Sunday, June 10, 2012

Wisconsin Recall Recall

Keep hope alive! 

Related: Walker Wins Wisconsin Recall

And the Globe is telling us it was all on the up-and-up?

Maybe they should be recalled from the news rack.  

Of course, how could we doubt 'em? They have on-the-ground reporting:

"A divided Wisconsin; A famously polite citizenry is at odds as their state becomes a political laboratory" by Derrick Z. Jackson  |   June 09, 2012 

Nearly 40 percent of union households voted for Scott Walker — even though his stripping of public unions’ collective bargaining rights was what ignited the recall....  

And if you believe that one I have a bridge to sell you.

Elections turn on places like Whitefish Bay, a village just north of Milwaukee. In 2008, Obama beat John McCain by 1,168 votes amid 89-percent turnout. In 2010, turnout was lower — though still impressive at 81 percent — and Walker lost to Democrat Tom Barrett by 215 votes. In Tuesday’s rematch, turnout was again 89 percent, and Walker won by 351 votes.... 

I'm sorry, but THOSE NUMBERS just DO NOT MAKE SENSE!!

Democrats and unions went for broke, sure that anger and high turnout would result in Walker’s recall. They instead got a new, riled-up silent majority....  

You getting that narrative for the fall, dear American?

--more--"

Related:

"Cross-partisan reform of public employee bargaining isn’t limited to California. Rhode Island’s heavily Democratic legislature and independent governor implemented the country’s most aggressive state-level pension reform last year, saving the state $4 billion over 20 years. And in Massachusetts, Governor Patrick and legislative Democrats worked together to restrict local employees’ ability to collectively bargain health benefits....

Yeah, but when Democrats plunge the knife in they have an arm around your shoulder so it's okay.

--more--"  

Just wondering how much the banks stole from you.

"Public pensions under fire after long immunity; Efforts to cut obligations are gaining ground" by Elliot Spagat  |  Associated Press, June 10, 2012

SAN DIEGO - From coast to coast, the pensions of current public employees have long been generally considered untouchable.

Almost as much as debt interest payments to banks.

But now, some politicians are saying those obligations are trumped by the need to provide for the public’s health and safety....

I say you first.

Court battles are playing out as lawmakers across the United States grapple with ballooning pension obligations that increasingly threaten schools, police, health clinics, and other basic services.

Maybe if we weren't giving away $171 million in "tax credits" to well-connected and highly-profitable corporations.... sigh. I get tired of typing the same damn thing time after time after time. 

State and local governments may have $3 trillion in unfunded pension liabilities....

Legal analysts expect the cities to argue that their obligations to provide basic services such as police protection and garbage removal override promises made to employees.  

Yes, that is one thing that has been bothering me about this for a long time. Think what you want of state workers, and I myself have never been big fans of their unions; however, the STATE MADE CERTAIN PROMISES to people, BINDING SOCIAL CONTRACTS (we thought, until they reach the kangaroo courts of AmeriKa) if you will, and now they are BREAKING THEM!!! 

And you WONDER WHY WE DON'T BELIEVE a GOD-DAMN WORD you bastards say anymore? 

In San Diego, the city’s payments to its retirement fund soared from $43 million in 1999 to $231.2 million this year, equal to 20 percent of the operating budget.  

How much did the banks skim?

At the same time, the 1.3 million residents saw roads deteriorate and libraries cut hours. For a while, fire stations had to share engines and trucks. The city has cut its workforce by 14 percent since 2005.

San Jose’s pension payments jumped from $73 million in 2001 to $245 million this year, or 27 percent of its operating budget. Four libraries and a police station that were built over the past decade have never even opened because the city cannot afford to operate them. The city of 960,000 cut its workforce by 27 percent over the past 10 years....  

So where is all the f***ing money going?

--more--"

 Related: Mass. Unions Gave Back $80 Million 

You see where the tax loot IS going, no?

Related: Politicians still seek the labor vote

 The end is near for public-sector unions

Wisconsin was the last call for them. 

Update: Firefighters pay tribute to fallen colleagues