I have not forgotten the run-up to the 2010 elections when some said that the Democrats were the lesser evil and making some progress, and others said there is no difference between parties and vowed to vote third party or stay home in protest. It seems that the latter position won that argument, because turnout was low, especially among younger voters. Did they teach Obama a lesson? Did they get back at the Democrats? Did they make America better? Let’s look at the outcome.
Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin have reversed half-a-century’s middle-class progress in the state by erasing collective-bargaining rights for public employees. Union members, caught off guard and infuriated by the Senate vote on Wednesday and the Assembly vote on Thursday, immediately talked of legal challenges and general strikes, but the outcome was probably inevitable given the Republican success in the 2010 elections. Now union members have to make sure they do not stay away from the polls again when their rights are at stake.
The vote, pushed by Gov. Scott Walker, would have happened weeks ago if Democratic state senators had not fled to Illinois to deprive the Senate of the supermajority it needs to pass bills that are considered fiscal matters. Republicans then moved the bargaining rights from a larger budget bill to a separate bill that they could pass by proclaiming that the rights were not a fiscal issue.
And, in doing so, they reluctantly exposed the real truth behind the maneuver: stripping the unions of their rights was never about the budget, especially once the unions had agreed to significant concessions on pensions and health care. It was always about politics. Governor Walker had hoped to hide behind a cooked-up budget crisis, but the fleeing Democrats at least succeeded in pulling away that facade.
Undermining public unions — and the support they give to Democrats — has been a long-sought goal of the Republican Party and many of its corporate backers. Koch Industries, one of the party’s biggest supporters, spent $1.2 million last year to help elect Mr. Walker and other Republican governors who want to eliminate or reduce bargaining rights. On Wednesday, the State Senate’s Republican leader, Scott Fitzgerald, told Fox News that if unions lose the battle for their rights, they would have less money to help President Obama win re-election… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <NY Times>
Here’s the video of Scott Fitzgerald:
It seems to be going very well… for Republicans.
Rachel Maddow connects the tactics of Republican majorities in several states to Republican strategy in DC.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Republicans want to take away out votes. But that should not surprise us, when so many didn’t use that right.
Nameless, one of our readers, left a link to this fantastic article, that saved me a bunch of work writing an explanation.
…All across the country, the True Liberals’ efforts to teach Barack Obama a lesson are paying off in spades. Their plan could not have worked out more perfectly. After a year of shouting to the highest heavens about how much they were disappointed in President Obama and the Democrats, after a year promising to withhold their support during the 2010 Midterm campaign and, more importantly, at the ballot box, they got their wish: Democrats stayed home in droves. Huge numbers of Democrats across the country, many of whom had voted for the very first time in 2008, got up and went to the fridge instead of the polls that late Fall Tuesday.
Yesterday, in Wisconsin, the tea party Governor and his cadre of Republican Senators figured out a way to bypass Senate Democrats’ exploitation of a loophole that allowed them to put the brakes on a GOP effort to drive a stake into the heart of unions in their state. Most collective bargaining rights for teachers and public employees are now gone as if they were trash taken to the curb. Sure, Scott Walker’s favorables took a beating there for awhile. If it weren’t for that pesky quorum loophole, this would have all been taken care of weeks ago and his numbers wouldn’t have tanked so far. But that’s water under the bridge and now they are back on track. The unions have been squashed like bugs and they can go back to laughing at the protesters as they are frisked and searched and scanned just to enter a public building.
Barack Obama has really got to be smarting over that, eh? He’s really paid the price now, by golly.
In Michigan yesterday, the GOP-controlled Senate passed a bill that enhances the Republican Governor’s ability to declare financial emergencies in municipalities and appoint an Emergency Financial Manager (EFM). This EFM will have authority to do pretty much whatever they wish including suspending contracts with unions and other groups and even firing the existing elected officials. Rachel Maddow explained it very well the other night. There was a protest at the Capitol before the vote, of course. Over 700 people showed up, mostly union employees. Know what the Republican who introduced the bill said about the protest? “I don’t think it had an effect outside of the fact we had to talk a little bit louder today.” Ouch. They had to talk a little louder.
