Surcharge on Millionaires

The Journal-Sentinel on December 6, 2011 asked whether readers favor a surcharge on millionaires that would “pay” for the extension of the payroll tax cut. After considering this question for perhaps a nano-second I decided that I definitely favor this surcharge. The payroll tax cut could mean approximately $1,500 annually or about $125 per month for those who earn less than $1 million. I thought I would see how $125 might be spent by the over-$1 million population as opposed to the 99% who earn less that $1 million.

Now where might the over-$1 million population shop? Hmm? What might $125 buy at Tiffany’s? I found that Tiffany’s had 18 items on their Under $250 link that cost only $125. Sparkly baubles at bargain prices to cheer the millionaires.

Now, as to the under-$1 million population – where might they shop? Macy’s is somewhat pricey, but what could $125 buy on a link at Macy’s? It seems that the Kids link has about 350 items under $125 in the Coats & Cold Weather pages alone. Jackets, scarves and mittens to warm toddlers, kids and teens in the under $1 million population.

It doesn’t take an economist to see that the purchase power of 99% of the population might actually have a considerable impact on the GDP and the U.S. economy, not to mention middle and lower income families.

If a surtax on millionaires allows an extension of the payroll tax cut for average working people, I say yes, without a doubt, to the surtax.

The Time We Are About To Build

As I find commentary on history, freedom and the need to develop a fair and just political order, I will post such ideas on this blog. Feel free to add your thoughts on achieving freedom and justice in Wisconsin, nationally and the world.

History’s most important ideal has been that of freedom, even though it is a burden not all (wo)men are capable of bearing.

            Freedom is simple and unique.

            It must be secured on all flanks in collective action.

            The first of these includes guarantees of a political order.

            The effort to solidify these guarantees should become a lasting feature of our times.

              And of the time we are about to build.

From The Right To Be Intelligent

By Luis Alberto Machado

Appointed in Venezuela in 1979 as world's first

Minister for Development of Human Intelligence



“We’re Baaack!”

I rode to Madison on Saturday for yet another rally in the long series of efforts by thousands of Wisconsin citizens to raise their voices to be heard by Governor Scott Walker and his Republican minions. Once again the banners and posters were delightfully clever, but more importantly, they showed the breadth and depth of the fear and anger being expressed by protesters as well as the diversity of those raising their voices.

• “One Day Longer, One Day Stronger”
• “Stop The Attack On Workers’ Rights”
• “Our Nation Is A Union”
• “Care About Educators – They Care About Your Children”
• “We Are Standing (read that marching, rallying, protesting, recalling) Together For Our Rights”
• “Stop The Attack On Wisconsin Families”
• “Workers’ Rights Are Human Rights”
• “Minnesota Teachers Support Wisconsin Teachers”
• “Newsflash: Walker, The Whole World Is Watching In Disgust!”
• “I’m A Teacher; I Pay Taxes”
• “We’re Baaack!” (This one I found particularly revealing of the sentiments of everyone at the Capitol.)

Also in great abundance was the passionate mind-set that Scott Walker should and would be recalled. Many of the protesters against Walker are frighteningly aware of the multitude of issues that Walker is determined to quickly push through the Wisconsin legislature even without citizen input. Fear-provoking issues include: decreasing the general funding of education to K-12 school districts throughout the state by nearly $1 Billion; defunding Head Start, the low-income, early childhood school program; cutting Badger Care – the healthcare program that is a lifeline of care for thousands of Wisconsinites; cutting the Wisconsin Arts Board funding by almost 70% and placing control of the board under the Department of Tourism. It seems that no program affecting the quality of life is safe from destruction by the budget that Walker is proposing. 

But the people in Madison on Saturday, people of all ages and backgrounds, from all areas of Wisconsin, will not give up! They are educating themselves and those who were foolish enough to ignore their right to vote in November or who conscientiously voted for and were deceived by Walker, a candidate who revealed very little of the true ideological, political, egotistical agenda he had in mind for our state. It is actually difficult to list or explain all of the issues or significant aspects of life that are negatively impacted by Walker and his followers. The list is endless and continues to grow with each daily news release.

It may be a cliché, but Walker has definitely awakened a sleeping giant – a powerful, angry giant. This giant is roaring and taking action for the children, the families, the elderly and the disenfranchised throughout the state and by extension throughout the country. The giant is becoming increasingly conscious of the power of the people and it is delivering a forceful message: Beware, Governor Walker, “We’re Baaack!” and, United We Are Powerful!

Biblical Tradition of Tithing

I guess congratulations are in order for Mr. Henry Theisen, the chief executive of Neenah-based Bemis Company. I am certain that Mr. Theisen is a hard working, private sector employee who has probably worked for the Bemis Company for many years. That would certainly explain the 70% increase in his overall compensation package for 2010 to $9.69 million. (Business in Brief section Milwaukee Journal Sentinel March 23, 2011) He may, in fact, be nearing retirement and, therefore, I am sure that Mr. Theisen is very relieved that his pension plan will be quadrupled from $825,922 to a nifty $3.5 million. Way to go corporate America! 

