who fled the state to avoid voting on the bill couldn't stop it.

Thousands of protesters couldn't stop it.

LaFollette couldn't stop it.

Judge Maryann Sumi couldn't stop it.

The law takes effect today.

Everything seems to be OK.

Apocalypse not now.

Walker Signs Budget

Yesterday, at a private ceremony in Green Bay, Governor Scott Walker made good on his promise to balance the budget, eliminating a $3.6 billion deficit without raising taxes.

It's not perfect. Nothing is. But it's good.

Of course, the Leftists are saying it's a disaster.

I think that's the clearest indication that the budget is good for the state, putting Wisconsin on a path to prosperity.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Gov. Scott Walker signed a two-year $66 billion budget Sunday that will cut nearly $800 million from public schools, expand taxpayer support for private voucher schools, cut taxes for investors and businesses, clamp down on property taxes and put the state's finances in better shape than they've been in for more than a decade.

Using the vast veto powers of Wisconsin governors, Walker struck out dozens of budget provisions, including one that would have allowed bail bondsmen in Wisconsin. He also used his veto pen to bar public employees from collecting pensions unless they work for a state or local government for five years or more, set up new possible limits on a family-planning program and allow state officials to do more no-bid contracts.

As previously announced, the GOP governor also vetoed a provision that would have allowed most fired Milwaukee police officers to continue to receive pay while they appealed their dismissals.

Walker's 50 vetoes were less extensive compared with those issued by previous governors, but that's due largely to the fact that Walker's fellow Republicans run both houses of the Legislature and worked closely with the governor in crafting the legislation. Walker has the broadest veto powers of any governor nationwide, allowing him to strike out entire provisions of the budget or rewrite sections by selectively crossing out words.

Wearing khakis, a blue shirt and no tie, Walker signed the budget Sunday afternoon before a crowd of about 100 at Fox Valley Metal-Tech - a site chosen to highlight a tax cut for manufacturers included in the budget.

...A few hundred protesters gathered outside Fox Valley Metal-Tech, chanting "Shame!" as Walker's guests drove into the parking lot. They held signs decrying budget cuts and chanted, "Recall Walker!"

The budget - Walker's first since taking office in January - closes a $3 billion shortfall over the next two years largely without relying on tax increases. It raises spending by $1.1 billion, or 1.8% over two years, and leaves the state with an estimated $300 million surplus in its main account by June 2013. Republicans in the Legislature passed the budget earlier this month on party-line votes.

"Our balanced budget makes tough choices while also providing a path to prosperity for our state and our people," Walker said in a 20-minute speech. "Through honest budgeting, we are providing an alternative to the reckless tricks and gimmicks of the past. To move forward together, we are acknowledging that we have to make sacrifices to protect the next generation by decreasing the serious debt that they would otherwise inherit."

Fiscal responsibility.

What a concept!

Video from FOX 6 News:

 

Chris Liebenthal: Suspended

Finally, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter, union member and "willing partner" Dan Bice has provided his readers with information on public employee Chris Liebenthal's abuses on the job.

Bice writes:

Lefty blogger Chris Liebenthal was suspended for 10 days without pay earlier this year for using his county computer for personal purposes, recently obtained records show.

"It is clear that Mr. Liebenthal blatantly violated the Use of Technology Policy over the course of a year on numerous occasions and was in violation of the above Civil Service rules," wrote Geri Lyday, interim director of the Department of Health and Human Services, earlier this year.

The suspension cost Liebenthal - a social worker and official with the county employees union - $2,051 in county pay, said Mark Stein, an interim department administrator.

Bice doesn't tell his readers that "Lefty blogger Chris Liebenthal" is more than just an anti-Scott Walker crusader.

Bice doesn't mention the fact that Chris "Capper" Liebenthal is the author of Whallah! It's a despicable blog, founded on cruelty and harassment.

Tax dollars at work!

Bice continues:

Liebenthal became the target of allies of then-County Executive Scott Walker, now the governor, after a Walker aide resigned in May 2010 for doing political activity during work hours.

Citizens for Responsible Government, a pro-Walker outfit, urged investigators to decide whether Liebenthal, a county worker, had been using his taxpayer-funded computer to post on any of his various blogs.

After seizing his work computer, prosecutors found last year he had engaged in political activity at work but decided not to file charges, saying it was more of a personnel issue.

Earlier this year, Lyday concluded that Liebenthal - who goes by the name Capper in his anti-Walker blogs - had broken two rules, one for wasting time at work and the other for doing personal activities during the workday. The original recommendation was for a 15-day suspension.

Lyday said she found no evidence that the blogger had used county equipment to post on his blogs.

"Mr. Liebenthal acknowledged that he did use his County computer for personal use but that all activity has ceased," Lyday wrote.

In March, Liebenthal agreed not to fight the matter and to affirm that "the charges are well founded" in exchange for the suspension being dropped to 10 days, according to records obtained by No Quarter.

