So as previously mentioned I go to UW-Madison and if you've been watching national news you know that there is just a little bit of conflict going on... just a little...
Keep in mind I am not Republican, nor am I Democrat, but I can still simply tell you that I am on the side of the unions, however, I don't think anyone is "evil" or "out to kill our state." It is a matter of trying to save the economy, but I believe that there are many more ways to go about doing it rather than breaking down the unions.
This is not a bi-partisan issue... there are Republicans against this bill in addition to the Democrats. The problem with this bill is why is it education?
Teachers are notoriously underpaid for all the work they do, and education is what fuels the future. Collective bargaining is one of the greatest benefits of being a state worker, and to have it taken away would be a great loss to teachers. I understand that Walker and the others behind the bill are trying to save jobs, but on top of the state workers hierarchy, it is the government officials the who have high salaries. If they are willing to make cuts, then they should make cuts all around instead of just targeting education. People would be able to agree with this more because that is true sacrifice rather than just limiting the sacrifice to the single group. The way I see it is that we are one state and we should take the cuts, the sacrifices, together.
Another problem I have with Walker is that he never ever mentioned fixing the budget by using this plan during his campaign. It seems to me that this bill is abrupt and rushed. He just started out as governor and this is what he starts out with? He touched on so many different topics on his website yet none of them were touched, and instead he pulls something completely random out of his hat. To me, it is hard to have faith in someone who has not done anything they promised to do before.
Also, he is seeking to create new job, yet he turned away the high speed rail which would be a wonderful convenience to Wisconsin who's transportation is mostly based off buses to other cities. The high speed rail could have added on many jobs as well. For those who say it is temporary, this is not at all true. People would have to be running and selling tickets for the rail. Additionally, the federal government was funding the project so it would not be a great cost to the state. In my opinion, that was a bad decision to make.
I understand frugality as much as the Republicans do, being a college student and all, but the sacrifices we make should not be directed at prominent necessities to our future.
Without collective bargaining, our state will lose one of the benefits that draws people here to work. Especially at UW-Madison, the ability to pick professors of high caliber is important If we cannot gather enough professors of quality teaching, then our classes would be less diverse and widespread topic wise and we would have bigger classes. Having a narrower viewpoint and perspective due to my insubstantial education is not something I want. I want this wonderful institution to keep it's strength in the Midwest region.
The worst part of this bill is that it is tearing Wisconsin apart into Against/ Support of the bill. As I said before, we should be united in fixing our state, but in the end there is a huge rift. Without EVERYONE working together and supporting the decision of our representatives, I feel that the deficit cannot be fixed. Government cannot simply mandate something and expect everyone to follow the rules. There will be conflicts. So with this, I believe that the two sides should come up with a compromise, just like everyone did as children. When you truly think about people never truly grows. In the end, one only grows up when they are open minded and try to understand the others.
On my final point, I think Scott Walker is being ignorant to the protesters. When there is this much disagreement with one of your ideas you should listen to the people who disagree with you. The best solution is one which contains all the ideas of the whole people, not just the half that agrees with you. So please to do not ignore the peaceful people who have been trying to get your attention. We understand the state is in deficit, and not only your "hard-worker" side has to pay taxes. The teachers have to pay taxes as do everyone else. It is our money that we are giving to the state, entrusting you to use it correctly. Please listen or at least acknowledge what the other half has to say. Ignoring has the air of a prissy middle school girl all over it, one who ignores the descenters who dislike her. If she asked, she could simply find out why they didn't like her and perhaps change their image of her. Keep that in mind.
My final point to all people in general is DO NOT MAKE JUDGEMENTS BASED ON BIASE OR IGNORANCE. It's silly and you will look like a fool when you are on a side for reasons you do not know. This includes the protesters and the Republicans who are supporting it just because it is their party. If you truly want to help your side, get informed on both sides of the debate. That is after all what past education has taught us (notice how awesome education is!).
Well for all those reading, hope you enjoyed my small opinion out of so many
I hope things settle down and that people are unified again,
<3 Stephanie... and peace out (60s and their protests return!!! ....epic)
Oh and I'll post some pics of the protest later as well, toodles!
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