Middle WI News - September
Content
A FACT-DRIVEN VOICE FOR MIDDLE WISCONSIN VIEWS
Information Technology Solutions
FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE STATE FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS
Middle Wisconsin News
www.MiddleWisconsin.com September 16, 2011
IN THIS ISSUE:
A Concert for Voters in Review
Concert for Voters . . . . . .1 Working Wisconsin . . . . . .3 Hmong Perspectives . . . . 4 Grassroots Wisconsin . . 5 The Essay Page . . . . . . . .7 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Literary Page. . . . . . . 9 Beyond Wisconsin . . . . . 11 Challenging the Myth . . .12
By Mandy Wright
“And you know those fund raisers people are always having for victims of cancer or
other medical disasters to pay for their bills? Those need to stop. It’s not right. Not because you care about your neighbors, but because a medical emergency should not conclude with an economic emergency. It’s time for universal healthcare.” Jon Erpenbach paused for the crowd gathered around the stage at the 400 Block of Wausau. He spoke on a beautiful, sunny Sunday to a group gathered for music, food, friends, and voter registration. A twelve hour concert may sound ambitious, and it was, especially since this is the first concert coordinated by Middle Wisconsin. Despite the stretch of time, the schedule was packed with talent and a variety of entertainment. Starting with Bart Hobson dressed as Mark Twain on the banjo, to the Solidarity Singalong straight from Madison, to Jimer on the cello with Sloppy Joe, and ending with the rambunctious rock of Doug Kroening and the Railers, eight musical acts played with distinct flair and passion, and all agreed to do so for free. The crowd ebbed and flowed throughout the day, enjoying the entertainment, singing, dancing, hanging out with friends, kids’ activities, and eating sno cones and egg rolls. Estimates of total attendees range from 600 up to 1000, although it is difficult to say just how many people filtered through. The line-up of speakers also helped draw a crowd, starting with our favorite politically active farmer, Tony Schultz, who drew upon the wisdom of Eugene Debs to focus on his message of unity. Dave Obey, a political legend in Wausau, spoke to the importance of the parties working together again, something that Middle Wisconsin has sought as an objective from the beginning. After Erpenbach’s rousing speech, Donna Seidel spoke of her background and appreciation for the social systems that allowed her to get an education and be successful. I found Pat Kreitlow to be an incredibly personable politician with the ability to articulate the values of the community and point to clear policy changes. In addition to food vendors, several information tents were available. Middle Wisconsin made thirty new contacts for our email list and sold out of many sizes of tshirts. Several unions were represented and the Democratic Party tent was busy with
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Notice
Individuals considering running for Marathon County Board must file by December 1st.
Editorial Committee: Dave Svetlik, Jim Mattes,
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Middle Wisconsin News Concert for Voters Continued . . .
September 16, 2011 Page 2
visitors all day. Most critical to the entire event though, were the tents that handed out information about the new voter ID laws and registered voters. We empowered 39 people to speak their voice in our democratic process and cast a vote in the next election.
HAPPINESS I ASKED the professors who teach the meaning of life to tell me what is happiness. And I went to famous executives who boss the work of thousands of men. They all shook their heads and gave me a smile as though I was trying to fool with them. And then one Sunday afternoon I wandered out along the Desplaines river and I saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with their women and children and a keg of beer and an accordion. Carl Sandburg 1878 –1967 Change ―Desplaines‖ to ―Wisconsin‖ and ―Hungarians‖ to ―Middlewisconsinites‖ and this works quite well!!
Most important to the success of an event like this was the crowd. “It was a fun day,” reported Jen Powers who rode her bike down to the event, volunteered, and stayed long past her shift. Hula-hoopers found open space to get their groove on while children enjoyed the AFSCME childcare providers’ generosity with crafts, games, and face painting. I estimate that one hundred people came together to volunteer everything from time spent organizing the vendors and permits, talent as a musician or childcare provider, money from an organization-although most came in the form of $20 given by individuals, and donating bottled drinks. The true grassroots nature of our group was apparent in every aspect of this event. Middle Wisconsin began as a means to make a difference in our own community. We are well on our way folks, thank you for all your help.
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Middle Wisconsin News Information Technology Solutions
September 16, 2011 Page 3
Working Wisconsin Labor News and Views
By John Spiegelhoff
I am honored and humbled to receive this award, especially on this day set aside to honor the contributions and sacrifices of labor. I have dedicated my life’s work to improve the working conditions, wages and benefits for all laborers in North Central Wisconsin and across this great State of Wisconsin. It is a just and noble cause. This Labor Day takes on special significance given the recent events in this state since February 2011. All laborers and by extension, the working and middle class are under attack by a radical fringe both at the federal and state level. These radicals, backed by the wealthy and corporate elite, aim to turn back the progress that labor has made since the turn of the century. This would include eliminating workers voices in the workplace, scaling back child labor protections and reducing the minimum wage among other anti-worker legislation. This is being advanced under the falsehood that this is good for the ordinary worker who struggles to make ends meet. These anti-worker legislators, primarily in the Republican party, do not have your best economic interests in mind. The only interests they have are selfserving-to get elected and serve their corporate masters who financially back them. The attacks on workers have even been embraced at the local level. Prior to the immoral union busting law passed in June of this year, local counties and municipalities had an opportunity to give their workers dignity and peace of mind in their workplace. The City of Wausau and Marathon County had a golden opportunity to do just this. However, Mayor Tipple and also the Marathon County Board refused to give their workers a contract even though they could have done so. The end result of this refusal has created a workplace of fear and uncertainness. Their actions are shameful and harmful to labor. Moreover, the significant economic bruising to these employees will drastically affect the local economy as these employees have less disposable income to spend. These workers will, no doubt, significantly tighten their belt thus exacerbating the economic recession we are currently in. Workers know that the only way to have a robust economy rolling is to get the money into the hands of the laborers who buy goods and services which in turn creates jobs. You are being sold a bill of goods from the Republicans who endlessly dribble through their echo chamber minions that if you give the money to the wealthy through tax breaks and corporate loopholes that they will create jobs. It is pure nonsense, contrary to an effective and proven economic recovery policy and encourages you to vote against your own economic self interests. I encourage you to stop watching fake Fox entertainment network and turn off the pundits whose message harms you. I encourage all workers to become educated about how they are being taken advantage of by the Republicans and their anti-worker agenda. Become educated on the political issues which affect you, become active participants in the political process and stand up for yourself, your family, your children and your community. If you are tired of being run over, run for political office at either the local or state level and take a stand for labor and the working class. Stand up for communities over corporations and people over profits. The very existence of the working and middle class is at stake. You can make a difference. Solidarity my brothers and sisters in this historic struggle.