Bice makes it sound like Liebenthal was a victim.

"Liebenthal became the target of allies of then-County Executive Scott Walker, now the governor, after a Walker aide resigned in May 2010 for doing political activity during work hours."

Poor "Capper" became a target.

Why doesn't Bice put the emphasis on the fact that taxpayer employee Liebenthal "blatantly violated the Use of Technology Policy over the course of a year on numerous occasions and was in violation of the above Civil Service rules," rather than paint him as the victim of a political witch hunt?

Also, why did it take so long for Bice to get around to sharing the story of Liebenthal's suspension with his readers? Why did he provide that cover for Liebenthal? The timing of the revelations is strange.

Moreover, Bice doesn't acknowledge that he targeted Darlene Wink, a Scott Walker staffer at the time. He doesn't highlight his personal role in outing Wink and his significant role in her eventual resignation. That's a major omission.

I think it's interesting that the investigation into Liebenthal's online political activity being funded by taxpayers only took into account what he did last year.

Are we to believe that Liebenthal hadn't been engaging in this inappropriate activity for significantly longer?

I suspect the taxpayers have been funding public employee, union member, Democrat Liebenthal's "wasting time at work" for years.

And Liebenthal is still on the job.

Protests, WI Capitol, June 16, 2011

Here's video of the pathetic protesters at the Capitol in Madison on Thursday, the night the Senate passed the budget:



Fizzle.

WI Senate Passes Budget

The Wisconsin State Senate passed the budget, 19 Republicans voting for it and 14 Democrats against.

The Democrats actually voted. They didn't flee the state and head to Illinois this time.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

The Legislature on Thursday handed Gov. Scott Walker his budget remolding government at every level, even as new details emerged on how it could lead to the expansion of the state's school voucher program to many districts around the state.

The Assembly passed the measure 60-38 at 3 a.m. Thursday, and 19 hours later the Senate approved it 19-14. All Republicans were in favor of it, and all Democrats were opposed.

Because senators made no changes to it, it will go straight to the Republican governor without having to return to the Assembly. Walker is expected to sign the bill soon, and he will have the ability to reshape it with his vast partial-veto powers.

Walker can "reshape it with his vast partial-veto powers."

Reporters Patrick Marley and Jason Stein make it sound like Walker has some evil powers that the previous governor, Democrat Jim Doyle, did not.

Although the spin is predictable, that makes it no less annoying.

The legislative approval cemented Walker's bid to solve a $3 billion two-year shortfall by cutting spending on schools, local governments and public workers' benefits rather than raising taxes. The approval would end one chapter in one of the most tumultuous legislative sessions in decades that opened in February with Walker's legislation ending most union bargaining for public workers.

In the budget, Racine would begin a school choice program right away, but other school districts could eventually meet the criteria to be folded into the program. A Senate leader, however, said Republicans would accept the expansion of school choice, but then change it soon with separate legislation so vouchers cannot go beyond Racine.

State Superintendent Tony Evers denounced the Assembly for adding the choice expansion to the budget at 2:30 a.m. Thursday , saying the proposal could eventually lead to voucher programs in Green Bay and then possibly Appleton, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Madison, Oshkosh, Sheboygan, Superior and West Allis.

"Once again in the middle of the night, the majority party in the Assembly voted to expand taxpayer-funded vouchers for religious and private schools. This time the result is a hidden expansion of vouchers statewide," Evers said in a statement. "Wisconsin is now set to expand vouchers for private and religious schools, while making a catastrophic . . . cut in funding for public schools."

But Republicans, including an aide to Walker, said they would take action to ensure that voucher programs would be available only to students from Milwaukee and eastern Racine County.

...The details of the voucher expansion became clear just before protesters disrupted Senate proceedings by chanting "Kill the bill!" and locking themselves to the railings in the public galleries. Also Thursday, the Department of Administration and the Wisconsin State Employees Union reached an agreement that will open all eight entrances to the Capitol beginning on Monday, ending months of restricted access.

After the 10 p.m. Senate vote, Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) urged senators to leave quickly because of "security concerns." Some senators were escorted away by law enforcement.

...Small protests broke out throughout the Senate proceedings. In the evening, a group of demonstrators bellowed at senators from just outside the chamber while state troopers lined up in front of them.

What? No zombies?

 

Walker, Special Olympics, Protests (Video)

Although the Leftist, anti-Scott Walker protesters in Madison love to chant, "SHAME, SHAME, SHAME," it's clear that they are shameless.

These protesters thought it would be appropriate to target Governor Scott Walker as he gave a speech at a Special Olympics event at the Capitol in Madison.

Really? Disrupt a Special Olympics event to satisfy their own agenda?

The MacIver Institute is tweeting photos of the protest.


