Walker administration DNR grant mishap shows ineptitude and misuse of the public trust

The latest mistake by Wisconsin's Republican (and nearly completely absent) Governor Scott Walker shows the depth of ties of the GOP with conservative groups like Americans for Prosperity and the National Rifle Association.  The recently formed group, United Sportsmen of Wisconsin Foundation, received a $500,000 grant despite having no expertise in the grant requirements and lying about its nonprofit status.  Only after these details made it to the press did Scott Walker step in and cancel DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp's promise to green light the award regardless of the facts.  The Governor and Republican legislators are now in full on damage control, trying to figure out how to siphon this money to their cronies in another way while trying to save face over the debacle.

Link:  http://scottwalkerwatch.com/2013/09/04/walkerdnr-pay-to-play-united-sportsmen-of-wisconsin-500000-crony-scandal-tied-to-gop-donors-and-koch-brothers/ and http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/after-outdoor-training-grant-canceled-scott-walker-lawmakers-eye-alternatives-b9992104z1-222703171.html

Wisconsin Governor's Office fails to meet Section 508 (web accessibility) requirements

Several state government websites lack basic accessibility features (Section 508 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, amended in 1998, as well as state policy). These sites include the Governor's office's (headings, alt text for images, captions for video, keyboard navigation, etc.). The url is http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/Home. Other state websites that are lacking important web accessibility standards include the Dept. of Veteran Affairs (http://dva.state.wi.us/), the Dept. of Tourism (http://travelwisconsin.com/), and the Dept. of Safety and Professional Services (http://dsps.wi.gov/). Failing to provide accessible websites leaves the state open to lawsuits, not to mention simply leaving a significant number of computer users to not be able to use the websites in part or at all. I just emailed the address on the 'Accessibility' webpage of the Wisconsin State Govt, and the email totally bounced. The page hasn't been updated in 4 years, since Governor Doyle was in office (see http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/core/accessibility.html).

Politifact finds #GovWalker's job growth report false

Politifact has ruled on the side of opponents of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker today by stating his July 29th statements on positive job growth during his two-year tenure are indeed false.

Link: http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2013/aug/19/scott-walker/scott-walker-says-best-two-year-job-growth-came-du/

Wisconsin Capitol Police now arresting children, journalists

Whatever moral authority defenders of the Walker administration's crackdown on the Solidarity Sing Along claim to have is rapidly deteriorating as a 14-year-old girl, several grandmothers, and a distinguished journalist were arrested today. 

Link: http://bloggingblue.com/2013/08/15/matthew-rothschild-editor-of-the-progressive-magazine-arrested-by-capitol-police-for-taking-photos/

League of Conservation Voters targets Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) @SenRonJohnson in video

Republican Party whines about Clinton miniseries, threatens debate boycott

So nice to hear Reince Priebus and his GOP buddies actually fearing a presidential run by Hillary Clinton. I thought they wanted her to run because she would be so easy to defeat.

Link: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/05/rnc-boycott-threat-cnn-nbc-hillary-clinton

@GroverNorquist, @JeffFlake, and @jackabramoff all supported the 80's Apartheid regime in S. Africa

Grover Norquist (the anti-tax pledge guy), Jeff Flake (the teapartying Senator from AZ), and Jack Abramoff (ex-con and lobbyist) all worked directly to support the Apartheid regime in South Africa in the mid-80's. Norquist and Ambramoff were both heads of the National College Republicans. Need more proof that Republicans are the wrong party to be supporting?

Link: http://www.thenation.com/article/175172/meet-conservatives-who-campaigned-apartheid-south-africa#

Walker administration enjoined from preventing free speech at the Capitol #wiunion

This is great news for a neighborhood friend Michael Kissick, who peacefully and quietly has been fighting for his right to free speech at the Wisconsin Capitol for months now.  Good work Michael and his legal team with the ACLU.

Link: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/07/08/1222165/-Federal-Judge-Enjoins-Walker-Administration-from-Enforcing-Capitol-Permit-Requirements?showAll=yes

Gogebic Taconite hires armed guards in Penokees

Gogebic Taconite, an out-of-state firm has hired Bulletproof Security of Arizona, to harass protesters of a proposed mine in the Penokee Hills of Wisconsin.  Democratic lawmakers have asked for their immediate removal from the land, citing safety concerns.

