Battle in WI, University Professor Signs Absentee Notes for Teachers – About the Children – Hardly - Transparent Mantra Grown Tiresome to Taxpayers

Op-ed

A story on Maclver Institute complete with video and 8 x 10 color glossy’s, shows exactly how desperate the unions are to keep the chaos going at the WI State Capital. A college professor was noted as singing absentee sick notices for teachers so that they would be able to call in “sick”. The rhetoric is high, and it is getting tired - specifically the old: “it's for the children” tagline that every state, city and or hamlet that wants to end the stranglehold of organized labor hears chanted on the evening news. The problem is that parents are beginning to put two plus two together, and have an inkling that it is more about the teachers and the unions that it is about educating the children, who are, for all intents and purposes, used as pawns in the never-ending quest for more money for the teachers, which is passed onto the union and then to the Democratic National Committee.

The fact that the Democrat Senators fled the state of Wisconsin may end up reversing their rather slim fortunes completely once they stand for reelection. The move is transparently an attempt to prop up a union that props up a political party, and in the end, hurts the educational system “for the children”. Those seeking reelection would have been better to place their bets on their constituents rather than on the winos that hold the nation hostage. Although one must agree that firefighters and police, or any other job description that puts on in harm’s way may need protection, those who hold master degrees, and face the dangerous job of teaching our children (and poorly one might add, considering where our educational system stands), do not.

Many of those teachers mahy not care to be in a union, however, it mandatory to join, in some states, there are opt outs of unions, but a new employee (teacher) must pay a “fee” to opt out, and then face the criticism of the union members. If these so-called educators spent more time actually teaching the students, rather than propping up a policies machine, perhaps the U.S. would be in better shape educationally speaking.

It is the people of Wisconsin and other states where similar measure are sure to follow, that will ultimately make the decisions for the Unions, they will simply not hire those responsible for propping them up. From those in any given State Legislature to the Federal offices of the Congress and the Presidency, those taking an active role (Obama’s campaign arm in 2008,Organizing for America, trucked in extra bodies to the WI State Capital in order to enlarge the protest), will find out how much respect the voters have for organized labor.

Those who will be caught in the middle, should collective bargaining be off the table are those teachers who hang onto the union. Conversely, those who will walk back to class, stand a good chance of keeping their careers intact and, incidentally reaping financial rewards, with a combination of raises and benefits given most professional with the same degrees (minus the hefty monthly union dues). Quality teachers are those who will not stand with the unions, but with their students, because they care more for their profession than for politics. It is as simple as that, and it is perceived as such by those who hire: the taxpayer. Walker is standing firm in the fact of the budget battle, and in retrospect for the nation.

Fast Fact: Nationally, union membership is projected at 7.1 million. (Bloomberg)

Fast Fact:90 Million People cast ballots in 2010)(MSNBC)
The math speaks for itself.

Palin in Long Island – Media Outlets Travel Across Nation - The Import of Palin and Her Candidacy for the Media

Palin Speaks to Long Island NY Business Leaders - Image New York Times



Sarah Palin spoke before a “packed room” at the Long Island Business Association Luncheon and it was noted by Long Island Business News that “there was plenty of media at the LIA annual meeting”… “some news outlets came all the way from Los Angeles to hear Palin speak.” For the woman who may or may not run for the Presidency in 2012, and has been dismissed time and time again by the majority of “mainstream” news outlets, it is telling that they made a virtual migration to the burbs of New York’s Long Island to hear Palin answer questions posed by the Business Associations President. It emphasizes the import that is placed on Palin by this group that often attempts to diminish her as a candidate.

The New York Times article with its conflicted headline, “Palin Opens Up and Plays Coy” was, interestingly, one of the more “balanced” of the 954 articles on her visit to Long Island (latest Google News Count 6:49 AM EST). The piece began by focusing on the fact that she did not head to one of the more traditional GOP primary states one visits if planning to announce, however, followed with a quote by Palin noting that “no one is more qualified than a woman to be President”, which was well received by the audience, especially the women. The article follows with quotes from Palin on her decision to run, and the subsequent announcement should “come sooner than later”.

