Morning Joe 2/18/2011 -- Unions, debt and reality
Friday, February 18, 2011 at 07:52AM There was a good conversation this morning on Morning Joe, and to Joe Scarborough's credit he opposed the Wisconsin protesterss who have become so ridiculous, it's entering the realm of surreal. Teachers are not going to work, and they are encouraging impressionable students to protest spending cuts which have to happen if the state wants to avoid bankruptcy. Mika defended the teachers and public union employees because they'll have to pay into their pensions and healthcare, just like the private sector has to do. What they didn't mention is how the protesters are going about their protests, comparing the Wisconsin government to Hitler and then pretending to be Egyptians fighting for democracy -- this is just silly, and it speaks to the superficial mindset of government dependents who feel entitled.
Mike Barnicle and John Meacham agreed that reality has set in and state spending has to be cut. Ezra Klein was on as the converstaion had turned to the media's persistent questioning of Republicans over Obama's birth certificate and religion. Klein, a partisan hack, and the rest, eventually framed the Republicans as the ones keeping this issue going, although all Republican leaders have said they accept Obama's word. What else can they say -- does the liberal media want Republicans to swear to God, cross their hearts with a double pinkie promise? The media keeps this "controversy" going to frame Republicans as extreme. It's no longer newsworthy, but it's of political use and that's good enough for jounalists and reporters nowadays. Anyone who seriously uses this birth and religion as a strategy against Obama is an idiot. If some people still have doubts, then so what? Many on the Left maintained doubts about Bush's involvement in 9/11 -- it's fringe car-wreck stuff.
Terry Holt, a Republican strategist, was on and mentioned the system in government which allows spending problems to get out of control, and then the gang mentioned the "system' several times, but not by name. The system is statism. They are getting closer to reality.
Reader Comments (1)
JOE, you are way off base! These people are trying to get a point across. They are willing to pay for some of the things they paid little or nothing for before, but they do not want their right to COLLECTIVE BARGAINING to be taken away. Plus they are not making mega bucks like you are, so IF you had to pay for your own, you wouldn't miss it. They give and give every day they teach or take care of sick people, or fight fires, or protect us. These were negotiated In lew of wage increases. Compare them to sports figures, movie stars, and even congress people, news castors or talk shows wages, and they are practically on the poverty level, so don't give the shit you did today. Did you watch ED last night.? This is about everyone who belongs to a union. I do not. Never Did. However, I am one of the others in Wisconsin and like thousands of others are not against what the teachers, etc. are doing. As for the kids, just hink what a wonderful teaching experience this whole thing is for them. Have you given up your pension from being a congress person??? Did you pay the fair amount or anything for your Health care when you were in Congress??? Shut up until you really look into all the facts. Are you sure Governor Walker isn't just rying to make a name for himself???