Watch live streaming video from indiancountrytv at livestream.com

Link: http://host.madison.com/news/local/environment/bulletproof-arizona-security-team-raises-hackles-at-gogebic-mine-site/article_24cb77d0-9444-5ba8-948c-acad96f5e315.html

Wisconsin Republicans (#WisGOP) use stock photo to show diverse group of supporters

Hilarious but sad at the same time, Wisconsin's Republican Party has gone above and beyond themselves to try to show that their supporters are not as white, old, and male as they really are.



Source: http://wisconsinsiren.blogspot.com/2013/06/wisgop-uses-stock-photo-of-diverse.html

Capitol protesters ordered to remove duct tape from mouths

More proof that Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's administration cannot handle dissent of any kind, even if it is completely silent... gallery visitors silently protesting Assembly Bill 216 regarding abortion rights were ordered to remove duct tape on their mouths by Capitol Police.  After removing the duct tape, protesters covered their mouths in protest but were allowed to stay.  Several others were removed for clapping.



Link: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/06/14/1216158/-In-Wisconsin-Silence-Will-Not-Be-Tolerated#

Report: Wisconsin one of only three states to lose jobs over past 12 months

Thing are not looking good for #GovWalker.  His promise of 250,000 jobs in his first term is slipping away, due to focusing on a radical social agenda, and despite having full control of the legislature.

Link: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/writers/mike_ivey/wisconsin-one-of-three-states-to-have-lost-jobs-over/article_27605240-d513-11e2-b908-0019bb2963f4.html

Mike Ellis and Mary Lazich lose control, #WiGOP passes SB 206 requiring ultrasounds before abortions

Wow, this is an incredible bit of testimony and theater from the Wisconsin Senate.  Up for debate and ultimately passage, was SB 206, a bill requiring ultrasounds for women considering having an abortion and restricting access to abortion provision throughout the state.  Exemptions are provided to women who are pregnant due to rape or incest.

After hearing Kathleen Vinehout's testimony that she was sexually assaulted at age 15, Senator Mary Lazich berated her and anyone else for their 'theatrics' regarding this bill.  Strangely enough, Sen. Lazich then went into her own version of theatrical work simultaneously arguing that abortion will continue to be legal and that women 'should know' what is being done during the procedure.

Thing is... if abortion is legal, then why make it so hard to get one?

Text of the bill:  https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2013/related/proposals/sb206

Watch Ellis and Lazich get amped up:  http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/06/12/ruckus-in-wisconsin-senate-republicans-push-through-ultrasound-bill-after-silencing-democrats/

Verified: UW System salaries 18% below national average

Politifact has checked out UW System President Kevin Reilly's statement that UW System salaries are being hurt by several years of dismal compensation.  Thankfully, the System is requesting raises to the Wisconsin legislature.

Alex Jones, anti-GMO and pro-gun crusader, loses it on BBC

I am beginning to really understand Alex Jones now.  I didn't quite get him earlier, but now I think I do.  He's a poor-man's Glenn Beck.  A conspiracy theorist extraordinaire.  And he, unlike Beck, is using the internet to take over the world <irony intended>.
Link: http://dangerousminds.net/comments/alex_jones_completely_loses_his_shit_again_this_time_on_bbc_we_have_an_idio

Right Wing Justices approve DNA swabs from suspects

I always thought that conservatives were against big government.  But I guess that doesn't matter if the people who will be most affected will be African Americans and Hispanics, in proportional terms.  The Supreme Court has denied that a DNA sample taken from a suspect, not a convict, is an appropriate search and seizure.  There were exceptions to how the vote played out, however, with Justice Scalia joining more liberal members of the court, and Justices Breyer and Kennedy joining more conservative members in their respective decisions.

Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/04/us/supreme-court-says-police-can-take-dna-samples.html

Fed lists Wisconsin 49th in economic development

This should not come as very good news for possible White House hopeful and current embattled Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.

Link: http://www.jsonline.com/business/fed-index-ranks-wisconsin-49th-in-economic-outlook-b9927135z1-210333771.html

And the difference between Minnesota and Wisconsin is...?

It is better there.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/06/opinion/the-split-between-the-states.html

45 failed Alex Jones predictions

Libertarian radio personality Alex Jones is a conspiracy theorist and a prepper with a radio show and website.  His ability to make solid predictions is laughable, but even so he has millions of listeners and supporters nationwide.  Watch the video below for a few choice failures.

