Defend Wisconsin News Round Up

We bring together news links on the subject of Wisconsin politics. For latest political news, follow Defend Wisconsin News Round Up on Twitter!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

ACTION FLASH MOB

CALL THE WHITE HOUSE TODAY

Demand an investigation and immediate Federal presence to challenge the Wisconsin GOP for violating FEDERAL LAW declaring war against the SOVEREIGN NATIONS OF THE GREAT LAKES with the mining bill before our Legislature TODAY.

Kelda Roys has filed a FOI request regarding Walker Administration contacts with Gogebic Taconite 45 days ago. But on Monday, she received a voicemail saying they would respond "in the next few weeks". What are they trying to hide?

Switchboard: 202-456-1414

Today in the Wisconsin State Assembly, the formerly-known-as-Republican party, guided by Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald is attempting to ram yet another despicable bill through the House that will destroy the Great Lakes environment, destroy tribal agricultural wet lands (wild rice), and more. The Native Tribes were negated from participation in this horrific legislation.


Stand with the tribes TODAY! Please SHARE this and spread it everywhere... I didn't even write it but it needs to get out... Please help us make this TREATY BUSTING get the justice it deserves!


http://wcmcoop.com/members/global-flash-mob-stop-the-fascists-as-they-break-federal-treaty-law-call-the-white-house-and-demand-federal-intervention/


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Poll shows Jon Erpenbach with most support, Tom Barrett with least

According to the results of a non scientific poll conducted by Defend Wisconsin News Round Up via our Facebook page, by far the greatest number of people support the candidacy of Jon Erpenbach for Governor of Wisconsin.

The question asked was as follows: "Who do you support in the race for Governor?  Let's presume Russ will not run and that we will all support whoever the nominee is in the end".   During approximately 24 hour period, 337 people cast their vote and Jon Erpenbach candidacy gathered 120 votes.  The next closest runners up: Peter Barca, Russ Feingold and Dave Obey, got 41 votes each. Kathleen Vinehout garnered 20 votes, Ron Kind and Doug La Follette got 16 votes each, Mahlon Mitchell 11 votes, Kathleen Falk 8 votes, Dave Hansen, Lena Taylor, Tim Cullen and Scott Walker with 4 votes each,  Tommy Thompson 3 votes, Tom Barrett 2 votes, Herb Kohl 1 vote and Someone Else 1 vote.

Conclusions that can be drawn from these numbers:

1. Those who voted in this poll are active in the anti-Walker recall movement and are also active social media users.  These are the people who are looking for information, have passionate views and are actively looking to connect with others.  This may not be the majority of the electorate, but these are the people who are most likely to go and knock on doors for candidate of their choice.

2. Two of the top 4 vote getters - Jon Erpenbach and Russ Feingold - have already announced that they will not be running in the recall election.  This leaves a field of candidates that are not generating as much excitement but may prove to be just as able in unseating Walker in a recall election.

3. Last year's Democratic nominee for Governor - Tom Barrett - came in nearly at the bottom of the poll with 2 votes, with only Herb Kohl and Someone Else getting fewer votes.  In a scientific poll, getting 2 votes would be considered being within a margin of error, meaning statistically insignificant number.  Considering that Tom Barrett may be considering his options at this time, this may not be the best omen for his candidacy as a gubernatorial candidate.  

4. While I am personally a fan of a primary, findings of this poll present arguments both for and against having a primary to determine the eventual Democratic nominee to take on Scott Walker.  With the most popular candidates sitting the recall out, it may be a battle between those that the public feels lukewarm about versus candidates that inspire no enthusiasm whatsoever from those most passionate about recalling the Governor.  Anyone of these potential candidates could potentially beat Scott Walker in an election, especially with the job picture showing no signs of improvement.  But with all the advantages held by Scott Walker - money, having a head start on any competition, and more money - having a primary may be a great way for Democrats to create a leader who will come out of a friendly contest with better name recognition, time to create a brand and time to raise money.

In the end, a question: why are those most likely to win, chose to not participate?

