Barack Obama supports Wisconsin unions

• Did it occur to you that what the average private citizen pays in premiums for health care is too much? Or that the average private citizen has been losing ground steadily for the last 35 years (with an exception during the years Clinton was president)? The average private citizen has been losing ground and it is not because of the public sector. It is because the taxes for the rich and corporations have been going down steadily since Ronald Reagan became the president and loosened all the regulations and taxes on the financial sector. Add to that the outsourcing of jobs and you find the seeds for crumbling infrastructure, lost pension security for both private and public sector. Don't forget we have had 2 big financial meltdowns under the GOP.

• This maneuver by Gov. Walker, done during the school year when teachers are with their students and do feel horrible about having to go to a rally to preserve their livelihood is a backstabbing by their own leaders. It is obvious that the governor did this is a backhanded way to catch everyone off guard. Shame on him--supposedly a leader of the people--to put people in this compromising position. However, this is self defense and in a court of law, protecting yourself against predators is legal. The governor did do the students of Wisconsin a favor by bringing to life the trials and tribulations of maintaining a democracy. Students had the opportunity to see their teachers and others step forward to protect this phenomenal concept of a democratic government. As much as you try to make it real, it is never that same as the real thing. Students also were able to see the legislature divided and watch those legislators who had no choice but to leave the state, do so, to protect the democracy they believe in. What courage they displayed by their actions. How much did the students suffer not having class that day or having a substitute for a day? Very little because they saw their teachers take a stand against bullying. What a lesson! They saw their teachers stand against tyranny. How better to learn courage! Did they learn anything about their state and how their government works? Without a doubt. When the students study history and learn about the beginning of WWII and the Hitler rule, they'll learn that bad governments destroy education first, then they pit people against one another--neighbor against neighbor--child against parent--wife against husband--husband against wife--religion against religion, etc. Then they prevent the people from joining together as in unions. When these students study democracy now, they'll know the steps of destruction having lived it. They'll know better how democracy works and they'll know some of the things to do to save it. By the way, are teachers overpaid? No, they should get more. They do pay their own health care and retirement. That money was part of the pay agreement. It was not given separately as a bonus. Do they only work from 7:30 to 2:30 or 3:00? Are you kidding? Hours of work are put in by teachers beyond the regular school day--including weekends and holidays! And please check on the paid holidays and vacations! In my district we got 4 paid holidays and no paid vacation. We were laid off for 2 and a half months in the summer.

• Two things: 1. Before I got to this page, I didn't know what these 14 Senators looked like, and now I'm glad I do. 2. It is no longer just a Wisconsin issue and these 14 heroes aren't merely going down in Wisconsin history. This is now a national issue.

• Do you really think we don't know what these 14 Senators look like? We also know what an open attact on everyone in Wisconsin but the Koch brothers looks like as well. These 14 people will go down as heros in Wisconsin history. They created the vehical for an open disucssion about the "budget" and the blatant efforts of the gov. to smash unions, rob our children of a real education, and cut funding for programs that benefit the poor and under served. I am amazed that the remaining Republican Senators are hanging with the gov now that the people in their districts can see how one sided this all is. This is not a tea party state. This is a state that was promised jobs, not a Florida style educations system. Gov. Walker is attempting to dumb down Wisconsin and even though his efforts do not effect me personally, I was raided to know right from wrong. This is all wrong

• "Asking" is the wrong word (hence, I assume, Raine123's use of term "uneducated.") What Governor Walker is doing is "dictating," which smacks of a not-so-hidden union-busting agenda. (I use the term union-busting, of course, because the Governor proposes eliminating public employees' right of collective bargaining.)