#GovWalker appointee of Child and Family Services Head is conservative think tank fellow

Eloise Anderson, who is Wisconsin's Secretary of Child and Family Services, is a Claremount Institute Fellow.  The Claremount Institute is a conservative think tank based in California whose goals are:  "to restore the principles of the American founding fathers to their rightful, preeminent authority in our national life," and to, "American politics," as established by the founders in the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio found to have violated constitutional rights of Latinos in Federal Court

This should come as no surprise, but it is at last the most serious rebuke of Arpaio's ass-backward approach to law and order.

Link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/25/us/federal-judge-finds-violations-of-rights-by-sheriff-joe-arpaio.html

Walker campaign spokeswoman resigns, heads to jail

As someone who volunteers in the field of substance abuse and harm reduction, I am always sad to see it when a person endangers themselves or faces negative consequences due to alcohol or drug use.  In fact, I am sympathetic.  However, in politics, it is a different matter.  We deserve to have elected officials whose representatives and staff maintain a higher level of personal responsibility. Operating while intoxicated, of which the spokeswoman has been convicted, is a serious offense.  It is also her second one within the past couple years, resulting in incarceration.  While Wisconsin historically has provided leniency to drunk drivers, there is hope that this is changing.  I believe we should reduce the limit of intoxication from .08 BAC to .05 as the National Transportation Safety Board has recently advised (and which the Tavern League of Wisconsin opposes). Bartenders should also cut off more people, as they are required to under existing law. Finally, I hope that the Walker campaign staff person gets the help she needs to avoid further endangering herself and others.

Link: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/208629331.html

Wisconsin GOP fast tracks voter suppression bill

A bill sponsored by right-wing conservative State Representative Don Pridemore would reduce the distance that election observers take at polling stations.  Saying they want to cut down on voter fraud, the GOP is solve a problem that doesn't exist.  Opponents say the effect on voters will result in a chilling effect.

Link: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/writers/jessica_vanegeren/gop-lawmaker-to-election-day-observers-get-a-little-closer/article_084c18b6-c18c-11e2-b184-001a4bcf887a.html

Wisconsin #GovWalker proposes state impose work rules on Foodshare beneficiaries

Not only does Republican Governor Scott Walker want to impose work rules on tens of thousands of poor recipients of food stamps, and make Wisconsin the sixth state in the Union to do so, Republican Senator Glenn Grothman is using the proposal as an opportunity to tell poor people that they are not wanted in the state at all.  Opponents say it will increase hunger as well as homelessness as the working poor will struggle further to make ends meet.

Link: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/some-foodshare-recipients-would-have-to-work/article_62c86095-c560-51bd-9f33-65a692a1ca4e.html

#RNC Hispanic outreach director quits, switches party to Democrat

Great news for Dems and not so great news for the GOP...  But what can the Republican Party expect with its endless railing against immigrants (let alone immigration)?

Link: http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/05/14/2006251/rnc-director-of-hispanic-outreach-quits-party-and-registers-as-a-democrat/

#GOP obsessed about Benghazi; Quietly ignores 1983 Beruit Barracks bombing under Reagan

The Benghazi attack, while tragic, does not merit the attention being paid to it by the Republican party, FOX News, and conservative outlets.

Even if additional soldiers or security personnel had been provided to Benghazi, it may not have prevented any loss of life.  On the contrary, maybe many more people would have died.

Take, for example, the case of the 1983 Beirut Barracks bombing.  Carried out by two suicide bombers, the attack took the lives of 241 U.S. soldiers, and the total death count was 299 - several civilians and French soldiers also died.

Was the Reagan administration criticized for this massive military failure? If not, then why is Benghazi different?

We should be trying to get to the bottom of tragedies like the West Fertilizer Company explosion, which recently killed 15 people and injured dozens.  

Politifact: Wisconsin #GovWalker falsely accuses Obama and Baldwin offices of campaign work

Great piece from Politifact, a nonpartisan site that fact-checks politicians.  It has found, in part, the following:

In a fund-raising letter, Walker told supporters that he needs to build his campaign war chest because Baldwin and Obama have kept their campaign offices open in three Wisconsin locations, and have staff "preparing for the next battle."

