On Wisconsin?
April 9, 2012 8:04 AM Subscribe
As the recall of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker draws near, the governor has quietly signed "dozens" of bills into Wisconsin law, including anti-abortion, pro abstinence education only laws, the repeal of the Equal Pay law,, a bill prohibiting insurance plans from covering some abortions, and a bill banning damages in employment discrimination suits.
But the Democrats are just the same as the Republicans!
And now with the infighting between Falk and Barrett - why don't they just run Walker's ads for him ?
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 8:13 AM on April 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
"The Recall" or "The Recall Vote"? Two hugely different things.
posted by spicynuts at 8:13 AM on April 9, 2012 [8 favorites]
posted by spicynuts at 8:13 AM on April 9, 2012 [8 favorites]
One thing the Republican Party has come to excel at in the past two decades is the ruthless wielding of power. As long as they have the authority (and sometimes, as Rachel Maddow recently highlighted in Michigan, even when they don't), they'll pursue their legislative goals with single-minded zeal, disregarding the implications of their image, of the courts, or of posterity.
posted by Bromius at 8:13 AM on April 9, 2012 [9 favorites]
posted by Bromius at 8:13 AM on April 9, 2012 [9 favorites]
And, yet, despite all of this, Walker stands a reasonable chance of surviving the recall.
God help Wisconsin if he survives. I predict a nasty vendetta will be waged if he survives.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:14 AM on April 9, 2012 [6 favorites]
God help Wisconsin if he survives. I predict a nasty vendetta will be waged if he survives.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:14 AM on April 9, 2012 [6 favorites]
As the recall of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker draws near, Governor Walker is still the democratically elected governor of Wisconsin.
posted by three blind mice at 8:16 AM on April 9, 2012 [8 favorites]
posted by three blind mice at 8:16 AM on April 9, 2012 [8 favorites]
And, yet, despite all of this, Walker stands a reasonable chance of surviving the recall.
How depressing.
posted by tyllwin at 8:16 AM on April 9, 2012 [5 favorites]
How depressing.
posted by tyllwin at 8:16 AM on April 9, 2012 [5 favorites]
pro abstinence education only laws
This is technically correct but slightly misleading. It only removes the requirement that teachers fully inform students of their conception options. It allows school boards and teachers to decide to teach an abstinence only curriculum in sexual health classes.
This asshole needs to leave a gubernational post but Wisconsin also voted in the assholes that continually send bills to him. Putting up a legislative crazy dam like Janet Napolitano seems like a good idea but once your Jan Brewer gets in office the crazy hits the fan.
posted by Talez at 8:23 AM on April 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
This is technically correct but slightly misleading. It only removes the requirement that teachers fully inform students of their conception options. It allows school boards and teachers to decide to teach an abstinence only curriculum in sexual health classes.
This asshole needs to leave a gubernational post but Wisconsin also voted in the assholes that continually send bills to him. Putting up a legislative crazy dam like Janet Napolitano seems like a good idea but once your Jan Brewer gets in office the crazy hits the fan.
posted by Talez at 8:23 AM on April 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
A man's reach must exceed his grasp, or, what's a heaven for ?
posted by y2karl at 8:24 AM on April 9, 2012
posted by y2karl at 8:24 AM on April 9, 2012
If the recall fails, there will be a mass exodus from the public sector at the very least.
posted by Think_Long at 8:26 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Think_Long at 8:26 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
As the recall of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker draws near, Governor Walker is still the democratically elected governor of Wisconsin.
There is a failure of the language here. He's been recalled - in that he has to run for his office again. But he hasn't been recalled - in that he still holds the office, and may even after.
It makes discussions of this confusing.
Still. This needs to happen.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 8:27 AM on April 9, 2012 [4 favorites]
There is a failure of the language here. He's been recalled - in that he has to run for his office again. But he hasn't been recalled - in that he still holds the office, and may even after.
It makes discussions of this confusing.
Still. This needs to happen.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 8:27 AM on April 9, 2012 [4 favorites]
If the recall fails, there will be a mass exodus from the public sector at the very least.
Which will only serve to vindicate and encourage Walker and his minions. Privatizing to follow. "Mission accomplished", and all that.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:28 AM on April 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
Which will only serve to vindicate and encourage Walker and his minions. Privatizing to follow. "Mission accomplished", and all that.
posted by Thorzdad at 8:28 AM on April 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
Honest question - why are there quotes around "dozens?" Did I miss an important piece of information?