• this is in response to "babler family" i agree, union workers are by no means lazy, and what most people don't realize is that you have little chance being a part of a union if you are not a good worker. unions do not equate communism - they are competing in the market as a team. often times, you can't get a job somewhere without being union, and they are strick as hell because they have their own reputation to protect. on the other hand, i get infuriated with the arguement about immigrants and outsourcing more and more as time goes on. sure, illegals may not pay taxes....on the $3 per hour (at best) that they are making. and the low wages that many of them make allow for the americans to make more money and keep their cushy jobs while mr. $3 per hour does all the work he would NEVER do. worse yet, is our current young generation. most of them are less willing than ever to work. they think they are above all of those menial jobs. there is no such thing as a respectable labor force for people born here, anymore - we look down upon it - it is beneath us. And everytime that grateful immigrate, willing to do the nasty, back-breaking work we are completely unwilling to do, takes that job, we all cry "there are no jobs for americans anymore!". the only hope we have with our spoiled selves, are the immigrants coming to this country with hope and appreication for all that can be had. in terms of out sourcing....how much will an american worker be willing to make? i remember not that long ago, when telemarketing companies hired here in these awful boiler rooms. it was really hard to keep kids - making far more per hour than they were worth - to stay more than 1 week. then it went away all together. make furniture in this country? well, you sir are a craftsman and deserve a severely high wage that, in term requires an exhorbatant amount to be paind for the furniture you produce! but, awww, we are all so upset that we have to pay that much. face it. we have created these societal problems. the only hope we have at the moment lays in the immagrant and foreign worker who is willing to do the work we are too spoiled to do, and beath the breathe of hope into this country that we have lost....just as franklin feared.

• Maybe if you were more educated on the topic, you would know that this is truly not about cutting union benefits. All of the money that is disucussed is money that was paid in by employees, 100%!! This is the equilelent to "you paid $12000 per year to your 401k, but the state now needs it". The Union Workers have paid every penny of these monies themselves, for their own future investing. Just becuase the government has so horribly mismanaged its own tax paid money, they should not be expecting those who were smarter with their earnings to bail them out.

• I support the Wisconsin 14 -- they are courageous and (to use terminology from the right) are true patriots!

• One of these men was last seen (in Wisconsin anyway) attending a wedding in his district over the weekend. It was a Russian Orthodox ceremony attended by a school teacher from Oregon.

• First -- Union workers are not any more lazy or greedy than any other living, breathing, working human throughout the entire world. All humans want more for less, including you, and if you were given the chance and the opportunity you would take more for less yourself. I am not a union worker, nor have I ever been one, but I can see through the disguise and see that what Mr. Walker is doing is completely wrong. Second -- Unions and the benefits paid to workers are not what caused the financial mess of our state or our country. The financial mess was created because of neglect and under-budgeting. There are people working in our country who are not citizens of our country. They are not required to pay income taxes. They take jobs and earned wages away from our citizens who are required to pay income taxes. Less taxes being collected from wages earned equals less funds being collected to pay the bills. People have steadily lost jobs over the past 2 to 3 decades. There are more people who are of working age but there are less jobs to provide a means of income for them all. Third -- Another reason for our financial crises has been because we have outsourced our industry to other countries, and are sending financial funding and support to other countries. Why is that? How can we help someone else if we are unable to help ourselves? What Mr. Walker is trying to do will only hurt our economy and industry even more; which will only cause even more job losses. He is not only hurting Public sector employees but also Private sector employees. Either way, people are going to lose their job and with job loss comes even less income tax funds collected. It is just a measure of simple math. Lost jobs equals lost wages; Lost wages equals Less income tax funds collected; Less income tax funds collected equals less funds to pay "the bills" each month.

• "Flee-bagging"? I can't find that in a dictionary. Perhaps you made it up.

• Bob, what's at stake here is the integrity of The Middle Class. Walker and the Koch brothers hope to shrink The Middle Class, and push Middle Class families back into what is called Working Class, reversing 80 years of economic gains.

• you hang in there..your " The Fab Fourteen" and were sooooo proud of you..with you.. we will win this battle from Walker for the American people..thanks for all you do!

• Actually, polls have 71% IN FAVOR of Walker right now. And didn't 0bama promise that "energy prices would necessarily skyrocket" because of his policies? So why are you blaming Republicans for something Democrats are responsible for? Maybe you should have supported Sarah Palin 4 years ago when she demanded that we drill here and drill now for oil, which would have reached the market today...

• Wow. Walker "locked out" the Democrats? Where could he have ever gotten an idea like that? hmmm... Nancy Pelosi and Health Care Reform seem to come to mind. Now, as for "mandates" - you also need to understand that many of those who voted FOR 0bama are against the health care bill (besides the fact it's unconstitutional, but you would need an education in history to understand the original intent of the Commerce clause, which obviously you do not have). You also need to understand that Walker still has a vast majority of the state supporting him.