There is no evidence of Obama or Baldwin offices. We found only a single employee of the successor to Obama’s campaign group, who didn’t start working until long after the statement was made. The Baldwin campaign has a single office in Madison -- not in the areas Walker mentioned in his claim.

And the limited evidence the Walker campaign provided to in support of the claim all came after the statement was made.

We rate Walker’s claim False.

Link: http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2013/may/06/scott-walker/gov-scott-walker-says-democrats-using-obama-and-ba/

Former Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold blasts Mark Zuckerberg's FWD.us lobby group

I can't imagine that Facebook would ever do anything to promote corporate welfare, would it? It seems at least Russ Feingold thinks so.  I've been cutting back on my liking and other activities on Facebook... and have encouraged people not to click on ads and other corporate sponsored links.

Link: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/writers/jack_craver/russ-feingold-blasts-facebook-s-mark-zuckerberg/article_75be20c6-b758-11e2-a82c-0019bb2963f4.html

Wisconsin #GOP targets poor with zero evidence about nutrition and food stamps

Food stamps and entitlements are only the second thing that Republicans seem to care about, next to taxes.  But why?

Do they really think that abuse of programs like WIC and Foodshare are making people poor and/or unhealthy?  Or are they just upset that taxes are too high and/or could be spent on other things?

I venture to guess it's because they don't know why people are poor and/or unhealthy, and that it is easier for them to blame poor people themselves than to actually study or understand the complex issues that Foodshare recipients actually face.

In fact, we already know that most Foodshare beneficiaries are short-term recipients due to a job loss, family illness, or other temporary problem.  Many others simply cannot earn enough to be able to feed their kids without help.

Perhaps there are abuses, but there has never been any study of how much of a problem it is.  Somehow, the anecdotal stories that make the news take the place of we don't know for certain.

Frankly, I blame racism for a lot of this.  While whites are the overwhelming majority of Foodshare benefits, there are higher percentages of people receiving this aid within the African American and Latino communities.

We don't seem to have a problem with millions in government subsidies that go to white dairy farmers or others in the agricultural sector, but you hear one story about an African American man who used food stamps to buy a lobster and suddenly there is a major scandal.  How is that fair?

Oh yes, because the white farmer is employed.  I venture to guess, however, that he might be on Foodshare himself if not for the subsidies that are out there.

Please, people, think things through a little bit more.  People do not eat better when they are poor.  They eat worse.  If we are concerned about improving health for our most vulnerable citizens, let's take a more balanced approach and look at the entire environment and increase some actual opportunities rather than take away what little people have to start with.

Link: http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/odd-coalition-opposes-wisconsin-bill-limiting-junk-food-purchases-qu9re45-206318501.html

WEDC woes continue to plague #WisGOP and #GovWalker

This story out today is about the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, of which Governor Scott Walker is the President of the Board... PR person John Gillespie leaving due to delinquent taxes exceeding $44,000.  He is one of several staff members to leave the organization.

Link: http://www.wkow.com/story/22180887/2013/05/07/wedc-official-resigns-after-27-news-investigation

Glenn Beck portrays Jewish NYC Mayor Bloomberg as Saluting Nazi at NRA convention

WTF?


Link: http://mediamatters.org/video/2013/05/04/at-nra-rally-beck-portrays-nyc-mayor-bloomberg/193910

Wisconsin @GovWalker plans to cut 29,000 from Medicaid in budget

Scott Walker continues his assault on the poor and working poor by proposing to drop a further 29,000 at-risk kids from Medicaid due to his ideological (and illogical) position that pushing families into debt will encourage them to get themselves out of poverty.

Link: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/governor-s-budget-includes-possible-future-medicaid-cuts-for-children/article_327d5802-a26b-5ea5-92b6-20e3602b99de.html

Mattie Duppler (@MDuppler) wrong about Wisconsin residents and guns

I was intrigued to hear that Mattie Duppler of some right-wing tax group argued that gun use and ownership is increasing by sharing the anecdote that 'this is what people in Wisconsin do all the time.'  I'm paraphrasing, but that's basically what she said at the end of the clip in the link below.  This is simply not true.  I've lived in Wisconsin most of my adult life and I don't know people who go shoot things on weekends.  I do know a few people who hunt, but even they are in a minority.  The fact is that hunting is in decline, as is gun ownership.  Increased gun sales do not equal increased owners of guns.

