Tone it down, please
Tuesday, Nov 3, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Tribune…
Gov. Rauner laughed off an attack from Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, who called him a “sociopath” during a Friday fundraiser attended by House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton.
Asked about the comments during a Monday stop in Bloomington, Rauner laughed before revealing his coping mechanism for the name-calling.
“Uh, yeah. I don’t know how I can say … I’ve just tried to work hard to help people my whole life, and that’s what I’m doing as governor,” Rauner said. “And that’s what I did for years trying to help teachers in Chicago and principals in Chicago, and you know, in politics rhetoric sometimes gets overheated and impolite and all I can do is ignore it.”
Lewis is so tiresome.
Not to mention that constantly threatening a teachers strike and actively opposing a legislative funding plan during the city’s worst fiscal times since maybe the Great Depression might also be construed as perhaps at least ever so slightly off-kilter by some psychological observers. Also, this Lewis quote about coming budget cuts…
“You’re going to ruin everybody’s vacation”
Lovely.
- Sir Reel - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:41 am:
Open mouth, insert foot.
There’s something to be said about taking the high road. Compare Madigan’s statements to Lewis’. For the most part Madigan has been careful.
- walker - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:42 am:
Lewis undercuts her own union’s position with the general public. Always has. Maybe it works in the alternate universe we call public education.
Good response by Rauner.
- Me too - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:45 am:
If only he could try to help teachers now. How about Karen Lewis goes away and the antiunion stuff does too. She’s a blowhard who would say the sky is falling no matter what, but that just makes it less clear that the sky is actually falling now. She’s the boy who cried wolf.
- Cassiopeia - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:47 am:
Lewis is an embarrassment to teachers everywhere.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:47 am:
Ah, a recall is certainly in order. Maybe Rauner too.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:48 am:
“- walker - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:42 am:”
Rauner’s response was not good because it was a blatant lie.
It was a lie from an alternative Universe.
It was such an over the top lie that you have to wonder if he even knows what is real anymore.
- thunderspirit - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:48 am:
For someone as smart as she is, Karen Lewis certainly says dumb things.
- Union Man - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:50 am:
Personally, I think she’s on to something.
- Ggg - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:53 am:
Reminiscent:
“Gov. Rod Blagojevich ordered lawmakers to return for special session Wednesday to address what he says is $2.1 billion hole in the budget they sent him. The Senate has already approved the governor’s plans to raise more money for state coffers, and he wants the House to approve those plans, too.
“Meanwhile, a spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, has taken to questioning the governor’s sanity. Spokesman Steve Brown recently twice referred to Blagojevich as “the madman.” And when asked about Blagojevich’s plans for a special session, Brown encouraged reporters to look up the definition of “sociopath.”
A Blagojevich spokeswoman responded to the Chicago Tribune: “He’s not a sociopath.””
http://m.sj-r.com/article/20080707/News/307079894
- Ducky LaMoore - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:54 am:
===I’ve just tried to work hard to help people my whole life, and that’s what I’m doing as governor===
Besides donating money to get his name on things, I would love a few examples of that.
To Karen Lewis, I understand you are trying to use a horrible governor to raise funds… but remember that what you say can get published. Thanks.
- lake county democrat - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:56 am:
Oh Rich, it’s not like she was mocking somebody’s disability or anything. Oh wait…
Apologies for repeating, but suburban Democrat legislators seem concerned that they’ll be accused of raising taxes to pay for Chicago schools. Lewis has to be smart enough to know she plays into Rauner’s hands by injecting herself into this mess.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:56 am:
Lewis’ rhetoric is not helping. Someone needs to be a moderating force for her. If not, she’ll end up helping Rauner accomplish more of his agenda than she’d like. See “cutting nose off to spite face.”
- Former Hoosier - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:56 am:
Yes, Karen Lewis needs to tone it down…not sure that will happen.
