yes John Doe, whoever is SPONSORING the parade may invite whoever they want.

Just like the city they're having the parade in can deny a permit, refuse to provide traffic control, refuse the use of any city vehicles like squad cars and fire trucks that are all so "parade popular", Charge back for post parade clean-up, etc etc etc.

Labor council reverses decision and Republicans say they will march in the parade. Could it be they are finally starting to understand or is it just because the mayor was going to pull the funding?

This is as stupid as GOP telling Dems aren't allowed in a Memorial Day parade.
Grow up liberals, despite your best efforts, this is still a free country.

lovemycountry....please re-read my post.

Who is SPONSORING the parade that wants to exclude Democrats?

A SPONSOR has every right to exclude Democrats...or whoever.

Just because the parade is on Labor Day, has nothing to do with the SPONSORING party.

The fact that it is LABOR DAY is not the issue.

It has everything to do with who SPONSORS the parade.

Get it yet?

Or should I type S L O W E R ?

OK Johndoe, since Democrat Clinton, with the signing of NAFTA, has cost the U.S. 730,000 jobs, Democrats will be excluded from Labor Day parades.

Why is it so difficult to understand that whichever group wants to SPONSOR a parade can invite...or not...whoever they choose?

If all you prolifers out there want to have a parade...would you invite the pro-choice faction?

Would all you concealed carry proponents invite backers of the Brady bill?

Seriously folks....don't confuse the issue with the day.

All you republicans who feel an attachment to the labor movement are free to hold your own parade and invite whoever you want.

That is the beauty of this country...even though the intelligence factor is playing catch-up when it comes to seeing the obvious.

Hatred has blinded these extreme lefties to a degree they think Duffy has something to do with state collective bargaining changes ? U.S. Congressman Duffy had as much to do with our state budget as President Obama. I'm still waiting for Democrats to get this upset at Clinton, who with the signing of NAFTA, is the single biggest enemy of labor in the last 50 years.

Northman,
Thanks for the kind regards. I feel I have been unclear in my concern. My concern is not for the safety of the politicians who want to participate. My concern is for the safety and well being of all who attend the parade. If a politician participating could mean a large crowd getting upset, then it could make it difficult for others to enjoy the ceremony. Further, while the old saying goes, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," that is slightly inaccurate. There will be children at the parade, and it is likely many parents only intended for their children to enjoy a peaceful and fun parade, not a political protest.

I hope you can understand now that first of all, I am not condoning any sort of violence or disturbance of the peace. Second of all, I am not saying anyone has the right to ruin someone else's parade experience. Third of all, I am stating that the presence of Republicans in the parade may invoke highly emotional feelings from many on-lookers. Fourthly, no one can be completely responsible for the actions of those around them. Lastly, I believe the mayor is recklessly provoking a crowd by basing his decision on politics, and not thinking about safety.

SarahB1 says-"Funny how all the cons going crazy over this issue never voiced anger over Walker and Gang shutting (more or less) the public out of the Capitol." Sarah, how can you possibly say the public was shut out of the Capitol? Let me guess, those thousands of people that took over the place (and trashed it) were not the public, they were nobody knows what. And the anger we cons expressed was over the take over and trashing of the the Capitol.
You must drinking lots of the Kool-Aid to get that messed up.

thekai-Why don't you quit and get a union job if you want one so bad. Must be a lot of union places hiring.

I WONDER if some of you read what you write. Unions are NOT the entire work force; I have worked both union and non union shops. Walker and company are NOT out to break the unions, they made the correct step in saying you do not HAVE to be in a union to work. I don’t want my tax money to pay for someone’s retirement when I HAVE to pay for my own. So what is the deal when a person now is responsible for their own actions, say if they are sleeping on the job. A non union shop they are GONE a union shop will fight for them to keep a job. YES I have seen that, Beloit Corp 1980, guy was found sleeping in a BED he made in a back area. The union fought for this POS and he got his job back.
SO tell me when did YOU as a union worker NEED the union to fight for you? And would you have won if they did not fight for YOU as an individual. If you want to line the pockets of the union go ahead, I for one have had my fill of them.
Now to the article, it is a national holiday, not a KKK parade. A national holiday includes EVERY CITIZEN not just the few we like PERIOD.

thekai:

I find your opinions to be much better reasoned than many here, but I have to take you to task on your last post. When someone doesn’t agree with what a politician does, he does not have the right to be incited, become violent, and endanger the public safety. He does have the right to head to the ballot box and try to change things next time. The unions had two shots at that recently, and lost both. They absolutely are NOT entitled to a violent recourse.