• It's no more debt that someone has to take on to become a mechanical engineer. And in Wisconsin, teachers are on par with the salary of a mechanical engineer. How's that for the "truth". Oh, and the figures do NOT include superintendents and administration averaged in. If they did, it would actually drag the overall numbers down. First of all, there are not many superintendents to significantly affect the average salary. Secondly, the administration is typically paid LESS than the teachers. Seriously, try telling the truth. I know that "LIBEL" + "LIAR" = "LIBERAL", but you are making it too easy.

• And your day ends at 3:30pm, you get a paid summer vacation, two weeks for Christmas, another week for Easter. You have the option of taking a part time job in the summer. Your insurance premiums are less than HALF of a private sector worker and the insurance benefits themselves are TWICE as good. You get a tax-payer funded pension after 30 years. More importantly, I know for a fact that no teacher puts in as many hours as most private sector workers. Stop crying me a river, it won't work anymore. You need to pay more for your benefits. Period. Oh, and to show you who has the moral superiority here: my wife is a teacher, I'm on her benefits and I KNOW for a fact the private sector tax payer is getting screwed. Even *I* think we need to pay more for our health insurance premiums. I see her hours and the hours of her co-workers. Pfft, if only I had working hours and vacation breaks like that! I typically leave work at 6:30pm every night and work another hour at home. You want to compare how bad you got it? You are a worthless punk in my opinion.

• Two phrases come to mind: 1) Elections have consequences 2) Time to pay your fair share, it's patriotic Feel free to google those quotes.

• Speaking of uneducated, that would be you Raine. The bill in front of the senate asks that public sector workers pay for 12% of their insurance premiums instead of the 4 to 6% they are paying now. Which is still less than half of the 27% the average private citizen in Wisconsin pays for theirs.

• Maybe if the unions were more patriotic and paid their fair share instead of expecting the tax payers to pick up the bill, the governor wouldn't have to support legislation that would LIMIT (not "bust") the union power base. Maybe if union members were not so lazy and greedy, they wouldn't have to LIE about Walker wanting to "bust" unions. The truth is that unions will still be allowed and they will still have collective bargaining power, but for pay only. Not for benefits, which is what caused the financial mess in the first place.

• Stand your ground!

• Nice job. How about you ask the poll question fairly. Instead of using cheap tactics to rephrase the question. That is of the oldest tricks in the book to manipulate public polls to favor your agenda. Also attach the presidents name to the question too. Nice play on the hype angle. Next Time Try and phrase it like this: Are you in favor of the budget reform bill? -Yes -No

• Stop talking about union rights, idiot. They have already broken America.

• Codifiedmatter. You are lier. I lived in Wisconsin too. People want to recall those Democratic senators who fled the state.

• EscapeGoat. Please, tell me how it happened that teacher have got better pay and benefits compare to the private sector employees. They provide much better education standards than other countries? Or may be, they risk their lives teaching? I hope, you see your stupidity. The only reason is collective bargain and the union. Remember GM and what union did to it and to the whole American auto industry. The problem with American unions that it keep demanding the better and better benefits regadless the market condition and economy. We will be better without the unions.

• yeah, we all have a lot in common with packer players, whose union is going to mess up football because of their selfishness. I am working, why aren't these so-called caring teachers and lame excuses for senators? Believe that I have ALL their info: districts, pictures, voting records, etc.for next time they try running for office. Wake up Wisconsin!

• i can fix this Fred. Make the teachers and othe government workers private sector jobs. Done. Besides the Gov.'s pay isn't the big issue. it's the gov union employ's legacy costs that will bankrupt the state, come on think~!

• I hear about the unions making the concessions, but I don't hear anything about millionaires paying their fair share or closing corporate loopholes. I don't hear Walker saying he will cut his pay, his pension, and his benefits. His should be at the top of the list. Of course, the issue is NOT about money. It is about busting the unions who have done so much to create a stable middle-class. The hoped for result will be that the middle-class becomes poorer, less educated, less informed (like so many on this discussion forum seem to be), and easier to manipulate into fighting with one another rather than with the very wealthy in this country, who continue to get wealthier and wealthier and can buy more politicians.

