Anti-union push spreads to Indiana; so does Dem walkout

From The Indianapolis Star:

“House Democrats are leaving the state rather than vote on anti-union legislation, The Indianapolis Star has learned.

A source said Democrats are headed to Illinois, though it was possible some also might go to Kentucky. They need to go to a state with a Democratic governor to avoid being taken into police custody and returned to Indiana.

The House was ca(lled) into session this morning, with only two of the 40 Democrats present. Those two were needed to make a motion, and a seconding motion, for any procedural steps Democrats would want to take to ensure Republicans don’t do anything official without quorum.

With only 58 legislators present, there was no quorum present to do business. The House needs 67 of its members to be present….

Today’s fight was triggered by Republicans pushing a bill that would bar unions and companies from negotiating a contract that requires non-union members to kick-in fees for representation.”

The provision being pushed in Indiana may not sound like much at first, but it’s the crux of most labor law. Supporters call it a “right-to-work law,” because it allows non-union workers to get jobs at so-called union shops. Opponents call it a “right-to-work-for-less” law, because it makes it much harder to organize and sustain a union. If non-union members are allowed to enjoy the benefits of a union contract without paying union dues, many will choose to do so, in time weakening the union both financially and politically.

Georgia is one of 22 states in the country with a “right-to-work law.” Indiana Republicans are trying to make their state number 23, as are their counterparts in Ohio.

I guess it all makes sense, given how unions played such a central role in causing the near-collapse of the nation’s economy.

– Jay Bookman

197 comments Add your comment

Peadawg

February 22nd, 2011
2:17 pm

“The rhetoric do-do is getting deep in here.” – Nope. That’s the do-do in the Dems’ pants as they run away with their tails between there legs.

Bosch

February 22nd, 2011
2:18 pm

Thanks Mick! I think your straight up too. :-)

Mick

February 22nd, 2011
2:18 pm

del

If that’s all there is to it, then why get rid of the union? Let the employee’s have the representation they want, that is the american way.

The Truth

February 22nd, 2011
2:20 pm

None of this would be happening if we had a white president! Its all an effort to damage the current administration. Go ahead and give the company all the power…See what you get. Unions were started back in the day when the company treated their employees like dogs! Just hang on, we’re heading back there!

Kamchak

February 22nd, 2011
2:21 pm

There was a time in this country when a 6 day workweek 12 hours a day, no vacations, no sick time, no overtime and no paid holidays was the norm.

What makes you think that isn’t going on now?

Being a self-employed sub-contractor gets me exactly that.

WillieRae

February 22nd, 2011
2:21 pm

I have worked with unions. Crossed picket lines. Negotiated union contracts and count at least one local president as a friend.
But…they are no longer good for America. I only saw unions protecting the lazy and sometimes the evil. The unions I worked with directly led to the loss of jobs and competitiveness. Membership was normally maintained through threats and thuggery. I have personally had my own life threatened by union members who were angry that I disagreed with them.
The notion of a public employee union is misguided. I don’t see how you can collectively bargain against the interests of the public.
I wholeheartedly support the Governor of Wisconsin. I admire his courage and his leadership on this issue. It’s time to interrupt the stranglehold of public employee unions.

MiltonMan

February 22nd, 2011
2:21 pm

…and Obozo keeps giving his union buddies waivers from the crappy ObamaCare that the unions supported with open arms.

USinUK, unions did wonders for the auto industry pal.

Deep Throat

February 22nd, 2011
2:21 pm

Jackie the Republicans did not run and hide and become the Chicken Sh– Party.

Del

February 22nd, 2011
2:21 pm

Mick, Like I said it’s my understanding that he’s not doing away with collective bargaining in Wisconsin. It will still be in place for wage negotiations.

MiltonMan

February 22nd, 2011
2:23 pm

Middle East problems, Wisconsin protests, Gas approaching $4/gal, etc.

Hope and Change – you gotta love it.

Blue

February 22nd, 2011
2:23 pm

hmmm…as I understand it, a fillibuster is NOT against the law. So now…how is this the same?

MiltonMan

February 22nd, 2011
2:24 pm

…and teachers in GA want a union???

Where's My Party?

