Wisconsin will be holding a few recall elections next week, and it is easy to tell that the state is doing so. First, the harsh and grossly unfair rhetoric against teachers by the republicans has been toned down. They are no longer calling teachers “greedy,” “incompetent,” and “overpaid.” And none of their candidates has the courage to run on the republican agenda, which they voted into law just a few months ago: end the essentials in collective bargaining for teachers (and other public employees), reduce the salaries for teachers (and other public employees), and increase the cost of benefits for teachers (and other public employees). None of their candidates have the courage to discuss the increased work hours they are demanding of teachers and the reduced teachers’ roles in the decision making processes.
Second, the republicans are not mentioning, these days, the tremendous tax cuts they gave to businesses, and the deep cuts they made to entitlements, health care, and education.
Instead, they have reverted to the lies that enabled them to be elected before. They are once again telling Wisconsinites that they are promoting better school systems that give teachers greater involvements. They are once again telling the middle class that they are bringing jobs to Wisconsin, without increasing their taxes. And they are once again telling the elderly that Wisconsin’s health care system is better now that it has ever been.
This is a defining moment for Wisconsin, because the sad truth of the matter is trying to beating the Republican Party in Wisconsin is a huge uphill battle. The republicans have the backing of the richest Americans. The republicans control the media, which have allowed them greater promotion of slanderous ads by special interest groups. And the republicans are engaging in some of the most despicable political tactics in their effort to win.
Of course there are only two possibilities here: 1.The democratic candidates might win. This is desirable, but highly unlikely in this Badger State, where so many of us can be so easily fooled and misled. And 2.The republican candidates remain in office. This is more likely, and more adverse to Wisconsinites, including the middle class voters who support the republican candidates. Because as soon as these recall elections are completed, the lives and livelihood of the middle class and the poor are going to become increasingly dismal. Everything they buy is going to cost more money, and this will be due in large measure to increased sale taxes. Also, their work hours will increase, and their salaries and benefits will decrease. Additionally they will loose their leverage against unfair business practices, unfair insurance practices, unsafe medication, unsafe foods, crumbling quality-of-life issues, shrinking voting rights, and decreasing individual freedom.
These recall elections will define which of these two courses the citizens of Wisconsin have the knowledge, skills and courage to choose.
I am praying to God that they make the right choice!
