After discussing how to keep our schools and prisons open during this budget impasse at an event yesterday in Ottawa, Senator Sue Rezin was verbally assaulted by a union protestor as she was walking back to her car.
“This type of behavior is not acceptable. Protestors have every right to speak their minds, but they do not have a right to verbally assault those they disagree with. If union bosses are serious about working cooperatively to solve Illinois’ many problems, they should condemn this type of language and behavior immediately.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe
=If union bosses are serious about working cooperatively to solve Illinois’ many problems, they should condemn this type of language and behavior immediately.” =
I don’t know if the year of Trump is the best year for the Illinois GOP to start demanding that other organizations condemn things based on the actions of one dude.
Think of the Rauner Word War through Yaffe’s words,
“This type of behavior is not acceptable…do not have a right to verbally assault those they disagree with. If … serious about working cooperatively to solve Illinois’ many problems, they should condemn this type of language and behavior immediately.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe.
Hey, you know what. I don’t care! So the Rep. get’s tongue lashing! It’s nothing compared to being laid off by your private social service agency, or university, or government agency because of WHAT THIS REP IS DOING TO THEM! Real damage is being done to peoples lives and these Reps think its awful that they get cussed out? C’mon! I get that physical assault is wrong but these Reps and the Governor deserve far worse tongue lashings/cussings etc. They have ACTUALLY financially destroyed lives and they can’t take a cussing? I have no sympathy for them
This is what no quarter in the real world looks like. I’m SURE Dem reps are going to get cussed as well. Welcome to the real and ugly world that has been created.
- Jake From Elwood - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:15 am:
Insult politics is at its peak in this Country.
Don’t defend this guy’s behavior.
It is appalling.
Just. Don’t.
Seriously, who would stop filming right when she confronts him? And he’s so union in his high vis shirt and workboots? As we know from the Governor’s wardrobe, they only sell that stuff to real-life hard-workin’ union fellas.
I’m open to being proven wrong, I wasn’t there, but I am calling beee-esss.
No, the doofus should not have behaved that way, to Rauner or Rezin or anyone else.
But it is what happens when people feel threatened.
Politicians have to understand that. They are accountable.
It amuses me to no end that those in power believe there will be no backlash by the “common” man/woman. People are getting tired of this. Just watch a Trump rally or wait to see what transpires during the Democratic Convention in July. Powder keg.
As long as this goof has an audience of at least one, he’ll continue plying this odd craft. He’s proud of his work, probably sending this around. He doesn’t empower himself….
Funny things happen to ppl when you and your party are committed to taking away your livelihood.
- Expletivedeleted - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:22 am:
A large male getting in the face of a woman, blocking her path after cussing and yelling at her and (presumably)continuing to cuss her out like that strikes me as very, very close to the ” creation of apprehension” standard for assault. Stupid move. With friends like these…
=As long as this goof has an audience of at least one, he’ll continue plying this odd craft. He’s proud of his work, probably sending this around. He doesn’t empower himself…. =
Allegedly he also does some consulting work for the Trump campaign. /s
This is not what I want and this is not how I feel, but mark my words that we are approaching a time in our state politics when it won’t be safe for public figures to go out among the people. The bonds of civility were broken when wealthy people began purposely tearing holes in the fabric of our society. There’s more than one way to be crass and vulgar.
When we all raise our voices - no one hears what you say
When we all swear and cuss and use profanity to try and get our point across, it is all but lost
When did wit die, words are swords
profanity is the weapon of a inept, uneducated, buffoon
IJS, Security sure seemed pretty chill about a dude who rolled around IN FRONT of their protectee.
But what do I know? I’m just a freelance VC, managing a couple of hedge funds, operating a charter school or two and doing a little out of state buffalo ranching like my friend Anonymous over here.
Maybe our politicians need some evidence of the level of anger and frustration they are happily creating. Not saying this is the best way, but merely waiting to vote every four years creates a lot of pent up rage, particularly in this current environment. Phone calls, letters, emails are very easily ignored as they’re tallied by the office staff. Reps should have regular townhalls to verbalize their feelings directly———oh, or would that bring out some bad things (or behavior) the elected would rather not hear.
While visiting Springfield legislative assistants told me they have been screamed at, cussed at, and threatened because people don’t like what their rep is doing. This is just unacceptable and gets nothing done.
“A riot is the language of the unheard,” Martin Luther King
- Gruntled University Employee - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:40 am:
The protesters are showing the despair and desperation of being belittled and berated by elected Republicans every day. These elected officials use the media and their bully pulpit every chance they get to call these hard working people lazy, stupid, thugs, etc… The elected officials don’t have to hunt these workers down to insult and demonize them, they get to work in their digs against them in front of the media day in and day out. It’s hard, after actually taking the arrows and having to chase these cowards down, to show restraint. Unfortunately I think it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better.
HoneyBear- If you think it’s ok to talk to *anyone* like that then there’s no place for you in this debate. I have my differences with the Governor and Sue Rezin but what happened out there was despicable.
Tin foil hat offering of the day: do you stop filming when the guy is close enough that people can ID him and say who he is, and whether he really is a union guy? Dirtier tricks have been, and will be, played. Especially this year.
Words have meanings. Let’s not inflate them for effect. “Verbal assault” means something in the law. “Generally, the essential elements of assault consist of an act intended to cause an apprehension of harmful or offensive contact that causes apprehension of such contact in the victim.
The act required for an assault must be overt. Although words alone are insufficient, they might create an assault when coupled with some action that indicates the ability to carry out the threat.” http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Verbal+assault
This man is being rude and inappropriate, but it is not an ‘assault’.
Any private sector employee caught on tape being such a classless buffoon would lose their job. But these are government union types, so there will be no consequences.
Being obnoxious isn’t helpful.
As evidenced by some comments here, belligerent protesters give cover the well-heeled scoundrels who want to rip them off and bury them.
Vote accordingly has become verbally abuse accordingly. Hey nut job….just go knock on some doors for her opponent. I bet you won’t unless there is a 15 minute break at some point.
Been here before. Remember when appointed governor Ralph Tyler Smith visited U of I in 1970. Also, go to the Newberry library to see how Abe Lincoln was portrait in the 1860 election.
–Conn Smythe If you think it’s ok to talk to *anyone* like that then there’s no place for you in this debate–
To late and too bad. I’m in the debate, I’m active in the debate. If you and your tenderness can’t handle SOMEONE ELSE BEING CUSSED, I would suggest that maybe this not a good environment for you right now. Why don’t you go back to ignoring the ruined lives and livelihoods of the regular people of this state and doing nothing about it.
