On YEAH for our US Bill of Rights!
Posted on December 16 at 7:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Thank you, John, for thoughtful, well documented (although often kinda long) columns. I agree it's frustrating when the comments are rude or off-topic, or give "facts" that cannot be verified. However, this blog wouldn't be possible without the freedom of speech. That's something to celebrate.
On What is WRONG with Americans?!
Posted on December 16 at 7:12 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
John, I read your blogs, and sometimes disagree, and often agree, but I don't usually write in the blog unless I can get on before the people with no manners (I think of them as middle-school bullies) start spewing their nonsense. That said, a recent letter from the Wisconsin Council of Churches says it well: "Respectful conversations take time, patience, and Christian maturity. They require us listen to others as well as share our own views using language that is far different than what we hear in the media. They require us to acknowledge that those who hold different perspectives than our own are persons created in God's image and are united with us in the body of Christ. They call us to . . . expand the dialogue to include others in our local communities." What a change there would be if everyone would listen and think before speaking. I'll bet if the blog were not anonymous, it would be much more civil.
On Does Walker administration’s new protest policy go too far?
Posted on December 10 at 6:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
72 hour "notice" for any "activity" in a State building. So, if we're at the farmer's market in Madison, and granddaughter needs to use the bathroom in the Capitol, only three or less of us can go inside unless we make prior application to the government (don't worry, she'll flush and wash her hands). If relatives from out of state want to walk through the capitol to admire the art and architecture, they must get a permit, unless we remain outside so it doesn't constitute a group of 4? Wisconsin is not only NOT open for business, it's not open for folks who wish to peaceably assemble, or just walk through the capitol. We are the laughingstock of the country. Sad.
On Is movement to recall Walker right or wrong?
Posted on December 8 at 7:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"In these dark days, when we need to unite to solve our problems, Scott Walker is the most polarizing pubic figure in Wisconsin history. In 10 months, he has undermined the very foundations upon which Wisconsin was founded." This is from a letter to the editor in yesterday's Green Bay paper http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/arti.... That letter puts it nicely. Look at Politifact http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/ to see how he's doing.
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We have friends who voted for Walker who were among the first in line to sign the petitions. One's an educator in a non-union position, and another works in a (non-union) company that has downsized to one-third it's original size. Hitting people over the head with a claim that they are the cause of this great recession, and then losing more jobs than any other state is not going to help anyone except the very wealthiest. And it certainly won't help the state's budget. Eliminating middle class jobs also doesn't help the state budget as the middle class pays taxes.
Posted on December 3 at 8:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
If you are 1)being paid to write/speak about something, and/or 2) trying to impress people with your class and knowledge, you should be paying close attention to each and every word. Occasional misspellings or misuse of a word by the public in a blog is no big deal as long as the point is made, since that is casual conversation. But when a professional writer does it, it is unacceptable. Carpenters always say to measure twice, cut once. Perhaps writers should write once, edit twice (once for content, once for grammar/spelling).
On HYPOCRISY! You shall KNOW the TRUTH and ...
Posted on November 30 at 4:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
So Acai, you suggest that because John's posts "are just fly traps for the gutless to come out in droves and spew their ignorance." And then you add, "Give it a rest, PLEASE!" I hope you are asking those who you judge to be "gutless" to give it a rest, and not John. His blog might be longer than many, but it is full of valid links and brings up many valid points. Oh, and BTW, I'm naive enough to believe I'm NOT "gutless" and I don't think I "spew ignorance."
On HYPOCRISY! You shall KNOW the TRUTH and ...
Posted on November 30 at 7:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Thanks for a good article, John. If each piece of legislation were about one topic, with no off-topic earmarks tucked inside, AND if there were a process where states that feel a need for federal money could apply for it by writing a grant that would be considered by those who would issue the money, then earmarks would be more difficult to put into legislation. However, asking the very people who gain votes, and thus their jobs, by putting earmarks into legislation to eliminate them is close to impossible.
On Boring work commute? Locals weigh in on how they pass the time
Posted on November 29 at 3:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
For all the years I commuted 40+ minutes each way, it would be Public Radio we'd listen to. Unless it was snowing or stormy out -- then I'd switch to an oldies station for 2 reasons, 1) it was kind of mindless so I could concentrate on the drive, 2) but I knew all the songs so I could get rid of nervous energy singing along. I did hit a turkey once, saw plenty of deer and lots of other critters including a badger (the furry kind browsing alongside the road)!
On Redistricting threatens effective representation!
Posted on November 28 at 4:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Thanks for a good article, John. The recalls should be in the districts the persons were elected in, as those who voted for (or against) a person should be the ones to choose to (or not) remove that person. The state senator from the district I'm in is one being recalled. The "new" district he'll be in after redistricting is so strongly Republican he wouldn't have to worry about losing his job if they were the ones to consider it. Gerrymandering has been around as long as redistricting has, and so new districts are routinely contested.
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On Citizens without IDs are caught in ‘Catch 22’
Posted on February 12 at 10:10 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
According to the Wisconsin site for ordering a certified birth certificate at http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/F0/F0..., the following forms of identification are required to get your copy: One of these: Wisconsin driver’s license, Wisconsin photo ID, out-of-state driver’s license or photo ID card. OR Two of these: Government-issued employee ID card or badge with photo, US Passport, Check or bank book, Major Credit Card, Health Insurance Card, Recent dated, signed lease, Recent utility bill or traffic ticket.