Hey Mark Neumann, Stop Exploiting Kids Already

Mark Neumann's latest ad talks about today's kids having to work for all that debt that President Obama has racked up (with the help of nobody in office between 1789 & 2009 remember...)



Then, yesterday in the debate on WTAQ, he talked about his 3 year old grandson saying something about "government needs to stop spending my money" in an attempt to create an "awwww" moment.

Oh... I get it, it's part of his new angle! Here's his radio ad where he clearly shows that the "heartwarming" moment from yesterday's debate was already scripted for the airwaves:



Look ding-aling... your 3 year old grandson knows he likes cookies and sugar. He also probably also thinks $1 is a lot of money. So stop pretending your grandson had an original thought about the fiscal health of the federal government already. All that happened is your grandson was brainwashed by listening to his dad and grandpa about "all that government debt,"and then regurgitated it back to you. If nothing else, you are pointing out how Tea-Party/Neo-Stalwart education works. Say something over and over again, no matter how truthful it is, then have the general public start spewing it back and spreading it to others. Now, reinforce by saying, "see, they think the same thing!"

If your 3 year old grandson can solve perceived problems like our Government debt load, or debt/GDP ratio, he damn well better be solving cancer by the time he's 6.

New Rule: Democrats and Republicans - Don't use kids under the age of 12 to make a political point. All but 0.0001 of people that age have any clue how government, society, social, monetary, and fiscal policy work.

Tommy's Running Scared: Hammer To Hovde (Pt 2)

Wow, the two new Tommy Thompson ads speak volumes about who's leading the race don't they?

He doesn't even have them posted online yet, but the message is clear: Eric Hovde caves. He takes snippets of the "talk" Hovde had with Chucles Syke-O on WTMJ back in July where he said he was "strong armed by Jim Doyle" to give him a $500 contribution. Then, he goes on "slinging mud" at Hovde over his banking & lack of Wisconsin living for the past 24 years.

Ouch... Once again, I will post both the ads once Tommy's campaign figures out how to use the UNIVAC

Here is essentially the "radio version" of what's going on TV:


Only how many more weeks of this race?

UPDATE: TV Ad:

Nothing to Say Today :(

I threw a lot of energy into my post last night with watching/listening to the Neo-Stalwart/Republican debate that I really don't have anything to contribute this morning. (Hey Neumann, get your ad on YouTube already!) Working 10 hour days teaching is so completely different from working 10 hours on a shop floor. It's not even that my job is that taxing physically, it just doesn't provide that intuitive "spark" that I get when I'm in front of a class. To quote the movie "Office Space": "It's a problem of motivation."

Oh well. Work that pays the bills is better than no work at all.


Random Thought: Rep. Kelda Roys, I used to really enjoy pointing at you as an example of a great legislator. Sadly, the way your campaign has gone nuclear in the last week has severely undercut my taste for you. I heard the stories back in 2011 about you trying to take one of now Senator Jessica King's campaign managers or staffers, or something of the sort, and chalked it up to everyone wanting the highest quality people. Sadly, in this light it just looks like even back then it was as people said: attempted undercutting and deceptive stealing of personnel.

Come on... you should know that Democrats in this state, especially in Madison, loathe the type of campaign you are running. We likely will welcome you back to elected office at some point, but not now.

Today's Neo-Stalwart/Republican Debate: Deep Thoughts

Well, after working today I decided to come home and listen to the pod-cast of today's Neo-Stalwart/Republican debate that happened on Jerry Bader's radio show from Green Bay's WTAQ radio. Certainly an interesting listen, to say the least. If you want to act like that AT&T commercial and do a run while listening to it, you can do so here:

http://media.mwcradio.com/podcasts/episodes/files/US_Senate_debate_07_30_12.mp3
http://media.mwcradio.com/podcasts/episodes/files/US_Senate_debate_II_07_30_12.mp3
http://media.mwcradio.com/podcasts/episodes/files/US_Senate_debate_III_07_30_12.mp3
http://media.mwcradio.com/podcasts/episodes/files/US_Senate_debate_wrap_up_07_30_12.mp3

Or, you can watch it via Wisconsin Eye here: http://www.wiseye.org/videoplayer/vp.html?sid=8343

Few interesting things while listening/watching:

- Jeff Fitzgerald thinks Tommy Thompson is Conservative. (Laughing commences)
- Shorter Mark Neumann: People spend money & time on me, so believe me when I tell you I'm conservative
- Shorter Tommy Thompson: Don't forget what I did way back in the day before your high school Freshman was even born
- Shorter Eric Hovde: I don't like how "you two" are always picking on me
- Shorter Everyone: Name-check- Scott Walker, Mark Belling, Obamacare, tax, deficit, Paul Ryan, 10th Amendment, Founding Fathers, deregulation, Ronald Reagan, free-market, Ron Johnson, Private-Sector...
- Cognitive Dissonance Tommy Thompson: I was against Obamacare before everyone else, but after I was for it
- Shorter Jeff Fitzgerald: Why are we so negative? Why can't we be positive by being negative against Democrats?
- Shorter Everyone: I'm positive! No, I'm more positive! I'm most positive!
- Shorter Everyone: You went negative first! No, you went negative!
- Eric Hovde: I use big financial words so it seems like it has some correlation to sound governing
- Shorter Tommy Thompson: Federal Government should operate like State Government. Why would that be bad? (This is when I gagged a little)
- Eric Hovde: Government can't do anything right
- Shorter Mark Neumann: Did you know I hate Obama?
- Tommy Thompson: I won't vote for closing tax loopholes. (Seriously, he was asked if he would vote for a budget that would not raise taxes but only makes cuts and closes loop-holes and he said "no")
- Shorter Everyone: I won't raise the debt ceiling! (No matter if it collapses the economy again or not)
- Shorter Jeff Fitzgerald: Did you know I worked with Scott Walker in 2011?
- Eric Hovde is soooooo not ready for "prime-time" when it comes to foreign-policy
- Mark Neumann: (In style of "Vote Quimby") "True-Conservative"
- Thought in Tommy Thompson's Head: What the heck are my opponents talking about?!
- Tommy Thompson: These people up here say crazy things sometimes.
- Jeff Fitzgerald: I have a personality to lead people. (Yes, he really made that exact argument! Reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoP4jP6yfvM)
- Eric Hovde: This is why Candidate A isn't Conservative, Candidate B isn't Conservative, Candidate C...
- Thought in Eric Hovde's head: Just simile... and smile... and smile...
- Tommy Thompson: Old man yells at cloud
- Mark Neumann: "Health Savings Accounts will solve everything" (Well, unless you have a chronic illness, or don't have a job that offers insurance, or have a high deductible account, or you hit lifetime caps, or....)
- Tommy Thompson: "You have control over your own chronic illnesses" (Unless you were born with juvenile diabeties, or you are a kid who plays sports and has a bum knee in your 20's, or you randomly develop some issue with something through no fault of your own. Cause that never happens?)
- Point I haven't heard addressed: What people who don't have employer insurance do? Or people who don't qualify for Badgercare? Or people in their 20's who have no savings because they are paying their student loans because no meaningful entry-level middle class jobs exist?!
- Eric Hovde: "Government is the reason healthcare costs have inflated" (#gasketblown)
- Robert Kennedy, Journalist: Question- Is compromise something you will do? Answer, Eric Hovde: "I will talk with the other side & work to bring them over to our side" (Yes, that is his definition of compromise)
- Shorter Tommy Thompson: I'm not old school! Who's Warren Knowles? Let's cite a bunch of statistics between 1986 & 2000
- Eric Hovde: "I liked my private sector life" (Read: I like a lot of money)
- Mark Neumann: "Conservatives do not compromise on fundamental principals." (Hey Tim Cullen, this is why Democrats don't really like the fact you were so "eager" to work with Scott Walker. It's playing into their hands! Read Eric Hovde's definition of compromise above)
- Eric Hovde: "If you have a brain tumor, you want the best out there" (Completely unaware of the fact that so many people in this country don't have that option, they want access to ANYONE who is competent in treating it)
- Shorter Mark Neumann: Eric Hovde, you're not from Wisconsin, so STFU about myself and Tommy Thompson

So in conclusion: you can choose between a Republican, a Batshitcrazy businessman, a banker who wants to buy a seat, & a person who thinks taking orders from more influential people & repeating a bunch of soundbites makes you capable of leading a nation. Hey Democrats, Liberals, & Progressives! Don't let Ron Johnson happen again in 2012!