Link:  http://www.mediaite.com/tv/maher-and-lawrence-odonnell-get-in-shouting-match-with-gop-guests-2nd-amendment-will-not-protect-you-from-tyranny/

Remembering Kent State - May 4th

Today is a good day to remember the thirteen victims of shootings by the National Guard during anti-war protests at Kent State University on May 4, 1970.  Four of the victims died, while a fifth was paralyzed for life.  The remaining 8 victims who were shot did not die or receive permanent injuries.

The day before the shootings, Ohio Governor Rhodes gave a press conference at a fire station in Kent calling the student protestors un-American.  He also said, "I think that we're up against the strongest, well-trained, militant, revolutionary group that has ever assembled in America."  This proved to be false.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_State_shootings#Legal_action_against_the_guardsmen_and_others

Conservative group leader Penny Nance links secularism to the Holocaust

It is an understatement to say that Penny Nance hasn't got a clue when she states that secular thinking and promoting reason leads to events such as the Holocaust.

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/concerned-fox-news-guest-scientific-enlightenment-and-reason-led-directly-to-the-holocaust/

Dane County Republicans have jumped the shark, again

There's an awful lot that can be said about whoever is running the Twitter machine at the Dane County Republican head office.  Pandering, taunting, cajoling, ridiculing... anything but taking accountability for promoting a myopic worldview that sees people as completely detached from their communities, and jaded by secularism, yet also enslaved by their government and burdened by taxes.  The republican solution is this: protect the wealthy, screw the environment, leave social problems to religion, and no matter what, believe that America in the 1950's was the ideal.  Talk about a winning ticket - I hope these types of inane comments continue because they can only help Democrats.

@newwisgov Democrats care more about winning politics than actually making life better for anybody. It's despicable and shameful.
— Dane County (WI) GOP (@danerepublicans) April 23, 2013

Federal complaint: Wisconsin GOP aides delete thousands of redistricting files

Let's see what's on these computers.  They belong to the taxpayers and the taxpayers have a right to know what's on them.

Link:  http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/redist19-ql9k8m4-203686741.html

More evidence that @GovWalker is not working for Wisconsin

Wisconsin continuing to bleed jobs, as Governor Walker's pledge of 250,000 jobs continues to slip away.

Link: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/city-life/wisconsin-sees-first-monthly-job-loss-since-october-preliminary-figures/article_b104b080-6d66-5910-aa66-f463c84a8701.html

Republicans and the NRA has jumped the shark on gun legislation

Cenk Uygur argues that Senate Republicans and the NRA have overplayed their hand.

Major NRA donor and board member resigns

Adolphus Busch has submitted a letter of resignation to the NRA board, as well as giving up his lifetime membership citing rigidity and overdominance by gun sellers and manufacturers within the organization.

Link:  http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/04/18/the-nra-loses-its-beer-money-anheiser-busch-heir-resigns/

China downgrades economic outlook after #GovWalker visit

Surely the two events are not related, but it is an auspicious occurrence in any case as Scott Walker's performance continues to be dismal heading towards 2014.

Link: http://www.wisdems.org/news/press/view/2013-04-warning-visits-from-scott-walker-may-be-bad-for-your

MacIver Institute statement on @GovWalker jobs numbers false (PolitiFact)

Halfway through Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's first (and hopefully only) term in office, he has achieved far less than the 250,000 jobs he promised when campaigning in 2010.  Despite this, the conservative MacIver Institute has overstated his progress by some 65,000 excess jobs.  The reality is that he's only one quarter towards his goal even though he has much less than two years to reach it.

Link: http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2013/apr/17/maciver-institute/maciver-institute-says-wisconsin-gov-scott-walker-/

Hundreds shot and dozens killed by guns in the U.S. every day

It is disappointing to hear that Republicans and the National Rifle Association are continuing to block legislation on common sense background checks for gun purchases, despite evidence that (1) they work, and (2) they are supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans.

It's amazing that so many people are being injured and killed by guns and that even a simple solution like a background check cannot be agreed on.

Here are some basic facts about gun violence from the Brady Campaign...