But, Rauner, ever the martyr…“Uh, yeah. I don’t know how I can say … I’ve just tried to work hard to help people my whole life, and that’s what I’m doing as governor,” Rauner said. “And that’s what I did for years trying to help teachers in Chicago and principals in Chicago…”
Here’s what happened to one of the schools Rauner “helped”: Sarah Howard thought Bruce Rauner was an angel who would rescue her financially troubled, academically struggling charter school in East Garfield Park. Instead, the would-be Republican candidate for Illinois governor took control of the Academy of Communications and Technology Charter School that Howard started, dumped her as executive director, suspended operations for two years, then turned it over to a national charter school operator.”
- Jocko - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:57 am:
I agree that Karen’s statement, while having some merit, was out of line.
As for Bruce’s response, of “trying to help teachers and principals in Chicago”, someone needs to tell him that hush money (to Walter Payton) doesn’t count.
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:58 am:
Karen Lewis
Making Rauner look like the adult in the room. Sheesh.
- Gooner - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:58 am:
Karen’s last deal got the teachers a small raise and get a heck of a lot of them fired.
She knows that if the standard for keeping her job was contract negotiation, she would be long gone.
However, her members seem to value her outrageous statements and they keep her in a position that pays her very well.
She understands her job. “Saying crazy stuff” is part of her job.
- Empty Suit - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:02 am:
“You’re going to ruin everybody’s vacation..oops I mean it’s all about the kids”
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:03 am:
== Lewis is so tiresome. ==
Sorry, compared to Raunner she isn’t even close. Whatever ‘damage’ people claim she does to CPS and/or teachers pales in comparison to the damage Raunner continues to inflict on IL each and every day.
== I’ve just tried to work hard to help people my whole life, and that’s what I’m doing as governor,” Rauner said. ==
You bet, but the ‘people’ he peaks about are the 1%’ers, no one else.
- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:07 am:
Rahm had a point, you know.
- Gooner - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:08 am:
By the way, the Gov. made a career out of owning nursing homes that allegedly cut staff, with the result of causing serious damage to elderly residents. When not doing that, he would buy other companies and toss people out of work.
As Gov. he has routinely cut funding for the most vulnerable in order to gain leverage for his attacks on unions.
So yes, I think a question can be raised as to whether Rauner has shown the respect for others that we expect from people we consider sane.
However, what Karen may not realize is that, even if the allegation may have a basis in reality, it does not help the cause of teachers to make that statement publicly.
Some random Arsenal fan from Chicago can make those comments but ultimately, I’m not running a union or negotiating with the Gov. It is different when a person with some authority makes that claim.
- LarryMullholland - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:08 am:
Dear Union Pres Karen Lewis:
How are those Chicago Public School graduation rates these days? Oh, just one more thing, about those struggling student performance numbers…
- Jake From Elwood - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:09 am:
Karen Lewis is the face of impasse.
Add her to the ever-growing list of tiresome politicians.
- Team Sleep - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:09 am:
I’ve heard the vacation spiel before. But from where?! Oh yeah…members of the General Assembly.
Sorry for the snark. And yes - I know that’s a different context. But still…
- ash - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:13 am:
It doesn’t mean she is wrong… Sociopath might be a bit strong, but he is pretty pathological about this turnaround agenda.
- Levois - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:17 am:
I just have to say, I saw a woman seeming weak in front of students one of whom seemed to want to do harm to her. In fact, he was trying to throw a desk at her. Knowing this is slightly off topic would Karen Lewis speak up for that particular teacher? That would be far more useful than her current rhetoric.
- Anon2U - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:17 am:
Is Karen Lewis “self medicating” again?
http://abclocal.go.com/story?section=news/local&id=8431640
- Almost the Weekend - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:18 am:
Karen Lewis rhetoric is just as bad as Rauner’s. The CTU is turning into AFSCME no allies anywhere in the Illinois GA or in the city.
- From the 'Dale to HP - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:19 am:
Everyone, again: Karen Lewis is speaking to her union and if it gets her in the papers, that’s just the cherry on top. She isn’t speaking to voters in DuPage or Lake or Jackson or the Trib Ed Board. She isn’t even speaking to the people of Chicago.