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John Spiegelhoff Staff Representative for Wisconsin Council 40 AFSCME was chosen 2011 Citizen Of The Year by the Marathon County Labor Council
This is the text of the speech given by John at the end of the Labor Day Parade in Wausau, WI
Middle Wisconsin News
September 15, 2011 Page 4
Hmong Perspectives
What Do You Mean? We Need To Have A Marriage License?
Hmong History
The Hmong migrated from southern China in the nineteenth century to the mountainous areas of Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. During the Vietnam War the Hmong worked with the American CIA during the ―secret war‖ in Laos, and therefore were forced to leave their homeland after the victory of the communists. After spending time in refugee camps in Thailand, many Hmong settled in the United States, with large concentrations in California (ca. 91,224), Minnesota (ca. 66,181), and Wisconsin (ca.49,240). Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association
By Mang Thao In the Hmong Community, many couples have been married since coming from Laos and Thailand. However, now many of the couples have to prove that they are legally married. Well, how do you prove that you are legally married when nothing is written down on paper? My own parents were faced with this issue when my dad’s insurance company informed him that my mother of thirty seven years would not be covered under his health insurance. My own parents have been married since they arrived here in this country, but were married in a traditional Hmong wedding. Many of the people in the village recognized that they were married. Wisconsin law does not recognize common law marriages. When we were told that my mother would no longer be covered by my father’s health insurance company, my sister and I had to find a solution. We thought to ourselves, why don’t they just go in and get a marriage license; even though, they are already married according to our Hmong traditions When we went to visit the City Clerk’s office, they told us my parents would need legal documents, such as: divorce papers, birth certificates, and other forms of identification. It got to be a huge issue, because they did not have some of these legal documents from their native country, they could not be married. I had to have the Hmong Association write a letter to the City Clerk’s office stating that we did not have legal documents to prove a marriage, death, or birth. The City Clerk’s office in Dodge County had never had a situation like ours. They weren’t sure what to do. After going to many different offices, the City Clerk’s office informed my parents they needed to affirm their marriage. When the marriage is considered not valid, denied, or is doubted, then an affirmation of marriage needs to take place. Law 767.18 affirms the marriage. The courts need to declare that the marriage is valid by having the two people attest to the fact that they are actually married. Several questions are asked of the couple by the judge and later the judge will decide whether to affirm the marriage or not. Finally, after a month of trying to figure out what to do, my parents went to court to affirm that they were husband and wife and are married. If you know of any Hmong members in the community facing this dilemma, please inform them of this situation, so they can affirm their marriages and make it legal.
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Middle Wisconsin News
September 16, 2011 Page 5
Grassroots Wisconsin
NAOMI
By Virginia Kirsch
So what is happening on the local scene for justice? The First Annual NAOMI Sustainer Breakfast Program was held September 8 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Wausau. The event was well-attended. Along with a delicious breakfast came wonderful speakers who told of their experiences with NAOMI. NAOMI has several programs that get at the root causNAOMI works for social justice on the local level. It es of injustice. TIP (Treatment Instead of Prison) oftrains people of faith to work together for the good of fers rehabilitation to prisoners to deal with addictions. the community. TIP offers hope to people with addictions who might be facing another jail term if their addiction is not takIn our area, these congregations make up NAOMI: en care of. TIP offers tax savings for the community Bread of Life Congregation, Church of the Resurrec- by reducing the need for more prison cells. tion Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Holy Name Catholic Church, Mt. Sinai OPEN DOOR is another program that equips released Congregation, St. Anne Catholic Church, St. Michael prisoners with clothes and other necessities. Often a Catholic Church, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Faith released prisoner has no where to go upon release. in Christ Fellowship Church and First Presbyterian Both these programs offer hope and a second chance Church. to prisoners. NAOMI is the acronym for North-central Area Congregations Organized to Make and Impact. NAOMI believes that people of faith can work together and bring change for the good of the community. The organization was started in May of 2008. It is affiliated with a national organization, Gamaliel of Chicago, that began in 1968. SAVING MORTGAGES was another program offered by NAOMI. This workshop helped people figure out ways to save their mortgage rather than lose their home through foreclosure. NAOMI continues to work on grassroots issues that impact the community.
We global through the local. We are connected to all of the globe by the air we breath and the water we use, but we (because of our physical body) can only act locally. Think globally; act locally
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Middle Wisconsin News
September 16, 2011 Page 6
Grassroots Continued . . .
Exit Polling
By Nancy Tabaka Stencil
The early morning hours of August 16 found me driving to Rhinelander to take part in something called ―Exit Polling.‖ What is exit polling you ask? It is a group of people who take a polling sample from voters after they leave the polling station. Our group set up a box that has a ballot slit made in the top and is taped shut and signed by two or more from the group across the tape. We have filmed ourselves in this process. This is done to ensure all involved that this box is not tampered with at any point until the end of the day when the polls close and the votes are counted in a public place. We used paper ballots for people to privately check off who they voted for. The voter folds it and places it in the box, signing a numbered book so we have an accurate count of signatures to ballots to let the public know that no one is stuffing the ballot box. Along with this we have a person who counts refusals. This process will ensure us of a count close to the actual count inside. At the end of the day we go in to the polling place as it closes and ask for a copy of the actual polling tape from the machines. Throughout the day we let people know where we will be at the end of the day if they would like to come and watch us count votes. Our day started off slow - perhaps a combination of people not knowing what we were all about and us not being comfortable yet in what we were doing. As the day wore on, many people came through and openly expressed who they voted for. These were our most challenged moments as a group - to remain non-partisan! I for one found this very difficult, having done extensive canvassing for Jim Holperin since Memorial Day. Mid way through our day we faced some adversity from the manager at the YMCA as she began getting phone calls from large donors to the ―Y‖ who did not like our presence! One couple who came to vote received an email earlier in the day telling them that if they came and voted in the exit polling, their vote would not count inside! Many people asked what organization we were with. We are a part of the Election Defense Alliance (EDA). We are not for profit and as I said earlier, are non-partisan. As the day wore on we were visited by a local er, Kyle Rogers, took quite an interest in what day to open the ballot box and count the votes. Exit polling can paint a picture of statistics. could have challenged the electronic systems for a taped and signed box and following a imately 200 people. We had learned part way exit. TV station and a newspaper reporter. Our reportwe were doing and joined us at the end of the He did a feature on us, complete with a picture. Had there been a large discrepancy, the EDA in this polling place. This explains the necessity chain of command. Our count was off by approxthrough our day that there was another entrance/
We were all exhausted at the end of the day, but I think I can speak for all of us that it was awesome to be a part of polling that was once used primarily by newspapers as a means of predicting an early outcome at the polls. At this time I would like to give a huge thank you to Phil and Barb Keller for all their work in making this happen. From the afternoon many of us sat down to watch ―Stealing America Vote by Vote‖ to our meeting with the head of the EDA, it is amazing what we learned!
