We need to walk back the war
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2015 - Posted by Rich Miller
* Sun-Times…
Gail Hamilton, a home care provider in Springfield, told reporters Rauner used a “back door deal” on both child care and home care “as a way to save face as moderate Republicans broke with his extreme and damaging positions.”
“We moved Gov. Rauner to action. We moved moderate Republicans. We moved Democratic allies with other advocates. But now Gov. Rauner wants credit for this. It’s shameful to me that Gov. Rauner wants credit for restoring the programs that he cut. It is laughable and predictable given the willingness of Bruce Rauner to play politics with the lives of vulnerable people.”
Hamilton said the bills would have kept Rauner in check.
“These bills are necessary bills because the governor chose to abuse his executive power and use administrative rules to begin a back door destruction of these programs,” Hamilton said. “These bills were necessary to make sure that this governor, any governor, cannot abuse their executive power again.”
It’s not that I disagree with everything Ms. Hamilton said. It’s just that I’m trying very hard these days to look at the bright side.
This state has been engaged in what amounts to a political civil war for months. Civil wars are most definitely not “civil” (just the opposite) and don’t end easily, precisely for the reasons outlined by Hamilton.
But the fact is that Republicans did move the governor off the dime. That’s good news.
We’ll have more on this topic throughout the day. I just wanted to get the ball rolling with Hamilton’s quotes, which were elegantly spoken and understandably heartbroken and angry.
It’s time we start winding this thing down.
- walker - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 8:37 am:
Take the movement forward without concern for who claims credit.
Look forward with each halting step.
Rich knows.
- SAP - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 8:40 am:
In the words of Ronald Reagan: “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
- Ahoy! - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 8:42 am:
House Republicans moved Rauner off the dime, but in order for this all to work out for the State, House Democrats are going to have to move Madigan off the dime. Make no mistake, this state is in serious trouble and badly needs several reforms including a sustainable budget plan moving forward. The Democrats still don’t seem to understand this or at least do not want to admit it and isn’t that the first step?
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 8:46 am:
Trust will be the key going forward. The way Rauner has played this may be “masterful” to some, but his actions, in many cases unilateral, have had severe consequences. He may be repentant, but those that have been hurt are waiting for the next blow. This isn’t a game of chess. It is real life, real People.
- Gumby - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 8:48 am:
While I agree the fact that the Governor moved is good for all concerned, I think the point Ms. Hamilton is making is that it took pressure from moderate Republicans to get him to do so. Taking credit as though this was his idea is just politics as usual and suggests Rauner still doesn’t ‘get it’. He didn’t move because it was the obvious right thing to do; it was because he was forced to. Ms. Hamilton’s concern is one shared by many….What will keep this Governor from doing this again if he believes it will help him politically?
- tobor - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 8:49 am:
It’s why House Republicans moved off the dime that matters.
- Cassandra - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 8:53 am:
A back door destruction? Please.
In theory, the state of Illinois could fund free child care for all children. But that would be very expensive, and it seems as though it would require a much larger increase than the Pat Quinn increase, the one that some believe helped him lose the election. Would citizens support that? The discussion of what level of social services at what tax rate, at what level of tax progressivity-that’s the discussion neither party wants to have. Or at least they don’t want to talk about the who pays part. Those child care cuts Rauner modified will have to be made up somewhere. Where? We don’t know. Or is hitting up the Taxpayer ATM for even more the plan. How much more? Nobody is saying.
- NewWestSuburbanGOP'er - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 8:56 am:
I agree with - Gumby - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 8:48 am:
And would like to add…. if more “moderate” Republicans would just do the right thing and not worry about being primaried by the Governor and his extremely wealthy friends, we could get the state moving again.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:00 am:
Do the Doable.
If anything the constant “Yellow” on the boards have shown is that there is room, for both sides to find either 60 and 30 or 71 and 36.
The “bricks” both sides have put on legislation that has the possibility to get passed is fueling the trench warfare mentality, so much so, that even voting your past history or district is frowned upon by peers that can’t stomach the idea of “concession”.
