Wisconsin: The Feeding Trough has Run Dry!

Dear Wisconsin,

Are you all really still crying about losing your collective bargaining "privileges?" And Wisconsin Senate Democrats, did you all REALLY dismiss yourself from work and leave the state to avoid the vote on this important bill? (Let's be clear: you're trying to AVOID voting. Democrats escaping the democratic process... hmmm...) And Governor Scott Walker, where have you been all my life!?

Here are my thoughts, directed especially at Wisconsin teachers: Do us all a grand favor and stop whimpering about your unions breaking up. It's about flipping time. You chose to work in the public sector, so go back to work and perform the service you were hired to do, and that is teaching our nation's children. If you don't like the idea of not being "protected," just do your job well, and you won't have to worry. Lesson of the day: unions cripple education.

During Social Studies one day last week, the kids and I compared and contrasted the mess in Wisconsin to the copper mining union strike of 1913 in Calumet, Michigan. We talked about the need for unions then, and how things are different today. But most of all, in terms that children would understand, we talked about the fact that the states are flipping broke. If the those working in the public sector can tell me how the state can build its economic strength WITHOUT breaking the power of the unions and taking concessions, then I welcome it. The truth is, you can't. One of my little students said, "So this thing in Wisconsin is like if you want to buy something expensive, but you don't have the money to pay for it, so you end up buying it with credit card..."

Workers of Wisconsin, just look at how dang smart these kids are, making the connection. YOUR kids are watching you and the way you're reacting to the current situation. If this bill passes and you take a pay cut and pay a little more into your pension and health benefits, your state- and the future of these children- will be a little more sustainable that it has been. Be responsible adults, learn to live within your means, and set good examples for these kids and the rest of the country.

Sincerely,
Emily Schmitz

P.S. You guys won the Super Bowl and now this? Can you guys just stay out of the news for awhile!?!!