The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Prank Call Reveals That Scott Walker Is Standing Up For WhatHeBelieves is Right

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The Spectacle Blog

Prank Call Reveals That Scott Walker Is Standing Up For WhatHeBelieves is Right

By Philip Klein on 2.23.11 @ 12:19PM

Earlier today, when news broke that a liberal blogger from the site Buffalo Beast claimed to have successfully prank called Gov. Scott Walker by posing as liberal hate figure and billionaire libertarian donor David Koch, I thought that if true, this could really embarrass him. Since then, the call has been confirmed by Walker's office as legit, but after listening to the whole thing, I think Walker comes off rather well.

Throughout the call, fake Koch makes a series of bizarre and over-the-top comments such as "gotta crush that union," but Walker generally either changes the subject or treats the remarks politely without cosigning them, as a host or guest would do with a crazy caller on talk radio or C-SPAN.

Some liberals are claiming that Walker responded "oh yeah" when fake Koch referred to MSNBC's Mika Brzezinski as a "piece of a--." But TNR's Jon Chait has had to correct his post to acknowledge that the early transcription was "totally misleading." If you listen to the audio of the exchange (just before the 7 minute mark), you'll hear that what actually happened is that fake Koch said, "You gotta love that Mika Brzezinski," Walker said "Oh yeah" and started to change the subject, there was cross talk when fake Koch referred to her as a "piece of a--," and then Walker goes on to tell an unrelated story.

Liberals are also seizing on Walker saying "we thought about that" when fake Koch suggested “planting some trouble-makers” among the protesters. But Walker actually goes on at length to explain why he doesn't think it's a good idea. “Let them protest," he said. "It’s not going to affect us. And as long as we go back to our homes and the majority of people are telling us we’re doing the right thing, let them protest all they want.”

When Walker explained that they may have found evidence that unions were paying to put lawmakers up at hotels, which he said if true, would be an ethics code violation or felony, fake Koch chimes in "they're probably putting hobos in suits, that's what we do." Yet Walker corrects him to say that he's only talking about lawmakers: "People can pay protesters to come in, that's not an ethics code (violation)."

Throughout the call, Walker explains why he believes what he's doing is right, and that he intends to stand firm. “This is about the budget," he said. "This is about public sector unions – hell, even FDR got it...You’re essentially having taxpayers’ money being used to lobby for spending more of taxpayers’ money. It’s absolutely ridiculous.”

At another point, he said: “If they think I’m caving, they’ve been asleep for the last eight years, because I’ve taken on every major battle in Milwaukee County, and won in a county even where I’m overwhelmingly overpowered politically. And it’s because we don’t budge. If you’re doing the right thing, you stay firm.”

And toward the end, he said, “We’re doing the just and right thing for the right reasons, and it’s all about getting our freedoms back.”

The worst you can say about the call -- aside from the screening bungle by his staffers -- is that he took 20 minutes of time to speak with a rich guy from out of state. But at the same time, the call undermines the conspiracy that Koch is secretly controlling events in Wisconsin, as Walker is clearly explaining the way things are to fake Koch and the decisions he's making, rather than acting on Koch's suggestions. Also, as some have pointed out, their interaction on the call seems to suggest that the two don't know each other, or at the least, not very well.

View all comments (175) | Leave a comment

Too Many Tims| 2.23.11 @ 12:49PM

They are throwing everything they've got into this. A political Stalingrad.

Mike| 2.23.11 @ 4:37PM

You are referring, I assume, to the Koch brothers.

kingsmill| 2.23.11 @ 12:53PM

God Save the real Koch!

Mike| 2.23.11 @ 4:37PM

As opposed to the fake Kochs?

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 4:48PM

What hypocrites you sleazy, slimy Soros' backers are.

kingsmill| 2.23.11 @ 5:06PM

The billionaire is doing God's work. The fake is a Leftist hack .

Mike| 2.23.11 @ 7:02PM

God has always favored the rich. Jesus told us so. It is clearly stated throughout the Gospels.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 7:46PM

Is that why you support paying public school teachers more than private school teachers? Looks like the greed is all yours.

TruthSpeakerTn| 2.23.11 @ 8:16PM

no, God has not always favored the rich. Jesus did not favor the rich- he cares about rich and poor equally. Your theology is wrong.

Mike| 2.23.11 @ 8:29PM

Thank you TruthSpeakerTn.
For a minute I was concerned that like the camel, I would have difficulty going through the eye of the needle. You have given my soul peace.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 8:37PM

There's no peace where you're going. Better wake up before it's too late.

W| 2.23.11 @ 8:59PM

give us the citation to the Bible.

Mike| 2.23.11 @ 9:19PM

Matthew 19:24

I'll let Jamie give his citation.

Frisbee| 2.23.11 @ 9:28PM

Mike wrote: "God has always favored the rich. Jesus told us so. It is clearly stated throughout the Gospels."

Mike, you must be reading the gospel of Karl Marx. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says this: "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort."

Mike| 2.23.11 @ 9:38PM

Frisbee,

I was being facetious.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 10:33PM

I never pretended to quote the Bible, and I'm not being facetious

Chris| 2.23.11 @ 1:04PM

I'm really amazed that Walker managed not to contradict himself on this. The odds of that happening, you would think, would be at 99%. Looks like he escaped with that 1%.