There is another top executive who was not quite as fortunate as Mr. Theisen. I’m sure we can all feel sympathetic for Mr. Gale Klappa the CEO for Wisconsin Energy whose compensation package in 2010 was actually 10.9 % lower than it was in 2009. Because of the reduction, his total compensation for 2010 was a meager $10.3 million. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel March 4, 2011) It is a bit puzzling as to why his compensation was less than 2009 since Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Energy, the parent company of We Energies, actually posted a 19.5% rise in profits last year, to $456.8 million from $382.4 million in 2009. How very strange.

Now I imagine that neither Mr. Theisen nor Mr. Klappa are a bit like the greedy public school teachers in Wisconsin or the other insensitive public employees who are trying to inflate their pensions at the expense of the taxpayers of the state. I am certain that they both try to lead lives based on reason and compassion. Therefore, I have a suggestion for these highly regarded Wisconsin executives that they may not have thought about since receiving the recent data on their compensation packages.

I think it would be a worthy gesture if these two decent, hard-working citizens, and possibly other similarly fortunate citizens of Wisconsin, would reflect on the ancient biblical tradition of tithing. Now, as many people are aware, tithing involves contributing 10% of one’s annual produce (maybe one of these hard workers has a garden) or of their earnings. Usually this contribution is considered a tax for the support of a church or the clergy, but perhaps there are some truly worthy alternate organizations that could benefit from a sum of money somewhere in the neighborhood of $1million.

One place might be the Neenah, Wisconsin Joint School District where that sum of money would come close to paying the combined salaries and benefits for Fund 27 which is the Special Education Fund as noted in the 2010-2011 Budget for the Neenah Joint School District. Another possible beneficiary might be the Glendale-River Hills School District where just slightly less than 10% of  the compensation packages for either of these CEOs would pay off the school district’s recently reported deficit. I’m sure the students and teachers in either district would be really grateful.

Since the federal tax rate for incomes over $373,650 is a whopping 35% I think this would be a real bargain for Mr. Theisen and Mr. Klappa. I am sure they would be able to write off such a kindhearted donation and really save themselves some money. There may even be other chief executives around Wisconsin whose corporate salaries have been enriched by Governor Walker’s largess and who might benefit from tithing to their local school district. It certainly seems like a real win-win situation for everyone. I hope my humble suggestion is helpful.

Without Education, Democracy Is Doomed

On March 17th an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune entitled "Dana Roskey: Democracy and literacy" focused strongly on the link between education and democracy. The comment is made that "The level of general education has a direct impact on degrees of functional democracy." Having been involved with education all of my life I can only wish that this close link was acknowledged more frequently and its obvious importance valued more highly.

In the past month I have been a part of the alarming political turmoil taking place in Wisconsin. I find it frightening that the governor and the ruling class in the state capitol have waged a veritable attack on not only teachers and state workers, but also, ultimately, on the entire educational system throughout the state.

At the same time that there has been an attack on teachers, students, schools and the educational system, the guiding principles of democracy also have been threatened. There have been limitations placed on citizen involvement in the legislative process and the legal rights of workers are being slowly and surely destroyed. If we cannot respect and support education, democracy and the rights of all citizens in our own small world how can we ever hope to lead and encourage democracy around the globe.

Education is a civil right. The link between education and a strong and vital democracy cannot be threatened. If those in power do only lip-service to supporting our educational systems, our future is hopeless and our democracy is doomed.

Seniors in the Eye of the Storm

Arthritis makes it difficult for Andrew to walk shoulder to shoulder with the other protesters. Maria Elena’s walking cane is plastered with colorful stickers of her grandchildren’s pictures that she proudly displays as she chants “Tell me what Democracy looks like.” The pain in Cherise’s shoulder makes it difficult to wave the banner high, but she responds at full volume with “This is what Democracy looks like.”

Protesting, marching, chanting and challenging government and established authority are far from customary behaviors for these apprehensive Wisconsin senior citizens. But like thousands of others who have lived and worked in Wisconsin for many years, the protesting and marching have become their call to action. They form one end of the spectrum. Children are at the other end. In this turbulent, disconcerting battle there will be very few winners. 

Who Will Triumph?

Who Will Triumph?

It is unbelievable how quickly the world seems to have turned upside-down. I go about my day and mail packages, go shopping, even watch my favorite soap opera, but when I sit down and actually think about what is happening in Wisconsin and around the country it terrifies me.

I recently spoke with a young college student -- a really sweet girl -- about the frightening situation that is growing more ugly every day. I tried to explain to her what is going on and why it is so important that young people take the difficult steps needed to learn about what is going on now and the long, hard struggles that came before it. I'm afraid she really didn't get it. I blame myself that – my words were not clear enough, not powerful enough, and not passionate enough.

I want to come up with some way of reaching people who see no reason why they need to be involved. They feel no urgency to probe, to scrutinize, to examine what is happening. People have busy lives -- I know that. Young people have school, others have jobs, others have family needs, and still others have health and financial concerns. But it is because of all of these vitally important issues in our lives that we must reexamine and rearrange our priorities and find the time to become involved.