When politicians have to fear public appearances, because their detractors feel entitled to harm them, then we’ve totally lost our way as a country. That sort of thinking is why we need to retain our anonymity on these blogs. If we used real names, I’m sure there are a lot of liberals who would feel entitled to feel entitled to harm anyone who posts conservative opinions.

This is no different than not being able to attend a Paul Ryan meeting because you are not Republican. He was elected to serve all people, but not all people can attend. He lets in who he wants so the spin can be positive for him and he does not have to answer questions that differ from his views. It should be first come, first in.

All politicians should be banned from parades.
They don't belong there, unless they are following the horses and picking up the horse dung...
This is a no brainer.

Interesting reading on the history of labor day.

Cliff notes.....First observed in 1892 by Central Labor Union of New York.
Made a federal holiday by pres Cleveland (democrat) in 1894. During the economic panic of 1893, the Pullman Palace Car Company cut wages as demands for their train cars plummeted. Workers (including railroad workers)went on strike. While on strike workers rioted (union thugs), causing $340,000 in damage (9 million bucks today). Cleveland sent in troops to end the strike saying that disruption of U.S. mail was a threat to society (government attacking Unions). Troops killed 13 people and injured 57. Cleveland made it a federal holiday as reconciliation to the labor movement. Legislation to make it a holiday was rushed through congress 6 days after the end of the strike.

apparently, history does repeat itself.

joker,
No, you are taking something I said and running with it. I said the mayor does not have the interest of public safety in mind. My explanation for this statement is that by Republicans walking through this year's labor day parade, Republicans who voted to trash the unions, civil unrest may be incited. I am referring to the reaction of the crowd. This in fact may have nothing to do with the health of the Republican representative. The parade should be a family event that everyone can enjoy. It may turn into something less enjoyable if a Republican participates, considering the current general public opinion toward Republicans.

Further, Labor Day exists because of unions. Labor Day is for the working American, union or not. None the less, at it's roots, it celebrates the accomplishments unions have made for every laborer in America as well as the sacrifices the American worker makes. Considering how the Republican Party has attacked unions, I do not see why they would expect to be welcome at such an event. We do not invite British ceremonies to our Independence Day celebrations, after all.

nicksmom,
For many of us, we are not in unions because we are not allowed to. I, for one, would love if my job was unionized. I work for a private security firm that is contracted by the state of Wisconsin. The pay ceiling where I work is HALF of what Wisconsin pays the security firm that has hired me. That means that for every pay check each person I work with gets, the security firm gets an equal OR GREATER paycheck. Meanwhile, there are supervisors at McDonalds, Taco Bell, Hardee's, Burger King, Culvers, etc, who are all making more money than I am. This is the way of big corporations. I'm not allowed to unionize. I would in an instant if I could.

The left wingers justification of this issue is as disgusting as that of the union leadership. If this what labor represents in Wausau, maybe we should boycott their city and any labor organization that is associated with their community. They have dirtied the idea of a parade to the point that I hope everyone stays at home to show their feelings toward this misguided labor council.

Well said nicksmom

While labor unions came about to help protect worker rights the majority of people in this country are not union employees. Why? Unions are no longer needed because we have evolved as a society (or at least I like to think so)and have laws to protect worker rights. Likewise I think Labor Day has evolved to be a celebration of all workers, not just union workers. To say otherwise is completely disingenuous. As someone who grew up in the Wausau area(in a union family) I'm ashamed.

Why not invite the KKK and the local Nazi party? The problem really seems to one of messaging. The parade organizers obviously don't invite every organization or individual, political or otherwise, to their celebration event. That the folks they uninvited all happen to be republicans should be secondary. They should have invited Rep. Dale Schulz, the lone republican to vote against Walker's union-busting bill - that would have proved it's not partisan.

