Monday, February 28, 2011

P1. An Introduction

Is a blog -- and a blog on blogspot, no less -- pretty lame for me to getting involved with? Yes. Of course.  But its one of those 80/20 things.  This site lets me accomplish 80% of what I want with 20% of the effort.  The other 20% would require 80% more work.  Thus, this blog is too pragmatic for its own good. 

The FIRST thing that I want to do is get two of my favorite roommates to agree to discuss political affairs, seismic shifts, and our own political rediscoveries as we traverse our mid twenties, with me via blog. 

Of course, at this exact moment in time our conversations are meant to be the private ramblings of three people who know one another well enough to insult, intrigue, and in the case of MC and Liz, make out. 

The most natural thing for us to discuss, I think, is whats happening in Wisconsin.   There are only a few places I'd rather be than Madison (I can't resist a good protest, but I really cant resist a "good" revolution). 
Liz is lucky enough to be living in Madison and I'm sure has much more insight than me on whats happening.
So if she would be so kind as to explain the atmosphere and the fight in Madison, I'd be much obliged.

Here is my quick, outsider, perspective.  Like many states, Wisconsin is facing serious budget issues.  Governor Walker feels that his election has handed him a mandate (think Obama and Healthcare) to usher in an era of "responsible" government.  The Public Unions in Wisconsin were slow to negotiate. And by slow I mean unwilling, originally.  So the Governor used the fiscal crisis and the Unions original tough posture as an opportunity to take down Unions by going after their collective bargaining powers.  An attempt to destory of the Democrat's strongest pillars.  Senate Dems flee to prevent the Governor's proposed legislation from moving forward. 

Lizzie? MC?