Gannett Media's Most Worthless Article

I feel bad for Gannett Media at times, as I know people who work there, are consummate professionals, and work their hind off to put out a quality product. However, a "comparatively" large article from Gannett printed in my hometown Fond du Lac Reporter this past Sunday shows to me how sometimes the large pool of resources around the state they have is squandered and worthless for what they attempt.

Just last week there was a large spread on "Mining In Wisconsin" (wow, timely now that that fight has been over for a little while), and just yesterday they had this article titled: "The Economy Simplified: Making Sense of Today's Complicated, Yet Relevant Issues."  Some days, I wonder why I even went to college when I have the nice newspaper people to explain all these super-duper complicated things for me.

Then again, having gone to college is what makes me flip my shit when I read this stuff. Look, I only had a handful of Econ classes in college, so that certainly doesn't make me some whiz-kid or a the next Paul Krugman. However, if "simplifying" things that are inherently complex means dumbing them down to a point where it's worthless even trying to explain it, this article takes gold.

Seriously... First they ask a bunch of "experts," starting with essentially an arm of the Republican Party in Wisconsin Manufactures and Commerce, and cite a ton of different college professors and random other people about their perceptions on things. Never once do they present the fact that there are very different perceptions of where this economy is going, who is winning, who is losing, and why what is happening is happening. Honestly, by the end of it even I was thinking to myself that every measure put out there means absolutely nothing.

Look, I'm not saying that they are being overly political in this article, or that they even are being biased too exclusively one way or another. I just think that in terms of strictly educating the populous, it does a piss-poor job. Sadly, that would be why oh so often people vote against their own economic interests. (I'm looking at you counties that are part of my "Land of Confusion" series!)

Mark Neumann's New Ad

Last night while falling asleep to the TV I saw Mark Neumann has a new TV ad out (which is also not online yet). So, question, am I the only one who thinks he still might have some shot? Is he possibly the only one who could have Jeff Fitzgerald's plan to work? Let Hovde & Thompson bash each other out and then people will deflect to the one person who is constantly hammering Obama?

Just askin'

Tammy's Got a New Ad

I just saw a new at for Tammy Baldwin while watching the Olympics on the NBC station in Green Bay. Great ad about her and manufacturing jobs as it relates to requiring the Coast Guard to buy engines made in America.

The ad isn't up on YouTube as of this afternoon, but rest assured it will be soon. Tammy's previous two ads have been very good and effective. In the heat of such a nasty Republican Neo-Stalwart Primary, seeing her ads really puts an early, pleasant taste in people's mouths. This race is going to get even more closely watched as we go into the fall, just you watch. The talking heads, along with political reporters are going to hone in on this race being between two polar opposite ends of the political spectrum's and how it plays with us in a mid-level battleground state. (Remember, Tommy's not winning).

I will post the ad when I can, but later this afternoon I am departing for the wonderful, magnificent, and historic city of Milwaukee and enjoying the evening tonight and a Brewer game tomorrow with family/friends. To hell with your perception of the city Governor.

Some Days Others Say It Better Than I Can

Over at "Jakes Economic TA Funhouse" Jake (whom your's truly does not know) goes off about why the stories in the news lately about "shortages of skilled workers" blow my gasket.

His post is located here: http://jakehasablog.blogspot.com/2012/07/corporatist-greed-causes-skilled-worker.html

Seriously though, I fell like putting my head in a vice every time I see stories about good paying manufacturing jobs going unfilled. We do have a problem with getting people into those fields, but solving it doesn't mean telling people in high school that "Universities and College aren't the answer" and it certainly doesn't mean talking up wages that are below $40,000 a year.

If we are hanging our laurels on that as a nation about how "great" manufacturing jobs are... I gotta wonder.

Jake points out how Economics 101 pretty much can solve why we have the problems we have. Furthermore, as someone who presently is working in "manufacturing" I can tell you that the perception that it's low pay work is not that far off. I can also tell you that terms like "Mandatory Overtime" does nothing to promote people from getting into that line of work.

To hell with Herman Cain (remember him?) and his 9-9-9 plan. I want the 8-8-8 plan back. 8 hours of work, 8 hours of leisure, 8 hours of rest. What happened to that plan? (Is the answer greed?)

So, What Was The Point of That?

Update: Apparently it was my own State Senator - Jessica King who helped broker the deal. Once again, this is why we need people like her in the Senate!

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_23dc8768-d827-11e1-a457-001a4bcf887a.html#ixzz21s7B6Opc

Tim Cullen is back in the Democratic fold apparently, even after not getting a leadership role in any of the committees that he originally wanted. Here is the article announcing his rejoining from the State Journal. It's not quite a "Friday news dump" but these are Dem's we're talking about.

This whole thing just seems odd to me. Cullen says he's "very pleased with these committee assignments" but just a few days earlier left the caucus because he didn't get leadership on either the "Healthcare or Education" committees? (Maybe it's just me, but I see Bob Jauch's having helped this resolution.) Either way, I'm very glad to see that Democrats & particularly Majority Leader Mark Miller were willing to not let things get too far out of control.

Merry Friday!

In honor of working OT next week and being back after surgery:



(Just in case you didn't realize it by now... my musical tastes certainly do not lie with a modern 25 year old)

PS: WTF is up with Wisconsin Manufactures & Commerce and this mining bill BS? See here: http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/business-group-wants-to-delay-mining-bill-negotiations-pm68uur-163949986.html

Seriously? They are simply saying "just don't talk to the Democrats because they won't give us exactly what we want?" Good lord...

Holy Money in Politics & Dem's Response to June

Yesterday mornings news from the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign that the recall spending was so absurd really took a whole day for me to digest, especially considering the e-mail I got from Mike Tate and the Wis Dems later in the day as a reply to the survey that the sent out a few weeks back.

First, the money thing... 80.9 Million Dollars? You've got to be kidding me. $80.9 Million and only a 58% voter turnout. Yikes. But more than the absurdity of the money, which is pretty absurd, is the fact that $58.7 Million of that was Republican money and only $22 Million Democrats. It's amazing how much information is contained in the press release which is located at this link: http://www.wisdc.org/pr072512.php and seriously, I would recommend looking at it. (It will take you 10 minutes and you will thank the world that people like WDC exist)

The other thing contained in the release are 3 tables. The first shows how much each group (Read: SuperPAC, PAC, Corporation, Union) donated, and if the name is a little "obscure" who the group is tied to. Yes, the Republican Governors Association came in #1 with almost 10 Million alone. Below that there is a table documenting the total expenditures for groups between both the 2011 & 2012 Recalls, and further on below that a table which shows the individuals who donated the most money to campaigns. Wisconsin's Diane Hendricks topped the list, but I hate the fact it's made up of so many out of state people.

