JG of Muskego, sounds a bit like you might be throwing a tantrum. By the way, you, too, can become a teacher. Up for the extreme challenge of wearing multiple hats? I didn't think so - just blowin' hot air.

Do you realize that for decades teachers have negotiated total package (salary + benefits) with free market restrictions? The 'free market' for negotiating compensation ended for teachers in the early 1990's (QEO law). Did you then go on a tirade then about this restriction of the free market?

There were many years when private sector workers were getting 3-4% wages, plus bonuses, when teachers had their raise eaten up by health care increases. Teacher's spending power has declined when compared to the private sector with a similar level of education.

Teachers have for years chosen security over money. This reflects the fact that there are many idealists dedicated to making a difference in the lives of kids.

Part of this priority is because there are many teachers who work for the benefit package while their spouse owns a business and can't afford it, or are in a field that brings in a big paycheck with crappy private sector benefits.

It would take too long to comment on your uninformed view of a teachers work load.

Instead of being upset with teachers for having different priorities, I suggest that you:
1. Lobby, comment, protest, to raise private business benefit packages. Level the difference between private and public sector by raising up the private sector. Race to the top, not the bottom.
2. Get an education & become a teacher. Then prove your anti-public teacher dedication by teaching at a private school. Good luck paying back your student loans.

@HRG -

So, what you're saying is that the article is inaccurate wherein it quotes "according to the wisdc.org database, Brandt has no history of political donations."

What's your source for the information that you've shared here and why is that source better than the source used for the article?

for james r hoffa

srwspoon said on: November 4, 2011, 8:09 pm
joshhazeleyes said on: November 4, 2011, 6:53 pm
Well, I do have intell that Mr. David Brandt, the filer of the premature petition, and his wife as well apparently, where WALKER campaign contributors!!

http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/dataondemand/84390642.html?appSession=22213478041409&RecordID=81541&PageID=3&PrevPageID=2&cpipage=1&CPIsortType=&CPIorderBy=&cbCurrentRecordPosition=1

Check it out!"
------------------------------------------------------------
The Wisconsin Campaign Finance Information System at http://cfis.wi.gov backs up the claim of the $50 contribution on 9/21/2010 to the Friends of Scott Walker.

Read more: http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/govt-and-politics/capitol-report/article_2bf82bae-0722-11e1-9082-001cc4c03286.html?mode=comments#ixzz1cnDoME00

@Morninmist Same -

Thanks for providing the info!

OK, so the man and his wife were prior Walker contributors. What does that prove, if anything? After all, isn’t the recallers assertion that Walker has disillusioned many of his former supporters over the collective bargaining legislation for public sector employees? I seem to recall reading many left-wing articles claiming to have interviewed people that had previously supported Walker only to turn on him after the BRB was passed.

Also, it still doesn’t make the DPW’s blind accusations against ‘republicans’ in general, any more factual, does it?

Until you prove positively that this guy isn’t one of your disillusioned former Walker supporters turned anti-Walker, nothing’s really changed here, has it?

@ James R Hoffa:

You & I know that if he was a sincere supporter of the recall efforts, then:
1. He would allow the main recall organizers to drive the effort
2. He wouldn't open Walker's fund raising window early
3. He wouldn't "Go out of town", leaving his poor wife to deal with the throng of reporters knocking at the door.
4. He would have a group of people with him, holding a press conference to rally folks behind him
5. He would have issued a well thought out press release explaining his motivation
6. He would have a web site for his cause
7. He would plan on spending more than $1000 on the effort (See the recall papers filed, He plans on staying below this limit)

How can anyone NOT see through this? At least the phony dems in the recall effort admitted to their fraudulent sincerity. This guy should do the same. And Walker supporters should be bright enough and credible enough to either not comment or else state the obvious.

