WI Gov Scott Walker recall.

[Guest]

Scott Walker Recall Election Ordered By Government Accountability Board (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/30/scott-walker-recall_n_1391209.html)

Maybe, the Republicans on TOTV can supply some of their own links for coverage of this story.

[Guest]

Scott Walker Recall Election Ordered By Government Accountability Board (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/30/scott-walker-recall_n_1391209.html)

Maybe, the Republicans on TOTV can supply some of their own links for coverage of this story.

Not sure of WHAT you are asking and WHY ?????? Please explain your motives.....would be interested. You sort of jump from thread to thread until actual facts get discussed and then you just disappear..just wonder your thought on this one.

[Guest]

Not sure of WHAT you are asking and WHY ?????? Please explain your motives.....would be interested. You sort of jump from thread to thread until actual facts get discussed and then you just disappear..just wonder your thought on this one.

Just getting a dialogue going. The link I supplied is obviously one that is very liberal leaning as most stories on the Huffington Post are. Would like to see some links on the Republican take on the recall of the WI Governor.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/30/scott-walker-recall_n_1391209.html

[Guest]

Just getting a dialog going.

Didnt sound you wanted a dialogue...sounded to me like another PARTY post...why would you be specific about Republicans ?

PS....Dialogue wise, from what I know, he teed of the unions because he wanted to save the state finances and they, as only they can do, launched this petition. I understand he welcomes it in order to have a nice conversation and hear other solutions.

[Guest]

Didnt sound you wanted a dialogue...sounded to me like another PARTY post...why would you be specific about Republicans ?

PS....Dialogue wise, from what I know, he teed of the unions because he wanted to save the state finances and they, as only they can do, launched this petition. I understand he welcomes it in order to have a nice conversation and hear other solutions.

This artcle from The Chicago Tribune seems more objective than others I have pulled up in recent searches. Recall election ordered for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker - chicagotribune.com (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-recall-election-ordered-for-wisconsin-gov-scott-walker-20120330,0,4546164.story)

[Guest]

Not much more to say than this from your link...

"Walker was targeted for recall after he pushed through a law last year that effectively ended collective bargaining rights for most state workers. It also forced the workers to contribute more to their pension and health care costs, which amounted to a cut in pay.

Walker argued the changes were needed to help balance the state's budget, while Democrats and other opponents said the true intention was to weaken the power of unions, which have traditionally opposed Republicans."

I am married to an ex teacher, and I know how pushy they can get if ticked off....and NEVER try to take anything away....the hearing function just goes dead. This is no surprise.....have not heard anyone out there have an disclaimers with valid points on doing what he did...all they are doing is saying that he wants to weakens their unions. They may try to debate the facts that actually caused the move

[Guest]

Not much more to say than this from your link...

"Walker was targeted for recall after he pushed through a law last year that effectively ended collective bargaining rights for most state workers. It also forced the workers to contribute more to their pension and health care costs, which amounted to a cut in pay.

Walker argued the changes were needed to help balance the state's budget, while Democrats and other opponents said the true intention was to weaken the power of unions, which have traditionally opposed Republicans."

I am married to an ex teacher, and I know how pushy they can get if ticked off....and NEVER try to take anything away....the hearing function just goes dead. This is no surprise.....have not heard anyone out there have an disclaimers with valid points on doing what he did...all they are doing is saying that he wants to weakens their unions. They may try to debate the facts that actually caused the move
You are spot on,These public sector unions have ripped off the general population for years they should be treated no different then people in the private sector,And if that means cuts in pensions and benefits so be it.But in wisconsin they have so many unions he will be recalled for doing the right thing.And it will back to buying insurance from the unions or their controlled companies and screwing the tax payers again.Its the same here in il.only on a larger scale

[Guest]

March 15, 2012
[Madison, Wisconsin] Gearing up for increased political activism on the cusp of a campaign to recall Governor Scott Walker, the State’s teachers’ union is being guided by the philosophy of radical leftist Saul Alinsky, the MacIver News Service has learned.

On Friday and Saturday WEAC is sponsoring community organizing training seminars put on by the Industrial Areas Foundation.

The IAF is a leftist community organizing network established in 1940 by Saul Alinsky. Alinsky, author of the book Rules for Radicals, remains a controversial political figure many years after his death. Opposed to many of the bloody revolutionary strategies supported by his fellow radicals, Alinsky was guided by a neo-Marxist philosophy that promoted infiltration and gradualism over violent confrontation.

“A Marxist begins with his prime truth that all evils are caused by the exploitation of the proletariat by the capitalists,” Alinsky wrote. “From this he logically proceeds to the revolution to end capitalism, then into the third stage of reorganization into a new social order of the dictatorship of the proletariat, and finally the last stage — the political paradise of communism.”

