Gov. Scott Walker Says Arrest the Wisconsin Democrats: Is That Fair?
SodaHead Politics
2011/03/04 18:00:00
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While Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Republicans continue to move toward ending the bargaining rights of public workers, the state senate GOP has decided on what they need to do to finally pass the bill: arrest Democratic senators.
Democrats are now in the minority of the legislature, but in the state senate, the chamber needs a quorum to have a vote. Republicans are short one legislator, which is why the Democrats have been missing the last two weeks. Republicans have been less than amused, so on Thursday they ordered the "forcible detention" of the 14 missing Democrats, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
"They have pushed us to the edge of a constitutional crisis," Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald told the Journal.
But the decision might not be legal. The laws governing the legislature say that the senate can enforce its rules, which includes allowing each house to "compel the attendance of absent members." But, according to the Journal, the state constitution bans the arrest of legislators while in session unless they're suspected of committing felonies, treason or breach of the peace.
"The Republicans have gone around the bend," Democrat Sen. Chris Larson told the Journal. "They've just increased their bullying tactics and are producing an even greater divide in our state."
Believed to be in Illinois, the 14 Democrats were held in contempt for their absence. The resolution dictates that the senate sergeant at arms use force and enlist the help of law enforcement to bring missing members to the capitol. This decision does not include extradition from another state.
Democrats are now in the minority of the legislature, but in the state senate, the chamber needs a quorum to have a vote. Republicans are short one legislator, which is why the Democrats have been missing the last two weeks. Republicans have been less than amused, so on Thursday they ordered the "forcible detention" of the 14 missing Democrats, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.
"They have pushed us to the edge of a constitutional crisis," Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald told the Journal.
But the decision might not be legal. The laws governing the legislature say that the senate can enforce its rules, which includes allowing each house to "compel the attendance of absent members." But, according to the Journal, the state constitution bans the arrest of legislators while in session unless they're suspected of committing felonies, treason or breach of the peace.
"The Republicans have gone around the bend," Democrat Sen. Chris Larson told the Journal. "They've just increased their bullying tactics and are producing an even greater divide in our state."
Believed to be in Illinois, the 14 Democrats were held in contempt for their absence. The resolution dictates that the senate sergeant at arms use force and enlist the help of law enforcement to bring missing members to the capitol. This decision does not include extradition from another state.
Read More: http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-po...
Fascism, anyone?
http://pushbacknow.net/2011/0...
Now I see votes occuring all the time. They say Yay or Nay and absent. So what does that mean? Sometimes officials don't vote on certain things. If some politicians are not present to vote on things it still goes through to the next step. Seems like it is the same here, Those 14 Democrats opted not to be there for the vote, so therefore they are Absent. The vote should have gone on without them.
This issue, however, is one that could dramatically change the lives of the people for the worst, in ways that I am terrified of, as a Wisconsin resident.
These Democrats told a WSJ reporter that they would be returning this week, then abruptly changed their minds. How fair is that?
If they don't want to do their jobs they should RESIGN IMMEDIATELY so someone who WILL DO THE JOB can be put in place. As they also refuse to resign then I say MAKE EVERY ONE OF THOSE FAUX SENATORS DO THE PERP WALK!
Damn shame that there are no longer stocks in use in America. ;o)
Many people especially oppose Section 44.16.896 of the bill, which has been introduced to please Walker's masters, the notorious Koch brothers.
Steps need to be taken and everyone wants them to be taken so long as it affects the other guy and not them.
If my representative pulled a stunt like that, we'd recall the bitch.
I know where you're coming from and know you're right about some things, but right now we're dealing with something that has gone beyond the caring of our American people. In many of Washington's eyes, we the people don't count. Only they count and only they feel they have the right to control our lives with their selfish ideas. Our forfathers would really roll over in their graves if they saw what was going on here. If they were here they would have stopped it quick, without it going as far as it has, but there are people that really don't see what truly is going on. And the sad part is, when they do, there will be no way to stop it. Drastic measures have to be taken, and quickley. We need heros... one's that are willing to close their ears to kick backs, you rub my back and I'll rub yours mentality. George, we're not only fighting as a people against those in Washingtom, but we're in a battle between good and evil. We're also fighting a spiritual war. We need God more than ever. And when He steps in to help us, we need to keep him in, never leave him out again. We also need to keep an eye on our towns and cities, as the muslums too have their ideas and many [ not all ] hate our christians ways and want to change us.