February 22nd, 2011
2:24 pm

“Big Business would love to go back to the old ways and Republicans will do everything they can to make it happen. Their constant attacks on Social Security and Unions are just the tip of the iceberg.”

What a bunch of garbage.

TM

February 22nd, 2011
2:25 pm

Too bad the rules are not the same for the US House of reprensatives. It only needs a simple majority for a quorum. The republicans could have just stated home and there never would have been a vote on Obama Care. Can one imagine what the editors for the AJC would have be calling those elected officials.

MiltonMan

February 22nd, 2011
2:26 pm

Don’t forget the Chicken Fecal material known as the Texas democrats that holed up in Oklahoma a couple of years back.

I do wish some of the democrats in GA would run away & not come back

@@

February 22nd, 2011
2:27 pm

Unions are exclusionary…ists!!??!!

Much to USinUK’s dismay, I’m not always timely in my responses.

Paul:

Oh yeah, stiletto lady – I knew you really meant you’ve got a smokin’ butt!

Depends on the individual’s perspective. It’s in the “eye of the beholder” don’tcha know?

(IW&SH)

BADA:

I DO believe you got my double entendre.

Good job, buddy!

joe

February 22nd, 2011
2:28 pm

Hooray Indiana…people are finally waking up to all the union BS in this country. They’ve all gotta go. We are sick and tired of paying for their benefits and pensions. I am the only one who gives a hoot about my benefits and pension and I would never want anyone else to pay for me, because I subscribe to personal responsibility, not government responsibility. Wake up now!!! We need someone like the Wisconsin Gov in the White House.

MiltonMan

February 22nd, 2011
2:28 pm

Where’s – constant attack on SS??? As opposed to the democrats raising the cap on SS – i.e., increasing taxes.

Without big businees pal, there would be very few unions.

George W

February 22nd, 2011
2:28 pm

Now this is CHANGE we can believe in…..GREAT JOB OBOZO!!!

John Birch

February 22nd, 2011
2:28 pm

Some thought the tea party was extreme but how about these DADs (Democrats Against Democracy)?

Deep Throat

February 22nd, 2011
2:28 pm

decibel, one takes greatness any way one can get it, but that don’t change the facts.

MiltonMan

February 22nd, 2011
2:29 pm

Tea Party Playa – the pride and joy of the democarts & an APS educated one at that.

Toyman

February 22nd, 2011
2:30 pm

Just take a look at the number of manufacturing/jobs that have been lost in this country. Unions definitely served their purpose in the early 1900’s but have outlived their real purpose. Right now they have done terrible harm to the American economy. We have overpriced ourselves because of the inflated wages and benefits brought on by collective bargaining. Why should we pay an entire workforce the same when their work performances aren’t the same. Why should they not pay a fair share for medical and retirement when the rest of us have to share the load. We need to put people back to work and that won’t happen in this country ever again until unions are greatly softened. Teachers today should be maintained on their job performance. There is no such thing as job guarantee if you don’t produce. Our children today are way down on the list of countries with good eduacation. How many individuals get fired every day in the workplace for poor performance? It’s time to bring manufacturing back home without pressure from unions. They did their part when necessary and should be brought back in the future if needed.

joe

February 22nd, 2011
2:30 pm

T party playa needs to be blacklisted from this blog for his/her comments.

Bosch

February 22nd, 2011
2:31 pm

“and I would never want anyone else to pay for me, because I subscribe to personal responsibility”

An angel at the Koch Foundation just got their wings.

stands for decibels

February 22nd, 2011
2:32 pm

Snort. Really, Jay?

anyway, primary-challenging tea tard sheets upstairs.

jm

February 22nd, 2011
2:32 pm

Bosch 2:05 – love my job. now my employer…. but that’s not germane to the discussion

Deep Throat

February 22nd, 2011
2:33 pm

John Birch, I like that DADs, darn wish I’d thought of that one.

Bosch

February 22nd, 2011
2:33 pm

” We have overpriced ourselves because of the inflated wages and benefits brought on by collective bargaining. Why should we pay an entire workforce the same when their work performances aren’t the same. Why should they not pay a fair share for medical and retirement when the rest of us have to share the load.”

And another…..