Middle Wisconsin News Information Technology Solutions
August 3, 2011 Page 7
The Essay Page
The Republican Moral Compass
By John Spiegelhoff
―How long? Not long. Because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.‖ -Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I was sitting in church one Sunday listening to a plethora of prayers and a sermon about how Christians should act towards one another in their communities. I had a hard time concentrating in church this particular Sunday due to the thoughts I have regarding the direction of our country.
The pastor talked about being concerned for others who are less fortunate in the community – how we should behave and treat others in our interactions Radical Republicans have attempted to slash with them. My thoughts wandered to what the funds to social security and Medicare and aim radical Republicans must think when they go to to repeal the Roosevelt New Deal. The Repubchurch on Sunday. licans want to repeal anything that benefits society. What do the radical Republicans believe in? If actions speak louder than words, I believe the radi- This list is not all inclusive, but reflects a sample cal Republicans are hypocrites at the highest level of the carnage the radical Republicans are reeking if they attend church. The radical Republican on the poor, working and middle class, while simagenda hurts the most vulnerable among us. If a ultaneously coddling the wealthy and corporations. society is measured on how we treat those less fortunate than ourselves, the radical Republicans Most citizens would probably say their community seem to be morally bankrupt. is pretty important to them. Communities are families, and families take care of one another. This is Throughout Wisconsin and the United States, the the message I hear in church. This includes qualiradical Republicans passed, or attempted to pass, ty education and public services such as clean wathe following measures: ter, beautiful parks, and programs that benefit all of the community. Slashed funding to the Homestead and Earned Income Credit. This tax credit actually helps I believe that most folks who vote Republican the working poor to decrease their taxable inhave never really looked at how their vote affects come, thereby putting more money in their their own family and community. I surmise this is pockets. This in turn helps families avoid betrue and that they simply fill in the oval on the ing on assistance at county and state levels. ballot as they always have, and as their parents and grandparents did before them. Unemployment compensation benefits were Do those who vote Republican have a moral comslashed as people who lose their job cannot pass gone askew? The answer is probably no. receive compensation for the first week after Their vote is more likely due to a lack of education they are laid off. on the agenda of the Republicans for whom they voted. If the people who I work, play, and worship Decreased funding to public schools by $900 with in Merrill understood the true agenda of those million while giving tax dollars to charter they voted for, church would take on a whole difschools. The radical Republican’s ultimate ferent meaning. goal is to privatize public schools. Charter
schools were originally created to help the poor. Now the wealthy can send their children to private school on the tax payer dime.
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Middle Wisconsin News Information Technology Solutions
September 16, 2011 Page 8
Letters
Labor Day 2011
What a wonderful Labor Day parade! It was a well balanced mixture of what the holiday is all about - workers and families. It also had the high school bands and the theater everyone is used to seeing in parades. The preparation started days before as I wrapped address labels around sucker sticks that said "Find us on Facebook" and www.middlewisconsin.com. Spreading the word of Democracy is what it is all about - educating the people. My biggest surprise was as we came down 3rd Avenue and I began to see folks along the curb with signs. Signs thanking teachers and recalling Walker! This fueled my enthusiasm! The people of Wausau DO understand, they really DO get it. The on-lookers loved Middle Wisconsin's drum section! They yelled for more cowbell! The people cheered and they knew....this is what Democracy looks like! The end of the parade had us turning our back on Pam Galloway and Sean Duffy, just like they turned their back on us months ago. We are a peaceful people who look out for each other. It never ceases to amaze me how politicians can look us straight in the face and lie. Yes, what a wonderful parade, but shame on the Wausau media for the course they chose in covering the event. For people that didn't attend, the media made the parade look as though it was little short of a riot! It was portrayed as disgusting and vile! However the media made the Merrill parade , which was less contentious, look very candy coated. Perhaps that is what people think everything should look like - candy coated. But I will side with the less popular. My hat is off to the countless people like Randy Radtke, who are not afraid to take a stand. It was a wonderful parade! Nancy Tabaka Stencil
―Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital and deserves much the higher consideration.‖ By Abraham Lincoln, 1861 From ―State of the Union Address‖
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Middle Wisconsin News
September 16, 2011 Page 9
The Literary Page
A PRAYER AT ELEVEN
By Tom Neale Forgetting there would be no mail on Veteran’s Day, the dog and I walked down the driveway to the road. The final eight logs of a six cord load of fire wood were scattered around the chopping block. I had shut off my chain-saw and turned my attention towards the towering white pine along the bank of Spirit Creek beyond the western meadow. Aware it was eleven AM, more or less, i offered a prayer to that forest elder filled with anguish for all of us, wounded as we are by war. Having prayed, i reflected while walking on what prayer might be – not turning from the world towards the Divine, rather turning towards the Divine through oneself. While i chewed on this, a young eagle heading north swept up the county road, attracting my rapt attention. When I came in the house to pick up a laundry basket to carry in a load of wash, i glanced at the clock above the sink. It was eleven fifteen. that prayer, that walk, the young eagle, all of it had honored the moment when slaughter paused to catch its breath.
The poems featured on the Literary Page this month are the work of Tom Neale. They come from a 9/11 series called ONE MAN'S WRATH. This title is inspired by a quotation from Miklos Radnoti; written in a Balkans labor camp during WW2: ―The wrath of poets and prophets is kindred/food for the people and drink.‖
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September 16, 2011 Page 10
The Literary Page Continued ……..
THE BLACK BOULDER PRAYER
GUNS AND LOVE By Tom Neale
for Skylar White By Tom Neale
A gun knows nothing of love. Though a trigger might be squeezed to fill a freezer, so children might eat through the winter; a rifle knows nothing of love. Though a barrel might be aimed at a rattlesnake in a schoolyard, a pistol knows nothing of love. Our weapons know nothing of love.