Pete| 2.23.11 @ 1:15PM

Wish he had used the term "Fleebaggers" to describe the Dem Illinois runaways. Sounds like the impostor was more interested in scoring points for himself by using catchphrases than actually getting Walker to embarrass himself. Most of what I am reading amounts to the same thing as saying I support all the loony things Osama does because I was in the same room when one of his speeches was on TV. Pretty weak.

Frisbee| 2.23.11 @ 9:28PM

Fleebaggers! LOL. Thanks Pete.

Jim in Virginia| 2.23.11 @ 1:45PM

Your bias, Klein, blinds you. Walker does not come off smelling good here. His statement admitting to thinking about planting troublemakers reveals not just a never-justifiable willingness to mislead to win his point, but also an arrogance-driven stupidity when revealing that he has had considered such dirty tricks. Is he the latest Dirty Dick incarnation?

big bob| 2.23.11 @ 2:10PM

so the guy lying about who he is has no responsibility here? Planned parenthood completely dismissed the two young reporters who blew the whistle on that ruse. Yet here you think you get to pull things out of context with things said to someone who hasnt identified himself? It's not even valid for submission in a court of law. Yet you think it's okay. Get a life.

Mike| 2.23.11 @ 4:41PM

If memory serves, Bob, you were gleeful when the two young "reporters" went into Acorn (not Planned Parenthood). Not so happy now that the tables are turned, are you?

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 4:46PM

ACORN and Planned Parenthood have been utterly disgraced for their disgusting and illegal actions, but Governor Walker showed integrity--what's your point?

simon templar| 2.23.11 @ 7:41PM

Yeah, and you got nothing out of it. Walker did not say anything he has not said in public and you confirmed to the rest of us that this guy is for real and really wants to do the right thing by the majority that elected him.

simon templar| 2.23.11 @ 7:44PM

Yeah, Planned Parenthood was recently caught by a young woman as well for ACTUALLY breaking the LAW and aiding and abetting the sexual abuse of minors. Several stafff were fired from several clinics all over the country.

Frisbee| 2.23.11 @ 9:39PM

Actually, I think most of those cases were private sting operations by a brave (and beautiful) young lady by the name of Lila Rose. But some of them may be real.

I don't mind that sting operations occur, even by this fake Koch guy. Knowing it can happen should help keep you honest. Walker did great!!

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 10:36PM

Lila Rose is a beautiful young woman who attended UCLA -- she started her sting operations on PP when she was only 18 years old.

She is a very courageous young woman and I admire her greatly.

Bydand76| 2.23.11 @ 3:20PM

I think your bias blinds you Jim in Virginia.

Listen to the damn thing and then comment before you put your foot in your mouth even further.

Pro Libertate!

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 3:51PM

Walker comes off smelling like a rose. Integrity is doing the right thing when you don't think any one is watching--and the Governor passed that test with flying colors.

The stench of Democrat desperation is overwhelming.

Mike| 2.23.11 @ 4:34PM

Jim,

I agree with you. Walker's long conversation with a caller he believed to be David Koch, in addition to raising the ethical issues to which you allude, pretty well confirms the contention that Walker's real goal is union busting and that he is using the budget crisis, which is real, to achieve this end.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 4:43PM

Walker has to target collective bargaining in order to solve Wisconsin's financial crisis. Only a dummie wouldn't know that.

simon templar| 2.23.11 @ 7:50PM

I wish it were because you have no business having a union in the public sector in the first place..your god, FDR, just happens to agree with us. What we really have here is a very reasonable governor who is limiting collective bargaining on benefits solely and allowing it on wages and asking for some cooperation and sharing of the burden from the public employee. You selfish corrupt bastards will not even tolerate this. I say you are fired but I am not Walker!

Mike| 2.23.11 @ 11:11PM

Simon,
You need to update your information. The unions have agreed to concessions. Walker wants collective bargaining too.

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 11:33AM

Walker as I have read in the news and heard him say on TV tha he wants to limit the bargaining on benefits but not on wages. I have also heard many who have said that union have also resisted the proposed cuts as well. Things are changing rapidly..and perhaps I am not up to date. Sure, post something that shows me incorrect. I'm human.

Mike| 2.24.11 @ 3:45PM

Real Simon,

No disrespect or hurt intended. We all need to update our information in this 24/7 media environment.

Silver Streake| 2.23.11 @ 7:19PM

If the fake Koch was in another state, which it seems he was, and he recorded a phone call without the appropriate signal or by informing the called party (the Governor) of the recording, he is in violation of Federal anti-wiretapping statues. See the law here.

I suspect Walker won't pursue action against the blogger, but once again we see how the left breaks laws willy-nilly because they are so much smarter and are doing something really useful.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 7:49PM

The slimy leftists pulled this same kind of crap on Sarah Palin. The liars and cheats are desperate.

Frisbee| 2.23.11 @ 9:34PM

Silver Streak: I think because the fake Koch was a party to the conversation, this is not a case of wire-tapping. (But thanks for that link!)

jolizoom| 3.2.11 @ 3:23PM

Jim, so we're to be held to such a high standard that we may not even CONSIDER ever doing the wrong thing, even if we ultimately discard the idea BECAUSE it is the wrong thing?

