The above picture is what happens when government starts to try and take back the things it has been giving away for a generation. The photo is from the Wisconsin statehouse as union members flooded the statehouse in that great state. This is a tough business. We are seeing similar angst in Ohio. Here are a few things to consider:- I agree with the President that we should not "villify" public employees.
- As Republicans, we value the work of public employees and we should work hard to explain to them why these measures are crucial to the future of their own jobs and to the future of the state.
- Government is going broke, everywhere. Serious, draconian, and painful changes are nearly mandatory to save us from ruin. This is a first series of painful cuts. Every person needs to understand where we stand as a country and as a state. We stand on the brink of financial ruin.
- The cuts to save us from financial ruin can no longer come from "waste, fraud, and abuse" because, in reality, that is not a viable solution. Let's have the adult conversation.
- If I were managing a union in this environment, I would be negotiating, not protesting.
I have great affinity for certain public employees especially police officers, firefighters, and teachers. These fine men and women should be treated with dignity and respect during this collective bargaining reform process. They also need to understand that the future of their profession hangs in the balance. Ohio, for example, faces a budget deficit of over $8 billion. Without serious reform, this state will soon begin slashing employees and eliminating the dollars used to pay public employees. The fiscal apocalypse has arrived and we need serious reform now. State bankruptcy is an option far worse than collective bargaining reform.
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I spoke to the Reading Republican Club Lincoln Day dinner. I talked about Ronald Reagan's optimism and sunny disposition. I've preached about it here before. The successful candidate for president in 2012 will be the one who campaigns on a positive message of a brighter future. I know lots of angry conservatives. I'm an angry conservative. What has happened in the United States for the last 2 decades justifies our anger. But, the voters want a positive, hopeful vision for the future of our great country. President Reagan is the model for how we ought to conduct ourselves. It is certainly fine to be angry, but in our leaders we should demand a positive and hopeful vision for the future.
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Morning Joe is the best morning show on television. The problem? When I come home at night the TV is on MSNBC. After 9 a.m., that station is useless.
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Catchers and pitchers have reported to spring training. Why do we always say "pitchers and catchers" instead of "catchers and pitchers"? I'm choosing to put catchers first. Ryan Hannigan and Corky Miller will appreciate that.
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I saw Marty Brennaman at Findlay Market last weekend. Marty is a committed Republican. Getting to know him, just a little bit, has been one of the pleasures of this job. Marty is a hall of fame announcer and a hall of fame guy. In person, he's witty, engaging, and outgoing. I happened to be in Madison's at Findlay Market and he was as nice and kind with the fans as any person could be.
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Ryan Widmer received three criminal trials. If media reports are to be believed, the hung jury in the second trial voted 10-2 for guilt. Add that to the 12 jurors who convicted him in the first trial and the 12 jurors who convicted him in the third trial, you have 34 jurors voting for guilt and only 2 voting to acquit him. My personal opinion aside, we must respect our jury system. I do.
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Congratulations to my friend, David Fornshell, on receiving the appointment to be the next Warren County Prosecutor. I've come to know David over the last few years and he is the ideal candidate to take on this important public responsibility. I will miss strolling three-doors-down at Dinsmore and Shohl and catching-up on politics.
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Police Officers are not idiots. And neither is Governor Kasich. He apologized for using that word. He should not apologize for his greater point: public employees work for the taxpayers and should treat citizens with great respect. How many times have you been abused by a bureaucrat? Been to the BMV lately? Gov. Kasich's message should not get lost in this silly controversy over his use of one word. The message to any public employee is this: be as nice to your consumers as private sector employees are to consumers who are paying the bill.
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Our party headquarters remodeling effort is coming to a close. It went well. Thanks to Debbie and Maggie for working under these conditions for nearly a month.
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I believe the President of the United States was born in Hawaii. That might be his only qualification to be President. This man was not up to the job and it is painfully obvious now.
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Dictionary.com allows you to sign-up for a "word of the day" email. Today's word? Libation. It's five o'clock somewhere.
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I am a big fan of police officers. I have strongly supported law enforcement. I did so as a prosecutor and a judge. I've done it as a political combatant. The men and women in policing are the most important public sector employees we have. Collective Bargaining reform, sorely needed in this state, should respect their important work. The same is true for firefighters.
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Are you coming to our Lincoln-Reagan Dinner on February 23? Click here to buy your tickets online. I can promise attendees one thing: the program will be very tight. We've eliminated much of the talking and we intend to move the evening along. We have an after-party across the street at Launch. Join us for that, too.
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When Republicans and Democrats ultimately agree on a budget, they ought to then slash 3% from every single number in the document. Isn't that a great idea? Just reduce the whole thing, equally, by 3%. Who would notice?
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Have a great weekend.
