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* If you think the reception of Pat Quinn’s budget address was harsh, check out this story. And I can’t help but wonder how many of those missing Wisconsin Democratic Senators fled to Illinois…
Police officers were dispatched Thursday to find Wisconsin state lawmakers who had apparently boycotted a vote on a sweeping bill that would strip most government workers of their collective bargaining rights.
The lawmakers, all Democrats in the state Senate, did not show up when they were ordered to attend a midday vote on the legislation.
The proposal has been the focus of intense protests at the Statehouse for three days. As Republicans tried to begin Senate business Thursday, observers in the gallery screamed “Freedom! Democracy! Unions!”
Republicans hold a 19-14 majority, but they need at least one Democrat to be present before taking a vote on the bill.
First, Gov. Walker called up the National Guard. And now this. Oy.
* More…
- Sources tell NBC15 News the Senators are out-of-state.
- Meanwhile, Democratic Assembly members are wearing orange t-shirts as a show of support.
Orange t-shirts? Are they in Champaign rooting for the Illini, perhaps?
Should we give those Cheesehead Senate Democrats asylum or send them back?
…Adding… Full coverage and background is here. Apparently, there’s a huge protest today. Schools have shut down after students and teachers walked out. It’s plain crazy up there.
…Adding more… Yep, they’ve left the state…
Sen. Jon Erpenbach told WisPolitics this afternoon Senate Dems left the state in an attempt to force Republicans to negotiate a compromise to proposed changes to the bargaining rights of public employees. Erpenbach would not disclose where he was or how many of the Dem senators were with him. But he said he believed all 14 were already out of state by early this afternoon. “We were left with no choice,” Erpenbach said. Erpenbach said Republicans should look at how the proposed changes are tearing the state apart and realize a different path is needed. “This isn’t anything that we do lightly at all. This isn’t a prank. This isn’t a joke. This is Democrats standing together saying slow down.”
*** UPDATE *** They’re in Rockford…
Democratic State Senators who protested the budget repair bill by leaving the state have been found.
The lawmakers are in the Best Western Clock Tower in Rockford Illinois.
Law enforcement officials have been looking for at least one Democratic senator to bring in for a quorum required for a fiscal measure, but Democratic Senator Jon Erpenbach confirmed to Newsradio 620 WTMJ that he and all of his Democratic colleagues boarded a bus and left the state.
“We’re not in Wisconsin right now,” Erpenbach said. “The reason why we’re doing this is because there are some jurisdictional issues that we’d be dealing with.”
I tried calling the hotel earlier, but nobody was answering. I presume they’re being slammed with calls.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:23 pm
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I think I saw some of them running around Springfield
Comment by Publius Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:25 pm
Illinois Senate Dems should reach out to their brothers and sisters from Wisconsin and offer them shelter in Springfield.
Comment by wndycty Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:26 pm
“Let them eat Cheese” Governor Walker
Comment by Bring Back Boone's Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:27 pm
So much for upholding the Wisconsin Constitution and doing their sworn duty. Is anarchy preferable to curbing union power through lawful legislative action?
Comment by walter sobchak Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:28 pm
The Illinois Education Association sent out an email this week urging its members to support the Wisconsin Education Association members protesting in Madison.
Comment by Honest Abe Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:29 pm
If the Wisconsin national guard is tied up, might be time for Governor Quinn to use the guard to pick up some taxpayers, land and other assets. (Like Lake Geneva)
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:31 pm
Pretty wild up there in Madison the last few days. Walker’s getting as good as he’s been giving.
If I were Walker, Cheesehead Ranger, I’d send the posse to the biker bars in the Chain O’ Lakes looking for fugitive senators. But be nice, if you know what’s good for you.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:32 pm
Here in IL we can easily hold our own with anybody when it comes down to political freak shows and political circuses…
We have more than sufficient homegrown talent in those areas. We don’t need any imported talent, thank you….
Send ‘Em back. And that applies to both political parties.
Comment by Judgment Day Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:34 pm
This must be the stable corporate environment Walker was going to use to lure Illinois companies to Wisco…
Comment by Small Town Liberal Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:35 pm
@walter sobchak
Didn’t Honest Abe (Lincoln) jump out of a window to avoid a quorum call? And we are the Land of Lincoln, no?
Comment by Bill White Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:36 pm
At least our politicians can hide in the Capitol…that way they still get paid.
Should we invade now, while there defenses are down?
Comment by Vote Quimby! Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:37 pm
it is restaurant week in chicago. I see a tourism commercial in this.
“Being hunted by your gov, running from the law. Come to the city where Capone was king and dilinger took in the movies. Come to Chicago. Yes the taxes are high, but name another town between the coasts worth eating in. And we have important Wisconsin Cheese for those in need. So get away from “THE MAN” and come to the city of big shoulders and a unionized police force.
Comment by frustrated GOP Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:37 pm
Didn’t we used to joke about this (legislators fleeing the state and the cops being sent after them) during one or more of the Overtime From Hell sessions under Blago? And we thought Blago was nuts…
Seriously, though, I think many people have misunderstood the reason for the National Guard activation… it’s in case they are needed to replace prison guards and other public safety workers should they walk off their jobs.
That said, Walker apparently failed to make that clear from the start and IMHO shares some of the blame for pouring gasoline on the flames of state worker discontent far more than was necessary.
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:41 pm
Hey, what if this is a plot to send their lawmakers here to bring business back above the curtain? Hmmm, I think we need some time to think. Yes, maybe we call out our guard too just to be safe. Never too careful with those brat eating cheese heads. Got my ass kick in a college party up there once. Actually I think that kid was from Downers.
Comment by frustrated GOP Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:42 pm
Secret Square, you are correct about the escape plans during Blagojevich’s reign.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:42 pm
- Gov. Scott Walker says the Wisconsin National Guard is prepared to respond wherever is necessary in the wake of his announcement that he wants to take away nearly all collective bargaining rights from state employees.-
That guy is crazy! We might have a bumbling idiot who can’t do math… but at least he’s sane.
Comment by Ahoy Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:43 pm
–If the Wisconsin national guard is tied up, might be time for Governor Quinn to use the guard to pick up some taxpayers, land and other assets. (Like Lake Geneva)–
Illnoisans already own a disproportionate amount of the most attractive real estate in Lake Geneva, Door County, Eagle River, etc.