For the small black boulder where i sit – i give thanks. For the mystery and magic, the majesty of the Big Water i give thanks. For this air i breathe, such a small part of this warm blue wind scoured sky i give thanks. For this pipe i smoke to honor the elders living and long gone with whom i share this country i give thanks. For the pebbles i’ve put in my pocket – i give thanks. For the children’s laughter I can hear down the beach i give thanks. For this beauty with which i’m surrounded – i give thanks. For the wave rounded cobble i carry to the car to add to the Spirit Creek fire ring – i give thanks. For these small moments by the sweet sea i give thanks.
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Middle Wisconsin News
September 16, 2011 Page 11
Beyond Wisconsin
CONTRACT FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM
By Virginia Kirsch
Here is the Contract for the American Dream, led by Van Jones and the Rebuild Team. The Contract was taken to members of Congress during the August recess, to present it in local communities and make it part of our national vision.
If Not Now, When?
It is a Contract to create jobs, invest in America and rebuild the American Dream for all. 175,000 citizen signers have already added their names and the contract was run in a full page ad in THE NEW YORK TIMES. Let America see the solutions to our broken politics and struggling economy. Americans who are willing to work hard and play by the rules should be able to find a decent job, get a good home in a strong community, retire with dignity and give their kids a better life. Every one of us has the right to LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. This is our covenant, our compact and our contract with one another. Below are the main points of the Contract: 1. INVEST IN AMERICA’S INFRASTRUCTURE 2. CREATE 21ST-CENTURY ENERGY JOBS 3. INVEST IN PUBLIC EDUCATION 4. OFFER MEDICARE FOR ALL 5. MAKE WORK PAY 6. SECURE SOCIAL SECURITY 7. RETURN TO FAIRER TAX RATES 8. END THE WARS AND INVEST AT HOME 9. TAX WALL STREET SPECULATION 10. STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY From MoveOn.org Civic Action http://rebuildthedream.com/
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Middle Wisconsin News
September 16, 2011 Page 12
CHALLENGING THE MYTH...
“And if all others accepted the lie which the party imposed—if all records told the same tale— then the lie passed into history and became the truth.” —George Orwell, 1984 (published in 1949)
The Fallacy That Regulations Kill Jobs
By Dave Svetlik
―By pursuing a steady repeal of job-destroying regulations, we can help lift the cloud of uncertainty hanging over small and large employers alike, empowering them to hire more workers,‖ Eric Cantor wrote in the 2,064-word memo. ―And I would begin with the EPA, because there is no other agency like the EPA. It should really be renamed the jobkilling organization of America,‖ Michelle Bachmann said, according to a CNN transcript of the debate. In a meeting with Tea Party activists, former Republican Speaker of the House and potential 2012 presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was nothing more than ―a job-killing regulatory engine of higher energy prices.‖ Clean Air Council - July 14, 2011. Report findings on the Proposed EPA Utility Toxics Rule include: · Net annual benefits between $52.5 and $139.5 billion) · Net job increases of 115,520 · Healthcare savings of $4.513 billion http://www.cleanair.org/program/outdoor_air_pollution/air_toxics/ new_study_uncovers_additional_105_billion_annual_benefits_a
Union of Concerned Scientists report, A Bright Future for the Heartland July 19, 2011 The Clean Energy Economy A roadmap for renewable energy and energy efficiency. In A Bright Future for the Heartland, UCS based its analysis on the renewable energy and energy efficiency goals of the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA)—a collaboration of 10 states working on key public policy issues. http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/solutions/big_picture_solutions/abright-future-for-the-heartland.html
The Benefits of a Clean Energy Economy for the Midwest Economy By 2030: 85,700 net new jobs $40.9 billion in new capital investment $1 billion in new income for farmers $3.5 billion in new local tax revenues $42.8 billion in lower electricity and natural gas bills
Earth and Industry - August 12, 2011. A report released this week by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), automotive workers union (UAW), and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) shows that vehicle emissions standards and clean vehicle R&D and production are already responsible for 155,000 jobs at 504 facilities in 43 states and the District of Columbia. 119,000 jobs have been created in this industry since 2009 alone. http://earthandindustry.com/2011/08/green-jobs-galore-expected-from-new-fuel-economy-standards/
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“And if all others accepted the lie which the party imposed—if all records told the same tale— then the lie passed into history and became the truth.”
CHALLENGING THE MYTH . . .
Continued from page 12
—George Orwell, 1984 (published in 1949)
So . . . . . ―Please don’t confuse me with the facts.‖
The reader will please forgive the hint of sarcasm and the fact that the author of this article hasn’t contributed a single word to this point. It is just that some topics simply speak for themselves. Of all the false claims that have been made in the political debate in the last few years, ―job killing regulations‖ is probably the most destructive. Virtually all valid research (herein lies the problem - science and empirical data are just such a nuisance where ideology is concerned) indicates that environmental and safety regulations result in net employment gains and the long term growth of cutting edge technologies that further enhance the economy. (Not to mention the fact that it is rather pleasant not being killed at work or in your car, or because of carcinogens in the air because regulations have made all of these infinitely safer. Oh, and I should mention, I’ve never been a big fan of having my grandkids eating lead paint chips. And I’m not crazy about e-coli in my hamburger. And I’m not too excited that my grandkids are being protected by fewer and fewer child labor laws - you know - the ones that keep them from working in sweat shops like little kids do in third world countries? And I kind of like the fact that the Wisconsin river is no longer an open chemical sewer for industry and maybe I can safely eat a fish out of it once in a while. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not wild about things living in my tap water either. Probably just me. I’ve always been a little fussy.) This article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one other curious fact: Perhaps the single greatest cause of unemployment in US history is DEREGULATION - specifically of the financial industry. It allowed the fraudulent practices leading to the near total collapse of our economy. Forgive me again, but it is rather difficult to swallow ―job killing regulations‖ just now. The past few years have been an endless charade of ludicrous ideological claims from our politicians. We may wish to think that operating the United States of America without regard to any facts can carry us on to great prosperity and stature in this world, but the laws of physics (and nature) eventually rule. They don’t care what we believe. We as a nation, are either going to begin acting with the intelligence and integrity we are collectively endowed with, or this is not going to be a decent country for anyone.
