Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Is Right in Being Wrong

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Walker has said he has no intention of modifying his positions. Obama desperately wanted Republicans involved in health care. Even through they refused to sit down with the Democrats, Republican complaints encouraged more conservative Democrats to demand fundamental changes in the health care bill. Even a half blind mule should be able to see that what emerged, while something, is the result of compromises meant to address the concerns of the, at that time, minority. Of course this did nothing to satisfy Republicans.

We see, time and again, that any Republican who is seen as less than 100% committed is not viewed well by Republicans. Those shown to be wrong will be forgotten as quickly as possible. But this leaves us with a fundamental problem. Can good decisions really be made for the country when half is willing to take into account the others positions, but the other half is not? On all issues?

Brenan Murphey of MI 2:49AM February 28, 2011

...it's a little more comfy then the newspaper blankets & park benches (but stinkier ...pew!)

R U outta yur mind??? of AR 2:22AM February 28, 2011

Yeah, now I remember why I read US News so seldom. So, what you're suggesting is that we should continue to allow unions to bankrupt our states? That's doing wonders for us here in California, too.

Obama, elected by a majority, pushes his Healthcare Reform, despite popular disagreement, and you all hail him as a hero. Gov. Walker, also elected by a majority, pushes for union reforms to save his state, and you label him a villain. How remarkable that you should be so blind.

Regardless of your party affiliation, it should be obvious that taxpayer supported unions are bad for an economy. All public employee unions should lose their collective bargaining powers. Level the playing field with the hard working citizens of this country who have to provide for themselves.

And don't feed me that typical trash about public sector employees working for less than private sector workers. That's a load even you all shouldn't believe anymore.

Rob of CA 11:40PM February 27, 2011

Those phrases became embedded in the political lexicon by conservatives & teabaggers during the healthcare debate along with other poetic turns of phrase such as 'bend over and take it'.

Not a chance of retiring them NOW.

In fact lets dust off a couple more conservative hits. Hows'bout 'You Lie' and "Hellllll, no'? Or maybe 'We're not armed...this time'.

In fact this has turned into such a mess that what I think we really need to do with Walker's plan is 'Start over with a clean sheet of paper'. Wouldn't passing this legislation without any Democratic support make Walker 'the most partisan governor in history'? with the most radical agenda ever that 'most americans are clearly against'?

Scott Walker needs to 'LISTEN TO ME!!' or clearly I live under oppressive tyranny that calls for a 'REVOLUTION!!!'

How do you like them teabags?

p.s. Sorry for all the correct spelling above.... Seriously though, isn't it time to pay those union goons with chickens already? You know, so they can barter for some quality American health care?

Winslow of TX 8:41PM February 27, 2011

Not surprisingly Scott Walker is the son a preacher who trafficked in unprovable ideas. It seems Scott Walker learned to be a little liar early on.

marc of NV 7:52PM February 27, 2011

The revocation of collective bargaining rights is a major step against decades-long precedent and a much longer struggle by working people for these rights to begin with. On a principled basis, the democratic process required Walker to campaign on this intention and receive an informed mandate. He did not, choosing instead to spring this onto the people of Wisconsin in a sudden fashion. The health care legislation, by contrast, featured many months of hearings, public meetings, and so on.

I've seen, in other jurisdictions, politicians attempt major changes without mentioning their intent during election campaigns, claiming their legislative majority gives them the right to do whatever they want and people can have their say about it in the next election (some years later, after the controversial changes have set like concrete). These tendencies must be resisted. We do not elect four-year dictatorships.

jef 5:35PM February 27, 2011

Elections have consequences and so does democracy. The people should never be silenced. In spite of the fact that Walkers power is rooted in the Koch brothers and other big business, it SHOULD be rooted in the people. He has a responsibility to the people not his contributors. The people are exercising their first amendments rights. Walker should do what is best for the people of the state, not out of state billionaire contributors. This bill benefits only the wealthy. Walker has refused to negotiate at all, he has refused to talk to his constituents or the minority party representatives. Democracy does not end at the voting booth.

Tom of WI 4:25PM February 27, 2011

These Unions, moveon.org and certainly Trumka all have financial benefit from forcing people to be part of a Union and having to pay their dues. That is one part that Walker wants to eliminate. He wants to give EVERYONE the choice to be in the Union or not. Oops ---- Dems, Unions, moveon and Trumka -------- all they want is your money. They could care less about you or your family! All they worry about is someone not loosing their job - ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Wisconsin - stand tall against the Unions! Stand up for the taxpayers rights!

NoSpinNow of CA 1:19PM February 27, 2011

walker doesn't want to bust the police and firefighters unions, he just wants to take down the rights and benefits of hardworking teachers.

his despicable ploy is nothing but political payback to the koch brothers.

why do cons hate education?

could it be that education is a threat to their smallmindedness?

the chinese are laughing all the way to the bank at our self-destructive political games.

rupert loves a commie of AK 9:58AM February 27, 2011

Are they going to "hide" until the next election???

These actions are similar to the actions of the AFL-CIO. They're not "on strike", of course, but they're not in the official positions where the people have elected them to be!

If I were a DEM, I'd be mighty ashamed of these "fleebaggers"!

Amy Grant of GA 8:32AM February 27, 2011

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Robert Schlesinger

Robert Schlesinger

Robert Schlesinger is managing editor for opinion at U.S. News and World Report, overseeing all opinion editorial content. He is the author of "White House Ghosts: Presidents and Their Speechwriters." E-mail him at rschlesinger@usnews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @rschles.

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