I hope you're enjoying the view at the heights of your self-righteousness.

sonofmog| 3.2.11 @ 4:29PM

His reason for rejecting the "troublemakers" idea was clearly strategic, and not moral. He says nothing about it being "wrong" at all.

big bob| 2.23.11 @ 2:06PM

Everytime something like this has happened to expose the libs, (leaked emails, etc.) the only outcry is in the process. Why isnt anyone deriding this deceitful lying piece of slime who misrepresents himself and goes on the record? This is akin to the group assembling to bring down Issa in the House. Why do they get to this without anyone pushing back? And then claim to hold the higher ground. What a crock of horse pucky...

sonofmog| 3.2.11 @ 4:31PM

The "piece of slime" is not the governor. His character is of no relevance to the discussion.

Tim| 2.23.11 @ 2:09PM

Hey Jim in Virginia,

People have all kinds of thoughts that they would never act upon. I'm sure there's at least one person you've encountered that you wanted to inflict grievous bodily harm on if not kill them outright. Did you follow through with it or dismiss it as a fantasy as you should have?

DRed| 2.23.11 @ 2:15PM

hahaha. He won't talk to the democratic minority leader from his own state, but he'll talk about how outstanding it would be to be flown out to California for a good time with a NYC billionaire. Just another real American with real values who is out to take on the special interests who are destroying our freedoms.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 3:54PM

Guess you forgot that your chickensh!t democrats ran away rather than fulfill their sworn duties. The unions are the special interests that are destroying our freedoms, clown.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 2:15PM

Let me get this straight. Walker's plan was to bring Dems back under false pretenses, set the trap, then screw them over.

And he claims to be acting in good faith.

God you people are stupid.

CanofSand| 2.24.11 @ 2:30AM

The cowardly Dem Senators already knew about this "secret" plan. It was obvious. I mean, for crying out loud, they RAN FROM THE ENTIRE STATE, let alone avoiding just the specific vote they don't want to take because they don't care about the taxpayers and the VOTERS who put the GOP in charger for a reason. How dense can you get, jharp?

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 11:25AM

I do not feed trolls and I do not like unicorns that give free rides to people like jharp.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 2:17PM

And what did Walker mean when he says he "thought" about planting some troublemakers?

Answer that one.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 2:20PM

And bestest of all!

Fake Koch: Well, I tell you what, Scott: once you crush these bastards I’ll fly you out to Cali and really show you a good time.

Walker: All right, that would be outstanding. Thanks for all the support…it’s all about getting our freedoms back…

Defend that, idiots!

W| 2.23.11 @ 9:01PM

Harp again. the designated lefty skunk of the day.
Do you have a job? If you do not understand the question, are you employed?

sonofmog| 3.2.11 @ 4:32PM

No answer, then. Typical.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 2:24PM

Koch: Beautiful; beautiful. Gotta crush that union.

Walker: [bragging about how he doesn't budge]…I would be willing to sit down and talk to him, the assembly Democrat leader, plus the other two Republican leaders—talk, not negotiate and listen to what they have to say if they will in turn—but I’ll only do it if all 14 of them will come back and sit down in the state assembly…legally, we believe, once they’ve gone into session, they don’t physically have to be there. If they’re actually in session for that day, and they take a recess, the 19 Senate Republicans could then go into action and they’d have quorum…so we’re double checking that. If you heard I was going to talk to them that’s the only reason why. We’d only do it if they came back to the capital with all 14 of them…

Koch: Bring a baseball bat. That’s what I’d do.

Walker: I have one in my office; you’d be happy with that. I have a slugger with my name on it.

Koch: Beautiful.

Walker: [union-bashing...]

Koch: Beautiful.

" I have one(baseball bat) in my office; you’d be happy with that."

Would one of you teabaggers morons please explain that one. Please?

God you people are stupid.

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 11:38AM

I do not feed trolls and I do not like unicorns that will not play baseball.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 2:29PM

It 's getting even better.

It is well documented that the state's Democratic senators can't get Walker on the phone.

But someone can call the governor's front desk, identify themselves as David Koch, and then speak with both the governor and his chief of staff?

Nothing to see here folks. Just move along.

Good God you people are stupid.

Curtis Rasmussen| 2.23.11 @ 2:53PM

Jason, you have way too much time on your hands.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 3:56PM

Ha ha. Harpy's hoping their dirty tricks will distract the American public from the deviousness of the union thugs. Sorry, harpy, your side is losing.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 4:15PM

"Sorry, harpy, your side is losing."

Yeah right.

We've got 61% of Americans that support us. And you've got 33%.

Only in Teabagistan can one count us as losing.

http://thinkprogress.org/2011/.....poll-union

God you people are stupid.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 4:40PM

The Rasmussen poll is more credible because it questions likely voters--and you're losing big time there.

Odumbo's approvals are taking, too, which proves my point. We're sick of you blood sucking leeches; time for you to go.

Ellios Wyatt| 2.23.11 @ 5:55PM

Actually Rasmussen showed over 70% supporting the governor. But that is beside the point, Governor Walker won the election promising to do exactly what he is doing. That poll is the only one that matters. Elections have consequences, remember?

The fact is the American people support the governors actions and the more they become educated on how the public employees unions fleece the taxpayer the worse this looks.

A prankster tried to set a trap and it backfired. My question is why do so many people try to drag the Koch family into this. They gave $43,000 to Scott Walker out of the $11 million he raised. They and their employees donated a total of $2 million in the last election cycle. Do the math, that isn't much. Is this just a weak attempt to divert attention away from Soros or all the other leftist foundations that donate millions of dollars more to democrats? Is is a new tactic since villifying Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Fox News, etc. has only increased their audiences?

