Twitter

I haven't been updating the blog as often as I'd like. If you want to hear from me more often you can follow me on Twitter @puremilkgenius

Scott Walker

I live in Wisconsin, have for most of my life. I vote regularly; however I abstained from voting for Governor in the last election; the choices were between the incumbent Democrat Jim Doyle, who was horrible, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker, and a third party guy I can't remember. I knew I wasn't going to vote for Doyle, and the third party guy had some odd stances. The only valid choices were Walker or abstaining, I chose to abstain. I don't trust people from Milwaukee, that place is run horribly, and he used too much of the "I'm a regular guy who's going to change things" attitude, I didn't believe him, still not sure if I do. But the last week or so there has been a fight in the state over his new budget proposals, namely his initiative to reform public sector unions, making them contribute more to pensions and healthcare, changing their collective bargaining power, and making the first moves toward making Wisconsin a Right to Work state. I was surprised at how far he went, and I don't agree with his reasoning for why he's doing it, but I'm loving the fact that it's happening.

There are many teachers in the state protesting the proposal, abandoning their responsibilities at school and heading down to the capitol. But, since I heard about this, I have been considering taking up the profession myself. I had thought about it before, but I WILL NOT join a union. Not because I think they are the Devil or run by Socialists, but because I don't like other people making decisions for me. I work for me, not for others. If I'm doing a better job than someone else I want to be paid more, not the same.

The truth is, these union members are not protesting because they think unions help everyone, many have said themselves that they don't care if them keeping their benefits means others get laid off. This is about people not being confident that are the best at their jobs and can demand certain things based on their value to the employer. As a business owner (even though the business doesn't make much money) I know that a good employee can demand more than a bad one, if the person is good enough the employer will pony up to keep them around.