Mick

February 22nd, 2011
2:34 pm

toyman

OK – Let’s all work for $2 per hour with no benefits, we’d still be making four times what the chinese pay their workers. Hurray, good times are here again taking home $80 dollars..what taxes? That’s exactly where some of you fools want to take us because unions had their time and are not relevant..Uh-huh

Kamchak

February 22nd, 2011
2:35 pm

We have overpriced ourselves because of the inflated wages and benefits brought on by collective bargaining.

Sounds like someone has wealth envy.

jm

February 22nd, 2011
2:35 pm

Democrats: “I believe in Democracy!!!! except when I don’t…. I mean, when the votes don’t go my way”

Frickin hypocrites.

godless heathen

February 22nd, 2011
2:36 pm

A minority party has every right, even every responsibility, to try to block legislation adverse to their electorate while working within the system. Republican filibusters in the Senate were working within the system. In order for the majority to get legislation past, then the majority must either compromise, concede some points to the minority, or persuade others to a point that the legislation gets passed. Very dissimilar to the current situation with the Cheeseheads.

jm

February 22nd, 2011
2:36 pm

DEM POLITICIANS: go get your campaign money from someone else rather than stealing it from the taxpayers via overcompensated union employees.

Deep Throat

February 22nd, 2011
2:37 pm

Mick so you make $2.25 and give .25 to your Union.

jm

February 22nd, 2011
2:37 pm

The liberal fraud facade is being ripped down. Viva la revolucion!

Mick

February 22nd, 2011
2:38 pm

jm

Keep carrying their water and maybe, just maybe, they will let you in the club. I hope you make it – you belong…

Del

February 22nd, 2011
2:38 pm

joe, yeah, I don’t see how that gets through moderation, while making any kind of negative comment about Rachael Maddow would get you bumped.

Mick

February 22nd, 2011
2:40 pm

throat

I’m done, I’m set, it’s you who will be making those wages. I belong to the group of people here that came up in america when it was number one, something you’ve never experienced and probably never will…

Deep Throat

February 22nd, 2011
2:40 pm

Del its the double standard that all liberals inherit.

Dont believe in the Change

February 22nd, 2011
2:41 pm

Democrates are funded by Unions. There is millions upon millions of dollars given to the Democratic party from the Unions. This is their bread and butter, they are going to fight for the rights of Unions before they give up the almighty dollar that these unions bring to the party. They are running away from the American taxpayers and it should all be open now. Open the eyes and see what its really about. Any liberals getting the idea yet or are you still drinking the coolaid?

jm

February 22nd, 2011
2:41 pm

Mick, I have no desire to join any club.

Deep Throat

February 22nd, 2011
2:42 pm

Mick what you did was ride the back of others, reaching for your entitlements, I know your kind.

Del

February 22nd, 2011
2:42 pm

Deep Throat, sure appears to be true.

jm

February 22nd, 2011
2:42 pm

Wait. take that back. The Euclid Avenue Yacht Club. But membership, as I understand it, is not too difficult.

Mick

February 22nd, 2011
2:45 pm

throat

Keep yapping, you know nothing about me. With a tag name like yours, makes me wonder what your really good at?

straitroad

February 22nd, 2011
2:46 pm

Jay,

I was once pro-union until I had the opportunity to work in a union environment. The major problem with unions is that they allow lazy people to have jobs and impact union workers who aren’t lazy.

Mick

February 22nd, 2011
2:48 pm

Next time anyone goes to New York city just take a good look at all those towering buildings that were built by “lazy” union people. As if there aren’t any lazy people in every walk of life being protected by someone or something…what a copout

Deep Throat

February 22nd, 2011
2:49 pm

Mick you keep letting us know who you are. I must say if your wondering you are being somewhat productive, perhaps you can now open your mind.

George W

February 22nd, 2011
2:49 pm

Straitroad….you are exactly right. Unions have no business in the American market place.

Get facts, its eye opening.

February 22nd, 2011
2:49 pm

Mick, so you make 2.25 per hour. Yea right! Who do you know in this country that makes $2.25 per hour. Here is a fact for you though. Every time the Dems raise the minimum wage by .50 cents, the union wage is raised by 2.50. Why do you think they really want to raise the minimum wage. More money in the Unions and more in the Democratic party pockets. The more the union takes from employees the more the Dems get via way of donations.

