March 9, 2015

Scott Walker signs the Right-to-Work bill.

Watch it live here, right now.

8:45 CT: They're milling about on a factory floor in Brown Deer as jaunty Latin music plays over the PA system. I assume it's a PA system and not an off-camera combo.



9:01: Where is he? He's late! Late for Right to Work.



9:02: Ah, here he is.



9:05: "This is one more big tool," Walker says of what he's calling the "freedom to work" law (not "right to work," for whatever reason).



9:09: He's good at speaking without a teleprompter or a lectern.

9:12: He's saying "hardworking people of Wisconsin" and mentioning specific hardworking people so I know he's bringing it in for a landing.

9:13: He sits down at the little table and starts using multiple pens to sign the bill.



9:20: Bills signed, pens distributed, back to milling about. Walker hangs around talking to the speaker of the Wisconsin Assembly Robin Vos.



Other people there look like they're ready to go but can't go until he goes.

9:30: The deed is done!

178 comments:

garage mahal said...

Now we're just like every other confederate state. Yay!

Phil 314 said...

5S

garage mahal said...

Walker not taking questions from the media again. Might still be nursing that cold.

Big. Bold. Fresh. Unintimidated.

Michael The Magnificent said...

And we have a live microphone.

chickelit said...

garage mahal said...
Now we're just like every other confederate state. Yay!

The "New Confederacy"?

Meade said...

garage mahal said...
"Now we're just like every other confederate state. Yay!"

Michigan, Indiana, Iowa...

Brando said...

I guess "confederate" doesn't mean what it used to.

garage mahal said...

A few months ago this was a distraction that would never reach his desk. Today it's a carefully choreographed bill signing.

Michael The Magnificent said...

Behind Badger Meter in Brown Deer was once an undeveloped field owned by Badger Meter. I grew up on a neighboring property and used to ride my dirt bike in their field when I was a kid.

The property has since been turned first into little league baseball diamonds, and later subdivided.

Another fun fact. Within Badger Meter's fenced in property is (or was) a private golf course.

Anonymous said...

He's signing the bill in front of a Labor Union flag?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/16/obama-wisconsin-master-lock-politico_n_1281920.html

Meade said...

"A few months ago this was a distraction that would never reach his desk. Today it's a carefully choreographed bill signing."

Progressive progressivism!

Brando said...

I actually think Right to Work laws and other curbs on union power will be good for unions and the employees they represent. Finally, labor organizations will have to make a better sale to potential members and adopt a wiser approach to management and the general public. It's the more corrupt organizations that will wither away in this case.

BarrySanders20 said...

Jaunty Latin music = live Mariachi band.
A nice cultural touch.

Anonymous said...

A few months ago this was a distraction that would never reach his desk. Today it's a carefully choreographed bill signing.

He didn't actually lie. The bill didn't reach his desk rather he is signing it at the factory of a major supporter.

Slippery Scott once again gets off on a technicality.

garage mahal said...

"It’s not going to get to my desk," he said. "I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure it isn’t there because my focal point (is) private sector unions have overwhelmingly come to the table to be my partner in economic development."

Meade said...

"My point is I'm not pushing for it. I'm not supporting it in this session."

garage mahal said...

Got his sleeves rolled up. He's going to work!

Gusty Winds said...

I worked for an automotive supplier for thirteen years. The foreign transplants that set up huge assembly plants were all in Right-to-Work states. Mercedes in Alabama, VW in Chattanooga, and Toyota took over the Subaru / Isuzu plant in Lafayette, IN.

These moves also forced Unions UAW concessions in places like Illinois and California to make sure the jobs, and factories didn't leave.

GM didn't even flirt with staying when it waved good-bye to Janesville. The Janesville economy was hurt. Saddest of all was the closing of the last Shakey's Pizza.

After what the Union pulled on its members at Mercury Marine in Fond Du Lac in 2009 this legislation is needed. Those same workers who almost lost everything because of their own Union lying to them, just extended their contract through 2021.

Anonymous said...

I actually think Right to Work laws and other curbs on union power will be good for unions and the employees they represent.

Probably about as good as "right to eat" (a law which says people shouldn't be forced to pay for the goods and services they receive at a restaurant) would also be good for that industry.

lemondog said...

Right To Work states

Wisconsin is state 25.

Wisconsin- Leader in the manufacture of ball point pens......

If Walker was Jewish, a yarmulke would nicely cover his bald spot.

garage mahal said...

How much are you getting paid per post, Gusty Winds?

Curious George said...

"garage mahal said...
Now we're just like every other confederate state. Yay!"

Not quite. One thing you won't see in the south is some fat ass living in a double wide wearing a "I Tappa Kegga" T-Shirt in public.

Gahrie said...

Garage: Seriously, get some professional help. Such intense and irrational hate is self destructive.

Jim said...

Garage,
Kansas is not a confederate state. Got it?

Beldar said...

Good optics: Walker going to work first thing on a Monday morning -- no dilly-dallying, get to it! -- to finish making the new law that will bring jobs from employers who want to hire to people who want the jobs, without either having to become a union thrall.

Is Walker regularly prompt? It would make me like him more if so. Dubya famously hated making people wait on him and his motorcade and entourage; Obama and both Clintons are famous (among everyone close to them, and anyone else paying attention) for the exact opposite.

Tom Spaulding said...

Meritocracy Insurance is now a choice in Wisconsin. Choice is good.

garage mahal said...

One thing you won't see in the south is some fat ass living in a double wide

Holmes, I'm pretty close to being back in fighting shape. How much are you clocking in at these days? I'm 208.

And really, double-wide? In Madison? LOL

Curious George said...

"Gusty Winds said...
Mercedes in Alabama, VW in Chattanooga, and Toyota took over the Subaru / Isuzu plant in Lafayette, IN."

BMW in South Carolina.

Boeing built a factory there too.

dreams said...

The right to work law is a good thing.