I’m all for cussing the Governor and cussing Reps if it will call attention to the thousands being effected. They didn’t riot. They didn’t break anything. They cussed some people! Great exercise of free speech! AGAIN, the Raunerites have actually financially destroyed thousands of lives and you can’t deny it. Rich has chronicled it here. Was there a peep? If I call you, Rauner, or Raunerite Reps a (*&&^%&$&&*^%% then you lose your minds. Crap, I wish we had figured that out long ago.
===Despite all the laws,legislation and regulation===
The answer is because of all the laws, legislation and regulation. Ain’t easy at all to successfully organize in the private sector. Darned near impossible in some places.
–Any private sector employee caught on tape being such a classless buffoon would lose their job. But these are government union types, so there will be no consequences.—
THERE RIGHT THERE! THERE! THERE! THERE!
So you would economically ruin a person for exercising their free speech rights on their own time?
That my friends is against our US constitution. That is oligarchy. That right there is RAUNERISM. It is oppression by the owner/investor class against common folk exercising their free speech rights as guaranteed to ALL US citizens by the Constitution of the United States of America. I took an oath to Protect and defend the constitution when I became an officer in the united states navy. That’s exactly what I am doing now.
If the Unions should condemn this type of language and behavior from one individual, who may or may not even be a union member, shouldn’t the Republican party also be required to condemn the verbal and economic assaults governor Rauner has made upon the middle class citizens of Illinois???
=That my friends is against our US constitution. That is oligarchy.=
No Honeybear. If you were arrested for saying something stupid, that would be against the constitution. You can lose your job for saying something stupid. Just like unions boycott companies for things their owners say or do.
so a billionaire can spend millions trashing lying and trashing politicians but a union guy can’t express same with his own voice–this is a poor man’s free speech–get used to it Bruce
Name calling and insults are never the answer to solving problems.
The governor needs to set a better example by showing respect for people who don’t agree with him.
But that’s an evil bank employee. Not a wonderful government employee. I bet there isn’t a single person here who has a problem with her losing her job. Hypocrisy runs rampant here.
Tsk tsk tsk… I have a question forthose expressing outrage at the actions of an alleged Union member… Were you equally horrified at the verbal assaults that Tea party members inflicted on Democratic Representatives during the Afforfable Care Act legislation? Do their acts condem the whole conservative wing of the GOP? As an aside, the outrage exhibited gives the appearance of being contrived.
The Governor and his friends have spent millions of dollars in name calling and insults–this is just reaping what they have sowed–they have brought DC style politics to Illinois–starting with Schock and Rutherford–there will be no peace until his money is no good to anyone–we are nearing that point.
Interesting that one of Donald Trump’s campaign organizers attended a Rauner event……
- forwhatitsworth - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:21 pm:
I don’t agree with the language or tactic being displayed in this video, but I do have this question. If Trump is being held responsible by many people for creating the environment that has generated protests and violence at some of his rallies, can we say the same about Gov Rauner, Sen Rezin and our other political leaders?
Gov sent around a revised code of conduct. Employees can speak disrespectfully about supervisors. This applies to Facebook, Twitter, and is not limited to “while on duty”.
You can be bent as all get out, but that kind of discord does little to advance the ball on either side.
So now if a union or labor guys have an issue, and they want to talk to Senator Rezin, the well is poisoned.
I would want someone talking to my wife that way. You can have a heated conversation, you can have a loud argument if you disagree. But it reminds me of a post Kelley Cassidy put up on her FB page about a debate on a gun bill we had where she thought is was a decent good debate.
And this guy goes out there and pulls this kinda stunt, that what, makes him feel like he stuck it to Rauner and some republican for 30seconds on internet or TV fame?
He gives all of us in labor, especially the trades an bad name, and image.
So, since this is unacceptable behavior, what do citizens do —-the ones who are seeing their jobs eliminated, the ones who are being disparaged for the kind of work they do? It may not be acceptable, but when folks are pushed to their limits, do you think they should send a polite email or fill out a satisfaction survey?
Trump’s rise says it all. People are sick to death of voting for someone who either does the opposite of what they promised to do OR blatantly disregards any input from the constituents they serve? People are angry.
I have followed this site for a long time but have never felt the need to comment until now. I am niether a Republican nor a Democrat as I have vote 50/50 throughout my life. I’m not pro or anti union as I have worked private sector my entire life. But seeing this video and reading the comments on here of people trying to excuse or dismiss this horrible behavior is very disappointing. To try and say he isn’t a union protester as he is wearing what looks to be the same shirts other protesters in the video is just sad. Of course the action of one man doesn’t condemn the entire union but everyone just stood there and did nothing, isn’t a good look abs what is worst to me are the few commentors on here who seem not to care and to think his actions are justifiably. It makes it hard for someone like me who has no dog in the fight to have sympathy for public sector unions and reminds me of how far this state has fallen.
-AnonymousOne- to your question “So, since this is unacceptable behavior, what do citizens do —-the ones who are seeing their jobs eliminated, the ones who are being disparaged for the kind of work they do?” … I would advocate for civil discourse as opposed to physically blocking the path of an elected official and calling her a b****, which is a completely personal, unproductive attack that has nothing to do with any issue being debated.
And just to add, I have no dog in this fight. I think it’s a complicated issue without a simple solution.
–Any private sector employee caught on tape being such a classless buffoon would lose their job. But these are government union types, so there will be no consequences.—
And any private citizen blocking the Governor’s path (that isn’t a plant) would be arrested by the State Police for disorderly conduct…just sayin..,
By the standards of 1800’s political discourse and early 1900’s union actions against soulless companies, yesterday was pretty mild. The ride’s going to get a lot wilder before this is over.
So now if a union or labor guys have an issue, and they want to talk to Senator Rezin, the well is poisoned.
Brother, obviously you haven’t been part of the effort by labor to talk to these Reps. They won’t talk to us. If they do they are just slippery eels like Kay. All sugar tongued. Then they stab us in the back. Attitudes and Behaviors. Raunerites are ALL attitude and no behaviors that help the common person. I know that’s the way it’s always been but what Rauner got a taste of is the anger that people feel from getting “turned around”. Okay, so the guy got heated. As much as I’ve tried to change it. This state and country is choosing sides. The public has to do the same. A cussing is far better than loosing your job or getting help taken away from you. The anger isn’t going to go away.
RNUG- people protesting child labor and their coworkers literally dying at unsafe work places is one thing. I doubt the public will condone this behavior when they realize it’s over overtime starting at 37.5 hours and a downgrade in health insurance (something most people have been dealing with for years.)
-If union bosses are serious about working cooperatively to solve Illinois’ many problems–
I don’t speak for my union or local, but I can tell you the sisters and brothers I know are no longer looking to work cooperatively. You have worked from day one of this administration for our destruction. We gave you plenty of time to work cooperatively but you had no interest. You called for and worked tirelessly for our destruction and now we come to return the favor.