Union protesters picket the Gov. Walker's speech at a Special Olympics ceremony in Madison


Classy union supporter picketing Gov. Walker's speech at Special Olympics ceremony.Dozens of kids here


Pro-union Zombies protest Gov Scott Walker at Special Olympics event at State Capitol


As Gov Walker began speaking to Special Olympians, #wiunion zombie protesters walk in front of athletes

The protesters stepped in front of the athletes as Gov. Walker began to address them!

That is disgusting.

Why make the kids involved with Special Olympics suffer? Why disrupt their event?

SHAME, SHAME, SHAME.

Here's video, from MacIver Institute:



Again, disgusting.

This really makes me sick. It's such an inappropriate display, incredibly selfish and thoughtless.

It truly reveals what these Leftists are all about -- THEMSELVES.

Someone on the Left should speak out against these disgraceful tactics and apologize for the actions of their comrades.

Support the Special Olympics.
________________

UPDATE, June 9, 2011: Protest organizers disavow Special Olympics demonstration

Opponents of Gov. Scott Walker were backing away from a demonstration against him held Wednesday at a Special Olympics event, even as organizers of the ceremony said the protesters did not disrupt it.

Also Wednesday, state Capitol Police removed a dozen protesters dressed as zombies from the office of Rep. Robin Vos (R-Rochester) on Wednesday and arrested them.

Matt Guidry, a spokesman for the United Council of University of Wisconsin Students, which organized the Vos protest, said his group did not back the demonstration during the noon hour Special Olympics ceremony attended by Walker, though some of the same zombie demonstrators were involved.

"That was not associated with anything that United Council was doing," Guidry said. "That doesn't make us look that good."

...Rachel Grant, a spokeswoman for the Special Olympics, said officials were nervous when the zombie protesters first arrived but they turned out to be peaceful.

"We were all a little bit on edge, but it turned out for the best," Grant said. "Nothing was disruptive at all."

Kelly Kloepping, another Special Olympics official, said the protesters were respectful and did not diminish the excitement the Special Olympians felt about being in Madison to meet Walker and other leaders.

"We feel it's really about the athletes," Kloepping said. "We knew the protesters were there, but they were respectful of our athletes."

State Treasurer Kurt Schuller, a GOP official whose daughter was a Special Olympics competitor, denounced the demonstration in a statement.

"To be confronted by protesters, who will never understand the personal challenges that these Special Olympians face, who decided to politicize a nonpolitical event, shows a complete lack of civility when civility is something we should all be working toward," he said.

A few things--

---This story is national. Otherwise, I doubt protest organizers would distance themselves from this disgrace.

---It's amazing to me that the Journal Sentinel was able to dig up comments by Special Olympics officials practically praising the Zombies and other protesters.

"Nothing was disruptive at all."

"[T]hey were respectful of our athletes."

WHAT? They can't be serious!

That is very weird. Really bizarre.

How can standing between the Governor and the athletes be deemed respectful? How can that be deemed to be not "disruptive at all"?

I'd be very interested to know if the national office of Special Olympics has the same take as these "officials."

Obscene, Deranged Leftist Attacks WI Republicans

Charlie Sykes shares a profanity-riddled e-mail sent to Wisconsin State Senator Michael Ellis from a raving Leftist lunatic.

* LANGUAGE ALERT *

From: bismarc otto [mailto:ikonsareholy@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2011 3:59 PM
To: Sen.Ellis
Cc: Sen.Fitzgerald
Subject: Fake Dems by you fake Americans ass***s NAZI BITCHES.

***Hey Ellis SHUT THE F*CK UP & SIT DOWN like the KOCH Bitch you & your sister/wife ARE. Fitzgerald your sex butt Banging buddy is now telling us you inbred NAZIs are running fake Dems & he supports it like he loves raw gay sex w/his brother. This is what the f*ck you UN AMERICAN asswipes are. Liars, cheats like Hopper(oh yeah has his children seen him since last year?)& criminals like Walker. You support a C*NT like Palin which we saw dead people in Tucson, AZ. This is what you want, F*CK YOU as we want our nation back. We don't want your f*cking nite mare. You assho**s should if you had any ethics RESIGN NOW & GET the F*CK OUT of America. I hear Libya is looking for a new dictator, you can go NOW. GET THE F*CK OUT, please.
Scott Mann
PS The US Supreme Court has ruled 21 to 0 swearing is FREE SPEECH, get used it to NAZI WHORES.

Yikes.

This one gets really rough.

So much for liberals occupying the moral highground.

This guy is a disgrace to his Leftist comrades.

Maybe MSNBC will book him for an interview.

He should have CC'd Ed Schultz.

Walker: 'Wishes in the Wind'

There have been some changes at the Governor's mansion in Madison.

In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, artwork and artifacts from that era have been placed on the first floor.

Displaying pieces reflecting this pivotal time in America's history meant that some works of art were removed, like "Wishes in the Wind," by David Lenz.



Something this innocuous would never be manipulated and twisted to criticize Governor Scott Walker, right?

