I arrived at the capital last night just after 5. The sun was setting and several hundred people were strolling, some chanting. All sorts of signs and messages to be looked at. The statehouse dome was luminous in the night sky.
The press was busy. Huge satellite dishes and bright lights for TV cameras. Interviews were going on, and I got in on one of them.
The County Executive of Waukesha County was being interviewed. I didn't know it then, but his name is Dan Vrakas, Republican. He was invited to Madison to hear the budget speech.
I asked him why he supported busting unions. His response was predictable---the budget bill will won't break unions.
Huh?
Well, so much for the union question---it was his response to next question that really threw me off, and made me aware of the depth of ignorance Republican representatives have about the bill they are avidly supporting.
My question: "Why are you supporting cutting health care?"
Vrakas: "We aren't touching health care."
Me: "What do you mean? What about Medicaid?"
Vrakas: "Oh that. That doesn't matter. It's nothing."
Really?
Not far from where Vrakas was standing, a mother stood with a large sign. A picture of her baby was on the sign, with a plea not cut Medicaid benefits. She needs to keep her baby healthy; her baby needs ongoing care and help.
Alone this mother stood, in the night, with her sign held above her head, positioned so that anyone looking outside the capital windows might see it. Anyone in the building, just taking take a minute to glance outside.
They were there, you could see them. No curtains hid the heads of the Republicans talking in the offices.
Not one looked outward.
What brings a woman out alone in the night? Someone who carefully made a sign at home, laboring over the message, taking her time? What hope does this woman have that her baby will continue to receive the medical care necessary to thrive?
No one told her that her baby's health benefits 'don't matter'; they are 'nothing'.
It left me wondering, where have the people of value and ethic gone in this Wisconsin government? Has the world turned upside down? It's mindlessly crazy what's going on.
Shared sacrifice? Come on! Please!
We are being asked to sacrifice so that the wealthy may continue to pay less than I do in taxes. I'm sick of it.
Are all of the Republican senators blind to the damage they are causing the fabric of Wisconsin by blindly supporting Scott Walker?
Where are the Republicans of ethic? Tell me, please.