Enough, do the doable.
But, in doing the doable, it’s also important to move off the impossible.
Stomping your feet or failing to recognize that bills don’t have a chance of getting done and continuing to believe that being 10 votes short isn’t a real obstacle is part of the impasse too.
If cobbling your votes isn’t possible, then the legislation dies. Holding up other issues of the day for “the impossible” is another gallon of gasoline being used to fuel the fire of polarizing legislature.
There needs to be an honest discussion as to where the noses are for the doable. There is more than ONE thing that’s doable. If all sides were honest they’d all know that to be true too.
Let’s also be honest about Ken Dunkin.
That’s not “compromising”, that’s being the life raft for a governor. That’s ensuring a political retreat and position for that retreat is seen in a face-saving light.
Compromising is looking for the caucuses to string together structured roll calls that the Democrats call for votes, and Rauner is given “the doable” to happen, so Governor Rauner can own his victory. It’s allowing the bipartisan doable to be signed by Rauner.
It’s not one member who was a cosponsor to turn on his own legislation.
The budget requires revenue. The governor needs to get past this “thing” that Democrats only want revenue. Democrats need to get off the dime on very specific and narrow cuts, budgetary cuts, that Rauner specifically can point to as bipartisan.
The crack for compromise to do the doable is very small, but those items that can be in “doing the doable” could be large in scope, if recognizing what is doable should be done, and understanding what has no chance of happening should be held for another day.
It’s 60, it’s 30, it’s honestly looking beyond the divide to help each other climb out to the trenches, and share the battleground of planting a flag on what can be done.
That’s how co-equal divided government can work. Should work. Could work.
Will it work?
It’s doable.
- sal-says - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:02 am:
It’s hard to decide to ‘walk bsack’ overnight when you’ve been greatly hurt and harmed needlessly over months and months.
- @MisterJayEm - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:04 am:
The What, Not Why Hueristic: When someone is willing to do the right thing for the wrong reason, let them.
– MrJM
- Former Hoosier - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:12 am:
Although I understand the “let’s move forward” mantra, I also agree with Ms. Hamilton. For the Gov. to take (or be given) credit for doing good by restoring essential programs he had previously cut is absurd. The Gov. is simply setting the stage for his next moves.
- NewWestSuburbanGOP'er - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:27 am:
Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:00 am: The governor needs to get past this “thing” that Democrats only want revenue.
Reminds me of the scene from the Godfather II, when Kay tells Michael-”this must all end… not with this Sicilian “thing”.
https://youtu.be/_g9RI0GgRIQ
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:27 am:
“If more “moderate” Republicans would just do the right thing and not worry about being primaried by the Governor and his extremely wealthy friends, we could get the state moving again.” / It makes no difference. You cannot negotiate peace with a man who wants war. Rauner offered an olive branch, and Madigan clearly replied that he remains intent on war.
- Ducky LaMoore - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:34 am:
===It’s time we start winding this thing down.===
I would agree if I thought the governor was serious about governing. I remember the nineties. I remember why I supported republicans; to better manage government. It would seem now, that republicans want to say that government doesn’t work, and then do everything they can to make sure it doesn’t work. That is considered success? Sure seems like it to them.
- NewWestSuburbanGOP'er - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:37 am:
The state GOP should just become the Tea Party in actual name and drop the “R” after their names. They want to shut down the government.
- Politix - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:52 am:
Let’s be clear: the ONLY reason Rauner let up on child care was out of fear of losing. It’s not that he is “repentant,” as someone posted here. Support for low-income families is not a and has never been a priority for this administration. Ms. Hamilton knows exactly who this man is. People are damn mad. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much community anger toward a governor - not even Blago. He got what was coming to him before people really had a chance. But this has gone on for so long that relationships have become permanently damaged. Leaders need to be trustworthy, and trust in this governor has disintegrated. It may be too late for a “walk back” conversation.
- Anon221 - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 10:04 am:
Politix-
I said “may” be repentant. He has to prove that he truly is by not pummeling the vulnerable anymore.
