Voter ID. It's about time!

Voter ID: It's about time!

Conservatives in our state assembly and Senate are finally on a fast-track to passing voter ID. I say conservatives are on a fast-track to passing it, because liberals are adamantly opposed. For this blog entry, I am going to focus on liberal objections to this bill.

Liberals state that African-Americans, poor people and students will be disenfranchised if this bill becomes law. The reason? It is too expensive to obtain a photo identification card. According to Eugene Kane, columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, there are approximately 80,000 people in Milwaukee County who have suspended or revoked drivers licenses. He goes on to say that a higher percentage of African-Americans and Latinos do not carry an official photo ID.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/121680058.html

Mr. Kane is suggesting that this is racism, but Mr. Kane is always suggesting racism.

So, let's examine the cost aspect of obtaining a photo identification. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website, and original identification card costs $28 and is good for eight years. That breaks down to a cost of $3.50 per year. 

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/driver-fees.htm#identification

Liberals state that poor cannot afford a $28 identification card. So, let's take a look at what it would cost for the average person to go vote assuming they don't have a car. They would either have to take the bus, or a taxicab. I decided to check rates on taxicab fare in the city of Milwaukee. 

http://yellowcabmilwaukee.com/ratesreservations/

According to the site, the cost for taking a taxi is $2.75 for the first one 10th of a mile and $.25 for each additional one 10th of a mile. There is also a charge of $.35 per each 1 min. of waiting time. I went on the city of Milwaukee website and searched for voting locations. I plugged in an address of 1815 N. 33rd St. and did a search for the voting location for that ward. It came back with an address of 1945 N. 31st St., which is the Westside Academy. I then went on RAND McNally.com and plugged in those addresses. According to RAND McNally, it is 3/10 of a mile. That means to take a taxi to vote would cost $3.25 one way. If you have the driver wait for you, the round trip would cost four dollars not including the time that the driver would have to wait for you. If you could get in and out in 10 minutes, that would be an additional $3.50 for a grand total of $7.50.

That is the lowest estimate that I could come up with. Now, assuming the person votes in both the primary and the general election, and votes in every major election which we have every two years, it would cost $15 each voting year. Over that same eight-year period of time that a photo ID is good for, it would cost a person $60 in taxi fare to go vote, which is twice the cost of the photo ID card. I realize that some people will walk, but many won't. That means that poor, the students and the minorities can afford the transportation cost involved in getting to vote, but can't afford the ID according to liberals. That just doesn't make sense.

Now let's put the requirements for identification into perspective. If I decide that I want to go catch a fish, under state law I am required to get a license to fish. According to the Department of natural resources website, an annual fishing license for an adult costs $20. That's important to remember. It costs $20 per year to have fishing license, but only $3.50 per year to have a photo ID. 

Http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/cs/restypes.asp

According to the Department of natural resources online licensing Center, a nonresident can set up a customer account using their Social Security number and date of birth. A resident can set up an account using their drivers license, Social Security number and date of birth. If you are a resident of Wisconsin and do not have a drivers license, you will need to visit an agent location to provide proof of residency. So, not only am I required to obtain a license to fish, I also have to provide proof of residency in order to obtain that fishing license.

What happens if you are caught fishing without a license? 

http://www.wisbar.org/res/capp/2008/2008ap000373.htm

In the case of Barry J Smith, Sr, his fine was $188.20, and in his case he purchased a fishing license in July of 2006 and it expired in March of 2007. Mr. Smith believed that he had a 12 month license, but in reality this license expired on March 31 because according to the Department of natural resources, no matter when you purchase your fishing license expires on March 31.

My point in bringing this up is to show just how much we regulate certain things in Wisconsin. You have to have a license to catch a fish. Let me say that again. You have to have a license to catch a fish. Liberals are okay with all of this, but have a problem with the person having to provide the same information to vote. Call me crazy, but I think voting is slightly more important than catching a fish.

Changes in Waupun Schools. Good or bad depends on your point of view.

Mr. B is out, fifth and sixth grade band is out and a student attempted to set himself on fire this week at the high school.

Obviously I write about my opinions, but when I do so, I like to deal in facts. I don't like rumors, and when I hear rumors about a subject that interests me, I go out and seek facts before I write.

I was told some interesting things that have been going on within the Waupun schools. I didn't like any of what I heard so I decided to go ask questions. 

First, I was told 5th and 6th grade band has been dropped at the Rock River Intermediate School. I was told no one seems to know who authorized this move. I went to the school and spoke with the Principal, Geri Kempf and to be honest, I left the meeting with more questions than answers. Mrs. Kempf stated that band as we currently know it has been eliminated at RRIS. I asked who authorized that decision and I did not get an answer. She went on to say the district is looking at creative ways to bring it back. When I asked her for details, she refused to provide any saying they didn't want rumors about the ideas until a final decision is made.

