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Tone it down, please

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Illinois

Gov. Rauner laughed off an attack from Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, who called him a “sociopath” during a Friday fundraiser attended by House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton.

Asked about the comments during a Monday stop in Bloomington, Rauner laughed before revealing his coping mechanism for the name-calling.

“Uh, yeah. I don’t know how I can say … I’ve just tried to work hard to help people my whole life, and that’s what I’m doing as governor,” Rauner said. “And that’s what I did for years trying to help teachers in Chicago and principals in Chicago, and you know, in politics rhetoric sometimes gets overheated and impolite and all I can do is ignore it.”

Lewis is so tiresome.

Not to mention that constantly threatening a teachers strike and actively opposing a legislative funding plan during the city’s worst fiscal times since maybe the Great Depression might also be construed as perhaps at least ever so slightly off-kilter by some psychological observers. Also, this Lewis quote about coming budget cuts…

“You’re going to ruin everybody’s vacation”

Lovely.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:36 am

Comments

Open mouth, insert foot.

There’s something to be said about taking the high road. Compare Madigan’s statements to Lewis’. For the most part Madigan has been careful.

Comment by Sir Reel Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:41 am
Lewis undercuts her own union’s position with the general public. Always has. Maybe it works in the alternate universe we call public education.

Good response by Rauner.

Comment by walker Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:42 am
If only he could try to help teachers now. How about Karen Lewis goes away and the antiunion stuff does too. She’s a blowhard who would say the sky is falling no matter what, but that just makes it less clear that the sky is actually falling now. She’s the boy who cried wolf.

Comment by Me too Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:45 am
Lewis is an embarrassment to teachers everywhere.

Comment by Cassiopeia Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:47 am
Ah, a recall is certainly in order. Maybe Rauner too.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:47 am
“- walker - Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:42 am:”

Rauner’s response was not good because it was a blatant lie.

It was a lie from an alternative Universe.

It was such an over the top lie that you have to wonder if he even knows what is real anymore.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:48 am
For someone as smart as she is, Karen Lewis certainly says dumb things.

Comment by thunderspirit Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:48 am
Personally, I think she’s on to something.

Comment by Union Man Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:50 am
Reminiscent:

“Gov. Rod Blagojevich ordered lawmakers to return for special session Wednesday to address what he says is $2.1 billion hole in the budget they sent him. The Senate has already approved the governor’s plans to raise more money for state coffers, and he wants the House to approve those plans, too.

“Meanwhile, a spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, has taken to questioning the governor’s sanity. Spokesman Steve Brown recently twice referred to Blagojevich as “the madman.” And when asked about Blagojevich’s plans for a special session, Brown encouraged reporters to look up the definition of “sociopath.”

A Blagojevich spokeswoman responded to the Chicago Tribune: “He’s not a sociopath.””

http://m.sj-r.com/article/20080707/News/307079894

Comment by Ggg Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:53 am
===I’ve just tried to work hard to help people my whole life, and that’s what I’m doing as governor===

Besides donating money to get his name on things, I would love a few examples of that.

To Karen Lewis, I understand you are trying to use a horrible governor to raise funds… but remember that what you say can get published. Thanks.

Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:54 am
Oh Rich, it’s not like she was mocking somebody’s disability or anything. Oh wait…

Apologies for repeating, but suburban Democrat legislators seem concerned that they’ll be accused of raising taxes to pay for Chicago schools. Lewis has to be smart enough to know she plays into Rauner’s hands by injecting herself into this mess.

Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:56 am
Lewis’ rhetoric is not helping. Someone needs to be a moderating force for her. If not, she’ll end up helping Rauner accomplish more of his agenda than she’d like. See “cutting nose off to spite face.”

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:56 am
Yes, Karen Lewis needs to tone it down…not sure that will happen.