"Kentucky counties need to move ahead," Kentucky Chamber of Commerce president David Adkisson said during a press conference.

"Kentucky is at the forefront of a national effort to pass local laws in the 26 states that haven't approved such statewide legislation -- an effort that has already drawn a federal lawsuit challenging the right of counties to do that.

So far, six Kentucky counties have already passed such legislation and six more counties have introduced ordinances that would do that, said Brent Yessin, a Florida-based lawyer with Kentucky roots who is behind the effort."

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/ky-legislature/2015/02/12/right-work/23310177/

I Have Misplaced My Pants said...

What's with the bracelets? Anyone know?

Beldar said...

Hey, garage, perhaps you don't quite get this whole "right to work" concept in American history.

It doesn't make unions illegal. It doesn't prevent unions from trying to organize. It doesn't prevent unions from trying to persuade workers to voluntarily join them and go through them in their bargaining with employers.

It just means unions can't use the force of state law to impose their membership terms -- and dues, which go overwhelmingly to Democratic hard left candidates and causes -- on employees who'd rather not.

Whatcha got against personal freedom, dude?

OH WAIT. Did I just bother to respond to garage mahal?

Sorry. It is a Monday, and I'm not quite as chipper as Scott Walker.

Curious George said...

"garage mahal said...

Holmes, I'm pretty close to being back in fighting shape. How much are you clocking in at these days? I'm 208.

And really, double-wide? In Madison? LOL"

You don't live in Madison. And there are trailer parks in Madison. With double wides. Holmes.

garage mahal said...

Whatcha got against personal freedom, dude?

Ask Walker. Just a few months ago he was singing a totally different tune.

Can Wisconsin companies opt out of this new law if they so choose? Hundreds of companies have publicly stated their opposition to the new law. No freedom for them? But workers have freedom to freeload off unions?

Anonymous said...

And really, double-wide? In Madison? LOL

The funniest part isn't that, rather that he truly and honestly believes there are no double-wide living obese folks anywhere in the south who would wear a funny tee shirt in public.

Tho, knowing some of the other things he "absolutely for sure" believes this new delusion isn't that much of a surprise.

rcommal said...

and to garage mahal:

Please stop being so ignorant about history that is so easy to establish, facts-wise.

Your obviousness is decidedly unhelpful.

MadisonMan said...

If he's late, blame the 94/894/45 road construction.

hiawatha biscayne said...

Holmes?

MaxedOutMama said...

It would be very interesting to have an O'Malley/Walker presidential contest.

Names listed alphabetically. I am sending financial donations to both.

garage mahal said...

The funniest part isn't that, rather that he truly and honestly believes there are no double-wide living obese folks anywhere in the south who would wear a funny tee shirt in public

And that doublewides counties all vote for Walker.

Anonymous said...

If he's late, blame the 94/894/45 road construction

Given the amount of Walker Worship Syndrome on this blog, rest assured anything and everything will be blamed other than the Governor himself.

Tom Spaulding said...

What do we want?
RTW!
When do we want it?
This morning, around 9:00 am would be fine, thanks.

Ann Althouse said...

@rcommal

Get your quotes straight at least before taking the Lord's name in vain.

President-Mom-Jeans said...

Hey there Bitchtits, how is your day going?

Is it going almost as well as your November 4th, jackass?

You have a super day sport, I know I am.

: )

Drago said...

Curious George:
"Gusty Winds said...
Mercedes in Alabama, VW in Chattanooga, and Toyota took over the Subaru / Isuzu plant in Lafayette, IN."

BMW in South Carolina.

Boeing built a factory there too"

And just last year Toyota moved it's US headquarters from Torrance, CA to Plano, TX.

But hey, those guys are Asians! Garage has about the same level of familiarity with them as he does the "blacky's".

Ann Althouse said...

"Now we're just like every other confederate state. Yay!"

Are you comparing not being required to pay the equivalent of union dues to being enslaved?

If a right-winger made an equivalent comparison to slavery — which would be easy here (he could say that being forced to pay union dues is like slavery) — you would be shaming and denouncing him with all you've got.

MAJMike said...

Good to see that involuntary servitude has finally been outlawed in Wisconsin.

Drago said...

Althouse: "Are you comparing not being required to pay the equivalent of union dues to being enslaved?"

Of course he is!

In the same way the commies used to lecture us that only in Communist nations were people "truly free".

Drago said...

garage: "Holmes, I'm pretty close to being back in fighting shape."

"Holmes".

LOL

Thanks white guy in all white no-where's-ville.

Curious George said...

"Ann Althouse said...
"Now we're just like every other confederate state. Yay!"

Are you comparing not being required to pay the equivalent of union dues to being enslaved?"

I don't think so, but perhaps he will answer. I think it's more of a stupid backward redneck thing.

PackerBronco said...

garage mahal said...
"Now we're just like every other confederate state. Yay!"

Michigan, Indiana, Iowa...


Don't forget the confederate states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas ...

GM gets an early start on the competition for stupid post of the week.

Anonymous said...

Those who fly the Confederate flag at rallies and demonstrations say they are supporting state rights and it has nothing to do with slavery or racism.

Are they lying to us?

Meade said...

"Are they lying to us?"

All I know for sure is — you are.

Ignorance is Bliss said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Simon said...

Well, we'll see what happens next. If it turns out to be bad for the state, you can always repeal it later.

Anonymous said...

Not every Right to Work state was a member of the Confederacy but every state that was a part of that illegal rebellion is now a Right to Work state.

Not that it really matters much, but a lot of people seem very confused about it.

Simon said...

madisonfella said...
"Those who fly the Confederate flag at rallies and demonstrations say they are supporting state rights and it has nothing to do with slavery or racism. Are they lying to us?"

I'm never sure whether they're lying to us or lying to themselves. But either way, the confederate flag is a nauseating symbol of slavery and oppression, and I for one would be happy to see it disappear forever. It's a suppurating sore, an embarrassment to conservatism, the crazy uncle of the family.