Wrong.

Union member and "willing partner" Dan Bice, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, writes that the artwork shuffle raises eyebrows.

Good grief, what lunacy!

Artist David Lenz has seen his work displayed prominently in the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery and the Milwaukee Art Museum.

But Lenz couldn't make the cut with Gov. Scott Walker and the Executive Residence.

Earlier this year, the governor and first lady Tonette Walker took down Lenz's painting "Wishes in the Wind," a realistic portrait of three children - one black, one Hispanic and one white - playing with bubble wands on a Milwaukee street.

Commissioned by the foundation that runs the governor's Maple Bluff residence, the painting was completed and placed prominently above the fireplace mantel in the drawing room in November.

The governor and first lady have replaced it with a century-old painting of Old Abe, a Civil War-era bald eagle from Wisconsin.

Lenz described himself as "deeply disappointed" by the decision to take down his artwork. He is scheduled to talk at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Milwaukee Art Museum about his paintings, including "Wishes in the Wind."

"This seems symbolic," said Lenz, referring to Walker's proposed cuts in state funding for Milwaukee schools and city and county services, something he said would have a disproportionate impact on low-income youngsters. "You would think we could all agree on the need to support the hopes and dreams of children."

A spokesman for the governor dismissed the criticism.

"Not true," said Walker's press secretary Cullen Werwie.

After being told of Lenz's remarks, the governor's office issued a news release Friday offering an explanation for changing the mansion's interior design. To honor the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the release said, the Walkers have decided to place artifacts and paintings from that era throughout the first floor.

The Walker administration is working on a deal to lend Lenz's painting to the Milwaukee Public Library. Werwie emphasized that many more people will see the painting there than at the governor's residence.

The criticism of Governor Walker is ridiculous. It's as ridiculous as it is relentless.

Switching the painting isn't some sinister move on Walker's part. It doesn't indicate that he has no concern for the homeless or minority children or drunk driving victims.

It's nuts to make that suggestion.

Artist David Lenz made exactly that argument, Bice aiding and abetting.

..."The homeless, central city children and victims of drunk drivers normally do not have a voice in politics," Lenz explained in an email. "This painting was an opportunity for future governors to look these three children in the eye, and I hope, contemplate how their public policies might affect them and other children like them."

He added: "I guess that was a conversation Governor Walker did not want to have."

This is crazy.

It's absolutely crazy.

Bice, mouthpiece for the anti-Walker contingent, has gone off the deep end with this one.

...In 2005, the state Executive Residence Foundation began commissioning paintings by Wisconsin artists on subjects intended to remind state leaders of the people they represent. Milwaukee-area businessman Richard Pieper and his wife, Suzanne, fund the project.

...Even so, Pieper said he saw nothing symbolic in Walker's decision to remove the painting, saying the suggestion was "fecal matter."

Pieper makes complete sense.

Bice isn't satisfied. He follows Pieper's remark with this:

The businessman gave $9,800 to Walker's campaign fund during the last gubernatorial campaign and $4,800 to his Democratic opponent, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

In other words, Pieper is giving Walker a pass.

That is so lame.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel should be embarrassed for trying to sell this story as news, taking a simple change in decor and shamelessly blowing it out of proportion, giving it a meaning that doesn't exist.

It's nothing but another manufactured attack on Walker.

It's positively goofy.

Walkerville Camp, Madison

People in Madison protesting Governor Scott Walker and Republican lawmakers trying to save the state of Wisconsin appear to have studied extreme Leftist Cindy Sheehan's 2005 playbook.

In the summer of 2005, Sheehan set up Camp Casey, in the name of her son killed in Iraq, to protest the war.

Sheehan's stunt lured protesters and the media to her Crawford, Texas tent city near President Bush's ranch. Naturally, the liberal media adored Sheehan and fed the spectacle.

The Leftists plan a similar stunt in Madison.

From the Wisconsin State Journal:

With lawmakers gearing up for a vote on the state budget, a “Walkerville” camp similar to the one that sprang up during the protests at the state Capitol earlier this year may be returning this weekend — this time to the terraces of Mifflin and Carroll streets.

We Are Wisconsin, an alliance of community groups, labor unions and others, has asked the city for a permit to set up the camp across from the Capitol to provide information about Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposals and efforts to recall Republican legislators who voted to eliminate bargaining rights for most public employees.

The city’s Street Use Staff Commission will have a special meeting Friday to consider the permit application for a state budget rally that would begin Saturday and continue through June 20.

David Boetcher, who is helping to organize the event, said an information station would be accompanied by overnight campers, who could number in the thousands on weekends.

The proposed camp area is North Carroll Street from State Street to West Washington Avenue, and West Mifflin Street from State Street to Wisconsin Avenue, including the “30 on the Square” cul-de-sac at 30 W. Mifflin St. and the Philosophers’ Stones area between the Wisconsin Historical Museum and Myles Teddywedgers Cornish, 101 State St.