I personally don't like this approach. As a parent of a child in the district, I believe parents and tax payers have the right to know what's going on so they can give input. Mrs. Kempf didn't respond to that. 

Not getting any answers, I made an appointment with Donald Childs, the District Administrator. Mr. Childs was a bit more candid, but I still felt there were some things he wasn't completely open about. We discussed several issues. 

First, he confirmed 5th and 6th grade band at RRIS has been eliminated. He gave one idea of what they are considering  to bring it back. They are looking at having a later start one day per week, possibly Wednesdays, with all students arriving on time. While the band students practice, the other students would do things like learn various math skills in computer lab. No actual classes would start until the band students are finished with practice. He said they are also considering having the band students come in early a couple days per week for practice in addition to the Wednesday practice.

 

Next, I asked about another rumor, that being the HS band director, Heath Benedum, or Mr. "B" to his students, is being let go. Mr. Childs confirmed this and informed me Mrs. Sauer, band teacher at RRIS, would be moving to the High School and assuming Mr. B's position. Mrs. Sauer would also be teaching 7th and 8th grade band. He stated this decision came down to experience and certification, which Mrs. Sauer has more of. I asked why, if Mrs. Sauer had more experience, was she not the HS band director before now. Mr. Childs stated he didn't know as these people were in place before he came to the district, but he speculated it may have been Mrs. Sauer's preference.

I am aware that Mr. B is quite popular with students and Mrs. Sauer is not. I pointed this out to Mr. Childs. I also told him there is speculation that some school board members wish to eliminate music entirely, and the hope is many students will quit band if Mr. B is gone, and if that happens, the board can eliminate the band, at the very least and say it was due to lack of student interest. Mr. Childs denied this saying the board members are committed to the music programs because students that can read music tend to do better in Math. 

I am a person who pays attention to body language and facial expressions, and while Mr. Childs insisted the school board does not wish to eliminate music program, he wouldn't look at me when he said it. He looked off to his right as he said it. I'm not saying this is proof he was lying, but I did find it interesting.

I asked Mr. Childs what he thought about students quitting band because they don't like the new band instructor. His response was that parents need to be responsible and talk to their students about their dedication to band regardless of who is teaching. I pointed out that students may not do as well with the teacher they do not like and may excel with the instructor they really like who does a very good job. Mr. Childs response was that legally their hands are tied because appropriate notice must be given and that has already been done.

He went on to say that like with any new position, the new instructor would be on probation for one year and that if things didn't work out with the new instructor, they would possibly be able to make changes which include bringing the old instructor back. I said so you want Mr. B to just hang around for a year to see if he can get his old job back? Mr. Childs responded saying that a lot of schools are eliminating their music programs, so there will be fewer positions and competition for these jobs is going to be fierce so Mr. B may not be able to find another job.

He also stated there is a possibility that Mr. B may be needed if they are able to bring back the fifth and sixth grade band to the Rock River school. It would be a very part-time position. I found both of these responses to be very disrespectful to Mr. B.

I understand the school board has to make cuts, and Mr. Childs asked me where I would make cuts if I could choose. I said that, in my opinion, the agriculture classes could be eliminated. I know many may disagree, but my reasoning is quite simple. The vast majority of students that decide to go into farming are typically kids that grew up on farms themselves, and have already learned the essentials they need to farm if that's what they decide to do. I'm not saying the agriculture programs are not important, I'm simply saying that if cuts are necessary you should cut a program where students can get their instruction at home as opposed to band where students can't get their instruction at home.

The last item I discussed with Mr. Childs was in regards to an incident that happened this past Monday at the high school. I had been told that a 14-year-old male student had walked into the school, went into a bathroom near the Commons, doused himself with gasoline and attempted to set himself on fire. I said I found the story to be interesting and I found it especially interesting that neither of our local papers covered the story.

Mr. Childs confirmed that a young male student came into the school with a water bottle filled with gasoline, went into a bathroom, poured the gasoline all over himself and unsuccessfully tried to ignite it. He stated that the police school liaison officer, Patty Toll spoke with this young man, and the young man stated his reasoning for doing this was because he was getting bullied at school. The student was taken to Waupun hospital. 

The students mother was then to take him to a hospital in Fond du Lac for a mental evaluation. According to Mr. Childs, the mother initially did not follow through with this plan, and Officer Toll went and spoke with the students mother on her own time and convinced her to take the student in.

Mr. Childs stated that the allegations of bullying are being looked into, and the students who allegedly did the bullying are being questioned. Mr. Childs could not explain the lack of news coverage on this but added that they do not do press conferences because they have to protect the identity of their students. I again stated that I could not understand how police, fire personnel and an ambulance crew could all be sent to a public high school because of the student trying to set himself on fire and no news outlet knows anything about it.