But, Rauner, ever the martyr…“Uh, yeah. I don’t know how I can say … I’ve just tried to work hard to help people my whole life, and that’s what I’m doing as governor,” Rauner said. “And that’s what I did for years trying to help teachers in Chicago and principals in Chicago…”

Here’s what happened to one of the schools Rauner “helped”: Sarah Howard thought Bruce Rauner was an angel who would rescue her financially troubled, academically struggling charter school in East Garfield Park. Instead, the would-be Republican candidate for Illinois governor took control of the Academy of Communications and Technology Charter School that Howard started, dumped her as executive director, suspended operations for two years, then turned it over to a national charter school operator.”

Comment by Former Hoosier Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:56 am
I agree that Karen’s statement, while having some merit, was out of line.

As for Bruce’s response, of “trying to help teachers and principals in Chicago”, someone needs to tell him that hush money (to Walter Payton) doesn’t count.

Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:57 am
Karen Lewis

Making Rauner look like the adult in the room. Sheesh.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:58 am
Karen’s last deal got the teachers a small raise and get a heck of a lot of them fired.

She knows that if the standard for keeping her job was contract negotiation, she would be long gone.

However, her members seem to value her outrageous statements and they keep her in a position that pays her very well.

She understands her job. “Saying crazy stuff” is part of her job.

Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 10:58 am
“You’re going to ruin everybody’s vacation..oops I mean it’s all about the kids”

Comment by Empty Suit Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:02 am
== Lewis is so tiresome. ==
Sorry, compared to Raunner she isn’t even close. Whatever ‘damage’ people claim she does to CPS and/or teachers pales in comparison to the damage Raunner continues to inflict on IL each and every day.

== I’ve just tried to work hard to help people my whole life, and that’s what I’m doing as governor,” Rauner said. ==
You bet, but the ‘people’ he peaks about are the 1%’ers, no one else.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:03 am
Rahm had a point, you know.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:07 am
By the way, the Gov. made a career out of owning nursing homes that allegedly cut staff, with the result of causing serious damage to elderly residents. When not doing that, he would buy other companies and toss people out of work.

As Gov. he has routinely cut funding for the most vulnerable in order to gain leverage for his attacks on unions.

So yes, I think a question can be raised as to whether Rauner has shown the respect for others that we expect from people we consider sane.

However, what Karen may not realize is that, even if the allegation may have a basis in reality, it does not help the cause of teachers to make that statement publicly.

Some random Arsenal fan from Chicago can make those comments but ultimately, I’m not running a union or negotiating with the Gov. It is different when a person with some authority makes that claim.

Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:08 am
Dear Union Pres Karen Lewis:

How are those Chicago Public School graduation rates these days? Oh, just one more thing, about those struggling student performance numbers…

Comment by LarryMullholland Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:08 am
Karen Lewis is the face of impasse.
Add her to the ever-growing list of tiresome politicians.

Comment by Jake From Elwood Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:09 am
I’ve heard the vacation spiel before. But from where?! Oh yeah…members of the General Assembly.

Sorry for the snark. And yes - I know that’s a different context. But still…

Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:09 am
It doesn’t mean she is wrong… Sociopath might be a bit strong, but he is pretty pathological about this turnaround agenda.

Comment by ash Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:13 am
I just have to say, I saw a woman seeming weak in front of students one of whom seemed to want to do harm to her. In fact, he was trying to throw a desk at her. Knowing this is slightly off topic would Karen Lewis speak up for that particular teacher? That would be far more useful than her current rhetoric.

Comment by Levois Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:17 am
Is Karen Lewis “self medicating” again?

http://abclocal.go.com/story?section=news/local&id=8431640

Comment by Anon2U Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:17 am
Karen Lewis rhetoric is just as bad as Rauner’s. The CTU is turning into AFSCME no allies anywhere in the Illinois GA or in the city.

Comment by Almost the Weekend Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:18 am
Everyone, again: Karen Lewis is speaking to her union and if it gets her in the papers, that’s just the cherry on top. She isn’t speaking to voters in DuPage or Lake or Jackson or the Trib Ed Board. She isn’t even speaking to the people of Chicago.