By the way, voting is still open so here's your chance to weigh in:  Vote!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Scott Walker PR blunder in Janesville: UPDATE

The infamous Scott Walker smiling in front of the closed GM plant billboard (whistling past the graveyard?) is now gone.  It's been replaced by what you see in this picture.  The plant is obviously still there but since there's no activity, there aren't many lights on, either.

The original piece was picked up by Daily Kos:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/01/11/1053897/-Scott-Walker-Billboard-Fail-(another-Bwuhahaha-moment)?via=siderec

Follow up pieces appear in Blogging Blue:
http://bloggingblue.com/2012/01/11/massive-fail/

and PolitiScoop:
http://www.politiscoop.com/us-politics/wisconsin-politics/663-walker-pulls-a-perry-uh-oooops.html

Scott Walker PR blunder in Janesville

A photo of a billboard in Janesville, Wisconsin, featuring a smiling Scott Walker, was captured on camera and posted as a pic on Facebook.  Besides a smiling Scott Walker, the billboard states in Walker-campaign font: Scott Walker Creating Jobs for Wisconsin.  Below, the billboard asks the readers to call Governor Walker and thank him.  The advertisement is paid for by the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce association, long known in Wisconsin as a powerful arm of the Republican party.



There is one little problem with this billboard: it is placed directly in front of the now closed GM plant in Janesville.  Such jarring is the disconnect between the smiling Scott Walker and an empty parking lot of a factory that used to employ thousands of people, that those posting the pic had to clarify that this picture was not photoshopped or altered using a software in any way.

Just to make sure that nobody has any questions, I ventured to the plant this morning and filmed the billboard myself.




The reaction to the photograph on Facebook was so swift and strong, that by noon, a friend who works in Washington DC contacted me inquiring if indeed this picture was taken in Janesville, WI.  By 1 pm it was posted on Facebook that the billboard was being removed.  Still, here is the evidence of a terrible PR blunder.

Not unlike a recent blunder by Mitt Romney who said that he liked firing people, it does not matter that the General Motors plant closed several years and had nothing to do with Scott Walker's destructive policies.  It does, however, fit in the very clear narrative, which is this: Scott Walker is bad for Wisconsin and he's been bad for Wisconsin jobs.  His policies are failing, and a billboard with a smiling Scott Walker in front of a shuttered plant acts as a colorful epitaph for his reign.  

By the way, the number to call is 608-266-1212.  Call him, won't you?

Thursday, January 5, 2012

December 27 - January 6 Protest News Round Up

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Stephanie Leigh needs our help!

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: We Did It! Fundraiser for Stephanie Leigh reached it's goal of $1,000

Yuri Rashkin: Christmas Day Attack by Janesville Gazette

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Dear God's Fan Club

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Dear Janesville Gazette

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Janesville Gazette, partisan politics and local elected offices

Two Ex-Scott Walker Staffers Arrested In Ongoing Investigation

Can Paul Ryan be beat? - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Daily Kos: Wisconsin's Overpass Light Brigade: Visible Resistance and Bridges

Peter Barca: Year of Secrecy and Power Grabs Puts Wisconsin Democracy at Risk

Voters can request Wisconsin ID cards online

Senator Erpenbach: We Want You to Run for Governor.

Scott Walker’s War on Poverty | Blogging Blue - Blogging Liberally in the Badger State

Madison, Wisconsin ranked as best educated city in U.S.

Judge: GAB must verify signatures on recall petitions against Gov. Walker - TODAY'S TMJ4

Revelations on Walkergate: 3 former Scott Walker aides charged for theft, fraud, child enticement

Michael Best & Friedrich is too cozy with Gov. Walker and the Wisconsin Supreme Court - Isthmus | Th

» Waukesha-recall with Kathleen Falk! » A United Wisconsin

Mary Williams has no idea what “Treaty Rights” are … Ashland County Demands Public Hearing on Mining

On Campus: Who paid for Gov. Walker's trip to the Rose Bowl?