I'm not sure why dozens is in quotes either, but the exact number is 50+. The governor's office has enumerated (apparently) all of them here.
posted by blucevalo at 8:31 AM on April 9, 2012
I'm not sure why dozens is in quotes either, but the exact number is 50+. The governor's office has enumerated (apparently) all of them here.
posted by blucevalo at 8:31 AM on April 9, 2012
I'm surprised there isn't a provision in the recall that provides a temporary halt on non-emergency bill signing, until the recall occurs. Government could still function, even in limited capacity.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:32 AM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:32 AM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
I have no idea why I put quotes there. Sorry.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:35 AM on April 9, 2012
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:35 AM on April 9, 2012
I'm surprised there isn't a provision in the recall that provides a temporary halt on non-emergency bill signing, until the recall occurs. Government could still function, even in limited capacity.
I would think if that were the case then groups would abuse the recall process and instead of legitimate grievances it would be used as a blunt instrument to tie down the hands of whomever is the target. Think of it in this way as a kind of filibuster gone supernova.
posted by theartandsound at 8:37 AM on April 9, 2012 [4 favorites]
I would think if that were the case then groups would abuse the recall process and instead of legitimate grievances it would be used as a blunt instrument to tie down the hands of whomever is the target. Think of it in this way as a kind of filibuster gone supernova.
posted by theartandsound at 8:37 AM on April 9, 2012 [4 favorites]
Walker's not even a lame duck yet. If the legislature is approving these bills, it's not solely his fault for signing them.
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 8:39 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 8:39 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
As the recall of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker draws near, Governor Walker is still the democratically elected governor of Wisconsin.
As the singing fish above me pointed out let's also not forget that the executive branch has the ability to sign bills, but they're not the people who actually create them.
posted by Blue_Villain at 8:46 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
As the singing fish above me pointed out let's also not forget that the executive branch has the ability to sign bills, but they're not the people who actually create them.
posted by Blue_Villain at 8:46 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
Is there any chance of there being a...
Total Recall??
posted by fuq at 8:49 AM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
Total Recall??
posted by fuq at 8:49 AM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
That repeal of the Equal Pay law is just stunning. He argues that money is "more important for men" because they're the breadwinners, and so of course they're making more. In what world is he living in? And he cites to leading expert... uh, Ann Coulter to show that pay discrimination is a myth (which of course is untrue, accounting for every variable you can think of.) Absolutely insane and rage-inducing...
posted by naju at 8:49 AM on April 9, 2012 [21 favorites]
posted by naju at 8:49 AM on April 9, 2012 [21 favorites]
Scott Walker does not argue that "money is more important for men", it's Grothman. Here's the article that I found which quotes Grothman.
posted by lakersfan1222 at 9:13 AM on April 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by lakersfan1222 at 9:13 AM on April 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
There is a bit of a temporary firewall against anything too over-the-top by Walker. A recalled republican Senator resigned after the most recent session ended. So what began as a strong Republican majority for Walker in every branch of government is now an evenly split Dem-Rep Senate. They need at least one Dem to break for them to pass anything.
posted by drezdn at 9:15 AM on April 9, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by drezdn at 9:15 AM on April 9, 2012 [4 favorites]
Oops, thanks for the correction lakersfan1222.
posted by naju at 9:16 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by naju at 9:16 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
We are about to be exposed to a media frestorm of negative ads, multiple millions spent, all to influence the 4 people who have not decided how they will vote yet. This is the most polarized I have seen Wisconsin in my lifetime, and its going to be scary, SCARY, SCARY from both sides till the cows come home. Or maybe they will decide to move to a safer state.
God help Wisconsin if he survives. I predict a nasty vendetta will be waged if he survives.
Including everyone who signed the recall can expect a visit from the government, or more likely "true believer" vigilantes. And the wingnut radio prophets have been calling for a general sharpening of machetes. Its going to be nasty either way, and the recall election is not going to be the end by a long shot.
posted by ackptui at 9:16 AM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
God help Wisconsin if he survives. I predict a nasty vendetta will be waged if he survives.
Including everyone who signed the recall can expect a visit from the government, or more likely "true believer" vigilantes. And the wingnut radio prophets have been calling for a general sharpening of machetes. Its going to be nasty either way, and the recall election is not going to be the end by a long shot.
posted by ackptui at 9:16 AM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
groups would abuse the recall process
It took 540K signatures to recall Walker, as compared with about 2.12 million votes cast in the 2010 election. That's about 25% (which may be the statutory recall requirement, I'm not sure), which is going to be kind of tough to do on a whim.
posted by aaronetc at 9:18 AM on April 9, 2012
It took 540K signatures to recall Walker, as compared with about 2.12 million votes cast in the 2010 election. That's about 25% (which may be the statutory recall requirement, I'm not sure), which is going to be kind of tough to do on a whim.
posted by aaronetc at 9:18 AM on April 9, 2012
If the recall fails, there will be a mass exodus from the public sector at the very least.Which will only serve to vindicate and encourage Walker and his minions. Privatizing to follow. "Mission accomplished", and all that.