And besides, behind closed doors, sure seems like a lot of people in Illinois are saying something darn close to this about the Governor & the Frats.

Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:19 am
Sociopath, nah. Now NPD….

Comment by Me too Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:19 am
Oof. You’d think Karen Lewis would know better, but you’d be wrong. She is one of the few people who can make Rauner look good by comparison. There are plenty of people around Chicagoland that hear Karen Lewis bad-mouth the Governor and think, “hey, maybe Rauner is doing something right after all.”

Karen, you’re not helping.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:25 am
You need a half billion dollars from that sociopath, ms lewis

Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:37 am
Could someone please explain to me how going on strike, two times in five years, is helping the children, and educating taxpayers understand your POV?

DISCLAIMER: I was in CPS during 1987 strike. This prompted a move to the suburbs…

Comment by Jockey Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:41 am
From the ‘Dale to HP is correct.

Karen Lewis doesn’t owe “Chicagoland” anything.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:50 am
I don’t see many arguing that she used the term, sociopath, inaccurately; only that it was rude to say it.

Comment by JackD Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:52 am
Unfortunately in this age people with extreme attitudes and rhetoric tend to rise to the top of organizations with an agenda, and Ms. Lewis is a good example. We also heard a lot of extremist rhetoric from AFSCME leaders where I worked, and that probably (unfairly) colored my attitude towards those people for all time.

Comment by Albatros Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:56 am
Whole lot of pearl-clutching going on around here.

No, such statements should not be lobbed around by a public figure who’s closely involved in contract negotiations. It was personal and out of line. On the other hand, as others note, she was addressing her troops, and that’s part of the schtick.

Also, as Former Hoosier and Gooner have pointed out, many of the governor’s actions, both in business and in “running Illinois like a business,” have yielded ongoing results that could fairly be interpreted as cruel. His actions don’t always bespeak a lot of empathy.

And, Albatros(s), you may be right–but union people aren’t the only ones who need to learn to reel it in. The governor and his spokespeople have produced a fair amount of inflammatory rhetoric, themselves.

Comment by Crispy Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:09 pm
So, in his own calculation, the Governor calling people “corrupt” is tough-talkin’, straight-shootin’

Lewis calling him a “sociopath” is overheated, impolite

It is just so hard for those of us without a split personality to keep up with the motorcycle/country club manners Rauner espouses.

Comment by crazybleedingheart Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:24 pm
-I’ve just tried to work hard to help people my whole life-

I’m not seeing that. I’m seeing contributions to non-profits to reduce his taxes. I believe that a life of helping people would be evident in current actions and behaviors. Signing donation checks and attending gala’s will help some nonprofits survive and continue their work. But when you allow the majority of nonprofits to be decimated because you want to destroy organized labor, I feel, it takes away from any moral standing.

Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:32 pm
== Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, who called him a “sociopath”==

Ms. Pot, I believe you’ve met Mr. Kettle?

Comment by nixit71 Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:37 pm
Perhaps Lewis could invite Rauner out to dinner. At the end of the meal, they can fight over who picks up the pension.

Comment by nixit71 Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:38 pm
Other than Rod Blagojevich, is there anyone in Illinois politics we should be arm chair diagnosing as a sociopath?

Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:39 pm
As if CPS don’t have enough problems.

Comment by Keyser Soze Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:39 pm
so·ci·o·path

/ˈsōsēōˌpaTH/

noun

noun: sociopath; plural noun: sociopaths

a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience.

Comment by Cubs in '16 Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:55 pm
I’m assuming Lewis used the the non-medical context as it wasn’t a medical diagnosis.
Sociopath.
- Someone whose social behavior is extremely abnormal. Sociopaths are interested only in their personal needs and desires, without concern for the effects of their behavior on others.
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Comment by Qui Tam Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 12:56 pm
Sorry, Rich, but I think you pulled a Trib trick. Karen’s full quote is more sensible.
“You’re going to ruin everybody’s vacation. You’re going to say, you’re going to get a layoff slip. That’s unreasonable. Let’s see if we can’t work something out between now and then if you know we have this hole.”