―Let no one attempt with small gifts of charity to exempt himself from the great duties imposed by justice.‖ --Pope Pius XI
Information Technology Solutions
FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE STATE FOR THE MIDDLE CLASS
Middle Wisconsin News
www.MiddleWisconsin.com September 16, 2011
IN THIS ISSUE:
A Concert for Voters in Review
Concert for Voters . . . . . .1 Working Wisconsin . . . . . .3 Hmong Perspectives . . . . 4 Grassroots Wisconsin . . 5 The Essay Page . . . . . . . .7 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Literary Page. . . . . . . 9 Beyond Wisconsin . . . . . 11 Challenging the Myth . . .12
By Mandy Wright
“And you know those fund raisers people are always having for victims of cancer or
other medical disasters to pay for their bills? Those need to stop. It’s not right. Not because you care about your neighbors, but because a medical emergency should not conclude with an economic emergency. It’s time for universal healthcare.” Jon Erpenbach paused for the crowd gathered around the stage at the 400 Block of Wausau. He spoke on a beautiful, sunny Sunday to a group gathered for music, food, friends, and voter registration. A twelve hour concert may sound ambitious, and it was, especially since this is the first concert coordinated by Middle Wisconsin. Despite the stretch of time, the schedule was packed with talent and a variety of entertainment. Starting with Bart Hobson dressed as Mark Twain on the banjo, to the Solidarity Singalong straight from Madison, to Jimer on the cello with Sloppy Joe, and ending with the rambunctious rock of Doug Kroening and the Railers, eight musical acts played with distinct flair and passion, and all agreed to do so for free. The crowd ebbed and flowed throughout the day, enjoying the entertainment, singing, dancing, hanging out with friends, kids’ activities, and eating sno cones and egg rolls. Estimates of total attendees range from 600 up to 1000, although it is difficult to say just how many people filtered through. The line-up of speakers also helped draw a crowd, starting with our favorite politically active farmer, Tony Schultz, who drew upon the wisdom of Eugene Debs to focus on his message of unity. Dave Obey, a political legend in Wausau, spoke to the importance of the parties working together again, something that Middle Wisconsin has sought as an objective from the beginning. After Erpenbach’s rousing speech, Donna Seidel spoke of her background and appreciation for the social systems that allowed her to get an education and be successful. I found Pat Kreitlow to be an incredibly personable politician with the ability to articulate the values of the community and point to clear policy changes. In addition to food vendors, several information tents were available. Middle Wisconsin made thirty new contacts for our email list and sold out of many sizes of tshirts. Several unions were represented and the Democratic Party tent was busy with
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Notice
Individuals considering running for Marathon County Board must file by December 1st.
Editorial Committee: Dave Svetlik, Jim Mattes,
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Middle Wisconsin News Concert for Voters Continued . . .
September 16, 2011 Page 2
visitors all day. Most critical to the entire event though, were the tents that handed out information about the new voter ID laws and registered voters. We empowered 39 people to speak their voice in our democratic process and cast a vote in the next election.
HAPPINESS I ASKED the professors who teach the meaning of life to tell me what is happiness. And I went to famous executives who boss the work of thousands of men. They all shook their heads and gave me a smile as though I was trying to fool with them. And then one Sunday afternoon I wandered out along the Desplaines river and I saw a crowd of Hungarians under the trees with their women and children and a keg of beer and an accordion. Carl Sandburg 1878 –1967 Change ―Desplaines‖ to ―Wisconsin‖ and ―Hungarians‖ to ―Middlewisconsinites‖ and this works quite well!!
Most important to the success of an event like this was the crowd. “It was a fun day,” reported Jen Powers who rode her bike down to the event, volunteered, and stayed long past her shift. Hula-hoopers found open space to get their groove on while children enjoyed the AFSCME childcare providers’ generosity with crafts, games, and face painting. I estimate that one hundred people came together to volunteer everything from time spent organizing the vendors and permits, talent as a musician or childcare provider, money from an organization-although most came in the form of $20 given by individuals, and donating bottled drinks. The true grassroots nature of our group was apparent in every aspect of this event. Middle Wisconsin began as a means to make a difference in our own community. We are well on our way folks, thank you for all your help.
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Middle Wisconsin News Information Technology Solutions
September 16, 2011 Page 3
Working Wisconsin Labor News and Views
By John Spiegelhoff
I am honored and humbled to receive this award, especially on this day set aside to honor the contributions and sacrifices of labor. I have dedicated my life’s work to improve the working conditions, wages and benefits for all laborers in North Central Wisconsin and across this great State of Wisconsin. It is a just and noble cause. This Labor Day takes on special significance given the recent events in this state since February 2011. All laborers and by extension, the working and middle class are under attack by a radical fringe both at the federal and state level. These radicals, backed by the wealthy and corporate elite, aim to turn back the progress that labor has made since the turn of the century. This would include eliminating workers voices in the workplace, scaling back child labor protections and reducing the minimum wage among other anti-worker legislation. This is being advanced under the falsehood that this is good for the ordinary worker who struggles to make ends meet. These anti-worker legislators, primarily in the Republican party, do not have your best economic interests in mind. The only interests they have are selfserving-to get elected and serve their corporate masters who financially back them. The attacks on workers have even been embraced at the local level. Prior to the immoral union busting law passed in June of this year, local counties and municipalities had an opportunity to give their workers dignity and peace of mind in their workplace. The City of Wausau and Marathon County had a golden opportunity to do just this. However, Mayor Tipple and also the Marathon County Board refused to give their workers a contract even though they could have done so. The end result of this refusal has created a workplace of fear and uncertainness. Their actions are shameful and harmful to labor. Moreover, the significant economic bruising to these employees will drastically affect the local economy as these employees have less disposable income to spend. These workers will, no doubt, significantly tighten their belt thus exacerbating the economic recession we are currently in. Workers know that the only way to have a robust economy rolling is to get the money into the hands of the laborers who buy goods and services which in turn creates jobs. You are being sold a bill of goods from the Republicans who endlessly dribble through their echo chamber minions that if you give the money to the wealthy through tax breaks and corporate loopholes that they will create jobs. It is pure nonsense, contrary to an effective and proven economic recovery policy and encourages you to vote against your own economic self interests. I encourage you to stop watching fake Fox entertainment network and turn off the pundits whose message harms you. I encourage all workers to become educated about how they are being taken advantage of by the Republicans and their anti-worker agenda. Become educated on the political issues which affect you, become active participants in the political process and stand up for yourself, your family, your children and your community. If you are tired of being run over, run for political office at either the local or state level and take a stand for labor and the working class. Stand up for communities over corporations and people over profits. The very existence of the working and middle class is at stake. You can make a difference. Solidarity my brothers and sisters in this historic struggle.