If people keep leaving states to the wingnuts this is almost a certainty.
posted by Talez at 9:20 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
If people keep leaving states to the wingnuts this is almost a certainty.
You are aware that your map shows Wisconsin as part of Canada. Time to grab the sharpies and fix that.
posted by Blue_Villain at 9:32 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
You are aware that your map shows Wisconsin as part of Canada. Time to grab the sharpies and fix that.
posted by Blue_Villain at 9:32 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
Well, I for one, wouldn't mind California joining the United States of Canada, as depicted in Telez's map. And I'd offer a couch to anyone wishing to escape Jesusland but I don't have one. There is a 3-bedroom rental house next door to me that's going vacant. MeMail me for details.
Still, that whole decision to fight the secession of the Southern States in 1861 is starting to look like a really bad idea. (I think we could've kept Wisconsjn and Ohio from going proto-Fascist if we didn't have Texas showing them how it's done)
posted by oneswellfoop at 9:35 AM on April 9, 2012 [4 favorites]
Still, that whole decision to fight the secession of the Southern States in 1861 is starting to look like a really bad idea. (I think we could've kept Wisconsjn and Ohio from going proto-Fascist if we didn't have Texas showing them how it's done)
posted by oneswellfoop at 9:35 AM on April 9, 2012 [4 favorites]
I would think if that were the case then groups would abuse the recall process and instead of legitimate grievances it would be used as a blunt instrument to tie down the hands of whomever is the target.
The process of initiating a recall seems so difficult, that it seems like a last-resort measure before a revolution (peaceful or not). I guess I just don't see the filibuster analogy applying here.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 9:49 AM on April 9, 2012
The process of initiating a recall seems so difficult, that it seems like a last-resort measure before a revolution (peaceful or not). I guess I just don't see the filibuster analogy applying here.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 9:49 AM on April 9, 2012
There is a bit of a temporary firewall against anything too over-the-top by Walker.
What would be OTT in Wisconsin these days? Heads on pikes?
posted by octobersurprise at 9:57 AM on April 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
What would be OTT in Wisconsin these days? Heads on pikes?
posted by octobersurprise at 9:57 AM on April 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
I think we could've kept Wisconsjn and Ohio from going proto-Fascist if we didn't have Texas showing them how it's done.
Both Joe McCarthy and the Republican party are from Wisconsin.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:00 AM on April 9, 2012
What would be OTT in Wisconsin these days?
Building a gigantic mine with very very limited environmental protections. It went far enough that a Republican Senator voted against it.
posted by drezdn at 10:05 AM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
Building a gigantic mine with very very limited environmental protections. It went far enough that a Republican Senator voted against it.
posted by drezdn at 10:05 AM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
Both Joe McCarthy and the Republican party are from Wisconsin.
As were the Progressives, Bob La Follette, and Russ Feingold.
Wisconsin isn't a purple state, it's a state with bright red and bright blue scrambled together.
posted by mrbula at 10:10 AM on April 9, 2012 [9 favorites]
As were the Progressives, Bob La Follette, and Russ Feingold.
Wisconsin isn't a purple state, it's a state with bright red and bright blue scrambled together.
posted by mrbula at 10:10 AM on April 9, 2012 [9 favorites]
Both Joe McCarthy and the Republican party are from Wisconsin.
Sure, the Republican party did start in Wisconsin...but that was back when the only thing Repbublicans could agree on was abolition of slavery. Things have, it seems, changed. A lot.
I'm a union-member state government employee in Madison. I believe several things:
1. Whoever runs against Walker can win, but it's not a foregone conclusion like it might have been if Feingold were running. It'll take work.
2. Walker didn't cause recent economic problems in Wisconsin (my budget was slashed 83% for the 2009-2010 biennium), but for all his crowing about solving them, he hasn't. At all. A few people paying a little less in property taxes does not an economic recovery make.