Mr. Childs responded stating that he knew that the Police Department and ambulance crew did respond to the scene, but he was not sure if the fire department was called in. He said he believed the custodial staff cleaned up the gasoline in the bathroom.

I don't know how a school district administrator could not know whether or not a fire department was at one of the schools, especially when the district is as small as ours. I realize that the amount of gasoline that was used in the bathroom was small, but gasoline is a hazardous material and I'm surprised that they would leave cleanup to the custodial staff.

This bullying story is not getting much attention, but I think parents have a right to know for the safety of their own children that a student walked into the high school with a bottle of gasoline, poured it over himself and tried to set himself on fire.

It is my opinion that these are all issues that the school board and the district administrator need to address. There is a lack of transparency with the administration in our school district and that to me is unacceptable.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 2 at 7 PM at the education service center on Wilcox Street right behind Meadowview primary school. Regardless of your position on these issues, I am encouraging both parents and students alike to go to the school board meeting and share your concerns if you have any.

To the band students at Waupun High School: if you enjoy band and are fond of Mr. B, please consider going to the next school board meeting on Monday. Don't assume that because of your ages that your opinions don't matter because they do. The school board members should be fully aware of how you feel about this.

Poking fun of a child with Down's Syndrome...For the left, there is no such thing as "too low."

There are times when one wonders why they have to even take the time to write about something. I know that we live in a time when heated political rhetoric is at an all-time high. I know people on the left hate Sarah Palin and that is their right. Over the last few years, Sarah Palin has taken quite a beating from the left. Her daughter Bristol has also taken quite a beating. But there are some people and topics that are just off limits, like, for example, an innocent child with Down's syndrome. But some people won't even stop there.

http://wonkette.com/greatest-living-american-a-childrens-treasury-of-trig-crap-on-his-birthday

A blogger on the site, an individual named Jack Stuef, decided to dedicate an entire blog post to Trig Palin, Sarah Palin's son. Someone from team Sarah posted a happy birthday message at the exact time of his birth. They wrote a poem.The last paragraph of the poem says 

"oh, little boy what are you dreaming about

A mother's soft lullaby... The soft touch of her hand... The soft sound of her voice as she says I love you

Dream a little boy as the Angels stand guard."

The blogger then said this "What's he dreaming about? Nothing. He's retarded."

As someone who has a special needs person in his family, it absolutely amazes me that with all the progress we've made, this kind of thing could possibly still go on. I have an older brother who turned 49 a few weeks ago. He suffered a brain injury at birth due to the negligence of a nurse. I grew up watching and listening to insensitive people stare, giggle and just poke fun of my big brother. You see, my brother makes strange hand gestures at times, pulls funny faces and just doesn't act "normal." Anyone with a working brain can look at him for 30 seconds and knows he is a special needs person, but that doesn't stop some people from poking fun.

My brother has a real disadvantage in that he is different, but he also knows he's different. He's also smart enough and is well aware of what goes on around him so he knows when people are staring at him.

It's difficult enough growing up and seeing your two younger brothers get their drivers licenses, get married and have children of their own and know that you are not able to do the same. But to add insult to injury, he can't even go out in public without people staring at him and poking fun of him. There have been a few times when I have witnessed this in restaurants where I have told my brother to go wash his hands, and while he was gone, I would walk over to the people that were poking fun of him and publicly embarrass them. For most, that public embarrassment was enough to get them to stop but some people didn't even let embarrassment stop them.

Everyone is familiar with that phrase "I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy." That is something I have said time and time again in my life. However, there are some people who should have to go through what people like my brother go through. There would be no better medicine than to have the same issues that a special needs person has while at the same time having a fully functioning brain to be able to process the hurt that the special needs person lives with. 

People like the author of this blog have no class whatsoever. In fact, I would argue that my brother is handicapped, but this blogger is the one that is retarded.

What people don't realize, is that something so simple as slipping on the ice and hitting their head could leave them in the exact same condition as my brother. Or, a family member of a special needs person who gets fed up and takes a baseball bat to people that do this sort of thing.

An open letter to all public union members.

The following is a letter to all public union members. Please note that I did not write this. The individual that did write this said to feel free to pass it along, but requested that his name not be used. To me, it's an excellent letter which is why I am passing it along.

For the last three months I have witnessed you public employee union members carry on your rage filled tantrums. At first it was directed against our elected governor and legislature. It involved death threats to them and their children, and vandalism to their personal property.

It then was directed at our beautiful historic capitol building and included damaging the walls, breaking windows and urinating on the floors.

Your rage was also directed at the very existence of our governmental functions by screaming and pounding on your pots and pans, disrupting daily work at the Capitol for weeks and by trying to reverse the elections of last fall which obviously didn't go your way.

