Not Trying Very Hard to Hide It...

From the mouth of Roy Blunt (R) running for the open Senate seat in Missouri:

"Supposedly it’s the turn of the 19th century, the end of the 19th century, beginning of the 20th century, there was a group of British occupiers in a very lush, very quiet, very peaceful, very uneventful part of India. And this group of British soldiers who were occupying that part of India decided they’d carve a golf course out of the jungle of India. And there was really not much else to do. So, for over a year, this was the biggest event going on getting this golf course created.
And they got the golf course done and almost from the day the first ball was hit on this golf course, something happened they didn’t anticipate. Monkeys would come running out of the jungle and they would grab the golf balls. And if it was in the fairway, they might throw it in the rough. If it was in the rough, they might throw — they might throw it back at you.
And I can go into great and long detail about how many things they did to try to eliminate the monkey problem, but they never got it done. So finally, for this golf course and this golf course only, they passed a rule, and the rule was you have to play the ball where the monkey throws it. And that is the rule in Washington all the time."

Hmmm.....I wonder about whom he is referring to??? Hopefully this bozo gets what he has coming to him...

Are you kidding me???

More and more extreme examples of expression (which, by the way, is not an absolute constitutional freedom)...There's free speech that benefits a civil society and then there's this...It does nothing for debate.

From DailyKos:

"... the group of Tea Baggers who hanged an effigy of Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-MD) from a noose in front of his district office a few weeks ago. Then there was the case yesterday where a few folks at a tea bag protest outside a townhall meeting in Hartford called on Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) to commit suicide as a way to cure his recently diagnosed prostate cancer. And even though it lacked any clear appeal to the murder of public officials or even a good suicide joke, I'm still pretty fond of this case on Tuesday where the head of the local Tea Party group up in Rome, New York just started yelling 'liar' over and over at a clearly befuddled and caught off guard Steny Hoyer.

On Tuesday, Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.) held a press conference on the "cash for clunkers" program and was met by "dozens" of conservative protesters trying to drown him out. The protest was organized by the St. Louis Tea Party, whose Bill Hennessy told protesters the location, the time, and what to bring ("Sign ideas: Cash for Clunkers destroys old cars; ObamaCare destroys old people").

On the day of the protest Hennessy put up another post attacking the White House for setting up an email address to answer questions about "fishy" rumors about health care reform.

Barack Obama wants to turn everyone into a Nazi snitch.

The Nazis used snitches, including children, to turn in enemies of the state. Barack Obama has unleashed a program inspired by the National Socialists to identify and, presumably, punish citizens who speak out against socialized medicine. [...]

Eric Odom of American Liberty Alliance wants to turn the tables on our Fuhrer."

There's a lot of anger out there...

Give me a break! Who knew that Republicans losing control of the government would get so many of the bat shit crazies out of the woodwork so quickly...I do find it amusing that all of these folks never gave a second thought to the constitutionality of the myriad power grabs President Obama's predecessor routinely took... This does, however, have the potential to get ugly and violent...Certain talking heads have used their positions to amp up anger to irrational levels in many cases...Free societies need free discourse, but people need to realize that they may ultimately hold some culpability for the actions of those they incote...

Constitution assailed

Where in the U.S. Constitution does it give government the right to: 1. Void legal contracts for executive bonuses; 2. Take over financial institutions; 3. Take over insurance industries; 4. Take over auto industries; 5. Take over the housing industry; 6. Take over the health industry; 7. Take over the energy industries; 8. Fire the executives from those companies and put in its own cronies; 9. Reward unions with majority ownership of the auto industries; 10. Give investors just pennies on the dollar; 11. Set salaries of company officers; 12. Read Miranda rights to terrorists (they are not American citizens); 13. Fire and disgrace an inspector general without a 30-day investigation; 14. Give terrorists the same rights to the American judicial system as U.S. citizens; 15. Threaten to set salaries of private companies; 16. Redistribute the wealth of those who are successful. The answer to the above? They are all unconstitutional! Yet our messiah could care less, because he was elected president and what he says is the new U.S. Constitution. He has no intent of adhering and obeying the Constitution because of his arrogance and egotistical craving for power. Remember, during the campaign he said, "I not only want to change America, I want to change the world!" I think he dreams of ruling it too. He has 40-plus unelected czars?! That's scary. (Hitler and Stalin also surrounded themselves with czars because they answered to nobody but their leaders.) Obama's czars answer only to him as to their performances. He alone decides their authority because he is the one intent on destroying the private sector, small businesses and our rights. I'll loudly say it again: Wake up America! Your constitutional freedoms are under assault by Obama and his leftist radicals! TOM FULLER Eau Claire

To Hell With The White House...Do Your Job...

Attorney General Holder is contemplating opening an investigation into Bush-era policy on harsh interrogation techniques. This may cause a political problem for President Obama by dredging up disgusting and amoral practices that may very well inflame the world and send America into political warfare. So what? In this case right is right, wrong is wrong. If Obama leans on the Justice Department to bypass legal reckoning, he is signing onto those policies. The criminal element of the previous administration needs to have its day in court...laid bare before the American people and the world. That's one of the things you were elected to do, Mr. President...Full Story Link...