But that’s not all that is coming down the pipeline in Michigan. The Republican Governor’s budget taxes public and private pensions that helps the elderly. It eliminates the Earned Income Tax Credit that helps the poor. It eliminates a huge tax credit for filmmakers in Michigan, killing that job-creating baby in its crib. It eliminates tax credits for vehicle battery manufacturers, strangling a nascent industry before it even gets off the ground. It eliminates tax credits for redeveloping brownfield sites, ensuring that new industrial development will take place on undeveloped, pristine lands rather than on already-despoiled soil. Here’s one: there’s a union-busting bill in Congress to make Michigan a “Right to Work” state or, as the unions call it, a “Right to Work for LESS” state. All of this and businesses are getting billions of dollars in tax breaks, paid for by the elderly, the poor and whichever other down-trodden groups you can name.
“Eclectablog, what shall we do???!” I’m asked. “We can’t let this stand. We must protest. Where is OFA???”
What can we do? We can’t do ANYTHING! In Michigan, the Republicans control the House. The Republicans control the Senate. The Republicans control the Supreme Court. The Governor is a Republican. When we protest, they just talk a little louder. And after they get done redistricting our formerly solid-Democratic state this year, we’ll be lucky if our dog catchers are Democrats.
Protest at the Capitol? Sorry, I won’t waste my time.
But, I’ll tell you this: President Obama has surely learned his lesson. These union-busting, pro-business moves by the Michigan GOP have got to be chapping his britches something fierce.
It’s happening in Florida, too. Tea Party Governor Rick Scott is unstoppable. He’s solving his state’s multi-billion dollar deficit by cutting taxes on businesses by several billion dollars and he’s cutting teachers’ pay to do it. He’s rejecting federal funds to develop high-speed rail.
Take that, Obama!… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <Daily Kos> Originally posted at <Electablog>
If I were an idiot from Alaska, I might say, “Wow’s that Stayey Homey thing working out for you?”
Seriously, those who stayed home and those who voted 3rd party in close races in protest are every bit as responsible for the dire current events we face as the Republicans who are carrying out their misbegotten assault on freedom. I don’t even want to here “Obama this” and “Obama that”. I’m disappointed in Obama too. Any regular reader here will tell you that I post far more material critical of him than supportive of what he is doing. I feel let down by him. But I know that there is still a difference between the parties. If you think there isn’t, look around at what’s happening in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Florida, New Jersey, Arizona, Texas and more. It’s too late to change your non-votes. The damage is done. But in 2013 we can start undoing some of that damage, if and only if, we remove Republicans from power. Democrats are the only ones who can. Now I’ll be the first to admit that the Democratic party has multiple problems that desperately need fixing, but by comparison, the Republican Party is nonredeemable. Now that you’re seeing the greater evil in action, does not the lesser evil make sense? The Democratic Party is a swamp that needs draining, but to do that, we need to get rid off those Republican alligators.
31 Responses to “Will Voters Stay Home in 2012?”
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I am in total agreement, as you know. But I’m afraid some on the far-left are just as closed minded as those on the right and refuse to listen to reason.They can’t see the big picture, that we have far more to fear from the Republicans who’ve gone nutso than we do a president who has some flaws – how odd. Posting to FB.
Thanks, Leslie. I’m afraid you’re right, except there is more than enough reason for dissatisfaction with Obama.
Not voting ALWAYS = ceding control to rectionary Republicans. This next year, we have the opportunity to throw them all out and create a little breathing room for the President. VOTE PROGRESSIVES VOTE!!!
Jack, I fully agree.
We liberals (or progressives, if you prefer that term) simply can NOT afford to sit out any more elections!
And that includes the “small” ones like our local School Boards where right-wing Talibangelical christianist are mobilizing at a frightening breakneck speed.
Thanks for pointing out the importance of the small office local elections, Nameless. Interestingly, at that level, 3rd party candidates can establish themselves.
Lets think about rerunning the 2008 election- with McCain / Palin now in office– Think about that for a few minutes—then harp at Obama—–: These jackasses , unfit to be dogcatchers got themselves elected , because of spite – to show Obama . Show him just what ? I sorta forget the lesson he was to learn; We- all of us , are going to pay the price for many many years to come–
The damage that will need correction has just begun to be apparent ; Bottom line– these jokers were elected –voted into office : The mistake I made ? Thinking at the start , the Tea Baggers were a joke– and voters could see that– i was so wrong!
Phyllis, the complaint that Obama has ignored his base, the people who put him in office is a valid one. Progressives are just about the only ones that do not have a seat at the table in his administration. I am highly disappointed with Obama. Nevertheless, I will support him, because I have the good sense to realize that it’s either him or a Republican. Bad as Obama is, Republoicans are exponentially worse.
