Of course, the extremity of the Democratic response in Wisconsin is a function of the extremity of the situation they suddenly find themselves in. I say this by way of explanation, not exculpation. As even ideologues such as E. J. Dionne acknowledge, the tea party movement did not only help determine the results in many elections across the country in November, it is well on its way to fundamentally changing the nature of political debate in the country. In a word, the Great Symbiosis between government workers and the government is unraveling. For decades, government workers at all levels — teachers, clerks and other bureaucrats, police and firemen — have extracted unsustainable promises from the politicians their unions have elected. The politicians, in turn, have gladly helped themselves to more and more of your money in order to reward their real constituents — not the public, which only furnishes the money, but the unions, which consume it.
This corrupt and unsustainable pas de deux has continued for as long as it did only because the mighty engine of American capitalism managed, despite the best efforts of the Left to hobble it, to furnish a dynamic and growing economy. We see now how much of that economic vibrancy was based on the seductive illusion of debt. (Debt, by the way, is an amazing invention. In almost every way, it looks exactly like cash. You can spend it, invest it, leverage it. The one difference — but what a difference! — is that, sooner or later, you have to pay it back.)
Well, the party is over now. It doesn’t matter that certain Democratic politicians are still there on the dance floor with certain dead-enders from the public sector, you know, the sad people who compare Governor Walker to Hitler, Hosni Mubarak, and Mussolini. The music’s stopped and the lights have been raised. The responsible people are getting their coats and going home. Those left inside are partly dangerous, partly pathetic. Old Arab proverb: the dog is barking, but the caravan has moved on.
We have here a modification of an old Democratic Party tradition, i.e., the “disappearing quorum.” This was often used by the Democratic minority, especially the southern bloc, to force the House to suspend business. Rather than fleeing to the bars and brothels of Washington they would simply refuse to answer the quorum call.
Maine’s greatest statesman, Thomas Brackett Reed solved the problem simply by instructing the clerk to count everyone present who was present whether they chose signify their presence of not.
He also ordered the doors to be locked (although one sturdy Texas Rep. managed to escape by kicking the door down) and those hiding under their desks could not elude his eagle eye. Screams, insults, frothing rage, threats, physical confrontations were all equally unavailing. Reed was six feet, six inches tall, 350 pounds and not easily intimidated by pygmies and midgets.
Great comparison as this is what the union socialist communist want – overthrow the democracy by selected few to take over and rule as communist. And this is from the “non-violent” progressives with full support from DNC and Obama. So much for new Obama’s centrist hoax.
“….with full support from…Obama. So much for Obama’s centrist hoax.”
And then some, ObaMao! From Obama’s own lips,”Obama’s SEIU Ties Coming Home to Roost.” WARNING:CONSUMPTION MAY CAUSE NAUSEA AND VOMITING (“We’re gonna paint the nation purple with SEIU.”
http://potterwilliamsreport.com/2011/02/21/obama-jan.aspx?ref=rss
Speaking of “The Petulant Child Form of Democracy”: voters in nearly bankrupt California just elected Jerry Brown as their governor, and the people of Chicago, the major city in nearly bankrupt Illinois, just elected Rahm Emanuel their mayor. Neither of those gentlemen are likely to face up to reality.
When reading about the Fleebaggers (as Michelle Malkin calls them), I’m reminded of an old song from the 1960s:
“Company Of Cowards” by the New Christy Minstrels
As I was walkin’ down the road, ’twas on one summer’s day
What d’you suppose I chanced to see, goin’ the other way?
Well I knew it weren’t the Navy nor the whole McDougal clan
‘Twas a company of cowards, I could tell by the way they ran
CHORUS:
Oh get around oh get around get around
Oh get around get away
‘Tis a company of cowards
And they’ve come to save the day
You should’ve seen their uniforms, shabby as you please
Mighty shy of buttons, rather baggy at the knees
And such was their appearance, we laughed until we cried
It’s a pity, Mr. Lincoln, they’re not on the other side
CHORUS
I don’t recall I ever heard that bugle sound retreat,
I could only hear the thunder of a hundred scamperin’ feet.
It was forward into battle they came marching one by one
But I guess they thought it over, and they thought it best to run
CHORUS
All men who bear the saber share the scandal of that day
Napoleon would have died of shame to see them run away
Remember George at Valley Forge made the British boys behave
You can well imagine now he’s rolling over in his grave
CHORUS
Frankly, I’m very glad they’re on the other side. I’d advocate recall for any politician who pulls this stunt regardless of party.