While this isn't the proof that you want, the man is hiding from the media, so we don't have the opportunity to question him. We have to rely on the one piece of objective evidence we do have (He WAS a contributor to Walker, just like the phony recall candidates) and common sense analysis. Until he comes out of hiding...

@M.S. -

That's a sound, logical, and rational analysis. But as Bren points out, it could just be that he was over zealous and didn't want to wait for the Democrats to act. For now, all we have to go off of is his word.

I also like how Bren sees this as a potential positive while the Democrats only see this a negative, despite both supporting the recall Walker initiative. Why do the Democrats always look for and publicize the negative in things instead the positive aspects?

Need I remind of the Democrats’ dirty tricks and double standards in the recent senatorial recall elections? They vilified the Republicans for running fake Dems in the primaries while the Democrats were intent on doing the same thing (if necessary) only calling their fake primary Republicans ‘place holder candidates.’ The Dems never ran any ‘place holder candidates’ because all of the Republicans that the Dems were worried about had primary challengers.

Funny how intent doesn’t seem to ever count in the Democratic Party and how by just naming something differently it can change it’s apparent acceptability, isn’t it?

Both parties play dirty. But as long as they do so within the scope of the law/rules, then it's just politics as usual and not very surprising at all. At least the Republicans were forthcoming about the fake Dems. Can the Dems really say the same about their ready-to-go-if-needed ‘place holder candidates?’

Let's be fair here!

I do understand that the rules can be abused by both sides. Had the Dems run fake candidates, I certainly would have called them out on it. Fraudulant intent is fraudulant intent whether you are on the correct side of the political aisle, or the right side of the political aisle.

Please understand that until W got us into Iraq and gave unneeded tax breaks to the wealthy, I was an independent who regularly voted for the GOP. That is why I am very willing to call both sides on their crap.

Just because it is legal, doesn't make it right, or ethical. I think that politics should act out with the same level of integrity that all aspects of life should reflect. If not, change the law to require integrity.

Why accept anything less???

@James R Hoffa: You said:
" For now, all we have to go off of is his word."

We also have his actions-contributions to Walker. And hiding from the media. Except leaving his wife to answer the door for the media...

With this being the case, his actions of ducking the media show the same intent as his Walker contributions.

Out of curiosity: Does anyone really think this guy will ever face the media? And if so, does anyone truly believe that he is sincerely for the recall?

If he is, I will go on record as preferring my crow slow cooked with a sun dried tomato, onion and garlic marinade.

If not, please chime in with your preference...

Sorry, CW. I apologize. I really should have stuck to the subject at hand - More scheming and unscrupulous behavior by Republicans who appear willing to engage in whatever it takes to get and stay elected.

@John is a Rube:
Your insults are highly inappropriate. You have lowered yourself to @John Galt's level with ignorant insults.

Keep comments focused on issues, and at a higher intellectual level than the teacher haters who have the free time to dominate the comment logs.

Since when is a phony statement 'just using the rules'? It is unethical.

Irony alert: There were hundreds and hyundreds (if not thousands) of comments here & on JSOnline criticizing last summer's recall efforts citing the fact that it was improper, unethical and fraudulant for Dems to use the recall process. Weren't they "JUST USING THE RULES TO BENEFIT (THEIR) CANDIDATE(S)"?

If you were anti-recall then, you should have been against the phony primaries, and against this filing as well.

@Jeanne said "If Mr. Brandt is truly a Walker support I say good for him! If the ball were in the other court you know the Dems would be pulling the same trick."

Please provide evidence showing that the Dems have filed for recalls based on the desire to fund raise rather than the beleif that the official is no longer representing their perception of the will of the people. You know, based on fact, not opinion or conservative media rhetoric.

@M.S.

On what basis do you claim that this man is acting unethical? You presume guilt without any backing evidence other than the DPW’s dimwitted conspiracy theory claim, which is also wholly unsupported according to further investigative results, as shown within the remainder of the article.