Robert, it wasn’t just over child labor or unsafe conditions. Some of the fights were strictly economic and between “company unions” and real unions. Quite a few of those turned deadly.
And some of the political discourse bad in the day ended in duels.
Like I said, we’re a long way from what was once considered normal protest.
=I’m all for cussing the Governor and cussing Reps if it will call attention to the thousands being effected.=
I am not sure if I agree with that statement but I do appreciate your passion.
Rauner is one of the more prolific name callers these days. He is well documented. He pales in comparison to Trump in that arena but not in his obvious ability to be obtuse. So, I don’t have much empathy for them when someone does the same to them.
That the ILGOP does not like the profanity hurled at Rauner is more simply more prissified silliness. Where is their outrage at the put downs their leader has used against Illinois citizens? Get back to me when they take a stand on that one…
I am certain I would never approach Rezin (or anyone else) the way the knuckle head in the video did. But, I get how some people could feel that way.
@ Robert the 1st- with respect, all one has to do is look at the political cartoons from the 19th and early 20th century to see the level of discourse. It was very nasty and not just from those protesting. We are talking New York Times etc.
Either I accidentally used one of the banned words or my phone browser is acting up again. Don’t see my latest post.
- This name is made up - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:21 pm:
Why are you mad unions? Because Governor Rauner has, and may still be, using union workers rights as hostages during budget negotiations. Right to work, prevailing wage and workers compensation are not line items of a budget. Throw out these demands and start negotiating.
Robert the 1rst, you mean doubling our health insurance costs for insurance equivalent to Medicaid. But regardless, these folks were trade union people. There were very few AFSCME people there. No this was trade union people who aren’t getting a contract from the state. No the poor trades folk are having prevailing wage destroyed. Basically paying them a LOT less for the same amount of work. No these are social service agencies and venders with the state whose contracts have not been honored in 18 months. These are teachers and university folk who face the destruction of higher learning, and these are parents who will have to pay childcare when their kids don’t go to school.
@Robert the 1st
Because you support making conditions so terrible for everyone else until you get your way just like Rauner does. You seem to forget that problems also eventually will become everyones. I pay taxes like you do and live around many state workers. Not every state worker makes the same amount. So you complain about what one receives as benefits as a state employee, well no one is stopping you from finding a different job. Start to look at your own situation for once. It’s very hypocritical of you to forget what history shows and why it repeats itself. This is real life not some military psychological operations mission you know.
If you create a hostile environment, ugliness will ensue. Public service employees have been made the scapegoat for most of the ills of Illinois for years now. Both sides have done this.
It’s a powder keg waiting for a spark.
Sadly, I don’t see things getting better anytime soon.
@Robert the 1st
Because you support making conditions so terrible for everyone else until you get your way just like Rauner does. I pay taxes like you do. Not every state worker makes the same amount. So then you complain. Practice what you preach already.
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:51 pm:
Both sides have bad apples. They do more harm than help.
You may be right as to how it will play in the public.
What I don not get, is why so many middle class people are carrying the flag for the ultra wealthy. I just do not get that. Their policies have been around for years and the last 35 years have seen a stagnation of incomes except for the ultra wealthy. Taxes for them are at historical lows but that is not enough.
= Unprofessional is an understatement here, no?=
I think you have to KNOW that these guys are state employees. I like a little proof, it isn’t the biggest stretch to think that these are primarily unionized folks though.
Is it bad to have the “best paid state workforce in the midwest”?
I know the governor keeps saying he wants to pay them more.
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:59 pm:
What do unions in Illinois want?
a.) The status quoe
b.) More tax revenue no matter where the source
c.) Spending cuts
d.) Spending cuts in social programs but more
Spending on infrastructure.
e.) Some of the above.
f.) None of the above.
==If Trump is being held responsible by many people for creating the environment that has generated protests and violence at some of his rallies, can we say the same about Gov Rauner, Sen Rezin and our other political leaders?==
Great question and the answer is undoubtedly YES. Rauner IS responsible for generating the protests and violence should it arise.
Don’t want to get off-topic but the Trump environment has been largely fueled by rhetoric. He’s simply a candidate and most of his ideas, although extremely distasteful to many, have not come to fruition as of yet.
Rauner, on the other hand, is an elected official, whose actions have created REAL DAMAGE to REAL INDIVIDUALS. Many have lost jobs, aid, health care, etc. People are actually being hurt by Rauner. I don’t condone acts of violence but I won’t be sending Rauner any sympathy cards. I agree with him that reforms are needed but strangling social services to force reforms as he has done was an absolute disgrace. When you open the can of worms you usually find worms.
=no one is stopping you from finding a different job=
Same could be said of state employees. I saw a coworkers let go 3 weeks ago without notice. He didn’t cuss anyone out. He maintained a professional and dignified manner. Heard he already has two job offers elsewhere.
= you mean doubling our health insurance costs for insurance equivalent to Medicaid=
Last I heard, you could keep you current coverage for double premiums,or pay the same for less coverage. Many in the private sector have seen there premiums more than double the past 5 years for significantly less coverage. At least you get the choice of one or the other.
Oh, grow up. Blessed democracy can be rough sometimes.
There’s always a hothead who wants to yell at a politician. Happens at every parade around here. It’s part of a legislator’s job. Taxes, guns, abortion, failure to do something personal, all seem to draw them out. As long as no punches are thrown, or staples in the head — laugh it off respectfully.
I do not condone this behavior. His language weakens (and not strengthens) his argument. His obvious inability to articulate his frustration is almost an embarrassment, at a few moments. Like a few above, I also recognize that this is mild compared with some protests in our long history, but we have also seen a resurgence of similar behavior in the past year, sadly (perhaps mostly at trump Rallys? - smile?) I am also curious that the Republican press release proclaims with such certainty that the protester is a member of a union. (It is possible, and he may very well be, but I do note I saw no evidence of this within this brief clip.) If he is a member of any union, he is not doing his union, nor any union, any favors.
I might respond to your fascinating post above, if I had the slightest idea exactly what it is you are trying to communicate. (I did read your post, for what is worth, carefully. Three times. Really.)
The person in the green shirt in the video has been referred to as a union member repeatedly in every report.
Yet no one seems to know who he is or want Union is he supposed to be a member of.
This same man is shown blocking Rauner’s path yet Rauner and his security detail continue towards this very agitated and upset green shirted individual while it is all filmed.
Now the same man is caught on video again, yet this time the Senator Rezin, without a visible security detail confronts the man and goes toe to toe with him, then suddenly the video inexplicably ends.
This all looks staged, we need to get to the bottom of this.