Mike McCabe and his group at WDC do great work. It's no wonder so many people will fall in line behind a governor who clearly is nothing more than a facade to billionaires and the corporate establishment with such money backing their cause. But really, Democrats are still organized in this state and still hold the advantage for Obama moving into November, which means Democrats are still alive and well in Wisconsin.

Which leads me to State Democratic Leader Mike Tate's message and results from Democrats following our June loss in the Gubernatorial Recall. You can download the .PDF from the Act Blue page, located here.

If you are a Democrat, Liberal, or Progressive, I would read it and take it to heart. Tate has taken a lot of fire over the last year or so, some of it earned, some of it not so much IMHO. But I think this little "memo" as he terms it, lays out some good things related to the fact that he certainly seems to have heard our gripes. Now, how they are going to be addressed will be the truest test to how the state party is doing in trying to correct their ills.

He breaks down the memo into a few areas: Big Money, Messaging, Field Program/Voter Contact, & Growing the Bench. He then addresses some of the complaints that they fielded, but couldn't do anything about, such as the fact that people got hit so many times by canvases because the groups cannot coordinate. His replies are short, to the point and explanatory, and something we as state members should take in, digest, and figure out how to best apply for the fall campaign. I can't always say I agree with everything he says, or all of the answers he gives, but something is better than nothing.

Let's take this & the "Cullen Flap" in stride and see what we can do to better organize ourselves and coalesce together for a successful run this November. Remember, we still did amazing things, and were so mobilized for the past year and a half that the energy that created in many people (including myself) is not dying.

Wow WMC. Really?

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) decided to ask the big boys in Washington DC at the US Chamber of Commerce to funnel some cash their way and put up this ad against Tammy Baldwin:



As Democrats, Liberals, and Progressives... this is the type of ad that drives us bananas! But unfortunately, it's also the type of ad that makes so many people think any regulation automatically kills some unspecified number of jobs.

Okay Dem's the gloves are off. What's your next move?

Democratic PAC & Club For Growth = Same Message: No Tommy or Hovde!

So, has this ad been on in the Madison area for a while now? This is the first time I've seen it in the Green Bay TV market, but I can't help but notice all the Madison landmarks:



Just now during the 5pm news was when I first saw this ad, put out by "MajorityPAC" which is a Democratic supporting group that awkwardly enough is hitting the same two candidates as the "Club For Growth." I love the fact that everyone has pretty much resigned the fact that this is a race between Former Governor Thompson & Eric Hovde. To me, this means either Mark Neumann will slide into the winners circle between their (or Club For Growth's) hammering attacks, or he will go away for ever finally after 3 losses in statewide races.

So who is this "MajorityPAC" group? Essentially, a Super PAC set up in 2010 as a way for unions to funnel money to democratic candidates. The full list of who they are is located here at Factcheck.org: http://factcheck.org/2012/06/majority-pac-players-guide/

So, can we finally admit Tommy's not winning?

Reid Ribble (R - Somewhere Outside His District), Has a New TV Ad

Well, today is my last day on injured reserve. I actually have started eating REAL FOOD and given the fact the last 2 days have seen marked improvement, tomorrow I'm taking the plunge back to work. (You have no idea how much you miss bread until your body is deprived of it for 8 days.) I miss these days of being around a computer so I can stay up on the latest "doings" and what-knot. If nothing else, my time working in a "shop" has certainly lead me to understand why just so many people don't care about politics, are so grossly uninformed about them, or find it hard to think in a philosophical sense about issues.

But mark today, July 25, 2012 as the first day I have seen a TV ad for a congressional candidate not having a primary, Reid Ribble of the 8th CD in Northern Wisconsin. He had a bit of a flap for moving before the redistricting was done, which you can read about in the Appleton Post-Cresent here, but you may know him for being just like every other conservative legislator that won a House race in 2010. This time around he is being challenged by Jamie Wall, a Green Bay businessman who ran against former Congressman Steve Kagen in the 2006 Democratic  Primary for the seat. 

Now, just this morning, I see this, Ribble's first TV ad: 

What scares me is that it's a good, positive early campaign ad. There is just enough of that hokey crap that some people love, but overall it's a message that "Washington is still broken & I need to be there to put it together." Yikes... Mr. Wall better have something good coming down the pike, but unfortunately Ribble looks to be quite the strong candidate. Despite some of the utter crap he has said and done over the last two years. I've told you I'm not a fan of PolitiFact but this really sums it up:  http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2010/oct/27/reid-ribble/republican-house-candidate-reid-ribble-says-he-los/

The Hotline in Washington DC recently posted it's listing of "House Races to Watch", with this one at #50:

50. WI-08 (R, Rep. Reid Ribble): Although the seat has served as a bellwether district over the last decade, northeastern Wisconsin served as a launchpad for Gov. Scott Walker in the June gubernatorial recall, giving Ribble an extra sense of security heading into his first reelection effort.

 Come on Democrats. Let's get it together in Northeastern Wisconsin! Historically (like 100+ years historically) this area isn't anywhere near as liberal or Democratic as it should be considering it's "mill town" type reputation, but we need to make a push here.

The Tim Cullen Thing...

Wow, I go away for one afternoon and stuff like this happens? Senator Tim Cullen breaks away from the Democratic Caucus because he feels snubbed by Senate Majority Leader Mark Miller's offer of "Tourism & Small Business" and not getting what he truly wanted with the Health Committee or the Education Committee? Yikes... as one prominent "Tweeter" said this afternoon, "They wouldn't be Democrats if they couldn't snatch defeat from the jaws of victory."

First off, a few observations:

Liberals on Twitter & Facebook who are mocking Cullen - You're not helping anything. Yes, Mr. Cullen isn't a liberal, but the man has been around for 40 years and obviously doesn't make such a decision rashly. That being said, you do have a point.

Republicans who think you've gained a victory - Cullen may have been a friend of Governor Thompson & someone who works well with Republicans on issues, but he did make that decision to defect to Illinois, so it's not like this guy won't be that much less of a Democrat than before.

To those who don't know what to think - Don't. This really has zero effect on anything (As Scott Bauer of the AP pointed out on Twitter this afternoon.) This November will see a reset of everything again anyway. This may just be his way of making a point for now, but we really don't know.

So essentially here's what I've gathered so far in brief. Sen. Miller talked to Sen. Cullen about him serving as chair of the "Tourism & Small Business Committee" and Sen. Cullen made his displeasure known at that time. This initial conversation is the one that interests me most because it sets the tone each side has taken since. Apparently, when Sen. Cullen found out he would not be offered the Health Committee he told Miller, "If I don't get that I don't even want a chairmanship." Miller must have taken this to heart, giving everyone else two Committee leadership positions and Sen. Cullen none. This apparently has now further scorned Sen. Cullen.

