apology accepted. I am not sure if I am qualified, but I will consider the information seriously. and I wouldn't mind an I-pad either, if you have some connection to that. I LOVE school, so maybe a second go 'round through middle/junior high would be a good thing... :)

Jr. high in my day as well. When did that change????

Oops, sorry. Guess it was ms.sassy I needed to apologize to for losing it and resorting to name calling. Sorry.

Anyone on here looking for a good part time job need only to apply at Riteway bus in Milton. We need good drivers ASAP!!!

How is that SarahB?

SarahB, one does not last 18 years as a school bus driver using language such as I did on here. I am sorry for losing my cool with merrypoppins, but I am really tired of Republicans being portrayed as money grubbing nazis! I live paycheck to paycheck! I love this country and am sad to see it turning into a socialist nation under Obama. If school districts are soo poor, then how can the Middle school I drive for afford to supply the entire 7th grade class with new Apple I-pads???

Fear do you have the same advice for the GM workers and other unskilled union workers that complain about their job? I hope so because you would be dead in with that advice. Btw I noticed madcap stated they loved their job so I don't think it was complaining.

Dont like you crappy bus driving job? get educated and get a better one. Don't get down on teachers because they went to college , got educated and have attained a careeer. I have NO problem with bus drivers, I have problems with people that piss and moan about teachers getting certain securities and protections because they have none. Its not about entitlements" no matter what Fox tells you. Its about a fair living wage, and notr going broke when you go to the doctor. Get yourself an education, MAD cap!! You seriously are in need of some lighter ,better meaning in life and also in need of perspective on the importance of teachers, and their compensation in the community.
People like EZONER are wrong, flat wrong when they say more money doesn't mean better education. Sorry guys but just like anything, you get what you pay for, if you are a district like say.....Janesville that cut, cut, cuts then you will see the repercussions very quickly.The race to the bottom has begun. Wake up and get a clue!

actually, I did go overboard and offtrack, for which I am apologizing...

I did not attend the Labor Day parade, but it is unrealistic to be shocked, dismayed, disappointed (or whatever you want to call it) when politicians enter a highly political "holiday" parade.

The reason you don't see politicians at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade is because it is not a politically motivated event. Labor Day, since it's inception, has been a political event-and typically involves showing the differences between the Dems vs. Repubs regarding labor issues (although I never have seen anything like what has been happening in Wisconsin of late).

Can anyone post on here without going completely overboard?

Ms sassy ( not overboard) I feel your pain, a few years back I lost my business and had no income for 9 months, self employed don't get unemployment despite paying into it, I applied for everything but couldn't get a job because I was overqualified. I even had 3 jobs offered then retracted the day before I was to start. Very frustrating. I ended up leaving my home to the bank moved back here and got the best job I could have asked for, sometimes change is good, unfortunately the trail ca be through the mud. Good luck to you!

the general public's view of those who are employed but listening to those like myself who are unemployed tend to be that of being lazy, waiting for UC to run out, uneducated, criminal thinkers or entitled to a handout or something provided to me that employed people work for. I am none of those. In fact, I have applied to every grocery store, gas station, etc. that is accepting applications, so I resent your comment that I am above doing any particular job. I worked for a weekend helping a carpenter install a fence...that required moving 50 lb bags of cement, and 70 lb fence posts. I have a valid driver license with no major offenses. I will consider nearly any form of employment. Please send me the details of the position and who to contact.

Poster's like Madcap pretend to be labor's friend and than get all gussied up when we describe people like Ryan & his fellow Republicans showing up at a labor rally is Hypocritical, just as a Nazi or a Hitler pretending to be a a friend of the Jews, or a snake that loves a mongoose. History has shown quite the opposite is true. People like Madcap are either gullible/ignorant & forever cluless or they are the greedy type and want more for themselves at Labor's (union/non_union) expense.

Walker for President 2012! and Ryan as his VP. The Dream Ticket.

I would never attack anyone for not having a job! I spend every summer unemployed and trying to find full time work so where did you even pull that one out of? Your rear end I think. I know one school bus company that is in dire need of drivers but with your college degree and all I am sure that job is beneath you.

I heard boo's when Ryan went by in the parade and absolute whoops and cheers for recall Walker! Ms. Wicket

No Sassy I do not work for the state. I am a school bus driver for a private family owned company. I get no pension, no benefits, and belong to NO union. I work 20 hours a week if I am lucky and unlike all the teachers that protested at the Capital last winter and spring I really do do it for the kids and not the $$$. I am far from rich and am still a republican because I believe I am not ENTITLED to free benefits. I pay my fair share and do not whine and bitch about it like the liberal left wing Unionistas

I cannot believe the Gazette staff allowed the MaxCap to call someone a name like that! Unbelievable!

Mouse; I had been told that the Koch brothers were not jewish and that they're members of the John Birch Society; which can be interpreted as anti-semetic. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'm on your side.