Robert McNamara, R.I.P.

Every loss of life is a tragedy...If only he had shared that thinking during the Vietnam War...R.I.P.

No Faith In America's Greatness...

The disclosure that former vice president Cheney ordered the C.I.A. to not tell Congress about secret programs is not really all that surprising considering it deals with our former vice president; however, I find myself so deeply disappointed in those elected leaders and our system of government allowing this to happen. I am mad that Cheney, and presumably President Bush, has so little faith in our government leaders, and by default us, to intentionally skirt Congressional oversight...Democracy only will endure if our leaders have a belief in the judgment of the American people...otherwise we're doomed...The people need to know what is being done in their collective name...Full Story Link.

Surprising, and yet...not surprising...

Pool Boots Kids Who Might "Change the Complexion" Campers sent packing after first visit to swim club

By KAREN ARAIZA

Updated 3:01 PM EDT, Wed, Jul 8, 2009

NBC Philadelphia

Dymire Baylor says he overheard a woman ask, "What are all these black kids doing?" when he and his freinds showed up.

More than 60 campers from Northeast Philadelphia were turned away from a private swim club and left to wonder if their race was the reason.

Pool Boots Kids Who Might "Change the Complexion"

Kids at Creative Steps Day Camp were thrilled to go swimming once a week at the Valley Swim Club. But after only one trip to the private club, they were...

"I heard this lady, she was like, 'Uh, what are all these black kids doing here?' She's like, 'I'm scared they might do something to my child,'" said camper Dymire Baylor.

The Creative Steps Day Camp paid more than $1900 to The Valley Swim Club. The Valley Swim Club is a private club that advertises open membership. But the campers' first visit to the pool suggested otherwise.

"When the minority children got in the pool all of the Caucasian children immediately exited the pool," Horace Gibson, parent of a day camp child, wrote in an email. "The pool attendants came and told the black children that they did not allow minorities in the club and needed the children to leave immediately."

The next day the club told the camp director that the camp's membership was being suspended and their money would be refunded.

"I said, 'The parents don't want the refund. They want a place for their children to swim,'" camp director Aetha Wright said.

Campers remain unsure why they're no longer welcome.

"They just kicked us out. And we were about to go. Had our swim things and everything," said camper Simer Burwell.

The explanation they got was either dishearteningly honest or poorly worded.

"There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club," John Duesler, President of The Valley Swim Club said in a statement.

While the parents await an apology, the camp is scrambling to find a new place for the kids to beat the summer heat.

Transparent Idiots...

Shouldn't be surprising considering the people who attend these rallies...Dumb, dumb, dumb...Not even trying to cover their race baiting...

Sarah Palin....I have no idea what to say...or think...

Sarah Palin announced today that not only is she not planning on running for re-election in 2010 but she is resigning her position as Governor of Alaska latter this month. Right wingers are embracing this as a shrewd political move, putting her in strong position to earn the Republican nomination for president in 2012. Just how does it do this??? I am waiting for something else to shake loose in the next weeks or months... Full Story Link...

Batshit Insanity...

If either of these bozos think they have a snowball's chance in hell, either state-wide (Coleman) or nation-wide (Pawlenty), I just wonder what the hell is in the the water they're drinking. They might win the Republican nominations (and Pawlenty won't), but they are dead in the water in a general election. Full Story Link...

No More Excuses...

The Republicans and DINOs (Democrats In Name Only) don't have the "it costs too much to have a public option" argument to fall back on anymore. Let's see who is really pro family... Full Story Link

Unemployment Continues Its Ascent...

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has released data showing that the unemployment rate in the U.S. has risen to 9.5% for June, a 26 year high. The problem is worse than it appears. The percentage does not take into account those who have simply given up looking for work and those who are "underemployed". The more realistic figure is around 16.5% of the labor force. This level of un/underemployment compounds our already tenuous economic situation as people without work, and those that are scared they will lose their jobs, curtail discretionary spending...leading to more job losses. Companies tend to not hire until they feel the economy has sufficiently turned the corner.......

"Health care costs to rise again in 2010" ...Not Much of a Shocker

From MSNBC.com: Full Story Link

Thurs., June 18, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS - Employers who offer health insurance coverage could see a 9 percent cost increase next year, and their workers may face an even bigger hit, according to a report from consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Costs will rise in part because workers worried about losing their jobs are using their health care more while they still have it, the firm said in the report released to The Associated Press. The report also said rising unemployment is driving up medical costs.

I don't know about you, but when our insurance company comes back to our union with the news that rates are going to increase 9%, we all do a happy dance. And here's the rub...we've grown accustomed to enormous rises in our rates that we're THANKFUL when it goes up 10%. Congressional Democrats need to kick the Republicans out of the car and force through reform WITH A PUBLIC OPTION!

Senate Democrats Lack the Balls for Leadership...

WTF???

From MSNBC.com: Full Story Link

"WASHINGTON - Key Senate Democrats are paring back subsidies designed to make insurance more affordable as they reach for bipartisan support on health care legislation.