Hence, the FIB term of of endearment.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:44 pm
Now is the time to invade Wisconsin and gain vengange for our recent loss……..
YEssssssssssss
Comment by I'm Just Saying Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:45 pm
I’d look for those missing WI state senators in @MayorEmanuel’s crawlspace.
Comment by Bill White Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:45 pm
It’s a whine and cheese party
Comment by overcooked Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:46 pm
We should feed and shelter them until walker is gone. Talk about out of control corporations and their republican lackeys. Sadly, in illinois there are a bunch of deomcratic legislators that are corporate lackeys as well. That is something that needs to change. Maybe the democrats in Illnois will be encouraged to grow a backbone after seeing the actions of their fellow democrats up north.
Comment by bdogg Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:47 pm
This guy is making Rod look popular. I feel bad for the people of Wisconsin. First the trains, now this. Who knows what’s next. Congratulations Scott. No one likes you.
Comment by Walker Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:49 pm
Had Bill Brady won, I had predicted one of his first acts would be to try and bust AFSCME somehow. But even I couldn’t have envisioned him, going to these lengths. Walker is just plain nuts. He and Chris Christie should fight for the title of “craziest hyper-partisan move most likely to woo the base.” Right now I’d give Walker the edge.
And no, this is not a blanket endorsement of everything public employee unions do. We have HUGE problems because of that. But Walker’s over the top effort to swiftly destroy the power of all unions except those three that endorsed him is just outrageous.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:49 pm
SS, Walker has said more than that about the guard. From today’s USA Today.
–Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, said he was prepared to call in the National Guard if protests got out of hand.–
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:50 pm
Quinn should send our guard to the border to ensure the Wisconsin Guard doesn’t cross over. Wisconsin Dems and the state’s top teachers are welcomed across and granted asylum.
Comment by piling on Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:51 pm
Walker is awesome! I hope he has presidential aspirations!
Comment by Anonymouse Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:54 pm
Wow, using the military as scabs. Now, where ever would he get that idea from?
Comment by Bill Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:55 pm
(snark)
GOVERNOR QUINN GRANTS ASYLUM TO WISCONSIN SENATE DEMOCRATS
(UPI) Springfield, IL - Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois granted political asylum to the entire Wisconsin Senate Democratic Caucus in the wee hours of February 17th, in retaliation to Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s frontal assault to lure Illinois business to Wisconsin. Upon receiving the senators at an undisclosed Illinois rest stop, each senator received a new blanket, pillow, and their choice of any sandwich on Manny’s Deli’s menu.
“It’s one thing to be attack Illinois, but to turn on one half of the Wisconsin Senate, that is another. I have heard of moving business out of state, but parts of your own legislature, that is just horrible.”
Governor Walker’s Office issued a terse statement requiring the senators to return or, “…the Wisconsin National Guard will not think twice about entering Illinois like a hot knife through Wisconsin’s finest butter.”
In the release, Governor Walker’s Office also made clear what retaliation Illinois would face in harboring the legislators. “Make no mistake, while Illinois thinks Wisconsin is its own vacation home, Wisconsin is ready to make Illinois ‘South Wisconsin’ post haste.”
Wisconsin, initiating “Operation FIBs”, has closed off all Lake Michigan harbors with Wisconsin Dells pontoon boats and “Ducks”, and has blocked all tollways with cows and camouflage and poorly designed hunting blinds, vowing to initiate the operation unless the caucus returns.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:56 pm
Maybe the Bears signed them to play on the OL. Seems like they know how to block something.
Comment by Excessively Rabid Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:58 pm
I just hope nobody in Madison beats up Anderson cooper he has a tough month already. Has the Wisconsin National Guard kicked Al Jezerra out of the state yet?
Comment by fed up Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:58 pm
What is he supposed to do? If he doesn’t call up the Guard, and things do get out of control, then he’s excoriated for that as well. If you look at some of the signs being carried by the Wisconsin teachers, I would suggest that they all be sent back to school for some remedial English and language classes. Although I have to confess, it’s nice to have the national attention taken away from the nuttiness going on in Springfield these days.
Comment by Champaign Dweller Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 1:59 pm
Rich-
Gov. Walker prepared to make a contigency for the National Guard to take over guarding the prisons should those workers walk. That’s not exactly “calling out the national guard”.
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:01 pm
Okay, then let me change that to “bears most, if not all, of the blame for pouring gasoline on the flames of state worker discontent.”
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:03 pm
On “The Simpsons”, they called the French “Cheese Eating Surrender Monkeys”. Could that apply to the Wisconsin Democrats now?
Comment by Ghost of John Brown Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:03 pm
I think the thing that stunned me was the number I read today - the State of Wisconsin has 170,000 state employees.
170,000
Wow.
Comment by Peter Snarker Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:04 pm
Real Democrats? I wonder what they look like.
Comment by MikeMacD Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:04 pm
John: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-02-17-public-unions_N.htm
===Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, said he was prepared to call in the National Guard if protests got out of hand.===
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:04 pm
- That’s not exactly “calling out the national guard”. -
You’re right John, things are just going swimmingly over there.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:08 pm
If they cross the border, I say ship them all back kicking and screaming. We have too many Democrats in Illinois already!
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:09 pm
Snarker: You might want to keep in mind that some states have more state employees than we do because their state governments handle tasks (e.g., maintenance of roads and parks) that in Illinois would be handled by one or more of our numerous local government bodies (counties, townships, park districts, etc.) Not sure if Wisconsin falls into that category or not.
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:09 pm
This tactic by the Wis. Democrats will backfire. Voters are upset with public pension being a key issue and the response by the teachers and democrats will cost them support overall and strengthen the resolve of the tea party and others on the right.
Comment by downstate hack Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:10 pm
God Bless their little cheese-eatin’ hearts (and clogged arteries) Come to Springpatch all ye fugitive Wisc. Senate Dems. We’ll serve you Horseshoes and show you how to impeach a crazed wacko governor and encourage you not to wait as long as we did! Does Wisc. have recall?
Comment by D.P. Gumby Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:10 pm
JB–
Green Bay Press Gazette, 2-11-11
“Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says National Guard ready for any unrest over anti-union bill”
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110211/GPG0101/110211052/Wisconsin-Gov-Scott-Walker-says-National-Guard-ready-for-any-unrest-over-anti-union-bill
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:10 pm
The public sector unions have got to be watching this in horror. This is a major shot across their bow. If they can’t gain public support in Wisconsin (and it looks like they’ve lot it) the rolling effects of this nationwide, are devastating to the unions. That’s why they are having to make a huge stand in Wisconsin.