Hannity and Malkin downplay old-fashioned discipline of children and college athletes

Sean Hannity and Michelle Malkin allege the abuse of basketball players is their own choice - and not something imposed on them... 'If they don't like being abused, they should leave.'  Secondly, both seemed to justify the beatings they received as children with belts and 'more' due to the fact that they turned out 'just fine.'  Instead of actually saying anything that might prevent more abuse, they seem to be encouraging it.

What's more, they believe that exposing violence is simply part of the liberal, politically correct 'agenda.'

Link:  http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/41825_Sean_Hannity_and_Michelle_Malkin_Reveal-_They_Were_Beaten_as_Children
 

Scott Walker and Wisconsin's Natural Resources Dept removing scientists from committees

The Walker administration is literally removing scientists from these committees and replacing them with people who want to turn our forests and parks into nothing more than game reserves.  You can stop this by supporting progressive conservation groups like the Sierra Club, or get involved in the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and stop the trend.  There is a meeting tonight (Monday, April 8 at 7 p.m.) in all of Wisconsin's 72 counties that is open to the public - your vote is needed!

Link: http://www.wisconsinoutdoorfun.com/article/20130407/GPG0204/304070242/Pat-Durkin-column-DNR-loses-credibility-committee-revamp

Rush Limbaugh absurdly accuses the Associated Press of being run by Democrats in disguise

The AP stylebook, used by journalists worldwide, has recently dropped the pejorative term 'Islamist' at the urging of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.  Rush Limbaugh, the conservative blowhard, has used this as proof that the Democratic Party is now secretly in control of not only the Associated Press, but of all news outlets, essentially doubling down on himself to the nth degree.  There is no longer any news - only opinion, he proclaims - without a hint of irony.

Listen for yourself: http://mediamatters.org/video/2013/04/05/limbaugh-calls-ap-democrat-party-apparatchiks-i/193498

Hey Wisconsin! Please Vote on Tuesday, April 2nd!

If you haven't voted yet (via absentee ballot), I encourage you to become educated about the issues in Tuesday's (April 2nd) Spring Primary.

The State Superintendent of Public Instruction, a Supreme Court Justice seat, and many other positions are up for consideration.

To make an informed choice, check out the nonpartisan League of Women Voters' website here:  http://www.lwvwi.org/

You can find out if you are registered, and where to vote here: http://gab.wi.gov/voters

For Dane County issues and candidates: http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=39541

Iran, Syria, and North Korea Join the NRA in opposing UN Small Arms Treaty

It is interesting, and ironic, that the NRA now finds itself aligned with Iran, Syria, and North Korea in opposing the UN Small Arms Treaty.  

The NRA has done everything within its power to block the treaty, including telling members that the treaty will supersede the 2nd amendment, which it of course will not.

Link:  http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/29/us-arms-treaty-un-idUSBRE92R10E20130329

Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson launches Victims of Government website

The new taxpayer-funded 'project' highlights the story of a Granite City, Illinois, property owner who has been involved in legal proceedings against the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers.  There is not a shred of objective news that can refute or deny the story, but I am assuming that if there was Johnson would not have picked it as a cause célèbre.

One other thing that really irks me about this, is that Johnson is spending time working on a case for someone who is not his constituent.  Shouldn't he be working for Wisconsin residents instead?

Link: http://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=da529203-26c6-4625-b28a-d0ae36d0f35e

#NRA sending robocalls to #SandyHook residents

The National Rifle Association is allowing robocalls to family members of victims of Sandy Hook.   I find that to be both cowardly and aggressive at the same time. It's bullying behavior. I'm glad that residents of Sandy Hook are not taking this abuse without speaking out.

Link: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/newtown-residents-plan-protest-nra-article-1.1299803

Former Walker campaign staffer feigns outrage over Obama African-American appointments

I just can't see any other way of looking at Ms. Matthew's comparison addressed to Kanye West and Steve Brusk.  

Ted Nugent in Madison in August 2011 going off on the French and 'the Wisconsin Hippies'

Clearly, 2011 was a tense year for Wisconsin.  I don't see what 'the French' have to do with it though.


Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPaL8uvXeR0

Dane County Republicans Accuse 'The Left' of Supporting Nazis, Dictators

Despite the fact that the U.S. has held Venezuela and Hugo Chavez at an arm's distance for many years, Republicans are lashing out at virtually anyone and anything who is not celebrating Chavez' death.  Here's how they are enjoying themselves (I've added the comments in red for extra comedic effect).  Enjoy!