Gov. Scott Walker: Must Get Past the Recall Election to Move the State Forward

Scott Walker: Big unions will pick my rival - Mackenzie Weinger

Scott Walker Gives Long-Time Crony Huge Pay Raise « Milwaukee County First

Wisconsin's a welfare state where poor families are showered with money: Ron Johnson

Capitol Report: Walker tells conservative D.C. group he "doesn't plan to lose"

Scott Walker Slams Out-Of-State Money In Wisconsin Recall While In Washington For Fundraiser

Walker discusses recall at D.C. think tank - JSOnline

From Monologues of Dissent
*WARNING* This document contains extremely explicit details of the child enticement case against Brian Pierick - heaviliy implicating his partner Timothy Russell (the Walker aide arrested today on felony embezzelment charges). This is very graphic. And absolutely revolting. And they campaign on "values."
http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/large/120105_State_v_Pierick.pdfwww.wispolitics.com
Three charged in John Doe investigation of Walker aides - JSOnline

News :: Scott Walker's Other Big Problem :: The Shepherd Express: Milwaukee's best guide to events,.

Ex-Walker aide arrested; charges to be announced - JSOnline

Breaking News - Ex Walker Aide Arrested - John Doe Investigation Rolling

How a Wisconsin High School Marching Band Became a Political Hot Potato - Forbes

Jorgensen Bill to Help Vets Qualify for State Work Advances

Security Guards Harass us and Flip us off While Collecting Signatures

The Political Environment: Get Ready For New Wisconsin Road Taxes, Fees, And/Or Tolls

Political Heat: Walker ad full of lies, distortions -- and he's hoping you fall for it

While states roll ahead with high-speed rail plans, Wisconsin idles

 State should plan for health care reform - JSOnline

Miller: Has hopes for 'professional way' of coping with 'extreme politics'

Court orders Wisconsin GOP to come clean on redistricting documents

Results - Scott Walker ad

Daily Kos: Pulaski WI Marching Band 'Sticking to the Union' in Rose Bowl Parade (Update)

Walker makes safety council appointment; panel to meet soon - The Lakeland Times - Minocqua, WI

Barrett Files Re-Election Papers

Wisconsin Governor puts a stop to the state’s progress on establishing a health insurance exchange «

On Politics: Rep. Grigsby moves out of intensive care

Citizens' referendum to repeal Emergency Manager law has enough signatures | Eclectablog

More Mass Layoffs, Plant Closings In 2011

Reddit, Still Attacking Paul Ryan, Raises $15,000 For Challenger

Hulsey Campaign: Rep. Brett Hulsey to Gov. Walker: Your new ad is based on broken promises

Federal judges say GOP lawmakers trying to hide redistricting details from public - JSOnline

Fellow Republican Governor Deems Scott Walker and John Kasich Failures

Scott Walker Health Program - Governor Walker Is Not Actually a Good Person

Signature Gathering at El Rey Supermercado

Michelle Obama’s backside is your business how?

Scott Walker Tries to Take Credit for Removing Family Care Caps He Instituted and Was Forced to Remo

Jeana Brown Throws Down on Scott Walker

Overpass Light Brigade in Madison

Cheap Shots 2011 - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Scott Walker — Wisconsin Reporters

Scott Walker . . . Buh-Bye

Gableman defending latest ethics scandal with Patriot Act author, (Fox) News Corp. director

Wisconsin petition coordinator: “We’re over 600,000 (signatures statewide)” to recall Gov. Scott Wal

The llatest episode from Civil Discourse entitled "Is the GOP telling us the whole story?"PodOmatic | Best Free Podcasts

Recall Walker! Car Magnet 10 x 3> Recall Walker!> Union Thug Threads: Labor Union t-shirts & gifts

Conversion of county to state jobs upends 209 workers - JSOnline

Walker agenda has been destructive for Wisconsin - BizTimes

State's decision to halt health exchanges worries insurers - JSOnline

People & Power - The Koch Brothers

U.S. News - Rose Parade disrupters face fines, jail time

Walker recall effort enters final weeks - The Northwoods River News - Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Performance Bonus to Wisconsin for Covering Uninsured Kids

