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* Oy…
Wow. Karen Lewis is bringing the fire "Rauner is the new ISIS recruit. If a man tells you he loves America but hates labor, he is a liar."
— Miles Kampf-Lassin (@MilesKLassin) April 20, 2016
The rhetoric from folks like Lewis and some on the other side is so intense that I should probably repeat my worry that this craziness could gin up a nutball enough to take matters into his own hands and then something really bad could happen.
Not good at all.
…Adding… From Catherine Kelly at the governor’s office…
This kind of rhetoric has no place in American public discourse and sets a terrible example for our kids.
Agreed.
* Meanwhile…
The Chicago Teachers Union will put on a major public relations blitz today, with a rally in Springfield and a speech by President Karen Lewis in Chicago.
It all comes amid the lack of a new contract. The school district’s chief says the system is on the brink of insolvency. Lewis says the union could soon go on strike, after it rejected an arbitrator’s findings.
Both sides point to Springfield as the path to a solution. To that end, union members and allies are scheduled to descend on the Capitol today to lobby lawmakers and rally in the building’s rotunda after boarding buses at 6 a.m. and heading south.
* Protesters have blocked the street near the governor’s mansion. Here’s a photo taken by a friend shortly after one o’clock…
…Adding… Sun-Times…
Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis dubbed Gov. Bruce Rauner a “new ISIS recruit” because “the things he’s doing look like acts of terror on poor and working class people” in her remakrs before the City Club Wednesday afternoon. […]
“If a man tells you he loves America yet hates labor, he is a liar. . . Bruce Rauner is a liar,” she said.
* ABC 7…
“If Governor Rauner says he loves Illinois, yet he hates labor, he is a liar! There is no Illinois without labor, and to fleece the one is to rob the other,” Lewis said. “I’ve been reading in the news lately about all of these ISIS recruits popping up all over the place. Has Homeland Security checked this man out yet? Because the things he’s doing looks like acts of terror on poor and working class people.”
…Adding More… From a pal…
Vandalism of the Capitol is an excellent way to persuade people to your point of view.
The pic he took in the 2nd floor men’s room…
I suppose it’s nice that at least one protester knew what he was in town for (lots typically don’t). But what a jerk thing to do. Now, one of our custodians is gonna have to try and clean up that mess.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:11 pm
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Things are about 3 steps away from pitchforks and torches…
… and that is NOT good to get Illinois out of this.
Rauner must be lovin’ Karen Lewis speakin’
Lewis must love Bruce Rauner uniting Labor like Illinois hasvt seen in decades.
These “things” won’t get entrenched factions together, all this will do is harden Rauner, we know Rauner wants things ruined.
All this will do is harden Labor, harden them so much that November will be the ONLY release valve, as “vote accordingly” becomes more important than “let’s make a deal”
There needs to be a person to get all these guys together to see the destruction as bad, not as a tool to be “right”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:18 pm
I always thought the most entertaining outcome — not necessarily the most effective — would have been Mayor Karen Lewis versus “Governor” Rauner. (When I say this in person, I always do the air-quotes thing. He says he’s governor — and he clearly likes saying it — but I’m not sure he’s processed what that means. Anyway.)
Now, send Trump and his hair spinning across the floor to join the mix — and you would’ve had some seriously majestic rhetoric.
But alas. We’ve only got (air-quotes) Governor Rauner and Trump.
Comment by Formerly Known as Frenchie M Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:25 pm
CTU may want to acknowledge when they marched in Chicago a couple weeks back, they were assisted by Chicago Police to minimize the disruptions. Don’t think they’ll get the same love from Springfield.
Comment by Bogey Golfer Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:29 pm
Good to see Karen is back on her game. /s
Her rhetoric hurts all of us in education. She needs to give it a rest. I welcome fair criticism but absurd hyperbole is not productive.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:30 pm
I believe nothing will make Rauner happier than this little dog and pony show. I would not be surprised if Rauner provided buses I think classroom teachers are false enemies truly hard working and deserve everything they can get. However sometimes discretion better part of valor. Be magnanimous look sympathetic to the financial mess everyone is innow and live to fight another day
Comment by DuPage Saint Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:31 pm
Lovely. Exactly the kind of well-reasoned commentary Illinois needs right now to end the impasse. “Hulk! Smash!” is the best approach to politics, am I right?
Comment by JB13 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:37 pm
Rauner absolutely loves it, and should. Lewis’ comments play right into his hands, making him look like the reasonable party.
Someone should tell Lewis she got re-elected for the gig, she can stop yelling.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:39 pm
“Rauner is the new ISIS recruit.”
To quote McCain, “No, ma’am. He’s a decent family man and citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues”
Comment by AC Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:39 pm
Only a Karen Lewis could make Bruce Rauner seem reasonable in the chaos Rauner created himself to push an agenda…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:44 pm
People who don’t “labor” don’t understand the process or the people who do it.