They went on to cover Palin on the fact that she was speaking in front of media other than Fox News, her take on Social Networking, her stance on the questions over Obama’s birth certificate (which she finds of little consequence, an annoying distraction to important issues (NYT)*, her stand on health care, and an actual quote from Palin on her “death panel” remark. The Times calls her, amazingly “not a fully formed political figure” then candidate”, then went directly to the quoting Robert Zimmerman, who represents New York on the Democratic National Committee, who called her an “Atlantic City Lounge Act for the right wing” but, and here is the big but, and why one might find the Times and other outlets standing up to take notice: Zimmerman’s’ “Democrats should not to dismiss her potential, saying, “Suburbs have the largest swing voters in the country, which concerns me.”

The Times also reported that she received more applause from a bi-partisan group than anticipated by the Association President – and to look for her to do more of these “types of formats” in the futures” (NYT)

What one learns from this piece is the fact that the media and Palin are working on their love-hate relationship, an important step in the direction of a woman who may run for the Presidency. For that many “news outlets” to attend a business luncheon on Long Island for someone whom they eviscerate on a daily basis goes to the import of the subject. What they came to hear: she will make an announcement sooner than later. (In 2008, most announcements came in February/March of 2007). Most importantly, a Representative of the National Democratic Committee felt it was important to be in the same room, and voiced concerns about her potential as a candidate (after a typical right-wing remark) – which is hardly dismissive. Moreover, The New York Times also ran a second article "Palin, on Long Island, Answers Budget and Worldview Questions" (Read here)in Politicis same day, which contained less editorializing than the norm.


*Birthers and Palin were combined in a recent Public Policy Polling article/poll read article here at Public Policy Polling blog. One should not, the polls taken by this particular firm are more reliable than most, however, the firm decidedly lean Democrat.

The latest poll taken by PPP on the State of Tennessee and a hypothetical matchup between Obama and the GOP Candidates: Palin Ties with Obama, Trails the balance of the GOP candidates. To tie in Tennessee this early out is indicative of a competitive challenger, (based on polling done on 2008 races and the eventual outcomes as candidates dropped out, and dove into the race), however, PPO suggests that Palin should consider her options as she merely ties with the President. The negatives (editorials) from this firm, despite the numbers, should also be noted. It is, one should note, far too early to make assumptions based on polling a field of hypothetical candidates. However, for those political junkies, it allows for tracking progress, or decline, (should one announce), and gives those considering a run, the opportunity to see where they may need to concentrate campaign efforts.

2012 Update – Sarah Palin on the Move, Media increases coverage, while Signs May Point to Announcement Sooner than Later.

Sarah Palin, Media watches for signs of 2012 run - image NY Sun


Sarah Palin has been the subject of more than a few media reports over the past few days, those in the media who would read into the slightest move of a “potential 2012 GOP candidate” seeking signs that the former Governor of Alaska is ready to jump into the fray, grasping at any conceivable “straw” that would indicate a run for office. The latest an AP report that Sarah Palin will be appearing before the “mainstream media” at a Long Island business group luncheon, taking questions for an hour with the media present and cameras rolling” (Forbes). The piece, compete with quotes from a Rutgers University Professor who hedges her bet by first noting the appearance is most likely financial (Palin, like most other politico’s are paid for appearances), then adding that it may also be a political move. The role of Republican Strategist in the article is play by Ed Rollins, who is, rolls out that her appearance may be political. He is, politely put, somewhat sarcastic in his view of her “first foray” in front of a camera and offers up the advice that one must be “be on guard and make sure your answers are precise." (>Forbes)

Last week, Palin hired a Chief of Staff for her Political Action Committee, leading all media to stand up and take notice: From above the lower 48, Alaska Dispatch.com’s “Palin Watch” gives an overview of media reaction and its obvious connection to a 2012 run, but offers no opinion, rather links to media sites covering the “story”.

The pollsters:

Public Policy Polling, released a poll and blog post on the GOP “field” entitled “Romney and the Birthers. The poll itself asked the usual questions as to individual candidates favorability, unfavorabilty and the percentage of Republicans and Leaners who might vote for a particular candidate. This time, the pollster also included a question asking if the respondents believed the President was born in or outside of the U.S. – what they found was that Romney does not fare as well as Palin with those who hold the belief that the President was not born in the U.S. Of course, on the face of it, that’s not news, but with this particular firm it is a telling jab. The firm is a Democrat leaning pollster, they have appeared, for the past two years, to be actively seeking an alternative to Obama, while at the same time propping him up the best they can. One can hardly blame them for a little partisanship, however, their polls, when the races are done, normally are spot on, within a point or two of the actual outcome.