Instead of lecturing people to stay on topic, perhaps you should try thinking for yourself and demanding proof and evidence of guilt before condemning a man just because the DPW wants you to. Stop buying into the propaganda, rhetoric, and lies, and start living in reality with the rest of us for a change. If you have solid evidence and proof supporting your claim, then please provide it to the rest of us.

Until then though, I believe our country’s justice system was founded upon the principle of a presumption of innocence until proven guilty. You may want to try applying that principle to your own life, and experience what it is to be a true American. It may just change your whole outlook on other people and life in general!

@MS and others- Well, where I work we investigate the root cause of all problems issues or in this case all the rhetoric accusing Walker of doing something wrong. The root cause of all of this is the Dems inability to be in control due to the last elections where the People of Wisconsin Elected Gov Walker and his party to do a job!! PERIOD!!!! Its call democrocy and obviously the Left is having a real issue with just how democrocy works!! Is that not why we have elections? Wait until the next election and let the people speak. No instead because we are no longer the majority we will RECALL!! So many people brain washed by the big union ideology. It appears that same mentallity is working well for the Country as a whole? Obama has done such a great job!!!

@James R Hoffa: He is using the recall process to spur fund raising for Walker. See my response above. The only evidence we have is the fact that he is a Walker contributor. Until he faces the media, that is all we have. That leaves us to look at the items I used in my response to you above.

I feel that that is fraudulent misrepresentation of intent.

@Dave: Walker is not doing what he said he would do. No where did he EVER indicate that he would make the radical changes that he has made. Most moderates from both sides of the aisle would agree that he has gone too far.

Furthermore, he has made us an extremely divided state. He is not a bridge builder who has developed a compromise position that would be acceptable to a majority of constituents on both sides of the aisle. Instead, he has pitted us against each other, driving a wedge between the parties, between neighbors, friends and family members. He has put the "War" into the term "Culture War"

You blame the unions. I disagree. I just see the fact that the middle class is doing worse and worse, being eliminated. True, it is the Unions that created the middle class and family sustaining jobs, so it is no surprise that they are the ones affected, and motivated. However, as a member of the middle class with less relative income, I know that I have had less to spend at the local businesses, hurting their bottom line. Hopefully they, too, see the connection...

M.S., I honestly don't believe Mr. Brandt's motivations are important, although it is a reasonable assumption that a Republican filing recall papers in advance of the announced recall date might be trying to gum up the works (or is so angry at Scott Walker that he couldn't wait for Nov. 15!) The Koch brothers will feed enough money into their Super PACs to beat any amount Democrats could possibly raise. (Sure wish they'd spend that money to feed hungry Wisconsin children instead!)

Remember, they already "own" Scott Walker and the governors of Indiana, Ohio, Florida, and Maine. Herman Cain is their fully-funded presidential candidate. The only ammo ordinary American citizens have against this tidal wave of corporate dollars is knowledge and the vote.

You anti-Walker libs love to throw around the word "unethical"- yet when it works for your side it becomes a technical issue of legality. Like when the Dems decided to hide in Illinois to avoid their duty to vote. Dem supporters said what they were doing was "technically" legal. Many of us call it "unethical game playing". Back to topic... it shouldn't matter then to Dems what Mr Brandt's intentions were when filing for the recall, so long as the filing was done legally. Those are the ground rules laid when the WI Dems ran from their jobs and hid for weeks, keeping us all in limbo. In the end- it doesn't matter because the recall effort will ignite more support for Walker and he'll stay in office. His changes are working!

@Tammy:
We elect representatives to have intellectual debates, public hearings, etc. and then take the time to find the common ground to pass legislation that reflects the will of the people.