3. Walker has the kind ofpigheadedness stick-to-it-iveness that might have helped make him a fairly good governor, if he had any compassion for those less fortunate, understanding of how the world works, or interest in anything but money and pleasing his friends in big business and at ALEC. His unbroken resolve, which seems his only virtue at this point, is less-than-inspiring to me after 15 months.
If he is re-elected...I haven't thought this far. And it's hard for a librarian to contemplate leaving a job when there are hundreds of applicants for every library position. But facing my third year without a raise and working with maybe 1/3 of the funds I need to provide services through the library, a continued Walker administration may be enough to make me run screaming for some other kind of job.
posted by gillyflower at 10:20 AM on April 9, 2012 [8 favorites]
Sure, the Republican party did start in Wisconsin...but that was back when the only thing Repbublicans could agree on was abolition of slavery. Things have, it seems, changed. A lot.
I'm a union-member state government employee in Madison. I believe several things:
1. Whoever runs against Walker can win, but it's not a foregone conclusion like it might have been if Feingold were running. It'll take work.
2. Walker didn't cause recent economic problems in Wisconsin (my budget was slashed 83% for the 2009-2010 biennium), but for all his crowing about solving them, he hasn't. At all. A few people paying a little less in property taxes does not an economic recovery make.
3. Walker has the kind of
If he is re-elected...I haven't thought this far. And it's hard for a librarian to contemplate leaving a job when there are hundreds of applicants for every library position. But facing my third year without a raise and working with maybe 1/3 of the funds I need to provide services through the library, a continued Walker administration may be enough to make me run screaming for some other kind of job.
posted by gillyflower at 10:20 AM on April 9, 2012 [8 favorites]
Grothman, I think, is a miserable man who hates himself. In order to compensate he pushes down everything that isn't a white christian male.
The irony is that the man, himself, is neither married nor has kids, despite his big family values rhetoric. I heard a rumor that he lives with his mother, but I haven't seen any confirmation and think it was a joke more than anything, and also, I could give a rats ass who you live with. I think there's no shame in living with your parents.
Anyways, I have a feeling that he's a redditor and he's a top contributor to /r/mensrights. Because, that's how I fancy him.
I fully intend to give money to Dale Schulz in any effort to unseat him in a primary, because he's one of the few Republicans who doesn't give into the full on right-wing attack. I probably disagree with a lot of his stances, but I respect him enough for having given time to listen to his constituents in public meetings (which, I believe, the other Repubs didn't really do).
When it comes to the race. I really dislike Barrett (or rather, he's just one more "centrist" democrat who's lost races for governorship twice now, once in primary against Doyle, and then against Walker... And now he wants to fight Walker again). Kathleen Falk was a decent County Exec, but I fear the Dane County perception amongst the rest of the state isn't strong. The interparty fighting that's going to happen between the two (who I perceive to be weak candidates) will weaken them still further. LaFollette is running, but let's face it the guy doesn't have much going for him beyond name recognition. I know many folks who want Peter Barca to run, but AFAICT the guy isn't going to do it. Which is a real shame. What makes it more interesting is the fact he led the opposition damn well, and fought back and even took his desk outside to meet with constituents when the repubs were refusing public access to the capitol... He did all that without an eye to use it as a political tool makes it more interesting (unless he's very shrewd, and expects Walker to win the recall and is biding his time)...
Anyways, Barca has the working class thing down much better than the other two candidates. I guess we'll see what happens. I just know I hate what's happened to my state this past election. Tommy was kind of a dick but he did some things right. These guys are a whole other breed.
posted by symbioid at 10:23 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
The irony is that the man, himself, is neither married nor has kids, despite his big family values rhetoric. I heard a rumor that he lives with his mother, but I haven't seen any confirmation and think it was a joke more than anything, and also, I could give a rats ass who you live with. I think there's no shame in living with your parents.
Anyways, I have a feeling that he's a redditor and he's a top contributor to /r/mensrights. Because, that's how I fancy him.
I fully intend to give money to Dale Schulz in any effort to unseat him in a primary, because he's one of the few Republicans who doesn't give into the full on right-wing attack. I probably disagree with a lot of his stances, but I respect him enough for having given time to listen to his constituents in public meetings (which, I believe, the other Repubs didn't really do).
