new eagle is RIGHT...that being said I will be protesting out there on tues night Hope to see you all out there too.

Mr. Peck, I'm much more concerned about the message being sent if there aren't protesters there.

newglasses, well said.

"all of the middle class isn't union!!!"
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Yes, I am private sector, non-union. The writing is on the wall, though. With no PAC money representing labor... The U.S. will become a one party system. We are simple folk. Money wins elections. I do not trust big business and banks to keep my interests in mind. Although I am not union, I respect their influence in keeping wages on the competitive up-swing. Without a political voice for labor in America, the wages will be on a downward spiral. It has already begun in my industry. As one company lowers wages in order to gain a competitive bidding advantage, all other companies must follow suit. I've lost 35% of my income and all benefits in two years. Yet, last year, my department posted record profits. It is industry-wide collusion.

I concur, NewEagleWings. As a public employee, I and my family will be hurt in a big way by this legislation.

As far as I am concerned, you are are either in support of those who are being attacked by this Walker Syndicate, or you are against us. If you are against us, we will boycott your business, or your whole city if need be.

"A friend of my enemy"

NewEagleWings, I too have lived in other cities and towns and never saw anything quite like this. The word you may be searching for to describe some of the loyal cliques in Janesville is either gold diggers or sycophants.

In my 67 years on this earth, I have not ever lived in a town such as Janesville in regard to how "clicky" even religious circles and charities are. How certain celebraties and officials are given so much attention while there are serious issues in this area.
No, Gov. Walker should not be invited to sit down and eat with any of the organizations nor should his support be requested. He has shown us all how dishonest and sneaky he is. When he signed that bill in error, he turned and winked and smirked at Fitzgerald who is exactly like he is. By inviting him here, people forget how he treated the people of Wisconsin. The Bible says not to sit in the seat of the scorners, and not to even sit down and eat with a person who is "like" Gov. Walker. It shows me just how certain factions are bent on forgetting what just happened and what is happening long enough so the Governor will not feel guilty about any of his actions. It shows me they hope to get something out of him, he would find a reason not do give them. SINCE 2002 HE HAS PROVEN HE SHOULD NOT BE INVITED TO EAT WITH ANY OF US. INVITE THE HOMELESS.

"the rest of us middle class are getting sick of hearing this!!!"

You hardly speak for the entire middle class. Besides, you aren't really "sick of hearing this" if you take the time to comment about it.

Walker's proposals go beyond union wages and benefits. He us trying to eliminate funding for Democrats by destroying the unions that support them. That's why law enforcement and firefighter unions were exempt in the bill. He is asking a select group of the middle class to pay for the consequences of a financial crisis that was created by the wealthy. Walker's bill has mobilized Democrats and Progressives, not just union employees and their families. Judging by Walker's style of governance, this won't be over until Walker is no longer Governor.

That's funny. Half of the protesters are not union. You should talk to them.

all of the middle class isn't union!!! the rest of us middle class are getting sick of hearing this!!!

newglasses, Thanks for the informative links. Getting facts is much more helpful than emotional rhetoric. Did you see the one from Huffington Post on the rising corporate profits along with increased unemployment? google it.

Peck, why would you ask such a stupid question, of course they are right to bring him. Are you trying to save your paper?

I will wake up and smell the roses
when you stop to smell the coffee.

He needs an Rx.

HL needs a hug.

No political entity has cared about a balanced budget since WWII, save for Clinton. Here are the facts on spending.
http://zfacts.com/p/318.html
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Since when are conservatives concerned with fiscal responsibility? Look at the Reagan-Bush-Bush era. Obama signed the stimulus bill proposed by G.W. More supply-side economics. The banks and mega-corps appreciate the tax payer cash... and the opportunity to use the defecit as an excuse to drive down employee compensation on all levels, wages, benefits, public, private, union or non-union.
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Walker's 'fiscal responsibility' follows the same supply-side economics. Wake up, people... Wisconsin's defecit will be even worse in two years. This guy is no fiscal partner to 95% of WI. Even his own LFB is questioning his projections.
http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lfb/Misc/2011...

Maybe we should have the union leaders come and give their ideas to the community on how to solve budget issues! But we would have to call it backwards janesville!

I can see it now. The green coats and others, sitting slouched back cross legged. The Fuhrer at the podium, exercising the powers of a tyrant.
The only thing missing will be the intense smoking of old.

jodymac...... you are a disgrace to anyone who served in Vietnam.
This shows the level you will go to, for a law breaking (Walker).

Walker is about as good for Wisconsin as a hemorrhoid is for your...