An outline circulated Thursday by Sen. Max Baucus, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, also leaves open the possibility that there would be no direct government competition against private insurors. "

I am absolutely unable to understand this "bipartisanship" bull shit. Were the Republicans concerned about bringing Democrats along for the ride when they decided to invade Iraq???Did they care about what Democrats wanted?

And honestly, how can you not include a public option for health care??? No one said that leadership was easy. No one said you would make friends. Lead or get the hell out of the way. The Republicans could mess this up on their own...they don't need Democrats to do their dirty work...It is not reform without a public option to keep companies honest. No public option is only polishing a turd!

One Step Closer...

Yesterday the Wisconsin State Legislature moved one step closer to equality for homosexual couples by approving domestic partnership benefits for Wisconsin same-sex couples as part of the state budget. This clearly doesn't change the egregious 2006 constitutional referendum that blatantly violates the federal Constitution's 14th Amendment Equal Protection Clause, but it is a step in the right direction...

Too Little....

Relocation expenses? Until President Obama personally pushes health insurance benefits for gay federal employees, it is simply going to be seen as trying to be incrementalist with civil rights. That is unacceptable with racial, ethnic, or gender equality...Why not with homosexuals? The answer: he is playing politics...scared to be labeled as "pro-gay" by the knuckle draggers in Congress. Better get on the right side of history now, Mr. President...Full story link

Obama Administration Drops the Ball...

The Obama Justice Department, has chosen to oppose the first case brought in federal court over whether the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) represents a violation of same-sex couples' constitutional rights. This is the wrong decision. The Full Faith and Credit clause clearly covers marital rights from state to state. My marriage was issed in Wisconsin, but is valid in Minnesota or Mississippi as well. Why not marriages of gay couples???

To add insult to injury, Justice Department lawyers used case law dealing with marriage of underage children and incestual relationships between uncle and niece as core arguments against recognizing same-sex marriages. Shameful. This is something you would have expected from the previous president...

Sums it up beautifully...

Business leaders in favor of EFCA...

'I strongly support the Employee Free Choice Act. In the past, some employers have intimidated union members and used subtle 'divide-and-conquer' techniques to spread confusion among their workforce. This leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of workers and undercuts the mutual goal that employers and employees share of promoting the ongoing success of their enterprises.'

-Bruce Ventimiglia, Founder and President, Saratoga Capital Management

Don't step in the horse crap. There are thousands of business owners and leaders who back the Employee Free Choice Act--making the unionizing process more fair for workers. Republicans and some DLC Democrats (DINOs) don't want these voices of fairness heard. Take some time and visit the Business Leaders for a Fair Economy at their website: http://www.faireconomynow.org/

You're a foul one, Mr. Gingrich..you're a nasty wasty...

skunk. Your heart is full of unwashed socks, your soul is full of gunk, Mr. Gingrich. I wouldn't touch you with a 39 1/2 foot pole.......

Newt, and other intellectual lightweights, gathered last night for a G.O.P. fundraising event (full story link). He decried President Obama a "failure". Funny thing, that is. The annual fundraiser brought in 33% less than it did just last year. That sounds like failure in the year leading up to congressional elections in which the Republicans stand to lose even more ground in the Senate. The other oddity of this event is that it featured the "intellectual power" of Newt, his social cache, his cult of personality...and yet....less money. Sigh. Rudderless ship. Failure.

Socialist! Burn Him!!!

First of all, after listening to countless Republicans, talking heads, and regular citizens throw the word socialist around for the last ten years in general, and President Obama's term in specific, I am more certain than ever that none of them understand the concept. It is only used as a fighting word because people put the brown pants on as soon as they hear it. To gin up fear, which, by the way, is what they feed on. Recently, Republican party leaders have been vociferously criticizing the government's bailout out G.M. as the beginning of America's descent into a socialist anarchy...Be afraid! Now, and this is priceless, Connor Clarke of The Atlantic (read full story) has produced a piece (in the Jun 3 2009 online edition) that shows just how "socialist" we have become as a nation. And the results are HORRIFYING! Even after the G.M. takeover, 99.79% of all corporate assets in the United States are privately held. Repeat...99.79%. Enough Said. I've heard enough from these people...

More bad economic news for west-central Wisconsin

Hopefully these folks can find work that approaches the pay level they have right now... The good news from this morning is that the company now plans to hold out until 2011 before closing their Baldwin operation.

From the Eau Claire Leader Telegram:
June 6, 2009

Closure displacing 200 area workers

BALDWIN - The closing of an area Clopay Building Products plant, 320 10th Ave., will result in the loss of about 200 jobs, according to company officials.
The company, which manufactures residential and commercial garage doors, is consolidating operations from Baldwin and a plant in Russia, Ohio, to a facility in Troy, Ohio. Baldwin employees are not being offered jobs in Troy at this time.

"Employees will receive some form of severance that will vary based upon their position and time with the company," said Mischel Schonberg, Clopay public relations manager. "We will also be providing many additional services to help our employees with this difficult transition."
The move will begin this summer and be completed by January 2011. Clopay has been manufacturing in Baldwin since 1992.