Romney Worships 2011’s False Idol: Paul Ryan

Walker Reaches for Trust Funds

Value of Gableman's legal services disputed - JSOnline

Recalls Dominate Patch's Most Popular Stories of 2011

ASTOP may see loss of funding

2011: the year Wisconsin fought back. SSWIDTMS’s most viewed videos of the year

Daily Kos: Life In the Age of Scott Walker: "You *Are* Being Harassed, And Pretty Soon You're Gonna.

Governor Recall Effort Gains Steam in Wisconsin

Recall Petitioners Continue to Collect Signatures

Viewpoint: Wisconsin's sandstorm

10 Reasons Why Labor Unions Are Going to Win | Dissident Voice

As John Doe Probe Heats Up - Past Misdeeds Plague Walker

Ryan's Shrewd Budget Payday

From Wisconsin’s Department of Unmitigated Gall

Tensions over Walker recall effort lead to rise in complaints to police

Wisconsin Workers: Hope for the Holidays

Cognitive Dissidence: Walker Adds Insult To Injury For State Correction Officers

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Observations and Realizations of 2011

Recall groups seek stay in GOP's lawsuit - JSOnline

Ann Jacobs, an Attorney in Milwaukee posted "IMPORTANT - here is a formal complaint against Justice Gableman filed by the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and Mike McCabe. Share widely."
http://www.wisdc.org/proxy.php?filename=files%2Fpdf+%28imported%29%2Fwdcrequest2011-12-20.pdf
Walker: Punking & Punk'd

Wisconsin Supreme Court Asked By Prosecutor To Reopen Collective Bargaining Lawsuit

Scott Walker: "I Don't Even Know Where Cali Is"

Root River Siren: Scott Walker Named "Governor of the Year" By Fakey Journal

Interview with Dean Pagani, Editor of Governor's Journal

Scott Walker Went to Cali. Out-of-state protesters were ready to meet ‘n’ greet!

DA Asks Wis. Supreme Court to Reopen Union Lawsuit

State DOJ officials wanted to stay out of John Doe probe - JSOnline

Wisconsin Unemployed Could Lose a Check

Effort to Recall Scott Walker Heads to Rose Bowl

Barrett "seriously considering" recall bid - JSOnline

The Wreck of the Brothers Fitzgerald - 250th Solidarity Sing Along

Volunteer Receives Commendation from Senate Senate

Protesters Follow Scott Walker to California

Mike Tate column: Dreams of Wisconsin's next governor

The Wisconsin left made a spectacle of itself in 2011 - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Monologues of Dissent: Walker's "update" doesn't add up

Daily Kos: Report From Wisconsin: Songs, Lights and Signatures

Governor Of The Year – Scott Walker

Governor supports bill making non-strikers eligible for unemployment benefits - JSOnline

John Nichols at Recall Walker pac Barrymore Rally

Wisconsin’s spending is greater than national average, even as Walker slashes education and public s

Judge to Scott Walker recall groups: ‘No intervention’ | The State Column

Gov. Walker: We're standing up for middle class in Wis.

Save the Wisconsin Retirement System

Bill would outlaw paying for recall signatures -- GazetteXtra

"Janesville school-union talks halted" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Walker Tells Low-Income Wisconsinites to Take a Hike - A Tax Hike

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Gableman attorney steps down from judicial selection panel - JSOnline

Walker Stalker harassing Jenna

What a $pectacular year it was! | WisconsinWatch.org

Walker hides behind nonsensical lawsuit to “escape from the electorate” | Blogging Blue - Blogging L

Republicans Require No Photo ID to Vote in Republican Iowa Caucus

Dan Dieterich: Walker aims to make UW a second-tier system

Are Wisconsin public employees over-compensated? | Economic Policy Institute

New work rules set in as contracts lapse

Judge Rules Against Wis Dems Intervention In GOP Recall Lawsuit

Can Paul Ryan—and His Agenda—Be Beat? It's Possible | The Nation

Are You Registered?