• The hiding representatives should be replaced. It is a disgrace that they will not do what they were elected to do. I would be embarrassed if I were them. That is really sad that because you know the bill that you oppose is going to pass you decide not to show up. Enjoy the lay-off. These teacher’s should be ashamed. these are the same teachers that have signs in their yards that say, "vote yes for children". Yep, it's is for the children, i'm sure. So if a judge is afraid of a jury’s decision does the judge have the right to not show up to prevent the jury from announcing their decision? If unions are so great than why is it that the majority (better then 80%) of private sector workers are not union? Ever notice that on a “government holiday” the rush hour traffic is sweet? Scary that there are so many government workers, we really need to change that. Countless government positions could and should be private sector jobs including teachers. Oh and "paying thier fair share", really? get off this selfish kick of your, stand up for yourself and make your own way. People do it everyday with out hiding behind union signs. PLEASE. I say, make it a flat tax(the most simple and fair tax), then you would see who actually paid their fair share. You are not entitled to my money,

• Yes, and you wouldn't be in the pickle you are in today, if your fellow republicans were paying their fair share. You probably pay more taxes than the Koch brothers and other rich republicans who are using you to do their dirty work! Lets see how much better off you are in four years!

• The republican brain washing machine has succeeded again! We the unions, gave you a 40 hour work week, we gave you the five day work week. You know that sign that they post in your break rooms or other places on your work site, that tell you your rights, you can thank the unions for most everything on there as well! You know the benefits you have, whatever they are, you can thank a union for that too! Before unions, they were not provided! The only reason you get benefits or anything else, is the corporations fear of unions. When there are no more unions, and no more fear of unions, you will loose most of these (as has been happening ever since the decline of unions). So for your own sake, and the sake of your family and future generations to come, you better hope that there are some unions left. Of course if you want to work in a non union country, I hear there are plenty of jobs available in China. Another good thing about China, I hear they have no income taxes!

• Well then that is OK. The unions have agreed to give him the money that he says he needs to solve the problem! So what is the argument? The ruse that he is using to try and strip away public employee's rights to make sure they have a safe work place. To make sure that your children do not get herded into classrooms with forty to fifty other students. To be able to have time in the day to work with your "children", spend time with them one on one to help them all achieve their potential! How many of you people have taken an hour or two and spent some time in you child's school? To actually see what goes on in the schools, and what these people do! You may be surprised! I have had many jobs in the private sector, and still do, as do most teachers. I have to work two jobs in order to support my family, just like a lot of private sector employees, between my wife and we make $44,000.00 (and I work at the school full time all year!). I work more than 50 hours a week at my public sector job and 10-16 hours a week at my private sector job (which I make $50.00 an hour at). I have been offered full time work in the private sector numerous times, and have an open offer anytime I want it. But I choose to work in the school because of a misguided loyalty, and the belief that I can help the school and save taxpayers money. In my community, amongst people that know me or know of me, I am appreciated! They get to see the results of my hard work and dedication. There have been many of times that I have not agreed with the administration and made my thoughts clear. Many times, the superintendent was made (by the board) to do things differently than he wanted, saving the district thousands of dollars. In my first three years, I saved the school district more than $200,000.00! I have been saving them money ever since. But with this new legislation I will keep my mouth shut, for fear of loosing my job, hell I may loose it this summer anyways, as the super and I aren't the best buddies anyways. I am more than willing to pay for my pension and to pay for my health insurance, we were actually in negotiations and were prepared to give up more than this! But I will not give up my union without a fight! And you're welcome!

• Unions are ruining this country and the sense of entitlement its members feel is a direct reflection of the attitude of today's spoiled masses. The teachers who called in sick should be fired and the elected officials who ran and hid rather than debate this needed measure should be voted out of office. Like it or not, everybody needs to make sacrifices. As a business owner who's been forced to make difficult decisions including reducing my pay and holding paychecks to keep people working, I'm tired of these union thugs trying to influence taxpayers through mob tactics. I applaud the governor of Wisconsin and sincerely hope other states follow his lead.

• The Green Bay Packers **support** the workers. Go Green Bay!