And besides, behind closed doors, sure seems like a lot of people in Illinois are saying something darn close to this about the Governor & the Frats.
- Me too - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:19 am:
Sociopath, nah. Now NPD….
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:25 am:
Oof. You’d think Karen Lewis would know better, but you’d be wrong. She is one of the few people who can make Rauner look good by comparison. There are plenty of people around Chicagoland that hear Karen Lewis bad-mouth the Governor and think, “hey, maybe Rauner is doing something right after all.”
Karen, you’re not helping.
- Langhorne - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:37 am:
You need a half billion dollars from that sociopath, ms lewis
- Jockey - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:41 am:
Could someone please explain to me how going on strike, two times in five years, is helping the children, and educating taxpayers understand your POV?
DISCLAIMER: I was in CPS during 1987 strike. This prompted a move to the suburbs…
- crazybleedingheart - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:50 am:
From the ‘Dale to HP is correct.
Karen Lewis doesn’t owe “Chicagoland” anything.
- JackD - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:52 am:
I don’t see many arguing that she used the term, sociopath, inaccurately; only that it was rude to say it.
- Albatros - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:56 am:
Unfortunately in this age people with extreme attitudes and rhetoric tend to rise to the top of organizations with an agenda, and Ms. Lewis is a good example. We also heard a lot of extremist rhetoric from AFSCME leaders where I worked, and that probably (unfairly) colored my attitude towards those people for all time.
- Crispy - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:09 pm:
Whole lot of pearl-clutching going on around here.
No, such statements should not be lobbed around by a public figure who’s closely involved in contract negotiations. It was personal and out of line. On the other hand, as others note, she was addressing her troops, and that’s part of the schtick.
Also, as Former Hoosier and Gooner have pointed out, many of the governor’s actions, both in business and in “running Illinois like a business,” have yielded ongoing results that could fairly be interpreted as cruel. His actions don’t always bespeak a lot of empathy.
And, Albatros(s), you may be right–but union people aren’t the only ones who need to learn to reel it in. The governor and his spokespeople have produced a fair amount of inflammatory rhetoric, themselves.
- crazybleedingheart - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:24 pm:
So, in his own calculation, the Governor calling people “corrupt” is tough-talkin’, straight-shootin’
Lewis calling him a “sociopath” is overheated, impolite
It is just so hard for those of us without a split personality to keep up with the motorcycle/country club manners Rauner espouses.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:32 pm:
-I’ve just tried to work hard to help people my whole life-
I’m not seeing that. I’m seeing contributions to non-profits to reduce his taxes. I believe that a life of helping people would be evident in current actions and behaviors. Signing donation checks and attending gala’s will help some nonprofits survive and continue their work. But when you allow the majority of nonprofits to be decimated because you want to destroy organized labor, I feel, it takes away from any moral standing.
- nixit71 - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:37 pm:
== Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, who called him a “sociopath”==
Ms. Pot, I believe you’ve met Mr. Kettle?
- nixit71 - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:38 pm:
Perhaps Lewis could invite Rauner out to dinner. At the end of the meal, they can fight over who picks up the pension.
- ArchPundit - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:39 pm:
Other than Rod Blagojevich, is there anyone in Illinois politics we should be arm chair diagnosing as a sociopath?
- Keyser Soze - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:39 pm:
As if CPS don’t have enough problems.
- Cubs in '16 - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:55 pm:
so·ci·o·path
/ˈsōsēōˌpaTH/
noun
noun: sociopath; plural noun: sociopaths
a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience.
- Qui Tam - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:56 pm:
I’m assuming Lewis used the the non-medical context as it wasn’t a medical diagnosis.
Sociopath.
- Someone whose social behavior is extremely abnormal. Sociopaths are interested only in their personal needs and desires, without concern for the effects of their behavior on others.
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
- JJMurph - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 1:17 pm:
Sorry, Rich, but I think you pulled a Trib trick. Karen’s full quote is more sensible.