Sooner or later the democrats have to come back (one for a court date regarding a sexual offense no less) and when they do the bill will pass. For now the GOP will govern and pass the other non-fiscal bills that are important to the people who elected them. This little political stunt of the democrats could be one of the dumbest tactical moves in the hository of politics. Especially as this debate on out of control spending starts at the national level.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 6:18PM

"A prankster tried to set a trap and it backfired."

Backfired? Yeah, right. On what planet do you spend your time? You are a moron and liar.

61% of Americans support the protesters, you dumbsh*t. 33% don't.

God you people are stupid.

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 11:23AM

I do not feed trolls and I do not like unicorns that make up false statistics.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 6:31PM

"A prankster tried to set a trap and it backfired."

Here is your backfired.

Fake Koch: Well, I tell you what, Scott: once you crush these bastards I’ll fly you out to Cali and really show you a good time.

Walker: All right, that would be outstanding. Thanks for all the support…it’s all about getting our freedoms back…

God you people are stupid.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 7:51PM

Keep it up, moron; you and your fellow leftist liars and cheats have already lost the debate.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 8:10PM

"Keep it up"

I plan on it. With or without your encouragement.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 8:20PM

Your feeble attempts at debate further prove our contention that our public school system has failed.

DRed| 2.23.11 @ 8:24PM

First, that 43k was the second largest donation Walker recieved. They're also financial backers of the RGA and Americans for Prosperity, who heavily backed Walker. David has certainly paid enough to get a phone call through to the governor, which is whats important.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 10:40PM

Koch is an employer in Wisconsin and was only one of thousands who donated to Walker's campaign--what's your problem?

DRed| 2.23.11 @ 11:47PM

How many of those thousands started an organization that just spent 340,000 dollars on a pro-Walker television ad campaign?

Patriot| 2.24.11 @ 7:29PM

So what? I never see you damned liberals objecting to the half BILLION dollars donated to the democrats by the unions! Freakin' hypocrite.

Occam's Tool| 2.23.11 @ 6:59PM

Yup, I sure feel stupid compared to you, JHarp. Dear me, how could I have ever gotten into Mensa, graduated college Magna Cum Laude, been accepted to two US Medical schools, and reboarded in my specialty with one of the highest scores in the country with my complete lack of intellectual firepower. Damn. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 7:14PM

"Yup, I sure feel stupid compared to you, JHarp."

You should. And I appreciate your honesty.

The rest of the made up sh*t not even the dumbest of the dumbasses here would believe.

God you people are stupid.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 7:52PM

You're a fine example of the failure of our public schools.

CanofSand| 2.24.11 @ 2:32AM

"well documented that the state's Democratic senators can't get Walker on the phone"
Bull.

JP| 2.23.11 @ 2:48PM

Jharp,

Sounds like your had your talking points all laid out a little too well. The truth be known no one really cares about this stunt. Yes, it will be played up in the MSM, but the only people that count are the taxpayers in Wisconsin (who are on the hook for $3.5 billion) and the soon to be fired 6000 Wisconsin public servants (many of whom are teachers). Of course, people like you have no interest in the teachers or the taxpayers.

The reality is, if Walker's plan doesn't pass, thousands of Wisconsin employees will be permanently let go (no furlough). Then we shall see how popular the Dems in Wisconsin will be.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 3:33PM

Nobody cares that the governor refuses to speak with the democratic leaders about the legislation yet will speak with a right wing billionaire from New York?

God you people are stupid.

JP| 2.23.11 @ 3:44PM

Jharp,
The govenor has worked with the Dems since he was inaugerated. The sad fact is the Dems don't have to votes to prevent the bill from becoming law. Remember Obama's old talking about elections have consequences? Funny how you avoid the main point of the bill -saving teachers jobs in Wisconsin without incurring the $3.5 billion defecit. For the Dems don't care a hoot about the employees; but they do care very much about thier power as well as taxpayers dollars.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 4:06PM

"The sad fact is the Dems don't have to votes to prevent the bill from becoming law."

No sh*t you dumbass.

Do ya think that might be why they left the state to prevent it's passage?

God you people are stupid.

Ryan| 2.23.11 @ 4:24PM

Republicans may have been able to prevent a quorum so Obamacare didn't pass by leaving town.

They stayed and voted. That was their job.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 4:33PM

"Republicans may have been able to prevent a quorum so Obamacare didn't pass by leaving town."

And you are a f*cking moron.

It's called a filibuster you dumbsh*it. And they tried but the pukes didn't have enough votes.

You really ought to learn how our government works.

God you people are stupid.

CanofSand| 2.24.11 @ 2:36AM

Hey, stupid: Filibuster =/= RUNNING OUT OF THE STATE LIKE COWARDS.

Curtis Rasmussen| 2.23.11 @ 4:36PM

How is leaving town representing the will of the people? It isn't. If I bailed on my job because I didn't like what my employer wanted to do, I would be fired. Those Dems that fled the state are not adults; they are petulant little children throwing a tantrum. They should be fired for not performing their duties.

The pendulum is beginning to swing to fiscal responsibility. Lighten up on the insults, troll.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 4:45PM

"How is leaving town representing the will of the people?"

It's exactly the same as a filibuster you f*cking dumb*ss.

And how many times did republicans use the filibuster last session?

And how times did you dumbasses voice a complaint about the GOP filibustering?