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Wisconsin one of few states that will raise taxes on poor

400 Club Reception With Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker - Republican Party of Orange County

Walker’s Republican Party Worked in Conjunction With Big Party Bosses

Sly In The Morning: Really little things you can do to really piss off Scott Walker

WSJ: Waukesha County clerk 'likely broke state law' during April Supreme Court race | Wisconsin Wave

'Governor Of the Year' Lies to State about Family Care

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on MSNBC's Morning Joe

Gov. Walker: Political courage could see set back with his loss in recall

Daily Kos: Feds Order Lifting of Long-Term Care Caps in WI; Walker Tries to Take Credit

Beyond the polls…Moderate Wisconsin Republican voters are ditching Walker as radical right panics

Survey: How would you grade Scott Walker’s first year as governor? - Milwaukee - The Business Journa

Wisconsin awarded $23 million performance bonus for BadgerCare Plus

Spencer Black: Walker and environment: ‘That dog don’t hunt’

Recall Supporters Are Wisconsinites, Too

Al Sharpton Blasts Governor Scott Walker For 'Bogus Claims' (VIDEO)

America’s secret political power

New testimony released on GOP redistricting - JSOnline

Sly In The Morning: Scott Walker Named Governor Of The Year by GoJo

Illegal Voter Intimidation in Conover Wisconsin

Partisan politics in non-partisan elected positions -- WCLO

Governor Walker Announces Plan to Lift Family Care Enrollment Cap, Expand to New Counties

2011, the year of the recall

Your new photo IDs will arrive via mail - JSOnline

Wisconsin Renters Face New Rules

Blue cheddar: a Progressive blog in Wisconsin

Campus Connection: Walker plans to phase out Wisconsin Covenant

The Year the Protester Took Center Stage

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2011 in pictures: This is what Democracy looks like | Blogging Blue - Blogging Liberally in the Badg

Scott Walker Wins Joe McCarthy Renaissance Award

Scott Walker: Wisconsin Recall Process 'Pretty Unusual'

Keeping College Students From the Polls

The Political Environment: Walker Ending 2011 With 70% Of PolitiFact Conclusions Saying "False"

Justice Who Upheld Gov. Walker’s Anti-Union Law Received Over $10k Worth Of Free Services From Walke

Wisconsin Recall Opponents: Barking Up the Wrong Fruit

Walker says he could have sold his changes better

Wis. Dems set up own public hearing on mining bill - CBS News

Walker On The ‘Koch’ Call: ‘It Was Stupid’

Fact-Checking The Fact-Checkers: The AP Releases Misleading Analysis Of Tax Plan

The Political Environment: Assembly Mining Bill Undermines Transparency Claims

Wisconsin Supreme Court Ethics Issues May Lead D.A. to Re-Open Collective Bargaining Suit | Center f

Wisconsin Losing Jobs | Lez Get Real

Wineke: Reflecting On How History Will Treat 2011

Political Heat: Why Walker's association with Grover Norquist matters

Solidarity Sing Along - December 26, 2011

Grigsby regains conscious, well-wishers pray for her health - JSOnline

Walker admits to meeting man jailed in John Doe investigation | Defend Wisconsin

2011–Dec12 FYI: JMI to Host Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker for Naples Luncheon « James Madison Ins

Scott Walker’s Shocking Year-End Revelations

Letter: Wants Walker recalled | Hudson Star-Observer | Hudson, Wisconsin

Plain Talk: If Justice Gableman had any scruples, he’d resign

To win, Democrats have to change - JSOnline

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93-Year-Old Tennessee Woman Who Cleaned State Capitol For 30 Years Denied Voter ID

Illinois couple gift 3,200 acres for recreational use in Minocqua

Worley Dervish: Wisconsin Set to Throw the Republicans Out

The Progressive Honor Roll of 2011 | The Nation

Songs Sung By Working People : Our Carols and Songs

A Light Up Recall Holiday Photo Album

Scott Walker... Executive Orders
2011- Scott Walker


We Did It! Fundraiser for Stephanie Leigh reached it's goal of $1,000!!