Anonymous said...

All I know for sure is — you are

That's sad. The only thing you know for sure and you're wrong about even that.

Peter said...

"Now we're just like every other confederate state."

The union's battle against RTW was lost when Michigan went RTW. Michigan! After that the spread of RTW was all but inevitable.

Like the end of the Berlin Wall, when it came down you just knew the USSR wouldn't be around much longer.


kjbe said...

"Good to see that involuntary servitude has finally been outlawed in Wisconsin."

My understanding of servitude or slavery is that it's a situation where you have no choice where you work. As it applies to working at a union shop - you actually have a choice - you don't have to work there.

Drago said...

garage: "But workers have freedom to freeload off unions?"

LOL

Upside down and twisted about.

garage's mind is a mobius strip of moronity.

Ignorance is Bliss said...

garage mahal said...

Can Wisconsin companies opt out of this new law if they so choose? Hundreds of companies have publicly stated their opposition to the new law. No freedom for them?

I would gladly give companies the freedom of association right to discriminate based on union membership.

But if you're not willing to allow companies to discriminate against union members as well as for them, then you're not actually talking about freedom, are you?

Simon said...

garage mahal said...
"Can Wisconsin companies opt out of this new law if they so choose? Hundreds of companies have publicly stated their opposition to the new law. No freedom for them?"

Do you believe that a company should be able to opt out of Title VII if they publicly state their opposition to it? What about the ACA, are companies and individuals able to opt out of the no-coverage penalty?

Browndog said...

If Wisconsin is anything like Michigan, it's not over. It's just getting started.

You start with the court injunctions (which Michigan courts promptly threw out--not sure how Wisconsin courts will act)

...then onto the usual union underground tactics..

Then, after all is said and done--ignore the law and the courts.

Enjoy.

Drago said...

madisonfella: "Not every Right to Work state was a member of the Confederacy..."

Yes, we know that already. Perhaps you should pointedly remind garage?

madisonfella continues: "... but every state that was a part of that illegal rebellion is now a Right to Work state."

And Hitler was a vegetarian!

I'm not saying all vegetarians are wanna-be Nazi's but, well, draw your own conclusions.

Brando said...

"Not every Right to Work state was a member of the Confederacy but every state that was a part of that illegal rebellion is now a Right to Work state.

Not that it really matters much, but a lot of people seem very confused about it."

You're right, it doesn't really matter much. The confederate states backed FDR, JFK, and Reagan. They also tend to dominate country music and BBQ cooking. Does this tell us much? Nope.

Ignorance is Bliss said...

I should say I would gladly recognize their freedom of association right to discriminate based on union membership.

Rights are not something for me to give or withhold.

Drago said...

Peter: "Like the end of the Berlin Wall, when it came down you just knew the USSR wouldn't be around much longer"

Peter, must you bring up such uncomfortable memories for our resident lefties?

garage mahal said...

I don't think so, but perhaps he will answer. I think it's more of a stupid backward redneck thing.

At least I don't pander to dumb rednecks for votes like Walker.

See! I'm one of you!

David said...

A mariachi band would have been a very bad political judgment, though the music choice is a bit shaky too.

Walker has lost weight. Fighting trim.

Todd said...

madisonfella said...
I actually think Right to Work laws and other curbs on union power will be good for unions and the employees they represent.

Probably about as good as "right to eat" (a law which says people shouldn't be forced to pay for the goods and services they receive at a restaurant) would also be good for that industry.

3/9/15, 9:22 AM


Way to butcher an analogy. The first was restriction of association (unions forcing all employees to pay them even if not a union member) and the second is stealing.

Least you forget, unions used part of the forced dues to fund political contributions and lobbying. These are non-work space issues. Members did not get a choice in where their dues were spent. Non-union members had even less say in union operations but were still required to fund them.

Any employee that wants can STILL join a union and can STILL pay union dues. You are just not REQUIRED to. How hard is that, to understand?

David said...

We could also remind Garage that the Confederacy ended 150 years ago. At this point, what difference does it make.

Anonymous said...

It's a suppurating sore, an embarrassment to conservatism, the crazy uncle of the family.

Not to mention the pernicious effect the saltire had upon Daisy Duke

Drago said...

Garage: "At least I don't pander to dumb rednecks for votes like Walker."

Dumb rednecks who happen to be multi-millionaire entrepreneurs?

Oh, and weren't Phil (founder) and Willie (current CEO) both college graduates as well?

And Phil was so talented as a quarterback in college that the Washington Redskins were interested in him?

And Phil's brother Si is a Vietnam war vet?

So, let's summarize:
College graduates
Outstanding "contact sports!" athletes
Married happily to their first wives
Successful businessmen

All in a Right to Work state.

No wonder garage hates them so much.

Plus they are Christians, so, that's definitely a black mark against them in garage's little "red" book

Gusty Winds said...

So when does John Doe III begin?

Drago said...

The lefties are still hurting from the obvious body-blow that Walker/WI Repub's earlier landed on them.

And we have all witnessed in real time how fast the union "members" voted with their feet when they had a chance to "excape" the clutches of garages beloved unions.

Stupid union members! Don't they understand what noted middle-school scholar garage has been trying to tell them!

Workers of the world unite! Happily don your union chains 'cuz it's actually "freedom"!

2 legs good, 4 legs bad!

Drago said...

Gusty Winds: "So when does John Doe III begin?"

Well, that's the "beauty" of it, isn't it?

We'll never know.

Real American said...

another great victory for Civil Rights in America!

Anonymous said...

@Todd-

Unions are required by law to provide their goods and services to everyone regardless if they are paid to do so or not. The analogy stands.

Non-members aren't required to pay any portions of dues that go towards political contributions and lobbying. ("fair share")

Brando said...