Lets expand the government workers, taking more employees into the labor union, taking more money out of their pockets by union fees, paying more money to the Democratic party = the distruction of American dream and more and more poor people.

People need to keep their jobs by doing a good job and thats it. Unions increase the price of product, this is needed to cover the pays of union labor. A bus driver should never be making 150,000 per year and getting 6 weeks off every time someone spits at them. This is happening in New York all the time. The normal driver is spit on at least 6 times per year. You do the math and these drivers are on government payroll getting their 150,000 and barely working. All over America and this is where you tax money goes. Go google the bus people and the spitting policies. you would be amazed.

Nice Guy

February 22nd, 2011
2:50 pm

Kamchak – “Being a self-employed sub-contractor gets me exactly that.”

Ok. So do you think you are entitled to a paid vacation, sick time, etc?

Atlanta 1

February 22nd, 2011
2:52 pm

Let’s see…

Unions believe that when you cast a vote for or against a Union, it should be for all to see. They would like this to be a National Law and our President supports it. Any one believe that someone voting against a Union isn’t going to be ‘at best’ verbally abused, ‘at worst beaten’?

And now from our friend Jay:

Today’s fight was triggered by Republicans pushing a bill that would bar unions and companies from negotiating a contract that requires non-union members to kick-in fees for representation.”

No one has an isse with someone who doesn’t want to be part of a union or believes in what the union is doing still having to kick in fees?

Yes, those saintly Union folks are under assault by the vicious and heartless Republicans. The the Unions are being ’so civil’ right now… Oh wait, there not… It’s the heartless and vicious radio talk show host who are only held to this standard…

This is laughable on sooooo many fronts…

Mick

February 22nd, 2011
2:53 pm

throat
When I was in the sixth grade there was this kid in my neighborhood who was really strange and was picked on, everyone felt like they were superior to this poor soul. One day he was riding his bike past my house and I picked up a rock and threw it at him and hit him on the side of the head. He fell off his bike and was crying and bleeding. I wasn’t trying to hit him in the head but that’s where the rock landed. The man across the street came over to me and said, “don’t you realize that you could’ve put out his eye?” I was embarassed and realized he was right and felt about six inches tall. I wanted to take my action back but couldn’t. I never picked on or felt superior to any other kid in school. From then on, I mostly tried to defend those who were weaker and being picked on..

Road Scholar

February 22nd, 2011
2:54 pm

Deep Throat: Don’t swallow. You might give yourself a lobotomy!

Kamchak

February 22nd, 2011
2:56 pm

Ok. So do you think you are entitled to a paid vacation, sick time, etc?

Moot point.

Self-employment makes that impossible.

Deep Throat

February 22nd, 2011
2:58 pm

Scholar, watch it or I’ll tell everyone our secret.

Amazed in GA

February 22nd, 2011
3:02 pm

Aside from the military and universities, the Unions are the largest source of technical training. The US is already lagging behind in technology, how will we maintain or specialty occupations without our unions. Airplane mechanics, electricans etc; will now need to be recruited from other sources.

Jeri Spinger

February 22nd, 2011
3:03 pm

All government unions should be abolished. Including firefighters and cops. No one has a right to strike against the public interest at any time or any place. FDR said government unions were “intolerable and unthinkable.” And, he’s the saint of the leftists, isn’t he?

Nice Guy

February 22nd, 2011
3:05 pm

Kamchak – “Moot point. Self-employment makes that impossible.”

Meh. Fine. I was just trying to clarify, considering the current topic relates to unions. And typically unions feel they are entitled to that type of thing. Which in my mind, makes them seem like children who aren’t getting desert.

mmm, mmm, mmm, Barack the Liar Obama - BEND OVER, Here comes the CHANGE!

February 22nd, 2011
3:13 pm

Hold steady Republicans – DON’T GIVE IN….I worked at Kroger in the 1990’s and the union gave us a $.25 raise…..Yes, a $.25 raise.

Kamchak

February 22nd, 2011
3:14 pm

Which in my mind, makes them seem like children who aren’t getting desert.

So you suffer from desert envy.

