@PRS: Seriously? This again? Both the statistics and anecdotal evidence refute this. Take me for example; adding the full cost of my benefits to my cash comp (yes, I in fact know what they are worth, I have to budget them), my package is a fraction of that of people I used to work with on the private side. See, I'm actually smart enough to do fine out there, thanks. But I do environmental software for the state because unlike the Masters of the Universe, I happen to think water without pig crap and pesticides in it is a little more important than a pile of cash I can swim in like Scrooge McDuck. Government employees tend to be better educated professionals on average, compared to equivalent samples in the private sector, something else to keep in mind.
I'm afraid that to Walker and his Randian backers, all it takes to be an "overcompensated" state worker is to have a job with the state. You think I'm paid too much? That's fine, I can leave state employ and double my money or better. Enjoy the pig poop in the lakes and rivers when I do.
But there is no joy in Mudville today. (Actually, one guy came into the coffee shop we frequent in the very most liberal corner of Madison, hooting. He sat down with a photo of Scott Walker on his iPad and looked around to see if he could catch any danged lib'rulls noticing. So *he* was pretty happy.)
#2: If the Budget Repair bill and subsequent outrages didn't galvanize the electorate, then nothing short of daily hippie executions on the Capitol Plaza will. Although I think you're right about point #4, people are pretty demoralized. I mean, if over half the state really wants a DNR in bed with polluting businesses, an eviscerated institution that was once a world-class university, failed schools, and a Christian fundie social agenda, I'm rather inclined to let them have it. My work entails, among other things, keeping animal excrement out of our waters; my wife's, keeping pesticides out of groundwater. Mmm, that's tasty stuff -- enjoy your free-market carcinogens, fellas!
#10: Sorry, but you are just dreaming here. These are Lombardi fans -- the winning is all that counts to them. They will trumpet the recall as a vindication and a victory, further enhancing the most powerful people in the world's status as poor put-upon victims. This will energize them -- depend on it.
Wish I could agree with you; I do, so often. But as much as my heart wants to, I know better. I live here.
PS: Thank you for keeping it rational -- sorry for my whiny, personal tone. It was a long, hard day in Wisconsin.
@PRS: Seriously? This again? Both the statistics and anecdotal evidence refute this. Take me for example; adding the full cost of my benefits to my cash comp (yes, I in fact know what they are worth, I have to budget them), my package is a fraction of that of people I used to work with on the private side. See, I'm actually smart enough to do fine out there, thanks. But I do environmental software for the state because unlike the Masters of the Universe, I happen to think water without pig crap and pesticides in it is a little more important than a pile of cash I can swim in like Scrooge McDuck. Government employees tend to be better educated professionals on average, compared to equivalent samples in the private sector, something else to keep in mind.
I'm afraid that to Walker and his Randian backers, all it takes to be an "overcompensated" state worker is to have a job with the state. You think I'm paid too much? That's fine, I can leave state employ and double my money or better. Enjoy the pig poop in the lakes and rivers when I do.
@Elizabeth: Sing it, Sister! It was pretty obvious in February: photo of protest sign
I sincerely appreciate the effort, Dr. Cole.
But there is no joy in Mudville today. (Actually, one guy came into the coffee shop we frequent in the very most liberal corner of Madison, hooting. He sat down with a photo of Scott Walker on his iPad and looked around to see if he could catch any danged lib'rulls noticing. So *he* was pretty happy.)
#2: If the Budget Repair bill and subsequent outrages didn't galvanize the electorate, then nothing short of daily hippie executions on the Capitol Plaza will. Although I think you're right about point #4, people are pretty demoralized. I mean, if over half the state really wants a DNR in bed with polluting businesses, an eviscerated institution that was once a world-class university, failed schools, and a Christian fundie social agenda, I'm rather inclined to let them have it. My work entails, among other things, keeping animal excrement out of our waters; my wife's, keeping pesticides out of groundwater. Mmm, that's tasty stuff -- enjoy your free-market carcinogens, fellas!
#5: Expect right-to-work legislation shortly.
#8: Who, then? "Madison leftist" Kathleen Falk? The wonderful-but-unknown Kathleen Vinehout? Russ wasn't runnin', man.
#10: Sorry, but you are just dreaming here. These are Lombardi fans -- the winning is all that counts to them. They will trumpet the recall as a vindication and a victory, further enhancing the most powerful people in the world's status as poor put-upon victims. This will energize them -- depend on it.
Wish I could agree with you; I do, so often. But as much as my heart wants to, I know better. I live here.