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John Spiegelhoff Staff Representative for Wisconsin Council 40 AFSCME was chosen 2011 Citizen Of The Year by the Marathon County Labor Council
This is the text of the speech given by John at the end of the Labor Day Parade in Wausau, WI
Middle Wisconsin News
September 15, 2011 Page 4
Hmong Perspectives
What Do You Mean? We Need To Have A Marriage License?
Hmong History
The Hmong migrated from southern China in the nineteenth century to the mountainous areas of Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. During the Vietnam War the Hmong worked with the American CIA during the ―secret war‖ in Laos, and therefore were forced to leave their homeland after the victory of the communists. After spending time in refugee camps in Thailand, many Hmong settled in the United States, with large concentrations in California (ca. 91,224), Minnesota (ca. 66,181), and Wisconsin (ca.49,240). Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association
By Mang Thao In the Hmong Community, many couples have been married since coming from Laos and Thailand. However, now many of the couples have to prove that they are legally married. Well, how do you prove that you are legally married when nothing is written down on paper? My own parents were faced with this issue when my dad’s insurance company informed him that my mother of thirty seven years would not be covered under his health insurance. My own parents have been married since they arrived here in this country, but were married in a traditional Hmong wedding. Many of the people in the village recognized that they were married. Wisconsin law does not recognize common law marriages. When we were told that my mother would no longer be covered by my father’s health insurance company, my sister and I had to find a solution. We thought to ourselves, why don’t they just go in and get a marriage license; even though, they are already married according to our Hmong traditions When we went to visit the City Clerk’s office, they told us my parents would need legal documents, such as: divorce papers, birth certificates, and other forms of identification. It got to be a huge issue, because they did not have some of these legal documents from their native country, they could not be married. I had to have the Hmong Association write a letter to the City Clerk’s office stating that we did not have legal documents to prove a marriage, death, or birth. The City Clerk’s office in Dodge County had never had a situation like ours. They weren’t sure what to do. After going to many different offices, the City Clerk’s office informed my parents they needed to affirm their marriage. When the marriage is considered not valid, denied, or is doubted, then an affirmation of marriage needs to take place. Law 767.18 affirms the marriage. The courts need to declare that the marriage is valid by having the two people attest to the fact that they are actually married. Several questions are asked of the couple by the judge and later the judge will decide whether to affirm the marriage or not. Finally, after a month of trying to figure out what to do, my parents went to court to affirm that they were husband and wife and are married. If you know of any Hmong members in the community facing this dilemma, please inform them of this situation, so they can affirm their marriages and make it legal.
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Middle Wisconsin News
September 16, 2011 Page 5
Grassroots Wisconsin
NAOMI
By Virginia Kirsch
So what is happening on the local scene for justice? The First Annual NAOMI Sustainer Breakfast Program was held September 8 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Wausau. The event was well-attended. Along with a delicious breakfast came wonderful speakers who told of their experiences with NAOMI. NAOMI has several programs that get at the root causNAOMI works for social justice on the local level. It es of injustice. TIP (Treatment Instead of Prison) oftrains people of faith to work together for the good of fers rehabilitation to prisoners to deal with addictions. the community. TIP offers hope to people with addictions who might be facing another jail term if their addiction is not takIn our area, these congregations make up NAOMI: en care of. TIP offers tax savings for the community Bread of Life Congregation, Church of the Resurrec- by reducing the need for more prison cells. tion Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Holy Name Catholic Church, Mt. Sinai OPEN DOOR is another program that equips released Congregation, St. Anne Catholic Church, St. Michael prisoners with clothes and other necessities. Often a Catholic Church, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Faith released prisoner has no where to go upon release. in Christ Fellowship Church and First Presbyterian Both these programs offer hope and a second chance Church. to prisoners. NAOMI is the acronym for North-central Area Congregations Organized to Make and Impact. NAOMI believes that people of faith can work together and bring change for the good of the community. The organization was started in May of 2008. It is affiliated with a national organization, Gamaliel of Chicago, that began in 1968. SAVING MORTGAGES was another program offered by NAOMI. This workshop helped people figure out ways to save their mortgage rather than lose their home through foreclosure. NAOMI continues to work on grassroots issues that impact the community.
We global through the local. We are connected to all of the globe by the air we breath and the water we use, but we (because of our physical body) can only act locally. Think globally; act locally
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September 16, 2011 Page 6
Grassroots Continued . . .
Exit Polling
By Nancy Tabaka Stencil
The early morning hours of August 16 found me driving to Rhinelander to take part in something called ―Exit Polling.‖ What is exit polling you ask? It is a group of people who take a polling sample from voters after they leave the polling station. Our group set up a box that has a ballot slit made in the top and is taped shut and signed by two or more from the group across the tape. We have filmed ourselves in this process. This is done to ensure all involved that this box is not tampered with at any point until the end of the day when the polls close and the votes are counted in a public place. We used paper ballots for people to privately check off who they voted for. The voter folds it and places it in the box, signing a numbered book so we have an accurate count of signatures to ballots to let the public know that no one is stuffing the ballot box. Along with this we have a person who counts refusals. This process will ensure us of a count close to the actual count inside. At the end of the day we go in to the polling place as it closes and ask for a copy of the actual polling tape from the machines. Throughout the day we let people know where we will be at the end of the day if they would like to come and watch us count votes. Our day started off slow - perhaps a combination of people not knowing what we were all about and us not being comfortable yet in what we were doing. As the day wore on, many people came through and openly expressed who they voted for. These were our most challenged moments as a group - to remain non-partisan! I for one found this very difficult, having done extensive canvassing for Jim Holperin since Memorial Day. Mid way through our day we faced some adversity from the manager at the YMCA as she began getting phone calls from large donors to the ―Y‖ who did not like our presence! One couple who came to vote received an email earlier in the day telling them that if they came and voted in the exit polling, their vote would not count inside! Many people asked what organization we were with. We are a part of the Election Defense Alliance (EDA). We are not for profit and as I said earlier, are non-partisan. As the day wore on we were visited by a local er, Kyle Rogers, took quite an interest in what day to open the ballot box and count the votes. Exit polling can paint a picture of statistics. could have challenged the electronic systems for a taped and signed box and following a imately 200 people. We had learned part way exit. TV station and a newspaper reporter. Our reportwe were doing and joined us at the end of the He did a feature on us, complete with a picture. Had there been a large discrepancy, the EDA in this polling place. This explains the necessity chain of command. Our count was off by approxthrough our day that there was another entrance/
We were all exhausted at the end of the day, but I think I can speak for all of us that it was awesome to be a part of polling that was once used primarily by newspapers as a means of predicting an early outcome at the polls. At this time I would like to give a huge thank you to Phil and Barb Keller for all their work in making this happen. From the afternoon many of us sat down to watch ―Stealing America Vote by Vote‖ to our meeting with the head of the EDA, it is amazing what we learned!