Nice Guy

February 22nd, 2011
3:20 pm

“So you suffer from desert envy.”

Nah. I’ve been fortunate enough to get desert most of the time.

Mitzymy

February 22nd, 2011
3:24 pm

Unions are a necessity, because they give us our middle class. They regulate working conditions, sick leaves, paid holidays, safety on the job, the Disability Act, pensions for years of service, medical insurance and life insurance, and many other things that non union workforces don’t have. Some non-union workplaces have adopted their work rules from union contracts. We wouldn’t have the Family Medical Leave Act without the unions negotiating it first. This means if you have a family member who needs care from you, you can take up to 12 weeks a year off to take care of them without losing your job. Please read up on unions before you knock them. The Coal Miners who are unionized can attest to their viability. Corporations do not like unions because they make them treat people with dignity.

gatorman770

February 22nd, 2011
3:32 pm

Unions are not responsible for the recession (that’s due to the snowball effect of Dimwit Jimmy Carter’s Community Reinvestment Act), but they are responsible for millions of jobs leaving this country.

chuck

February 22nd, 2011
3:36 pm

The bottom line to me is that NO AMERICAN should be FORCED to join a union to get a job at a particular company. Those laws never should have been passed to begin with. It is UNAMERICAN.

chuck

February 22nd, 2011
3:40 pm

@ Mitzymy, your last post is patently false. I have great benefits and decent pay and I have never been in a union (except for 1 week when I was in high school at a chain grocery store. I quit and went back to my former employer after a week because I thought the union rules were ridiculous.) I am perfectly happy with what I have as a teacher and have no desire to join a union.

Scooter (The Original)

February 22nd, 2011
3:42 pm

I guess it wouldn’t make sense when you believe banks were central to the collapse of the economy and continually ignore the FACT that Fannie and Freddie reduced the originating banks default risk to nearly zero by buying questionable loans. Of course, those mortgages were bundled, sliced and diced then sold into the financial markets. AIG saw a way to make a quick buck by issuing credit default swaps as “insurance” against what Fannie and Freddie had essentially already insured by buying the debt as Government Sponsored Entities. Ultimately, those that bought credit default swaps realized the systemic risks that Barnie Frank and others (mostly all democrat) ignored/denied up until the bubble burst.

As usual, when the politically well intentioned house of cards fell it did far more harm than good. But hey, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush got to brag about record home ownership.

Adam

February 22nd, 2011
3:52 pm

WillieRae: I wholeheartedly support the Governor of Wisconsin. I admire his courage and his leadership on this issue.

I think you should examine, then, why you are so behind the Republicans using filibuster rules to block bills. You know, since Obama didn’t have any leadership skills and that’s why he couldn’t get the Republicans to vote his way on anything. I mean, it’s not like there’s a similarity between that and Democrats blocking a bill in Wisconsin. Great job at leadership Mr. Walker! You certainly are bringing people together rather than driving them apart!

williebkind

February 22nd, 2011
4:07 pm

Adam

February 22nd, 2011
3:52 pm
Is not filibustering part of the process? It was made so the majority could not overwhelm the minority. You know I guess I should spend more time watching history channel than reading the whines of the progressive liberals–but it is so funny.

williebkind

February 22nd, 2011
4:10 pm

If this kind of behavior continues by the progressive liberals in congress, state or federal, in 2012 the masses coming to the poles will have to be larger than ever before. Shucks my great grandfather may vote in 2012.

williebkind

February 22nd, 2011
4:11 pm

Hey I am for a maximum wage for wage earners. Higher taxes for corporations and business that pay bonuses.

s

February 22nd, 2011
4:13 pm

There is only one Chicken Poop party and that is the Republican party. They hide behind their religion and the ignorant. The poor thangs are so stupid they don’t know they are stupid. They vote against their own self interests. I don’t think you can get more stupid than that. This of course leaves out the moderates, who have no voice in the GOP(gobs of poop) Party anymore.
Are there any moderates left in that wacky Party, I sure hope so but I’m beginning to believe all is lost. If it is for the people, I’m always going to lean left, when voting, and that is as it should be. Corporations have the resources to look out for themselves, the people don’t.