Who could spend weeks camping outside the Capitol?

Who has that kind of time?

Teachers!

"How I spent my summer vacation..."

Fred Levenhagen is probably packing his gear right now.

Of course, the union thugs will probably be bused in from the surrounding area. And then there will be the aging 1960s radical contingent and the young wannabes.

There will be drums.

Families planning a June summer vacation that includes a trip to the Capitol might want to reconsider.

Tourism in Madison is going to take a hit.

Brat Fest 2011

Politics is part of the World's Largest Brat Fest in Madison this weekend.

It is unbelievably lame.

The great Wisconsin company, Johnsonville, is a major sponsor of the annual charitable event.

Some INDIVIDUALS connected to the business made contributions to Governor Scott Walker. Johnsonville, did NOT.

Nonetheless, the people who hate Walker decided to target Johnsonville. Boycotting the company's products includes boycotting the annual Brat Fest.

Of course, Brat Fest's success translates into charitable aid.

To the Walker-haters, punishing Johnsonville is more important than raising money for charities.

What self-centered people!

Politics and personal gain before all else.

From Channel 3000:

After weeks of protests at the State Capitol over a budget repair bill that would strip most state workers of most collective bargaining rights, you'd think a gathering that's primary focus centers around a Wisconsin staple would be welcomed.

But nowadays, politics can hang a cloud over even one of Madison's most talked about events.

Residents were making choices, go to the World's Largest Brat Fest like you may have done for as long as you can remember, or go get your bratwurst somewhere else.

"We tried the one on the Capitol Square, but the lines were too long, so we came to this one," said Jim Hollar, who attended Wurst Times event. "I wanted to avoid the one at the Alliant Energy Center."

"I guess it's kind of protest against Scott Walker and this is a way to show it," said Roger Bass.

"It seems kind of silly in the sense that it is guilty by association, but we wanted to avoid (Brat Fest)," Hollar said.

Those at the People Brat Fest didn't see it as silly, but rather a chance to draw connections to Johnsonville, a main sponsor of Brat Fest, and a company linked politically to the governor.

"I definitely oppose Walker and this seemed like a better way to support Madison rather than a big corporation," said Tom Ver Hoeve.

The event on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard was billed as a Brat Fest alternative and those who were willing to wait for long lines were toting their opinions along with hunger.

Ver Hoeve said he preferred the downtown location because it felt more like a Madison event and he said it was nice knowing that proceeds would also benefit local charities.

...There is a fourth event will compete with Brat Fest on Sunday. Alt Bratfest will be held at Orton Park on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's being held by the Weary Traveler Freehouse. Proceeds will also go to local charities.

Brat Fest organizers insist the alternative options have not had any impact.

"The turnout has been fantastic," Metcalfe said.

One thing we can say without debate is that each and every brat eaten this weekend will raise money for local charities and that generosity is what makes Madison such a great place to live.

It's great to hear that the politicized brat sideshows aren't impacting the main event.

As for the protest events, their organizers claim proceeds will go to local charities. So, that's good, too.

It's too bad that some people harbor so much hatred for Governor Walker that they refuse to support the annual event just because some of the INDIVIDUALS connected to Johnsonville made political contributions to Walker.

It's lunacy. It's so extreme.

In short, it's Madison.

Here's video:

Maryann Sumi Strikes Down Law

UPDATE, June 14, 2011: Maryann Sumi's ruling is overturned by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
_______________

I knew Dane County Judge Maryann Sumi was going to strike down the budget repair law. It was inevitable.

I'm sure her husband, the very anti-Scott Walker, pro-union, Democrat Carl Sinderbrand, and her very anti-Scott Walker, pro-union, Democrat son, Jake Sinderbrand, are happy.

What really bugs me is that Sumi took weeks, MONTHS, to make her decision.

I suppose once it became clear that JoAnne "I'm Ecstatic" Kloppenburg couldn't find a way to disenfranchise thousands and thousands of Wisconsin voters and that bit of recount chaos was no longer sucking the air out of the room, Sumi saw no point in dragging her feet any longer, particularly with the June 6, State Supreme Court date looming.

Besides, the Leftists needed something to celebrate this Memorial Day weekend, however temporary.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

A Dane County judge has struck down Gov. Scott Walker's legislation repealing most collective bargaining for public employees.

In a 33-page decision issued Thursday, Dane County Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi said she would freeze the legislation because GOP lawmakers on a committee broke the state's open meetings law in passing it March 9. The legislation limits collective bargaining to wages for all public employees in Wisconsin except for police and firefighters.

"It's what we were looking for," said Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, a Democrat.

"It's what we were looking for."

No kidding.

Was there really ever any doubt it was what the Democrats would get?

Of course not.

...Steve Means, the number three official at the state Department of Justice, said the agency and GOP Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen have been surprised at Sumi's handling of the case and asked whether she would recuse herself from it.