As I understand it, after this initial call, there were at least a few other exchanges of phone calls and at least one person-to-person meeting to try and "iron out" the differences. According to the WSJ article above though, the last phone call ended with Sen. Miller hanging up on Sen. Cullen. Yesterday, I read that Sen. Cullen felt that him and Sen. Miller were still in the process of talking when he sent the e-mail that announced the leadership positions, and that straw is what finally broke the camels back.

Okay, so let's look at this from two perspectives.

First is that Cullen got what was coming to him. This is the argument that Cullen has been too easy and willing to work with Republicans over the last two years (particularly moderate Republican Sen. Dale Schultz) and that during a time when Governor Scott Walker was running rim-shot over the legislative process Sen. Cullen needed to "stick with the team." Sen. Cullen is someone who worked in private industry over the last decade or so since leaving the Thompson administration, but ran again in 2010 because he specifically did not like the division in politics and wanted to "work together." Sadly, 2010 was not the year to be elected for that in Wisconsin. It was also not the year to scorn liberals by continually trying to work with a group the clearly had no interest in "giving" anything. (Talking about compromise works, but sometimes you have to take a stand for your beliefs!)

Furthermore, Sen. Cullen is someone who does not support "Obamacare" and during his time in the private sector, worked for health insurance companies. Sen. Miller would never in his wildest dreams appoint someone who has come out against the Affordable Care Act and worked in industry to a leadership role on a committee that is looking to reform it. Sen. Cullen also has knowledge about schools seeing as he has served on the local School Board, so his asking for an appointment to the Education Committee would seem somewhat logical, but do we have the full story? Did Sen. Miller play hardball with Sen. Cullen over this position? It's something we don't know right now, but with him jumping from the caucus at this point, it looks like he is just wining because "he didn't get everything he exactly wanted."

But now, the perspective that Sen. Cullen got the shaft. Mary Erpenbach on Twitter made a few comments about the fact that she was a former legislative aide and that Sen. Cullen likely was shafted for what he did deserve. She alluded to the fact that his extended tenure and knowledge on such issues makes him a candidate for the positions he was passed over. Furthermore, it is a bit of a slap that assignments were announced before everything was all "smoothed over" between Sen's Miller & Cullen. Obviously there has been some tension for a while, but Sen. Miller's actions do not translate to negotiating and talking in good faith if he sent out e-mails before a resolution came to place between the two groups.

Needless to say, there is a lot to this story we just don't know, so jumping off the deep end either in support or defense of Senator Cullen's decision would be pretty blind to most of us. My own thoughts lie somewhere in between the two sides I have seen on social media, but I think what Sen. Cullen wanted was just not going to happen. I do wish I could cite every tweet or series of tweets I read that put this story together in my mind, but sadly it's late and I don't have the energy to find them all.

First off, Sen. Cullen likely wasn't snubbed for absolutely no reason at all. You can't tell me that any disagreements that have happened between leadership and the Senator over the past year or so were not addressed when Sen. Miller made his offers of leadership positions. Furthermore, Sen. Cullen does seem like he is trying to manipulate this situation, which he has little influence on as he is not the Majority Leader. Part of being an organized political party (which Democrats rarely are) is swallowing your pride and taking what you are dealt as a rank and file member. Republicans do this amazingly, which is why they are always united, on message, and ram stuff through.

Remember though, this is only til November where there is little to do in terms of official business.

Now, something obviously got messed-up with the communication stream, and that's unacceptable too. I'm not sure where, I'm not sure who is at fault, but the Majority Leader should not have been so blindsided by his anger and this decision if he truly felt like he realized the scorn Sen. Cullen feels by the party leaders. The Majority Leader also should have been well prepared to answer questions from the media when this hit the wire, so the fact he looks flat-footed does not serve his position well. Lastly, you do have to pay due deference to Sen. Cullen's years of experience and his time spent in all levels of State Government. Not doing so is a sign of disrespect to what he brings to the table, and simply saying that after the fact does not seem genuine.

Likely, we will never fully know what drove yesterday's decision. However, we also don't know what this holds for the future either. The Senator may not run again in two years, rendering this whole point moot. He may side with Republicans on more issues than before, but in the short-term, that is unimportant, in the long-term we don't know what that will do the the "balance of power" and in a historical term, it may be good if we grow a moderate faction of both parties in the Senate to avoid another round of extreme bills like the 2011 Term.

Either way, it changes nothing as of now. Tomorrow, Tim Cullen still largely supports Democrats, he isn't a Republican, and Scott Walker will have a hard time passing any legislation carte-blanche.

Let's Remember These Numbers a Little Later This Fall

Good news for Dem's like me who reside in the 18th Senate District. Jessica King is raking in the money against her challenger, Fond du Lac City Council President Rick Gudex according to a report released on WisPolitics Election Blog.

King reported raising $41,468, spending $7,169 and had $73,212 in the bank. Republican Rick Gudex of Fond du Lac raised $33,674, spent $7,050 and had $26,851 cash on hand. 

This is welcomed news for Dems! As the original post points out, and most anyone who watches politics in this state realizes that the 18th District is going to be a key one for Democrats if they want to hold on to their Senate majority come November. The report though does give some discouraging news as it relates to the Democrats chances replacing Jim Holperin in the 12th District:

In the 12th, which will be open with the retirement of Jim Hoplerin, D-Conover, Tiffany, of Hazelhurst, raised $80,860, spent $11,045 and had $100,268 cash on hand. His numbers included a loan of $1,269. 

Lisa Theo of Tomahawk raised $14,277, spent $12,006 and had $2,271 in the bank with a $5,282 loan, while fellow Dem Susan Sommer of Eagle River raised $3,170, spent $2,413 and had $757 cash on hand.  

Yikes... Well, there is time, but when you look at the map of Northern Wisconsin voting over the last few elections, there is no question that this will be one tough district for Democrats to hold. I know a lot of the focus has been on the Primary for US Senate, (even here on the Soap Box) but this is the time of year where big gains can be made for strategy in the fall campaign.

Now, what will happen once the "real" money starts flowing into this state when the Obama and Romney administrations start dumping dollars onto the air? That will be a a real test to what happens with peoples political persuasions.

Mark Neumann to Eric Hovde: "You're Not a True Cow"

- "I'm the Conservative"

- "No, I'm the Conservative"

- "No, I AM"

- "I look more insane!"

- "No, I look more insane!"

- "No you don't"

Ohhhh jeez. "Laser Eyes" Mark Neumann has another new TV ad out this morning calling out Hovde on a bunch of stuff he's said over the last few years regarding bank bailouts and that he'd be willing to pay higher taxes, so that doesn't make him a "true conservative." (Sling that mud Mark!)

But here's what confuses the hell out of me. He introduces the commercial with a cow on the right side of the screen and says " Ol' Bessie the dairy cow" and then proceeds to have a fake TV screen on the left with Hovde's sound bites and a scary-man voice-over. At the end of it it says again "Ol' Bessie is a real cow, Eric Hovde isn't a real conservative". Like everything Mark Neumann, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Am I the only one who thinks that these people running in the Republican  Neo-Stalwart Primary are unqualified for office based on the bat shit crazy TV ads? I mean honestly, Tommy T's all leather jacketed and shouting at me with a stop sign, Eric Hovde is dodging fake mud, (WisDem's call him out on it), and Mark Neumann is trying to tell me our President only supports quails, cocaine, & gay scientists. 

As always, once they get this thing posted online I will put it on here, but Neumann is really starting to pile up the TV ads, making a push in the final 2 and a 1/2 weeks. Plus, when you look at the WisDem's "News" website, you can see where they think this race is going with all of the anti-Hovde information. I hope they start realizing, Tommy's not winning.