According to a website promoting the WEAC training, “The workshop will provide an overview of key concepts and critical components essential to building strong locals and connecting those locals into a broad based organization necessary to create power. Special emphasis will be placed on the identification of leaders and the creation of local allies necessary to effect change at both the local community and state levels. Participants should expect a practical interactive opportunity to learn and help shape the future organizing work of WEAC and other like-minded organizations in our state.”

On Eve of Recalls, WEAC Turns to Alinsky Disciples For Community Organizing Help | MacIver Institute (http://maciverinstitute.com/2012/03/on-eve-of-recalls-weac-turns-to-alinsky-desciples-for-community-organizing-help/)

Wisconsin Districts Save Millions by Switching Health Insurers
By Christian D’Andrea
MacIver Institute Education Policy Analyst

It’s a narrative we’ve touched on before – switching health insurers can save Wisconsin’s school districts hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. This summer, two local school boards have proven this point in dramatic fashion.

Hudson and Kaukauna have both made headlines recently for saving over $1.5 million combined through bidding out their teacher health insurance programs. As a result, these districts are getting deals that will provide high-level health care while saving significant funding dollars.

Kaukauna’s switch from WEA Trust (owned and operated by the WI Teachers' Union) to WCA Group Health Trust will be part of an overhaul that is projected to turn a $400,000 deficit into a $1.5 million surplus. Their savings from the change are an estimated $400,000 – or about eight percent less than the district was paying under their previous plan. Part of these savings hinge on higher deductibles for eligible members.

Hudson also dropped WEA Trust and chose Health Partners as their new provider. This change, coupled with a switch to Delta Dental, is estimated to save $1.1-1.2 million each year. Prior to the enacting of Act 10, the district was not allowed to open their health care services up for competitive bidding unless such an agreement was collectively bargained with the union...."
Wisconsin Districts Save Millions by Switching Health Insurers | MacIver Institute (http://maciverinstitute.com/2011/08/wisconsin-districts-save-millions-by-switching-health-insurers/)

[Guest]

March 15, 2012
[Madison, Wisconsin] Gearing up for increased political activism on the cusp of a campaign to recall Governor Scott Walker, the State’s teachers’ union is being guided by the philosophy of radical leftist Saul Alinsky, the MacIver News Service has learned.

On Friday and Saturday WEAC is sponsoring community organizing training seminars put on by the Industrial Areas Foundation.

The IAF is a leftist community organizing network established in 1940 by Saul Alinsky. Alinsky, author of the book Rules for Radicals, remains a controversial political figure many years after his death. Opposed to many of the bloody revolutionary strategies supported by his fellow radicals, Alinsky was guided by a neo-Marxist philosophy that promoted infiltration and gradualism over violent confrontation.

“A Marxist begins with his prime truth that all evils are caused by the exploitation of the proletariat by the capitalists,” Alinsky wrote. “From this he logically proceeds to the revolution to end capitalism, then into the third stage of reorganization into a new social order of the dictatorship of the proletariat, and finally the last stage — the political paradise of communism.”

According to a website promoting the WEAC training, “The workshop will provide an overview of key concepts and critical components essential to building strong locals and connecting those locals into a broad based organization necessary to create power. Special emphasis will be placed on the identification of leaders and the creation of local allies necessary to effect change at both the local community and state levels. Participants should expect a practical interactive opportunity to learn and help shape the future organizing work of WEAC and other like-minded organizations in our state.”

On Eve of Recalls, WEAC Turns to Alinsky Disciples For Community Organizing Help | MacIver Institute (http://maciverinstitute.com/2012/03/on-eve-of-recalls-weac-turns-to-alinsky-desciples-for-community-organizing-help/)

Wisconsin Districts Save Millions by Switching Health Insurers
By Christian D’Andrea
MacIver Institute Education Policy Analyst

It’s a narrative we’ve touched on before – switching health insurers can save Wisconsin’s school districts hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. This summer, two local school boards have proven this point in dramatic fashion.

Hudson and Kaukauna have both made headlines recently for saving over $1.5 million combined through bidding out their teacher health insurance programs. As a result, these districts are getting deals that will provide high-level health care while saving significant funding dollars.

Kaukauna’s switch from WEA Trust (owned and operated by the WI Teachers' Union) to WCA Group Health Trust will be part of an overhaul that is projected to turn a $400,000 deficit into a $1.5 million surplus. Their savings from the change are an estimated $400,000 – or about eight percent less than the district was paying under their previous plan. Part of these savings hinge on higher deductibles for eligible members.