One other thought on the escaping Democrats.
If they vote against the measure, do they risk being tossed in the next general election? And if they vote for the measure, do they risk being tossed in the next primary election?
Comment by Downstate Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:12 pm
“This guy is making Rod look popular. I feel bad for the people of Wisconsin. First the trains, now this. Who knows what’s next. Congratulations Scott. No one likes you.”
Actually, the people of Wisconsin elected Walker and gave control to the Republicans BECAUSE they said they would do this. Don’t confuse union workers worried about their jobs/union with “the people” of the State of Wisconsin. I realize we aren’t used to politicians actually doing what they say they will do.
I don’t know if they union members will be much happier if the bills dies and Walker has to lay off 6000 workers.
Comment by Edison Parker Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:17 pm
I read both articles, the first wasn’t a direct quote… here is the second article:
Walker said Friday that he updated emergency plans and alerted the National Guard just in case they are needed to ensure state services aren’t interrupted.
Yeah, my bad. He’s just gonna tell them to go full auto and mow everyone down. /snark
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:17 pm
While Madison is the capital of WI, it is about as reflective of Wisconsin as Springfield is of Illinois.
A large majority of WI voters polled support Walker not the union.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:17 pm
Agreed with Downstate - this has implications across the nation - dominoes start to tumble.
Proverbial canary in the coal-mine here… the american economic pie has gotten smaller and everyone scrambling for a chair when their arent enough pieces to go around.
I love mixing analogies.
I think we see a lot of this type of thing in the future. The pie aint expanding and the scarcer the resource the greater the competition.
Comment by Peter Snarker Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:19 pm
I found this rather interesting:
wisconsin-gov-walker-ginned-up-budget-shortfall-to-undercut-worker-rights
Comment by Deep South Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:20 pm
Let’s try that again:
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/wisconsin-gov-walker-ginned-up-budget-shortfall-to-undercut-worker-rights.php
Comment by Deep South Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:21 pm
He ginned up the budget shortfall after only 30 days in office. Talk about over-achiever.
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:21 pm
John, read the story. If it’s accurate, he took a balanced budget and made it imbalanced with new spending, then said he had to cut elsewhere to balance it again.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:22 pm
ON WISCONSIN!!! Even though I feel this may backfire horribly on them with the general public because of how successful and pervasive union-bashing has become in this country post-Reagan, at the same time, I am so inspired to see Democrats going to these lengths to stand up for what they believe in and actually stand up for the base that gets them elected instead of caving and capitulating to Republicans the way that Dems do at the national level.
BTW, I thought Illinois was bad with the politics as a family business thing but apparently Wisconsin has one Fitzgerald brother as Senate Majority Leader, another Fitzgerald brother as the Speaker and their father is the head of the state patrol??? Even Madigan wouldn’t try for that.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:28 pm
I am reading posts on Twitter that the Wisconsin State police is refusing to search for the Senate Democrats. Very interesting if true.
Comment by wndycty Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:35 pm
I think the media reporting of this has been incredible incomplete. Walker was facing — according to the Wisconsin Fiscal Bureau, the state’s budget watchdog — a surplus by the end of the year when he took office, and he’s already thrown the budget into deficit with a series of pay-for-play payoffs; an employer tax break considered to be ineffective by economists and run-of-the-mill rewards to special interests who support him. Now he wants to bash public sector employees to make up the payoffs — excepting of course members of the two unions that endorsed his candidacy. It’s a pattern straight out of the worst of Illinois politics, not one Wisconsinites are accustomed to. And the reaction Wisconsin residents have been showing to Walker is what we in Illinois should have been showing our leaders over the past several years.
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:39 pm
“While Madison is the capital of WI, it is about as reflective of Wisconsin as Springfield is of Illinois.”
I live in Springfield and last I looked, it was not exactly a hotbed of liberal/progressive thought or politics as Madison historically has been. Yes, we do have one public university and a decent alternative newspaper, but it’s got a long way to go before it becomes the People’s Republic of Springpatch.
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:40 pm
Finally the Cheeseheads are making us Flatlanders
look smart. You never know who will give you a hand when you need it.On Wisconsin!
Comment by mokenavince Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:42 pm
Rich-
I couldn’t read the article. I got dizzy from the DC spin. At first I thought I was hitting the bottle a little too early or becoming a lightweight… then I realized it was TPM.
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:44 pm
Is it true that Walker has been heard saying “This governor gig is a bleeping valuable thing?”
Comment by Aldyth Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:45 pm
Snarker, I think that it is 175,000 public employees, not state employees.
Comment by Aldyth Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:47 pm
@wndycty:
Good for the State Police if they are refusing to look for the legislators. What would they even do if they found the senators anyway? Take them to jail… and if so for what? Or are they supposed to take the legislators by force to the Capitol to vote? That’s something a third world dictatorship would do.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:53 pm
===That’s something a third world dictatorship would do. ===
Actually, it’s the law in Illinois as well. They can be compelled to return to the chamber during session.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:54 pm
===Good for the State Police if they are refusing to look for the legislators. ===
I don’t believe that’s true.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:55 pm
Snyder in Michigan, Cuomo in New York, Christie in New Jersey, Kasich in Ohio, and , now, Walker in Wisconsin. WOW! This is getting interesting.
I understand the police are searching for the missing Senate Democrats and can compel them to return to the Capitol if they are found on Wisconsin soil.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:56 pm
@Rich, you may be right I am seeing it all over twitter but not from any legit news source.
Comment by wndycty Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:57 pm
Can we send them a few of our GOP Senators and call it even? Would we even know it if the House or Senate GOP caucuses left Illinois? Would it matter?
And I hope Walker sends in the National Guard to replace absent teachers.
“Listen up you maggots…”
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 2:58 pm
@ Bill:
Harry Truman…
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:00 pm
Also — I believe some legislators in Texas fled or threatened to flee the state to prevent a quorum back in ‘07 or ‘08.. that was what inspired the Fax discussion of what would happen if our own esteemed legislators defied Blago in similar fashion.
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:00 pm
wndycty, I traced that back to a Tweeter who didn’t even live in Wisconsin.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:02 pm
SS is correct. Not sure of the year, but the GOPs were attempting to redraw the district maps after taking total control.
