On Wisconsin

Below is a video of former senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin discussing the current resistance to the tactics of that state's governor, Scott Walker, tactics which must be called union busting.

The same tactics are being used by Republican governors in New Jersey, Wisconsin, Ohio and even Indiana to varying degrees. Our Man Mitch is intent upon routing out teachers' unions to clear the path for his initiative on charter schools.

The assault is not always carried out through union busting. Sometimes it is a consolidation of power into the chief executive or his corporate allies. But the effect and the intent is clear: take power away from those who support Democratic candidates and traditional Democratic party values. Focus on the bogus. Highlight issues such as:

*the protection of marriage,

* the undue influence of unions, which comprise eight to ten per cent of the work force, but a significant share of Democratic boots on the ground in political campaigns,

* the shackles that hobble corporations such as effective environmental regulations,

* debunking climate change as a real threat

* touting the inefficiency of local government as an impediment to running government "like a business".

As the petite Chief Executive, from his camp along the White River, continues his war against his citizens' rights, in pursuit perhaps of higher office, I will not be one of his foot soldiers aiding those efforts. He may in fact succeed at abrogating workers' rights, building a national political agenda and dismantling local government, but he will do it with others' help.

We need to heed the lessons from Wisconsin as that war heats up in our own borders.