Case of the Mondays

Well, one week post-tonsillectomy and I'm finally feeling pretty decent. Hopefully it's not just the "eye of the storm" as I know when the stuff starts coming off in the throat it can be painful again, but I've had that for a few days now.

Anywho... it's just been one of those days. Nobody should be crying on your shoulder because they feel so disrespected in their job. I'll leave it at that

Attracting The Best & Brightest? My Foot...

Saturday night the MJS posted their latest article outlining what current contract negotiations look like between teacher's unions and administration in a post-Act 10 Wisconsin. You can find the article at the link here: http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/teacher-contract-negotiations-moving-quickly-q265jqn-163300386.html

This is the whole thing that scares me about even wanting to continue pursuing education as a path of work, because it seems you are never really going to get ahead. Even districts that compensate at the rate of inflation increasing their "base wage" still have teachers who are largely falling behind, as it does not include whatever increased deduction comes from their health insurance. Now, this is a problem that the private sector has had for a while, and is usually thrown back at teachers as "welcome to the real world" but that goes to the whole point of why unions make sure their members actually get ahead. That's a rant for another time.

It's hard to discuss this topic without getting into how pay-scales are structured, but that's a topic that's usually district specific, which is why discussing these matters on a state-wide matter are difficult. But, one thing that I can do is draw the conclusion that this is no longer a "career" where people can go into it for 30-35 years. I just don't see how teachers are going to ever get ahead with this new system, which sure as heck means it's not going to attract the "best and brightest." Why would I ever want to consider pursuing this "career" if I were a new college student? You're considered the bane of people's existence because you are the closest tie to their property taxes, so that's fun. Your base rate of pay is never guaranteed to cover the rate of inflation or increase in your health care premiums. Plus, even if you are the best at your job and get all that "merit pay", once you make the most money you are target number one for being cut due to constant "budget cuts".

Want to know why I'm so freaked out right now? It's because stuff like this keeps me up at night. 

Tommy's Running Scared - Hammer To Hovde

Good lord, I wish my sleep schedule would not be so "touch and go." Some of it is my own fault as I'm sleeping in the recliner and not in bed, but it also has to deal with the fact drugs ware off and my ears start hurting intensely bad. (Throat isn't too horrible, water is incredible.)

One thing I get to do though is see the latest and greatest US Senate candidate commercials early in the day. Tommy Thompson's got a new one out this Saturday AM putting the hammer down to Hovde, hitting him on statements he's made in the past about making money off of land sales, and his history being a hedge fund manager. I wasn't sure who was running it til "biker Tommy" came on at the end "supporting the message"



I wish that these guys would put them up on their websites BEFORE they release them to TV, but hey, what are you going to do? I'll publish it when it comes up on YouTube. But, one thing is for sure, the gloves are now off all 3 ways in this race. Thompson now bashing Hovde because of his movement in the polls. Hovde hitting Neumann and Thompson about mud slinging or some damn thing. Neumann, (or Americans for Prosperity) taking blows to Thompson's support for Obamcare & hitting Hovde over his support for bailouts and high speed rail. (Listen to Neumann's Radio ad hitting Hovde with his own words here) 

I've been telling you, Tommy's not winning since early June, and I've been saying for a while now, it could be either Neumann or Hovde who walk away with it in August. Either way, Tammy Baldwin better be prepared for a candidate who feels like he's weathered on hell of a storm (because he has) and will have a united front taking her on.

State Democratic Groups, This Is How You Campaign

I know the DNC and OFA did less than Jack-Squat helping out in the Recall's, but as Democrats, we have to swallow our pride and let it go for now. There will be time in December to re-hash that, right now we need to be focused on the August Primaries and in turn the November General Election.

That being said, I hope the Baldwin campaign, but more specifically Democratic groups supporting her have taken note of this Obama ad. This is the type of ad we need to be running come September against the Neo-Stalwart Candidate:


* I'm not sure if this is only running nationally, but I only heard about it from my pop's who has cable and access to the Milwaukee TV market and Cable. (Sigh) If it's not running in Green Bay & La Crossee, it should be!

Democrats, Liberals, Progressives: Remember How This Guy Got Elected?

Here's our very own Senator "Sunspot" Ron Johnson on Fox this past week. Can you imagine Mark Neumann or Eric Hovde making the same points? I sure can.



Was the stimulus a success? I think like Paul Krugman has argued for a long time, it wasn't big enough to have the impact we needed, but this fun little chart may help you out Senator showing that while not perfect, the Stimulus did have an effect:

And Senator, when you're out in Wisconsin you don't hear people talking about Romney's taxes or Romney's history at Bain Capital doesn't mean there aren't a LOT of people with questions about what his history there really says.

Liberals, Democrats, Progressives, listen up! You need to stop remembering we have a more educated understanding candidate with much more logical positions on these issues! We don't have to convince ourselves to vote for Tammy Baldwin, we need voters in Adams County to vote for her! We need voters in Winnebago and Buffalo Counties to turn out for her! We need people who don't pay an speck of attention to politics and only vote on how people "relate" to them and what game they talk based purely on hokey commercials to vote for her. We need people who voted for Ron Johnson in 2010 to get on the Tammy-Train, and get on the train early! Otherwise we will be stuck with either "Laser-Eyes" Mark Neumann or "Befuddled" Eric Hovde as a pawn to Senator Johnson's lead!

Watch that video again. Does it look like Senator Johnson expands upon a point he has any more now than he did in 2009-10? Not that I can tell. Let's hold Hovde and Neumann to a higher standard!

PPP Misc. Poll

Public Policy Polling just released the results from a poll they did with a whole mixed-bag of questions. Take a look at the first 3 pages or so (it won't take you that long) to see how we favor certain cities, beer v. cheese, and other issues like gay marriage:

http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_WI_072012.pdf

(A Not So Happy) Friday

What a day... I've been sleeping a lot this morning so I haven't been fully "up" on all of the events of overnight, but needless to say I know enough. This "recovery" can go away any time now....

So for a Friday song I leave you with this:

"But you know the darkest hour is always, always just before the dawn"

Eric Hovde: It's Your Own Damn Fault If You Get Sick

Yes, we do have a health crisis in this country and there are an awful lot of people who don't make the best choices for their own bodies on a daily basis. But Republican Neo-Stalwart Senate Candidate Eric Hovde says that the healthcare problem can be solely fixed by people realizing they "need to take responsibility" for themselves. He also says that "the big 3" need to be reformed, but fails to give any real way to do it, and then pivots to talk about how Germany collapsed (when is beyond me) and how Zimbabwe used to be Rhodesia.


This is a 5 minute video from the MJS which I think you should watch, if for nothing else, the befuddled look on his face half the time: 

MJS: "Worst-Article-Ever"

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/gop-senate-candidates-joust-over-budget-skills-tactics-ru661f1-162968416.html

The writing in this article certainly leaves something to be desired. A few things:

-Who's making the assertion that politicians don't understand international finance? Hovde or the MJS?

Later in a meeting with Journal Sentinel editors and reporters, Hovde said Thompson - like many politicians - lacked an understanding of international finance and the underlying causes of downturns in sectors such as the Internet and real estate industries.

- What the hell does this quote of Thompson's even mean?

