Courage or Stubborn Foolishness?

by Tom Wise

Credit where due. Despite a massive union-led recall campaign, Wisconsin State Senators today (Aug 10 2011) retained their power. What does it mean?

First, history. In the face of daily loud protests and semi-illegal occupation of the State House (many who came were not Wisconsin residents), the Republican Senate passed legislation to fulfill campaign promises and their conscience. As Democrat members fled over state lines to avoid a vote of any kind, the governor and Senators pursued their work, allowing without too much rancor the betrayal of their fellows' offices. Even as death threats poured in, the law was signed by Scott Walker. Now, regardless of your affiliation, isn't this courage? But if you say, "No, it's stubborn foolishness," are you blind? Did these public servants not have to face questions from angry mobs, town halls, newspaper and television interviewers, and their own family and friends? Did not these also-passionate citizens plead their case from every angle?

Second, the present. The fact that the recall failed is telling. Although the unions funneled $30 million or more, an unprecedented sum, into the effort, and cajoled (intimidated also) many to vote their way, the only two seats captured by Democrats were on one hand in a heavily-Democrat district and on the other hand held by a troubled Republican. Excepting this, it was a landslide against the public workers' message. These results were not foregone - voting might have gone exactly opposite. Therefore, is it not courage to gamble one's seat and career, one's credibility even? Were not these courageous vindicated? But if you think there was voter fraud, can it be that one of the two seats captured by Democrats can also be suspect? If not, you have no truth, only lies and double standard.

Third, the future. The legislation which caused the brouhaha is expected to save Wisconsin... literally. The burden of debt is no joke. The only way out is bankruptcy. Of course, there are many who don't care, and covet what others have earned. What's that? "They didn't earn it, they stole it." Let's say you're right - does that give you the right to steal also? I thought you were so very moral and upright! Oh, I see, you can do it because you're underprivileged.

However, those who you may claim guilty have not stood trial for any such thing. You are making souls guilty until proven innocent, another mistake for you. If you're so sure of their culpability and have much free time on your hands, I suggest you take the power of your group and investigate this apparent chicanery and theft, Perhaps then justice would be served. But I see that you would rather have mob rule than rule of law.

The question now is, Will you accept the verdict? No? What next shall follow for you? Riots? If so, you are a savage. But if law and order, and civilized behavior, holds no interest for you, shall others not have their own rights? Will they not protect their lives and property to the fullest extent?

Excuse me? Oh, you'll come to terms with the result and see what happens? Great! Perhaps it will work to your advantage. Perhaps you'll find more positions opening up due to a balanced budget. Isn't that better than protecting your meager (or fat) pension against the interest of your neighbors? Perhaps the state will thrive so fully and attract industry that many of your friends and family can benefit. Isn't that better than protecting the past traditions of solidarity which have too many associations with the more putrid elements of society?

Wisconsin, on! Now is the time for your state to be a brilliant illumination in the darkness. Or would you rather descend into Detroit? Egypt? Syria? Where are you going? What will you choose next, courage or stubborn foolishness?