When it comes to the race. I really dislike Barrett (or rather, he's just one more "centrist" democrat who's lost races for governorship twice now, once in primary against Doyle, and then against Walker... And now he wants to fight Walker again). Kathleen Falk was a decent County Exec, but I fear the Dane County perception amongst the rest of the state isn't strong. The interparty fighting that's going to happen between the two (who I perceive to be weak candidates) will weaken them still further. LaFollette is running, but let's face it the guy doesn't have much going for him beyond name recognition. I know many folks who want Peter Barca to run, but AFAICT the guy isn't going to do it. Which is a real shame. What makes it more interesting is the fact he led the opposition damn well, and fought back and even took his desk outside to meet with constituents when the repubs were refusing public access to the capitol... He did all that without an eye to use it as a political tool makes it more interesting (unless he's very shrewd, and expects Walker to win the recall and is biding his time)...
Anyways, Barca has the working class thing down much better than the other two candidates. I guess we'll see what happens. I just know I hate what's happened to my state this past election. Tommy was kind of a dick but he did some things right. These guys are a whole other breed.
posted by symbioid at 10:23 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
If the recall fails, there will be a mass exodus from the public sector at the very least.
I don't think this is necessarily true. As I understand it, teaching jobs and other public jobs are still pretty scarce in most of the state, and there just aren't a lot of options out there right now such that someone could quit a job due to the new collective bargaining law. Most public sector employees were willing to suffer the pay cut. I'm sure that losing collective bargaining rights hurts, but that only puts them on equal footing with the great majority of their friends and neighbors across the state. I think if a public sector employee in Wisconsin was willing and able to pull up stakes and leave the state, they would have done so already, or would be in the process of doing so regardless of how the recall turns out.
posted by Cletis at 10:33 AM on April 9, 2012
I don't think this is necessarily true. As I understand it, teaching jobs and other public jobs are still pretty scarce in most of the state, and there just aren't a lot of options out there right now such that someone could quit a job due to the new collective bargaining law. Most public sector employees were willing to suffer the pay cut. I'm sure that losing collective bargaining rights hurts, but that only puts them on equal footing with the great majority of their friends and neighbors across the state. I think if a public sector employee in Wisconsin was willing and able to pull up stakes and leave the state, they would have done so already, or would be in the process of doing so regardless of how the recall turns out.
posted by Cletis at 10:33 AM on April 9, 2012
(I meant fiscal year, not biennium. If my budget were only set every two years, sheer hopelessness would have chased me out before now. Every July (or August...or September...whenever our business office gets around to parcelling out the discretionary funds budget...), hope springs eternal for my library. But if it's dashed again, that'll be four years in a row, and I like to think I'm someone who can take a clue.)
posted by gillyflower at 10:42 AM on April 9, 2012
posted by gillyflower at 10:42 AM on April 9, 2012
I think we could've kept Wisconsjn and Ohio from going proto-Fascist
If one takes the below quote as truth - the Fascist train left on time years ago.
Fascism should more appropriately be called Corporatism because it is a merger of state and corporate power - Benito Mussolini
But one can also look to another for a definition - What is Fascism?
posted by rough ashlar at 10:43 AM on April 9, 2012
If one takes the below quote as truth - the Fascist train left on time years ago.
Fascism should more appropriately be called Corporatism because it is a merger of state and corporate power - Benito Mussolini
But one can also look to another for a definition - What is Fascism?
posted by rough ashlar at 10:43 AM on April 9, 2012
Wow, he really is pretty much a cartoon supervillain, isn't he? Presumably his next move is going to be a law prohibiting emergency rooms from providing medical care to children until their parents produce a wedding license and proof of insurance. Or legalizing marital rape. Either one certainly seems intellectually consistent.
posted by stet at 10:50 AM on April 9, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by stet at 10:50 AM on April 9, 2012 [4 favorites]
I'm not sure what my vagina has done to the Republican party but it must have been bad.
posted by Foam Pants at 10:54 AM on April 9, 2012 [35 favorites]
posted by Foam Pants at 10:54 AM on April 9, 2012 [35 favorites]
I'm not sure what my vagina has done to the Republican party but it must have been bad.
[posted by Foam Pants at 12:54 PM]
There's a joke in there somewhere.
Also, I'm stealing that line, Foam Pants. Hope you don't mine. I will credit you, of course.
posted by tzikeh at 11:00 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
[posted by Foam Pants at 12:54 PM]
There's a joke in there somewhere.
Also, I'm stealing that line, Foam Pants. Hope you don't mine. I will credit you, of course.
posted by tzikeh at 11:00 AM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
Regarding Michigan and the bull shit surrounding our MRP chair, I know him. He had even bragged about it as an accomplishment for changing the projectory of the bill at the time due to his fundraising clout. Anyone who doesn't believe those with wealth influence power are fucking naive and clueless.
