Protests In Wisconsin

[ThetaDancer]

I think the 17 hours of debate had been a different day. I haven't read anything that gives a reason for turning off the microphones.
Since a)the Dems noticed their microphones weren't on when they came in, b) the microphones for the Republicans were on, and c)the microphones for the Democrats were turned on after they were screaming to be heard and they were then allowed to discuss the bill, I'm inclined to believe it didn't have to do with cutting off debate but I'm not 100% sure.

[ZZ-kai-]

WI needs this bill to pass.

The way the Democrats have punked out is an absolute disgrace to the free society. The way they acted and the teachers 'sicking out' just shows our kids that it's OK to run from your problems and quit.

Full collective bargaining rights are not being taken away. Many, yes. All, no.

And the money portion of all this (pension contribution, healthcare) - that's what gets the most publicity because it directly effects every one of us WI taxpayers. To pay a measly 5% towards their own retirement and 12.6% of their healthcare premium? Wow, I'd KILL to have those benefits. I fund my own retirement account (with 2.5% match from my employer) and pay $1,100 per month for full healthcare for my family (50%).

Cushy state jobs need to go. Don't raise MY taxes for YOUR benefit.

Lastly, for all the teachers who are going to 'up and leave'. Good riddance I say. For every 1 quitter, there are 3 waiting in line for that job.

Democrats, man up. Time to pay the piper.

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by ZZ-kai-

WI needs this bill to pass.

The way the Democrats have punked out is an absolute disgrace to the free society. The way they acted and the teachers 'sicking out' just shows our kids that it's OK to run from your problems and quit.

Full collective bargaining rights are not being taken away. Many, yes. All, no.

And the money portion of all this (pension contribution, healthcare) - that's what gets the most publicity because it directly effects every one of us WI taxpayers. To pay a measly 5% towards their own retirement and 12.6% of their healthcare premium? Wow, I'd KILL to have those benefits. I fund my own retirement account (with 2.5% match from my employer) and pay $1,100 per month for full healthcare for my family (50%).

Cushy state jobs need to go. Don't raise MY taxes for YOUR benefit.

Lastly, for all the teachers who are going to 'up and leave'. Good riddance I say. For every 1 quitter, there are 3 waiting in line for that job.

Democrats, man up. Time to pay the piper.

From everything I've read, the dispute is not about pay/retirement/healthcare, it is about collective bargaining rights. They said they'd accept those cuts and were told no.. there are several posts above to links that say that.

How about cutting the governor's pay in half?