Hudson also dropped WEA Trust and chose Health Partners as their new provider. This change, coupled with a switch to Delta Dental, is estimated to save $1.1-1.2 million each year. Prior to the enacting of Act 10, the district was not allowed to open their health care services up for competitive bidding unless such an agreement was collectively bargained with the union...."
Wisconsin Districts Save Millions by Switching Health Insurers | MacIver Institute (http://maciverinstitute.com/2011/08/wisconsin-districts-save-millions-by-switching-health-insurers/)

I have been talking about Saul Alinsky since 2008, and before anyone mentions that a lot of folks have studied him (including Hillary Clinton who wrote on him but the government, at last I heard sealed her writings on him) I do in fact realize that. My point is, and always has been that President Obama not only studied his ways, HE TAUGHT THEM and practiced them totally as a neighborhood organizer. One thing I know....you cannot walk completely away from your roots of learning and this is his roots.

Thanks for your post ILOVETV...and I would ask that all of you read about Saul Alinsky and then imagine your President TEACHING HIS FUNDAMENTALS.

[Guest]

Gov Scott Walker is being recalled, yet he has higher approval numbers than our own Gov Rick Scott who has never gotten above 30%. Too bad Florida doesn't have a recall law. Rick Scott would be toast.

[Guest]

Gov Scott Walker is being recalled, yet he has higher approval numbers than our own Gov Rick Scott who has never gotten above 30%. Too bad Florida doesn't have a recall law. Rick Scott would be toast.

Approval numbers for elected officials trying to balance the state budget sometimes reflect how much a 15-year-old likes being told by his parents, "We're not signing for you to get your drivers' license until you have at least a 3.0 GPA, and until you have a summer job to help pay 20% of your insurance premiums for the year."

[Guest]

Do you have any comments on the issue being discussed ??

I think my post #8 in this thread shows what my thoughts would be. What more does one need to see other than this, below?

“A Marxist begins with his prime truth that all evils are caused by the exploitation of the proletariat by the capitalists,” Alinsky wrote. “From this he logically proceeds to the revolution to end capitalism, then into the third stage of reorganization into a new social order of the dictatorship of the proletariat, and finally the last stage — the political paradise of communism.”

[Guest]

I think my post #8 in this thread shows what my thoughts would be. What more does one need to see other than this, below?

“A Marxist begins with his prime truth that all evils are caused by the exploitation of the proletariat by the capitalists,” Alinsky wrote. “From this he logically proceeds to the revolution to end capitalism, then into the third stage of reorganization into a new social order of the dictatorship of the proletariat, and finally the last stage — the political paradise of communism.”

I am so sorry....that comment attached to your post was meant for JANMCN....i really am sorry. I left after reading her post but returned because I was so angry and just left a short note which I thought was attached to her post...


SORRY

[Guest]

I am so sorry....that comment attached to your post was meant for JANMCN....i really am sorry. I left after reading her post but returned because I was so angry and just left a short note which I thought was attached to her post...


SORRY

I understand completely. No problem here.

[Guest]

The fact is, Walker is nothing more than a Koch Brothers lapdog who hates teachers, cops, and firemen. Walker's attempt to strip working men and women of their rights has met with failure.

"So long as the State of Wisconsin continues to afford ordinary certification and dues deductions to mandatory public safety unions with sweeping bargaining rights, there is no rational basis to deny those rights to voluntary general unions with severely restricted bargaining rights," the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin concluded.

This was just another attempt by the cons, bankrolled by the Koch bros. to turn worker against worker. This is typical con strategy - try to turn good men and women against each other, while waving the flag.

Even if Walker survives a recall, he is finished .......

[Guest]

"This is a disaster," said Mark Miller, the Wisconsin Senate Democratic leader, in February after Republican Gov. Scott Walker proposed a budget bill that would curtail the collective bargaining powers of some public employees. Miller predicted catastrophe if the bill were to become law -- a charge repeated thousands of times by his fellow Democrats, union officials, and protesters in the streets.

Now the bill is law, and we have some very early evidence of how it is working. And for one beleaguered Wisconsin school district, it's a godsend, not a disaster.

The Kaukauna School District, in the Fox River Valley of Wisconsin near Appleton, has about 4,200 students and about 400 employees. It has struggled in recent times and this year faced a deficit of $400,000. But after the law went into effect, at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, school officials put in place new policies they estimate will turn that $400,000 deficit into a $1.5 million surplus. And it's all because of the very provisions that union leaders predicted would be disastrous.

In the past, teachers and other staff at Kaukauna were required to pay 10 percent of the cost of their health insurance coverage and none of their pension costs. Now, they'll pay 12.6 percent of the cost of their coverage (still well below rates in much of the private sector) and also contribute 5.8 percent of salary to their pensions. The changes will save the school board an estimated $1.2 million this year, according to board President Todd Arnoldussen.....