It is really sad the people with wealth and power can really fuck over everyday people. Perhaps Walker knows his days are limited. Might as well shovel shit through as fast as possible while he still can.
posted by handbanana at 11:03 AM on April 9, 2012
It is really sad the people with wealth and power can really fuck over everyday people. Perhaps Walker knows his days are limited. Might as well shovel shit through as fast as possible while he still can.
posted by handbanana at 11:03 AM on April 9, 2012
I actually think either Barrett or Falk would make decent Governors. I'm worried though that Barrett couldn't bring the hammer down on Walker in 2010, and Falk couldn't beat Van Hollen in 2008 (the same election where Obama won the state).
posted by drezdn at 11:16 AM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by drezdn at 11:16 AM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
naju: That repeal of the Equal Pay law is just stunning. He argues that money is "more important for men" because they're the breadwinners, and so of course they're making more. In what world is he living in?
The world in which Leave It To Beaver was a real thing that happened. Conservatives really believe, it seems, in Life As Seen on Television. They want women to stay home and be housewives. Depressing wages for women is the best way they know to make work less attractive for them.
This really is the conservative war on women. They despise sexual equality. They hate women being able to make up their own minds about sex and marriage, no longer being slaves to their bodies. They hate that women can say no, and mean it. But they hate even more that they can say yes, and then escape their rightful punishment for being sinful.
Conservatives have lost a lot of power over women, and they want it back.
posted by Malor at 11:17 AM on April 9, 2012 [5 favorites]
The world in which Leave It To Beaver was a real thing that happened. Conservatives really believe, it seems, in Life As Seen on Television. They want women to stay home and be housewives. Depressing wages for women is the best way they know to make work less attractive for them.
This really is the conservative war on women. They despise sexual equality. They hate women being able to make up their own minds about sex and marriage, no longer being slaves to their bodies. They hate that women can say no, and mean it. But they hate even more that they can say yes, and then escape their rightful punishment for being sinful.
Conservatives have lost a lot of power over women, and they want it back.
posted by Malor at 11:17 AM on April 9, 2012 [5 favorites]
If people keep leaving states to the wingnuts this is almost a certainty.
I really don't think Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are in any danger of leaving Jesusland.
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 11:25 AM on April 9, 2012
I really don't think Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are in any danger of leaving Jesusland.
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 11:25 AM on April 9, 2012
If you read the Equal Pay law repeal carefully, it's even worse than you'd think.
The repeal covers equal pay for any group, including race and sexual orientation, all of it.
It will be legal to pay someone less because they're black. Or gay. Or you think their ears are too large. Or they need a cane to walk into the building. Or any damn reason that you can think of if you feel like it.
posted by mephron at 11:56 AM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
The repeal covers equal pay for any group, including race and sexual orientation, all of it.
It will be legal to pay someone less because they're black. Or gay. Or you think their ears are too large. Or they need a cane to walk into the building. Or any damn reason that you can think of if you feel like it.
posted by mephron at 11:56 AM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
Michigan can be Jesusland at times. I fucking hate it, and wish it wasnt the case. Such a cool state, but with conservative crazies in office, elected by a crazy electorate.
posted by handbanana at 12:04 PM on April 9, 2012
posted by handbanana at 12:04 PM on April 9, 2012
Malor: "The world in which Leave It To Beaver was a real thing that happened. Conservatives really believe, it seems, in Life As Seen on Television. They want women to stay home and be housewives."
Heh, cargo-cult family values.
posted by Rat Spatula at 12:04 PM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
Heh, cargo-cult family values.
posted by Rat Spatula at 12:04 PM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
It will be legal to pay someone less because they're black. Or gay. Or you think their ears are too large. Or they need a cane to walk into the building. Or any damn reason that you can think of if you feel like it.
The black and cane issues would be covered under existing Federal law, so any damn reason other than race, sex, disability, age (over 40), religion, national origin, or genetic information. Still pretty much means you're screwed if you're gay or have big ears.
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 12:17 PM on April 9, 2012
The black and cane issues would be covered under existing Federal law, so any damn reason other than race, sex, disability, age (over 40), religion, national origin, or genetic information. Still pretty much means you're screwed if you're gay or have big ears.
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 12:17 PM on April 9, 2012
You are aware that your map shows Wisconsin as part of Canada. Time to grab the sharpies and fix that.