And the Abe Lincoln event was a hot topic of discussion back then as well.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:03 pm
Sorry…first try got away from me…
@ Bill ====Wow, using the military as scabs. Now, where ever would he get that idea from?===
Harry Truman…
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:03 pm
Truman threatened to use the military in the coal mines during a wartime strike. John L Lewis said go ahead and try. They’ll never get ‘er done.
Truman wasn’t the first to come up with that idea, I believe.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:05 pm
Checking out wikipedia on the whole Texas redistricting fight, apparently the Democrats actually fled the state on two occasions. Once to Oklahoma and once to New Mexico.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_Texas_redistricting#2000.E2.80.932003_evolution_and_DeLay.27s_role
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:24 pm
This too shall pass….
Public sector employees and their unions are the right wing’s latest boogyman.
The right tried to make what was going on in Egypt the boogyman for awhile…but they didn’t really understand what was going on over there…hell, who did?
For awhile it was Muslims. Others that filled the boogyman role….the health care bill with it’s “death panels,” socialists, Latinos, Nancy Pelosi, ACORN…well, you get the picture. The rightwing is so scared of just about about everything and need a boogyman to maintain their sanity. Anyone wanna take bets on their next target? I wonder if it will have anything to do with the NCAA tournament? It’s just around the corner.
Comment by Deep South Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:25 pm
You might be right, Rich…I thought Truman had sent the Army into the mines under Taft-Hartley, but maybe it was just the threat.
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:27 pm
Is Illinois far enough? What’s the extradition policy? Maybe they should’ve fled North into Canada! And do we qualify for a displaced politician tax credit if we house them?
Comment by thechampaignlife Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:27 pm
Deep South-
I like using comic-book characterizations of my political opponents too. It makes it easier to win an argument when you have no point.
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:28 pm
I’m right near the Quad Cities and if there are any Democratic State Senators from Wisconsin who need a place to hide for few days, you’re more than welcome. I’m making my homemade chicken potpie tonight and it is quite good.
Comment by Aldyth Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:34 pm
Quinn could repeal cutback amendment and offer the wisc dems safe havens in illinois
Comment by piling on Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:35 pm
Walker is posturing to create maximum appeal to the tea party base. Look out folks, but he’s running for vice president. 2012 possibly or 2016 at the latest.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:36 pm
This is like Dan Walker sending the State Police to Kankakee in order to avoid “voter-fraud” that he made up.
Comment by Geek Marine Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:40 pm
Mr. Bambenek…
It’s just an observation on my part…but I stand by my prediction that this will pass and a new bad guy will be in the crosshairs in just a few weeks. Wait and see….it happens over and over and over with these folks.
Comment by Deep South Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:42 pm
Looks like a great place to start a business. At least one that won’t be damaged by tear gas.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:43 pm
At least the Democrats in Wisconsin are willing to stand up and fight for what is right! They’re not a bunch of jackwagons from Mamby Pamby land cow towing to their demigod leader. If this is what it takes more power to them. I offer food and shelter to any on the run.
Comment by Irish Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:48 pm
I have a CNNMoney article from yesterday, in which a former Labor Department chief economist and current Rutgers University professor, Bill Rodgers, states that as of 2008 and since 1988, the income of the average American taxpayer remained the same, at $33,000. The incomes of the richest 1% rose over 33% in the last 30 years.
One of the main reasons Rodgers cites as causing this disparity is the decline of labor unions.
In Illinois, we know that some of the business elite, from the Civic Committee/Commercial Club of Chicago, are spearheading the drive to erode the benefits of public employees. I recently had the privilege of interviewing with AFSCME brass and a reporter from The Economist magazine (for a public-worker rank-and-file perspective). This reporter told us he interviewed R. Eden Martin of the Commercial Club the same day. I was told the article will be about pensions and will be published in April 2011. One of the AFSCME brass told me that he debated with Martin on PBS, and Martin refused to tell him what his pension(s) is worth. If government workers are irate, one of the reasons is that those who have the power to influence people against us have vast wealth.
My understanding of issues is still developing, but I find it hypocritical that some of the people who are pushing to end collective bargaining have salaries and benefits way above what we get. Is a teacher’s job less important than that of someone from the business elite–among the richest people in America?
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:53 pm
Voters want this. Support for Walker will increase if the union spills blood. Wisconsin voters consider Madison as out of touch from them. Walker is using his honeymoon period to get his political point across.
It isn’t Illinois. It isn’t even Wisconsin like you knew it in 2008.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:55 pm
Apparently two Republicans are also missing.
“Sixteen Wisconsin state senators - 14 of them Democrats - did not appear at the capitol on Thursday”
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/17/16-wisconsin-lawmakers-stay-away-from-public-worker-bill/
Comment by Bigtwich Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:56 pm
John B,
If you really believe Walker invoked the national guard in a high minded attempt to keep services going, I’ve got a couple bridges to sell you. He mentioned bringing out the national guard early in this situation, long before tens of thousands were descending on the capital. He did it to intimidate people - pure and simple. Mubarak would be proud.
Don’t believe me? Then explain why the announcement about the Guard was made SIMULTANEOUSLY with his announcement about his union busting proposal on February 11. From the AP via the Chicago Tribune (10:50 a.m. CST, February 11, 2011).
“Gov. Scott Walker says the Wisconsin National Guard is prepared to respond wherever is necessary in the wake of his announcement that he wants to take away nearly all collective bargaining rights from state employees.”
As I said - blatant intimidation. Funny how conservatives condemn the dictators when they call out the army on peaceful protesters but applaud Republican governors when they do the same thing.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 3:58 pm
Should the republicans in Congress have fled the country in the face of the passage of health care reform? Obviously, they didn’t. Never even heard anybody suggest such cowardice.
Fleeing the state because of sour grapes over losing the majority in the GA essentially thwarts the will of the electorate. Might go well with the Madison folk music coffeehouse crowd but won’t go over well in Wisconsin Rapids.
Comment by dupage dan Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:01 pm
Chaos in Wisconsin! Gov. Quinn needs to send the Illinois National Guard to invade Wisconsin, seize the capitol, and bring the treasure back as trophies of war! That’s what Presidents Polk, Bush I, Bush II, and Obama have done.
Comment by formerpolitico Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:01 pm
Gotta give Walker credit, he figured out the magic formula to get Democrats to leave the state!