You people are the dumbest f*cking human beings on the earth.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 4:50PM

Yellow-bellied coward/democrat--same thing.

Curtis Rasmussen| 2.23.11 @ 4:57PM

Now hush, little Jason. The adults are talking.

Seek| 2.23.11 @ 5:48PM

I just love the spirit of reason.

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 11:21AM

I do not feed trolls and I do not like unicorns.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 3:58PM

You need to get a job, clown. Public opinion is with Governor Walker, and your stupid dirty tricks will only enhance his popularity.

Your desperation proves you loser democrats have already lost the debate.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 4:11PM

"Public opinion is with Governor Walker

Another right wing lie.

You must've had on Fox News when they switched the numbers in order to lie to the American people.

"Yesterday, USA Today and Gallup released a new poll that found that a whopping 61 percent of Americans oppose efforts like those of Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) to strip public sector unions of collective bargaining rights. The poll also found that only a third of Americans support such a policy"

God you people are stupid.

Ryan| 2.23.11 @ 4:24PM

State issue. National poll doesn't count here.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 4:35PM

The Rasmussen poll is much more reliable because it questions likely voters, and it shows strong support for Governor Walker.

That's why Odumbo's approvals are tanking again.

Ellis Wyatt| 2.24.11 @ 8:37AM

The only poll that matters is the one on election day.

jolizoom| 3.2.11 @ 3:33PM

Keep it up people... jharp's head is about to explode.

Stan Redmond| 2.24.11 @ 11:14AM

Uhhhh. Did you know Walker was on the phone several times with the Dem leader since this situation bagan?

mse| 2.23.11 @ 3:36PM

The Union gave in to everything but the bargaining. They said yes to paying more on insurance and pension.

If he is really worried about the common man then that would have been enough.

JP| 2.23.11 @ 3:46PM

The unions made no such concessions. What you are referring to is a few Wisconsin Dems who said they'd be willing to negociate with the Govenor. But niether the Democratic Caucus nor the unions made any kind of concessions.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 4:16PM

The unions don't care about the insurance and pension givebacks this time because they can always hike them back up in the next collective bargaining session. As long as the Wisconsin Teachers' Union collective bargaining agreement is intact, union abuse will continue--like the $800,000 in viagra they demanded last year. Disgusting.

Courageous Governor Walker is doing the right thing.

Stan Redmond| 2.24.11 @ 11:17AM

It's not up to the unions. It is up to their democrat representatives to represent them in the legislature IN THE CAPITOL. NOT hiding out in some bad across state lines. "Vote democrat, we'll run away for you"

LarryK| 2.23.11 @ 3:03PM

I don't know about the rest of you but I am preparing for the collapse of civilized society.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 3:30PM

Don't worry.

The teabaggers run is all but over. Sanity will soon return.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 4:18PM

Sure. The sanity we see displayed by the Liberal freaks, losers and thugs in the Wisconsin Capitol.

Clown.

Occam's Tool| 2.23.11 @ 7:01PM

I fear the terrorist catamites like yourself, JHarp, much more than the Tea Partiers.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 7:16PM

What is it with you right wingers and your cowardice?

Didn't your Mommy teach you to be brave and stand up for yourself?

God you people are pussies.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 7:54PM

That's funny coming from the liberal clown who supports the yellow-bellied Wisconson democrats.

Bydand76| 2.24.11 @ 10:04AM

Clearly, Jharp you are seriously a deluded and metally challenged person.
You must have never been in the military or you would know that you are talking completely out yer arse right now.

I should not be suprised though as this is typical of left-wing rabble-rousers.

Seriously, find a girlfriend and lay off the caffeine knucklehead. You are starting to make your flowers wilt.

Why don't you come up to Wisconsin and say that to our faces though? I bet your little assumptions would be quickly disabused.

Jackass!

Pro Libertate!

LarryK| 2.24.11 @ 9:34AM

Jharp,

I am not worried about the "teabaggers" because they aren't the ones hastening the collapse of society. The "teabaggers" are not the ones calling for "blood in the streets"
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-.....-necessary

Democrat urges unions to 'get a little bloody when necessary'
By Michael O'Brien - 02/23/11 07:57 AM ET

Remember the tale of the grasshoppers and the ants, when you grasshopper come to get the last of my crumbs, well, I'm not going away peaceably.

mse| 2.23.11 @ 3:34PM

So let me see if I got this right. The unions gave in to everything, but the not having a voice for the common worker.

Big Government says you can't even have that and some how the Tea party (which is against Big Gov) is against them.

Also if it is against the rules for the unions to pay for the hotels how is it not against the rules for Koch to fly him out to have a good time.

JP| 2.23.11 @ 3:51PM

"So let me see if I got this right. The unions gave in to everything, but the not having a voice for the common worker."

Let me remind you agian of the facts. Without the Govenor's bill over 6000 Wisconsin public employees and teachers will lose thier jobs permanently. There is no more money. With collective bargaining intact there is nothing stopping the unions from demanding a reinstatement of thier full wages and benefits next year, or whenever the Dems get back into the majority. Collective bargaining destroys public treasuries and corrupts public officials. Just look at Illinois, California, and New York. Wisconsin voters put Walker and the GOP in order to get thier house in order. Either there will be huge lay-offs of public workers these next several years, or collective bargaining must end. It's that simple.

As for the little guy, the Dems and the Unions are leading him to a big pink slip.