Comment by AnonymousOne Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:45 pm
So I’ve been reading a lot of organizing stuff lately. Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky is a fav. I’ve been thinking a lot about one of his “rules”. I’m paraphrasing but basically “the prize of a conflict is a reasonable alternative”. Meaning if you are just protesting but have no constructive or reasonable alternative lined up after the destruction and mayhem of the conflict then you have caused mayhem and destruction for the sake of breaking crap up. Hopefully your conflict will be crafted in such a way as to bring about or lead too the reasonable alternative that you seek. OW has led me to challenge the efficacy and even wisdom of “old school” direct action like CTU is engaging in. One side of me loves it, getting jacked up, and screaming and shouting, raging at the machine if you will. But another side of me sees that this feeds the beast who needs the enemy to feed his own base. I have to admit that I bet Rauner is rubbing his hands in glee. I think the playing field has changed and that old school direct action doesn’t empower us as it once did. The only things I can think to do in replace is
1)Direct Organized acts of mass compassion. (Public service on a mass scale)
2)Social Media activism which is the long game for changing public perception and views of labor.
Effective?
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:46 pm
Karen Lewis is to Illinois what Donald Trump is to _____.
I just find people like them revolting and can’t believe either one of them is listened to at all by anybody.
Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:47 pm
The mayor and the city council have the power to release tax money being held hostage in the TIFs, sue the banks that advocated in favor of toxic swaps, and end expensive corrupt contracts. Litigation is a lengthy process, but couldn’t the TIF money be released immediately? Couldn’t they stop wasting money on corrupt school contracts?
Why are they wasting time on this futile campaign to get the union-bashing anti-public school governor to save CPS and CTU?
Wake up. Rahm’s the hammer and Rauner’s the anvil.
Comment by TinyDancer(FKA Sue) Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:49 pm
The Donald could take lessons from the Karen on how to confuse political rhetoric with egregious personal insults. Maybe he did.
Comment by Anon III Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:51 pm
Her quote about hating America and loving Labor is from Abe Lincoln, the FIRST Republican
Comment by Union Man Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:53 pm
===Her quote about hating America and loving Labor is from Abe Lincoln, the FIRST Republican.===
- Union Man -
That should trouble you (Labor) that Lewis left that un-cited.
“Why?”
Quoting and citing Lincoln in this instance correctly is framing Rauner in a light to win the argument.
Using it as Lewis did is just trying to incite, agitate, and whip up members.
There is a huge difference.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:57 pm
I would rather see graffiti in the men’s room than protesters blocking traffic. At least graffiti in the men’s room does not have the potential to keep an ambulance, police, or fire call from being delayed. Just sayin.
Comment by Saluki Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 1:59 pm
I’d say the CTU is definitely overplaying their hand with this “public relations blitz.” In fact, I’d say it’s kind of like Karen Lewis glimpsed a pair of Twos in her hand and decided to go all in.
I’m originally from the Springfield area & what plays up in Chicago is just likely to tick folks off back home. Not the best strategy.
Comment by Chicago_Downstater Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:02 pm
- Honeybear -
The goal is to thoughtful and impactful, however that is, to make a movement become an instrument of a change.
Your own realization to that IS growth, not choosing old ways or accepting new rules.
Karen Lewis is doing neither today. Lewis is making it personal to allow Rauner to own the high ground and narrative and will use today to cripple credibility, if he can.
It’s moves like this that make “vote accordingly” the sole pressure valve to release the pent up frustration, and that’s not governing in April.
Rauner lives this. Rauner is probably videotaping it to add to his PowerPoint presentations.
Ugh.
Keep being thoughtful, - Honeybear -, it’s the impact made, not the tools that make the impact.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:02 pm
That Karen Lewis sure knows how to negotiate!!
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:03 pm
Karen Lewis is a fool.
Please, no one misinterpret this as some sort of defense of BVR. He’s a disgrace.
Comment by AlfondoGonz Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:04 pm
Karen Lewis promised her rank and file members the moon and is going to come up snake eyes. Affiliating Rauner with ISIS shows shew getting desperate. She finally dug a hole to deep she can’t get out of.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:29 pm
@Catherine Kelly-
Three months ago governor Rauner accused black educators at Chicago State University of “throwing money down the toilet,” a baseless claim that was easily refuted, and one that compares CSU students to things you find on the bathroom.
Where exactly do you see the comments from the Governor fitting in with polite political discourse?
Lead by example, please.
Comment by Juvenal Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:29 pm
===That should trouble you (Labor) that Lewis left that un-cited.===
OW - She “cited” President Lincoln as the source of the quote during her speech.
Comment by Matt Belcher Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:34 pm
Fair Tax Height?
So a fair tax is the same height as a flush valve?
I am confused….
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:37 pm
- Matt Belcher -
All I can do, since I’m not there, is respond to what a report tells me.