Comment by A.B. Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:01 pm
Chicago Cynic-
Ok, I’ll bite. Let’s talk worst case interpretation of those remarks.
Walker is the duly elected governor. His party has a solid majority in the state legislature. He wants to pass a law the other side doesn’t like. That makes him a dictator how?
Because he said he’s quell unrest with the National Guard? You do know that is EXACTLY why there is a National Guard to begin with, right?
Yeah, that’s exactly the same as dragging people out of their homes and jailing them. Heck, I heard he banned the Democratic Party of Wisconsin by executive order.
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:04 pm
Maybe we can trade 14 of ours for 14 of theirs.
Comment by Obamas Puppy Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:04 pm
One thing I’m trying to learn is why is Gov. Walker trying to severely restrict collective bargaining? That to me seems insidious. Why isn’t he just trying to cut salaries and benefits and leave the unions alone?
I read today that Wisconsin’s budget shortfall is $137 million. I thought I saw that it is higher than that. If the budget deficit is relatively low, why isn’t Walker negotiating with unions to find cost savings that could ease the deficit while keeping the integrity of the unions?
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:07 pm
VMan, it sounds like you want bloodshed. That’s a bit much man. These people are fighting to protect their right to collectively bargain for their benefits and compensation. This bill is nothing but a union busting bill. WI had no budget deficit before Walker took office. He created it to bust public employee unions. If it is about saving money, he should remove the portion taking away bargaining rights, and keep the provisions making employees pay more for pensions and health benefits.
Comment by Jimbo Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:09 pm
That’s a cute little move by the Democrats in Wisconsin. Lose elections and your majority, so you just take your ball and go home. Real leadership there.
Comment by Living in Oklahoma Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:12 pm
“..thwarts the will of the electorate. ”
Apparently the will of the electorate also requires a quorum before state legislation can be enacted.
Comment by MikeMacD Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:13 pm
John,
“Dictator” is a bit of hyperbole here, but Walker is using this budget as an opportunity to grab power he wouldn’t otherwise have. Besides the deal with ending public employees having the ability to collectively bargain, he has something written into the budget to give himself special authority to rewrite the state’s medical programs without legislative approval.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:13 pm
Grandson of Man-
The reason you are confused is that the reason isn’t anything to do with the budget. Not really at least.
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:14 pm
John B,
First of all, that’s NOT what the national guard is for and I can’t imagine any reading of history that suggests the national guard was created to put down or intimidate domestic political opposition or even to quell unrest. The national guard is a vestige of our founders desire to have no standing army. It has been used in EXTREME cases to quell unrest, but mostly it’s been used to augment regular forces and aid in times of natural disaster.
Second, the whole point is that he didn’t mention the threat as a last resort, he mentioned it as a first resort. When I first heard that he had said that I found it downright bizarre. It was as if Pat Quinn yesterday announced his social service agency budget cuts and said he’d also alerted the national guard in case there’s trouble.
It was a total non-sequitur. Here’s what one Milwaukee columnist wrote about it in a column entitled, “No sensible reason for Walker’s Guard threat.” http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/116208134.html
“It was a remarkable statement from a new governor about a tactic most voters think of as a last resort to be used in case of extreme weather conditions or cases of civil unrest.
Frankly, for anyone who remembers the 1967 riots in Milwaukee, calling out the National Guard is nothing to be taken lightly.
For several days in late July, there was looting, fires and general mayhem on Milwaukee’s north side. Reuben Harpole, a community activist and retired educator, remembers.
“There was a curfew for three nights,” said Harpole. “Mayor (Henry) Maier called the National Guard in to deal with the riots. At the time, Milwaukee was the only city to do that.”
Walker’s tactic is designed to please people on the fringes. But to the rest of us, it’s just downright bizarre.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:16 pm
Hear, hear, ‘Grandson’. Also hypocritical (and unbelievable!) is hearing those in support of Walker’s actions, especially Republican legislators, say that those in the unions are getting more health benefits at less personal cost than those in the private sector and need to start paying more. Last I heard, it’s pretty common for those in the private sector to make MORE money than those in the public sector AND many private sector workers get annual bonuses to boot! You don’t find bonuses being given to public employees, and if employees in the private sector jobs pay in a little more for benefits and pensions, great!…..they make more than most public employees! It’s probably a wash.
This is a dangerous slope we’re on folks to once again be going after the middle class. That’s exactly what’s going to happen with Quinn’s cuts if hundreds of social services staff are laid off….AGAIN. When services are cut, don’t forget about all the people who will lost their jobs. The rich become richer and the poor become poorer, and the rich laugh all the way to the bank while the previous middle class lose their homes and health insurance and join the ranks of the poor.
I give two thumbs up to those fighting this in Wisconsin!!
Comment by IllinoisGal37 Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:16 pm
hisgirlfriday-
He has the majority, he has the power to change the law (once he gets quorum). Because you don’t like the modifications he’s making to the state’s medical programs, that does not a dictator make.
Controversial and highly inflammatory, sure.
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:19 pm
Wisconsin stimulus for Rockford!
Comment by Ahoy Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:19 pm
PAGING RICK NIELSEN:
Grist for the best topical song about Rockford is now available. Please attend to it while you are soundchecking the Dream Police show at that casino in the belly of Cheesehead Cairo.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:20 pm
Fyi, as a state lawmaker Abe Lincoln once climbed out of a first floor window in trying to lead a GOP exudus to prevent a quorum call on banking legislation he opposed. He was unsucceSsful in stopping the vote.
Comment by piling on Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:20 pm
I wonder if Rockford has ever hosted that many political refugees at once.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:21 pm
Grandson of Man: R. Eden Martin is retired and not here to defend himself. During a joint radio appearance in Chicago several months ago, a union official referred to Martin’s surely fat pension. Martin responded on air, as he has many times, that he has no pension. None. He did contribute to a retirement savings plan at his old law firm. Martin asked the union official what his pension will be. The official, reluctantly, said he’ll receive — if my memory serves — about $70,000 a year. Do with that what you will, but … fight fair.
Comment by Fight fair Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:22 pm
Chicago Cynic-
Remember Brown v Board? Who do you think enforced that? (Sure, after they were federalized they enforced the “right” side of that, but the point is the same). As far as our Founders not using the military to quell rebellion, you might look up the Whiskey Rebellion, the one and only case where the Commander-and-Chief took personal command of military forces to put down unrest.