"A web-site statement from council President Randy Radtke said the parade is not intended to "be another stop on the campaign trail.""

http://wdez.com/news/articles/2011/aug/2...

So why invite the Dems then? Surely they won't be handing out flyers or other literature. Is Radtke a liar or a hypocrite? If the parade is not intended to "be another stop on the campaign trail" why invite any politicians?

I agree with you joker. But if "whites" suddenly decided to defund and oppose a major organizer of the MLK parade, why would the "whites" expect to be invited? To exclude anyone group is discrimination. But to oppose their existence is extermination.

joker, so applying the budget repair bill only to teachers and state,local public workers and excluding police,fire and transit would also be discrimination--right?

To exclude anyone group is discrimination. What if all whites were banned from a MLK parade or all blacks were excluded from a cinco de mayo parade. You want to scream discrimaination only when it suits your causes.

The Labor Council is not an elective public office. Walker and the Republican party turned everything political and partisan in Wisconsin when they decided to exterminate labor unions. The Wausau mayor says the Council violated the non-partisan provision of the contract, but who is he to dictate the decision without due process? Proper public notice used to be a huge legal requirement in Wisconsin. I guess that's all changed now with Walker and the republicans since they have turned everything political and partisan in Wisconsin. It wasn't that way nearly as much before. It's gone into civil war territory.

Youkillme......that analogy makes absolutely no sense. If the taxpayers are subsidizing the costs of this parade, don't you think that it makes sense that the people they voted to represent them be allowed to participate in it? Like I said before, 90% of the working public is non-union. The Republicans will have plenty of support there! If they want to set it up as a "Union Parade" that is well within their rights. Close it off to everyone but the couple of dozen union members, pull the public funding and let them have a good time......

"he is using his office to advantage any political party"

Isn't that what the Labor Council President is doing by not inviting the Repubs and only the Dems?

That's not the point. It's the idea he is using his office to advantage any political party. Here's the thing, forcing unions to invite republicans to the Labor Day parade would be like forcing Israel to invite Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, (a sworn enemy) to their Hanukkah. That would be an immoral request in the eyes of many.

Guess I'm going to need more convincing than "some who believe", "by many", "Perhaps" or even "I would think". Got anything that would stand up to legal scrutiny? I haven't even been able to prove he's Republican.

There are some who believe what Tipple is doing is illegal and unethical. Using his taxpayer paid public office to advantage his political party is considered unethical by many. Perhaps even illegal. I would think they'd have to hold a council meeting to approve cutting off of funds previously agreed along with proper public notice.

Well sure, let's not recall someone because they've done something immoral, illegal or unethical. Let's recall them because they have a different opinion then we do.

The union should start up a fund drive to pay for the insurance, stage and security. Then they should recall Tipple.

I'm not sure the city should pay for those things either way. I'm also perplexed as to why an anti-labor Republican would want to be part of said parade. Does he/she think that it's going to be a fun event for them, considering the Repubs propensity for making sure wealth stays with the wealthy.

So what's next? If an elected representative voted for cuts in Defense spending they can't march in the Memorial Day Parade? Non-Veterans or those not immediate family of a veteran have to work on Veterans Day? Can't drink green beer or eat corned beef and cabbage on St. Paddy's Day if you're not Irish or Catholic? I don't see Christians complaining that non-Christians get Christmas off (I also don't see non-Christians complaining that they are FORCED to take Christmas off) Where does it end?
.
916WI..no offense intended, but you've been on here long enough to know by now that very few posters here are even close to having an open mind.

I think janesvillean has been reading too much Eyster. Unless...

Thekai are you saying if a Republican shows up their safety is in jeapordy? I thought there was no such things as union thugs.

janesvillean.......That was an ignorant comment. Considering that 90% of this country's laborers are non-union, the Republicans would definitely have support at any of these events. You should try and be more open minded. I know is probably hard for you to believe, but there are many other laborers out there other than those employed by the state.........