DRed| 2.23.11 @ 4:20PM

Except the union has agreed to every one of the good Governor's financial demands. Which means the good Governor is just going to start firing people if they don't agree to give up their collective bargaining rights. But hey, it's nice to see a good Tea Party stalwart like Governor Walker is willing to discuss his plans with real American billionaires who live in New York City-that's what the tea party is all about, right, getting special interests out of politics and giving power back to We The People?

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 4:30PM

If their collective bargaining rights remain the same, the union thugs can jack up their demands anytime they want, moron. Are you ignorant, stupid or just devious? All three, I'm sure.

DRed| 2.23.11 @ 4:49PM

Which thugs are those? Oh, you mean the people peacefully exercising their constitutional right to freely assemble and petition their government. Wait-don't tell me. I bet you LOVE the Constitution, right?

To answer your question, yes, the union would be able to bargain collectively, if they don't surrender their collective bargaining rights. If the state is still broke, I don't see how they'll be able to get more money.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 4:52PM

There is no Constitutional right to collective bargaining, moron, but I'm sure you could find a 'penumbra' in there somewhere to try to justify your BS.

DRed| 2.23.11 @ 5:01PM

Well, yes, you're right. It has nothing to do with what I was talking about, but you are correct.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 5:52PM

It's about time you recognized moral superiority.

Ellis Wyatt| 2.24.11 @ 8:45AM

"Except the union has agreed to every one of the good Governor's financial demands."

But they have not. They object to the end of their collective bargaining benefit that is the real source of financial issues around the state. It hamstrings local governments from making the fiscal decisions that need to be made.

The fact is this is the end of the gravy train for democrat politicians that fleece the taxpayer through these unions. This whole episode has highlighted how unethical the benefit of collective bargaining for public employees is and the taxpayers have had enough.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 4:02PM

"Big Government says you can't even have that and some how the Tea party (which is against Big Gov) is against them."

mse,

The whole teabagger thing is a fraud, a contradiction, and complete and utter nonsense.

It is simply a bunch of ignorant racist redneck republican cowards too ashamed to admit they are republicans.

They are stupid and have no idea what they are talking about.

T.E.A. Taxed Enough. Already. After Obama cut taxes for 95% of us.

ncatty| 2.23.11 @ 4:22PM

The last shriek of the Union retreat. It is painful, I know.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 4:27PM

Only a moron like you wouldn't know we're Conservatives.

I see Odumbo's approvals are tanking again; Conservatives could make it a clean sweep in 2012.
Put that in your petey pipe and smoke it, drug-addled degenerate.

Occam's Tool| 2.23.11 @ 7:02PM

Uh, no he didn't. Your taxes are going to go up, or inflation will, which is the same thing, JHarp.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 7:30PM

"Your taxes are going to go up, or inflation will, which is the same thing, JHarp."

My taxes went down. And inflation is the lowest it's been since they have been keeping records.

Can't you dumbasses get anything right?

And where is you dumbsh*t cowardly buddy simon templar? He disappeared faster than a wink after I made a fool of him last night. He reminds me a lot of you. A fraidy cat.

God you people are stupid.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 7:56PM

Sure, inflation is down--that's why I just paid $4.00 per gallon of gasoline. You are an idiot.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 8:27PM

"Sure, inflation is down"

It's not only down. It's nonexistent.

Dumbass.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 8:33PM

Then explain the explosion in gas and food prices, moron.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 9:05PM

One week or one month is a useless means to measure you dumbass.

http://gasbuddy.com/gb_retail_price_chart.aspx

God you people are stupid.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 9:09PM

For whatever reason the link won't show the 6 year chart.

Regardless gasoline is down 25% since mid 2008.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 10:51PM

Yeah, sure. You support liars and cheats, why should I believe anything you say?

Besides you're wrong--oil hit $100 a barrel today and many analysts are predicting $200 a barrel.
Food prices are sharply higher, too. Do some research, dummie.

Clint| 2.24.11 @ 2:53AM

Do Your Homework ObamaBoy.

Inflation Rate:

2011 Jan: 1.63%

2010 Jan: 2.63%, Feb: 2.14%, Mar: 2.31%, Apr: 2.24%, May: 2.02%, Jun: 1.05%, Jul: 1.24%, Aug: 1.15%, Sept: 1.14%, Oct: 1.17%, Nov: 1.14%, Dec: 1.50%.

2009 Jan: 0.03%.Feb: 0.24%,Mar: -0.38%,Apr:-0.74%, May: -1.28%, Jun: -1.43%,Jul:-2.10%, Aug: -1.48%,Sept: -1.29%,Oct:-0.18%,Nov: 1.84%,Dec: 2.72% -0.34%.

CHummel| 2.23.11 @ 4:13PM

Reverse this and make a prank call to NYT that the bill has been shelved.

Brooklynwatch| 2.23.11 @ 6:29PM

Does it reveal that Gov Walker has bad staffers, or staffers that know he'd be very willing to chat with Koch? He has been on every TV show over the last few days, and time to speak to an out of state rich guy, when does he govern? I think his ego(evidenced in the tape) got the better of him. He never disagrees with the imposter's characterization of the unions. He only pragmatically states reasons for deciding against planting people to disrupt the demos, never says that it would be wrong to do so. Very full of himself, the next Reagan?