On the contrary, it is known that Senator Prescott Bush (GWBush's grandfather) had several ties to the Nazi's, and who held onto his investments in Germany well into 1942 when his assets were confiscated (link: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2004/sep/25/usa.secondworldwar).  Did he 'back' the Nazis - well, probably not.  But he did do business with them.

After ten-year-long war, Iraq and U.S. are both worse off

The settling of personal scores ending in the ouster of Saddam Hussein and his Baathist Party have left Iraq in a state of perpetual unrest and violence since the war began 10 years ago.  Led by neoconservatives like Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney, and others, the Iraq war cost many tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars, and have been widely considered a major failure.  I, however, am not sure there is any regret on behalf of those who started this disaster - excepting, perhaps, Colin Powell.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/20/world/middleeast/attacks-in-baghdad-before-iraq-war-anniversary.html 

Rep. Ryan's budget assumes repeal of Affordable Care Act while admitting it is not likely to happen

Paul Ryan doesn't seem to want to accept reality.

Link: http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2013/03/11/paul_ryan_s_obamacare_run_around.html 

Yikes! Charlie Sykes and Journal Communications launch "Right Wisconsin" website

Milwaukee's Journal Communications company, publisher of the Journal Sentinal and owner of WTMJ tv and radio stations, has launched a right wing attack site led by commentator Charlie Sykes.    This is unprecedented in the history of non-partisan journalism in Wisconsin.

Link: http://mediamatters.org/blog/2012/10/09/is-wisconsins-journal-broadcasting-grooming-the/190479

Dennis Smith to leave Wisconsin DHS for K Street Law Firm

Good riddance to Dennis Smith!  Goodbye, Sir, and don't come back!  You've been in Wisconsin for two years and no one I know has anything nice to say about you!  I hope you enjoy your new job on K Street working to continue to work to deprive poor people of 'entitlements' and 'empower' them towards independence, as opposed to really understanding that healthcare is essential for people and should be a right - not a privilege of those who can afford it.  

Link:  http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2013/02/22/dennis-smith-joining-dc-law-firm.html

Despicable Tweets and the #SOTU

Every time President Obama makes news, like last night, Twitter comes alive with some of the most vile, evil tweets you can imagine.  I don't know if these people are idiots or just don't care...   This blog, Despicable Tweets, is an attempt to reign in some of this 'free speech.'

Link: http://despicabletweets.tumblr.com/post/42990032435/publicshaming-obamas-first-state-of-the-union

Study Confirms Tea Party Was Created by Big Tobacco and Billionaires

Study Confirms Tea Party Was Created by Big Tobacco and Billionaires:

A screenshot of the archived U.S. Tea Party site, as it appeared online on Sept. 13, 2002

More: Study Confirms Tea Party Was Created by Big Tobacco and Billionaires

Republican Governor Scott Walker tries and fails to raid Wisconsin pension system

In a brazen move, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker tried to extract $200 from the state's rock solid pension system to use for risky venture capitol.  He was completely rebuked, according to this article via the Associated Press: http://host.madison.com/news/state-and-regional/wedc-head-asks-for-million-in-pension-funds/article_8c17103b-bcff-5261-b29c-817ba1cd9567.html

Voucher Schools and Creationism Spreading

Now this is a story that just amazes me.  There are at least 310 so-called 'voucher schools' nationwide which are taking federal tax dollars away from public schools, yet are allowed to teach a purely religious concept - Creationism - while at the same time not teaching the science of evolution.

There are over a dozen of these schools in Wisconsin alone.  The website and documentation are an initiative of 19-year-old Zack Kopplin, a student at Rice University, who became interested in this topic while a middle school student in Louisiana.

Link: http://creationistvouchers.com/

Dennis Kucinich to work as FOX News Commentator

This is truly weird, but I wish him luck.

Link: http://dangerousminds.net/comments/wait_a_minute_what_liberal_dennis_kucinich_joins_fox_news

Breitbart.com's editor in total Obama meltdown mode

Great analysis a blogger at the Little Green Footballs blog about how after years of bashing Obama, Breitbart.com's editor Joel Pollak has stopped making any sense whatsoever.

Link:  http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/41412_After_Obsessively_Attacking_Obama_for_Years_-Breitbart.com_Decides_Hes_Irrelevant