As a 28 yr USW member, I feel compelled to take unions to task as it regards the state of Illinois. Much anger by public service unions and trade union hierarchy. It just seems to me that the simple answer from these union folks is to just raise taxes. Zero outcry about spending
. The easy way out is to just raise every ones tax rates. This is UNACCEPTabLE to old Blue. If there in no meaningful attempt to constitutionally challenge the flat tax rate,and make $2 to $3 billion in well thought out expenditures, then the union folks are ONLY worried about themselves. I can’t be that selfish
-Blue Dog
As a 28 year USW member tell us what happened to the Wisconsin Steel workers pensions and what does the USW do now to protect their members pensions.
-Blue Dog
Who paid to restore the Hostess / Interstate brands workers pension funds after their CEO looted their pension funds in bankruptcy court for his own personal profit?
Do you what is scarier than the TPP?
Folks who don’t know the consequences of their actions.
@Robert the 1st
Same could be said of state employees. I saw a coworkers let go 3 weeks ago without notice. He didn’t cuss anyone out. He maintained a professional and dignified manner. Heard he already has….
Dude, what you call professional is pretty subjective. I’m allowed to say my opinion just like you are. Like I said before, you don’t like where your at get a different job but when you blanket every state worker as being the same come down off the moutain and offer solutions for once instead of complaining.
- Property of IDOC - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 9:45 pm:
This guy is not wearing an AFSCME shirt, and it’s the wrong green if it were. He looks more like a trades or laborer’s member.
It is suspect, as to why the videographer would stop filming…unless the point was to only show one side of the story…hmmm??
Chi20. I am still a union guy at heart. Different to be a boss than a worker, but I still have compaSsion. This mess were in ain’t gonna be solved if there isn’t more give than take. Taxing the poor amd middle class sure as heck is counterproductive. You might mistake my words as pro Rauner. I can assure you that is not the case. I beg for this governor to man up.amd make some difficult cost saving ideas. Heck, I even conceded the closing of my states favorite spot, the world shooting complex, cause we all have to give up something. But I learned over my life most everybody is in it for themselves.
.
I was standing right in the area when this occurred. I don’t agree with the union protester’s choice of words or his profanity. However, it was Rezin that came up and got in the guy’s face even to the point of pushing past a police detective who tried to intervene and separate the two.
You might want to do a quick Google search next time before you make a comment. She has won two elections: one in the House (2010) and one in the Senate (2012). Please tell me how she would qualify for your comment?
- AnonymousOne - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:07 am:
Not acceptable. However, this was one person. Can’t hold all union members responsible for what one person is.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:08 am:
There’s always one that just goes too far and is just ignorant to what is going on.
Labor solidifying with Democrats and Social Services…
… while the governor runs and hides, only to be chased off again…
Sad way to be a Governor.
- LizPhairTax - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:09 am:
Not defending this guy, but would love to see what gets said after the 0:16 mark. Perhaps it doesn’t fit Yaffe’s narrative?
- Ghost - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:11 am:
so is the ILGOP going to demand Trump
take back all of his insults???? he is the top of their party.
- Handle Bar Mustache - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:12 am:
Instead of swearing, protesters need to ask –
Will you EVER disagree with Bruce Rauner? On ANYTHING? Or will you be voting with him on every issue as long as you are elected?
Voters deserve to know.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:13 am:
=If union bosses are serious about working cooperatively to solve Illinois’ many problems, they should condemn this type of language and behavior immediately.” =
Evidence please?
One knuckle head.
- Juice - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:13 am:
I don’t know if the year of Trump is the best year for the Illinois GOP to start demanding that other organizations condemn things based on the actions of one dude.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:13 am:
Rich
I know that you have the same love for German as I do but calling him as doofus is an insult to doofuses. All kidding aside, this is not good.
Protest peacefully. Unions can win but if they do this, it is wrong.
- cdog - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:14 am:
Think of the Rauner Word War through Yaffe’s words,
“This type of behavior is not acceptable…do not have a right to verbally assault those they disagree with. If … serious about working cooperatively to solve Illinois’ many problems, they should condemn this type of language and behavior immediately.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe.
Maybe he can ask Rauner to take his sage advice.
wassup now homie?
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:14 am:
Hey, you know what. I don’t care! So the Rep. get’s tongue lashing! It’s nothing compared to being laid off by your private social service agency, or university, or government agency because of WHAT THIS REP IS DOING TO THEM! Real damage is being done to peoples lives and these Reps think its awful that they get cussed out? C’mon! I get that physical assault is wrong but these Reps and the Governor deserve far worse tongue lashings/cussings etc. They have ACTUALLY financially destroyed lives and they can’t take a cussing? I have no sympathy for them
This is what no quarter in the real world looks like. I’m SURE Dem reps are going to get cussed as well. Welcome to the real and ugly world that has been created.
- Jake From Elwood - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:15 am:
Insult politics is at its peak in this Country.
Don’t defend this guy’s behavior.
It is appalling.
Just. Don’t.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:16 am:
==Hey, you know what. I don’t care! ==
Of course you don’t.
- A guy - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:16 am:
here’s the new face of your message. Might want to rethink this a little bit.
- Give Me A Break - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:17 am:
Someone needs to sit that guy down and explain the art of making your point.
- LizPhairTax - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:18 am:
Seriously, who would stop filming right when she confronts him? And he’s so union in his high vis shirt and workboots? As we know from the Governor’s wardrobe, they only sell that stuff to real-life hard-workin’ union fellas.
I’m open to being proven wrong, I wasn’t there, but I am calling beee-esss.
- out of touch - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:19 am:
The doofus shouting at Sen Rezin is ridiculous. He seems to be wearing a blank shirt. How do we know he’s “union” as the lead from the GOP suggests?
- IRLJ - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:19 am:
No, the doofus should not have behaved that way, to Rauner or Rezin or anyone else.
But it is what happens when people feel threatened.
Politicians have to understand that. They are accountable.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:20 am:
==I’m open to being proven wrong, I wasn’t there, but I am calling beee-esss.==
For a supposed group in “solidarity” y’all seem pretty split on this. One doesn’t care, and another is in complete denial it was one of yours.
- Carhartt Representative - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:21 am:
=Seriously, who would stop filming right when she confronts him?=
That’s what I was wondering too
- Grimm - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:21 am:
It amuses me to no end that those in power believe there will be no backlash by the “common” man/woman. People are getting tired of this. Just watch a Trump rally or wait to see what transpires during the Democratic Convention in July. Powder keg.
- train111 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:21 am:
“Cant hold all union members responsible for what one person is”
Unfortunately with a $5 mil gift from the Gov. burning a hole in their pockets, they will attempt to do just that.
Imagine all the people who would have to get real jobs if outrage politics wasn’t such an easy sell.
- Cmon - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:22 am:
Honey bear. Your comments and comments like that is why rauner won 2/5 of union households. Also why the public is not with union’s.
- A guy - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:22 am:
As long as this goof has an audience of at least one, he’ll continue plying this odd craft. He’s proud of his work, probably sending this around. He doesn’t empower himself….