Scat Walker is a lightening rod, Forward Janesville is the ground strike. Bad call business community.

This community has been hit pretty hard financially. A governor who is trying to take away from existing incomes, only makes the problems worse. Not to mention the underhanded way in which it has all been handled. The pending legal battles will be facinating. Do believe this hack will be recalled.

Dog poop? Geez...I'm old enough to remember my brothers and most of the boys I graduated from high school with get sent off to Vietnam when they couldn't even legally vote. I remember these protests clearly and they were not against the draftees-they were against the politicians and American foreign policy. In fact those boys that were lucky enough to come back joined right into those protests. When a government policy is wrong it is wrong regardless of what party is running the show. When trotting out "history" make sure you get the bigger picture before stating things like this. Dog poop indeed...

*sigh*

Give it up Jodymac, I am not old enough to have protested in the Vietnam War and I'm old. You're a troll.

Think Walker, Fitz and Koch should be on the Trump show (The Apprentice)
Money, money money, money!

Doyle never did anything as reprehenseable as Walker

Hod: it's just that so many people think this bill will create jobs and it may eventually, but until then be real about the bill. It is in there that my job is being privatized. The taxpayer will no longer have a say in what I do. But they will still be taxed for it.

Phoen kid WTF ????

Dear Taxpayer/Boss. I've enjoyed working for you. You have asked me for help; I have given it to you. You have been my priority. You have cried on the phone to me; I sent help. I read to your disabled son because he couldn't. I worried about you after I went home. I couldn't answer your question, so I made phone calls to find the answer. You were lost, I helped to find you. You were sick, we talked a long time until you got better. I will miss working for you. I will no longer be working for you and the other taxpayers. I will be privatized. I will be working for a private company. I will answer to them. I hope your taxes go down, but I have been told you will pay the same amount of taxes. Your taxes will pay for my company to manage me. But they will be my boss, not you. You have been kind to me. I have never had any one of you call me and tell me you wanted me to go away or take a pay cut. I will miss you. I hope we will be able to talk again some day. I won't be in Rock County any longer. This is not meant to be sarcasm. I genuinely will miss all of you who I have helped and who I still help.
(I posted this somewhere else also)

Yes!

FJ probably agrees with a lot of Walker's ideas. Even if they didn't it would make sense for them to try to work with the current governor. It would be pointless for a business group to turn the cold shoulder to the most powerful man in the state. I don't agree with Walker on a lot of issues, but it makes sense for FJ to work with him -- after all, local stakeholders have to work with what they are given no matter what.

David Koch (Walker’s buddy) ran for Vice president with the Libertarian party in 1980. One of the things on his platform was the elimination of public schools. Walker now has the same agenda. So if public schools close and education becomes “private” is everyone ready to start “paying their fair share” when they have very high tuition to pay for your kids K-12 education? Oh ya and if you have a child with special needs you may have a hard time finding a school… in the private world. I suppose medical needs might eliminate your child’s chances of being accepted into a good school too. Better be sure they are a star athlete then they would be a shoe in where ever you would like to go. I am just saying if there are a few protestors, which I sure there will be, I for one will be thanking them, first for working a full day and then coming out to stand up not just for their rights but for the rights of every child in the state.
And I am confused how is a state worker or a teacher paying more money into their retirement going to give someone else more money to spend?
I do hope the answer is in all of us...what is the right way to treat others?

Of course the Governor should be invited by business interests to speak to them. They bought him fair and square and deserve to get to meet with him. They certainly are getting their moneys worth from their investment, and I expect this will continue to pay off in the years to come. Government is a great bargain when a few tens of thousands can get you millions in sweetheart deals and tax exemptions and grants to site your business here. They paid for him, they should get the whole package for their well spent money!

hmmm. I'm a grandmother who has worked a public sector job for over 25 years. I have a paralegal degree & make just barely $40,000./yr. I am also a union thug!

I wouldn't pick either of those. Politically ambitious career politicians would be my pick.

Walker and his Republic are either stupid or complete morons.... You pick

Maybe what we need to be defending is not politicians and parties, but whos's land this is. Here's the original verses we don't often hear to Woody Guthries song: We all know the song, but apparently many of us no longer feel it. Truth is we are all in the same boat. Well not all of us-the reality is that the upper middle class pays about 4% federal taxes and the lower middle class-which is most of us pays 10% to 15%. So I ask you-whose land is it? For example: If one can afford a medical savings account, which the majority of the lower middle classes can't, you get another tax cut from the state. If you're sittin' pretty-you still are. It wasn't this way when I was young. You made more you paid more-and why not? You also get more out of the so called "American Dream" and that is sure worth something. Maybe this land is no longer made for you and me and there's nothing to really argue about anymore-let's hope not: When this song was written in 1940-it contained the following verses-the ones that we didn't learn in school for obvious reasons. This is an attiude I hope we never lose in this country:

"In the squares of the city/In the shadow of the steeple/By the relief office/ I see my people/And some are grumblin' and some are wonderin'/If this land's still made for you and me."