“You’re going to ruin everybody’s vacation. You’re going to say, you’re going to get a layoff slip. That’s unreasonable. Let’s see if we can’t work something out between now and then if you know we have this hole.”
- Responsa - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 1:18 pm:
==Everyone, again: Karen Lewis is speaking to her union and if it gets her in the papers, that’s just the cherry on top. She isn’t speaking to voters in DuPage or Lake or Jackson or the Trib Ed Board. She isn’t even speaking to the people of Chicago.==
She may not be “speaking” to them but all these other voters are “hearing” her. And what they are hearing reflects poorly on teachers unions in general and on individual teachers whether she technically represents them or not. She is doing great damage and needs to be corralled.
- Corporate Greed - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 1:52 pm:
I am with Ms. Lewis. I am tired of wealthy people, such as Rauner or Pritzker, thinking that they are something special because they donate millions of dollars to things. The tax payers don’t need their money, we can raise it ourselves.
- Cheryl44 - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 1:57 pm:
The only person I’m aware Bruce ever worked to help was his daughter, and that was at the expense of someone who lived in the city and deserved that spot at Peyton.
- AnonymousOne - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 1:59 pm:
Say what you will about Ms. Lewis but she helps more people in 10 minutes than Rauner has helped his entire life. The only one he helps is himself.
- Gooner - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 2:00 pm:
AnonOne,
Run that by all the teachers who lost their jobs because she did a lousy job on the last contract.
- From the 'Dale to HP - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 2:00 pm:
Responsa: doubt Lewis’ comments changes anyone’s opinion on the teachers they had in the past or the teachers their children have now in Anywhere, IL.
- Carhartt Representative - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 2:19 pm:
=- Someone whose social behavior is extremely abnormal. Sociopaths are interested only in their personal needs and desires, without concern for the effects of their behavior on others.
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
=
Yeah, that doesn’t sound like Rauner at all. Oh Heavens to Betsy!
- Triple fat - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 2:20 pm:
Please go to www.mcafee.cc - some highlights of Mcaffe R Preston’s profile of a sociopath. Not concerned about wrecking others lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously commit. Poor work ethic but exploits others effectively. Grandiose sense of self. Feels entitled to certain things as their right. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile & domineering, seeing their victims as merely an instrument to be used.
Over the top you say. I think not!
- OneMan - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 3:40 pm:
Well thanks for the thread….
Gonna take a break from CapFax for a while.
- Orzo - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 4:50 pm:
Here’s the problem: this guy throws around “corrupt” and “irrational” at the Supreme Court (including, apparently, the three Republicans). He’s the king of irresponsible name calling, so I can’t fault Lewis this time.
- Dale Cooper - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 6:11 pm:
== a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience. ==
Wait, so she is right?
- Politix - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 6:35 pm:
There’s always so much hate for Karen Lewis but she is wildly popular with the teachers and that says a lot.
I wish AFSCME had a leader half as competent as Karen.
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 7:07 pm:
What’s the world coming to when a corrupt union boss representing overpaid teachers who don’t care about the kids in a failed system that should go bankrupt calls an Illinois governor a sociopath?
- Blue dog dem - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 7:59 pm:
Word—you’re kinda sounding like me. But not ALL teachers are overpaid, and SOME care about the kids.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:40 pm:
Ms. Lewis’ rhetoric is tired and tiring.
Lewis is a purposely polarizing person.
Ignoring her hurts her more than any retort. Rauner was right to do so.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:58 pm:
=== From the ‘Dale to HP is correct.
Karen Lewis doesn’t owe “Chicagoland” anything. ===
No, she doesn’t owe “Chicagoland” anything, but she does owe her union quality leadership. Lewis is not serving her union by over the top rhetoric when unions, especially public sector unions, are fighting a battle for their very existence.
- Rollo Tamasi - Wednesday, Nov 4, 15 @ 1:36 am:
Just remember CTU teachers ONLY pay 2% into their pensions. Time to pay the piper.