One for you Mouse as a rebuttal, with all the taxpayer money Obama poured into handouts to create jobs, where are his so-called jobs?

this sounds like it was an extemely LONG parade!

btw madcap, when I GET a job, it will be like a vacation compared to what I have been going through in the job search. Thought I should throw that in, so you don't attack me about not working.

hey madcap (on purpose, cuz you are an idiot)...quit calling me a douchebag...I NEVER have belonged to a union. I'm nearing 3 years of being unemployed-with a college degree. Next year, they'll call it Sassy's parade and I will make sure my people don't send you an invitation. By the way, if it was a non-school day, does that mean you are an employee of the State? hmmmm. nothing like biting the hand that feeds you...I should move to Iraq so America will help me out.

since the parade was to show appreciation for "laborers", the people AGAINST the working class went to his/her office and put in a hard day's work? haha. NOPE! They came to "our" party and then complained about it. Imagine that. or perhaps they were out on their yachts or some private island where they wouldn't have to spend time around such minions if they didn't "have" to. If you complain about laborers, you should not have been hypocritical and taken the day off.

Here is a scenario for everyone: Back before Scott Walker takes office the original democrats in office decide to vote on the union agreement and all is well with state employees as they got what they wanted. The new governor comes into office and sees we can no longer afford to pay for all benefits including healthcare and pensions and since the state has not been making payments to the pension fund in a couple of years there is almost no money to continue paying so they decide to hand out pink slips by the thousands to state employees in order to avoid going belly up! In doing so they also decide to raise taxes on everyone and everything by the sum of 60%+ and also double fees on anything and everthing. Now that this is in effect many businesses are looking elsewhere to move as keeping their company in this state is no longer affordable. Ya, I know this is not happening in Wisconsin but it is the scenario that is currently playing out in Illinois.

I'm not saying I'm for or against what Scott Walker is doing but one state chose popularity over hard decisions and they are almost completely bankrupt and have no clue how to fix the problem while staying popular at the same time. Wisconsin made some tough decisions which were not popular by any means but no state employees lost their jobs. Does that make what Wisconsin did right, not necessarily but all state employees of Wisconsin can watch what happens in Illinois and make their own determination once the hand plays out if they would rather live in Illinois or Wisconsin. Only time will tell.

ted -- its been proven over and over again, more money is NOT better education. Higher teacher salaries are not better education. Its quality people that love what they do and do not do what they do for the money. I have met many over time and they are the best ones.

My 4 yr old son had a GREAT time...so did my husband & I. Except of course for the time two ladies stood behind us while a political float was going by and they chanted "Shame, Shame, Shame" over & over again.

This was a joyful day of union solidarity, and as a staff person who proudly represents our area's great educators, I and my family were happy to march. It was also wonderful to see so many kids, who rely upon a strong educators' union. In states with strong education unions, student success flourishes (e.g., Massachusetts); in states with limited union rights, kids languish (e.g., Mississippi). Sadly, Wisconsin lead the country in reducing education funding this year-- either we must work together to reverse our state's direction, or our kids will suffer in the Mississippi of the midwest.

Was Geraldo there??? Sounds like a KKK event.

Hey, this is a Labor Day event, not a Corn Festival. Under the anti-regulation vision of America brought to you by Ryan et. al., the kids wouldn't be celebrating, but working because, after all, they'd have the right to work.

Merrypoppins, first off it's maxcap75, not madcap75, you must be a product of our wonderful teachers union as of late. The people who work for corporations all pay taxes, most pay the lions share of all taxes collected by the IRS. The Unions are just as greedy and rich as the corporations, and they have brainwashed minions such as yourselves to yell and scream when they don't get their way. Reminds of Al-Qaeda, they portray themselves as the saviors of all, and have the average Joe doing the real work and dying for their cause while they sit back and enjoy the spoils of your labor. I agree with some occupations having unions, such as steel workers, miners, hard hat type jobs, factory jobs, Police and Firefighters as well. I do not agree with all the rest of them though.

jjcwsimm very well said!!!!!! :)

Unfortunately the parade goes in front of the home I own! I grew up in this house as well! All I can say is if all you negative attitudes are what is ruining our country and city today! Oh I enjoy picking up all the papers and trash you throw in my yard as well. Very disrespectful! I have seen the parade here since the 70's, and never until this year have I seen people so rude and too outspoken around young children. If you are so angry about politics then voice your opinion elsewhere, and don't teach any child so much anger and hate during what is to be a happy day. If you think kids will complain they don't like it, you are wrong they are innocent and don't want to say anything in fear of getting in trouble. Keep the parade about and for kids with positivity and fun, the rest of the crap can go.

grandy618 Did you read where YOUR Governor stayed home and HID Mouse TY *Ryan's not taking calls so calling out to him at the parade is not such a bad idea. Remember, a politician has to hear both sides - cheers or boos!*Totellthetruth Tammy does return calls and I believe the GOP and their bullying is much more serious then the Dems trying to be heard........... UNITED WE ARE By the way a good parade and the kids had fun..... There has always been politicians in parade why now do we complain??????????? I did not accept Ryans flyers MY CHOICE

If you don't like it - don't go. The waves of candy that your kids got - well, it's all donated by members of each group. The big corporations don't buy it, your neighbors and friends do. One man handed me $50 and said get some candy for the kids, it's about the kids...he is retired and on a fixed income.
Having political parties in the parade has been going on since the 60's which is as far back as I can remember. I grew up in Whitewater and the young Dems and Reps both built their floats in our barn.