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:22 pm
Rich-
This is probably going to be a huge economic boon for a city that really needs it if this drags on more than a day or so.
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:23 pm
I wonder if Rockford has ever hosted that many tourists at once.
Comment by Obamarama Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:23 pm
Not showing up and leaving the state is not being a coward or ‘taking their ball’ and going home. It’s a political move, and a statement! (You know, something the Republicans have become pros at doing!)
Comment by IllinoisGal37 Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:24 pm
I now have to agree with Chicago Cynic. Even if Walker had the legal right to call up the National Guard, the manner in which he did so suggests that he is, indeed, itching for a fight.
If Walker’s intent was ONLY to insure prisons remained secure and public safety was protected, he could have made that more clear — he didn’t even have to mention the possibility of “unrest” among workers themselves. To immediately start talking about quelling unrest makes people of a certain age — an age at which pensions, health insurance, and job security are pretty darned important — think of Chicago in 1968, Kent State, etc.
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:25 pm
IllinoisGal37:
Economic studies back you up that Wisconsin public employees already make less than their counterparts in the private sector.
http://www.businessinsider.com/wisconsin-public-sector-wages-2011-2
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:26 pm
Jimbo:
“VMan, it sounds like you want bloodshed. That’s a bit much man. These people are fighting to protect their right to collectively bargain for their benefits and compensation. This bill is nothing but a union busting bill. WI had no budget deficit before Walker took office. He created it to bust public employee unions. If it is about saving money, he should remove the portion taking away bargaining rights, and keep the provisions making employees pay more for pensions and health benefits.”
Thanks, Jimbo. I agree that Walker should leave unions alone and just try to pass reforms. From what I’ve seen in the press, I believe Walker is pandering to those who want not just budget reform, but who simply hate government workers and public unions–people like Chicago columnist Dennis Byrne. Byrne recently wrote in the Chicago Tribune that state workers are basically worthless and just eat tax dollars.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:32 pm
(snark)
GOVERNOR WALKER ANNEXES WINNEBAGO COUNTY, IL.
ILLINOIS GETS 2 WISCONSIN LAKES?
(AP) Madison, WI - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has annexed Winnebago County, Illinois, and with it, the city of Rockford. This annexation will allow the Wisconsin State Police to enter Rockford and grab the legislators held up in a hotel in that city.
“Wisconsin added another county, and will continue to annex counties until we can ‘herd the cats’ and have a legislative session in Madison,” stated Governor Walker on the steps of the Capitol in Madison. “We are excited to expand, but upset it came to this.”
Governor Pat Quinn, governor of Illinois, stated, “Winnebago? Fine. If Wisconsin takes Lake or McHenry, we will have to respond.”
An unconfirmed report indicated a ‘trade’ between the governors took place, but neither wanted to comment.
In the ‘trade’, Illinois will claim Lake Geneva, and Lake Delevan, Wisconsin, and 2 miles off the shores of both lakes. In exchange, Wisconsin aquires Winnebago County, Illinois.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:35 pm
Maybe Walker can talk the FBI into apprehending these fugitives from legislation?
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:38 pm
I hope they at least brought enough New Glarus with them to get them through the stand off.
Comment by Montrose Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:40 pm
John B,
Nice selective reading. Apparently, you missed this sentence, “It has been used in EXTREME cases to quell unrest, but mostly it’s been used to augment regular forces and aid in times of natural disaster.” I did not say the guard has never been used to quell rebellion.
It was not and is not their primary function. If you look at the history of the Guard, the number of times the guard has been called out to suppress domestic rebellion or domestic disturbances are TINY compared to their other functions.
As to Brown v. Board, you’re confused. In 1957, the Arkansas national guard was used by the governor to prevent integration. Five years later, President Kennedy Federalized the guard to protect James Meredith as he sought to enter the University of Mississippi. Not quite the same thing.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:44 pm
Chicago Cynic - totally agree.
hisgirlfriday - thank you for posting a link to that economic study which backs up my statement.
Why is it that all of those without a financial care in the world are the ones making the decisions affecting those already struggling-saying they need to pay more?? Apparently none of them have friends or loved ones affected by these B.S. decisions.
Comment by IllinoisGal37 Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:47 pm
Does anyone know if WI State Police can cross state lines to get a State Senator? Even if they can, would they really put one in cuffs in and bring him back? If a Judge issues a warrant for a State Senator, would Illinois police have to honor it and arrest one?
Comment by Just Observing Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:47 pm
===Does anyone know if WI State Police can cross state lines to get a State Senator? ===
They have no jurisdiction here and there was no “hot pursuit,” so the answer is “No.”
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:49 pm
The conversation at the Clock Tower hot tub will be hot and heavy tonight all while the beer and cheese deliverymen work overtime trying to run the border to cater to their lost leaders.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:50 pm
The WI State Police don’t have jurisdiction in the matter, the WI Sergeant-at-Arms does… and he does not have that jurisdiction. That does not mean, however, they can’t camp them now that they know where they are.
Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:52 pm
Who will be paying the tabs at the clock tower?
Comment by Responsa Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:53 pm
How long the the heroes of the revolution have to hide in Illinois before they become Illinois residents?
It seems that everyone will be able to retain their jobs in Wisconsin rather than massive layoffs or huge furlough days. Potato, potato, if there is no money, cuts have to come from somewhere.
Which technique of digging out of a deficit is best? Bloomberg’s or Walkers’s? It is not likely that Quinn’s approach will work.
Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:54 pm
The only Clock Tower I know has Dr. Emmitt Brown, Marty McFly and 1.21 Gigowatts connected to it!
The AP “snarky release” was mine - for full disclosure.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:55 pm
Is this like the old movie “Escape from New York”?
Comment by Champaign Dweller Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 4:58 pm
I don’t like the bill and hope it doesn’t pass but it does appear that the Wisconsin Dems are acting like babies and running away. The GOP didn’t like Health care but showed up and voted and lost, The Illinois GOP didn’t like (at least publicly) Quinns tax increase but showed up voted and lost. But what the heck hopefully the national media gets to Rockford and starts living it upon the expense accounts.
Comment by fed up Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:00 pm
It’s been stated over and over by many that Walker using the Na. Guard is a dangerous line to cross. Anyone who thinks this is a good move better think again. Do those in the tea party (who talk about freedom from the government) seriously believe this is a display of freedom and breaking away from the government??? Think about the places/countries where these types of actions are common? Places that have LESS government involvement?….or more???
