DU appeals to that bastion of fiscal stability, Europe, to criticize WI

[BannedFromDU]

pampango (11,677 posts)

 
Europe Is Dumbfounded by Scott Walker's Victory
The recall victory of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is sending shockwaves through Europe as right-wing and left-wing newspapers marvel at the Republican's ability to survive an election months after stripping the collective bargaining rights of public-sector unions. In European countries, where a much larger percentage of the labor force is unionized, politicians typically face insurmountable opposition from labor groups during wage and work-hour disputes. Today, some of the continent's biggest papers are doing a double-take at headlines from over here.

French socialist newspaper L'Humanité lamented the symbolism of the Walker victory as a validation of "Republican Party and Tea Parties in their strategy of 'radicalization' and 'rightward' or even 'extreme rightward'" policies. The liberal newspaper Le Monde said the recall couldn't be dismissed as a local issue. "For France, the election may appear as an epiphenomenon: it concerns a single State and involves local politicians. It is not the case," said the paper, noting the election is a direct read on the "political temperature" in the country.

In Germany, the progressive newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung expressed disbelief in Walker's agenda saying he denied the unions "virtually every right to negotiate for the public employees collective bargaining agreements," a somewhat exaggerated claim given that the bill mostly focuses on wage negotiations but nevertheless understandable given the breadth of negotiating powers German unions enjoy.

Finally, in one of England's liberal newspapers, The Guardian's Arun Gupta accused walker of turning "back the clock on public healthcare, education and labor organizing." He cites the editor of Madison's Progressive magazine noting that the law "will be psychologically devastating to tens of thousands of people in Wisconsin and materially devastating to people who've already seen a 10% cut in their pay and no longer have collective bargaining in any real sense." He also noted that the victory signals that Republicans can put their "boot on the threat of labor and get away with it." Indeed, the enthusiasm for unionized labor is alive and well... just not in the U.S.

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2012/06/europe-dumbfounded-scott-walkers-victory/53234/

Every once in a while Europe needs a reminder of how different the US is in critical ways.

We ARE talking about EUROPE, right? The continent about to experience a currency meltdown of yet-unseen proportions mostly because of unfunded promises to public workers? The Europe that already has high tax rates?


Pardon me while I 

[Skul]

Every once in a while Europe needs a reminder of how different the US is in critical ways.

Perhaps they can learn something.
I doubt it.

[Duke Nukum]

Europe not only invented Marxism, they believe in it.

[Freeper]

I can't figure out why they voted for Walker either, he only balanced the budget, lowered unemployment, and didn't have to fire anyone. What a major asshole, right? 

People on the left can't deal with the fact that conservative ideas work, even if it is right in front of them like WI.

[Duke Nukum]

I can't figure out why they voted for Walker either, he only balanced the budget, lowered unemployment, and didn't have to fire anyone. What a major asshole, right? 

People on the left can't deal with the fact that conservative ideas work, even if it is right in front of them like WI.

Property taxes for most people went down, which is practically unheard of in Wisconsin. About 20-some years ago we got suckered into a state lottery with the promise that it would lower property taxes.

[Freeper]

Property taxes for most people went down, which is practically unheard of in Wisconsin. About 20-some years ago we got suckered into a state lottery with the promise that it would lower property taxes.

Property taxes went down? Damn, impeach the bastard. 

[Skul]

Property taxes for most people went down, which is practically unheard of in Wisconsin. About 20-some years ago we got suckered into a state lottery with the promise that it would lower property taxes.

Lottery in Colorado was passed because it was "for parks and recreation".
Legislature determined how much was needed, and used the exess for "other" things.
Several years later, the folks saw that and passed something or another that demanded ALL the proceeds be used just for that.
The whining from the spenders, went through the roof.

[Revolution]

Europe doesn't like? Hmmm, never would have guessed. Maybe that's why they're in all the fiscal trouble they're currently in.

Nah...couldn't be.

[Skul]

Europe doesn't like? Hmmm, never would have guessed. Maybe that's why they're in all the fiscal trouble they're currently in.

Nah...couldn't be.

If you recall the old Boy Scout manual, they cautioned about this.
The drowning person will gladly push you underwater in an attempt to save there own lives.

[Revolution]

I do. When I was younger (something like 7) I slipped into the deep end when I couldn't swim, and did that to another boy. I felt really bad about it after the fact. We were both OK, but I've learned better now.

[BEG]

The "shock" is from liberal newspapers. Who'd a thunk it?!?

[Skul]

I do. When I was younger (something like 7) I slipped into the deep end when I couldn't swim, and did that to another boy. I felt really bad about it after the fact. We were both OK, but I've learned better now.

They won't. That's why they have a problem.
Fwance is a good example of that right now.
Frogs don't jump till you blow on their bottom.

[Bad Dog]

Frogs don't jump till you blow on their bottom.

I would pay to see that.

[Skul]

I would pay to see that.

Maybe we can get a pool started.
I hear Rev, is affordable.
Just a rumor, Rev. Didn't come from me.