As Scott Walker continues to insult the integrity of Wisconsinites by insisting that efforts to recall him are somehow funded by outside interest groups, the reality is that we are doing this on our own time and dime.  People collecting petition signatures, are doing it after work, on our days off, while grocery shopping, and while visiting friends and relatives.  Most of us, if not all, who are running various protest pages and websites, are doing this with no monetary compensation whatsoever, and on that level, Stephanie Leigh's work stands on its own, because she shares an enormous amount of information, which means that she dedicates hundreds and hundreds of hours to sharing with you and me something that she believes we should know.  That fact alone deserves a substantial recognition.

But Stephanie's work goes beyond the amount of information she shares with her fans.  Through her distinct editorial voice, Stephanie garnered support of over 60,000 "likes" through all the pages that she helps administer.  Considering that Scott Walker Facebook page claims to have over 71,000 fans, Stephanie is well on her way to having more "likes" than Scott Walker.  Even in the surreal world of Facebook, having that many fans takes a lot of effort and work, and I should know: I have been running Defend Wisconsin News Round Up since mid-February and I am proud to boast a tenth of the fans that Stephanie does.  And so I take off my hat to Stephanie Leigh for the success that she has enjoyed through her immeasurable efforts and commitment.      

As I watched Stephanie's pages over the past 11 months, I wondered if she is financially able to make things work.  Again, this kind of work is immensely rewarding but it just doesn't pay very much, if at all.  I contacted Stephanie and learned that indeed, things are not going as well as she would've hoped.  Stephanie lost her job a few months back, unemployment was taking its sweet time and she could not count on her family to provide her with support.

Over the years I have listened to my share of NPR fundraisers and even contributed once or twice, and it struck me that what Stephanie is doing is similar to the National Public Radio, in the sense that she is providing something that was of much value to her readers, at no charge whatsoever.  Every day, her pages give its fans hours of reading material, some of it funny some of it serious, but all of it educational, and all of it creating smarter readers and better voters.

Me, I'm a problem solver.  Through my involvement in politics, I have given fundraising a lot of thought.  While I'm opposed to the absolutely insane amount of money that is flooding and endangering our political process, I believe that those candidates who are fully self-funded are really showing that they have no real grassroots support.  If people believe in you, they will contribute.  Not millions of dollars but a few dollars here and there, and with Facebook and other social media outlets allowing for the message to be spread far and wide, those who are interested in being involved, can do so.

Therefore, it made perfect sense to me to set up a fundraiser for Stephanie.  I know that I'm a fan of her work, and I figured that if there are others who claim to like her, (over 10,000 by the latest count) then we should be able to raise a few dollars to help Stephanie defray whatever living expenses she has, and to allow her to do that which she does best - provide us, her readers - with relevant information about important issues.

Lo and behold, in just a few short days, we were able to raise over a $1,000 and the money is on its way to Stephanie.  Thanks to all of you who contributed - nearly 50 - and thanks to all those who shared the updates about the fundraising effort.  I said it before and I'll say it again: it is only by working together that we succeed, and to get Scott Walker recalled, it will take all of us, working together, just like we did to help Stephanie, to make our great state right again!

Yuri Rashkin
Publisher
Defend Wisconsin News Round Up

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Dear God's Fan Club

Dear God’s Fan Club:

January 1 seems a wonderful day to write a letter of unity! Not!

I have finally found, on Facebook no less, a sentiment I previously couldn’t find just the right words for: “I don’t have anything against God. It’s his fan club I can’t stand.”

Well, of course, I am committed to unconditional love for the entire world, but some people are very challenging. Hope I did not hurt your feelings! Why should it be so hard to love God’s fan club! Holy Kitty Cats!