• Teachers, nurses, police officers and firefighters are not an "elite" group by any stretch of the imagination. The Koch brothers and their ilk, however, *are* an elite group--they are the wealthy (who are are getting wealthier) by leading the stupid. Wall Street (the elite) got a bailout from the government (the taxpayers) after they bankrupted the pensions of many a city and state employees (along with many others who are NOT the elite).

• These Democrat Senators did NOT vote to "congradulate the Green Bay Packers on their championship". THey are not for Wisconsin. They are drinking beer and eating pizza in CHICAGO. These senators are helping the Obama machine get that pRICK elected Mayor of Chicago and not being democratic by doing their jobs. Fire evey state employee and teacher that has called in Sick. Prosecute the Medical Doctors handing out sick notes. Liars, Liars pants on fire! Tell the Out of State rent a mob to go home!

• The truth is, if the public unions wouldn't view themselves as some sort of elite group, we wouldn't have the financial problems in our states. In the private sector, the board of directors determines salary raise ranges and other benefits - they battle it out with the ones that pay the salary/benefits. In the public sector workers DEMAND their RIGHTS. They forgot a long time ago who their 'board of directors' are - the TAXPAYERS that have NO say in the bargaining process. We're sick of being pinned against the wall by these money grabbing practices. America is SICK of this elite group - they're as bad as the wall street gang.

• There's no more $$$ in Wisconsin because Gov. Scott pushed through more corporate tax cuts. And that's a problem all over the place - corporate tax revenues are drying up.

• Teabaggers can't tell the truth if they want to be right. The only way to be right is to "forget" little pieces of important information. (in this case how much debt a person has to take on in order to be a teacher and that administration/superintendents are included in their figures).

• You hit the nail on the head there. No, Walker will end up spending millions of dollars fighting the Health Care Reform Bill and millions more trying to bust our unions. Then he will give millions or billions of dollars to his cronies (Koch Brothers and others) and of course we will continue to give them tons more money, as oil prices are being inflated again. The kind of attitude that Walker has shown is sickening! He was not elected to dictate! If the elections were to be held tomorrow, Walker would loose by more than 60% of the vote! And whats even better, I do believe that next election will show a shift back to Democratic and we will more than like stay that way for a good number of years, and we can thank Walker for that!

• what is wrong with you people? grow up and get to work. why have we become so spoiled by unions, government etc that we want what we want even if it means our fall. who's running this country anyway, the majority of us do not want this kind of power given to unions, government and americans acting like spoiled brats.

• the only Fact that matters in this debate is, there is no more money!

• The money is not the issue, and if you were at all informed and knew what you were talking about you would have known this! This can all be ended now, because everything that all you people keep talking about has been conceded! The only money issues that will remain, is the loss of business that a lot of local businesses are going to feel, when everyone has less money! So if you want to keep arguing with people, please argue the only real point that exists! Union Rights, Worker rights are the only thing that is standing in the way of Walker getting his way! If its not about "Union Busting", then take it out of the bill and lets get on with life! Do me a favor, find out how much money is being spent everyday at the capitol on extra security, cleaning crew, etc. How much of the money that the public servants give up is going to be left to apply to the budget at the rate this is going? The only thing that he has accomplished by being in office so far, is that he has stimulated the Wisconsin economy, especially around Madison! Of course, there probably won't be as many people going on vacation this summer, as they are spending their vacation money now. Public sector employees are "regular folks" just like you claim to be! They are your neighbors and I bet some of them are actually your friends or relatives, although they are probably ashamed to admit it. If you are just a "regular folk" like the rest of us, then why are you so hateful of other "regular folks"? I have some news for you. If you are a person making less than $150,000.00 a year, and you think you are a republican, you are sadly mistaken! Look at what the republicans were willing to do the "regular folks" just before Christmas. The were willing to let unemployment end for us "regular folks" unless they got tax cuts and other breaks for their supporters.... I for one was so happy they were willing to let us "regular folks" suffer so that I could reap the benefits of the Bush era tax cuts for the wealthy, and I was all worried about my $5,000,000.00 estate and inheritance taxes! Personally, I think that any estate over a certain amount (you pick) should be taxed at the same rate as lottery winnings are taxed! Put Social Security tax on all wages earned, after all if some top exec was not taking millions of dollars out of the payroll pot, they could pay all of us "regular folks" a decent wage! Look at the growing disparity between the wealthy and us "regular folks", and see where your money is actually going! It isn't going to public sector workers, this I can guarantee you! Just do a little research, and you will find what I say is true. The GOP and their propaganda machine is doing a good job on some people still, but I have hope for some of you! You can do it, I know, I did! Do lots of research and fact checking and you will see the light!