"You don't just say . . . the cut. There's a connection there," he said. "That is giving the secretaries the ability, the power to reorganize their departments."

- So much for providing context or the entire quote instead of just regurgitating the conservative talking point:

 In his presentation and later in an interview, Neumann took umbrage with President Barack Obama's recent remark, "If you've got a business, you didn't build that."

If you guys are really "professionals" why is this article so disjointed, unorganized, and utterly mindless? Once again, this is why so many of us don't really put much credence in what you write.

Turning The Corner? I HOPE SO!

Greetings World!

After having a horrible 24 hours filled with ear pain, sore throat, and a headache only rivaled by Scott Walker's Act 10, I think I'm finally starting to turn the corner. (Mostly because I can sleep 3 hours at a time now!)

Couple of "Shout-Out's" in internet land to those of you who have made my recovery bearable.

First off, everyone at Cognitive Dissidence! Chris & Jeff's constant posts have made me feel like I'm actually doing something with my time in LEARNING and not just being a giant blob on a chair. Your work is incredible and has seriously made the days worthwhile

Zach, Lisa, and the crew over at Blogging Blue, you guys are right up there too! Your wonderful "links" to other blogs on the site has also made my time recovering ever so slightly better. Thanks for all you guys do "spreading the liberal word" in Wisconsin.

Steven Phillip Senski. Your wonderful tweets and Facebook posts either enlighten or lighten the mood. Just by virtue of your tweets, you remind me what I'm going through isn't that bad.

Lastly, my lady. She puts up with me normally and now she's putting up with me even more. I can't imagine what it would be like if I was going through this without her.

Not To Be Outdone, Neumann's New Ad About Cocaine, Quail's, & President Obama?

Okay, I was in a sleepy daze when I heard Laser Eye's on TV with a new ad talking about wasteful government spending. It's not posted online yet, but it has Neumann doing voice work and on screen with two "scientists" who are studying the effects of cocaine on quails. And of course this is 100% President Barack Obama's idea...

What a tangled web we weave. (And we STILL have just under a Month!) I will post it, and the Hovde ad's when they come online.

Eric Hovde... You Keep Going Lower

I feel like hell this morning after having a horrible ear-ache, sore throat, and being sleep deprived for the last 2 days. But whenever he gets around to posting it online, you have to see Eric Hovde's latest "mud slinging" ad.

I don't know how you walk away from it saying to yourself, "He said they mud sling in DC, and that's exactly what he did with this ad"

It's  not online as of 6:20 Wednesday morning, but I'm sure it will be up later today

Downhill

So I've definitively been going down hill as the day has worn on. Lack of sleep, an upset stomach from the pain med and lack of food, plus aches throughout my body have equaled one steaming blob of a human-being.

That being said, not sure how I will feel later tonight or tomorrow about writing. I'm sure the other Soap Boxes in Wisconsin will shoulder the load like they already were long before my little slice of internet bandwidth came online. But, I know that after this whole ordeal, I wouldn't be able to make it without my wonderful lady. Here's to you honey :)

More On Why Tommy's Raising Money Doesn't Matter

As Craig Gilbert of the MJS just pointed out this morning, Eric Hovde is largely self-financing his campaign, so far to the tune of $4 Million. Yet, what might be more interesting is the tidbit that Gilbert points out about where Hovde stacks up against other "self-funding" Senate candidates:

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Hovde ranks fifth in the country among Senate candidates  in the category of "self-funding;" only four other US Senate candidates have put more of their own money into a race this cycle.  Tops is Republican David Dewhurst of Texas, who has put almost $7 million of personal funds into his campaign.

Wow, fifth only? Then again, I'm not really sure what all the other races look like in terms of competitiveness, but as for this one in Wisconsin the Republican Neo-Stalwart Primary is one where we can really get a gauge for just how far Right Conservatives have gone. Is it going to be well known quantity and former popular Governor Tommy Thompson, perennial Republican Candidate Mark Neumann who touts his conservative credentials and has national groups backing him, or the "newcomer" financial guy Eric Hovde? You look at this race in any uncertain terms, whomever wins it is a signal where this party has come and where it is going to continue going.

What's really scary is so many people believe it's what's right for America.

Student Test Scores: What Is Going To Be Done About It?

With the long awaited news that Wisconsin students test scores may not be as good as we once thought finally released, I have to wonder what the political implications will be? This isn't anything new, as I recall in 2011 sitting in and watching committee meetings in the State Legislature making reference to the change in reporting from Wisconsin's old standards to the NEAP. As someone who was in the classroom this past school year, I'm concerned with what we are doing to try and raise these scores.

Here's how I, in overly-simplified terms, see it: We aren't demanding enough from our students from an early enough age. Reflecting upon it when I went back into the classroom, I didn't have enough demanded of me when I was in school. This isn't just a problem of high schools, it reaches all the way down to the elementary level. Unfortunately so many people are going to take the easy way out, blame the teachers for the falling scores and not look at the greater societal ills which contribute to these results.

- You can argue to me that class size doesn't matter, but I would have loved for you to spend a week or more in my classroom this past year. Days where students were gone and I had 26 students vs 31 students were starkly different in productivity

- You can argue that teachers are the problem, and I won't dismiss them as one factor. But I'll also point out that they really can't do a damn thing in a post Act-10 system to go against what their district's ideology is

- You can argue that schools are too administratively top-heavy, and I will counter by asking "what administration: building level or district level? Plus, are they listening to what teachers are saying about their students, or simply forcing a doctrine on their teachers which they don't believe in?

I'm not going to say that the test scores are wrong, or beat my chest that myself and my former teacher colleagues are the best teachers in the world and don't deserve any of the blame. But what I won't stand for, is when the parade of politicians over the next day, week, months, start to co-op this report for more teacher-bashing and not look at what societal issues contribute to these numbers.

Not that I'd expect it from Republicans. They likely created or have exacerbated the societal problems. #Justsayin'

President Obama on Charlie Rose - 1 Thing He Forgot

I don't talk very much about national politics here on the Soap Box, but before a nod off after a whirl-wind day, I have to say one more thing.

I'm definitely a supporter of President Obama, but while watching Charlie Rose just now, I really wish he would have said something different about what frustrates him as President.  He made the remark that he's most disappointed that he hasn't been able to change Washington like he said he would during his campaign in 2007/08. To me, why isn't he most disappointed about the lies that are spread by Republicans about him and his policies to the American people? I mean, aren't the lies they perpetrate about policy more dangerous than any procedural move in the Capitol Building?

Leave a comment! I want to know what you think! My readership has steadily increased, (I sincerely think you for it) but I haven't gotten very much feedback on my ideas/positions. Please feel very free to let me know where I'm wrong, where I'm off base, or where I can further develop some of my ideas, positions, and passions. I won't attack, I'm here to learn!

Thank you :)

Neumann's New TV Ad: "CONSERVATIVE"

Updated!


Just saw this! If my throat didn't hurt, I would have screamed so loud! It's the latest TV ad from Mark Neumann bitching at Eric Hovde about not being the "true" conserative.



It's so new, it's not even on his site yet. Gotta give props to Hovde, at least he's YouTube savvy.

Liberals, if you haven't seen it yet, just wait. It's like you'd think "Conservative" is the next best thing to hearing the phrase "free bacon"! But here is the more interesting thing about this whole ad, ever hear mention of the words "Tommy Thompson"? Jim Doyle, check, but no Thompson.