"I don't want to get too dramatic"...Some Logic on the QEO

Assembly Democrats are planning to approve the state budget this week, effectively moving the spending bill to the upper chamber, and then, hopefully to Governor Jim Doyle for his signature. One of the provisions in the budget bill would repeal the QEO (Qualified Economic Offer), a part of state government inserted during the 1993 budget deliberations. This "provision" effectively eliminates state teachers' unions from truly exercising collective bargaining rights granted to every other state employee, as well as union members in the private sector. School district officials around the state are already decrying this as the beginning of the end of times.

Eau Claire Area School District superintendent Ron Heilman is reported by the Leader Telegram as having said, "I don't want to get too dramatic, but we spiral into the abyss." Wahahahahahahaha! Link for full story...

Without getting into the inherent unfairness of this rule (Thank Tommy Thompson), district representatives, state Republicans, and other selected "taxpayer watchdog" groups are going to blast, belittle, and impune state Democrats for simply providing teachers with the basic standard of a true collective bargaining right.

Will the repeal of the QEO without the subsequent repeal of revenue caps put pressure on school districts? The only honest answer is maybe...in the short term. If something is done about health care costs, and when the economy inevitably turns around, who is to say what improved economic conditions districts will find themselves in five years down the road. All that we will have achieved, then, is a true sense of negotiating fairness between local districts and their teachers.

State Spending Down Under Democrats...

I don't want to hear any Republican throwing out the same tired old crap in the next election cycle...Spending is down as per the Legislature's non-partisan budget office. Of course, facts never play very well in elections...

From the Wisconsin State Journal...

MON., JUN 8, 2009 - 11:48 AM
Politics blog: Spending of state tax dollars down; overall spending up
The state budget recently passed out of the budget committee cuts spending of state tax dollars over the next two years by 3.2 percent, or $905 million. But overall, including all state and federal funds, the budget spends 6.3 percent more, or $3.7 billion, over those years in large part because of use of federal stimulus dollars. That "all funds" budget spends $62.2 billion over two years. The findings were released today by the Legislature's non-partisan budget office. See the findings here.

About what I'd expected...

Yes, it is from an editorial and yes, I'd like to see some more detailed data on the various plans' financial impact on Wisconsin, but this certainly seems to indicate that President Obama is headed in the right direction on health care reform. Now politicians need to get on board...

From the Madison Capital Times: full story link

More bang for health care bucks

"A study released last week by Citizen Action of Wisconsin confirmed what we've been saying for decades -- Wisconsin businesses and individuals could save bundles of money if the nation's health care system is properly reformed.Citizen Action's study said that President Barack Obama's plan, which includes a public health insurance option, would save state employers $1.8 billion a year and could lower health insurance premiums by up to 33 percent."

All in the name of a buck...

It never ceases to amaze, the disregard companies have for consumers...particularly small children. Stories like this always remind me of the American economy before the Progressives started making waves. Unfettered capitalism always preys on the weak and helpless. I am happy the government fined them, but I wonder if the fine is large enough to really serve as a deterrent to future violations of the public trust...

From MSNBC: link

Fri., June 5, 2009

WASHINGTON - Toy maker Mattel Inc. and its Fisher-Price subsidiary have agreed to pay a $2.3 million civil penalty for importing and selling toys with excessive levels of lead.
The penalty is part of a settlement the companies reached with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which announced Friday, that the toymaker had knowingly violated a 30-year-old federal ban on lead paint in toys.
The companies deny having willfully violated the ban.

The penalty stems from a series of recalls by Mattel and Fisher-Price in 2007, when the companies recalled nearly 2 million popular Big Bird, Elmo, Dora and other toys because of excessive levels of lead found in the paint on the toys.
Barbie doll accessories and “Sarge” toy cars were also part of the recalls.

The commission says the fine is the biggest for a lead paint violation involving children’s toys.
Mattel and Fisher-Price were among dozens of manufacturers that yanked millions of Chinese-made toys from store shelves in the months leading up to the 2007 holiday shopping season. The recalls made parents uneasy as they shopped for gifts for small children.

The Mattel and Fisher-Price fine is the commission’s first penalty resulting from those recalls.
“These highly publicized toy recalls helped spur congressional action last year to strengthen CPSC and make even stricter the ban on lead paint on toys,” said the commission’s acting chairman Thomas Moore. “This penalty should serve notice to toy makers that CPSC is committed to the safety of children.”

“Today’s settlement announcement by the U.S. CPSC resolves Mattel’s outstanding issues with the agency related to certain matters that arose in 2007,” Mattel said. “Mattel promptly took a series of steps after discovering compliance issues with some of our toys at that time.

“We were able to effectively minimize any potential concerns by launching a fast-track recall of the affected product in conjunction with the CPSC and other global regulatory agencies, and by taking several steps to enhance our product compliance protocols and procedures to confirm that every Mattel toy is safe for children to enjoy,” Mattel said. Fisher-Price referred calls to Mattel.
Mattel, based in El Segundo, Calif., has not had any lead paint recalls since the 2007 cases, which spurred congressional action and a new law last summer — called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act — that restricts the amount of lead allowed in children’s products.

