Wisconsin Democrats: Do As I Say, Not As I Do
Last week, Democrats in the
state legislature sent a letter to the Wisconsin Department of
Administration decrying the government’s Capitol access policy. The
department, following its statutory duty to administer and set rules for
access and use of state buildings, recently clarified the long-standing
permitting process that is triggered whenever an individual or group seeks
to hold an event at the capitol. The process is simple, the permit is free,
and is issued without regard to the views of the applicants. Oddly,
Democrats have criticized the policy as unconstitutional, and even have gone
so far as claim that Governor Walker is seeking to silence dissent.
This would be news to me. For roughly a year, the halls of the Capitol have
been filled with protesters who shout and yell, bang on drums, heckle
lawmakers and their staff, and generally try their best to disrupt
government proceedings. Capitol Police, if anything, have been overly
accommodating of the dead-enders intent on shutting down state business.
There is no question the right to free speech is paramount. But when did we
begin to celebrate, and not merely tolerate, adults who routinely scream
obscenities at elected lawmakers?
I would not hesitate to speak out if the department gave any indication the
government was seeking to wrongfully impede the ability of citizens to
petition, and even criticize, their government. I wonder if Democrats would
stand behind their commitment to free speech in agreeing with the following:
• That free speech demands that those who have the floor to speak, be given
an opportunity to speak;
• That the Capitol, including the rotunda, belongs to all of Wisconsin, and
not just a vocal minority;
• That protesters who yell and scream during legislative proceedings should
be condemned, not encouraged;
• That individuals who ignore police orders, vandalize legislative offices,
and physically assault lawmakers are not welcome at the Capitol;
• And that a mob, attempting to physically restrain elected lawmakers from
voting during a legislative proceeding, all while chanting “this is what
democracy looks like,” is the definition of irony.
I agree with Democrats: “[a] wonderful part of living in a democratic
society is our freedom to express our views.” But with that freedom comes
responsibility. Protesting at a ceremony honoring Special Olympic athletes
is not “wonderful.” Shouting down speakers who express views contrary to
your own is not “democratic.” And refusing to clear a public space that a
group of home-schooled students have reserved is the antithesis of the idea
of “society.”
Democrats have made it clear they believe the government’s Capitol access
policy would result in future impairments to free speech. But shouldn’t they
first condemn the very real misdeeds already committed on their behalf?
Meeting with Brown Deer Superintendant Dr. Kerr
I had a
pleasant meeting with Brown Deer School’s Superintendant Dr. Deborah Kerr
earlier this week. We talked about the districts finances and about
the districts STEP program, which provides property tax relief for seniors
who volunteer their time in the district.
Non-traditional Student Representative on the University
of Wisconsin System Board of Regents
Would you like the opportunity to be a part
of decisions that help shape the future of our higher education system here
in Wisconsin? The Governor is currently seeking a qualified individual to
fill the “Non-traditional Student Representative” position on the University
of Wisconsin System - Board of Regents. As a member of the Board you would
take part in establishing the policies and rules for governing the UW
System. These polices include helping develop admission standards and
policies, reviewing and approving university budgets, and establishing the
regulatory framework within which the individual units are allowed to
operate.
Applicants need to be at least 24 years old and represent the views of the
non-traditional student, such as those who are parents or who also work. You
also must be a Wisconsin resident, enrolled at least half time in a
University of Wisconsin institution for the next two years, and are of good
academic standing. Unfortunately, students who attend UW-Madison,
UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Stout are unable to apply for this cycle.
Anyone who is interested in the position and feels that they meet the
criteria should apply now. You can find the application on the governor’s
website,
http://www.walker.wi.gov/Default.aspx?Page=1e1636ee-c5c5-4ce7-aeb1-9479a044d8f9.
The deadline for submitting your application is Monday, February 13, 2012.
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