Thank you for clearing that up. OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:47 pm
Ms. Lewis should meet Mr. Trump. They have much in common.
Comment by Keyser Soze Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:06 pm
First she mocks people with disabilities. Then she labels Rauner with “ISIS.” I’d like to see her stand face to face with a widow or widower of ISIS and repeat that - she probably would, insisting the damage Rauner does to “the children” is just as bad.
Yeah, suburban *Democrats* are just going to run from Rauner in droves after hearing Lewis’ silver-tongue oratory.
Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:07 pm
Lewis, despite her re-election by acclamation, is ironically not in control of her own union. She agreed to a fair deal with CPS and then let an appointed committee block a vote by the union’s delegates. Now she’s flailing wildly, trying to take attention away from the fact she has no power to actually negotiate a contract that’s not rooted in utopian fantasy.
Comment by Chicago Schooler Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:18 pm
It’s widely debated that Lincoln never said that.
Comment by Dewey Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:27 pm
At least no reports of anyone saying f the police so far.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:31 pm
I would agree with Chicago Schooler: Lewis has raised the expectations of her radical flank too high, and has not figured out how to get them to approve a deal. And the flank is so angry at Rahm for all sorts of issues, they can’t bear to make a deal with him, which they really have no choice but to do.
Comment by Molly Maguire Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:55 pm
–Yeah, suburban *Democrats* are just going to run from Rauner in droves after hearing Lewis’ silver-tongue oratory.–
Suburban Democrats have been standing with Rauner in droves?
Rich, you’ve been scooped.
The statewide poll yesterday showed Rauner with a 28% favorable rating. I guess a big chunk must be suburban Democrats.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:56 pm
The highest paid teachers in America (not even including a 7 percent pension pick up)! are threatening a strike and their leader is comparing the Governor of Illinois to a terrorist organization who has killed thousands of innocent people.
Rauner’s polling numbers are going to go up after this week
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:00 pm
===Rauner’s polling numbers are going to go up after this week.===
Knowing you have zero to base this on, I just like to see Raunerbots ignorant to other things like CSU closing or Social Services closing also will lead to Rauner’s numbers going up.
That’s fun.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:07 pm
To Oswego Willy - Karen did attribute the quote to Lincoln in her speech. The media chose to omit the credit in their story
Comment by Truth be told Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:34 pm
“- Lucky Pierre - Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:00 pm:
The highest paid teachers in America (not even including a 7 percent pension pick up)! are threatening a strike and their leader is comparing the Governor of Illinois to a terrorist organization who has killed thousands of innocent people.”
The following link lists the U.S.school districts with the highest average salaries. Chicago isn’t one of them. Are they wrong or are you lying?
http://www.topmastersineducation.com/school-districts-with-highest-average-teacher-salary/
Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:38 pm
“This kind of rhetoric has no place in American public discourse and sets a terrible example for our kids.”
But it is OK for 1.4% to denigrate the GA, IL Supreme Court, state employee unions, anybody who has the gall to oppose has agenda.
Pot calling kettle. Just saying.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:42 pm
I know that bailing out CPS to make a 500 million dollar pension payment will not fly when the teachers won’t agree to fund their portion. Perhaps you can enlighten me as to how this would ever pass
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:53 pm
Wordslinger: Rauner wouldn’t have been elected without suburban crossover voters and while they’re not happy with either him or Madigan, they’re feeling as anti-”mess in Chicago” as ever. Read the email my Democrat legislators (and one from a neighboring House district that a friend forwards) or ask one of your friends to the north how even local school referendums have been received in recent years.
Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:10 pm
I guess I know the answer now “Lucky”..
Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:10 pm
Huh? - Rauner never called them terrorists.
Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:22 pm
They could be like Avis and try harder because they are #2
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 6:02 pm
To be fair to Karen, didn’t Rauner say, “I don’t like to kick a man when he is down–I like to slit their throat.”
Also, I think she is referring to him with his knife to social services throat, harming the state. Everyone knows how hyperbolic she is, I doubt she’s literally saying Rauner is part of ISIS.
Comment by Dale Cooper Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 6:58 pm
Trouble is, “Nutballs” are never around when you need them.
Comment by PENSIONS ARE OFF LIMITS Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 7:01 pm
Just me - So slander and calling someone corrupt is acceptable rhetoric?
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 7:41 pm
Huh? - calling someone corrupt, and even being slanderous, is still ENTIRELY different than calling someone a terrorist and saying they are just the same as someone who enjoys cutting innocent people’s heads off and posting the video on the Internet.
Comment by Just Me Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 8:34 pm
Huh, I’m kind of with you on this. I was going to post “if the shoe fits” myself, after calming down and self-censoring the first things I thought. I see her point.
Comment by Groundhog Day Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 8:57 pm
==highest paid teachers in America==(NOT)
Could only be truly spoken by someone who has never been in a classroom other than as a student.
Just a wee bit different from the other side. Just sayin’
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 9:51 pm