Lead poisoning in children can cause neurological damage, delayed mental and physical development, learning deficiencies, and other problems.

Unemployment Rate Rises, Again...

And this is what many economists are passing off as "good" economic news. The U.S. unemployment rate rose in May to 9.4% (which is the highest it has been in over 25 years). This rise of a fraction of a percentage point represents 345,000 additional job cuts during the previous month, including 156,000 good paying factory jobs and 59,000 construction positions. I understand their point, from an abstract economic perspective, but these cuts impact real families and communities. Yes, the growth of job cuts was much smaller than in previous months, but pink slips lead to car notes not being able to be paid, defaults on home mortgages, unpaid medical bills, and extreme stress on families.

This is actually worse than the numbers indicate. If people who have grown so discouraged and given up looking for work (part of the government's definition of being unemployed is that you must be actively seeking employment) are counted, along with people currently working in a part-time capacity, the number is closer to 16.4% according to the Department of Labor. The Badger state has not been spared the knife. Unemployment rates in Wisconsin have risen each of the past seven months (from 4.7% in September of 2008 to 8.6% in April of 2009).

New Hampshire Embraces Equality!

Leave free or die! New Hampshire has chosen to live up to the state's motto with Governor John Lynch signing a bill that allows for same-sex couples to achieve civil marriages.

"Today, we are standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear that they will receive the same rights, responsibilities — and respect — under New Hampshire law," Lynch said.

New Hampshire joins the ranks of Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Vermont in being on the right side of history. Congratulations! Hopefully other states follow the lead...

Meet James Inhofe, Idiot Extraordinaire

The Oklahoman reports that Republican Senator, James Inhofe has provided the following genius regarding President Obama's recent Middle East diplomatic mission: link

Sen. Jim Inhofe said today that President Barack Obama's speech in Cairo was "un-American" because he referred to the war in Iraq as "a war of choice" and didn't criticize Iran for developing a nuclear program.

"I just don't know whose side he's on,'' Inhofe said of the president.

Seriously???

General Motors, R.I.P. 1 June 2009

By now everyone has read about G.M.'s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing yesterday. Communites like Pontiac and Orion in Michigan and Spring Hill in Tennessee are going to be decimated by plant closings. G.M.'s plan to cut the workforce by 21,000 jobs in the near future (representing 34% of all employees). 2600 dealerships are going to be shut down. The UAW agreed to draconian cuts in work place rules and wage freezes. And the end result is that average people and families in average American towns are going to suffer the brunt of this. To those union members who will soon be out of work, I hope that you are able to find something to support yourselves and families. To those ancillary businesses that supplied G.M. or the tertiary businesses that supplied them, I hope the company emerges from Chapter 11 soon and continues supporting you. Family businesses in these towns will be run out of business. Local charities that relied heavily on the generous spirit of G.M. workers to make annual budgets will be less able to provide for the large influx of needy. President Obama says that this was a necessary evil, and it may well be, but the federal government has an obligation to help soften the landing for these folks who did nothing but what society has asked of them: work hard, raise your families, pay your taxes...There will be no excuse for members of Congress or the administration standing in the way of unemployment benefits, mortgage assistance, educational and retraining funds, and community at-large assistance.

Symbolic Change...At A Seemingly Glacial Pace

Finally, a symbolic victory for change in the town best known for the murders of three civil rights workers back in 1964. Link from CNN.com There is still a long way to go...

More Tough Economic News From Up North...

Let's hope these folks can find something...

From WEAU TV-13:

Hundreds of layoffs are moving from temporary to permanent at Jeld-Wen windows in Rusk County.

The company notified the state that 247 people will lose their jobs. The plant, in Hawkins, has been temporarily laying off workers since the start of the year.

Now Jeld-Wen says the slumping economy is forcing it to make the layoffs permanent since it can't bring the workers back within six months. The layoffs are effective in July.

The layoffs hit hard in Rusk County, where it has the highest unemployment rate in the state at more than 16%.

Amen Brother...

The Vice President is right. Congressional obstructionists need to realize that elections have consequences-the same things they have saying to us for the past eight years! Quit holding up EFCA! You lost and now it's time to get out of the way. Workers deserve, yes DESERVE, better treatment at the hands of their bosses and EFCA will level the playing field to a more even keel. Unions are what made America an economic engine for average people and we can get back there with a more robust union membership.

updated 1:14 p.m. CT, Tues., May 12, 2009

WASHINGTON - Vice President Joe Biden, making a renewed pitch for a major change in labor law, told union leaders Tuesday that the best way to rebuild the middle class is to help labor unions grow.

Biden said it's time to "level the playing field" for unions by passing a bill that would make it easier for workers to organize.

"You've got to climb up a hill with so many roadblocks on the way to organize that it's just out of whack," Biden told a conference of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which has about 1.6 million members.

---

"If a union is what you want, then a union is what you should get," Biden said.