"There was a big high wall there/ that tried to stop me/
Sign was painted/ it said private property/
But on the back side it didn't say nothing/
This land was made for you and me.

Nobody living can ever stop me/
As I go walking that freedom highway/
Nobody living can ever make me turn back/
This land was made for you and me

This land is your land/ this land is my land/
From California to the New York Island/
From the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters/
This land was made for you and me. "

If anything we-the lower middle classes, and middle classes are America and we need to start acting like we are all in this together and start scrutinizing what we hear, read and who we vote for with great care.

KLC, agreed. I don't hold out much hope for people with reasonable viewpoints. They get crowded out by the shouting. I think what you are seeing is a further polarization of America. I don't have a problem with Walker going to some dinner held by business interests.

TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELVES!
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I think what Walker did was wrong on a number of levels and I have spent plenty of time advocating my point of view. I don't begrudge any for advocating an opposite viewpoint. HOWEVER, take a look at the comments here. On both sides vitriol, insults, and patronization is the norm.
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This kind of discourse is what makes me most concerned for and ashamed of in Janesville. Not anything Walker did or anything that Cullen did.
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You can't have a community without a sense of community.

HL_Mencken
Mar 25, 2011 at 8:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
Good for Governor Walker the dragon killer; the PEOPLES choice to take on the public union monster! And yes unions are made up of thugs, goons, and lackeys.
Sniff! Sniff! When you finish tell us what you want?

Owl Watcher;because of Unions, our 8 hour day is done at 3 or 4. Yes we're working and you'd be surprised what we are doing for you at our jobs.

I am sooooooooo sick of protestors. Don't they have anything better to do, like maybe go to work! Let Walker come, afterall he is the governor we elected.

Time to stock up on a couple dozen "Grade A Large" and wait for his arrival.

The Janesville Gazette is asking whether or not people have a right to protest? Are you kidding me? This question alone goes to show that the Gazette is not journalism but pure right wing propaganda...similar to Fox (faux) News.

Or maybe the Gazette is giving us a subtle heads-up on the their inside secret knowledge of the Republican Party's ongoing plans for changing this from a democracy to a plutocracy or oligarcy. But, anybody with their eyes open already knows that. Right? Not much of a secret.

We don't have a spending problem, we have an income problem. The outsourcing of jobs has
decreased our Tax Base. Not taxing businesses
for the privilege of doing business in Wisconsin increases the problem. Doling out
Corporate Welfare multiplies the problem.

"And yes unions are made up of thugs, goons, and lackeys."

Which specific unions are you referring to...HL?

Tell me Just, where exactly are you getting the extra money. It won't be the property taxes, they're not going down, the State taxes are not going to go down, the county may have to increase sales tax because the levy is going to the state. Where are you getting this extra money.

Pheonix Kid is correct-This is not law until the secretary of State publishes it. This is procedural.

The union members are not the only members of the middle class. A great majority of the middle class is non-union and is making the majority of the payments! There has been significant over spending of tax money in all forms of government for years. This may be the best bill ever for the majority in the middle class. Its affect on this member of the middle class is a real restriction on budgets and therefore reasonable tax increases. That will leave more money for me to spend on things I want, to help boost the economy so more middle class jobs are created.

That's quite a wide brush that you are painting with.

Of course they do, this is a free country. Free to book a room at Holiday Inn. Free to protest. Free to recall.

Forward Janesville has every right to invite the Governor of the State of WI to come here. Simple as that.

Thanks BigChip! I take that as a compliment after 25 years in public service! I'm a Kid!

Protests, boycotts - these screaming kids have no interest in making Wisconsin a better place. They want to continue dividing our state and have taxpayers pay their way. Their boorish behavior really sickens me.

Let me guess. The right wing Gazette editorial board will say it's bad for people to protest the Forward Janesville event.

"Do they have a right to protest?"

Really? You work for a newspaper, and you're asking that question?

Gee Janesvillefirst; the LRB does NOT have the last word. You're wrong.

janesvillefirst
Mar 25, 2011 at 5:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
@Mouse said
http://uppitywis.org/blogarticle/walker-...
Just so you get the facts straight.
Also I enjoy your latest @@@@@@ application,very novel idea.

The nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau published the law Friday despite a court order that had blocked the secretary of state from doing so. Publishing a law typically allows puts it in effect.

But the head of the bureau says its action was purely ministerial and wouldn't result in the law taking effect. Steve Miller says the law won't actually take effect until Secretary of State Doug La Follette orders it published in a newspaper.

Sorry kids, it doesn't become a law until Sec State says so.http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/Union_Law_Published_Despite_Court_Order_118680919.html

And if you didn't know phoneixkid, the only elected state officer that is a Democrat (liberal) is the Sec. of State and he obviously was oblivious.

What can I say...

I was informed earlier today that Walker carries a gun as do drug dealers, thieves, murderers.....so be careful.

@phoneixkid: It has nothing to do with Governor Walker or either of the Fitzgeralds (as much as you would like it to be). It's the Legislative Reference Bureau, the final word in publishing any law. The uber liberal Dane Co Judge didn't do her homework and got burned.

Saw on the news Walker took it away from the people who need it

What's happening to the Family Planning Waiver?

Family Planner Waiving...

I will never believe the Fitzs and GED Walker is smarter than Sec of State and Dane Judge. Can't convince me.
What's FPW Trans?

@phoenixkid: There is an easy answer to your question, and that's they are both in over there heads (read incompetent) with this issue.
Also, it's indicative of the liberals grasping at straws to prevent the legal actions of the legislature.

Since Walker took away FPW, how is he going to get his good proctologist exam? Since, we hope, he is paying 12.6% of his healthcare, they cover that or did he get that when he was on FPW???

Why didn't the Sec of State nor the Dane County Judge know this. I'm thinking if they did, they would know they had no jurisdiction.
Something's wrong. And it's not the Secretary of State or Dane.

Hey janesvillefirst.....or second.....

Has the governor listen to anyone about making some kind or compromise of his budget repair? Ive heard lots of good ideas but none taken....
On the Union Bill... How does that get passed when there is a restraining order????
Now onto the news update. I understand what they are saying however you watch the bill maybe get overturned in the supreme court

@transformer07 said: bill was passed by his "special ways"...

Here is a perfect example of someone (transformer) who is critical of the Governor, but doesn't have the slightest clue about the process.

The Legislative Reference Bureau that is required by law to publish the bill after 10 day, is a non-partisan division of the legislature.

I was talking with my cousin Larry this morning and he told me he was at the county board and no press was there.....
He said he talked with some of his friends and they canceled the Gazette today as they thought they were not covering the important things in the county/state level issues and concerns. He said something about ECS (?) having lots of problems up there at a state level..

When are the lefties going to "get over it"? Elections do have consequences, Scott Walker won, and instead of running away from his responsibility, he is out and about IN Wi. meeting people, sharing ideas, and taking charge. Like it or not, the majority thought he was the one for the job, elected him, and now we are enjoying the fruits of our endeavors! Move on, stop complaining! Protest if you like, just keep it peaceful and respectful. In other words, be responsible adults.

Just saw that the bill was passed by his "special ways"...

Walker I got some "tools" for you when you come to Janesville...

Should of added this...

Where was the Gazette last night at the County Board Meeting? As a citizen of Rock County, I learned the importance of having income maintanice (at the job center)at the meeting. We need to have this at the county level... I was impressed with the staff that came to the meeting and a handful got up and spoke to the board and citizens.
Was the Gazette "to cool" to come or were you getting your things down around the house for the Badger game??? One more reason I dont get the Gazette. Dont report on the real importance. I hope you respond back to my email that I sent today because, boy, lots of questions I asked in it....

It's nice that Walker's bill limiting collective-bargaining rights has been published and becomes law PRIOR to his visit here. He can now focus on other aspects of fixing Wisconsin's economic problems.

Why have Walker here? Who wants to listen to him when people dont listen to him? Janesville Forward is making a bad call here having him. People are going to know who you are and your business can be affected.
I cant believe his sidekicks havent told him, your going to far with this. What tools is he given to local state and state agency? I thought when you have a problem you work things out... Ya he's worked things out "his way"

@Mouse said: "Walker is in serious legal trouble because he asked the person he believed to be billionaire David Koch to run phony "issue advocacy" ads that would benefit Walker and the Republican Party".

I haven't seen any "lawyer shingle" hanging downtown with the 'Mouse the Lawyer' on it, but maybe I missed it.

The bottom line with all this is that the Budget Repair Bill was just published (about 4pm today) and and will be law tomorrow!