- Crispy - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 10:06 am:
As Rich suggests, the pragmatic approach is the best, but I completely understand where Ms. Hamilton’s coming from. Also, sorry to say it, but this sad state of affairs is one largely “owned” by the governor. When you start off the mark eschewing civility and compromise, and instead embark on a months-long negative PR campaign charactized by personal attacks, disrespect, refusal to deal, and name-calling (”corrupt bargain,” anyone?)–and also demonstrate a willingness to go back on handshake deals–this is what you get: animosity, and an attitude of “I can trust him any farther than I can throw him.” Rauner’s earned every bit of the anger and fear–and fear makes some people fight harder.
Not saying it ought to be this way, just saying it’s how it is–and anyone could have predicted this outcome before all the “hostage-taking” began. At this point, those who are praying people ought to start sending up requests for some sort of “Christmas Armistice” of miraculous goodwill, because that may be what it takes at this point. Not everyone has it in him to suddenly let bygones be bygones.
- anon - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 10:23 am:
In all sorts of conflicts/fights, the path back to “normal” is difficult. But for governments it is important that it happen. Thanks, Rich, for focusing on the positive progress, and helping to create an environment that fosters a return to “normal.” Hopefully many others embrace your perspective.
- Ghost - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 10:27 am:
i am generalizing a bit, but the japanese culture in the past had this concept of saving face. against a paraphrase, but the geist was allowing your opponent to concede somethung without making it look like a concession or pointing out that they had conceded. it was a way to allow movement without one side having to look weak…. and it helps to gain momentum and access to other concessions.
the best appraoch here is not to trumpet that Rauner has backed down or conceded, just the opposite, praise his open mindedness (which blago never had) and willingness to provide thoughtful change. we need to work more towards allowing concessions that save face and worry less about decalring victories. we will accomplish more if we stop trying to make it about being weak or strong and backing down.
maybe jut phrase at both parties coming up with bilartisan solutions for the people of the states.
- Anonin' - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 10:34 am:
Lets be honest, Rauner and the GOPies where nearly caught in the intersection during a 4 way head long collision. They MAY have avoided the impact, but not the damage. The SuperStars offered another boat load of reasons no one can trust them and that means it is growin’ harder to envision the tax hike/budget deal happenin’ anytime soon.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 10:40 am:
===The SuperStars offered another boat load of reasons no one can trust them ===
Sigh.
It ain’t never gonna end with an attitude like that, dude.
They flipped to your position, or, at least, very near to your position. Now they can’t be trusted because they are no longer 100 percent opposed to your position? Sheesh.
You’re gonna lose this argument with the public, man. Eventually, that’ll filter into your caucus. And then you’re gonna have the same problems that Rauner had this week.
Just sayin…
- Pawnee - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 11:16 am:
There is a lot of poison in this well, and Anonin’ often showcases it.
- CCP Hostage - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 11:34 am:
There really is no choice for us hostages but to concentrate solely on our missions and to leave ego out of this. Was I disappointed by the fail to override the AV on HB 2482? Well, yeah, I was, because every new governor we’ve had over the last 10 to 15 years sees cutting the DON score as a way to save money. We fight the cuts, and so far, win every time because it’s a good, cost effective program. I’m tired of fighting the same fight over and over. But ya know what? I’ve got the fliers made up and ready to go for the next time. The good news, and what matters, is that we continue to serve fragile people in the community. We need to not have an ego about how we got there. So we’re still hostages because only the Medicaid portions of our bills are being very slowly paid out by court order–the rest is not. But for the first time in months, I’ve got a little hope that the service providers may actually live through this to continue our missions.
- crazybleedingheart - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 11:43 am:
Sorry, but Rauner’s actions this week do not signal an end to civil war.
They’re the equivalent of a depleted, retreating general proposing a holiday cease-fire in the interest of humanity…for the strategic purpose of amassing replacement troops behind the line.
Madigan sees exactly what it is. It’s not detente, it’s ramp-up. And it’s being done in a way that the “face” Rauner is saving is in fact real, actual power.