The Employee Free Choice Act — also known as "card check" — is organized labor's top priority this year, but business groups are adamantly opposed. It would allow a majority of workplace employees to sign cards to join a union instead of holding secret ballot elections.

Words Simply Cannot Describe...

What can you say about this?...absolutely amoral. So much for being the "party of life"...

From today's DailyKos:

Missouri GOP uses cancer center for leverage

by Devilstower

"In a House Rules Committee hearing Monday, House Republican floor leader Steve Tilley amended the bill to strip Ellis Fischel [Cancer Center] of its funds. Tilley drafted the amendment after Democrats, including Rep. Stephen Webber, D-Columbia, walked out of the hearing after a spat over rules and procedures.

Republicans then voted 6-1 to wipe out Ellis Fischel's funds..."

In case that wasn't clear enough, what happened was that Democrats became upset over the way Republicans were running roughshod over procedure and walked out of a committee hearing. The Republicans then responded by taking away funding for a cancer center that happened to be in a Democratic district.

The system of stripping funds from institutions and projects in Democratic districts has become the standard means for Missouri's GOP majority to bludgeon Democrats into obedience. This isn't the first time that even medical facilities have been denied funds so that the Republicans can get the minority to sign away their every concern.

Fortunately, in this case Republicans were forced to put the money back after their maneuver got public attention. Though Tilley, the guy who jerked the cancer funds away, wasn't happy about it.

"On Monday, Tilley said he shouldn't have to defend Webber's district after the lawmaker walked out."

Congratulations to the Great State of Maine!

Earlier today, the governor of Maine, John Baldacci, signed a bill into law that allows for civil marriage rights to be conferred to same-sex couples. This makes Maine the fourth state in the union to recognize such marriages...and hopefully not the last.

Real People Need Help Now...Not Months From Now

It is stories like this that make the petty obstructionism of the Republicans in Congress on issues of health care, education, job training, and unemployment relief so Mickey Mouse and, dare I say, immoral... It also makes you appreciate all of the great work so many selfless individuals are doing to help others. If you can afford to, drop a local food pantry a donation.

From WEAU TV 13:

"I'm just thankful that it's here,” says Amanda Tew, standing in an aisle of the St. Francis Food Bank in Eau Claire.

Tew doesn't just work at there—She shops there, too.

"I have been looking for work since December and even with my work history and with one class shy of an associate's degree I can't find work," says Tew.

Since February, she's seen the need increase.

"Some days the line is out the door for quite awhile. Last week we had a line out the door for two hours at the beginning of the day. It's helping a lot of people right now,” says Tew. “They don't qualify for food stamps but still qualify here."

Tew says anyone making less than 1500 dollars a month, regardless of employment or family status, can get help at St. Francis Food Bank.

Chippewa County Economic Support Manager Mark Nelson says the number of people applying for state-run Food Share programs has skyrocketed 15 percent in the past two months.

"For all the factory closings that you see, we can almost predict how many people we'll see by how many get laid off,” says Nelson.

Nelson says 11, 333 people currently are enrolled in Badger Care or some other state assisted health program; the amount of people applying increased 20 percent over the past year. That’s around 20 percent of the population of Chippewa County. Not all the people on Badger Care are unemployed or lower income. Many people are middle income but do not have adequate health insurance through their own employer.

Eau Claire County has seen also seen a 12 percent increase in the past 6 months in people applying for Food Share, and many of them are first timers.

"You'd be surprised. It can happen to any one of us,” says Linda Struck at Eau Claire County Human Services.

Eau Claire County has seen a 23 percent increase in people applying for Badger Care in the past six months. Struck says the applicants come from all walks of life.

Those helping people in need say the economic downturn has done one good thing—It’s broken down some of the stigma of seeking public help.

"There's no reason to be embarrassed,” says Tew.

"You can apply online, or over the phone,” says Nelson. “That way they're not seen at the welfare office, so to speak.

More Area Layoffs

Bad news for west-central Wisconsin families and the economy. We're hoping these folks get back into the shop quickly...

From WEAU TV 13:

OEM Fabricators says it laid off more than 80 workers temporarily.

The company laid off 49 workers in Woodville, and 32 in Neillsville on April 30 and May 1. It says all the affected workers are expected to be recalled. OEM says workers in every department were affected, not just manufacturing. The company's H.R. Manager says it's because of declining demand for OEM’s customers' products. OEM makes steel components for several industries.

Simple Solution...And The Leader-Telegram Gets It Wrong

From the Eau Claire Leader Telegram Editorial Page: Pension, health guarantees are now impractical
(5-5-09) Analysis Below the Fold

"Our view: Many factors hurt car sales, but high "legacy costs" put domestic automakers at a huge disadvantage.

Everyone has their theories as to what led to the problems at Chrysler and General Motors, and to a lesser extent (so far) at Ford: short-sighted management, overly aggressive and inflexible unions, outrageous executive bonuses, high gas prices, more and better competition, the recession - or a combination of all of the above.

The blame game can go on forever, but it's not going to solve the problem at hand: saving U.S.-owned auto companies from extinction.