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:22 am:
Funny things happen to ppl when you and your party are committed to taking away your livelihood.
- Expletivedeleted - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:22 am:
A large male getting in the face of a woman, blocking her path after cussing and yelling at her and (presumably)continuing to cuss her out like that strikes me as very, very close to the ” creation of apprehension” standard for assault. Stupid move. With friends like these…
- LizPhairTax - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:23 am:
Mine?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:24 am:
==Imagine all the people who would have to get real jobs if outrage politics wasn’t such an easy sell.==
You mean, like Union protesters?
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:26 am:
=As long as this goof has an audience of at least one, he’ll continue plying this odd craft. He’s proud of his work, probably sending this around. He doesn’t empower himself…. =
Allegedly he also does some consulting work for the Trump campaign. /s
- Dome Gnome - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:26 am:
This is not what I want and this is not how I feel, but mark my words that we are approaching a time in our state politics when it won’t be safe for public figures to go out among the people. The bonds of civility were broken when wealthy people began purposely tearing holes in the fabric of our society. There’s more than one way to be crass and vulgar.
- Allen D - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:27 am:
When we all raise our voices - no one hears what you say
When we all swear and cuss and use profanity to try and get our point across, it is all but lost
When did wit die, words are swords
profanity is the weapon of a inept, uneducated, buffoon
- Hamlet's Ghost - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:29 am:
How often is a campaign office window actually broken by the “other side” ??
#rhetoricalquestion
- train111 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:32 am:
Anonymous 10:24am
Yes Union Protesters included.
- LizPhairTax - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:32 am:
IJS, Security sure seemed pretty chill about a dude who rolled around IN FRONT of their protectee.
But what do I know? I’m just a freelance VC, managing a couple of hedge funds, operating a charter school or two and doing a little out of state buffalo ranching like my friend Anonymous over here.
- AnonymousOne - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:33 am:
Maybe our politicians need some evidence of the level of anger and frustration they are happily creating. Not saying this is the best way, but merely waiting to vote every four years creates a lot of pent up rage, particularly in this current environment. Phone calls, letters, emails are very easily ignored as they’re tallied by the office staff. Reps should have regular townhalls to verbalize their feelings directly———oh, or would that bring out some bad things (or behavior) the elected would rather not hear.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:35 am:
While visiting Springfield legislative assistants told me they have been screamed at, cussed at, and threatened because people don’t like what their rep is doing. This is just unacceptable and gets nothing done.
- Carhartt Representative - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:38 am:
“A riot is the language of the unheard,” Martin Luther King
- Gruntled University Employee - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:40 am:
The protesters are showing the despair and desperation of being belittled and berated by elected Republicans every day. These elected officials use the media and their bully pulpit every chance they get to call these hard working people lazy, stupid, thugs, etc… The elected officials don’t have to hunt these workers down to insult and demonize them, they get to work in their digs against them in front of the media day in and day out. It’s hard, after actually taking the arrows and having to chase these cowards down, to show restraint. Unfortunately I think it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better.
- Lucky Pierre - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:41 am:
This is more than one guy going to far. Talk about being willfully ignorant.
- Conn Smythe - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:42 am:
HoneyBear- If you think it’s ok to talk to *anyone* like that then there’s no place for you in this debate. I have my differences with the Governor and Sue Rezin but what happened out there was despicable.
- Archiesmom - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:46 am:
Tin foil hat offering of the day: do you stop filming when the guy is close enough that people can ID him and say who he is, and whether he really is a union guy? Dirtier tricks have been, and will be, played. Especially this year.
- Rasselas - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:47 am:
Words have meanings. Let’s not inflate them for effect. “Verbal assault” means something in the law. “Generally, the essential elements of assault consist of an act intended to cause an apprehension of harmful or offensive contact that causes apprehension of such contact in the victim.
The act required for an assault must be overt. Although words alone are insufficient, they might create an assault when coupled with some action that indicates the ability to carry out the threat.” http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Verbal+assault
This man is being rude and inappropriate, but it is not an ‘assault’.
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:48 am:
Any private sector employee caught on tape being such a classless buffoon would lose their job. But these are government union types, so there will be no consequences.
- LizPhairTax - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:52 am:
=government union types=
Oh, do go on…
- Qui Tam - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:54 am:
Being obnoxious isn’t helpful.
As evidenced by some comments here, belligerent protesters give cover the well-heeled scoundrels who want to rip them off and bury them.
- 0swego Willy - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:58 am:
Vote accordingly has become verbally abuse accordingly. Hey nut job….just go knock on some doors for her opponent. I bet you won’t unless there is a 15 minute break at some point.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:01 am:
As “The Owl” Ron Sandack likes to “say”, to paraphrase…
“Did I strike a nerve”
Attacking me isn’t making your point better.
- cdog - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:02 am:
A great question to be asked a loud and sassy anti-Rauner protester would be, “Who do you support for President?”
Bet a dollar this guy is a Trump supporter.
- downstater - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:04 am:
This oughta be good fodder for some campaign commercials.
- a drop in - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:04 am:
“Insult politics is at its peak in this Country.”
Been here before. Remember when appointed governor Ralph Tyler Smith visited U of I in 1970. Also, go to the Newberry library to see how Abe Lincoln was portrait in the 1860 election.
Buckle up, it will be a stormy ride this year.
- liberty - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:07 am:
lol “verbal” assault
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:09 am:
–Conn Smythe If you think it’s ok to talk to *anyone* like that then there’s no place for you in this debate–
To late and too bad. I’m in the debate, I’m active in the debate. If you and your tenderness can’t handle SOMEONE ELSE BEING CUSSED, I would suggest that maybe this not a good environment for you right now. Why don’t you go back to ignoring the ruined lives and livelihoods of the regular people of this state and doing nothing about it.
I’m all for cussing the Governor and cussing Reps if it will call attention to the thousands being effected. They didn’t riot. They didn’t break anything. They cussed some people! Great exercise of free speech! AGAIN, the Raunerites have actually financially destroyed thousands of lives and you can’t deny it. Rich has chronicled it here. Was there a peep? If I call you, Rauner, or Raunerite Reps a (*&&^%&$&&*^%% then you lose your minds. Crap, I wish we had figured that out long ago.
Direct Action Gets Satisfaction
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:09 am:
Despite all the laws,legislation and regulation, union membership is at historic lows. Even in Illinois. Why?
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:10 am:
I am so enjoying the moral equivalencies here today. YUMMMMMMM!
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:11 am:
=Bet a dollar this guy is a Trump supporter.=
LOL. I’d bet $1000 this guy is a Trump voter.
- Huh? - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:12 am:
If Senator Rezin is going to be a water carrier for 1.4%, she got off easy.