Will voters stay home in 2012?
If they can look at the actions of Wisconsin’s senate Democrats during this dispute, and that the actions of the Republicans, and still conclude that there is no difference worth voting for, they they have the IQ of a dodo’s fart.
Some will, and some will even keep pushing for that stance, as TNLib says above. Well, there will always be some people who live in rooms with rubber wallpaper who insist that they are Napoleon. Stupidity can’t be totally eradicated. But the Republicans have brutally swept away the excuses for it. It’s up to us to keep pointing that out.
The IQ of a dodo’s fart? Oh my God, I love it.
Me too!
Historically, mid term elections always have fewer voter turnouts. This is nothing new.
Charles, you are correct, but when I said that turnout was low, I meant using midterms at the standard. In addition, there was a significant switch in who voted. The percentage of uneducated voters was a considerably higher percentage of the total than normal. That means more Republicans are voting. In addition the percentage of voters who self-identified as liberal or progressive was down.
One thing that made me wonder something – since Republicans could not pass anything that was a fisacal matter without Democratic presence, and since they continually stated collective bargaining was a fiscal thing, how is it they were able to pass it? To me I would think that they would have shot themselves in the foot…
but then again, from what I have been reading about Wisconsin Republicans, there is no interest in doing things by the book..
Kevin, they called collective bargaining budgetary, until they declared it non-budgetary to pass it, and immediately started calling it budgetary again.
Leslie and Phyllis and Infidel et al,
Any of you towering intellects ever blame ANYTHING on your party? Any of you willing to take off the Obama party hats long enough to look at the other side – that the Democrats succeeded in their policy of taking the old base for granted? Now they don’t have to do anything at all – and you’re happy as pigs in slop with not getting a damn thing.
Why don’t you aim some of your misguided invective at the Republicans? You’re all tough when it comes to blasting those of us who oppose illegal wars. You talk big when it comes to trashing people who wanted affordable health care, who favor job creation over bank bailouts.
Come to think of it, maybe you whiny entitled Professional Democrats should just JOIN the Republican party – since Republican policy is what your president has delivered – and you’re all so freaking happy with.
Obama 2012 – what’s that – how many civilians he’s killed in drone attacks this year?
The sarcasm re: drone attacks probably went over Infidels head – a guy who never met a dead Muslim he didn’t like.
Oso, you are not being fair. You know well that I have posted far more material critical of Obama and the Democratic party than I have favorable. Next point. I have aimed far more condemnation at Republicans than I have at the devil. I oppose illegal wars, want affordable health care, favor job creation and oppose financing Banksters. You know this about me. You also know that I am highly disappointed that we progressives who elected Obama are the only ones without a seat at his table. But look around at what is happening in those places where apathy on the left gave Republicans control in 2010. Doesn’t that make it clear that as problematic as Democrats are, Republicans are infinitely worse?
It occurs to me that the powers also are not interested in “doing anything” about illegal immigration because they prefer to have a docile workforce competing for wages that illegal immigrants dare not complain about. That and the destruction of unions, the only counterweight to sending all the money to the top, are likely to reduce most of us to something close to a slave force. Maybe people will start putting things together now.
Welcome Murr. 🙂
I agree. If Republicans have their way the American middle class will have disappeared by 2050.
Hi TC! *long time no comment* I know… 🙂
Down here in FL on Tuesday we had a an Awake the State statewide event to protest our Gov Scott. His idea of stripping budgets of education, revoking water projects to clean up our Everglades and refusing high speed rail monies (just some top of the list Rethug actions) my gosh it’s a mess. We protested by city and Palm Beach only managed to drum up about 380 folks… but hey! WE ARE DEMONSTRATING OUR COMMITMENT. You know?