Oh, this is interesting. freebird007, an apparent military veteran, takes an authoritative stance and issues the exile of an American citizen from this country, on the grounds that said citizen did not invite people with certain political views to participate in a parade celebrating the working class. This attitude has been seen many times in the past. Many dictators had a military back ground. Napolean (emperor of France), Hitler (fueher of Germany), Saddam Hussein, Gadhafi, the list goes on. Said dictators also ordered the exile, or sometimes execution, of dissidents. However, I think it is unwise to follow in their foot steps.

I am willing to bet the mayor's decision was based on partisan politics and not level headed thinking. It is my sincere belief that the mayor has not actually thought about the possible consequences of his decision, and does not have the best interests of Wausau in mind.

It is a shame when our elected officials play politics with the people. Public safety should be a top priority.

Three cheers for the Mayor for not being bullied by the UNION. Must be a big blow to the unions ego that someone stood up to them.

Bigotry? Bigotry over a POLICY CHOICE to DESTROY THE RIGHTS OF WORKERS? That's bigotry? Because destroying the rights of workers is a SACROSANCT POSITION which should never face any criticism or anger? You people are utterly deluded. "Oh, yes, we want to reduce your salary, take away your breaks, cut your vacation, but hey, it's OUR PARADE TOO."
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On the other hand, it would be fun to see them show up and weather the "SHAME, SHAME, SHAME" chants. Yeah, we mean YOU.

It will only be union members at the parade anyway since all of the labor haters will want to work that day, right? Why celebrate something that anti-labor people hate brought to you by those that anti-labor hates because they brought us all the day of celebration of labor? And I don't see why the Republicans who hate labor can't participate. I would actually like to see their welcome by the crowd.

justmy414-nice to see the usual liberal bigotry show through to discriminate against those who don't happen to agree with your elitist point of view

This is all Walker's fault!
;-)

I'm glad to see the mayor stand up for what is right against the union cry babies. Yes labor day may have been created by the unions in their hay day, but the day is for all working men and women not just union workers!

Parade organizers, post me a address to send my money. I will gladly pay to keep the ban on Republican anti-worker politicians in place.

The Mayor has it right to insist that either the comment is retracted or the Labor Council pays for the event. If I didn't know better I would think Joe Biden is the council president. The things we feel compelled to waste money on and once again with credit for the waste going to who else, but union leadership. This was no doubt an opportunity for the Union leadership to vent their frustration with current events, but talk about something backfiring. Unions may be able to take credit for the Labor Day holiday, however, it was meant to honor everyone that works. Like it or not, that includes our politicians and people that may oppose their policies in private or publicly. This should open the eyes of people to the deviousness of unions.

Grandys: actually Labor Day was started for the Labor movement (mainly organized labor unions) by President Cleveland. If you are anti-union, then you really shouldn't be participating in a Labor Day parade. The same way I stayed away from the West Allis white supremacist, I don't participate in events I don't support. For more on Labor Day:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_day

Wausau's got it! (old tourism slogan). It appears the city is replacing the stink of paper mills with the stink of partisan politics.

(By the way, that's not an upgrade.)

http://townhall.com/columnists/kyleolson...

Loony anarchist that still think this is the way to win friends and influence people. Delusional and unbalanced. This is what an "extreme" side really looks like. Not a group of quiet law abiding citizens that just want a fiscally responsible governement.

Gutsy move by Mayor Jim. You can be sure the union goons will be working on payback. And he’s exactly right: if you want to hijack an event for your own political grandstanding, you get to pay for it. Fortunately, the unions are running a little short on cash these days, especially after funding all that unsuccessful electioneering. Watch for the Labor Council to do some hasty backpedaling.

We should ban the president from this organization from Wisconsin since the majority did vote a republican in office, and also ban his children and his wife from being an american. As a veteran I ban Him from this country!!!

Get your loud mouthed, rude goons ready, let's disrupt another family event.

It seems the Unions still think they run this country.

Here we go…!!! (with credit given to John Eyster)

The Labor Council President should rescind his ban. He should take it a step further and invite Governor Walker to participate. Governor gutless will never make an unstaged public appearance in this state again. Can you imagine the uproar if he "Walkered" in a Labor parade!