If Wisconsin is now part of Canada, I'm moving the hell back.
posted by spinifex23 at 12:58 PM on April 9, 2012
If Wisconsin is now part of Canada, I'm moving the hell back.
posted by spinifex23 at 12:58 PM on April 9, 2012
10th Reg: that's assuming that the employer in question could be taken to a federal-level court by someone who could afford to do so. This repeal means that the local courts aren't a source of justice in this case, and those would probably be cheaper than federal, so once again, money trumps justice.
posted by mephron at 1:01 PM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by mephron at 1:01 PM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
Can't get the stink off
He's been hanging round for days
Comes like a comet
Suckered you but not your friends
One day he'll get to you
And teach you how to be a holy cow
You do it to yourself, you do
And that's what really hurts
posted by Twang at 1:14 PM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
He's been hanging round for days
Comes like a comet
Suckered you but not your friends
One day he'll get to you
And teach you how to be a holy cow
You do it to yourself, you do
And that's what really hurts
posted by Twang at 1:14 PM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
I'm indifferent about Falk. I've been on her mailing list since she ran for AG and failed, and none of her language has appealed to me to date.
Barrett, on the other hand, impresses me with his record as well as his personal life.
Regardless of who ends up being nominated, I would vote for a lifeless husk of a peanut rather than see Scott Walker continue as governor of this state.
posted by thanotopsis at 5:15 PM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
Barrett, on the other hand, impresses me with his record as well as his personal life.
Regardless of who ends up being nominated, I would vote for a lifeless husk of a peanut rather than see Scott Walker continue as governor of this state.
posted by thanotopsis at 5:15 PM on April 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
I would vote for a lifeless husk of a peanut rather than see Scott Walker continue as governor of this state.
I thought Tommy Thompson was running for the Senate.
posted by Bromius at 7:38 PM on April 9, 2012 [4 favorites]
I thought Tommy Thompson was running for the Senate.
posted by Bromius at 7:38 PM on April 9, 2012 [4 favorites]
Talez: "If people keep leaving states to the wingnuts this is almost a certainty."
Canada has its own Jesusland. It's above the parts of our Jesusland that extend to the border of Canadian Jesusland.
posted by wierdo at 9:25 PM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
Canada has its own Jesusland. It's above the parts of our Jesusland that extend to the border of Canadian Jesusland.
posted by wierdo at 9:25 PM on April 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
I've been too depressed to read the links in this thread. I am seriously wondering when a mainstream politician will unironically suggest that the vote be taken away from women. Given the way things are going, I would not be surprised if this happens in the next decade.
posted by desjardins at 6:49 AM on April 10, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by desjardins at 6:49 AM on April 10, 2012 [1 favorite]
Proposal: once a recall has been activated, a governor's ability to make appointments and to sign or veto laws should be curtailed, either by requiring a 2/3 vote of the legislature for any bills to pass, or by moving that authority to someone else. Perhaps by changing the law to create a lieutenant governor position that would be held by the person who came in second in the previous governor's election.
(Hell, I'm starting to think that ALL legislative acts need to be brought to a 2/3 threshold. These people are supposed to be the grown-ups, doing what is right for whatever government they are running. Instead it seems like they are just on the schoolyard, picking teams for kickball. If a law is needed, then it should be obvious to more than just a razor thin majority of whatever party managed to eek out a majority. We are in a situation where the 51 are voting to eat the 49.)
Also, recall elections should happen 30 days after the signatures have been certified. A recall should paralyze the government to some extent, because the public has registered no confidence in the current governor. If it is going to happen, get it over with.
On the other hand, it must be annoying for everyone involved that there are probably plenty of people who signed the petitions who didn't vote in the original election, and who won't vote in the new election.
posted by gjc at 6:59 AM on April 10, 2012
(Hell, I'm starting to think that ALL legislative acts need to be brought to a 2/3 threshold. These people are supposed to be the grown-ups, doing what is right for whatever government they are running. Instead it seems like they are just on the schoolyard, picking teams for kickball. If a law is needed, then it should be obvious to more than just a razor thin majority of whatever party managed to eek out a majority. We are in a situation where the 51 are voting to eat the 49.)
Also, recall elections should happen 30 days after the signatures have been certified. A recall should paralyze the government to some extent, because the public has registered no confidence in the current governor. If it is going to happen, get it over with.
On the other hand, it must be annoying for everyone involved that there are probably plenty of people who signed the petitions who didn't vote in the original election, and who won't vote in the new election.
posted by gjc at 6:59 AM on April 10, 2012
I've been too depressed to read the links in this thread. I am seriously wondering when a mainstream politician will unironically suggest that the vote be taken away from women. Given the way things are going, I would not be surprised if this happens in the next decade.