- G'Kar - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:12 am:
I’m out of state, so I can’t ask my regular sources. Did anyone see Jerry Long yesterday?
- Union1 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:15 am:
Call a spade a spade.. Well said protester
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:19 am:
===Despite all the laws,legislation and regulation===
The answer is because of all the laws, legislation and regulation. Ain’t easy at all to successfully organize in the private sector. Darned near impossible in some places.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:20 am:
–Any private sector employee caught on tape being such a classless buffoon would lose their job. But these are government union types, so there will be no consequences.—
THERE RIGHT THERE! THERE! THERE! THERE!
So you would economically ruin a person for exercising their free speech rights on their own time?
That my friends is against our US constitution. That is oligarchy. That right there is RAUNERISM. It is oppression by the owner/investor class against common folk exercising their free speech rights as guaranteed to ALL US citizens by the Constitution of the United States of America. I took an oath to Protect and defend the constitution when I became an officer in the united states navy. That’s exactly what I am doing now.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:21 am:
If the Unions should condemn this type of language and behavior from one individual, who may or may not even be a union member, shouldn’t the Republican party also be required to condemn the verbal and economic assaults governor Rauner has made upon the middle class citizens of Illinois???
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:24 am:
=That my friends is against our US constitution. That is oligarchy.=
No Honeybear. If you were arrested for saying something stupid, that would be against the constitution. You can lose your job for saying something stupid. Just like unions boycott companies for things their owners say or do.
- DuPage - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:30 am:
Could be a Rauner plant, I don’t know. But it does not change my mind about any of the budget issues.
- Birdseed - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:33 am:
== That my friends is against our US constitution. That is oligarchy. ==
Um, no. True, it is your right to say whatever you want. It is not your right to say whatever you want without consequences.
- A Modest Proposal - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:36 am:
Please, hold you phone sideways when recording. It will create a much better video!
- Anon - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:41 am:
so a billionaire can spend millions trashing lying and trashing politicians but a union guy can’t express same with his own voice–this is a poor man’s free speech–get used to it Bruce
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:44 am:
—So you would economically ruin a person for exercising their free speech rights on their own time?—
Happened to some BOA employee yesterday…
https://www.yahoo.com/news/bank-america-employee-goes-f-133400432.html
- Enviro - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:47 am:
Name calling and insults are never the answer to solving problems.
The governor needs to set a better example by showing respect for people who don’t agree with him.
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:47 am:
But that’s an evil bank employee. Not a wonderful government employee. I bet there isn’t a single person here who has a problem with her losing her job. Hypocrisy runs rampant here.
- SJ Warrior - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 11:53 am:
Where is the ultra left condemning this man as a sexists? Would he have called a man the same word he called her? I highly doubt that.
- Triple fat - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:03 pm:
Tsk tsk tsk… I have a question forthose expressing outrage at the actions of an alleged Union member… Were you equally horrified at the verbal assaults that Tea party members inflicted on Democratic Representatives during the Afforfable Care Act legislation? Do their acts condem the whole conservative wing of the GOP? As an aside, the outrage exhibited gives the appearance of being contrived.
- Anon - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:05 pm:
The Governor and his friends have spent millions of dollars in name calling and insults–this is just reaping what they have sowed–they have brought DC style politics to Illinois–starting with Schock and Rutherford–there will be no peace until his money is no good to anyone–we are nearing that point.
- Yo - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:20 pm:
Interesting that one of Donald Trump’s campaign organizers attended a Rauner event……
- forwhatitsworth - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:21 pm:
I don’t agree with the language or tactic being displayed in this video, but I do have this question. If Trump is being held responsible by many people for creating the environment that has generated protests and violence at some of his rallies, can we say the same about Gov Rauner, Sen Rezin and our other political leaders?
- Union Man - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:26 pm:
Gov sent around a revised code of conduct. Employees can speak disrespectfully about supervisors. This applies to Facebook, Twitter, and is not limited to “while on duty”.
- Union Man - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:27 pm:
cannot speak…
- Todd - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:28 pm:
I’m hoping I don’t recognize that guy.
You can be bent as all get out, but that kind of discord does little to advance the ball on either side.
So now if a union or labor guys have an issue, and they want to talk to Senator Rezin, the well is poisoned.
I would want someone talking to my wife that way. You can have a heated conversation, you can have a loud argument if you disagree. But it reminds me of a post Kelley Cassidy put up on her FB page about a debate on a gun bill we had where she thought is was a decent good debate.
And this guy goes out there and pulls this kinda stunt, that what, makes him feel like he stuck it to Rauner and some republican for 30seconds on internet or TV fame?
He gives all of us in labor, especially the trades an bad name, and image.
- A guy - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:29 pm:
JSM:
==Allegedly he also does some consulting work for the Trump campaign. /s===
You just keep distinguishing yourself.
- AnonymousOne - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:31 pm:
So, since this is unacceptable behavior, what do citizens do —-the ones who are seeing their jobs eliminated, the ones who are being disparaged for the kind of work they do? It may not be acceptable, but when folks are pushed to their limits, do you think they should send a polite email or fill out a satisfaction survey?
Trump’s rise says it all. People are sick to death of voting for someone who either does the opposite of what they promised to do OR blatantly disregards any input from the constituents they serve? People are angry.
- illinois manufacturer - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:33 pm:
One thing I noticed Trump has supporters do appear in big numbers in public. Rauner can’t seem to do that.Not could the IPI.
- Anon - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:38 pm:
I have followed this site for a long time but have never felt the need to comment until now. I am niether a Republican nor a Democrat as I have vote 50/50 throughout my life. I’m not pro or anti union as I have worked private sector my entire life. But seeing this video and reading the comments on here of people trying to excuse or dismiss this horrible behavior is very disappointing. To try and say he isn’t a union protester as he is wearing what looks to be the same shirts other protesters in the video is just sad. Of course the action of one man doesn’t condemn the entire union but everyone just stood there and did nothing, isn’t a good look abs what is worst to me are the few commentors on here who seem not to care and to think his actions are justifiably. It makes it hard for someone like me who has no dog in the fight to have sympathy for public sector unions and reminds me of how far this state has fallen.
- Answer - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:46 pm:
-AnonymousOne- to your question “So, since this is unacceptable behavior, what do citizens do —-the ones who are seeing their jobs eliminated, the ones who are being disparaged for the kind of work they do?” … I would advocate for civil discourse as opposed to physically blocking the path of an elected official and calling her a b****, which is a completely personal, unproductive attack that has nothing to do with any issue being debated.
And just to add, I have no dog in this fight. I think it’s a complicated issue without a simple solution.