Middle Wisconsin News Information Technology Solutions
August 3, 2011 Page 7
The Essay Page
The Republican Moral Compass
By John Spiegelhoff
―How long? Not long. Because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.‖ -Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
I was sitting in church one Sunday listening to a plethora of prayers and a sermon about how Christians should act towards one another in their communities. I had a hard time concentrating in church this particular Sunday due to the thoughts I have regarding the direction of our country.
The pastor talked about being concerned for others who are less fortunate in the community – how we should behave and treat others in our interactions Radical Republicans have attempted to slash with them. My thoughts wandered to what the funds to social security and Medicare and aim radical Republicans must think when they go to to repeal the Roosevelt New Deal. The Repubchurch on Sunday. licans want to repeal anything that benefits society. What do the radical Republicans believe in? If actions speak louder than words, I believe the radi- This list is not all inclusive, but reflects a sample cal Republicans are hypocrites at the highest level of the carnage the radical Republicans are reeking if they attend church. The radical Republican on the poor, working and middle class, while simagenda hurts the most vulnerable among us. If a ultaneously coddling the wealthy and corporations. society is measured on how we treat those less fortunate than ourselves, the radical Republicans Most citizens would probably say their community seem to be morally bankrupt. is pretty important to them. Communities are families, and families take care of one another. This is Throughout Wisconsin and the United States, the the message I hear in church. This includes qualiradical Republicans passed, or attempted to pass, ty education and public services such as clean wathe following measures: ter, beautiful parks, and programs that benefit all of the community. Slashed funding to the Homestead and Earned Income Credit. This tax credit actually helps I believe that most folks who vote Republican the working poor to decrease their taxable inhave never really looked at how their vote affects come, thereby putting more money in their their own family and community. I surmise this is pockets. This in turn helps families avoid betrue and that they simply fill in the oval on the ing on assistance at county and state levels. ballot as they always have, and as their parents and grandparents did before them. Unemployment compensation benefits were Do those who vote Republican have a moral comslashed as people who lose their job cannot pass gone askew? The answer is probably no. receive compensation for the first week after Their vote is more likely due to a lack of education they are laid off. on the agenda of the Republicans for whom they voted. If the people who I work, play, and worship Decreased funding to public schools by $900 with in Merrill understood the true agenda of those million while giving tax dollars to charter they voted for, church would take on a whole difschools. The radical Republican’s ultimate ferent meaning. goal is to privatize public schools. Charter
schools were originally created to help the poor. Now the wealthy can send their children to private school on the tax payer dime.
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Middle Wisconsin News Information Technology Solutions
September 16, 2011 Page 8
Letters
Labor Day 2011
What a wonderful Labor Day parade! It was a well balanced mixture of what the holiday is all about - workers and families. It also had the high school bands and the theater everyone is used to seeing in parades. The preparation started days before as I wrapped address labels around sucker sticks that said "Find us on Facebook" and www.middlewisconsin.com. Spreading the word of Democracy is what it is all about - educating the people. My biggest surprise was as we came down 3rd Avenue and I began to see folks along the curb with signs. Signs thanking teachers and recalling Walker! This fueled my enthusiasm! The people of Wausau DO understand, they really DO get it. The on-lookers loved Middle Wisconsin's drum section! They yelled for more cowbell! The people cheered and they knew....this is what Democracy looks like! The end of the parade had us turning our back on Pam Galloway and Sean Duffy, just like they turned their back on us months ago. We are a peaceful people who look out for each other. It never ceases to amaze me how politicians can look us straight in the face and lie. Yes, what a wonderful parade, but shame on the Wausau media for the course they chose in covering the event. For people that didn't attend, the media made the parade look as though it was little short of a riot! It was portrayed as disgusting and vile! However the media made the Merrill parade , which was less contentious, look very candy coated. Perhaps that is what people think everything should look like - candy coated. But I will side with the less popular. My hat is off to the countless people like Randy Radtke, who are not afraid to take a stand. It was a wonderful parade! Nancy Tabaka Stencil
―Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital and deserves much the higher consideration.‖ By Abraham Lincoln, 1861 From ―State of the Union Address‖
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Middle Wisconsin News
September 16, 2011 Page 9
The Literary Page
A PRAYER AT ELEVEN
By Tom Neale Forgetting there would be no mail on Veteran’s Day, the dog and I walked down the driveway to the road. The final eight logs of a six cord load of fire wood were scattered around the chopping block. I had shut off my chain-saw and turned my attention towards the towering white pine along the bank of Spirit Creek beyond the western meadow. Aware it was eleven AM, more or less, i offered a prayer to that forest elder filled with anguish for all of us, wounded as we are by war. Having prayed, i reflected while walking on what prayer might be – not turning from the world towards the Divine, rather turning towards the Divine through oneself. While i chewed on this, a young eagle heading north swept up the county road, attracting my rapt attention. When I came in the house to pick up a laundry basket to carry in a load of wash, i glanced at the clock above the sink. It was eleven fifteen. that prayer, that walk, the young eagle, all of it had honored the moment when slaughter paused to catch its breath.
The poems featured on the Literary Page this month are the work of Tom Neale. They come from a 9/11 series called ONE MAN'S WRATH. This title is inspired by a quotation from Miklos Radnoti; written in a Balkans labor camp during WW2: ―The wrath of poets and prophets is kindred/food for the people and drink.‖
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Middle Wisconsin News
September 16, 2011 Page 10
The Literary Page Continued ……..
THE BLACK BOULDER PRAYER
GUNS AND LOVE By Tom Neale
for Skylar White By Tom Neale
A gun knows nothing of love. Though a trigger might be squeezed to fill a freezer, so children might eat through the winter; a rifle knows nothing of love. Though a barrel might be aimed at a rattlesnake in a schoolyard, a pistol knows nothing of love. Our weapons know nothing of love.