I heard a caller on a radio show propose just that, with complete sincerity. Quite like the "the talk" thread of a few days ago, he outlined pseudo-evidence of why women are unsuited for running things, in that super creepy fake-sensitive-guy (*) over complimentary sort of way. "Women are just TOO NICE. They are too empathetic! They keep voting for nice guys, instead of the calloused brutes we need to maintain order! We should let them do what they are good at, which is caring for people." Even though the hosts excoriated the opinion, the fact that they let the guy on the air at all was disappointing.
(*) Fake-sensitive-guy: you see them on the Ask site a lot. "I love women, I've been married 15 times!" and "You've got to pick your battles, let 'em win sometimes." and "Women are the fairer sex; we need to protect them from the big bad ol' world! You aren't being a good partner to them if you aren't coddling their whimsical minds. Allow them their dainty flights of fancy!" The words sound sensitive and feminist, but the meaning is pretty clear: women should be put on pedastals and held to a lower standard because they are DIFFERENT!
posted by gjc at 7:11 AM on April 10, 2012
I heard a caller on a radio show propose just that, with complete sincerity. Quite like the "the talk" thread of a few days ago, he outlined pseudo-evidence of why women are unsuited for running things, in that super creepy fake-sensitive-guy (*) over complimentary sort of way. "Women are just TOO NICE. They are too empathetic! They keep voting for nice guys, instead of the calloused brutes we need to maintain order! We should let them do what they are good at, which is caring for people." Even though the hosts excoriated the opinion, the fact that they let the guy on the air at all was disappointing.
(*) Fake-sensitive-guy: you see them on the Ask site a lot. "I love women, I've been married 15 times!" and "You've got to pick your battles, let 'em win sometimes." and "Women are the fairer sex; we need to protect them from the big bad ol' world! You aren't being a good partner to them if you aren't coddling their whimsical minds. Allow them their dainty flights of fancy!" The words sound sensitive and feminist, but the meaning is pretty clear: women should be put on pedastals and held to a lower standard because they are DIFFERENT!
posted by gjc at 7:11 AM on April 10, 2012
desjardins: "I've been too depressed to read the links in this thread. I am seriously wondering when a mainstream politician will unironically suggest that the vote be taken away from women. Given the way things are going, I would not be surprised if this happens in the next decade."
Sorta Close.
posted by symbioid at 7:22 AM on April 10, 2012
Sorta Close.
posted by symbioid at 7:22 AM on April 10, 2012
I don't mean some stupid caller or commenter on the internet; every talk show and news article has its whackadoodle assholes. The Tea Party dude is scary but I'm not sure he's a real threat. Romney wouldn't dare, but I wouldn't put it past Santorum. Surely there's a Bible verse that says women should not be allowed to vote in democratic elections.
Leviticus Chapter 11 verse 25: Women of democratic nations! Thou shalt stand behind your man and STFU!
posted by desjardins at 9:12 AM on April 10, 2012
Leviticus Chapter 11 verse 25: Women of democratic nations! Thou shalt stand behind your man and STFU!
posted by desjardins at 9:12 AM on April 10, 2012
It will be legal to pay someone less because they're black. Or gay.
This isn't true. The repeal is of the Equal Pay Enforcement Act, which specifies that victims of discrimination can file a civil suit for damages against their employers. (If I read the law right, the relevant department of the Wisconsin state government has to have found that discrimination occurred for that to happen, so repealing this only protects discriminatory, as determined by the state, employers.)
Pay discrimination based on membership in all the expected categories (including sexual orientation -- better than federal) would continue to be illegal; there would continue to be a process to investigate and penalize employers; the big difference is that employees could no longer sue.
It's still a bad thing, and Walker's still a jerk, but it's not nearly as bad a thing as actually repealing equal pay would be.
posted by Zed at 11:43 AM on April 10, 2012
This isn't true. The repeal is of the Equal Pay Enforcement Act, which specifies that victims of discrimination can file a civil suit for damages against their employers. (If I read the law right, the relevant department of the Wisconsin state government has to have found that discrimination occurred for that to happen, so repealing this only protects discriminatory, as determined by the state, employers.)
Pay discrimination based on membership in all the expected categories (including sexual orientation -- better than federal) would continue to be illegal; there would continue to be a process to investigate and penalize employers; the big difference is that employees could no longer sue.
It's still a bad thing, and Walker's still a jerk, but it's not nearly as bad a thing as actually repealing equal pay would be.
posted by Zed at 11:43 AM on April 10, 2012
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posted by tzikeh at 8:12 AM on April 9, 2012 [3 favorites]