• The real shame is, that if the Governor would not have tried to take away our union rights, this whole mess would never have happened! We are more than willing to give up pay and other monies to help solve Wisconsin's problems!!! The money is not the issue! This will not end until he takes our union rights out of this bill! All he is doing by holding onto this is ensuring two things. First, the state is going to end up spending a lot of extra money with all the extra people they need at the capitol and secondly that Wisconsin will be Democratic for years to come! The assault on union rights is unforgivable! JIZZER you are absolutely right, this is CRAZY and if all he had asked for was what you stated, "small piece of their retirement and health benefit costs " this would not have happened! So why don't you get on the blower and tell the Governor to stop his craziness and take the "small piece of their retirement and health benefit costs " that he claims he needs to balance the budget. Then we can all get back to work making this state better than ever! WMMA- you may or may not be educated, I am leaning toward uneducated. Any time you use the words that you have used shows that you are either uneducated or ignorant. The statement that includes "military personnel that have given their lives for what America stands for, Democracy" is completely ignorant! Democracy is built on the premise of negotiating and compromise. What Governor Walker is doing, is far from Democracy! He is trying to rule the state like a Dictator! Trying to sneak all this by, before people have had a chance to voice their concerns and give testimony! He was not elected to Dictate, he was elected to Legislate! It is not just the public sector employees that are against this bill! A lot of the cities, counties and school boards across the state have voiced opposition to this bill, or at least to part against taking away our unions! AARP is another organization that has came out in opposition to this! When the businesses that have supported Walker get hit with the boycotts and loss of business, they too will feel it. When the businesses that support the Chamber of Commerce's are being boycotted, they too will feel it. These types of actions do not come without consequence. It is not just going to be the public sector employees that boycott these business, it will be all the supporters of unions, as well as all the other workers in this state and other states that can see through this guise of a budget bill and understand that it is "Union Busting" and it is completely "DISGUSTING!"

• The fight in Wisconsin is about power. Public sector workers are asking "regular folks" to do less in their own lives to meet union demands for more. Obama said we "all had to have some SKIN in the game". It seems that that is all that is being asked. We want unions to share some of the SKINNING that is "expected" of everyone else. The FREE ride is over. We cannot afford the benefits and "entitlements" of the past. Is it that the union folks can't UNDERSTAND "no more money"??? or is it that they don't care?? ME FIRST has got to end

• I was really proud of Wisconson's Senators, and the job Obama was doing, both.

• Fire all of them. Run with you tails between you legs.

• THIS IS A BUDGET BILL, given to Senators mere minutes before Walker demanded a vote on it. 100+ pages of state budget proposals. No debate allowed, no public comment. This is not how things work, which is why the 14 Dem senators left. UNION-BUSTING IS NOT A BUDGET ISSUE. It is a political issue. Keep it out of our budget bill.

• You, sir or ma'am, could not be more wrong. I know, because I live in Wisconsin. 8 Republican senators are in the process of being recalled, and the legality of the bill is being questioned for 14th amendment violations. You didn't hear that on fox, did you?

• Gov. Walker promised to bargain with state and union employees before he was elected. He also attached this bill to a budget so there could be no floor debates. How Democratic of him. If winning an election equals mandate, then stop fighting Obama on healthcare. Oh, and I'd like to point out that the Republicans walked out on us during the only public hearing (that we forced) twice.

• Those figures include superintendents and administration averaged in. Tell the truth.

• Just so I do understand Rain, if I don't agree with you than I am Uneducated? Regardless if you are for or against this bill, the issue is, it is illegal for teachers to strike. Illegal....I will say it again. Illegal!........And with the senators. They leave the state thumbing their noses at the many military personnel that have given their lives for what America stands for, Democracy. What Audacity!