North Fulton Teacher

February 22nd, 2011
4:13 pm

Since Georgia is a Right to Work state, what’s the excuse for our budget shortfalls? Can’t blame the unions here so not sure I believe they can be blamed in Wisconsin. What I DO know is that the state budget is being balanced on MY back, along with all the other public employees while big business is getting tax break after tax break. Trickle down is a MYTH.

globalization

February 22nd, 2011
4:14 pm

either accept lower wages and benefits, or your job will be outsourced to a third world country.

that’s what it boils down to…

Katie

February 22nd, 2011
4:16 pm

When I see trouble for Unions and all their scams
AND
Dems walking away from the jobs they swore to fulfill,

I think there may be hope for this country yet!

There was a time for Unions – back in the sweat shop days. Now we have mass communications and an empowered work force. The time for Unions is gone, both public and private sector Unions.

Did you see where the GM Union guys, who just got their jobs saved with our tax dollars, are now getting 4K bonuses without having paid us back? Did you get a bonus this year? Did you get any taxes back?

I’m just sayin’…….

timbo

February 22nd, 2011
4:21 pm

Dems in Wisconsin and Indiana must be so proud of their party. Sorry pieces of shnit run for cover when it gets a little hot. Them and the people who vote for them are worthless. We are better off without them. And where is Obama in all of this? Why of course, he is supporting the unions. Voting has consequences folks, and this is what you get when you elect someone who has no experience, never held a private sector job, goes on a world apology tour, and doesn’t know his nuts from a hole in the ground. He will go down in history as the worst president ever. Congrats Barry, hell of a legacy there boy.

Darko

February 22nd, 2011
4:23 pm

Like any other organization with no real competition, the unions over-reached. Do (or did) they serve a purpose? Yes. But to create a”working class” that is rewared better than most of the taxpayers that support them isn’t going to earn the unions a lot of points.

timbo

February 22nd, 2011
4:31 pm

Quiz time. Name 1 thing that Obama has done that has been good for America?

Fletch

February 22nd, 2011
4:40 pm

Why do we need Unions anyway? In the private sector we already have plenty of rights. For example, I told my boss the other day that I wanted more money, more time off, and better benefits. He told me that he understood, and that it was absolutely MY RIGHT to find another job that would better accomodate my needs.

See, didn’t even have to negotiate.

kimmer

February 22nd, 2011
4:42 pm

Wow. Democrats choose to block the work of duly elected legislative bodies by abandoning their post and fleeing to another State where a sympathetic governor won’t send ‘em back. That is contemptible behavior to say the least. They should face impeachment.

Liberal Pariah

February 22nd, 2011
4:49 pm

It would be hypocrtical for a Liberal to complain of the manner in which some of these Republican Governors and legislatures are handling their business. They are just following the playbook Obama and the Dems used to jam through Obamacare. Just speakin the truth….that Liberals can’t handle.

Gary

February 22nd, 2011
4:58 pm

Folks from our state (Ga) should not be too happy about this push. It is one of the few advantages we have to attract corporations to our state a create new jobs. As bad as our unemployment is we do not need greater competition for the limited US employeers currently available. Let the rest stay union and let us have their jobs.

eddy

February 22nd, 2011
5:00 pm

Democrats are sorta like the French….always advancing to the rear when things get tough.

timbo

February 22nd, 2011
5:04 pm

I heard that wind bag this morning speaking in Ohio, and he said that since the State of the Union address, he has been working hard trying to get Americans to work. If it weren’t so sad, it would be hysterical. This guy is not only an idiot, he is delusional. And what about all the scrool chilen in Wisconsin? They ain’t gettin an edumacation!

Atlantan

February 22nd, 2011
5:05 pm

If Republicans had run out of any state house to avoid the vote….

The Democrats are the party who only care about the here and now. Their children and grandchildren and generations afterward can jump in the lake and while their at it pay off all the debt their liberal parents and grandparents ran up. Thanks a pant load guys.

As the saying goes, ‘Liberalism is a mental disorder.” It is getting demonstrated over and over and over again of late.

Cloudodust

February 22nd, 2011
5:06 pm

Taxpayers that live in a city/state/country that has unionized goverment employees are held hostage, plain and simple. Private enterprises will work out their own differences with organized labor. Regarding the union issues, choose your battles wisely.