Comment by IllinoisGal37 Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:01 pm
By the way if the schools are shut down, who is feeding the children who are depending on a portion of their nutrition to come from their schools?
Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:03 pm
The right to collectively bargain should be protected by the Constitution.
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:04 pm
VanMan, I keep reading about the “overwhelming” support Walker is enjoying. Please share with us the numbers and links. I’d like to read about it for myself.
Comment by Bill F. Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:05 pm
All kidding aside, these guys might want to spread out a bit because this is probably going to become a circus of epic proportions if they all stay in one place. Rockford has a hard time with the Icehog crowd for heaven sakes.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:07 pm
Yeah, buddy. Truman staring down Lewis in wartime over the largest source of the nation’s energy is the same as Walker trying to intimidate citizens — you know, neighbors, taxpayers, moms, dads — rather than bargain collectively, it’s all the same.
I’d caution the apologists for this fool to reconsider their comments, for their own sakes. The idea that in 2011 a governor in the United States invokes the National Guard rather than bargain collectively reveals a philosophy, and we all know its name.
On Wisconsin!
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:11 pm
This news story will perk up the collective civic pride of Rockfordians, which has been ebbing lately since news came out that Aurora passed Rockford as the #2 most populous city in the state.
Comment by Jake From Elwood Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:18 pm
===who is feeding the children who are depending on a portion of their nutrition to come from their schools?===
I believe the National Guard is preparing for that as well: K-rations for K-12.
“Drop your rocks and grab your socks. Line up for the mess hall at 0700 boys and girls.”
Seriously, there is a great parody idea if the National Guard needs to take over for the teachers. What a sit-com it would make!
Half the guard members will be begging to be sent to Afghanistan instead after spending a few weeks in a classroom.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:20 pm
Speaker Madigan could use his Jedi Mind powers to protect the Wisconsin Dems.
WISC Troopers: How long have you had these Democrats?
Pat Quinn: About three seasons.
MJM: “These are not the Democrats you are looking for.”
WISC Troopers: “These are not the Democrats we’re looking for.”
MJM: “You can go about your business.”
WISC Troopers: “You can go about your business.”
MJM: “Move along.”
WISC Troopers: “Move along.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnjaUoR15dU
Comment by piling on Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:25 pm
– Support for Walker will increase if the union spills blood.–
What in the world are you talking about?
–It isn’t Illinois. It isn’t even Wisconsin like you knew it in 2008.–
Please, give us your insight on the changes in Wisconsin between 2008 and 2011.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:25 pm
Its nice to see an uptick of tourism in the Rockford area. I’m sure the Dems picked the Clock Tower because of the indoor water park. Must make them feel right at home!
Comment by WRMNpolitics Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:27 pm
You just know you have not won life’s lottery when you have to escape from your state to avoid a vote and the paradise for your escape is Rockford.
Comment by cermak_rd Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:28 pm
===Its nice to see an uptick of tourism in the Rockford area. I’m sure the Dems picked the Clock Tower because of the indoor water park. Must make them feel right at home!===
Key Lime Cove was booked … or so I was told!
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:28 pm
Key Lime Cove was closed.
Comment by radio guy Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:30 pm
The WI Dems saw it was for sale and the wanted to see if it is worth their while to buy if they need a long term home away from home…..
I can see t he advertising now….When you need to duck your responsibilities, come to Rockford…..
Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:32 pm
They’ve been spotted with umbrella drinks at CoCo Key.
Comment by WRMNpolitics Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:34 pm
Apparently a recall campaign is being launched against 6 or 7 WI state senators as allowed by WI law. No indication how much traction it is getting, yet.
Apparently, the governor cannot be recalled until he has served for one year.
Comment by Bill White Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:34 pm
===When you need to duck your responsibilities, come to Rockford===
At least they aren’t collecting their per diem while doing nothing, like some people cough*Tom Cross*cough, do in Springfield.
The House Republicans haven’t offered to reduce a single line-item appropriation in two years. They’ve also not refunded a dime in salary or per diem.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:37 pm
“When you need to duck your responsibilities, come to Rockford…..”
I prefer to think of it as exercising their responsibilities. A filibuster on wheels if you will.
Comment by MikeMacD Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:42 pm
“Rockford - Wisconsin’s Hiding Place”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:46 pm
–I wonder if Rockford has ever hosted that many refugees at once.–
I can’t pass it up.
Back in the late 1940s and early 1950s, a large number of Norwegians (my parents included) escaped the lingering degradations brought on by Nazi occupation and and the post-war European Depression by getting on a boat and steaming for New York.
From connections with family members who had emigrated earlier (mostly farmers in Northern Illinois) their ultimate destination was the factories of Chicago, Beloit, Janesville and Rockford, where my parents settled and where I was born.
They weren’t refugees in the technical sense, but Rockford was certainly an oasis to them. The old timers, who had been through poverty, Depression, war and occupation, and Depression again, thought it was paradise.
One of my favorites used to say: “Steady work, golf in the summer, bowling in the winter. That’s living!”
On Rockford!
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:48 pm
==As to Brown v. Board, you’re confused. In 1957, the Arkansas national guard was used by the governor to prevent integration.==
True, but only until President Eisenhower nationalized them to enforce integration.
Comment by Bigtwich Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 5:52 pm
Wow, Chris Matthews is headlining this on MSNBC!
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 6:03 pm
#
–True, but only until President Eisenhower nationalized them to enforce integration.–
He sure did. Ike also sent in the 101st Airborne to make sure black kids could go to school without getting murdered.
Compare and contrast Ike in 1957 with Walker, Cheesehead Ranger, in 2011.
How do you think Old Ike would have done in that CPAC straw poll over the weekend? Probably too soft on defense.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 6:16 pm
AFSME was founded in Wisconsin in 1936.
I am with the state employees and teachers in WI in spirit. I want to go up to Madison and join them in protest and solidarity.