Comment by JJMurph Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 1:17 pm
==Everyone, again: Karen Lewis is speaking to her union and if it gets her in the papers, that’s just the cherry on top. She isn’t speaking to voters in DuPage or Lake or Jackson or the Trib Ed Board. She isn’t even speaking to the people of Chicago.==

She may not be “speaking” to them but all these other voters are “hearing” her. And what they are hearing reflects poorly on teachers unions in general and on individual teachers whether she technically represents them or not. She is doing great damage and needs to be corralled.

Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 1:18 pm
I am with Ms. Lewis. I am tired of wealthy people, such as Rauner or Pritzker, thinking that they are something special because they donate millions of dollars to things. The tax payers don’t need their money, we can raise it ourselves.

Comment by Corporate Greed Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 1:52 pm
The only person I’m aware Bruce ever worked to help was his daughter, and that was at the expense of someone who lived in the city and deserved that spot at Peyton.

Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 1:57 pm
Say what you will about Ms. Lewis but she helps more people in 10 minutes than Rauner has helped his entire life. The only one he helps is himself.

Comment by AnonymousOne Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 1:59 pm
AnonOne,

Run that by all the teachers who lost their jobs because she did a lousy job on the last contract.

Comment by Gooner Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 2:00 pm
Responsa: doubt Lewis’ comments changes anyone’s opinion on the teachers they had in the past or the teachers their children have now in Anywhere, IL.

Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 2:00 pm
=- Someone whose social behavior is extremely abnormal. Sociopaths are interested only in their personal needs and desires, without concern for the effects of their behavior on others.
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
=

Yeah, that doesn’t sound like Rauner at all. Oh Heavens to Betsy!

Comment by Carhartt Representative Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 2:19 pm
Please go to www.mcafee.cc - some highlights of Mcaffe R Preston’s profile of a sociopath. Not concerned about wrecking others lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously commit. Poor work ethic but exploits others effectively. Grandiose sense of self. Feels entitled to certain things as their right. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile & domineering, seeing their victims as merely an instrument to be used.
Over the top you say. I think not!

Comment by Triple fat Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 2:20 pm
Well thanks for the thread….

Gonna take a break from CapFax for a while.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 3:40 pm
Here’s the problem: this guy throws around “corrupt” and “irrational” at the Supreme Court (including, apparently, the three Republicans). He’s the king of irresponsible name calling, so I can’t fault Lewis this time.

Comment by Orzo Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 4:50 pm
== a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behavior and a lack of conscience. ==

Wait, so she is right?

Comment by Dale Cooper Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 6:11 pm
There’s always so much hate for Karen Lewis but she is wildly popular with the teachers and that says a lot.

I wish AFSCME had a leader half as competent as Karen.

Comment by Politix Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 6:35 pm
What’s the world coming to when a corrupt union boss representing overpaid teachers who don’t care about the kids in a failed system that should go bankrupt calls an Illinois governor a sociopath?

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 7:07 pm
Word—you’re kinda sounding like me. But not ALL teachers are overpaid, and SOME care about the kids.

Comment by Blue dog dem Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 7:59 pm
Ms. Lewis’ rhetoric is tired and tiring.

Lewis is a purposely polarizing person.

Ignoring her hurts her more than any retort. Rauner was right to do so.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:40 pm
=== From the ‘Dale to HP is correct.
Karen Lewis doesn’t owe “Chicagoland” anything. ===

No, she doesn’t owe “Chicagoland” anything, but she does owe her union quality leadership. Lewis is not serving her union by over the top rhetoric when unions, especially public sector unions, are fighting a battle for their very existence.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Nov 3, 15 @ 11:58 pm
Just remember CTU teachers ONLY pay 2% into their pensions. Time to pay the piper.

Comment by Rollo Tamasi Wednesday, Nov 4, 15 @ 1:36 am