One has to admit; the Democratic-labor alliance is great at publicity, with recent protests managing to draw the attention of the doting news outlets and a massive movement in front of the Hall of States in Washington D.C. which demonstrated the full extent of the SEIU's ability to conjure up support against the movement to stabilize state budgets with generally moderate reform in collective bargaining rights and pension contributions. While their expertise with public relations is no doubt brilliant, the masses of signs painting Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin as Adolf Hitler seem ironic considering how in-step their activism is with he former Nazi leader's governmental system.
(Photo credit goes to Life.com)
As the nation now better understands, 14 Democratic senators from Wisconsin chose to leave the state in order to prevent quorum for the passage of a union reform bill aimed at cutting down the 3 billion dollar shortfall which the former governor of their own partner left when his term expired last month. According to the Democrats, these childish actions represent a stand for Wisconsin families and worker's rights, but their argument misses a critical point: it bashes democracy.
Perhaps we have become all too accustomed to politicians breaking their promises, yet Governor Walker is an example of a man striving to maintain his commitment. Last fall he won a simple majority with 52% of the vote, promising throughout the campaign to implement the standing reform, and the voters of the state agreed. Walker, who has been mocked for not completing college due to family ties is simply keeping his promise, no matter the obvious negatives it holds for him politically.
Wisconsin budget proposals reveal senator salaries of just below $50,000 annually, hardly a pittance compared to the pro bono status of legislators in neighboring provinces, yet the Democrats still feel justified in hiding out in Illinois to prevent the vote--all while taking in the lucrative aforementioned funds. At the very least, they should relinquish their salaries or resign the senate; holding back simply roles them into our next category: haters of democracy.
Republicans did not always agree with the Democrats during the tenure of Governor Jim Doyle and his bicameral majorities, yet never once did they prevent quorum from materializing, as this directly contradicts democracy. When dictators come to power, they silence the voices of those who oppose them and rule without limitations. Although the leftists may feel a tingle of glee at the thought of bolstering union power, their backing of these fleeing public servants is an endorsement of arbitrary rule by one voice rather than through the forces of transparency and open debate. In leaving their responsibilities out of disagreement, the party is preventing the minority's voice from being heard and simultaneously promoting a fascist state without good cause. Their responsibility as elected leaders is to represent the smaller group in the capitol, not leave them without voice due to interest group concerns.
Regardless of how the leftist machine may whitewash these protests by the officials, the Democratic Party and gone too far in it supporting the undermining of hundreds of years of American democracy. These are actions similar to those by men who shake the fascistic flag, hoping to silence any view or dissidence which is not in line with their own beliefs. As liberals and conservatives, it is up to us as Americans who love freedom to reject this political perversion before it manifests in higher chambers of power.
Ted Daniels
Writer, Movement for American Federalism Blog
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