I usually read something a candidate has written to assist me in choosing one to vote for. One of the best books’ in my library is “The Audacity of Hope” … resolving that man’s wisdom and heart for the political strategy and governance and the fellow who has revealed himself as President is a chasm wide. There is no alliance between them. My heart was broken… I guess that ‘in politics’ folks don’t too often reveal the heart on their sleeves’ … but if you check back on posts at New Global Myth you’ll find my heart expressed solidarity with Obama. I worked so effn’ hard for his campaign. I was genuinely proud of him. The night of his election was a high point in our country’s history… And now the curtain has been drawn down on that Obama. And the reason I validate this political position with respect by posting here… is because I care about your opinion. I respect that you are a ‘party man’ … for me, there is the realization that the Democratic Party has moved right of center …. especially under the leadership of this President. The grassroots youth and first time voters who brought the landslide votes to Obama are extremely disaffected as activist Liberals. I’ve actively resumed my protester, demonstrator, activist “inner hippie” for the environment re: the Gulf of Mx and Everglades, living and working with that disaffected youth here in Lake Worth… the new HQ for Earth First and the more and more active and attention drawing Night Heron Activist Center filled to the brim with that ‘disaffected youth’ vote…. and they are shopping a new candidate with the likes of Gloria Steinem, Alan Grayson, The Beehive Collective…. these are their supporters who have been helping to establish the center. I wasn’t exactly a bra burner … my mom (an IKE Republican) fought the lines of the sixties for women’s rights – Roe v Wade in Women’s Lib movement. I’m simply taking up the activism necessary for our survival on an dying planet (always my first concern) and the vacating of our rights. I know as a Democrat you do the same. I’ve seen folks I care much for (even just recently) post with despair over the idea that there is “absolutism” in Liberal abandonment of this President. It’s over the facts… what he has not and has done. I feel very surely I voted for a closet Republican. It does not diminish my wish to engage fellow Democrats like yourself in the conversation …. respectfully. I’m saying all this because it’s been a hellva day at sea… and I see my fellow team writer posting defensively…. we do need to remember our common ground on the ethics, values we all hold. And we need to continue to share with each other… hope you’ll stop over and take a look at our views:
http://roundtree7.wordpress.com/2011/03/10/our-age-of-outrage/
Tom, as an active campaigning Democrat, it’s my experience that Union members (what ever Union) ALWAYS vote. It was Maddow last week who brought to our attention the first voter / youth / college student votes who were so disaffected by the President that they haven’t shown up. And there have been a few Liberals who haven’t too. But that’s not where the numbers are. Not here, anyway. I’m plenty active for the votes down here and the protests… where I think we have to be in order to change things. Its scary… you know? But TC…
Politics Plus is the very best of the aggregate sites’ that is not gone large yet… like FDL or HUFFPO. I’d love to see you hire on and do more more more! Hope that a Liberal who’s not pleased with many of the Democrats in office is welcome to be here. I respect and honor the amazing amount of work that goes into your Politics Plus. Hope to always be welcome here. With my buds.
Hiya Gwen!! Good for you! I share your complaints about Obama and the Democratic Party. I am a Democrat, only because my voice may help to change that party. The one point on which I would disagree is that the Democrats have mover right of center. The entire political spectrum has shifted so far right that the many left of center Democrats are right of where many Republicans were in the 1960s.
I can’t speak about things in your neck of the woods, but I’ve researched the national demographics of 2010. See my comment to Charles. Apathy and disaffection on the left helped put Republicans in charge, and America is paying the price.
I’m sure there are many third party candidates out there I would like better than a Democrat, but I know that in a close race, voting for that candidate will help elect the Republican. That must end.
Now you know that agreeing with me about everything never has been a prerequisite for welcome here or for my friendship.
You have both.
This just means progressives have to stop bickering, rally around all possible allies no matter how much they may not march in total lock step, and hit back at the voting booth.
The teabaggers bragged about bringing tens of thousands to their DC gatherings but we put two million in DC when Obama took office.
Beach, I agree, as long as the ally has a chance to beat the Republican.
Hey guys! I do know that it’s the demo’s I mentioned down here… I’lll bow to your research on the rest dude… you do due diligence, I know. And thanks TC…. miss on the sunday show! Stop in now and then! We need you in the conversation. Rev Manny is our first guest tomorrow.
Beach… agreed. later fellas.
Hi Gwen. I do plan to come back, but have much on my plate right now.
Say, any chance you could link to my original Eclectablog version of my rant? It’s HERE. Thanks!
Welcome Electablog! 🙂
Great rant! Happy to oblige. How is it now?
Hey, Eclectablog – it’s me, “dmhlt 66” from DK4.
That was my slip-up, not TomCat’s. As TomCat noted I was the one who provided him the link to your well-crafted DK Diary. Should the occasion arise in the future, I’ll try to aim the kudos (and traffic) to its original source.
Hiya, dmhlt 66!
I really appreciate the linkage. dKos gets plenty of traffic already ; )
Cool. I hope everyone’s happy. 😀