The situation in Wisconsin and Indiana is both amazing and sad. Why don’t they just fire these clowns and appoint serious people who will come to work? Aren’t they breaking the solenm oath they swore when they took office?
Really, when I was in the air force for 24 years if I stood up and said I wasn’t going to follow a lawful order I’d be in jail. How are these people any different?
But to these folks is not a “lawful Order”
Remember, the WHOLE WORLD revolves around THEIR sense of what is right and wrong….
They only participate in the machinery of democracy as long as it does things THEIR way…when it conflicts with their world view, well then its CLEARLY not right and they have no obligation to participate.
When the voters outnumbered their Union Supporters in the recent election, it doesnt matter…
Because their Union supporters are RIGHT, and the majority of voters was WRONG, see?
Liberals feel empowered to have Absolute Rule by virtue their own inner righteousness, which supercedes the rights of all other people to have contrary, even MAJORITY contrary views.
Damn straight! What ABOUT those oaths? And what about the Presidential oath (see clip at link under no. 2 above). Every day we have new lawlessness from these thugs. If what we see in the video linked above isn’t incitement to riot, what the hell is it????
This is nothing less than a coup attempt to overthrow a legally elected government. If the dims can’t win by fraud, they’ll try to win by attempting to overturn a legal election.
On another note, the WI state capitol building is not a flop house. Why are the protesters being allowed to SLEEP there? Evict them. If they have to stand around in the cold all night long, they’ll go home quick.
Writ of Mandamus, baby! Force Illinois to extradite their sorry @$$e$. Failing that, impeach them, each and every one for violating their oath of office.
Clean out their offices and send the contents to the towed auto yard.
That’s the best suggestion I’ve heard. That would get attention quicker than waiting to gather enough signatures for a recall election.
Cancel their direct deposit pay. Make them pick up their pay checks in person – then declare a quorum and vote.
The most practical idea I have heard, yet. Send that idea to the Governor!
Already done. They enacted it yesterday.
Won’t work, the same unions that pay bums to picket for them will keep these rats flush with cash as long as they want. Wait, you don’t think these politicians pay their own way do you?
I read today that the dog Mike Capuano, a Representative from Mass, spoke to a group of pro laborites this past weekend and made the observation/exhortation to the crowd that “…some times you have to get a little bloody”. This is the mentality we adults are going to have to deal with.
I think the Wisconsin strategy is a good one. Stay on the facts, stay cool, wait them out, let representative government work. The negotiation took place last November 2nd. We are broke. We must change how federal and state governments spend money. It is a spending problem, not a taxing problem.
When you live marxist ideology and that is what you know, reality is a difficult thing to comprehend. Let them moan and cry and stamp their foot. They just look more ridiculous with each passing day.
Wisconsin is but the first battle in a series that will correct an imbalance that has been festering for near 100 years.
Capuana’s remark should not be taken as mere hyperbole. In the past 10 months or so we’ve come to see more and more violent actions on the part of the Left’s ‘street crews’. They do indeed act with childish characteristics. And when frustrated, many have and will strike out. Some prudent precautions have become neccesary.
Put cameras on your cameras. Make sure, when there is a possibility of encounter make sure it is well covered. That free pass from the media won’t last forever, and fear of exposure may be the first line of protection.
Keep in mind, the people we’re dealing with are bullies. Always have been.
Capuano is a typical MA Democrat. It doesn’t seem to go national but the last 3 MA house speakers have all been arrested for corruption. MA poll watchers in our 2nd largest city, Worcester, observed voting violations – even with a police report they only got a “clarification” request authorized by the Dems in power – no charges, nothing. Here’s hoping WI’s strength will spread to the east and west coasts before the Progressives and Socialist/Communists bring down the whole country. With a lefty agitator as President, and selective law enforcement, we’ll be lucky to get to the next election!
Over the past four years, the Democrats have demonstrated to taxpayers and voters that their party monicker has no meaning beyond its capacity to distinguish them from Republicans. Hence, we must observe what Democrats do to discern what they stand for and who they stand with.