• One could only hope for that bit of common sense. It's enough taxpayers are more than on the hook for these union members excessive benefits packages and their political leaders campaigning. One would think they would clean up after themselves at the State Capital. At least take that from the TEA Party? I would say the people of Wisconsin are tired of following the donkey around with a shovel all together. They showed it on November 2nd.

• Read my response to taxed2much below. Ignorant statements like these is what Walker needs to keep the uneducated on his side. You'll be kicking yourself later...

• Oh, I forgot to add the contracts agreed upon included the additional contributions that Walker is seeking WITHOUT any assurance of more furloughs or lay-offs. Don't be fooled by what the press is making this out to be. It is strickly an attack on unions, and if you do a little research on history about what we will face without them, you will be outraged at Walker for fooling you that this is a "budget" fix...but for now he's counting on the uneducated on this topic to support him, and make Wisconsin citizens fight each other instead of standing together. So far his plan is working...

• Taxed2much - you obviously have no idea what the state workers have been told, or about the ongoing negotiations. Negotiations would be limited to salary only; however, it cannot exceed the BPI, so what's to negotiate?? Nothing. My union, along with several others, did negotiate a contract at the end of Doyle's term. Doyle decided to sit on them instead, and hand them over to Walker. The biggest problem with what is going on, is people are making statements like it's truth, when they know nothing about it. The problem with ridding the unions go way deeper, and most people are not willing to edcuate themselves on the truths. Unfortunately, they will not understand the effects this bill will have, until it starts affecting their own communities and pocketbooks, and it will be too late for you to join the fight.

• WE HAVE A WINNER!! Loved your post!

• These folks have long been asked and long walked away from any negotiating. They have not been told they will have no collective bargaining, they have been told their collective bargaining powers will be limited. They can still collectivley bargain.

• Can we stop their (democratic flee-bagging senators) state funded cell phones and all other state-funded services they are taking advantage of while NOT on the job or even IN the state??

• A more relative poll question here, would be: Would you have supported Republicans leaving the country when the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) vote was to take place? Progressives, would you provide a word synonymous with "Liberal"? One that does NOT mean centralized government control, dictating the purchase of goods/services of Americans when they are not engaging in commerce. You can then take that word and change the definition of it. I only need it for the duration of time it takes for you to read and understand this exercise.

• So if I have 7 years college and 20 years experience. I'm paid what I' m worth. I teach math to middleschoolers in a middle class community. I do not take lunch or breaks.after teaching classes I tutor low skilled students during any free minute each day. I'm worth every cent and proud of my trade.

• Wisconsin hired a governor and legislators last fall. In November and December the majority party (Democrats) could have completed 15 months of labor negotiations and signed contracts. City of Madison didn't waste any time. Neither should the legislature. Atthedells

• Have you wondered why you haven’t heard how these teachers in Wisconsin are “underpaid” and “overworked”? Here are the stats- Wisconsin Teacher’s Salary raise last year: 4.7% Salary raise over last 10 years: 21.5% Average Salary: $46,390-$49,000 depends on source Here is the averages in the largest metropolitan areas in Wis. Green Bay: $55,110 Kenosha: $68,400 Madison: $50,770 Milwaukee: $54,620 Racine: $49,710 Student/Teacher Ratios in Wisconsin, 2006 Number of Teachers: 59,552 Number of Students: 875,414 Students per Teacher: 14.7 On top of this, we have a teachers pension. 10.3 billion short of being funded last year We also have healthcare benefits; some of which cost $22,000 a year. Overworked? Underpaid? No wonder they haven’t been running with this angle. They can’t give you those facts, because it won’t work in their favor.

• @Jizzer These folks weren't asked anything, they were dictated to with no public discussion. Further, they were told that they would have no collective bargaining and that if they demonstrated the National Guard would be called in. Mr. Walker has far overstepped the line. I think the veneer covering the latent fascism of the Teaparty Movement is beginning to rub off...

• Fire them. Asking these people to fund some small piece of their retirement and health benefit costs and getting this in return is crazy.

• The shame is that the students and families with students are treated so badly, in that the lost school days and the need to reorganize schedules is a serious burden on these victims of the unions arrogance.

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