Something I'm not proud of in Wisconsin

So much to love about my home state - Wisconsin.

Cheese curds.

Kettle Moraine.

Drumlins.

Baraboo Hills.

Green Bay Packers.

Fall colors.

Winter blizzards.

The attributes of the Badger State are unceasing.



Sadly, there is ONE THING I am NOT proud of....

The FREEDOM FROM RELIGIOUS FOUNDATION (FFRF).

Naughty Finger

I cringe whenever I see who is lurking behind the doors of schools, churches, government institutions and the like across our nation.  It's especially disturbing when the media points the naughty finger at our fine state of Wisconsin, the 'home' of FFRF.






FFRF has tried to oust our God, the God of the Bible, His Son - Jesus, and all things Christian:

They have intruded on:

• School prayer.
• 
  
• Graduation prayer.
• 
  
• Prayer before school sports games.

FFRF has removed:

• 
  
• Crosses.
• 
  
• Fishes (Ichthys).
• 
  
• Bibles.
• 
  
• Ten Commandments.
• 
  
• Religious music

Even in this grand state of Wisconsin we have seen the attempt to blot out God in the rotunda of our State Capitol at Christmastime.

FFRF Nativity Mockery at WI State Capitol - 2013

Here is what FFRF obviously does not get -

YOU CAN'T GET RID OF GOD.

So, while I'm not proud of the shenanigans of FFRF across our faith-based nation, rich with religious history, I am confident in this:

FFRF CAN NEVER CLAIM VICTORY.

How do I know this?

THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

NOTE:  Bible promises may not be removed, altered, or otherwise tampered with without the express permission of the Author.  (not gonna happen)

Protest for Fair Play @ GAB TOMORROW

If you're disgusted and you know it, then disband....the GAB.

PROTEST called by 'Citizens to Defund and Disband the GAB'

Attendees:  Concerned citizens from all across the state of WI to protest at the Govenment Accountability Board office.

Date/Time: Fri. Feb. 17th 9am-6pm

Location:  212 East Washington Avenue, Madison, WI  53703

Contact:  Vince Schmuki Representing WIN-Wisconsinites Interest Now!

sscanvb@yahoo.com /ph.414-906-1126

  

Nativity Set is UP at the Capitol Rotunda

This is awesome!

Wisconsin Family Council has donated a beautiful Nativity set that is now present in the State Capitol rotunda, despite the objections from Freedom from Religion Foundation. Thanks to Julaine Appling for her persistence in pursuing this beautiful depiction of our Christian heritage and REAL reason for Christmas celebration!

Occupy = Mortify: Madison Stinks...Literally

As we watch the antics of the Occupy groups, the pattern is clear; these are the "slobs" of the nation. They set no precedent for integrity. The attention they draw to themselves is not one of a political nature; it is one that breeds disgust, disrespect for others, and overall sleeziness that only attracts others like themselves. If they had a cause, it's been lost on the distraction of their overall disturbing behavior. Good luck with that.

City officials temporarily denied Occupy Madison a new street use permit Wednesday after protesters violated public health and safety conditions and failed to follow the correct processes to renew or amend a permit.

The permit, which expired Wednesday at noon, required Occupy Madison protesters to relocate from their current space at 30 West Mifflin Street, also called 30 on the Square.

A neighboring hotel's staff alleged voiced concerns about having to recently escort hotel employees to and from bus stops late at night due to inappropriate behavior, such as public masturbation, from street protesters.

In addition, officials agreed further occupation should not be allowed to continue without restrooms on site to avoid further public health violations.

Local Resident Bullied for Participating in Dane County Fair

We would expect nothing less from liberal rag Wisconsin State Journal:

A part-time nurse from West Bend, Wisconsin, set up an interactive creation-based booth with a sign reading "Interpret the Evidence" at a local county fair. TheWisconsin State Journal reported on Mary Weigand's booth with the headline "Creationist seeks to debunk scientific fact at Dane County Fair."¹ But was she actually trying to debunk "scientific fact," or was this headline just a mudslinging smear?

By examining fossils on display, booth attendees investigated for themselves whether or not fossils show a gradual transition between life forms, as Darwinism predicts. The booth presented an alternative scientific explanation that appears to fit the fossil data much better. Each visitor was left to discern whether fossils show discrete created kinds with no undisputed transitions between forms, as biblical creation predicts.

......