Thank you to the sponsors of the parade, the parade committee and the parade helpers- who are all volunteers, and to the Janesville PD for helping with the safety for everyone's enjoyment.

It is a parade! It is to be a happy time for families! The parade is for kids young and old! I don't see why there has to be politics in it at all. I never see any political people in the Macy Thanksgiving Parade. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion on regarding their political views, but don't spoil the fun of the parade because of it. I dread to see what goes on at the parade next year. I would love to keep politicians out of it for the sake of everyone! I am not saying which party I am in support of, because honestly both sides have screwed up, and it is easier to blame than be supportive. I just hope the parade committee decides to keep politics out of it from now on.

I wonder why madcap75 that you support Corporations that 2/3 do not even pay income tax and since the 1970's the average pay for the average CEO has increased from 47 times as much as his avg employee to now 1147 times as much as the avg employee, yet the union's have had only a flat increase in that time period. Quit getting your misinformation from FAUX news.

without Corporations there would be little work out there to be had you idiots!!!!! You think Union workers only work for themselves???? UAW workers work for the Auto corporations!!! You dufusses are so brainwashed by the big greedy union bosses that you cannot the forest for the trees. Grow up and think for yourselves instead of towing the line for big unions who care nothing about you, just want your money. (sound familiar???)

Sorry fiveonearth I was agreeing with your point AND the second part of luvujvl.

The Parker band was a favorite with my kids I know that. They were sharp. Hats off to them. Luvujvl, I was also concerned about that. My preschool kids knew to stand up and clap when they saw the flag and soldiers and no, I did not need to tell them. I was proud.

Who sponsors the parade now? I was told that at one time this parade was sponsored by all of the unions in the area, and that after a few years without the parade, the UAW brought it back. So if the unions are still sponsoring it, why are there even Republican entries in the parade?

Also, I was stunned and disappointed at the number of people who not only didn't clap, but didn't even stand or remove their hats as the American flag and our Veterans went by. I have pics of this disgrace. What's up with that, Janesville?

Both of the high school bands were great ! Parker looked very sharp in their uniforms.

It was a great day weather-wise for a parade. A Labor Day Parade is for laborers, their families and friends and kids. It was not free of cost to city residents (check the number of police present). There were some exchanges of political views, which I feel is healthy in an open society. I expected that. Without that we might as well be living in Nazi Germany. My only regret was reading this lackluster report of the event, but I guess I expected that too because it was a day when most people didn't want to work. I was glad to learn that kids love candy. You mentioned the presence of the Republican Party and some of their prominent minions. Why did you fail to mention Democrats and their representatives? Is omission a comission to support the opposing side(Republicans) in Janesville's politically editorialized news? I guess I expected that as well.

I agree fully Merry.

Everyone knows Republicans are pro-business and Democrats are pro Labor. Every working labor man, (Union/non-union) in the county if not the state should line up block by block and boo the anti labor Republican Rep Ryan. This man is for Corporate greed at the workers expense, have another $300 glass of wine but dine with the wealthy please, don't dishonor labor and pretend your a working man's friend.

Maxcap75: Free speech, Brother. When Tea Partiers yelled at Congress folks at town meetings, they were cheered. What comes around goes around.
By the way, when Paul came past us, a small few clapped, and a buzz of unhappiness came through too. Then he and his following fans were quiet for a long time.
Inewby: You may be right. I set up chairs early and had someone close them up to lay down their blanket. A little dog was rapping all throughout and scared the horses passing. Enough with the candy too.

I was disgusted by the people in the crowd that were yelling at Paul Ryan and his group and the other Republican group, This is a parade not a protest. When the Democratic groups and Pro-Union groups passed I did not hear ONE negative outburst or Booing. Shows which of the two parties are able to control themselves and remember that there is a time and a place for everything, and in front of children and families enjoying a parade was not the place to show off your true colors Democrats.

I've volunteered at the parade for years. Gaps tend to happen when floats and walkers need to stay back from the shriners or other entries that require a lot of room. Sometimes things happen as well, including horses getting antsy or a car stalling. You can't control everything, the parade is for your enjoyment. It is a LABOR DAY parade, expect some politics.

If something is bad you don't stay rather you paid for it or not!!

I can't believe people are complaining about something the city is putting on that don't cost anything. I don't think the people of Janesville would be happy with anything.

What happened to the parade? They're supposed to be all fun and candy! Two hours of political advertising is too much. Two hours of any parade is too much. I take my nieces (3, 7 & 10) to the parade every year and we've never made it through more than half of it before they are bored and ready to leave. Take out all of the politicians, take out anybody passing out fliers, and keep the line-up moving so there aren't 5 minute gaps between floats. Then we'd have a parade that we'd want to watch and it would be over in an hour or less without the flurry of discarded fliers blowing around.

I thought that parade was too long. We left after an 1.5 hours.