- Triple fat - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:46 pm:
–Any private sector employee caught on tape being such a classless buffoon would lose their job. But these are government union types, so there will be no consequences.—
And any private citizen blocking the Governor’s path (that isn’t a plant) would be arrested by the State Police for disorderly conduct…just sayin..,
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:47 pm:
- Todd -
+1
- SKI - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:48 pm:
- Anon - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:38 pm:
Amen
- FarmerSon - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:52 pm:
I was there, did not see Teamster Jerry Long maybe he couldn’t afford to take the day off from OTR driving.
- RNUG - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 12:58 pm:
Read some history.
By the standards of 1800’s political discourse and early 1900’s union actions against soulless companies, yesterday was pretty mild. The ride’s going to get a lot wilder before this is over.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:09 pm:
So now if a union or labor guys have an issue, and they want to talk to Senator Rezin, the well is poisoned.
Brother, obviously you haven’t been part of the effort by labor to talk to these Reps. They won’t talk to us. If they do they are just slippery eels like Kay. All sugar tongued. Then they stab us in the back. Attitudes and Behaviors. Raunerites are ALL attitude and no behaviors that help the common person. I know that’s the way it’s always been but what Rauner got a taste of is the anger that people feel from getting “turned around”. Okay, so the guy got heated. As much as I’ve tried to change it. This state and country is choosing sides. The public has to do the same. A cussing is far better than loosing your job or getting help taken away from you. The anger isn’t going to go away.
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:10 pm:
RNUG- people protesting child labor and their coworkers literally dying at unsafe work places is one thing. I doubt the public will condone this behavior when they realize it’s over overtime starting at 37.5 hours and a downgrade in health insurance (something most people have been dealing with for years.)
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:15 pm:
-If union bosses are serious about working cooperatively to solve Illinois’ many problems–
I don’t speak for my union or local, but I can tell you the sisters and brothers I know are no longer looking to work cooperatively. You have worked from day one of this administration for our destruction. We gave you plenty of time to work cooperatively but you had no interest. You called for and worked tirelessly for our destruction and now we come to return the favor.
No Quarter
- RNUG - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:15 pm:
Robert, it wasn’t just over child labor or unsafe conditions. Some of the fights were strictly economic and between “company unions” and real unions. Quite a few of those turned deadly.
And some of the political discourse bad in the day ended in duels.
Like I said, we’re a long way from what was once considered normal protest.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:15 pm:
=I’m all for cussing the Governor and cussing Reps if it will call attention to the thousands being effected.=
I am not sure if I agree with that statement but I do appreciate your passion.
Rauner is one of the more prolific name callers these days. He is well documented. He pales in comparison to Trump in that arena but not in his obvious ability to be obtuse. So, I don’t have much empathy for them when someone does the same to them.
That the ILGOP does not like the profanity hurled at Rauner is more simply more prissified silliness. Where is their outrage at the put downs their leader has used against Illinois citizens? Get back to me when they take a stand on that one…
I am certain I would never approach Rezin (or anyone else) the way the knuckle head in the video did. But, I get how some people could feel that way.
That said, Honeybear..you keep on keepin on!
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:17 pm:
@ Robert the 1st- with respect, all one has to do is look at the political cartoons from the 19th and early 20th century to see the level of discourse. It was very nasty and not just from those protesting. We are talking New York Times etc.
With respect.
- RNUG - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:18 pm:
Either I accidentally used one of the banned words or my phone browser is acting up again. Don’t see my latest post.
- This name is made up - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:21 pm:
Why are you mad unions? Because Governor Rauner has, and may still be, using union workers rights as hostages during budget negotiations. Right to work, prevailing wage and workers compensation are not line items of a budget. Throw out these demands and start negotiating.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:22 pm:
Robert the 1rst, you mean doubling our health insurance costs for insurance equivalent to Medicaid. But regardless, these folks were trade union people. There were very few AFSCME people there. No this was trade union people who aren’t getting a contract from the state. No the poor trades folk are having prevailing wage destroyed. Basically paying them a LOT less for the same amount of work. No these are social service agencies and venders with the state whose contracts have not been honored in 18 months. These are teachers and university folk who face the destruction of higher learning, and these are parents who will have to pay childcare when their kids don’t go to school.
RAUNER WILL OWN ALL THIS AND MORE
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:25 pm:
@ Robert the 1st
And you never seem to explain the ultimate goal of inciting violence you seem bash those who disagree with you.
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:26 pm:
Very true JS. My point is it won’t play well with the public.
We’re talking about the best paid state workforce in the Mid West. Unprofessional is an understatement here, no?
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:27 pm:
Huh? Why would I explain inciting violence?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:42 pm:
@Robert the 1st
Because you support making conditions so terrible for everyone else until you get your way just like Rauner does. You seem to forget that problems also eventually will become everyones. I pay taxes like you do and live around many state workers. Not every state worker makes the same amount. So you complain about what one receives as benefits as a state employee, well no one is stopping you from finding a different job. Start to look at your own situation for once. It’s very hypocritical of you to forget what history shows and why it repeats itself. This is real life not some military psychological operations mission you know.
- Morty II - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:43 pm:
If you create a hostile environment, ugliness will ensue. Public service employees have been made the scapegoat for most of the ills of Illinois for years now. Both sides have done this.
It’s a powder keg waiting for a spark.
Sadly, I don’t see things getting better anytime soon.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:45 pm:
@Robert the 1st
Because you support making conditions so terrible for everyone else until you get your way just like Rauner does. I pay taxes like you do. Not every state worker makes the same amount. So then you complain. Practice what you preach already.
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:51 pm:
Both sides have bad apples. They do more harm than help.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:53 pm:
You may be right as to how it will play in the public.
What I don not get, is why so many middle class people are carrying the flag for the ultra wealthy. I just do not get that. Their policies have been around for years and the last 35 years have seen a stagnation of incomes except for the ultra wealthy. Taxes for them are at historical lows but that is not enough.
= Unprofessional is an understatement here, no?=
I think you have to KNOW that these guys are state employees. I like a little proof, it isn’t the biggest stretch to think that these are primarily unionized folks though.
Is it bad to have the “best paid state workforce in the midwest”?
I know the governor keeps saying he wants to pay them more.
- Formerly Known As... - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 1:59 pm:
==Bet a dollar this guy is a Trump supporter.==
Like these Trump supporters? Oh wait
www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/06/03/ugly-bloody-scenes-in-san-jose-as-protesters-attack-trump-supporters-outside-rally/
- Keyser Soze - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:22 pm:
Does the doofus have a name and point of origin? Just curious.
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:51 pm:
What do unions in Illinois want?
a.) The status quoe
b.) More tax revenue no matter where the source
c.) Spending cuts
d.) Spending cuts in social programs but more
Spending on infrastructure.
e.) Some of the above.
f.) None of the above.