So, of course, now I just have to love this group of people ! I really, really do! I especially love those members of Gods Fan Club who are Republican followers of Governor Walker and Reince Priebus and who shout obscenities at RECALL volunteers on street corners.

I love you most of all—I am pretty sure you have had a sad, sad, shortage of unconditional love in your lives, so I must love you. It is a challenge I cannot avoid. And, for goodness sake, didn't your parents teach you a d@#$ thing?

I suspect that certain Fan Club Members, sometimes referred to as Christians, have done more to harm Christianity that all 3 atheists in Wisconsin ever could! Hope I haven’t hurt your feelings! Think about your personal witness, people! Think!

Yep, I love all flavors of Christians—especially the cursing, shouting, “F-bomb” throwing, finger-gesturing type. Oh, and the arm gesturing type. Do NOT want to forget the arm gestures. Very few people do this kind of thing—thank the Wood Nymphs! But, WOW! Is this what you mean by being “warriors” for Christ? I sincerely hope not!

I still love you, but, holy kitty cats…!!! Do you go to church after go by a group of mostly senior citizens and shouting obscenities? Do you brag about how cool you are?

Can you really picture your leader doing this? Oh, your leader is Jesus if you are a Christian, not Gov Walker or Reince Priebus. Pretty sure you know that, but just making sure.

And, there is a special place in my heart for paranoid fan club members. After all, Christians are in a culturally perilous position in this country—they only constitute 78% of the population! In some surveys, as many as 89% of Americans describe themselves as “highly religious.”

I mean, honestly, what do you call someone who has 78% of the pie, but wants it all? Right! Think about it… That 22% does not pose a deadly threat. Why, Americans would rather elect a child abuser than an atheist! Breathe… You do not have to kill their Mosque first before they kill your church. Remember…democracy…freedom of religion…Constitution…!

Ewwwww…ahhh…oh… Actually, that Constitution thingy can bite you in the a@#. Forget I said that. Before long, everyone will want protection by it.

Hmmm... This is a delicate subject. I have been meaning to talk to you about your complete lack of a sense of reciprocal values.

See, if YOU have a right to a Tea Bag (Party or Bag--never can remember :>) rally with really ugly signs, then your political opponents have the right to public political expression, also. I believe most Tea Bag/Party people are Fans of God? I believe they would be outraged if I drove by and shouted rude messages and made rude gestures?

I don't want to hurt your feelings, but you have the moral development of an earth worm if you cannot understand that it works both ways! Hope I didn't hurt your feelings! Bless your hearts! Honestly, you need an instruction book, don't you?

I understand that many Fan Club Members believe the USA has a state religion and want the US to be (or believe that it already is!) a theocracy—as in “The United States is a Christian Nation!” Ah… well…don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings here. Trying to pose this delicately…Hmmm...Ever think about reading? READING history? READING the Constitution?

And, which branch of Christianity did you want to be the National Religion? Catholicism? Baptist? Southern Baptist? Which Baptist? Lutheran? Unitarian? I vote for Unitarian! I don’t want to gossip, but I have heard some of you say that the others aren’t Christian, so…? Which one? I love you all, but… not all you Fan Club members are crazy about each other.

Just remember, when you go by and give me the finger, or the arm, or shout rude messages—I can see your license plates and read your bumper stickers. Business owners, you are not doing yourselves any favors to curse and shout. You can disagree politely—and gain everyone’s respect. But, I CAN SEEEEEE YOU! And, some of the things you do are illegal. Illegal.

I love you! I really, really do. Have you thought of anger management classes? Etiquette classes? Business management classes? Going to church MORE frequently? Listening? I don’t want to be presumptuous, but have you read the Bible?

I am presuming that most of you belong to the Party of Family Values—are your children in the car with you!?! Other people's children?

Is shouting, cursing, and using the "F word" a new family value? Could this possibly explain all the poorly behaved children in school these days?

Is this the explanation of bullying in school? After all, they say that school bullies have parents who are bullies? Just sayin'

Hope I didn’t hurt your feelings!

Your friend,

Vivian