"Obviously we're disappointed in the ruling. We do think it reflects a number of legal errors, but it's for the appellate courts at this point," Means said.

Means said Sumi had made her decision without holding a trial or making clear beforehand that no trial would be held.

...Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) responded in a statement. "There's still a much larger separation-of-powers issue: whether one Madison judge can stand in the way of the other two democratically elected branches of government. The Supreme Court is going to have the ultimate ruling, and they're still scheduled to hear the issue on June 6. This overdue reform is still a critical part of balancing Wisconsin's budget."

Ozanne agreed that the court case is still far from settled.

"It's not over yet. I'm positive of that," Ozanne said. "The supremes are the supremes. They can do what they want."

GOP lawmakers like Fitzgerald also have said they would consider passing the law a second time as part of the 2011-'13 state budget if it was necessary to ensure that it takes effect.

"Act 10 was passed and signed into law in accordance with the rules of the state Legislature," said Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon), Scott Fitzgerald's brother. "I remain confident that the Wisconsin State Supreme Court will rule accordingly and Act 10 will become law."

Here's video and more information, from the MacIver Institute:

The judge who had been blocking implementation of Wisconsin’s public employee collective bargaining reforms has now struck down the law altogether, saying legislative Republicans failed to give proper notice before acting on the bill in committee.

Dane County Circuit Court Judge Maryann Sumi issued her ruling Thursday, writing that the law is voided because lawmakers failed to provide proper public notice of a Conference Committee meeting wherein the bill was amended.

“The court must consider the potential damage to public trust and confidence in government if the Legislature is not held to the same rules of transparency that it has created for other governmental bodies,” Sumi wrote.

Republicans argued that the Legislature, when in Special Session, is not bound by the law requiring a broad public notice.

“This was not the case in which proper notice was missed by a few minutes or an hour,” Sumi wrote.

However, GOP lawmakers asserted they did provide the minimum two hour notice justified by the the ‘good cause’ provision of the statutes, even though that was also unnecessary. Sumi disagreed.

“Act 10 was passed and signed into law in accordance with the rules of the state legislature,” said Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald. “I remain confident that the Wisconsin State Supreme Court will rule accordingly and Act 10 will become law.”

Republicans are expected to immediately appeal the decision. Since an appeal would likely take time to be heard, they may also move to pass identical provisions as a part of the biennial budget next month.

Read Sumi's ruling.

The Supreme Court takes up the matter on June 6.

Hopefully, it will eventually put an end to this obstruction.

WI Senate Passes Photo ID

Break out the "SHAME, SHAME, SHAME" chants.

The Wisconsin State Senate has passed a bill.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Senate Republicans approved requiring people to show photo ID at the polls amid a cacophonous vote Thursday, with eight Democrats not even voting on the measure in protest and because of confusion over how the proceedings were conducted.

Immediately afterward, the crowd in the Senate gallery thundered with chants of "Shame!" as Republicans exited the chamber. Later, they chanted, "Recall!" and sang, "We Shall Overcome."

"We Shall Overcome"?

Good grief.

Republican Gov. Scott Walker quickly announced he would sign the bill Wednesday in a ceremony at the Capitol.

"Requiring photo identification to vote will go a long way to eliminate the threat of voter fraud," Walker said in a statement. "If you need an ID to buy cold medicine, it's reasonable to require it to vote."

This is a positive step in restoring integrity to Wisconsin's elections.

But Democrats decried the measure, saying it would do little to prevent voter fraud while disenfranchising thousands of minority, elderly and rural voters.

"This is voter suppression," said Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee). "This is voter disenfranchisement. This is voter confusion. This is voter restriction. This is a voter discouragement bill."

Of course, the Dems are whining.

They're not going quietly when it comes to losing Wisconsin as a haven for voter fraud.

It has nothing to do with the disenfranchisement of "thousands of minority, elderly and rural voters."

If Democrats were so concerned about disenfranchisement, the JoAnne Klopppenburg campaign wouldn't be working feverishly to throw out the votes of 7,000 Wisconsinites.

Before debate began at 10 a.m., Senate Republican leaders imposed a one-hour limit on discussion of the bill, frustrating Democrats who engaged in more than nine hours of debate on the bill Tuesday into Wednesday.

When the time came to vote, Sen. Fred Risser (D-Madison) - the longest-serving state legislator in the country - refused to stop speaking, saying he had already been recognized. Senate President Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) then ordered the roll call vote on the bill.

"In my 50 years, I've never had anyone cut me off!" Risser yelled.

He continued to calmly speak against the bill as the roll call vote was conducted.

What lunacy!

Meanwhile, Democrats attempted to adjourn the Senate proceedings without taking a vote on the photo ID bill. They were ignored.

"You're not following the rules, Mr. President!" Risser yelled at Ellis.

Ellis shot back: "Read the (rule) book!"