From what I’ve seen, Democrats stand with the federal bureaucracy and public employee unions against the taxpayers and voters who would like to shed their regulatory bonds and fiscal burdens. What is more, Democrats will continue this stance regardless of ballot outcomes. Therefore, the Democrats have proved to me that they do not represent the people or me. Instead, Democrats represent the powerful and entirely self-interested constituencies they’ve created with our tax dollars.
We taxpayers and voters are the Democrats’ fiscal prey, and they will continue to exsanguinate us until we drive them from us into the political wilderness.
The greedy billionaire Koch brothers and their horde of racist Tea Party zombies seized the governer’s mansion in Wisconsin and now seek to crush the working class to dust, but guess what, the needy have fought back! Those who have nothing must fight by an means necessary those with ill-gotten billions who seek to impoverish them even further!
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Thanks for the laugh mate – and no, it wasn’t with you, it was at you. You win my Worst Troll of the Day award. BTW, please don’t get any of that spittle on the furniture, mate – it plays h*ll on the finish.
BWaaaaaa! Hissy, hissy, hissy!
Those evil Koch brothers threw two million dollars into the last election. Horrors! The Teachers Union, the SEIU, the AFSCME, George Soros, the Tides Foundation and all, threw hundreds of times that much. Cry me a river about the Koch brothers, at least they’re not trying to nullify the votes of 5.5 million Wisconsinites with a bused-in mob of a few thousand worn-out hippies and 14 bused-out Democrats.
9. Throbbin – “billionaire Koch brothers”
I wonder if you people see any irony in making these billionaires your mantra.
You see, when we point out that your puppet master is billionaire George Soros that puts his money in with every form of anti-American, global communism faction out there, we’re pointing out that you are actively seeking to overthrow the US Constitution AKA, you’re traitors to America – which is significant.
When you point out the Koch brothers as supporters of the constitution and probably the causes that champion it as some sort of nefarious thing, it really rates nothing more than a *shrug* from us because it’s fidelity to the US – which is normal.
“ill-gotten billions” – Code-word for non-democratic party approved (again – it means nothing to us) method of gaining any wealth AKA, not by corruption, graft or redistribution of weath.
Which, if any of these rich leftists are greedy – George Soros, Steve Jobs, Google Execs, Bill Gates, Nancy Pelosi and her husband? Are the Kennedy Klan’s bootleg billions ill-gotten?
“racist … zombies” This condition is endemic to leftism and prolific in the entire history of the democratic party so what are you trying to compare it to? You found an instance of racism somewhere on the right and somehow we’re guilty of genocide compared to what your kind enshrines in your belief system? Do you have anything concrete or are your marching orders simply to disrupt those on the right from organizing against you.
Well, I’m off to drag my pasty white a$$, my born in Tijuana green card holdin’ Mexican (by ancestry only) wife and our half-breed children to a Tea Party so we can burn a cross.
@”democrats are the root of evil”…SPOT-Retort, enjoy the true patriot party!!!
Right…
The Government Goons raid the House, destroy what the voters voted for, implement mob rule upon the Taxpayers, and somehow they are righteous freedom fighters storming the Bastille?
No, Thobbing Headach, the unions are not “the people” and they are not under attack from “the Government”
The Unions ARE AN ARM OF THE GOVERNMENT, and that arm of Government Unions is CRUSHING the expressed will of the people, demanding a higher ransom in exchange for (maybe) “allowing” the peoples vote to stand….
They are saying, “you peasants my vote, but we shall will nullify that which we dissagree”
Govenment Union Thugs!
Some of them are just slack-jawed stupid.
How do they stay alive? I don’t think some of them can find the way to the gubamint trough.
The only thing I can figure is that jails are now providing internet service.
Kimball’s thesis is odd, given that every Republican leader left in office after the 2008 election repeated ad nauseum that the GOP would devote itself singlemindedly to opposing, delaying and destroying what the electorate had just endorsed.
Right Shef, and then the entire Republican caucus abandoned Washington & hid out in the basements of Illinois, that’s where the Wisconsin Dems got the idea. Shef, odd, very, Do you want to alter the comparison?
The Republicans represented the people who elected them, by opposing some bad legislation proposed by their opposition.
The hidey-hole Democrats are representing not their constituents, but rather a pernicious attempt to alter the results of November’s election. Recall them all, they’ve deserted their posts.
“given that every Republican leader left in office after the 2008 election repeated ad nauseum that the GOP would devote itself singlemindedly to opposing, delaying and destroying what the electorate had just endorsed.