"Any employee that wants can STILL join a union and can STILL pay union dues. You are just not REQUIRED to. How hard is that, to understand?"

It's a simple concept to understand, except if you're a Leftist, in which case freedom means nothing because some parties are more powerful than others and therefore the weak need unions to decide what's best for them even if the weak employees don't appreciate it.

Leftism is paternalism, and your appeals to individual freedom and rule of law and inviolable rights mean nothing to them. You may as well be speaking a foreign language.

Ignorance is Bliss said...

madisonfella said...

Unions are required by law to provide their goods and services to everyone regardless if they are paid to do so or not. The analogy stands.

And as soon as the Unions start working to repeal that law I will support them.

Brando said...

"Unions are required by law to provide their goods and services to everyone regardless if they are paid to do so or not. The analogy stands."

Sounds like a better argument for limiting union benefits to dues paying members rather than forcing everyone to join your club.

As for the analogy, "right to work" means simply that--the right to work somewhere without having to join an association. "Right to eat" would only work as an analogy if you were talking about not allowing others to actually prevent you from eating unless you joined their eating club.

Todd said...

madisonfella said...

So if non-union members got all the benefits of union membership at a lower rate, why were any employees members of the unions? It is cheaper with the same bennies. Are union members stupid?

Really, if you earn $500 a pay-period and union dues take $50 but non-union dues only take $35 and the "perks" are the same, who would not want to save $30 a month?

P.S. I know the rates are not accurate, they are for illustrative purposes...

Larry J said...

Brando said...
I actually think Right to Work laws and other curbs on union power will be good for unions and the employees they represent. Finally, labor organizations will have to make a better sale to potential members and adopt a wiser approach to management and the general public. It's the more corrupt organizations that will wither away in this case.


If unions are so great for workers, why do they want to make membership compulsory? If they're so great, people wouldn't hesitate to join. If a lot of people refuse to join or withdraw from unions at the first available opportunity, then the unions either need to improve or disappear.

Employees are still free under federal labor laws to unionize, should they want to. The unions need to give employees good reasons to join. It seems the union leadership has been more interested in serving themselves.

Drago said...

Todd: "Are union members stupid?"

Never ask a question if you are not fully prepared to hear the answer.

Of course, union membership is not a requirement for entree into the "stupid" club as garage demonstrates daily.

MadisonMan said...

I'm starting to wonder if Walker is the Bret Bielema of Governors. He is at his peak marketability right now; what better time to leave Wisconsin? And then your new employers finds you aren't what your resume said. (Sure, my friends in Arkansas say the story has been finished on BB down there, but I wonder).

I'm not sure, though, who Walker's Alvarez is. So it's not a perfect metaphor.

MadisonMan said...

*hasn't been finished* not *has been finished*

Civilis said...

My understanding of servitude or slavery is that it's a situation where you have no choice where you work. As it applies to working at a union shop - you actually have a choice - you don't have to work there.

So that would make Cuba the last bastion of the Confederacy?

Drago said...

Madisonman: "I'm not sure, though, who Walker's Alvarez is. So it's not a perfect metaphor."

Meh.

Your metaphor is still light-years ahead of madisonfellas erroneous "analogy".

Drago said...

Civilis: "So that would make Cuba the last bastion of the Confederacy?"

According to that rule it would make any and every left-wing workers paradise the last bastion of the Confederacy.

MadisonMan said...

I'm sure someone will say The Koch Bros are to Walker what Alvarez is (was?) to Bielema.

I don't buy it.

machine said...

still pretending this is about something other than weakening political opponents I see...


pretending is fun.

Goju said...

The unions have screwed themselves, and in the process, the workers they allege to represent. They turned into political entities who chose to pursue political positions - almost exclusively Dem and left leaning. Now they are being treated like the political entities they wanted to be, and they want to whine and snivel about it.

At one time, unions were an important part of the labor movement. Now, they only give lip service while pursuing power.

Achilles said...

So kind of garage to remind us of the confederacy.

The confederacy was run by democrats. Jim crow was written and supported by democrats. The ideology behind slavery and eugenics was progressive. And now republicans are again standing up for freedom of association against progressives.

Why do progressives keep putting together systems that force people to work in situations against their will?

Drago said...

machine: "pretending is fun."

If you like your non-right-to-work state, you'll be able to keep your non-right-to-work state, period. No one will take it away, no matter what.

Pretending is much, much easier for machine and those who desperately desire to be Grubered again and again.

Curious George said...

"machine said...
still pretending this is about something other than weakening political opponents I see...


pretending is fun. "

still pretending this is about something other than strengthening political allies I see...


pretending is fun.

JAORE said...

I like the right to eat analogy. Seems like that was handled by the Civil Right Act.

Simon said...

Garage said...
"At least I don't pander to dumb rednecks for votes like Walker."

You and I have a luxurious advantage: Neither one of us has the slightest need to win the approval of any other human being anywhere, any time. But those who seek elected office do, and you go to the ballot box with the electorate that your have. And sometimes that means pandering. If you're running on a Democratic ticket, you have to pander to (or at least put up with) the Democratic constituencies that you actually loathe; if I'm running on a GOP ticket, I have to pander to (or at least put up with) the GOP constituencies that I actually loathe; and both of us have to pander to the squishy, unprincipled berks in the middle whose unprincipled vacillation decides elections. Don't hate the player, hate the game. I have neither stomach for that game, that's why you'll never catch me running for office, but that's the game.

Anonymous said...

still pretending this is about something other than weakening political opponents I see...


Wait, big monied interests aren't corrupting our politics?

It's all so confusing.

Brando said...

"The confederacy was run by democrats. Jim crow was written and supported by democrats. The ideology behind slavery and eugenics was progressive. And now republicans are again standing up for freedom of association against progressives."