The bill passed 19-5. Eight Democrats did not vote on it as they argued with Ellis about how the vote was being conducted. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said they will be able to record their votes in June, when the Senate next meets.

Such ridiculous chaos!

The Democrats need to grow up and follow the rules.

At least they didn't flee the state this time to avoid voting.

Baby steps.

AFL-CIO: Scott Walker and M&I

The unions continue to protest Governor Scott Walker via boycotts.

The AFL-CIO is cutting ties with people who do business with Governor Scott Walker. Just yesterday (Thursday), the union withdrew nearly $155,000 from M&I Bank. Union leaders are upset bank executives contributed to Walker's election campaign.

Video.



Bank at M&I.

Buy Johnsonville brats.



Mmm...sausage.

Professor Stephen Richards - UW Oshkosh

This is no surprise, but that doesn't make it any less disturbing.

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Professor Stephen Richards used class time to encourage his students to sign petitions to recall State Senator Randy Hopper.


Stephen Richards

This is how your tax dollars are being spent - funding a Leftist professor's political activities as he abuses his position of authority.

Richards is a criminal justice professor.

He seems to be challenged when it comes to understanding matters of justice.

From the Republican Party of Wisconsin:

A recording released by the Republican Party of Wisconsin exposes University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Professor Stephen Richards using class time to actively campaign for the recall of State Senator Randy Hopper, encouraging his students to sign recall petitions offered by circulators present in his classroom.

In the tape, recorded during a criminal justice class, Richards can be heard encouraging a female student to sign the recall petition even though she thinks she lives outside the district, and instructing students to sign using their campus address instead of their parents’ home address. He also tells students to look for petition circulators all around campus and “in the bars.”

...In the recording, Richards openly discusses his involvement in the recall effort, detailing organizational meetings he has attended, and using the term “we” to describe recall organizers.

As the Professor discusses the various reasons he supports the recall efforts, he promotes several falsehoods about the effects of the budget repair bill, saying at one point “It will be a lot less, um, rewarding to be in law enforcement, because they're gonna cut all the police unions."

"Either he’s purposely lying to students in an effort to provoke them to sign the petitions, or he is woefully misinformed and spreading severe inaccuracies along to students who rely on him for factual information,” says [Mark] Jefferson, [Executive Director of the Republican Party of Wisconsin]. “Teachers and college professors have a responsibility to their students and to their communities. We trust them to deliver facts and stay above the political fray - at the very least when they are at the head of a classroom. This Professor has seriously failed his students. One has to wonder if this is an isolated incident or a more common occurrence in our state's classrooms."

The Oshkosh Northwestern reports:

Sen. Randy Hopper called for an investigation into the political activity of college professors along with the resignation of a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh faculty member who encouraged his students during class to sign a petition to recall the Republican lawmaker.

The state GOP, college Republican groups and several lawmakers immediately demanded accountability for UWO criminal justice professor Stephen Richards Tuesday after a conservative radio host broadcast a candid recording of Richards encouraging students on March 7 to sign a petition to recall Hopper, R-Fond du Lac.

“Quite frankly, nothing short of this professor resigning will be adequate for the students and the parents of UW-Oshkosh,” Hopper said.

...The UWO professor’s actions raise more questions about irregularities in the recall petition process, Hopper said, calling the issue a “misuse of authority” that should not be tolerated.

“People send their kids to school to be educated not indoctrinated, and this professor took state-funded time to make a political stand,” he said.

One of Richards’ students made the audio recording and later released it to the Republican Party of Wisconsin, a spokesperson said. Conservative commentator Charlie Sykes of Milwuakee-based WTMJ-AM (620) broadcast the recording Tuesday with Senate President Mike Ellis, R-Neenah, demanding an explanation from the university.

UWO Chancellor Richard Wells issued a statement Tuesday afternoon saying the issue was investigated after students complained, and corrective action as taken by the end of March. Students have since reported classroom conditions improved, according to the statement.

Kudos to the student for recording Richards' completely unacceptable behavior and busting the guy.

Richards has shamed the university.

"Corrective action" was taken.

Right.

Like what? A warning not to gather signatures during class?

If Richards is willing to do something as blatantly wrong as using class time to round up signatures to recall Randy Hopper, I'm sure he allows his political views to color his "teaching" on a regular basis.

Richards got caught this time, but I don't think his is an isolated case. This sort of misconduct permeates public institutions.

It's wrong.

Listen to the audio here.

Richards should not be talking about recalling Governor Scott Walker or shilling for unions.

He's lying to his students. This guy is a disgrace.

Sickening.

I also question the fact that Stephen Richards, a convicted felon, is a tenured professor at UW Oshkosh.

A jury convicted him of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1,000 pounds of marijuana.

In 1984, Richards began serving a nine-year sentence. By the time he was released on parole three years later, he had been housed in nine federal prisons.