U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., appearing Monday on CNBC, made a good point. He said as long as U.S. automakers spend 60 percent of their budgets on labor and 40 percent on materials to make better vehicles, and competitors spend 40 percent on labor and 60 percent on materials, the U.S. companies will lose.

If the recession has taught us anything, it's that pyramid schemes can't work forever. And frankly the guaranteed pensions autoworkers received are an example. The system works fine as long as the company they retired from has strong profits. But when the economy softens and people buy fewer new cars, the prior promises made to retirees can no longer be met.

That's why guaranteed pensions and health care benefits for life aren't viable, as nice as they are to have. Most employers now set aside a percentage of their workers' wages for retirement, which workers are encouraged to match with their own money. If the company is successful, they get more; if it isn't, they get less.

Wisely, a deal between Ford and the United Auto Workers to take effect next year will make retiree health care the UAW's responsibility. That will put Ford's labor costs much closer in line with its Japanese competitors.

Ridding domestic automakers of burdensome legacy costs should help level the playing field. Any other organizations - public or private - still operating under "guaranteed" retirement systems are courting disaster."

- Don Huebscher, editor

Now, there is one very obvious solution to this problem, but the conservatives who are lamenting the "legacy" costs and defined benefit pensions designed to provide security for workers that made the automobile manufacturing industry great will likely fight it tooth and nail: government provided or subsidized health care. So, people would rather complain than actually take proactive steps to take care of America's working families. We see this a lot in the editorial section of the Leader Telegram...

As far as forcing people into defined contribution programs (i.e. 401K)...that is simply unacceptable. People made life plans based on the guarantee of a defined benefits (pension) programs. You simply can't change the rules this late in the game--whether it jives with your political ideology or not. Conservatives need to embrace a government-sponsored health care system in order to bring solvency back to pension programs. Workers have sacrificed enough!

Definition of Insanity

Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Sage advice...if followed. Perfect explanation for the latest GOP political move.

OK, seriously? Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) is the man the Republicans want on point for the fight over President Obama's upcoming Supreme Court nomination? The same Republican party that has, according to many pols, become a regionalized party? The party that is currently on a re-branding tour of America to improve their image with, well, everyone but the most conservative American voters?

Probably not the best choice...

MSNBC, today, points out at that Sessions was nominated for a federal judgeship by President Reagan over twenty years ago, and subsequently turned down for several reasons pertaining to his attitudes regarding civil rights. The network cites sources that have accused Sessions of participating in "politically motivated" charges of voter fraud against African-American leaders while he was a U.S. Attorney in Southern Alabama. MSNBC also cites others who claimed to have heard Sessions refer to a white civil rights lawyer as a "disgrace to his race".

Probably not the best choice. However, if the GOP wants to continue wandering the political nether regions for the foreseeable future, then by all means they need to stick with this strategy. It appears that Republicans are more than content to continue charging the windmill that is changing American demographics--a decision that can only lead to more lost elections--and isolation from the majority of America.

General Grant once said, "“In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins.” Apparently that GOP is taking his advice. This is probably not the context he in which he would have offered it though...

Spewing Anti-Union Drivel

From 2 May 2009 Eau Claire Leader Telegram Editorial page:

Unions bleeding us dry

Unions appear to be fighting hard for the best interest of their membership while ignoring the country as a whole. Many if not most companies have instituted wage freezes while unions simply say leave us alone - we have a legal contract. The spirit of worker rights and fair compensation that unions originally organized under was an attempt to bring dignity and a reasonable wage to workers in difficult jobs. Why are these unions now putting their nose up to the rest of the country as people struggle to pay bills with less income per household? More importantly, the very idea of the federal government sanctioning the practice of guaranteed wages or we walk, often at the detriment of American-based companies, appears to have caused much damage to the American economy.

JEFFREY S. LATENDRESSE

Eau Claire

Where to begin, where to begin... Apparently this writer does not understand the nature of the contractual concept. Companies enter into negotiated agreements with their employees. Both sides sign the agreement. It is a legally binding contract. What is so complicated about this concept??? Next negotiating cycle, attempt to get worker concessions. Until then, tough. This writer's argument is similar to allowing a bank to come in and change the interest terms of a 30-year fixed mortgage because the bank is experiencing financial difficulties. I suspect the writer would not be too happy about that...

Facts Can Be So Inconvenient

In the 2 May 2009 edition of the Eau Claire Leader Telegram's editorial page, an Eau Claire resident lamented government intervention in setting wages for executives of companies receiving TARP money.

"But now, Congress seems to have outdone itself in trying to right the previous wrong, and has passed the Pay for Performance Act of 2009. The bill aims to limit compensation at financial institutions receiving TARP funding. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi described it this way: "The taxpayers now have an ownership stake in these companies. And owners of companies set salaries for their employees. Any company bent on paying its employees unreasonable and excessive compensation can do so after the American taxpayers get their money back."

But if the government can limit salaries of employees of companies receiving TARP funds, might they ever try to limit or retroactively confiscate "excessive" salaries of others whose income is even partially derived from tax dollars?"

