Whose to blame?

On Tuesday Governor Walker will give his budget speech.  Also, Tuesday is the deadline to restructure state debt to the tune of 165 million dollars.  If not done by that day, Governor Walker has stated he will have to lay off 1500 state employees in the coming weeks and as many as 6000 after.  Who do you feel will be most to responsible for the loss of jobs related to the budget impasse? 

Do you blame Governor Walker for not compromising even when the unions have given into financial demands?  Explain your response.

Do you blame the 14 democratic senators for staying away even when the republicans have the votes?  Explain your response.

Also, explain what you feel is the best way to end this impasse and create a result that is best for the people of the state of Wisconsin.

Whats next for the stalemate in Wisconsin???

Over the weekend 'unions leaders announced they were willing to concede the financial aspect of the bill in exchange for being allowed to keep collective bargaining.  Governor Walker refused this saying "there is nothing to negotiate".  With Democratic lawmakers still out of state and no end in sight, what do you feel should be done to end the stalemate? 

Make sure to fully explain your answer, don't just take the simple answer to a complex issue; discuss all aspects of your proposal.

Democracy in Wisconsin???

After the 14 democratic state senators in Wisconsin fled the state of Wisconsin there were charges saying they were being undemocratic.  Using the below stated definition of democracy and class reading; do you feel these state senators are a strong example of democractic principles or do you feel they are being undemocratic in refusing to do their job?

 

If  you feel they are being democratic explain why.  Make sure to include examples that support your view.

 

If you feel they are not being democratic explain why.  Make sure to include examples that support your view.

 

De·moc·ra·cy

 1.government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.

 

2. a state having such a form of government: The United States and Canada are democracies.

 

3. a state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges.

 

4.political or social equality; democratic spirit.

 

5.the common people of a community as distinguished from any privileged class; the common people with respect to their political power.

Governor Walker and the Budget Repair Bill

Governor Walker introduced a bill on Friday that plans to take away collective bargaining rights as well as pension and insurance benefits from public employees.

Based on the reading and class discussions, do you feel the state legislature should pass the bill?   

If yes, explain why you feel the bill should pass, make sure to address issues of monetary as well as collective bargaining losses to the employees.

If no, explain why you feel the bill should be voted down, make sure to address other ways the governor could potentially lower the budget deficit.

Meltdown

After watching the the video "Inside the Meltdown" you see the foundations of the our economic recession.  What misconceptions do you feel the average american has about the economy, economic stimulus and the our government's role in the problem?

Restoring the American Dream

After reading the article by Fareed Zakaria, what aspect, do you feel, is most important at helping America return to prominence?   Do you feel we are capable actually capable of returning to prominence or are the days of the US as the leader in the world a thing of the past?