Last February, the GOP was ramming things through with no true public input, no real discussion. Yes, yes, they went through the motions. But any reasonable person watching the situation knew that it was just lip service at best. This was shown by turning off the state phone message system, cutting off an experienced legislator mid-sentence in a ridiculous maneuver, etc. Their actions motivated reasonable people to flock to Madison by the tens of thousands. There was no input, no real discussion, no thought on finding the middle ground that represents the will of the people. The only way that the WI 14 could force discussion, and DO THEIR JOB was to leave the state. Otherwise, there would have been no examination of the legislation, no discussion, no discourse. Sadly, it was ineffective, as there was no significant compromise.

And yes, I am an equal opportunity critic. While there was no Patch when Doyle passed his Indian Gaming gift, my friends know that I was highly critical of both the process and the result. But at least he help public debate, didn't turn off the phone system, allowed for opponents to be heard. His actions didn't motivate Wisconsinites by the tens of thousands to protest in Madison.

@John-These people are so brain washed by the big union ideology!! Its really a shame that our great State has come to this let alone this great Country!! I mean look Obama is doing an excellent job! At destroying the very fabric America was founded on. I am in total agreement with you when it comes to these so called great teachers should be held to a standard and not just protected by the unions.

@John Galt -

Just an FYI - I flagged 'John is a Rube's comment as being inappropriate and it was deleted shortly thereafter.

@Bren -

Are you saying that you're going to drive all over the state and sign multiple recall petitions? Just a little FYI - your signature can only count once. I know that your probably used to driving around the state and voting multiple times, and that's more than likely where you got this awesome idea from. But the new Voter ID law is going to shut down that little game of yours! You may want to practice only being able to vote once by only signing one recall petition.

Just a little tip from Hoffa, cause like Bill O'Reilly (who you seem to have a fixation with), the spin stops with Hoffa and I'm always looking out for YOU! ;-)

@Bren-So now your referring to the left as Patriots? Bren you are the farthest thing from a Patriot!!!

JRH, I wrote "to sign my name on the recall petition..." Is there anywhere in that sentence that suggests I would sign multiple petitions? Don't you comprehend that these petitions are checked for accuracy so multiple signatures would just be removed?

I mentioned Bill O'Reilly once and that's a fixation? Please consult a dictionary before you try out new words! Look for me anywhere, please. I believe that my well researched facts will stand against your histrionics any day of the week. ; )

Dave, I consider Steve the Gnat, JRH/Professor Hawking, and Angry White Dude my special favourites on Patch, but your unfinished entry this morning has caught my interest and attention. If I am the farthest "thing" from a patriot (are you objectifying me or are you an unimaginative thinker and/or lazy writer? Just curious.), what am I if not a patriot, and why?

I am looking forward to your insights and well-sourced research.

LOL- you're hilarious Bren!

@Bren -

Good to hear that I made your top favorites list! BTW – I was being emphatic/sarcastic with my post about the multiple voting and Bill O’Reilly. Just trying to inject some humor when I see the opportunity :-)

I also hope that you know that even if he doesn’t always agree with your positions and opinions, Hoffa always respects them and you as a person. I appreciate your challenges and input as they help to keep the discussion fair, honest, and interesting!

However, I still don’t get what you see as being so great about the Daily Kos!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44jmGgZe6QQ

What movie or TV show is that YouTube clip from?

Thanks for telling it like it is AWD!

Thanks for the info - I may have to check it out. That little clip intrigued me and Hoffa is a big film buff :-)

Here's one of Hoffa's favorite scenes, if you're interested:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTGGCquwLgM

@Bren-Your social economics, social justice, social programs is not what our Country is about!!! The robin hood theory does not work obviously take a look at Greece, France, Spain to name a few. As a taxpayer its not my responsibility to make sure a minority group makes top pay, benefits and more while I continue to give more and more!!! Gov Walker is doing the job he was elected to do!! To Re-Call just because you dont agree is WRONG!!!

@Dave --They did their share of complaining. Sam Adams wrote rabble-rousing pamphlets, and Thomas Jefferson wrote a 'strongly-worded' letter to King George. Some other brave fellows stood beside a 'bridge that arched the flood' and opened fire.