The claim that this booth is attempting "to debunk scientific fact" is apparently a shallow slander. Instead, it looks as though Weigand and her sponsors actually promote just the opposite approach: Encouraging people to do better science by interpreting hard evidence using common sense, instead of relying on the dogmatic propaganda that is necessary to prop up evolution's failed paradigm.

.....READ MORE HERE

The Cost of Collective Bargaining

The Cost of Collective Bargaining

Example #1 – The $150,000 Bus Driver

In 2009, the City of Madison’s highest paid employee was a bus driver who earned $159,258, including $109,892 in overtime, guaranteed by a collective bargaining agreement. In total, seven City of Madison bus drivers made more than $100,000 per year in 2009.

"That's the (drivers') contract," said Transit and Parking Commission Chairman Gary Poulson.

Source: Wisconsin State Journal, 2/7/10

Example #2 – $800,000 for “Free” Viagra

Milwaukee Public Schools attempted to drop from its health insurance plan coverage of Viagra, saving $786,000 per year, enough to pay up to a dozen teachers. The teachers union sued the district to regain coverage.

Source: ABC News, 8/12/10

Example #3 – A Year’s Worth of Pay for 30 Days of Work

Under the Green Bay School District’s collectively bargained Emeritus Program, teaches can retire and receive a year’s worth of salary for working only 30 days over a three year period. This is paid in addition to their already guaranteed pension and health care payouts.

Source: WLUK-TV, 3/3/11

Example #4 – $150,000 Correctional Officers

Correctional Officer collective bargaining agreements allow officers a practice known as “sick leave stacking.” Officers can call in sick for a shift, receiving 8 hours of sick pay, and then are allowed to work the very next shift, earning time-and-a-half for overtime. This results in the officer receiving 2.5 times his or her rate of pay, while still only working 8 hours.

In part because of these practices, 13 correctional officers made more than $100,000 in 2009, despite earning base wages of less than $60,000 per year. The officers received an average of $66,000 in overtime pay for an average annual salary of more than $123,000 with the highest paid receiving $151,181.

Source: Department of Corrections

Example #5 – ‘Outstanding First Year Teacher’ Laid Off

Milwaukee Public Schools teacher Megan Sampson was laid off less than one week after being named Outstanding First Year Teacher by the Wisconsin Council of English Teachers. She lost her job because the collective bargaining agreement requires layoffs to be made based on seniority rather than merit.

Informed that her union had rejected a lower-cost health care plan, that still would have required zero contribution from teachers, Sampson said, “Given the opportunity, of course I would switch to a different plan to save my job, or the jobs of 10 other teachers.

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6/14/10

Example #6 – Taxpayers Pay $68 Million for Union Health Insurance Monopoly

An updated review of a 2005 WPRI study concluded that school districts could save $68 million by switching from their expensive WEA Trust insurance plans to the state health insurance plan. Switching to a competitively priced private sector plan would save more money still. Collective bargaining agreements effectively give the teachers union a veto over any effort to change providers, however. As a result, WEA Trust insures about two-thirds of Wisconsin’s school districts.

Source: WPRI, WASB, ETF, DPI, WEA Trust

Example #7 – Arbitrator Reinstates Porn-Watching Teacher

A Cedarburg school teacher was reinstated by an arbitrator after being fired for viewing pornography on a school computer. The school district ultimately succeeded in terminating the teacher only after taking the case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court at great cost to the taxpayers.

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8/23/08

Example #8 – Taxpayers Pay 800 Government Employees to Conduct Union Business

In 2010, the state allowed paid time off for 805 employees to conduct union business. Total cost to the taxpayers was $433,333.

Source: Office of State Employment Relations

Example #9 – Union Opposes Cost-Saving Lawn Mowing Program

As a cost cutting measure, Racine County began using county inmates to cut the grass in medians and right-of-ways at no cost to the taxpayers. A county employee union filed a grievance indicating it was the right of government workers to cut the grass, even though it would cost the taxpayers dramatically more.

Source: Racine Journal Times, 5/12/10

Example #10 – $6,000 Extra for Carrying a Pager

Some state employees, due to the nature of their positions, are required to carry pagers during off-duty hours in order to respond to emergency situations. Due to the collective bargaining agreements, these employees are compensated an extra five hours of pay each week, whether they are paged or not.

For an employee earning an average salary of $50,000 per year, this requirement can cost more than $6,000 in additional compensation.

Source: 2008-09 Agreement between the State of Wisconsin and AFSCME Council 24

Example #11 – No Volunteer Crossing Guards Allowed

A Wausau public employee union filed a grievance to prohibit a local volunteer from serving as a school crossing guard. The 86-year-old lives just two blocks away and serves everyday free of charge.