- CrazyHorse - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:56 pm:
==If Trump is being held responsible by many people for creating the environment that has generated protests and violence at some of his rallies, can we say the same about Gov Rauner, Sen Rezin and our other political leaders?==
Great question and the answer is undoubtedly YES. Rauner IS responsible for generating the protests and violence should it arise.
Don’t want to get off-topic but the Trump environment has been largely fueled by rhetoric. He’s simply a candidate and most of his ideas, although extremely distasteful to many, have not come to fruition as of yet.
Rauner, on the other hand, is an elected official, whose actions have created REAL DAMAGE to REAL INDIVIDUALS. Many have lost jobs, aid, health care, etc. People are actually being hurt by Rauner. I don’t condone acts of violence but I won’t be sending Rauner any sympathy cards. I agree with him that reforms are needed but strangling social services to force reforms as he has done was an absolute disgrace. When you open the can of worms you usually find worms.
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 2:58 pm:
Dude, Blue Dog Dem, what are you even trying to say? Not even close to making sense.
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:01 pm:
=no one is stopping you from finding a different job=
Same could be said of state employees. I saw a coworkers let go 3 weeks ago without notice. He didn’t cuss anyone out. He maintained a professional and dignified manner. Heard he already has two job offers elsewhere.
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:02 pm:
=why so many middle class people are carrying the flag for the ultra wealthy=
JS- did AFSCME chant “raise the taxes” or did they chant “raise the taxes of the ultra wealthy”?
- Robert the 1st - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:08 pm:
= you mean doubling our health insurance costs for insurance equivalent to Medicaid=
Last I heard, you could keep you current coverage for double premiums,or pay the same for less coverage. Many in the private sector have seen there premiums more than double the past 5 years for significantly less coverage. At least you get the choice of one or the other.
- walker - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 3:08 pm:
Oh, grow up. Blessed democracy can be rough sometimes.
There’s always a hothead who wants to yell at a politician. Happens at every parade around here. It’s part of a legislator’s job. Taxes, guns, abortion, failure to do something personal, all seem to draw them out. As long as no punches are thrown, or staples in the head — laugh it off respectfully.
- Justin Observer - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 4:19 pm:
I do not condone this behavior. His language weakens (and not strengthens) his argument. His obvious inability to articulate his frustration is almost an embarrassment, at a few moments. Like a few above, I also recognize that this is mild compared with some protests in our long history, but we have also seen a resurgence of similar behavior in the past year, sadly (perhaps mostly at trump Rallys? - smile?) I am also curious that the Republican press release proclaims with such certainty that the protester is a member of a union. (It is possible, and he may very well be, but I do note I saw no evidence of this within this brief clip.) If he is a member of any union, he is not doing his union, nor any union, any favors.
- Justin Observer - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 4:24 pm:
BlueDogDem –
I might respond to your fascinating post above, if I had the slightest idea exactly what it is you are trying to communicate. (I did read your post, for what is worth, carefully. Three times. Really.)
- Chicago 20 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 4:51 pm:
The person in the green shirt in the video has been referred to as a union member repeatedly in every report.
Yet no one seems to know who he is or want Union is he supposed to be a member of.
This same man is shown blocking Rauner’s path yet Rauner and his security detail continue towards this very agitated and upset green shirted individual while it is all filmed.
Now the same man is caught on video again, yet this time the Senator Rezin, without a visible security detail confronts the man and goes toe to toe with him, then suddenly the video inexplicably ends.
This all looks staged, we need to get to the bottom of this.
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 5:15 pm:
Let me get my head out of my …..
As a 28 yr USW member, I feel compelled to take unions to task as it regards the state of Illinois. Much anger by public service unions and trade union hierarchy. It just seems to me that the simple answer from these union folks is to just raise taxes. Zero outcry about spending
. The easy way out is to just raise every ones tax rates. This is UNACCEPTabLE to old Blue. If there in no meaningful attempt to constitutionally challenge the flat tax rate,and make $2 to $3 billion in well thought out expenditures, then the union folks are ONLY worried about themselves. I can’t be that selfish
- Chicago 20 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 5:25 pm:
-Blue Dog
As a 28 year USW member tell us what happened to the Wisconsin Steel workers pensions and what does the USW do now to protect their members pensions.
- Blue dog dem - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 5:31 pm:
Chi 20. Pray that TPP doesn’t do us in….
- Blue dog dem - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 5:32 pm:
Chi 20. My defined pension was negotiated to a 401k many,many years ago.
- Chicago 20 - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 5:43 pm:
-Blue Dog
Who paid to restore the Hostess / Interstate brands workers pension funds after their CEO looted their pension funds in bankruptcy court for his own personal profit?
Do you what is scarier than the TPP?
Folks who don’t know the consequences of their actions.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 9:06 pm:
@Robert the 1st
Same could be said of state employees. I saw a coworkers let go 3 weeks ago without notice. He didn’t cuss anyone out. He maintained a professional and dignified manner. Heard he already has….
Dude, what you call professional is pretty subjective. I’m allowed to say my opinion just like you are. Like I said before, you don’t like where your at get a different job but when you blanket every state worker as being the same come down off the moutain and offer solutions for once instead of complaining.
- Property of IDOC - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 9:45 pm:
This guy is not wearing an AFSCME shirt, and it’s the wrong green if it were. He looks more like a trades or laborer’s member.
It is suspect, as to why the videographer would stop filming…unless the point was to only show one side of the story…hmmm??
- blue dog dem - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:00 pm:
Chi20. I am still a union guy at heart. Different to be a boss than a worker, but I still have compaSsion. This mess were in ain’t gonna be solved if there isn’t more give than take. Taxing the poor amd middle class sure as heck is counterproductive. You might mistake my words as pro Rauner. I can assure you that is not the case. I beg for this governor to man up.amd make some difficult cost saving ideas. Heck, I even conceded the closing of my states favorite spot, the world shooting complex, cause we all have to give up something. But I learned over my life most everybody is in it for themselves.
.
- Southern Illinois Hoopdee - Tuesday, Jun 7, 16 @ 10:25 pm:
Simple answer - hopefully the guy is identified.
Then it will be easy to see what his intentions are. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.
- Rabid - Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:36 am:
Wow an unelected GOP representative doesn’t want to hear from her constituents? Who knew?
- Anon - Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 6:55 am:
I was standing right in the area when this occurred. I don’t agree with the union protester’s choice of words or his profanity. However, it was Rezin that came up and got in the guy’s face even to the point of pushing past a police detective who tried to intervene and separate the two.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jun 8, 16 @ 9:31 am:
-Rabid “unelected GOP representative”
You might want to do a quick Google search next time before you make a comment. She has won two elections: one in the House (2010) and one in the Senate (2012). Please tell me how she would qualify for your comment?
- Snazzy Chazzy - Thursday, Jun 9, 16 @ 12:32 pm:
Oh, it is obvious who this guy is