The enormity of the crisis we are facing now cannot be denied. We must do all that we can to solve this crisis. But equally important, we must learn from what is happening. We must realize that if we care about people, really care about people, then our concern must extend beyond our own realm of security, our own safe haven. For if we close out eyes to the misfortunes and misery in the lives of those who seem so distant from us, we may also become blind to injustice and corruption as it steals silently into our own lives.

If the current chaos and turmoil going on around the country frightens and concerns you – that is good! It should frighten you. What I am hoping is that it will frighten enough people that everyone will do something. Protest! Write letters to editors! Call your elected officials! Talk to your neighbors – not just the ones who agree with you! Unless people reach beyond their safe zone these injustices and corrupt behaviors will not stop. For many of us this may be the most troubling time we have experienced.

I am certain that you have heard many times the wise saying by the Irish philosopher Edmund Burke: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Please do something!!!

Wisconsin Voters Did Not Elect a Demigod.

February 22, 2011 

Wisconsin Senator ,

Governor Walker has said that he is acting in the best interest of the people of Wisconsin and that he has “heard” the messages of the people. I am one of those people and I don’t believe the governor has heard my voice. Since the Legislative hotline was taken down I have been unable to leave a message about what I want to say to the governor. I am not being heard, my concerns are not being addressed and my questions are not being answered. I am writing to you to say that I hope YOU will hear my message.

The governor has talked about negotiating with the Democrats who have chosen to take the only action available to them in order to have their ideas, concerns and amendments to Senate Bill 11 actually, seriously, legitimately considered in the negotiations. The governor has said it is the Democrats responsibility as legislators to return to Madison in order to approve the bill. He has, however, said over and over again that he will make no concessions – he will make no changes – he will, in essence, not listen to the tens of thousands of Wisconsin citizens who oppose the destruction of workers’ rights. Wisconsin voters did not elect a demigod.  They elected someone they hoped would be a leader – a leader who listens, negotiates and builds consensus. They elected someone they hoped would serve the people of the state – all of the people – and that includes public workers!!

People around the country and around the world are watching Wisconsin to see whether this governor and his political party will defend or destroy the rights of the middle class workers throughout the state. I am asking you, Senator, to be strong and independent in your decision to speak out to protect the collective bargaining rights of the workers in Wisconsin. In a democratic society, all voices are heard and considered. I appeal to your better nature to act in a manner that you know to be morally right not simply politically convenient.

Thank you for your willingness to read and consider what I am thinking,

It's Hard to Fight the Good Fight

I'm so new to this blogging idea that it is difficult to know quite what to say. The past week has been so tumultuous and emotionally draining that it seems that very little that I say can change the utimate result of this battle. Walking along today I felt that not only am I part of a totally powerless minority, but even within that minority my voice is very faint. The governor has money, power and ego -- a frightening combination.He offers no thoughts on bringing the sides together, no thoughts on listening, no efforts to understand or reach out. For now I guess this will be simply a journal. If anyone actually finds my page I hope it has meaning for you.

I'll close now. I may enter some of the messages I have been sending.

This is what Democracy looks like!

This Is What Democracy Looks Like

I was one of the tens of thousands of Wisconsinites who dressed in red and carried banners in support of unions and the rights of public workers in our great state over the past week. Many of the protesters are young teachers, nurses and community workers at the beginning of their professional lives. They are hard workers who care deeply about the students and others who are entrusted to their care. They are voters; they are taxpayers; they are parents and sons and daughters who trust that their government will be strong enough and secure enough to allow its citizens also to be strong and spirited. 

In some ways I am very different than many of the young protesters. My gray hair stands out in sharp contrast to many of the young people I encountered. I am a retired Milwaukee Public School teacher and I continue to be a union member. Unlike many of the young people, I am not in danger of losing my job if the governor uses job losses as a threat to intimidate workers into submission.

My fears are much deeper and wider than my own possible losses. The governor is out for much, much more than a few percentage points added to pension contributions or health care coverage. He is out for the total devastation of unions and the rights of workers that the unions are designed to protect. He wants no collective bargaining; he wants no negotiation. He will use his power to silence the voices of the thousands who are asking to be heard. He will use his power to destroy rather than concede that the workers have rights that need to be protected. He will use his power (and his ego) to proclaim that he is above the people not in service to them. These are my fears. These are the fears of many of those who protested this past week in Madison.

I am proud that I participated in the protest in Madison. The most powerful moments came for me when thousands of proud, concerned citizens chanted, “Tell me what Democracy looks like” and thousands responded, “This is what Democracy looks like.” I am proud to be an American and I am proud to be a citizen of Wisconsin. I am not proud of what the governor and his people are attempting to carry out at the expense of the workers of Wisconsin. I hope that reason and compassion will prevail and that the legal rights of the unions and workers in Wisconsin will be upheld.

Justice should never be a negotiable idea.

************************************************************************

Marilyn McKnight

Retired Milwaukee Public School teacher

Continuing MTEA union member

414-332-3727