The Gov giveth, the Gov taketh away, blessed be the name of the Gov, or else.
- olddog - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 11:45 am:
If Rauner can drop his extremist tactics, he still has a chance to develop into an effective GOP governor … along lines of Kasich or Christie (without the lane closures on the George Washington Bridge). Not to mention the Illinois Republican governors who have successfully worked with Democratic majorities in the legislature over the years.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 11:52 am:
===for the strategic purpose of amassing replacement troops behind the line. ===
LOL
- crazybleedingheart - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 12:23 pm:
Sorry, Rich, I don’t know why that’s funny?
Rauner’s pretty open about hoping to stack the GA by funding races. It makes his “truce and compromise” play look downright silly.
- Norseman - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 12:23 pm:
Well said CCP Hostage.
- crazybleedingheart - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 12:25 pm:
In other words, I think it’s in Rauner’s interest, but not Illinois’, to define the boundaries of the “war” as this year’s budget battle when he’s clearly committed to a protracted campaign.
- Pawnee - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 1:01 pm:
I don’t understand how the criticism that Rauner is going to try to elect more republicans is put out there as a reason to give him nothing and drag this out.
Yes, Rauner is going to help Republicans. Madigan is going to try to beat Republucans, as he always does. Cullerton will try to beat Republicans. Democrats tried to beat Rauner. It’s how politics works.
Is that a reason to deny progress for the people?
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 1:59 pm:
Ahoy, what makes you think any of this was about achieving a “sustainable budget plan?”
Engineering an $8 billion deficit as “leverage” is a funny way to do that.
The cleanup is going to be long and difficult.
- ChinaTown - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 2:18 pm:
Agree with Norseman —
Very well said, CCP Hostage.
- Blue dog dem - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 2:36 pm:
Can anybody help ol blue dog out. To date, I haven’t seen any cuts in expenditures put in place by ANYBODY. Quite honestly,with all the court mandated expenditures, and this weeks GRAND compromises, even if a FY 15 budget is ever resolved, I can’t imagine any. Has this whole charade been merely for busting unions and justifying the income tax increase?help me!
- LostSaluki - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 2:52 pm:
Blue -
Don’t tell the child care people there haven’t been cuts. Also, they resolved the 15 budget. Now they are working on 16.
- Ghost - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 3:51 pm:
blue its all about the bass……
- ottawa otter - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 4:05 pm:
If Ronald Reagan said that without attributing it to the original source, Harry Truman, I am disappointed with the Gipper.
- Emily Booth - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 5:12 pm:
Funding for ESL was cut, teachers & admins were laid off, classes were suspended and agencies are staying open by a thread.
- IL17Progressive - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 7:06 pm:
Rich, your war analogy is useful. Now follow thru! Because one major battle was moderately successful,I.e., some items almost returned. BUT …
There has been NO indication from other party of the damage done, nor that the tactic is anti-democratic. Tthe one causing harm has shown no contrition. Until clear, repeated, actions are displayed by Gov we must be even more vigilant that similar attacks will likely happen with similar sneaky twists.
- IL17Progressive - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 7:23 pm:
Wow, Rich, your ‘lol’ at crazybleedingheart indicates you are missing the corporate dictators attitude. Bruce saw his troops becoming stressed and did a tactical retreat. Bruce will implement the same wedge again at a different point once his troops receive some invalid positive feedback.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 9:04 pm:
== Has this whole charade been merely for busting unions and justifying the income tax increase? ==
Mostly … it was also about some temporary cash flow management, trying to reset some base service levels (some of which is still sticking), and the coming 2016 General Election.
- Precinct Captain - Wednesday, Nov 11, 15 @ 10:35 pm:
==“These bills were necessary to make sure that this governor, any governor, cannot abuse their executive power again.”==
If you don’t do things right the first time, they will definitely come back with a vengeance. For an example, see our nation’s “Reconstruction Amendments,” which sat meaningless for a century. The only victor in this battle will be the one who wages total war, unfortunately for us, the people of the state, we are the battlefield on which the blood is, in some cases literally, shed.