Looking at the Marginals of the polls taken over the past several months tells the bigger story. Palin, is in the top “tier” of candidates scoring at or near the top of the potential GOP field. However, although she comes in third for the most part behind Romney and Huckabee, her favorability ranking is, 90 percent of the time, higher than the aforementioned.

The pollsters make no pretense to their preference on the GOP ticket, suggested reading Huckabee is the Best for Now, goes on to opine on why Huckabee may be better than Romney, Gingrich, or Palin as a choice for the GOP. This plug for Huckabee is interesting in the fact that at this stage of polling, the points separating all “potential candidates” is minimal. However, with the writing almost on the proverbial wall regarding the likelihood of a one-term Presidency for Obama, it is in the makeup of those who are politically vested to begin to look at the opposition party and make a choice as one of “them” is going to be the next President.

Spin as they might, as the polls continue into 2011 and announcements are made, the dynamics of the polls will change. It is apparent at the moment that Huckabee and Romney are faring better than Palin, (with that nagging exception of favorability) in a GOP contest. It is, as they say, a long way to Iowa, and the candidate who is out front first, will, in all likelihood, stay in the public eye longer, those who wait, may repent in leisure in this never ending cycle of American politics. Should Huckabee, who, in the past was not a strong fundraiser, but had the ability to turn thousands into millions of votes on a shoestring budget, waits until June or July of this year to announce, then one might find available cash heading towards those candidate who announce earlier. Two in particular, Romney and Palin, both have substantial cash on hand via their packs. One must however, never underestimate either Palin or Huckabee who are not predictable politicians.

How they fare against Obama in national match-ups is again, within points of one another (speaking of the top three Huckabee, Romney and Palin), with, the latest poll (see birther question), the President bested by an “unnamed Moderate Republican”, but overall winning the day over Huckabee, Romney, Gingrich and Palin, who come in behind the president in that order. Given the fact that in polling done in 2007, pitting Hillary Clinton and Obama, the President , Obama trailed Clinton by 22 points. Therefore, the national polls pitting Obama against any one of the “potentials” should be taken with a grain of salt. Moreover, it is useful to Palin (and her staff) to understand that, with points separating her from her male counterparts, her favorability ratings are more positive than the later.

The state by state polls, as well as national samples of the “GOP” matchups are available at publicpolicypolling.com/surveys

Heads up:

What is not being reported, but is worth noting is the increasing number of similar blogs, the purpose of which is Palin 2012. Within the past few days, these numbers have grown exponentially: To understand the scope in numbers of the all important grassroots bloggers visit The Book of Sarah, view the right hand of the blog template, and find a list of blogs for Palin, all using the same template. It is the beginning salvo. It is, in this opinion, more telling that hiring a Chief of Staff, more telling than speaking “on camera” before Long Island Business leaders (although that in itself, is, considering the aversion the business community has to Obama’s recently unveiled budget, which is not mentioned in the AP story of extreme reading the “tea leaves” interest.) – It is similar in scope to the 2007 Huckabee Model – How important were bloggers to Huckabee in 2008? Ask anyone in Iowa. Ask Mike Huckabee.

The break in communications: From a few weeks there was little communication from Sara Palin: From January 28th through February 11th Palin’s Twitter Account went black. The same could be said of Facebook. Granted, this is all “Tea Leaves”, but the break in daily tweets and her posts to Facebook, for a woman who is consistently in the spotlight, might indicate a decision was being made. The timing of the return of Palin to Twitter and the emergence of Blogs 4 Palin might be seen as a indication that a decision has been made, and, if one were to place any bets, an announcement will be made sooner than later. As Palin is competitive, and has been “First” in several categories (i.e. first woman to be Governor of the State of Alaska, First woman to run on the GOP Ticket as Vice President), it would not surprise if she were first to announce her candidacy for the office of the President and her intent to run in 2012.

Note: Huckabee continues to maintain his bloggers through his PAC site as well as through “Huck’s Army”, and although there are some indications that Huckabee will not run, there is more supportive “evidence” that he may. Again, from this perspective, an announcement on the part of the man who leads the pack should be sooner than later.