I guess Neumann is leaving that to the Club For Growth instead and let them take on both Hovde and Thompson.

Hey Liberals, Democrats, and Progressives: Tommy's NOT WINNING!

Update! Doing Well After Tonsillectomy... For Now

Greetings world! 

Just wanted to let everyone know I've been home for about 2 hours or so now and I'm doing fine. It's not nearly as bad as I would have thought the first day would be. However, I am warned often that the pain can be more intense around days 4-8 when everything in the back of the throat starts coming off due to the healing process ending. Also, thanks to everyone who's sent well wishes :)

That being said, who knows, if something really #batshitcrazy happens in Wisconsin politics today, I may make a pain medication induced rant!

*PS: Who cares Thompson raised more money in the 2nd Quarter? Mark Neumann and Eric Hovde can write their campaigns all the checks they want. Tommy's Not Winning!

Doctor Day

Well Blogosphere, this is it. I'm leaving within minutes of finishing writing this post to go to the doctor and have my tonsils out. As someone who's pretty much been free of anything other than routine sicknesses, this is a whole new world for me. I'm not so nervous for today, but for the recovery 3, 5, 7, and 10 days out. I'm also not looking forward to missing work.

So, that being said, I likely won't have any posts or updates today. Apparently I will likely return home around 2 or 3pm, so who knows what shape I will be in tonight. However, knowing how ranty I can get, I'm sure I will have a few words about tomorrow's session in the State Senate. I'm looking forward to watching Wisconsin Eye.

Wish me luck! Here goes nothing...

Mark Neumann: Poster Child Teacher Who Couldn't Afford To Keep Doing It

I love the article posted Sunday in the Wisconsin State Journal about Mark Neumann. Not that I really think ol' "Laser Eyes" is a great candidate or anything, but I think it's awfully funny people don't remember that before he became a millionaire as a successful home builder, he was a public school math teacher. I've always wondered what the circumstances were for him to leave teaching and become involved in real estate, and today I finally got my answer:

But he began his professional life as a public school math teacher in River Falls, west of Eau Claire. He loved the job but couldn't pay his bills. 

"I was earning maybe $9,000 a year and we had two kids. You've got to feed your family." 

He got a real estate license while teaching and earned more money selling houses in three months than he did teaching all year. He quit teaching after four years.

Seems Neumann experienced what so many teachers today are experiencing, teaching doesn't really pay all that well for what you have to put into it. So, you would think then that Neumann would be relatively sympathetic to the teachers and their gripes about Governor Walker and Act 10 wouldn't you? Hardly... I just can't understand how someone who realized 30 years ago that the lack of good pay forced his hand to quit doing something he loved would be so conservative and supportive of what the Governor did with Act 10.

Interesting... I've seen nothing online about Neumann supporting Act 10. Heck, I can't even find anything about him NOT supporting it. I can't imagine he would have done the same thing our Governor did in February 2011, but I also can't expect him to not support his policies considering his interest in private schools.  Better yet, just watch one of his Ad's from the 2010 Gubernatorial Primary:



So Mr. Neumann, what is your position on public school teachers and their wages in 2012?

Tommy, This Will Hurt For Only A Little Bit Longer

I'm someone who generally doesn't take much stock in what "Politifact" says, and Rachel Maddow has made the point numerous times why. Apparently though, there are a lot of people who do, and that's why Tommy Thompson probably doesn't like the headline that he never supported the individual mandate. http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2012/jul/15/tommy-thompson/gop-wisconsin-senate-candidate-thompson-says-he-ne/

Ouch. Again and again, I'm telling you Tommy's not winning, and it's stuff like this which is why hard core conservative August voters won't select his name on the ballot. Want to know why Mark Neumann and Eric Hovde are moving in the polls? It's stuff like this. I know this next video has made the rounds in the Wisconsin blogosphere for a while now, but here it is again (all 35 seconds of it): 



Okay, so if that's the case former Governor, why should I as a Tea-Party conservative believe this current TV ad I just saw of yours?



Can you say "Cognitive Dissonance" anyone?

Club For Growth: "Vote Neumann"

I love Sunday mornings, as it's a time I get to channel flip and view so many different political programs. Its a direct connection back to my grandmother who was famous for "radically" wanting a TV in the kitchen back in the 70's so she could cook and watch Meet The Press.

Well today, I saw the new "Club For Growth" ad attacking Tommy Thompson for raising taxes an abhorrent 9 times during his 14 years as Governor. Then, in the SAME commercial, they attack Eric Hovde, only trying to paint him as "worse than Thompson". Take a look:



Talk about "mud slinging!" Comparing a Republican Neo-Stalwart to Jim Doyle! Aghast! Notice how the bulk of this ad isn't really aimed at Thompson, but it's aimed at Hovde. This is clearly because polls have been shifting away from Thompson, and why for almost 2 months now I've been telling you that Tommy's not winning the primary.

What's even better though is that Hovde is clearly pissed at Neumann and his backers. So, he's put out his own ad attacking "Negative Neumann":



I found the "bridge to nowhere" quote to be quite interesting. The "citation" on the bottom of the screen when that statement gives the words, "Citizens Against Government Waste." Wow, Eric, you can't even give me an "HR" number or anything? Really? Well, maybe that's because I have absolutely no idea how Mark Neumann could have supported the bridge to nowhere though an earmark when he left Congress years before the controversy. Eric also makes it convenient to cite CAGW when in order for me to fact check this, I need to register with the website, and jump through a bunch of hoops.

Hey Democrats, Liberals, and Progressives, these guys are clearly going to know how to do negative messaging by the time one of them takes on Tammy Baldwin. Don't kid yourselves, we need to have a damn good plan to combat it otherwise we are going to have another "Ron Johnson" in the US Senate from Wisconsin. Have you noticed the Eric Hovde and Mark Neumann signs going up within the last week or two? Figure it out... we need to win this messaging war NOW, not in October.

Family Time

Hope everyone is having/had a great weekend. My father and I decided to support the local economy by taking in all Wisconsin has to offer with cars during the month of July. Friday night in Elkhart Lake viewing the vintage race cars, and today in Iola for the annual Old Car Show.

Events like these are why I love Wisconsin.

Happy Friday!

Hope everyone is looking forward to the weekend. Just got back from an early dinner with a good friend whom I made during my teaching stint this past spring. He retired, I was not brought back, and we both decided to leave school at the same time after cleaning out our rooms. It's amazing how age has so little bearing on friendship once you are out of school.

That said, hope everyone has a good weekend! I'm nervous for Monday's tonsillectomy. More on that later this weekend.

But, here is your Friday Song. Sad and so fitting someone my age.



(PS: If you ever get to see Jackson Browne like I did in 2010, I REALLY recommend it! Excellent concert, and a progressive to boot!)

Robert Reich Makes It Clear: Progressive Is NOT a Dirty Word!

I'm flying solo for the next few days as the significant other is tending to some family business out of state. It's bitter sweet being all by myself the next few days, but that means I can do some serious political wonkish reading & freaking without her looking at me and asking, "what the hell are you freaking out about now?" All kidding aside... I miss her already.