Patriot| 2.24.11 @ 7:36PM

At least he didn't skip town like those yellow-bellied democrat cowards.

simon templar| 2.23.11 @ 7:26PM

This was not a prank. This was an illegal act of fraud whereby a journalist fraudulently impersonated a real person, illegally taped that phone call without permission, and attempted to incite and entrap a sitting Governor. A prank is calling someone up and asking them if they have prince albert in a can?

simon templar| 2.23.11 @ 7:32PM

I see our deranged, mentally disturbed socialist troll is back in the neighborhood. Yeah, we heard it before, "God you people are stupid." I am going to stop calling him a liberal as liberals in reality may be confused people who think they know things that are not true but this guy is sick and in need of help. This guy needs a shrink.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 7:37PM

"and attempted to incite and entrap a sitting Governor"

Wrong again douche bag.

He didn't "attempt". He succeeded.

Are you planning to again issue empty cowardly threats about beating me up whilst hiding behind your keyboard? Loser.

I've got news for you. I'm a big f*cker. 6'2" and over 200 pounds.

I have no fear of you nor any of the other birdbrains that post here. My parents taught me to never back down from cowards who threaten people.

God you people are stupid.

simon templar| 2.23.11 @ 7:57PM

You are a little snot which weighs 150 pounds, loves unicorns, has father issues because you were raised by your mother, and loves to call people stupid. I won't mention that you like to dress up as a girl when no one is home....oh crap, forgot people could read this..sorry.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 8:19PM

Too funny.

Just as always. Stand up to the cowardly empty threats and they fold like a cheap suit.

What's the matter simon? Are you backing down from your empty threat "I would kick your ass from here to Sunday" after realizing you aren't playing with a wingnut fraidy cat but a real man.

God you people are cowards.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 8:31PM

What threats? Simon's right, you should see a shrink. Little too close to home huh?
Too much crack, dude; you're delusional again.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 9:10PM

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 8:31PM

What threats?

These threats.

simon templar| 2.23.11 @ 1:57AM

I love to meet you again..in person..and your fictitious deaf daughter. I would kick your ass from here to Sunday.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 9:12PM

Looks as if the cowardly simon templar has tucked his tail between his legs and ran and hid under his bed.

Again.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 10:53PM

Guess your electro shock treatments aren't working out too well for you. Sorry.

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 11:03AM

I do not feed trolls and I do not like cross dressing unicorns.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 10:33PM

I don't have time, between getting out my NAMBLA newsletter and going to get my government cheese, I'm too busy.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 10:54PM

Pervert. I knew it.

Watch that cheese--it's fattening, porky.

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 11:02AM

I do not feed trolls and I do not like unicorns.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 7:59PM

Admit it, harpy--you're 6'2", but you're over 400 pounds and counting. lol

Moochelle would be ashamed of you.

CalMark| 2.23.11 @ 9:31PM

You leftists, constantly screaming about civility.

Then you invade our website, and just slam the whole site with posts full of rage, hate, anger, and vitriol.

So many posts here by you--I suspect you're not just a single person, you're one of those "fake people by committee" that Obama and his computer sycophants are developing.

Don't like our ideas? Get gone and stay out. We're entitled to our views--First Amendment, which you and people like you abuse so deftly and ferociously.

And AMSPEC blog police: start deleting this guy's hateful rants. There's discourse, then there's hate-spam. The so-called contribution of jharp are most certainly the latter.

DRed| 2.23.11 @ 10:23PM

The first amendment has nothing to do with this blog. It's to the credit of the editors that they generally let people alone on these forums, but sometimes certain people aren't really interested in any sort of debate. Politically, I sympathize with jharp, but his childish name calling gets pretty wearisome.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 10:38PM

"Politically, I sympathize with jharp, but his childish name calling gets pretty wearisome."

These people are doing everything they can, including lying and obfuscating in order to deny my deaf daughter access to buy health insurance.

They sicken me. They are a scourge on our great country.

If you were in my shoes you might name call as well.

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 10:58PM

We're weary of you Liberals playing the victim card all of the time. Put on your big boy pants and take responsibility for your own life. We do.
You name call because you don't have an intelligent argument to make, loser.

Even your fellow Liberals can't stand you. lol

simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 12:12AM

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 10:58PM

We're weary of you Liberals playing the victim card all of the time.

Too funny.

Playing the victim card? Do you mean like white Christians are the persecuted ones?

And deaf children need to suck it up and hope they don't need any medical care?

jharp is right.

God you people are stupid.

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 10:43AM

I did not write this. Looks like our deranged jharp is now fraudulently posting as other people. But that's the modis operada of the crazies.

Patriot| 2.24.11 @ 7:38PM

Children need strong parents, not losers who want others to take care of them.

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 11:15AM

DRed, we might disagree on much...but you are an American, dude. Perhaps a misguided one at times but welcome to post here any time... :)
Yes, we need to debate these ideas. As a gesture of good will, I will throw you this....I believe as a conservative that unions do in fact play a role for good in our society and were needed at certain points in our history..in fact, I am an admirer of John L. Lewis and have read several biographies about him. Does that shock you! But I also have strong opinions that they have become very corrupt and do not think they belong in the public sector. I think there are other means by which public employees can safeguard their rights.

simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 12:17AM

"Don't like our ideas? Get gone and stay out. We're entitled to our views--First Amendment"

Please. The first amendment has nothing to do with a private entity publishing or not publishing your posts.

It's about the government prohibiting your speech.

jharp is right. God you people are stupid.