....In the past, Kaukauna's agreement with the teachers union required the school district to purchase health insurance coverage from something called WEA Trust -- a company created by the Wisconsin teachers union. "It was in the collective bargaining agreement that we could only negotiate with them," says Arnoldussen. "Well, you know what happens when you can only negotiate with one vendor." This year, WEA Trust told Kaukauna that it would face a significant increase in premiums.

Now, the collective bargaining agreement is gone, and the school district is free to shop around for coverage. And all of a sudden, WEA Trust has changed its position. "With these changes, the schools could go out for bids, and lo and behold, WEA Trust said, 'We can match the lowest bid,'" says Republican state Rep. Jim Steineke, who represents the area and supports the Walker changes. At least for the moment, Kaukauna is staying with WEA Trust, but saving substantial amounts of money.....

Then there are work rules. "In the collective bargaining agreement, high school teachers only had to teach five periods a day, out of seven," says Arnoldussen. "Now, they're going to teach six." In addition, the collective bargaining agreement specified that teachers had to be in the school 37 1/2 hours a week. Now, it will be 40 hours.

The changes mean Kaukauna can reduce the size of its classes -- from 31 students to 26 students in high school and from 26 students to 23 students in elementary school. In addition, there will be more teacher time for one-on-one sessions with troubled students. Those changes would not have been possible without the much-maligned changes in collective bargaining.....

Union curbs rescue a Wisconsin school district | Washington Examiner (http://washingtonexaminer.com/politics/2011/06/union-curbs-rescue-wisconsin-school-district/115753)

[Guest]

Report on WEA Trust, the WI teachers' union-owned insurance company from which state school districts were required to buy health insurance according to union contracts.......

A VERY PROFITABLE NON-PROFIT COMPANY

What does WEA Trust do with all the cash it rakes in?

A quick look through the company’s federal financial statements reveals a tax-exempt, non- profit company that makes a great deal of money.

At the end of 2008, WEA Trust reported total assets of $674,131,940. It’s reported net assets (total assets minus liabilities) were $316,837,155, a 15.1 percent increase from 2007.

The company’s financial portfolio would make any Wall Street capitalist proud. According to federal records it owns stock in several large, well known corporations that are traditionally hated by the labor movement, including Halliburton (Dick Cheney’s former company), News Corp. (owner of Fox News Channel), Wal- Mart Stores Inc. (which unions despise due to supposedly unfair employee compensation) and Goldman-Sachs.

WEA Trust’s top employees certainly make out well, by anyone’s measure.
The company’s CEO, Fred Evart, made $333,375 in salary in 2007, with a total compensation package of $469,522, according to tax records filed by the company.

Eleven employees under Evart received total compensation packages worth at least $181,792.

While technically they are separate entities, there’s little doubt that WEA Trust and WEAC, the labor union that founded it, maintain strong administrative and financial ties.

The organizations have the same home, at 33 Nob Hill Drive in Madison. Three members of the union’s “leadership team” - President Mary Bell, Director Amy Johnson and Director Suzanne Kahl - are also members of the WEA Trust board....."

The whole report is informative:

http://www.publicschoolspending.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/WEATrustfinalreport1.pdf

[Guest]

The fact is, Walker is nothing more than a Koch Brothers lapdog who hates teachers, cops, and firemen. Walker's attempt to strip working men and women of their rights has met with failure.

"So long as the State of Wisconsin continues to afford ordinary certification and dues deductions to mandatory public safety unions with sweeping bargaining rights, there is no rational basis to deny those rights to voluntary general unions with severely restricted bargaining rights," the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin concluded.

This was just another attempt by the cons, bankrolled by the Koch bros. to turn worker against worker. This is typical con strategy - try to turn good men and women against each other, while waving the flag.

Even if Walker survives a recall, he is finished .......

"So long as the State of Wisconsin continues to afford ordinary certification and dues deductions to mandatory public safety unions with sweeping bargaining rights, there is no rational basis to deny those rights to voluntary general unions with severely restricted bargaining rights," the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin concluded."

Meaning, we need to wait until ALL the citizens of the state cannot afford this and the state is in dire need and THEN we will address the problem.

I suggest that those who support PUBLIC SECTOR unions, to read the eventual outcome of your fanatic opposition to allowing state and local governments do what YOU want them to do....

"People in the private sector are only just beginning to understand how much of a banquet public-sector unions have been having at everybody else’s expense (see article). In many rich countries wages are on average higher in the state sector, pensions hugely better and jobs far more secure. Even if many individual state workers do magnificent jobs, their unions have blocked reform at every turn. In both America and Europe it is almost as hard to reward an outstanding teacher as it is to sack a useless one."

The public sector unions: The battle ahead | The Economist (http://www.economist.com/node/17851305)

The minute YOU begin to lose services because those in public sector unions are demanding things AS IF THEY WORKED FOR A PROFIT MAKING ENTERPRISE you will begin to understand.