Yes they did!
When WE lost an election, we said “we will work hard to change peoples minds IN THE NEXT ELECTION CYCLE”.
And we have begun, with the MAJORITY of voters who supported us in THE FOLLOWING ELECTION
We didnt cry and run away, while sending our thugs to occupy the house and illegally halt a democratic process that was enacting the laws the MAJORITY OF CITIZENS WHO VOTED, WANTED. Even when it was Obama-care. We let the votes fall where they may, and go on with THE PROCESS.
Republicans play by the rules, even when we LOSE.
Democrats are criminals, constantly stealing from the treasury to fund their Union gang of thugs, then refusing to obey when the MAJORITY OF VOTERS IN WI says “stop”.
Criminals, Traitors, Hypocrates, Thugs, Theives, Cowards, Despots, Tyrants.
Many ways to spell your party of Jackasses
Well, folks, you may not make very fine arguments but I’ll tell the world: you make some very, very fine distinctions.
There must be some point at which the Governor or President of the Senate can declare that the Democrats have abdicated their offices and call for special elections. If not, that should be the second law passed when the Dems do come back.
Pot, meet Kettle.
How so, wise one?
Variation 12,783 on a theme.
They will do ANYTHING to get their way. To criticize adolescent behavior is to miss the point. If all of their tactics were so benign, it would be a blessing.
The money and power is so immense, that they will do anything.
The truly frightening thing is that their predecessors were willing to kill millions for 1/1000th of what these guys are going for.
We ain’t seen nuthin yet. The next two years is when the rubber hits the road.
I don’t have a problem with the Democrat Cowards leaving – I just have a problem with them returning. Cut off their pay and benefits until they squeeeel like the pigs they are. Unions are nothing more than a money laundering scam for the Democrats.
Could you imagine, just imagine, what the main stream media would have said prior to the 2010 elections if the Republicans tried to pull this same stunt with a Democratic majority? I could just see the headlines now, “Repbulicans walk out, starve states by inaction.” Or, “Republicans walk out because they hate teachers, firemen, and police officers.” Or better yet, “Republicans walk out and bring democracy to a standstill. Shame on them!” The hypocrisy of it all is enough to make you sick. Stand firm against these thugs and bums. They are wrong and the Governor of Wisconsin is right. Stick together and these union thugs will fold.
You know, if I willfully skipped work at my job because there was work coming up that I didn’t want to do, I would be fired.
I think the same should be applied to these individuals.
When Democrats don’t think they should have a gun, you shouldn’t either. If they think they shouldn’t eat a food, like a happy meal, take the happy meal off the menu. If a Democrat can’t come to terms with the situation, run away, hide and then claim they garner more respect than their counterparts. The border situation is a glowing example of bad guys taking advantage of weakness. We are all sick of unions being superior to those that have to pay half of our insurance premiums (or more) and they get a pension with very little paid in(which we don’t). And they do this all on our property, sales, income and excise taxes.
What is astonishing, as you point out, is the muted response of the media. Just imagine the howls of sanctimonious outrage if this stunt had been pulled by Republicans. And you are right in saying that the sanctimony and the outrage would be entirely justified. But where is it now?
There is hardly a better example on offer of the infinitely malleable principles of the bien-pensant left in the media. Another day, another instance of the rank hypocrisy of the left.
Abdication by fleeing the State? Since 1689 that has been a principle of the Common Law when it was applied to King James II for fleeing England at the time of the Glorious Revolution.
Fleeing the state to avoid the performance of public duty is tantamount to resignation. Wisconsin and Indiana should consider declaring the absent legislators’ seats vacant and hold special elections to fill them. If any of the Democrats wish to contest that action in court, they would have to return to their state (and be subject to arrest by the Legislature’s Sergeant at Arms).
If you really want the Dems to come back and face the music, take another play out of their book, declare the Wisconsin budget “deemed” passed and begin implementing it.
The only answer the Governor needs to give to howls of outrage is the budget is up for debate and vote once a quorum is struck, but until that happens he (the Governor) still needs to attend to the needs of his constituents.
All Republican Governors need to prepare their playbooks for this sort of thing over the next two years.
I thought everyone knew that democracy meant rule by Democrats and that such democracy is the only legitimate form of government. I guess I was wrong.