Now back to politics! I have already posted a clip of Robert Reich talking about how we are in a "new Gilded Age," giving credence to the fact that I have been using the term "Neo-Gilded Age" for some time now. Well just yesterday, he posted a clip to his own (very informative) You Tube Channel. As always, I think you should watch! (It's only 2:50, so do yourself a favor):



I know many Liberals and Progressives don't think they should have to cower in the corner, as mainstream Democrats have forced them to, considering the perceived negative connotations surrounding the word "progressive." But, Progressives can sit around and be all college campus or free-flowing spirit about these things, or they can actually DO something about shifting the discussion. We win on the issues, as polls show with the specific provisions of the Affordable Healthcare Act,  and yet lose on the policy because of how Republicans brand it.

So, what do we need to DO? We need to do things like share that video from Robert Reich, and then become voters who don't simply lecture our friends and family members who are undecided about why we are right. Instead what we need to do, is let them make up their own mind, but frame the argument (in a truthful way) for them. This is what Republicans do, they frame the argument around issues and force Democrats to defend their positions. Then constantly attack, attack, attack! I don't advocate lying to your friends, and I don't advocate telling them things that are unfounded, pure speculation, or just plain made up, but I do advocate you letting them make up their own mind based around real world examples and information. So far, I recommend you let your friends read this nifty little "compare & contrast" article from the Associated Press about our Presidential candidates: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_WHERE_THEY_STAND?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-07-11-16-33-59

Don't waste your time arguing with your conservative friends who are already experiencing cognitive dissonance by supporting Mitt Romney, put your energy into talking with people who don't know what they are going to do. I know it might frustrate the hell out of you that people have no idea how clear the differences are, how apathetic some people are to politics, and how uninformed some people are on the most basic issues in society. That being said, they are our only hope of winning this November. Otherwise, we will get more representatives like this guy:

Journal Communications... Failure Exposed

Journal Communications, the Wisconsin media conglomerate who owns The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, WTMJ TV & Radio in Milwaukee, and WGBA-TV in Green Bay sure knows how to imitate "Fox Nation".

First, here is a long article written by Wisconsin Associated Press (AP) writer, Scott Bauer as it appears in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:  http://www.jsonline.com/news/usandworld/national/baldwin-looks-to-end-dems-wis-losing-streak2e0fbb559d8e4a039fc246731b21a413-161755295.html

Also, just to see, here is the article as it went out for national consumption: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5irlw2DXP965CrH230p-B_YSt6yKw?docId=2e0fbb559d8e4a039fc246731b21a413

And, yet again,on a different newspaper's website: 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/in-wisconsin-democrat-tammy-baldwin-looks-to-end-partys-losing-streak-with-senate-race/2012/07/09/gJQAlEGYXW_story.html

Now, here is a screen shot of the middle of the article from JSOnline: 

The opening paragraph pictured sounded quite familiar, and also had a similar "Friendship, Wis" stamp at the top of an article I had read just a few minutes earlier on "todaystmj4.com" Here is a screenshot of that article: 

Interesting...similar language used in both articles, but one is incredibly shorter than the other, provides almost no context to what the story means, and provides almost no context to who are the "some Democrats in Wisconsin" that are "concerned (...) she could be too liberal." Yet, somehow, both articles carry the "AP" byline from Friendship, Wis.

Now, what should I see today? Yet another fun "todaystmj4.com" article about Congresswoman Baldwin responding to criticism that she is too liberal to win Wisconsin this November. Here is the screenshot of that article, posted this morning: 

Good Grief!!! Hopefully now you know for the rest of eternity that Tammy Baldwin is the only Democrat running in the US Senate race. Now, a couple of things about this latest article. First off, when did WTMJ and WIBA become "partners"? That's interesting to me, as while the AM Radio stations are both in different media markets and they both do share similar political philosophies, they are not owned by the same company. Furthermore, this article is on the TV station website, not the radio station. Hmmmmmmmmmm. The other thing that really got me was that hotlink in the article linked to the words"Expressed Concern." Know where that link goes? Back to the other WTMJ article! Which explains absolutely NOTHING about who these mystical Democrats are!

This is how the media story cycle works in Wisconsin. It's been displayed about Fox News nationally but it's been a while since I've seen it pictured so clearly in Wisconsin. This would be why Progressives and Liberals don't really hold a lot of faith in what the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel publishes and the posts they make as it relates to state level politics. I've told you time and time again that I think Craig Gilbert, the veteran political reporter who breaks down elections and crunches the numbers is a straight shooter, but with everyone else (yes, even Dan Bice) I take everything with a grain of salt.

Then again, how can you even know if what you are reading, watching, listening to is the fully published story, or simply just a shortened version?


*** Good News! Tammy Baldwin gets it! In case you didn't know, Friendship, WI is in Adams County, a "Land of Confusion" for Democrats, and she is campaigning there!!!! #Win

Earlier on the Soap Box:

- http://www.wisoapbox.blogspot.com/2012/07/land-of-confusion-more-part-v-adams.html

- http://www.wisoapbox.blogspot.com/2012/06/land-of-confusion-part-v-adams-county.html

Hey Governor, Let's Talk

Oh happy day. I get home from work and I see that my lovely Governor penned *(had WPRI, Charles/David Koch, Wisconsin Reporter, or MacIver Institute pen) an article in the Washington Post *(I'm assuming he meant "Times" but he couldn't get an address b/c his server was down) about the effects of the Affordable Care Act. You can read the entire article at this link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/scott-walker-in-wisconsin-obamacare-is-not-a-healthy-prescription/2012/07/11/gJQAhcm3eW_story.html

As you might expect, he repeats many of his most famous lines such as "structural reforms" when talking about the biennium budget that him and the legislature *(tea party Neo-Stalwarts) passed. He then he goes on, and on, talking about how "Obamacare" is going to be the worst possible thing ever for our state and it's citizens, which is where I started to get scared. His *(whomever cuts him the largest campaign contribution) central thesis is that people are going to be paying more for less, wayyy less, and that their taxes are going to go up to cover those damn slackers. He also manages to get a "dig" in there about a statistic from a study released in 2011 showing that 150,000 people will have their coverage dropped by their employer & then become "dependent on state government. (There is a hotlink to the study in the article itself, but here it is for you: http://www.washingtonpost.com/r/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/07/12/Editorial-Opinion/Graphics/wisconsin-health-care.pdf

What really gets me is when he says that young people are going to be screwed hard by Obamacare. He talks about "Those between 19 and 29 years old who have individual insurance will experience an average premium increase of $1,631 per year." yet fails to mention anything about the lovely provision that many states don't have that people (such as myself) can stay on their parents coverage til age 26. (Which used to be 27 in Wisconsin under a law passed by his Democratic predecessor Jim Doyle until the Joint-Finance Committee passed an amendment making it 26 to "come in line" with federal mandates). If the governor doesn't realize that people my age are the MOST likely to not have health insurance, and also a group who COSTS us boat-loads of money already because of that decision, he's as dumb as he looks. (And he looks damn dumb to me) 

You know what, I'll trust this Republican Wisconsin Governor to talk about healthcare long before Governor Walker. *(Puppet strings included). I know his brother works a shitty job and gets the shaft, I know he has a family and is a family man, I know he's reaped the benefit of government health insurance his whole life, I know he's got absolutely no fucking clue what someone like my girlfriend, or my sister, or my best friend have had to deal with in terms of health issues and draining their bank accounts. I also know, that Democrats need to find a way to get him the hell out of the Governors Mansion before he screws over more college educated mid 20-somethings like myself.

*PS: All of this healthcare bullshit could be eliminated if we just did "Medicare for Everyone". But why would we ever want to do a thing like that?