Principal Steve Miller says, "He said, you know, this gives me a reason to get up in the morning to come and help these kids in the neighborhood."

But for a local union that represents crossing guards, it isn't that simple. Representatives didn't want to go on camera but say if a crossing guard is needed, then one should be officially hired by the city.

Source: WAOW-TV, 1/27/10

Walker's Faith Makes Him a Dangerous Man

Heh. This is not your average lefty. This is what I would call a lefty with a handicap. If there is anything that Walker has done well, it's been follow through with integrity. Wonder where he gets that from? Hmmmm....could it be........JESUS?????

Curtsy Marsha S., Brookfield -

From Diana Butler Bass via the Huffington Post:

As the stand off between workers and Governor Scott Walker continues in Wisconsin, religious leaders have weighed in on the dispute. Roman Catholic bishops came out on the side of the unions, urging the governor to protect worker's rights. Many mainline pastors, including Lutherans, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, Congregationalists, and American Baptists have written letters, issued statements, and preached sermons supporting labor, unions, and collective bargaining. In Madison, interfaith prayers and proclamations have upheld and encouraged the teachers, police, firefighters, and other public employees in their resistance to the governor's plan to break their union.

This is an impressive religious group by any standards--particularly so in Wisconsin where traditional faith still plays an important role in the life of a large number of its citizens. Wisconsin is almost evenly split between the three largest American religious groups: 29% are Roman Catholics; 24% are evangelical Protestants; and 23% are mainline Protestants.

Yet none of these prayers or sermons has swayed Scott Walker. He has steadfastly stayed on his original course, unfazed by the full weight of Roman Catholic authority or the mainline social justice tradition pressing upon him and urging him toward compromise and change.
Scott Walker is neither Roman Catholic nor a mainline churchgoer. The son of a Baptist pastor, born in Colorado Springs, the heartland of the Religious Right, Walker is a member of Meadowbrook Church in Wauwatosa, a non-denominational evangelical church. Meadowbrook's statement of faith, a fairly typical boilerplate of conservative evangelical theology, includes beliefs in biblical inerrancy, sin, exclusive salvation through Christ, and eternal damnation.

In other words, Scott Walker does not give a rip about pronouncements by the Roman Catholic Church, any Lutheran, Episcopal, or Methodist bishop, or the Protestant social justice pastors. These religious authorities, steeped in centuries of theology and Christian ethics mean absolutely nothing in Scott Walker's world. His spiritual universe is that of 20th century fundamentalism, in its softer evangelical form, a vision that emphasizes "me and Jesus" and personal salvation.

Before he was elected governor, Walker shared his testimony with a group of Christian businessmen. In it, he said that his religious life was expressed in the words of an old hymn, "Trust and Obey." From childhood onward, Walker recounted how God specifically directed his life, how he had learned to trust that direction, and how he sought to obey Christ in all things and at all times. He related the biblical story of the apostle Peter in a boat, whom Jesus directed to walk on the water. At first, Peter followed Jesus and did, indeed, walk upon water. But Peter became fearful and sank. According to Walker, this is a parable of the whole Christian life. If you "fail to trust and obey," Walker said, "You sink." Doubt is not allowed. Only obedience.

This is the same sort of evangelical spirituality that shaped George W. Bush--and led to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Once you know God's direction, no change is allowed. Doubt opens the door to failure. Obeying Christ's plan is the only option. In this theological universe, hard-headedness is a virtue, compromise is the work of the Devil, and anything that works to accomplish God's plan is considered ethically justifiable.

In other words, the Catholic bishops and mainline pastors--as well as the Quakers, Jews, Buddhists, and others--who have been trying to convince the governor to shift course are pretty well preaching in the wind. Other than David Koch (fake or otherwise), Walker is listening to One Person and One Person only: Jesus speaking directly to him. God, evidently, has directed him on his current path. Scott's just trusting and obeying. He bears no responsibility other than that.

Unlike the Roman Catholics and traditional Protestants who have spoken on behalf of the laborers, Walker has no spiritual "check" on him, no authority other than the ones he hears in his own head, and no moral culpability in this situation. He's the good Christian soldier, just following God's lead.

And this is why Scott Walker's religion is actually dangerous in the public square. Because it lacks the ability to compromise, it is profoundly anti-democratic. Many faith traditions actually possess deep spiritual resources that allow them to participate in pluralistic, democratic, and creative political change. But those sort of traditions tend emphasize the love of God and neighbor over strict obedience to an unyielding Father God. Despite anything Scott Walker might say, the confident dictum of the old hymn, "Trust and Obey" is not the best way to govern a state.