Cloudodust

February 22nd, 2011
5:11 pm

Maybe the REP Governer of Wisconsin ought to pull a page from the DEM playbook of the 60’s and use waterhoses on the protesters, but naw, that’s not our style. The goverment sector unions must be phased out. They’re draining the taxpayers.

Moderate Line

February 22nd, 2011
5:32 pm

I guess it all makes sense, given how unions played such a central role in causing the near-collapse of the nation’s economy.
++++++++++
Did the lack of health care cause the nations economy to collaspe? No. Did that stop Obama and the Dems from pursuing the health care laws? No.

I am appalled at Dem walking out of the legislature. This very undemocratic. And yes I do not support filibusters by the minority. I support democracy not despot.

Moderate Line

February 22nd, 2011
5:34 pm

It is sad to me when anybody either party starts using these types of tatics.

Southern Comfort (aka The Man)

February 22nd, 2011
6:47 pm

It is sad to me when anybody either party starts using these types of tatics.

I can’t agree more. I guess it won’t be too long before we devolve even further and see fist fights like Taiwan and Venezuela.

Adam

February 22nd, 2011
7:46 pm

Is not filibustering part of the process? It was made so the majority could not overwhelm the minority.

Quorum is part of the process too. It was made for the same reasons.

Atlantan: The Democrats are the party who only care about the here and now

Disagree. The Republicans fit this bill a lot better. You’re forgetting just how tirelessly Clinton went after the debt. The Republicans play only ONE long game, and that is the game of DESTROYING the future, through the use of tax cuts to decrease revenue, blame some program you don’t like for the deficit that occurs, get that thing removed and then more tax cuts to go after the next program.

The entire thing is designed to get people behind the tax cuts, then successfully convince them there’s some other reason the state or federal coffers are losing money rather than gaining it. It’s always blamed on spending, but when you start with a surplus, issue tax cuts and start a war and CREATE a deficit, and STILL get away blaming the NEXT president for the problem, then the entire system has gone mental, and it all came from the CONSERVATIVE side.

Liberal Pariah

February 22nd, 2011
8:39 pm

Adam…I seem to remember that a Republican Congress dragged Clinton kicking and screaming through welfare reform. Doesn’t really seem like either party cares about our future the way they spend. Now that Republicans are acting like Conservatives instead of big government Liberals (think George Bush and Medicare Pt D) it appears the adults may actually be in charge.

Union

February 22nd, 2011
9:03 pm

Unions make no sense anymore.. they just want to ream the taxpayers for as much as they possibly can. In education.. its not the best educator that keeps their job, its the most senior.. I have seen case after case in California where a teacher was convicted of child molesting was able to keep their job for years and receive benefits because of union provisions.

As a private employee.. my retirement depends on what I contribute into it..not what someone else puts into it.. and I am good with that.. but then again.. I have a spine and a little sefl esteem. I see that democrats/liberals are following the obama mantra.. they got their a** handed to them in the election.. so they run off and hide like the bunch of sissies they are.. nice.. great example on how to show others to accept responsibilty.. but then again..what should we expect fromt the party of handouts asnd do nots..

Southern Comfort (aka The Man)

February 22nd, 2011
9:28 pm

As a private employee.. my retirement depends on what I contribute into it..not what someone else puts into it

Funny you mention that. As a public employee, my retirement depends on how much I contribute to my 401k as well. I actually watched my retirement decrease a little today with the drop in the market. I’m actually trying to figure out whether it’s a small blip or should I move my money out now before I lose a lot. To top it off, I’m a dues paying public union member, and I wouldn’t have either of those any other way. You don’t pay for my retirement, and you don’t pay for my union membership.

ODDOWL

February 22nd, 2011
9:39 pm

WORKERS OF AMERICA UNIONIZE…. A fist is a lot more powerful than one finger… Share the wealth, tax the rich, pay down the debt.

The Fugitive

February 23rd, 2011
12:27 am

“They need to go to a state with a Democratic governor to avoid being taken into police custody and returned to Indiana.”

Democrat turds. The governor of Indiana should impound their Volvos and mobile homes and if they don’t come back sell all their stuff as forfeited property.