Comment by chicago resident Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 6:18 pm
AFSCME
Comment by chicago resident Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 6:20 pm
Found the below-pasted post at: http://www.milwaukeemagazine.com/murphyslaw/
I think this post gives a great example of what is happening to public employees. See below:
>> posted by No comparison on 2/15/2011 3:51:48 PM
I work for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance, I make over $60,000 per year, have excellent benefits and have received annual bonuses for the past 10 years. There is no one size fit all private sector employee. It depends on who you work in determining how good or bad your benefit and compensation package is. My sister works for UW-Milwaukee as a University Service Associate 2 and after 12 years of service she now makes $27,000 per year (one of the higher salaries in her department), her husband died several years ago and she’s raising 3 children alone. If the changes that are proposed go through, it means a $1600 reduction in her pay as she contributes to her mandatory retirement plan and another 119 per month or 1400 per year for health care, effectively cutting her pay $3,000 per year in addition to the unpaid furlough days she had to take between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. I will help my family, however this change affects 4 people my sister and her 3 children.
The cuts probably wouldn’t be so bad if everything else was being cut, but the cost of groceries, gas, utilities, car insurance, rent/mortgages are still going up.
When did state workers become the enemy. When did they stop being tax payers too.
I’m pretty sure there are enough pet projects and other wasteful state spending that would more effectively address the state budget deficit as opposed to taking money from families and people who work for a living.
Bruf if this goes through as is, you best believe I’m signing a recall petition.
Comment by IllinoisGal37 Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 6:24 pm
Tomorrow reinforcements will come from the Kenosha based auto workers…..
Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 6:26 pm
Blah Blah Blah on public unions. This ain’t Joe Hill….it’s an attempt at a fundamental change on how public employees are paid. Quinn did worse to all the non-union employees he could find. Don’t anyone pretend that Illinois D’s care about working people.
But, still, its all nice. Finally (FINALLY) another state;s government looks dumber than us.
But no, I don’t want to grant asylum. Quinn would be in hog heaven…we’d have graduated taxes and all sorts of nutty programs. Minnesota…that’s for them….14% income tax rate, no goofy new spending program ever rejected. They can go through Iowa to avoid the National Guard…
Comment by Park Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 6:31 pm
Good job 47th Ward, you managed to find a way to pull the Illinois Republicans into this story and take a couple of shots. I think there will be a lot of interest in the other states to see how this plays out. I find it interesting that teachers can call in sick in Wisconsin and have their mug in front of a camera holding a sign. I think it looks - dare I say “cheesy” to take your ball and go home.
Comment by Holdingontomywallet Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 6:56 pm
Park-
I must say you are right on one thing: Quinn doing worse to all the non-union employees. And his new proposed budget decimating the needy, the seniors, children, and those with mental health and substance abuse issues will not only affect those populations (which is bad in itself) but it will also cause the layoffs of many, many hard working, non-union, middle-class employees. (As a side-note, crime-rates, domestic violence, teen pregnancies, etc. will go up: http://iadda77.wordpress.com/) but it won’t hurt him financially.
I say again, the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the rich laugh all the way to the bank while the middle class loses their health insurance, their homes, and join the ranks of the poor.
Comment by IllinoisGal37 Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 6:59 pm
@park, isn’t MN’s gov TPaw. Nuff said! If we had a graduated income tax someone making 20k a year wouldn’t be taxed three months of grocery bills.
Comment by Jimbo Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 7:10 pm
@holding Ever heard of the “blue flu” it is the only way people who are by contract, one which Gov. Walker reneged on, can stage a pseudo strike. Maybe you should care more about the fact that there was no deficit before Walker slashed corporate taxes for his bedfellows.
Comment by Jimbo Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 7:13 pm
sorry “by contract, not allowed to strike”
Comment by Jimbo Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 7:14 pm
How is removing the bargaining power of union teachers going to save the state money? Walker creates a mess in January and he is blaming the unions in February. In March he is going to blame Chicago.
Comment by GEEK MARINE Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 7:15 pm
To the extent that there is an imbalance — Walker claims there is a $137 million deficit — it is not because of a drop in revenues or increases in the cost of state employee contracts, benefits or pensions. It is because Walker and his allies pushed through $140 million in new spending for special-interest groups in January.
Comment by Jimbo Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 7:17 pm
–Good job 47th Ward, you managed to find a way to pull the Illinois Republicans into this story and take a couple of shots.–
Hey, at least 47 is trying to get them engaged in something. Left to themselves, they’re rather lethargic.
As for taking a couple of shots, I say we change the drinking game from “U-Haul” to “On Wisconsin.”
“On Wisconsin.”
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 7:17 pm
–Walker claims there is a $137 million deficit –
Be fair. If Illinois had a $137 million (that’s with an EM) deficit, Quinn would have the National Guard all geared up to go, too.
What else can you do in such a crisis?
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 7:22 pm
Wordslinger - Hey, I’m in for the drinking game! Maybe we can make something positive out of this debacle….
Comment by Holdingontomywallet Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 7:37 pm
Yeah, it’s time to get drunk as Republicans try to reduce all of the working middle class back to poverty status.
Comment by Wensicia Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 7:40 pm
Be careful of gloating here. Remember what happened not that long after they came for the trade unionists.
Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 8:52 pm
I wish ours would leave.
Comment by DuPage Moderate Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 9:05 pm
Some of the early strikes had the union versus the army. Ludlow mines, Pullman (here in Illinois) those in some cases were lock outs.
Isn’t the right to collective barging under Federal labor law? I’s sorry, but this whole thing is grandstanding on both sides, Gov and dem caucus. I would guess this will not be the last time something like this is done this year. Everyone is going to have to show their cards this year all across the Country. State and locals are in a similar position as GM. Labor is going to have to give. But we also don’t get to restart the clock to 1880. Wow, talk about negotiating in bad faith. Get real.
At least we get travel and tourism money out of it. but rockford? Did I mention Resturant week in Chicago. How about a evening at Buddy Guys,.
Comment by frustrated GOP Thursday, Feb 17, 11 @ 10:04 pm
I hear the Wisconsin Democrats are going to go deep undercover by participating in the Chicago Republicans’ GOTV efforts this weekend.
Comment by Quizzical Friday, Feb 18, 11 @ 12:30 am
I say send these Senators a tax bill for a part of their wages ala what they do to the athletes when they come to Illinois.
Comment by BIG R. Ph. Friday, Feb 18, 11 @ 12:59 am
Those state senators managed to achieve more PR for their side of the argument through fleeing Wisconsin than they could have by staying. I think they’ve created more sympathy for their cause and made Walker look like a bully picking a fight.
Comment by Aldyth Friday, Feb 18, 11 @ 7:14 am