Wisconsin, Public Sector Unions – Disgusting.
Yeah, I know. I haven’t done much actual writing lately. It’s just that it’s hard to write when smoke is pouring out of one’s ears. Like most people who don’t watch reality shows or “Wheel of Fortune,†I have been watching the travesty in Wisconsin and the attempts by the class warfare, anarchist assholes protestors to turn this country into Greece.
Unions: I could go on for pages and pages, but the bottom line is that the shit that is flying around in Wisconsin (and which will doubtless be coming to other states) has nothing – absolutely nothing – to do with private sector unions. Franklin Roosevelt, the icon of the liberals, understood the difference between private sector and public sector unions, as did George Meany, Mr. Labor Union (neither favored public sector unions). If you don’t understand or appreciate the difference between private sector unions and public sector unions, I have neither the time nor the inclination to deal with you. Educate yourselves, and then maybe we’ll talk.
Oh, and please don’t think that I have something against teachers. I have the utmost admiration for the teaching profession. If it weren’t for teachers, I would not be able to read, write or make change. I have benefitted from having some wonderful teachers. (N.B. I’ve also had my share of lemons.)
I have good friends and family members who are teachers – damned good teachers, every one of them. In fact, they are so good and so dedicated that it pains me to see that, by virtue of their union membership, they cannot be paid what they truly are worth. Instead, they are paid exactly the same as some burned-out, dumb, tenured shit who “mails it in†every day until he/she can retire with a boatload of cash.
I’ve worked my entire life in the private sector, where if you work harder than the next guy and are better than the next guy, you’ll make more money than the next guy. If you’re a slacker, you’re out of a job. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. If you’re a good teacher – better than the next guy – why would you want it any other way?
This will spread like a brush fire. Mark my words. “Some” people have had enough.
Comment by Yabu — March 11, 2011 @ 12:14 am
Food for thought from some of us who actually live here in Wisconsin:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/note.php?note_id=485220512536
Also, I’ve been to the Capitol several times, and most of us regard Hitler-based signs the same way hunters regard those guys who show up with a AR-15 and a laser sight: Lame overkill. I’ve seen maybe two in all the times I’ve been there.
Rather than discuss the politics of this (the knowledge of which, I’m positive you outclass me), I’d rather speak to how things really are here.
These aren’t college kids pulling a prank, and these aren’t people being bussed in from out of town. These are friends, neighbors, liberals and conservatives, firefighters and cops. There are many of my friends who are those “damn good teachers,” and they’re out here too. There are friends of mine who are disabled and are terrified of what the next year will bring them.
The protest, while having its intense moments, has seen very few arrests and virtually no instances of violence, because we all know that that would destroy everything that’s been built up to this point. The fact that the Sheriff’s department issued an apology for supporting Walker and that Madison’s police department publicly thanked the protesters for their cooperation in keeping things peaceful should speak volumes.
No one’s turning this country into Greece, and ten seconds in the Capitol rotunda would tell you that. I’ve seen people come in wanting to start a conflict, and, yes, it’ll result in a lot of yelling, but you’ll also see someone genuinely try to talk and share ideas.
We’re not demons, Jimmy. We’re just people.
Comment by Rob Matsushita — March 11, 2011 @ 2:32 am
Dr. J:
While I agree with most of what you say, although I believe a higher % of teachers mail it in, I worked for the same “private” employer as you for some time. We had more than our fair share of people who should have been stealing jobs from the senior greeters in WalMart. You and I can both name them.
Comment by Joseph — March 11, 2011 @ 11:58 am
I am with Yabu….. we have had enough!
I have worked since I was 16. I was expected to pay for a percent of my healthcare and to contribute to my retirement plan. We in the private sector do not get healthcare for life when we retire nor will we be exempt from Obamacare as some of the unions.
I come from the era that you had to actually win a ball game to get a trophy. I think that sums up where this country is heading so many people want something for nothing. You know some of that Obama money!
Comment by Kimela — March 11, 2011 @ 3:42 pm
I guess no schools were closed because the teachers went to the rally? Dedicated? Nice lesson,you don’t like the rules don’t go to work, no worries you can’t be fired you have a union.
Comment by james old guy — March 11, 2011 @ 9:06 pm
I fear this country is going through a transformation of some kind. I only hope we come through it stronger and better than ever.
Comment by Kevin — March 11, 2011 @ 11:55 pm
The US has a new missile called THE CIVIL SERVANT. It’s of no threat though….doesn’t work and can’t be fired.
Comment by T-Bone — March 12, 2011 @ 3:51 pm