Your tantrums soon were then directed at businesses of large and small, the very backbone of our state's economy, threatening the people who raise the capital in order for people to pay taxes to pay your salaries and benefits.

Now your rage is directed at "We the people," the hand that feeds you. At the taxpayer Day rally you screamed and booed at a young girl as she spoke and sang "God bless America." Real nice. You try to drown anyone out at every turn and take any available opportunity to shove your agenda in our faces whenever you can.

If your behavior is to bring attention to yourselves, it is working. I have taken notice and will show my displeasure at the polls at every election.

One consequence of your rage filled tantrums is that I can never look at a teacher again without wondering if the teacher is one of the thugs in sheep's clothing that we have seen so much of. Great examples for our youth. The "shame, shame, shame" that you constantly scream at people should be directed right back at you.

Keep up your antics as I am probably not the only member of the silent majority that you have polarized to do whatever it takes to keep Democrats out of office. For that I do thank you and for no more. We will show you "what democracy looks like" because what you think it looks like is very wrong.

The Waupun union resolution and the story that just won't go away.

Union people are unhappy with the latest Waupun Council resolution.

The following appeared in the Fond Du Lac Reporter today, April 17. 

http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20110417/FON0101/104170428/Union-says-Waupun-Council-resolution-will-accomplish-little?odyssey=tab|topnews|img|FRONTPAGE

According to the mayor, "The wrong information was purposely sent out in the community, which only served to tear it further apart." She went on to say "what's very disturbing is that a copy of that resolution, which was working draft for the Council, was passed around town and to the Republican Party in Waupun. The Council didn't even get the final draft until the Saturday before the April 12 meeting."

Not so fast mayor.

In the same article, city administrator Kyle Clark said the original intent of the resolution was to recognize that the process of collective bargaining had been a part of the city's municipal operation for years.

He would be right about what was intended. Let's take a look at the timeline of the events that took place with this resolution.

This is an e-mail that was sent out on March 23, 2011 from the city administrator to the Mayor and Council members. It had the proposed resolution attached. I purposely altered portions of the e-mail addresses so these people would not get hammered with spam mail.

From: Kyle Clark <****@cityofwaupun.org>
To: Jodi Steger <*******@cityofwaupun.org>
Cc: ****@accsuccess.com; Dan Ganz <*****@cityofwaupun.org>; Steve Bastian <************@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wed, March 23, 2011 10:57:11 AM
Subject: resolution

Mayor Jodi and Alderpersons:

 Attached is a resolution regarding the impact of the State budget deficit and

Community wide impact on the City of Waupun including employees, businesses, and residents.

 It also addresses local control regarding collective bargaining and local decisions regarding tax dollars.

 A Resolution is scheduled for consideration next Tuesday at the COW meeting.

 Let me know of your input.

 Kyle Clark

City Administrator

City of Waupun

My alderman forwarded that e-mail to me with the resolution attached. I then blogged about the proposed resolution on the weekend of March 26 and 27. Then the committee of the whole meeting was held on Tuesday, March 29. This is a link to a story about what happened at that meeting.

http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/news/local/article_5e9dd5cc-5a7a-11e0-bcdc-001cc4c03286.html

Now, take a look at the actual proposed "be it resolved" portion of the resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the city of Waupun supports local city employees and the approximately 10,623 public workers in Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties and the city of Waupun supports the principals of collective bargaining and requests that the city of Waupun retain local decision making with its employee unions regarding good faith collective bargaining and decisions associated with local tax dollars.

Ald. Steve Bastian said "I'm against any resolution. It's not necessary." Ald. Dan Ganz agreed. Ald. Mike Johnson moved to change some of the wording and vote on it at the April 12 Council meeting.

This whole story is just not adding up. In following the timeline of this resolution, it appears that the original resolution was what they intended to vote on, however, word got out and a lot of people complained and they ended up having to rewrite it. I had made contact with City Hall on Monday, March 28. I asked if the proposed resolution was posted anywhere and was told it was not. I was told we proposed resolution would be available for people to pick up just before the meeting on March 29. So, some of our city leaders didn't have any intention of letting anyone see that resolution before it was voted on, at least not with any respectable notice.

This is the actual "be it resolved" portion of the resolution that was passed on April 12.

"Now therefore be it resolved that the city of Waupun recognizes the differences of opinion that exist and wishes to acknowledge the value of our local public and private sector employees, our local businesses, our local service organizations, and the citizens of law upon that together make this great community."

That is quite a change from the original proposed resolution. How we actually arrived at this point is somewhat uncertain. The mayor has one version, but the timeline of events seems to make that version just seem a little strange.

In my opinion, that original resolution is what would've been passed had word not got out about what was actually in it.

Mayor, the only information that was sent out to the community was the resolution itself. How is that the "wrong information?"

Kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it?