Any Democrat will point out (correctly) that the parties of a hundred years ago or fifty years ago are not the same as the parties of today ideologically. So let's look instead at what distinguished the "Old Democrats" of slavery and Jim Crow days: these were made up of people who had no care for individual freedoms or the right to the product of your labor when it came to the vast majority of their labor force (slaves, or later, sharecroppers). Capitalism and free markets weren't really something they cared for, as their system was pre-capitalist.

Today's leftist also doesn't beleive much in individual rights, preferring collective benefits and collective guilt, and can't abide the free market--it goes beyond alleviating market failures and well into active tinkering or destroying the market. Also, like yesterday's Old Democrats, they have an unhealthy obsession with race, the difference being that because today they are dependent on the black vote, their obsession takes on a different type of paternalism. Less obviously oppressive, but still a negative effect.

hstad said...

GM stop posting - your ignorance and political stripes are on exhibit! Confederate "Right to Work" - Yes! Like these Confederate States - Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, and now Wisconsin! Must've bee a different text book you read? Yes the back-handed reference to slavery by your Democratic masters was a wonderful stab! LOL!

n.n said...

It was the Unions' failure to recognize the Party's support for devaluation of capital and native labor through policies of perpetual deficits (i.e. redistributive change), establishment of monopolies (e.g. Obamacare), excessive immigration (i.e. "diversity"), and elective abortions (i.e. sacrificial rites).

Oh, well. They could have served a useful purpose, but their monopolistic practices and abuse of political power was a cause of progressive corruption. Ironically, they are, in principle, highly conservative organizations, that made their bed with liberal detachment.

Anonymous said...

As far as I know, nothing in the new law prevents companies that would rather deal with unions from doing so. All that would have to happen is for the union to organize as a members-only bargaining unit, and for the employer to negotiate a CBA with it that's advantageous enough for the workers that the non-union workers will want to join up to take advantage of it.

Sigivald said...

I kinda enjoy garage being all upset about how people can't be forced to join unions to have a job.

Because being forced to join a union and pay them dues in order to work is awesome, right?

Right?

That's why workers nationwide band together to pressure lawmakers to enact laws permitting it.

Right?

Anonymous said...

Blogger garage mahal said...
"It’s not going to get to my desk," he said. "I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure it isn’t there because my focal point (is) private sector unions have overwhelmingly come to the table to be my partner in economic development."


This is actually an issue I'm having with Walker.

He seems like the reverse of Obama.

Whereas, when Obama lied, all the lefties gave each other a wink and a nod and knew that he really was to the left. Therefore, he never actually evolved on gays, for example.

Walker, on the other hand, seems to be lying to the lefties. This is so he can have it both ways and get elected. But after getting elected, he governs to the right.

I appreciate that. That if he's lying, he's lying to my political opponents.

But, it doesn't sit well with me. I'd rather elect a Ted Cruz who is straight forward about how he will govern.

Gahrie said...

I think we should change garage's handle to Squealer.

Achilles said...

@ Brando:

Your conclusion supports mine. I don't see any ideological differences between the confederates and modern progressives.

They use exactly the same "unwanted babies" language as the eugenics movement which is code for poor and for black.

The want to force employment through channels they control and take money out of peoples paychecks to support their own machinations. They can't get away with outright slavery now, but they try to force you to pay union dues. If they had their way income taxes would be much higher. We are already paying north of 50%.

And have I mentioned they have resegregated schools? Progressivism is a disgusting disease on the body politic.

furious_a said...

Now we're just like every other confederate state.

BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota.

As opposed to Janesville.

garage mahal said...

I kinda enjoy garage being all upset about how people can't be forced to join unions to have a job.

I'm not upset.

No one has ever been forced to join a union in Wisconsin. In any profession.

Drago said...

garage: "No one has ever been forced to join a union in Wisconsin. In any profession"

And the Berlin Wall was built to keep the Westerners from sneaking into the communist paradise.

Brando said...

"I don't see any ideological differences between the confederates and modern progressives."

Both tend to view libertarianism with suspicion, and view various classes of people (based on race, economic status, region) as varying levels of oppressed and in need of their paternalistic care. Anyone opposing them is corrupt, driven by capitalist masters or religious fanaticism, because this is easier than addressing the arguments at hand.

Curious George said...

"garage mahal said...

No one has ever been forced to join a union in Wisconsin. In any profession."

Let's add this to garage's logic:

No black was ever forced to ride in the back of the bus.

No black was ever forced to drink at a different water fountain.

No black was ever forced to sit at a different lunch counter.


Bob Ellison said...

Taxation without representation is tyranny.

I Callahan said...

How much are you getting paid per post, Gusty Winds?

Right, because you couldn't possibly believe what he believes, unless you're a paid shill. Project much?

I Callahan said...

At least I don't pander to dumb rednecks for votes like Walker.

Stay classy, Garage. And wipe the spittle off your monitor - it must be getting difficult to read at this point.

Simon said...

Bob Ellison said...
"Taxation without representation is tyranny."

So what do you want to do with the District of Columbia, in which, by your definition, more than half a million Americans are subject to "tyranny"? What about Puerto Rico? There, more than three million Americans are subject to most federal taxes other than income tax; are they subject to "tyranny"? What should we do about it?

I Callahan said...

Non-members aren't required to pay any portions of dues that go towards political contributions and lobbying.

Beck vs. Communications Workers of America. The law that the Obama justice department explicitly said to its lawyers not to enforce. But that's typical of Dems and this administration - they're above the law.

Unknown said...

My state, Missouri, did not secede but only because Lincoln went the Henry the 8th route and dismissed the state government. Really, he went further and substituted his own. Missouri may be the next RTW state. I'm hopeful. There's a veto proof majority in favor, though overriding a veto has proved problematic here recently. Maybe Obutthole should go the Lincoln route and start replacing state governments by executive order.

Michelle Dulak Thomson said...

garage mahal,

There were 11 Confederate states. 13 if you add KS and MO, which never formally seceded. 14, stretching things, if you add the AZ Territory.