Richards isn't the only felon in the Public Affairs Department at Oshkosh.

Richards' colleague, Assistant Professor Michael Lenza, was convicted of MURDER.


Michael Lenza

From 1977 to 1990, Lenza served time in Missouri’s State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, also called “The Walls.” He was convicted of murder in 1975 after confessing to killing his first wife and mother-in-law, putting his mother-in-law’s body in a barrel and throwing the barrel into the Mississippi River.

Lenza says he had a happy childhood while growing up in St. Louis County. In fact, he credits his family for their unconditional love and for never giving up on him. He says he never could have made it through his incarceration without their support.

Although he refuses to speak of the murders (partly because he feels that while he can defend his actions, his victims cannot), Lenza says that when people are in their late teens and early 20s they don’t understand consequences and outcomes the way they do in later years.

“Things seem impossible, overwhelming. You don’t have a long-term view,” he says. He adds that his incarceration showed him the downside of violence.

“My years at Missouri Eastern Penitentiary, The Walls, which is one of the most violent societies in America, certainly showed me the futility in violence in solving issues. You have to find other ways,” he says.

Good Lord!

Lenza is a staunch advocate for the abolition of the death penalty. His wife of 12 years, Sherry Lenza, is no less steadfast in her views. “Executions don’t deter; they just brutalize the population,” she says.

Since his release from prison, Lenza has completed college, married, begun pursuing doctoral degrees and become a father. As Lenza takes his son, Michael Jesse, from his wife’s arms so she can answer the telephone, he says that “peace is its own truth” and today is a different day.

While he knows his past will always be part of his life, Mike Lenza concentrates on where he is now. “It’s not like you totally leave that behind,” he says. “It’s been almost 30 years. A lot changes in 30 years.”

Of course, Lenza opposes the death penalty.

Lenza was convicted of MURDERING his wife and mother-in-law.

If I were Sherry, Lenza wife #2, I would be a little nervous.

I also don't think that Lenza belongs in the classroom.
______________

UPDATE: Apparently, Richards didn't learn his lesson, in spite of UW Oshkosh taking "corrective action."

Charlie Sykes posts an e-mail he received from a student in Stephen Richards' class:

Hey Charlie,

I'm sitting in Dr. (I use that term loosely) Richards' class as I'm writing this. Just wanted to let you know that instead of apologizing for his actions and everything that has come out in the last couple days, he scolded us. He started by telling us that he has had a police escort all day due to death threats. He then proceeded to tell us that it is illegal to record a professor without his/her permission. He stated that "anyone has any smart phones or recording devices, to turn them off or leave." He then proceeded to tell us that he could have charged those students with some sort of BS crime and had us arrested and kicked out of school. His rant has been going on for the better part of 20 minutes now and isn't showing any signs of slowing down or stopping. Just like his political rants which take place multiple times per week, this is the kind of crap that disrupts our opportunity to learn at an institution of higher education.

I don't see the need to be scolded because this idiot finally got busted. As a criminal justice student graduating in May, this guy is a disgrace to me and the rest of the students in the program.

Just a heads up that absolutely nothing has changed since the "corrective action" that was handed down from Chancellor Wells. The guy is a joke and doesn't deserve his position.

Thanks for getting this story on the air. The CJ students really appreciate that our story is finally being heard.

Bottom line: "NOTHING HAS CHANGED."
______________

UPDATE, May 6, 2011: University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh releases Stephen Richards' disciplinary record; professor encouraged students to sign Randy Hopper recall petition during class

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh officials said today they will not ask a professor who encouraged his students to sign a recall petition to resign, nor will they conduct a full investigation into the on-campus political activity of faculty as requested by some state lawmakers.

State Sen. Randy Hopper, Senate President Mike Ellis and the Republican Party of Wisconsin demanded the investigation and resignation of UWO Criminal Justice Professor Stephen Richards after an anonymous student released an audio recording on Tuesday of Richards urging his class in March to sign a petition to recall Hopper.

UWO Chancellor Richard Wells said during a Friday afternoon press conference that he respects the senators, but “we don’t always have to agree.”

UWO is standing by Richards.

I suppose that's because Richards is on the same page politically as UWO officials.

He's safe and he knows it. That's probably why he runs political rallies out of his classroom.

Here's the Statement of Professor Stephen Richards regarding comments of March 7

I would like to once again apologize to my students for not showing more restraint in the classroom. I regret that I crossed the line when I failed to comply completely with UW System policy concerning political discussion in the classroom. I am sorry that this may have tarnished the reputation of the university community. I wish all my students continued success in their studies.

Professor Stephen C. Richards

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

After "I wish all my students continued success in their studies," I think Richards left out "if they agree with me politically and do all they can to get Republican state senators and Scott Walker recalled."

Richards' apology seems extremely forced.

UW Oshkosh has made documents relating to Richards available online after a public records request by the Oshkosh Northwestern.