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/christianityfortherestofus/#ixzz1F0NKlm6K

Senator Grothman Assaulted at Capitol

This is disrespectful, and the protesters are now putting a label on themselves - BULLIES.

Madison Woman Writes Checks to Help Kill Thousands of Babies....

More disturbing than words can express.  My commentary in red.

From the La Crosse Tribune:

MADISON — At all hours, strangers phone Anne Nicol Gaylor's Madison home, always desperate.

The caller one recent morning was a middle-aged woman with a 14-year-old pregnant daughter.

"What clinic will she be using?" asked Gaylor, 83, jotting down the response and the cost of a second-trimester abortion ($875).
...

Sounds a bit blasé, doesn't it?  Price quotes for baby killing?

"If we helped with $300, do you think you could find the rest?" Gaylor asked.
...

I call this "incentive money."  You could call it bribery, too.  You decide.

After the call, Gaylor opened a checkbook for the Women's Medical Fund, a Madison nonprofit that has helped pay for abortions for 34 years. Gaylor has written every check for every abortion.
...

First of all, let's not be surprised that this is happening in Madison.  Next, Gaylor has written every single check?  Control, thy name is Gaylor.  Women's Medical Fund?  Puhlease.  Let me help.  Women's Babykilling Fund.  Call it what it is.

This was No. 18,986.
...

We can only assume this means almost 19,000 babies were killed with the assistance of Gaylor and her ilk.  That means 19,000 "ooopsies," "accidents," "mistakes," "unwanteds," "low-class," "destined to be poor," "loser" babies didn't get the opportunity to contribute to society, prove themselves, make a difference....  I wonder how many were Wisconsinites?

.....

The fund's sole purpose is to pay for abortions. Last year, it paid out $162,202, about 75 percent of which came from individual donors, the rest from foundations.
...

I find it appalling that there is a woman out there with an agenda to make sure that she has a part in killing as many babies as she can before she dies.  Seriously.

..............

'All about the child'

I would agree with this, though it could be worded differently.  "All about GETTING RID OF the child," there, that's better.
...

The Supreme Court legalized abortion three years before the fund began, but many women simply couldn't afford the procedure, said Bob West, 82, of Madison, a professor emeritus of chemistry and co-founder of the fund with his wife, Margaret West, now deceased, and Gaylor. The three had become friends through the Madison chapter of the group Zero Population Growth.

Sounds like the Three Stooges found their counterparts.  The Butcher, the Snaker, the Blood Money Taker.

"For me, it was all about the child," he said.
...

Indeed.  The dead ones.

....

Anti-abortion activists have long been aware of the fund.

"It's a stark example of misguided compassion that serves as discrimination of the worst kind," said Peggy Hamill, state director of Pro-Life Wisconsin. "To finance extermination of pre-born children because those children would have been brought up poor is deplorable."

U GO WITH YOUR BAD SELF, MISS PEGGY.  

Gaylor said no one is chasing down low-income pregnant woman. [....] . She thinks critics would view the fund differently if they heard the calls.

Are you KIDDING ME?  I think not.  Ever.

.......

Gaylor:

On large families: "How presumptuous of someone to think the world is interested in a half-dozen or eight or 10 of their kids."
...

How presumptuous of someone to think the world is better off without them, and convincing others of same.

On anti-abortion activists: "They're religiously motivated, not intellectually motivated."
....

An opinion, one which she cannot prove and is simply using as a cover-up of the fact that most people with a conscience do not agree with her.

On abortion: "A blessing."
...

I don't think Jesus would agree.  What part of "thou shalt not kill" do you not understand?

Gaylor said she has never had an abortion but once witnessed the procedure when a woman asked her to be in the room for support. It did not change her views, she said.

This, in and of itself, would lend assurance to the ideal that Gaylor has no morals, no conscience, and no sense of personal value.  Does she even like people?

..............

"The guy who got you pregnant, is he helping you pay?" she asked a 19-year-old woman............

She can't be serious.  The guy who "got" you pregnant?  As if the woman had no part and he just waved his "wand" and boom! she was impregnated?  I can't imagine how the woman's answer would make a difference to this woman.  As she would most likely say, "Just write the check."  Right?

"My regret is that we don't have $1 million a year to give away so that we could help more women," she said.

Is she related to Dr. (ick) Jack Kevorkian?  Hitler? Just sayin'....