Here's the problem with her argument: the government in Wisconsin HAS been setting wages for teachers since the QEO was established in the early 1990's. This is not something new, in fact, wage restriction is something that people like this have been arguing for re: teachers in area districts in recent months.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the law, the QEO allows district's to offer no more than 3.8% increases (pay and benefits together) if they so choose. Teachers are therefore the only employee group in the state that has their negotiating power clipped by government. I wonder if she would argue that teachers should have their true collective bargaining ability reinstated??? In today's political climate...I doubt it!

When economic times are good, let's restrict teacher wages.....when they're bad.....restrict teacher wages.

Michelle Bachmann, Really?

From TPMDC:
Historian Michele Bachmann Blames FDR's "Hoot-Smalley" Tariffs For Great Depression

By Eric Kleefeld - April 29, 2009, 11:08AM

"Make no mistake: When it comes to economics, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) knows her history -- even if that history is from another planet.

On Monday night, our friends at Dump Bachmann reported, Bachmann took to the House floor and paid tribute to the economic policies of Calvin Coolidge and the "Roaring 20s" (the era that ended with a massive monetary contraction and the Great Depression). One particular line really does stand out, though -- saying Franklin Roosevelt turned a recession into a depression through the "Hoot-Smalley" tariffs:

Here's what really happened: When Franklin Roosevelt took office, unemployment was already about 25%. And the tariff referred to here was actually the Smoot-Hawley bill, co-authored by Republicans Sen. Reed Smoot of Utah and Rep. Willis Hawley of Oregon, and signed into law by President Herbert Hoover."

Now, as a history teacher, this simply embarrasses me. This is something that one of my 15 year old U.S. History survey students would get right. I am hoping that she was simply using this for political points and not expecting anyone to fact check her. Dumb. Plain and simple.

Great call Minnesota! Winona State probably isn't in any hurry to publicize their alum's latest historical imaginative affectation. Her behavior reminds me of an observatory quote about Union General George McClellan during the Civil War. It was something along the lines of that he had the rare ability to realize hallucinations. That's her to a tee...

General Motors Cutting 21,000 Jobs

I want to take a moment to express solidarity with the 21,000 of our union brothers and sisters losing their jobs as a result of General Motors cuts. We're hoping for the best for you.

Locally, I also want to express my regret that Weather Shield is shuttering it's Greenwood, WI plant; disrupting the lives of 190 workers and their families. This is most unwelcome news for Clark County, whose unemployment rate rose to 11.5% in March (Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development).

Additionally, Hutchinson Technology (HTI) has announced that it is laying off an additional 50 employees at the Eau Claire, WI plant. This comes on the heels of significant earlier cuts in employees. Once again, the deeply painful impact of this cut will be felt by workers, their families, and the metro area which is now suffering through a 8.7% unemployment rate (up from 4.8% this time last year) (WI DWD).

Justice Souter's Retirement Presents an Opportunity

I, for one, would like to see President Obama nominate Wisconsin's very own Senator Russ Feingold for the soon to be open Supreme Court vacancy. Feingold has proven himself, time and again, to be a supporter of progressive ideals, constitutional limits on government, and a friend of labor. He would make an outstanding Supreme Court justice.

Ridiculous Propagada Against EFCA

Absolutely shameless. An unnamed company with an unspecified $50 million project. Give me a break. Looks like anti-union smears to me.

From the Eau Claire Leader Telegram (3/26/09)

Economic director: Bill stalls large local project

By Leader-Telegram staff

Proposed federal labor legislation has derailed a large Eau Claire County development, according to a local economic development official.

The project - for which no name or description was given - would have brought a $50 million investment to Eau Claire County in the next five years, along with creating up to 800 full-time jobs, Brian Doudna, executive director of the Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corp., said in a news release Wednesday evening. Construction was expected to begin this year. The first employees were to begin work in early 2010, with about 100 new jobs being created.
The project has been placed on hold indefinitely because of the Employee Free Choice Act, federal legislation that would require binding arbitration to resolve contract disputes and make it easier for workers to join unions. The bill has been introduced in the House and Senate.
The bill would require binding arbitration if management and a union cannot agree on a first contract. It also would allow a majority of employees at a company to organize by signing cards - a change from the current practice that allows employers to mandate secret-ballot elections - and boost penalties for retaliation against workers seeking to organize.

Doudna said if the bill is approved, the project will not occur - at least not in the U.S.
"While debating topics and issues are an important part of the U.S. political process, our ability to grow, retain and recruit jobs to our marketplace is now being impacted," he said.
"Proposed federal and state legislation, as shown by this company's decision, can impact location decisions and limit the private sector's ability to create quality jobs for Eau Claire area residents. This is especially disappointing given the condition of our current national, regional and local economies."

Doudna could not be reached for further comment Wednesday evening.
Bob McCoy, president of the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, said the government essentially is stopping growth in the Chippewa Valley.

"I think it's one of those situations when the state starts trying to generate additional revenue or put certain criteria on business, it can reverse itself," he said. "There's a potential for the Employee Free Choice Act, and (businesses) can't afford those types of consequences.
"If we want to grow our economy, we can't continue to grow our government. If you start causing businesses to have more costs and expenses, they have to cut back."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.