One aspect that is being under-appreciated in prankgate is that Walker is in serious legal trouble because he asked the person he believed to be billionaire David Koch to run phony "issue advocacy" ads that would benefit Walker and the Republican Party. And he did this solicitation on the taxpayer's dime in the Governor's office.

David Koch, of course is the kingpin of "Americans For Prosperity," which dumps millions of dollars from Koch's corporation, Koch Industries, into Wisconsin and other states in the form of phony "issue advocacy ads." These ads are supposedly done independently and without coordination from GOP officials such as Walker, because it is tantamount to soliciting corporate cash, which is, of course, very illegal... even after Citizens United.
........ Wonder if Walker will touch on this subject of operating business?

And of course bloggers have the right to whine like crazy here, jvldss "said"

It's great the Governor is coming to Janesville. It'll be the first time a real Governor has been here for years. Demonstrating is fair game as long as it reasonable and doesn't interfere with the event inside.
Today, there was a political demonstration at the Madison Club. The hippie drum pounders were interfering with the speech inside. These goofballs who have been at the square for four weeks are obviously bums and don't work. They are actually interfering in others free speech with these actions.

No, actually he's "WINNING"!!!!!

Yes, they have a right to protest! Just like I have to the right to show up to show my support of him!

Janesville is just a drop in the bucket to Walker. We should be thrilled that he takes some time out of his busy schedule to visit us. WWW - Walker and Wisconsin are Winning!

i have the right to let walker know just what i think of him. loser.

In a community that has been devastated by unemployment why not have the Governor speak at the Forward Janesville dinner. Perhaps he can share with the business leaders of this community how he intends to create more jobs for Janesville and Wisconsin.
Forward Janesville has a right to invite him to their dinner.
His supporters have the right to cheer for him just as his critics have the right to protest.
And of course bloggers have the right to whine like crazy here.

wislady..... Nice blog.
jodymac... be nice.

Is it possible some of the protesters booked rooms? A right to protest? This is still a free country right? It hasn't already turned into Fitzwalkerstan has it?

Well said.
I could not agree more.

The story regarding Walker coming to speak at the Forward Janesville meeting was in this paper on the 22nd. Frankly, I am wondering why the event needed more coverage, unless it was to encourage more protesters.

Forward Janesville has the right to invite governor (or any person they chose), the protesters have a right to protest, and the people who have paid to attend the meeting have a right to go without being intimidated or harassed.

It is not up to protesters to decide who gets to speak, or who doesn't.

No, not you people, the other ones.

You people are a hoot.

maxl, agreed, and agreed.

I don't have to wait for the Sunday edition. I can guess what it will say. A quick glance over campaign finances in this state will show you where Forward Janesville stands. They should definitely bring him in; they're his champions, and vice-versa. Gives us another chance to tell it like it is. Looking forward (!) to seeing more outside the event than inside.

Is a Utah group right to initiate reacalls against the Democratic senators? If you're looking to take the high ground politics is not the place look for it.

I'm sure they won't be doing that.

They have a right to have him there and protesters have a right to demonstrate. However This statement leaves a lot out: "Critics, however, plan to protest anyway. They argue that since Walker made his attack on collective-bargaining rights in his budget repair bill, he is a dictator bent on destroying unions and with them the middle class.", leaves out another important factor that goes beyond collective bargaining rights and that was summed up nicely by Scott Fitzgerald-Destroying collective bargaining will destroy Obama's chances at being reelected. I'm middle class-none of this is destroying me, in fact the more upper middle class one is the more one benfits from these changes-but that is not the point. I'm not in a union either but I'll be damned if I let politicians of any party trample all over the rights of my fellow citizens,dismantle and take away the very things that I don't mind paying taxes for, and diverting that money to "economic development" the results of which are dubious at best.

"Is Forward Janesville Right to Bring Walker Here?" Yeah, they have the right to bring anyone they wish to bring. But since he refuses to dialogue with anyone who might disagree with his viewpoint, Forward Janesville is sending a message by his having accepted their invitation. Then you go on to say of those who disagree with Walker, "Do they have the right to protest?" Even questioning the right of those who disagree with Walker to protest shows a sadly elitist attitude towards those with whom you disagree. We are Americans, and under the constitution it is our constitutional right to protest, just as it's your constitutional right to give your opinions in this blog.

Of course they have a right to protest, and the Forward Janesville group has the right to hold the event as they have in past years.
This event is for the business owners to hear from the governor of our state, no matter what the political affiliation is.

Do they have a right to protest? Should they?
Should Walker consider causing trouble? Has he considered that before?

"Do they have a right to protest?"

Are you kidding me?