There are now 25 RTW states. Including (as you say) all of the Confederacy, but extending well beyond it. This isn't a Southern thing, let alone a Confederate one.

Michelle Dulak Thomson said...

Eustace Chilke,

Thanks. I'd included MO in the Confederacy, but didn't realize that it wasn't yet a RTW state.

Unknown said...

The mid 19th century was a period of tumult and confusion in my state, Michelle Dulak Thomson. It's pretty clear that Confederate sympathies predominated but anti-Jayhawk (the only college mascot named for a domestic terror group) was the most passionate. Please don't put Kansas in the Confederacy with MO. Kansas being RTW may be one reason we're not yet.

Revenant said...

Walker doesn't photograph well. He tends to have this goofy or befuddled look on his face. That's obviously not reflective of his actual mind, but it isn't helpful to a politician.

Matt Sablan said...

"At least I don't pander to dumb rednecks for votes like Walker."

-- It must really, really grate that "dumb rednecks" are just as equal as you when it comes to the ballot box.

Brando said...

I think the extended discussion of the Confederacy gives Garage's comment more attention than it merits--basically s/he has adhered to the common leftist theme that the libertarian/conservative movement is dominated by religious zealots, secessionist zealots and all around white bigots particularly prominent in the South. Reforms such as tax cuts or RTW laws are just ways to oppress the noble proletariat (even if the noble proletariat is too dumb to know better, and often votes for such rightists) and turn once-progressive states like Wisconsin into the next Alabama.

Never mind that those pitiable southern states have been seeing vast economic improvement in the decades since adopting pro-business policies, or that the "right wing" class dominant in those states are far more interested in economic development than keeping blacks and poor whites down. Also never mind the sad example of cities and states where progressive economic policies dominated, and where reform-minded mayors and governors haven't been able to stem the trend of bankruptcy and failure.

I'm sure it's a lot of fun, in between drum circles at the next Occupy Rally, to scoff and sneer at snake handlers who run exploitationist hellholes like Texas, where the only jobs are for underpaid Wal Mart greeters (and please ignore the crush of job applicants when they opened a Wal Mart in D.C. two years ago). We can ignore the tech and energy sector growth there, of course.

The Right by no means has the unquestionable answers to all problems of the economy. But the Left has been so intellectually bankrupt on this score for so long that it adds nothing of value.

SomeoneHasToSayIt said...

woot

Revenant said...

I think the next step should be a law requiring union members to donate $500 a year to Scott Walker's presidential campaign.

Then we can listen to Garage explain how "nobody is being forced to donate to Walker's presidential campaign". After all, they can quit the union if they don't want to pay, and "free ride" on the benefits of a Walker presidency.

Alex said...

#1 - garage is unglued and unhinged. Never in doubt.

Brando said...
I actually think Right to Work laws and other curbs on union power will be good for unions and the employees they represent. Finally, labor organizations will have to make a better sale to potential members and adopt a wiser approach to management and the general public. It's the more corrupt organizations that will wither away in this case.


Are you joking? Unions must be shoved down our throats by government. Because... feelings!

Alex said...

Brando said...
I think the extended discussion of the Confederacy gives Garage's comment more attention than it merits--basically s/he has adhered to the common leftist theme that the libertarian/conservative movement is dominated by religious zealots, secessionist zealots and all around white bigots particularly prominent in the South...


Basically the leftist meme is that anyone who supports free-market economics is a Klansman in disguise! You'd be shocked at how much purchase this meme has in the universities.

garage mahal said...

I think the next step should be a law requiring union members to donate $500 a year to Scott Walker's presidential campaign

Union members are already forced to contribute to Scott Walker's presidential campaign. And everyone else that pays taxes in Wisconsin. As a principled, small government advocate I'm sure this troubles you greatly.

Just kidding.

Alex said...

garage - I suggest anti-depression pills. Or maybe some whisky.

Alex said...

Maybe both.

Revenant said...

Union members are already forced to contribute to Scott Walker's presidential campaign. And everyone else that pays taxes in Wisconsin. As a principled, small government advocate I'm sure this troubles you greatly.

The humorlessness is strong in this one.

RecChief said...

gotta roll up your sleeves to do the hard work of the people

RecChief said...

garage mahal said...
A few months ago this was a distraction that would never reach his desk. Today it's a carefully choreographed bill signing.


I know you're butthurt about it. But for a supporter of Obama's, you have precious little awareness of politics and timing.

RecChief said...

madisonfella said...
If he's late, blame the 94/894/45 road construction

Given the amount of Walker Worship Syndrome on this blog, rest assured anything and everything will be blamed other than the Governor himself.


Do you have an intelligent, well-reasoned argument to make? I haven't seen one in any of the comments you've made, On any thread, to date.

Whitey Sepulchre said...

"I suggest anti-depression pills. Or maybe some whisky."

Those will go well with the oxycodone that has me befuddled so.

ken in tx said...

As I have commented before, unions know how to survive in WTW states. Can you say slashed tires, broken plate glass windows, midnight visits to small employers and targeted employees, telephone threats to one's children?

Nice little business, er, family, you got here. Too bad if anything happened to it.

richard mcenroe said...

The "New Confederacy" has more states, more of the military bases, most of the military factories and a population that is still more used to work and self-discipline.

The "Union" (oh, apt term) might have some problems this time around if it comes to that.

Milwaukie guy said...

Going to post even though I just got home from work and am only up to 11:07 a.m.

States Rights gets a bad name from the racists. When the Free States were subverting the Fugitive Slave Act, they were also claiming states rights.

Like, it's the Tenth Amendment. Look it up.

Drago said...

Uh oh.

garage isn't going to like this at all.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/0e7c6d046a7e452da8f2ed2903b01b6f/clinton-avoids-email-controversy-womens-event

"Clinton spoke at a carefully choreographed two-hour event involving her No Ceilings project at the Clinton Foundation, highlighting economic and educational opportunities for women and girls. She took no questions. When she sat down to lead more informal conversations with invited speakers, participants appeared to be reading from teleprompters."

