In less than 10 hours, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker will deliver his 2011-2013 budget. It is sure to be an orgasm of spending cuts, vilification of public employees, union busting, and psuedo-job creation rhetoric. A budget address hasn't been this highly anticipated since, well, last week. This promises to be crisis management at its best.
Getting up on a big stage like this is sure to be nerve wracking. Therefore, Governor Walker has been practicing his public speaking by doing a Magical Mystery Tour of the state. He has criss-crossed every corner of the state spreading his important message (you know, the one where he begs the Fab 14 to come home, says the state is broke and threatens to lay off a bunch of workers if they don't smile and play nice while giving up their rights).
Um yes, the state of Wisconsin is broke. Yes, Walker is criss-crossing the state in a taxpayer funded airplane and delivering the same message at each stop. But his message is important and he needs to get it out unfiltered. He needs to talk directly to the people. He needs to press flesh with the massive crowds of the millions hard working Wisconsinites that support his efforts to crush the unions.
Wait, you mean the crowds are not supporting him? You mean he only gives an hour "heads up" before arriving for the press conference? Just enough time for a few dozen protesters to gather outside. Oh, you say he does the press conference in an airport hangar, in front of a handful of local media? What? He doesn't even step outside of the airport hangar?
You got it. Our not-ready-for-prime-time governor, a true master of political staging, has been speaking inside of airport hangers, sealed from the general public. In Eau Claire, the Wisconsin Radio Network reports:
Governor Scott Walker made a quick, quiet stop in Eau Claire Monday, to make the case for passage of his budget repair bill. Only media were allowed inside the hangar at Heartland Aviation at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport where the Governor took a few questions. The trip was not much publicized, though about 30 protesters did get the word in time to gather outside.
and Rhinelander.
and La Crosse.
and Kenosha. (Make sure you check out his picture)
and Green Bay.
Well, If you are going to talk budget, I guess airport hangers are better than a feedstock warehouse.
But using a taxpayer funded plane? Perhaps Governor Walker should take some advice from his Lt. Governor, Rebecca Kleefisch - She knows transportation. Seriously, she doesn't need an $800 million dollar high speed rail or a state plane. She is a mom. She drives a minivan.
OK, I know this is a short diary. Does it help if I include protest video?
This is What Democracy Looks Like!
Peter Yarrow
Bradley Whitford (West Wing / Good Guys)