I have seen the light. It's long past time dumbasses like you need to do the same.

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 10:43AM

Did not write this either.

simon templar| 2.23.11 @ 8:03PM

I know, God, you people are stupid...

ignatzz| 2.23.11 @ 8:13PM

"I tell you what Scott. Once you crush these b*stards, I’ll fly you out to Cali and really show you a good time."

"Allright, that would be outstanding."

So Walker believed he was being offered a gift - and accepted it?

Isn't that graft?

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 8:22PM

You had to pull a muscle making that stretch, lamebrain. You democrats specialize in corruption, so you must know a lot about it.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 10:31PM

I can't post anymore responses until my controller returns from th toilet.

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 10:35PM

harptard"I've got news for you. I'm a big f*cker. 6'2" and over 200 pounds". What your point fag?

jharp| 2.23.11 @ 10:37PM

I like talking to myself, I'm an internet tough guy.

simon templar| 2.23.11 @ 10:44PM

My apologies jharp.

I now see the republicans for the frauds and fakirs that they are. And the teabaggers? Good grief! The dumbest thing I've ever seen! Obama cut their taxes for God's sake!

It is unbelievable to me that I could have been so blind.

I will forever be indebted to you for your posts that have finally enlightened me.

God, how could I have been so stupid?

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 11:00PM

Grow up and get a life.

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 10:45AM

I did not write this.

simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 12:07AM

Jamie| 2.23.11 @ 11:00PM

Grow up and get a life.

Quit lying to deny deaf children access to health insurance.

CanofSand| 2.24.11 @ 2:39AM

Why are Leftists incapable of making an argument about health care without accusing all political opponents of being puuuuuuuuuuuuuuure eeeeeeeeeeeeevil?

Oh, that's right: Because you're intellectually bankrupt.

Bob White| 2.24.11 @ 9:24AM

How stupid is this? The guy impersonates a billionaire to a former prosecutor. Isn't it likely he'll be sued for libel or prosecuted for fraud? Dennis O'Keefe and his imitators pretend to be someone they're not -- but they are not portraying themselves as a particular real person. How can that possibly be legal?

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 10:48AM

It's not legal and is actually a violation of their state law regarding fraud, electronic communications and taping of conversations without people's permission. Excellent observation.

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 10:57AM

This has really gone too far. since the ditors here are either in capable or unwilling to stop jhard from using profanities, impersonating other bloggers, and attacking others with his lunatic rantings, I would suggest that we stop feeding and enabling the sick boy and ignore him. If you feel the need to respond, then answer with, "My God, jharp is a sick angry person and in need of a shrink." or "I do not feed trolls and I do not like unicorns."

the real simon templar| 2.24.11 @ 11:00AM

This has really gone too far. Since the editors here are either in capable or unwilling to stop jhard from using profanities, impersonating other bloggers, and attacking others with his lunatic rantings, I would suggest that we stop feeding and enabling the sick boy and ignore him. If you feel the need to respond, then answer with, "My God, jharp is a sick angry person and in need of a shrink." or "I do not feed trolls and I do not like unicorns."
Sorry about the misspellings. Corrected copy. By the way, I hope you guys know me well enough to know that those posts were not mine...

Patriot| 2.24.11 @ 2:09PM

We know who you are--don't worry. Harp's unstable and has a real problem.

Jim Baxter| 2.24.11 @ 4:56PM

No government entity, individual or group, is entitled to share authority granted only to elected representatives. Every union , functioning in behalf of themselves, are on non-legal Constitutional grounds. It cannot be justified, and will sooner or later be declared illegal by our Supreme Court.

It is already without ethical intelligence.

Igor| 2.25.11 @ 4:49PM

What authority are you talking about?

Igor| 2.25.11 @ 4:11PM

LOL...Walker is a complete POS whose destruction will be HILARIOUS to watch. Get ready....

Calvin Oscar| 2.26.11 @ 9:13AM

More dishonest garbage from Philip 'corporate whore' Klein. The TRUTH about Walker is that he's a tool of corporate money (Koch Brothers and others) and this transcript (of the call) proves it. I doubt the lazy-ass Klein even read the transcript or listened to the entire tape. For example, even a total idiot can hear that Walker only decides against his goon squad / thug plan because he thinks that, POLITICALLY, Republicans will probably do all right without including the violence (the dirty tricks component). It's clearly NOT a matter of objecting as a matter of ethics. If you listen with any intelligence at all, Walker is clearly on board for using violent dirty tricks, as long as he can get away with it and come out ahead politically. And then there's the problem of accepting illegal gifts from billionaire sugar daddies (in this case an enticing vacation paid for by the sugar daddy) that have a registered lobbying operation in Wisconsin. Sorry, whore Philip, but that is SIMPLY ILLEGAL in Wisconsin! And then there's the problem of Walker's sleazy plan to lure the Democrats back with a phony offer to sit down and talk (with the secret goal of getting the quorum that he's unable to get without trickery). And then there's the matter of trying to slip into the bill a big payoff to corporate interests by selling off Wisconsin state assets to corporations at bargain basement prices. In the tape, this comes through when "Koch" talks about his "vested interest" in the bill's passage. The Walker response to this acknowledgement of his sleazy deal with his sugar daddy? Three words: "That's just it." Pretty obvious, no? Face it, Philip, he's a pathetic scum bag, just like you. If there were any standards for the job you hold, you'd be instantly fired and out on the street, unemployed.