An elaborated choreographed and staged "spontaneous" Q&A with her Majesty?

Say it ain't so!

Jason said...

Now we're just like every other confederate state. Yay!

There seems to be an inexhaustible supply of ways garage can establish himself to be an idiot.

Seriously... watching garage interact with the world is like watching Mister Magoo interact with the Road to Hana.

Jason said...

Unions! An idea so good it won't work unless libtards make them mandatory!

Jason said...

GM gets an early start on the competition for stupid post of the week.

Are you kidding? By this time he should be elected to the Dumbass Hall of Fame, his number long since retired.

Jason said...

illegal rebellion

Still have a problem with the Civil War 150 years after the fact? Here's something for you to chew on:

It was Democrats who fomented that illegal rebellion. 100 percent Democrats, lock stock and barrel, with the possible exception of James Longstreet.

And they even lost. Is there ANYTHING Democrats can't fuck up?

Democrats all.

Somehow your pathetic sense of outrage gets pretty selective on that point, eh, you hypocritical dumbasses?

Known Unknown said...

"Clinton spoke at a carefully choreographed two-hour event involving her No Ceilings project at the Clinton Foundation, highlighting economic and educational opportunities for women and girls.

I could've sworn it was the No Firewalls project. Hmmm...

Known Unknown said...

Garage has been a relatively good sport in this thread. Enough piling on.

Michael K said...

"Obama and both Clintons are famous (among everyone close to them, and anyone else paying attention) for the exact opposite."

DeBlasio is outdoing them. He was late to a ceremony for the plane crash in Jamaica Shores two weeks after 9/11. The ceremony was to ring a bell at the time that the crash had occurred. DeBlasio called ahead and asked them to hold off on the bell until he got there.

Great public relations !

"Habitually tardy Mayor Bill de Blasio arrived so late to the 13th anniversary ceremony of the crash of Flight 587 that he missed a bell ringing marking the exact time of the tragedy."

Revenant said...

Garage has been a relatively good sport in this thread.

His very first action was to compare RTW states with slave states.

Just sayin'.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Lower wages for all!

We welcome the right to work for less, for decreased bargaining power on behalf of the vastly weaker party, and for corporations to have a greatly entrenched upper hand in all dealings, peace be upon them!

Seriously, the whole blog post reads like a goddamned blow job.

That's the crack reporting team of Meadesey and Annie, giving the blow by blow.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Meade said...

garage mahal said...
"Now we're just like every other confederate state. Yay!"

Michigan, Indiana, Iowa…


Lol. Economic powerhouses - every one of them! On the up and up!

Dude...

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Ann Althouse said...

"Now we're just like every other confederate state. Yay!"

Are you comparing not being required to pay the equivalent of union dues to being enslaved?


If I may, I'm pretty sure he's using the word "confederate" as political shorthand for a region of the country that despite every best effort and suggestion, seems to remain in as backward an economic and social status as it apparently wants to. As a cry of pride, even.

No, I'd hope that other regions wouldn't want to emulate the Southern political economy. But they're a lost cause, too, now. Manufacturing's declined and IT stays out west. And fashion out east and entertainment on the coasts. But if the midwest wants to make something by Golly they're going to make sure their workers don't get a dime more for it than they're worth!

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

How soon can lower wages in the affected industries be expected?

How soon until the average income across the state can be lowered?

Hooray corporatism!

Alex said...

No sooner did Ritmo show up and than the "let's hate whitey" chant begin.

Jason said...

Well, to be fair, the American South is just now awakening from over a century of political domination by Democrats. Of course they're a fucked up intellectual and economic basket case.

Things have gone a lot better since Republicans started beating the pants off of racist Democrats. This began happening as soon as democrats demonstrated that they are not only racist, but can't even be counted on to oppose communism and began siding with flag burners.

At this point, Democrats proved themselves too stupid and useless even for the Klan.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Oh, that's right Jason. Centuries of relying on slaves to maintain a non-industrial agricultural economy to lord over and enduring the first total war in an effort to maintain it (and intellectual backwardness) had nothing to do with the economic lag of the South. It was all about the political party they voted for afterward that did it. Even though that same political party dominated the economically superior north.

Unknown said...

--No one has ever been forced to join a union in Wisconsin.

That’s what my closed-shop steward said the first time he met me. He was grabbing me by my lapels and manhandling me against the wall when he said it. Oh well, manhandling by your mobbed up union hack steward, just another day in lefty Wisconsin until now.

chickelit said...

Oh, that's right Jason. Centuries of relying on slaves to maintain a non-industrial agricultural economy to lord over and enduring the first total war in an effort to maintain it (and intellectual backwardness) had nothing to do with the economic lag of the South.

The South would be foolish to forego agriculture. A warmer climate, abundant water, free sunshine, why not? Biomaterials have a better future than you may think. These days though, the machine must be enslaved -- as Oscar Wilde admonished: link

Unknown said...

Syncopated and blasé is pretty worked up tonight. How about we go out and break someone's arms for da union?

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Biofuels would be good if the industrial agriculturists of Dixie could bother managing to keep the Gulf of Mexico from turning into a dead zone, but I'm all about this Walker guy. I mean, seriously, he actually wants to lower wages for the workers in his state, and thinks this will play nationally! It's a total Koch-job over-reach. A reach around with both hands into the original bung-hole! Scott Walker fought to lower wages in his state, and wants to do that for America, too! And this gives enough time for a graph to accompany the attack ad with data of just how much wages will decline by the next election cycle! Along with a reminder of what they did in 2008, he totally fucked himself and the GOP!

It's one thing for a governor to have a poor economic record. Scott Walker actually fought to lower wages, AND HE WON! He actually thinks this is a great political battle! And for Repubbies, it is. Just not in a national election at. all.