UW Madison College Students Use Intellect to Come Up with UNDIE RUN

This is just pathetic.

In order to raise funds for "charity," some UW-Madison students are using their high intellectual status to come up with this provocative and very professional fundraising idea:  The "UW-MADISON AXE UNDIE RUN."

Via Facebook:

"Imagine showing up in clothes....then taking them off to donate them and then running around campus streets in a fit of joy and celebration, of course, only in your UNDIES!"


Only in Madison.  

Testimony in opposition to AB 458

West Bend Library Director Tyree slanders City Councilman Vrana at ACLU fundraiser

Overheard at the ACLU fundraiser in Madison tonight ~


Special guest speaker West Bend Library Director, Michael Tyree, was noting how the Common Council refused the reappointment of four library board members.  He then went on to discuss the fact the many of the City Council members did not own library cards.


Bringing up Alderman Terry Vrana, this is how Tyree characterized him:

 “he may be familiar with porn shops, but he's not familiar with the library” 


West Bend needs to think twice about the character and integrity of a city employee who goes outside of the city in order to slander it's council members and verbally rape it's citizens.


Also in attendance, Mary Reilly-Kliss, Bob Deters and Maria Hanrahan.


A total of 21 were in attendance at the shindig.  

West Bend Library Director Tyree guest speaker for fundraiser for .......ACLU????

MY BAD.

City of West Bend
Code of Ethics

1.65 DECLARATION OF POLICY. The proper operation of democratic


government requires that public officials and employees be independent, impartial and


responsible to the people; that government decisions and policy be made in proper channels

of the government structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the

public have confidence in the integrity of its government. In recognition of these goals,

there is hereby established a Code of Ethics for all City officials and employees, whether


elected or appointed, paid or unpaid, including members of boards, committees and

commissions of the City. The purpose of this code is to establish guidelines for ethical

standards of conduct for all such employees and officials by setting forth those acts or

actions that are incompatible with the best interests of the City and by directing disclosure

by such officials and employees of private financial or other interests in matters affecting the

City.

1.66 RESPONSIBILITY OF PUBLIC OFFICE. Public officials and employees are

agents of public purpose and hold office for the benefit of the public. They are bound to

uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this State and carry out

impartially the laws of the nation, State and the City and to observe in their official acts the


highest standards of morality and to discharge faithfully the duties of their office regardless


of personal considerations, recognizing that the public interest must be their prime concern.


Their conduct in both their official and private affairs should be above reproach so as to


foster respect for all government.
 
 
 

Library Director special guest of ACLU - taking his "victory" over the parents and patrons of West Bend to the streets

We would not expect any less.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin Foundation will be recognizing Banned Books Week through several events across the state. Nationally, Banned Books Week is an awareness campaign sponsored by the American Library Association which celebrates the freedom to read and the right to open, accessible libraries.


............


The ACLU of Wisconsin was also involved in supporting the librarians at the public library in West Bend, WI after books with gay and lesbian characters were challenged by local residents.


...........


ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation Banned Books Week Kick-off and Fundraiser
Tuesday, September 15, 7:00—8:30 p.m.
Goodman Community Center—149 Waubesa Street Madison, WI 53704

Featuring special guests Michael Tyree, Director, West Bend Community Memorial Library and Maria Hanrahan, West Bend community organizer. These brave book defenders will share their story of a book challenge this year in West Bend, WI. The professionalism of the library staff and the efforts of community activists were crucial in defending a diverse library collection that is free and accessible to all community patrons. A $25, tax-deductible donation is encouraged.


_________________________________________________________________


But wait!  Maria Hanrahan?  Isn't she the one who talks about parents and taxpayers in the West Bend community saying things like......


The acronym for West Bend Citizens for Safe Libraries should be renamed to "West Bend Citizens Removing All Personal Priveleges from You (WB-CRAPPY)"
and
That she cannot find anything sexually explicit at all in the book "Deal With It."  -see June 3 comment (::::rolling eyes:::)
and
...there is nothing "reasonable" about the requests made by the parents/patrons of WBCFSL.


Yep.  One and the same.  
And she's representing YOU, West Bend!  


West Bend is on Madison's radar to be mocked and ridiculed while raising funds for a community center, all at the proud request of the ACLU.  Sounds like Comedy Central.  It certainly isn't the first time......  Guess Madison's liberal utopia doesn't have enough lefties on their team.


The good 'ole ACLU........reminds me of a prophetic message I saw on youtube...