For the small black boulder where i sit – i give thanks. For the mystery and magic, the majesty of the Big Water i give thanks. For this air i breathe, such a small part of this warm blue wind scoured sky i give thanks. For this pipe i smoke to honor the elders living and long gone with whom i share this country i give thanks. For the pebbles i’ve put in my pocket – i give thanks. For the children’s laughter I can hear down the beach i give thanks. For this beauty with which i’m surrounded – i give thanks. For the wave rounded cobble i carry to the car to add to the Spirit Creek fire ring – i give thanks. For these small moments by the sweet sea i give thanks.
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Middle Wisconsin News
September 16, 2011 Page 11
Beyond Wisconsin
CONTRACT FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM
By Virginia Kirsch
Here is the Contract for the American Dream, led by Van Jones and the Rebuild Team. The Contract was taken to members of Congress during the August recess, to present it in local communities and make it part of our national vision.
If Not Now, When?
It is a Contract to create jobs, invest in America and rebuild the American Dream for all. 175,000 citizen signers have already added their names and the contract was run in a full page ad in THE NEW YORK TIMES. Let America see the solutions to our broken politics and struggling economy. Americans who are willing to work hard and play by the rules should be able to find a decent job, get a good home in a strong community, retire with dignity and give their kids a better life. Every one of us has the right to LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. This is our covenant, our compact and our contract with one another. Below are the main points of the Contract: 1. INVEST IN AMERICA’S INFRASTRUCTURE 2. CREATE 21ST-CENTURY ENERGY JOBS 3. INVEST IN PUBLIC EDUCATION 4. OFFER MEDICARE FOR ALL 5. MAKE WORK PAY 6. SECURE SOCIAL SECURITY 7. RETURN TO FAIRER TAX RATES 8. END THE WARS AND INVEST AT HOME 9. TAX WALL STREET SPECULATION 10. STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY From MoveOn.org Civic Action http://rebuildthedream.com/
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Middle Wisconsin News
September 16, 2011 Page 12
CHALLENGING THE MYTH...
“And if all others accepted the lie which the party imposed—if all records told the same tale— then the lie passed into history and became the truth.” —George Orwell, 1984 (published in 1949)
The Fallacy That Regulations Kill Jobs
By Dave Svetlik
―By pursuing a steady repeal of job-destroying regulations, we can help lift the cloud of uncertainty hanging over small and large employers alike, empowering them to hire more workers,‖ Eric Cantor wrote in the 2,064-word memo. ―And I would begin with the EPA, because there is no other agency like the EPA. It should really be renamed the jobkilling organization of America,‖ Michelle Bachmann said, according to a CNN transcript of the debate. In a meeting with Tea Party activists, former Republican Speaker of the House and potential 2012 presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was nothing more than ―a job-killing regulatory engine of higher energy prices.‖ Clean Air Council - July 14, 2011. Report findings on the Proposed EPA Utility Toxics Rule include: · Net annual benefits between $52.5 and $139.5 billion) · Net job increases of 115,520 · Healthcare savings of $4.513 billion http://www.cleanair.org/program/outdoor_air_pollution/air_toxics/ new_study_uncovers_additional_105_billion_annual_benefits_a
Union of Concerned Scientists report, A Bright Future for the Heartland July 19, 2011 The Clean Energy Economy A roadmap for renewable energy and energy efficiency. In A Bright Future for the Heartland, UCS based its analysis on the renewable energy and energy efficiency goals of the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA)—a collaboration of 10 states working on key public policy issues. http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/solutions/big_picture_solutions/abright-future-for-the-heartland.html
The Benefits of a Clean Energy Economy for the Midwest Economy By 2030: 85,700 net new jobs $40.9 billion in new capital investment $1 billion in new income for farmers $3.5 billion in new local tax revenues $42.8 billion in lower electricity and natural gas bills
Earth and Industry - August 12, 2011. A report released this week by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), automotive workers union (UAW), and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) shows that vehicle emissions standards and clean vehicle R&D and production are already responsible for 155,000 jobs at 504 facilities in 43 states and the District of Columbia. 119,000 jobs have been created in this industry since 2009 alone. http://earthandindustry.com/2011/08/green-jobs-galore-expected-from-new-fuel-economy-standards/
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September 16, 2011 Page 13
“And if all others accepted the lie which the party imposed—if all records told the same tale— then the lie passed into history and became the truth.”
CHALLENGING THE MYTH . . .
Continued from page 12
—George Orwell, 1984 (published in 1949)
So . . . . . ―Please don’t confuse me with the facts.‖
The reader will please forgive the hint of sarcasm and the fact that the author of this article hasn’t contributed a single word to this point. It is just that some topics simply speak for themselves. Of all the false claims that have been made in the political debate in the last few years, ―job killing regulations‖ is probably the most destructive. Virtually all valid research (herein lies the problem - science and empirical data are just such a nuisance where ideology is concerned) indicates that environmental and safety regulations result in net employment gains and the long term growth of cutting edge technologies that further enhance the economy. (Not to mention the fact that it is rather pleasant not being killed at work or in your car, or because of carcinogens in the air because regulations have made all of these infinitely safer. Oh, and I should mention, I’ve never been a big fan of having my grandkids eating lead paint chips. And I’m not crazy about e-coli in my hamburger. And I’m not too excited that my grandkids are being protected by fewer and fewer child labor laws - you know - the ones that keep them from working in sweat shops like little kids do in third world countries? And I kind of like the fact that the Wisconsin river is no longer an open chemical sewer for industry and maybe I can safely eat a fish out of it once in a while. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not wild about things living in my tap water either. Probably just me. I’ve always been a little fussy.) This article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one other curious fact: Perhaps the single greatest cause of unemployment in US history is DEREGULATION - specifically of the financial industry. It allowed the fraudulent practices leading to the near total collapse of our economy. Forgive me again, but it is rather difficult to swallow ―job killing regulations‖ just now. The past few years have been an endless charade of ludicrous ideological claims from our politicians. We may wish to think that operating the United States of America without regard to any facts can carry us on to great prosperity and stature in this world, but the laws of physics (and nature) eventually rule. They don’t care what we believe. We as a nation, are either going to begin acting with the intelligence and integrity we are collectively endowed with, or this is not going to be a decent country for anyone.
―Let no one attempt with small gifts of charity to exempt himself from the great duties imposed by justice.‖ --Pope Pius XI