I can imagine it now. A man of the people. The made-poorer-than-they-needed-to-be-people. Proud to give you a pay cut.

After Romney's outsourcing and offshoring and 47 per cent remark, this is the biggest political gift that will ever keep on giving. Remember how much of a major GOP priority it is.

RecChief said...

No, I'd hope that other regions wouldn't want to emulate the Southern political economy.

hmm. Huntsville, the Golden Triangle in North Carolina, Atlanta, Nashville, Texas,

Yep, just sleepy little cotton towns.

You should get out more.

RecChief said...

Bio-fuels are a losing proposition. It takes more energy to produce a gallon of biofuel than the energy you get out of it.

Good thinkin' Poindexter

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

You should get out more.

Oh. You mean not to Mississippi or Alabama?

And Texas is a weird place beyond measure. I wouldn't mind Austin or San Antonio. But to have taken a cop's right to bust you up for you and your boyfriend fucking each other in the ass as of twelve years ago is just weird. Not that I'd ever do it. But I just couldn't stand living in a state with such perverted and tyrannical cops. It's a dangerous enough country as is.

And then, there's Rick Perry. The wonderful Rick Perry. He could make a coat of paint feel intelligent.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Good thinkin' Poindexter

It was Chickie's point. Biofuels, biomaterials… whatever you call 'em.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

The Supreme Court of the United States (or does Texas not recognize its incorporation into the Union?) will now hear the State (Republic?) of Texas's case in the matter of why cops should break into houses for the purpose of putting a stop to a bout of anal sodomy

Great use of state resources there, Texans!

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Sarah Palin had better not bring her kids to Texas. People could get agitated and take something Trig did or said the wrong way, and wind up executing the little guy.

They do love executing the mentally ill down there, I hear.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

A very humane place. Good ole Texas.

Where even the steers are queers.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

It could actually be quite the challenge - figuring out whether Texas or ISIS executes more prisoners.

Two places where being a Christian won't keep you from undergoing a state-sanctioned execution.

Revenant said...

It could actually be quite the challenge - figuring out whether Texas or ISIS executes more prisoners.

Well, not to people who can count without using their fingers.

chickelit said...

It's one thing for a governor to have a poor economic record. Scott Walker actually fought to lower wages, AND HE WON! He actually thinks this is a great political battle! And for Repubbies, it is. Just not in a national election at. all.

You seem to raise a credible "bad" against Walker, but I think people will weigh it against Obama's purposeful importation of a generation lower wage earners. But you applaud that IIRC.

chickelit said...

Rhythm and Balls said...
...in the matter of why cops should break into houses for the purpose of putting a stop to a bout of anal sodomy

You mean that case that happened in Brownsville?

chickelit said...

If you can't laugh at anal sodomy, what can you laugh at?

Revenant said...

Scott Walker actually fought to lower wages, AND HE WON!

Inflation-adjusted median household income for Wisconsin, before and after Walker's election:

2010: $53,795
2013: $55,258

Source: US Census

RecChief said...

Oh. You mean not to Mississippi or Alabama?

Huntsville is in Alabama. I noticed you skipped over the areas of the south where the economy is doing remarkably well both relatively and in real terms as compared with the Blue and Blue-ish states north of there.

Hey if it doesn't back up the narrative, best to just ignore it huh? good thinkin' poindexter

RecChief said...

And then, there's Rick Perry. The wonderful Rick Perry. He could make a coat of paint feel intelligent.

And then, there is this. We've all seen this tactic before. You need a new playbook, Sandusky

RecChief said...

Revenant said...
Scott Walker actually fought to lower wages, AND HE WON!

Inflation-adjusted median household income for Wisconsin, before and after Walker's election:

2010: $53,795
2013: $55,258

Source: US Census


Compare that to this:

Real median annual household income in January 2015 can be put into broader perspective by comparisons with previous levels of household income since the recession began and dating back to the start
of the last decade. The January 2015 median income of $54,332 was 1.0 percent lower than the median of $54,873 in June 2009, the end of the recent recession and beginning of the “economic recovery.” (Since the recession ended consumer prices
have increased by 9.3 percent, creating a sizable “headwind” for changes in median annual household income.) The January 2015 median was 2.8 percent lower than the median of $55,896 in December 2007, the
beginning month of the recession that
occurred more than seven years ago. And the January 2015 median was 3.9 percent lower than the median of $56,561 in January 2000, the beginning of this statistical series.


Found here:http://sentierresearch.com/reports/Sentier_Household_Income_Trends_Report_January2015_03_04_15.pdf

Meade said...

In Indiana, after right-to-work legislation passed, union membership grew from 9.1 percent in 2012 to 10.7 percent today.

Todd said...

Rhythm and Balls said...
But if the midwest wants to make something by Golly they're going to make sure their workers don't get a dime more for it than they're worth!
3/9/15, 9:41 PM


AND THERE IT IS! There is the money line! That is the entire point right there. Workers should get what they are worth. They DESERVE no less and no more. Unions distort that calculus just like minimum wage laws do. You want workers to be paid more? Work to reduce the pool of workers qualified for a given job, like oppose illegal immigration. Like clean up the screwy tax laws so that people and businesses don't get screwed for saving and investing. You do no one any good by paying them what you "feel" they should be paid verses what they earn for the job that they are doing.

Todd said...

Rhythm and Balls said...
It could actually be quite the challenge - figuring out whether Texas or ISIS executes more prisoners.

Two places where being a Christian won't keep you from undergoing a state-sanctioned execution.

3/9/15, 11:24 PM


You may be right but they have still killed far fewer people than Planned Parenthood and at least the people that Texas executed had their day in court. Planned Parenthood's victims never saw the light of day...

Unknown said...

Texas is my view of hell on earth. A few rich oil tycoons and a bunch of people being paid slave wages.

Right to Work=Right to be Enslaved!