Wisconsin Democrat Absentee Madness [LIVE THREAD]

Free Republic ^ | 2/18/2011 | paulycy

[paulycy]

[LIVE THREAD] This is the place to post the ongoing exploits of the good guys and bad guys involved in Wisconsin's continuing constitutional crisis...

[taxcontrol]

Only need one more for a fiscal quorum but we have enough to pass other legislation.

[paulycy]

I’d like to find out if they are paying their bills with govt credit cards, then let them know that doing so is misuse of govt funds. Then fine them on top of making them pay it back, after they get out of jail.

[LiveFreeOrDie2001]

Wis. Senate Adjourns Indefinitely Waiting for Democrats !!!!!

Link:

http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1980841.shtml?cat=1

[paulycy]

Thank you sooo much- I was getting DIZZY from all the threads.

You are very welcome. I get so much out of your threads. This is my first. I hope it's helpful.

[PapaBear3625]

So ... why doesn't the GOP separate the collective bargaining provisions into a new bill, pass it through committee, and vote on it without the Dems present? That seems to be the big sticking point, and it has nothing to do with appropriations. A quorum isn't needed to vote on a collective bargaining bill, is it?

And while they're at it, make Wisc a right-to-work state, and pass Vermont-style CCW and a stand-your-ground law.

[PapaBear3625]

You can pass a Senate rules change with 2/3 of members present, with just majority quorum. Pass a rule that provides a fine of $5,000 for evading a quorum call. Per day.

[Pusterfuss]

And while they're at it, make Wisc a right-to-work state, and pass Vermont-style CCW and a stand-your-ground law.

I'd love to be able to keep my "legally permitted" weapon on me when I cross the border. Now, if I am forgetful and cross into Wisc from Minn with it, I am committing a felony.

[taxcontrol]

I’m all in favor of that. But can we hold off till we get a couple of recall petitions going? If we can just replace one of the run run run dems, then the republicans can do what they want.

[donhunt]

This is truly one of the most humorous situations I run across in my lifetime.
I’ve never seen such a bunch of cowards. I’ve seen equally greedy groups but not to the extent that they were willing to make total fools of themselves in this manner.
The unions and Democrats have no conception of leadership.
My question is how do they expect to pay for what the teachers want?
The whole world is laughing.

[Bringbackthedraft]

The private sector is being gang raped by those in government .......................................... That mob in the cartoon, are the members of Gov’t of England during the 40’s.

[justlurking]

I heard on Vicki McKenna’s show (a local WI conservative talk show) today that these derelict Senators could be charged with a Class 1 felony under WI law for not performing their key legislative duties (such as showing up for votes).

Can someone provide a cite to the statute?

I'd rather see it for myself, than believe a radio personality.

[knittnmom]

Thanks. http://www.channel3000.com/politics/26914342/detail.html - Protesters Push Boycott Of Walker’s Supporters. List on FB. Seems we could make sure to buy from the same list.

[dragnet2]

Yeah, and the pig in the cartoon is your corrupt government.

[paulycy]

Here are links to some of the Wisconsin protest threads. I know it's not complete. Please cross post links here to any I've missed. Thanks.

Walker delays budget as short-term fix stalls - PROTEST GOES INTO FOURTH DAY

WISCONSIN: How to build a Quorum with 19 members. [VANITY]

Was Wednesday's 'sick out' by Madison teachers an illegal strike?

Easy Solution For Wisconsin Senate

Wisconsin Law on Declaring Vacancies in the Legislature

Fire the AWOL public servants!

[Petrosius]

How long do the Democrats need to be out of state before they can be declared non-residents, thus ineligible to hold office and their seats vacant?

[BuckeyeTexan]

There seems to be general confusion about the quorum requirement. As I understand the issue ...

• The WI Constitution requires a 3/5 quorum for this type of bill. The quorum is not simply a Senate rule that can be waived by those senators who are present.
• They need 20 senators present to declare a quorum. There are 19 Republicans and 14 Democrats. It wouldn't change anything if a Republican changed his/her party.
• A quorum must be officially declared before the Senate can vote. The Senate cannot "presume" that a quorum is present. Any business conducted in the absence of a required quorum is considered null and void.

Wisconsins Constitution

Aricle IV
Organization of legislature; quorum; compulsory attendance.
SECTION 7.
Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members; and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may compel the ttendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide.

Article VIII
Vote on fiscal bills; quorum.
SECTION 8.
On the passage in either house of the legislature of any law which imposes, continues or renews a tax, or creates a debt or charge, or makes, continues or renews an appropriation of public or trust money, or releases, discharges or commutes a claim or demand of the state, the question shall be taken by yeas and nays, which shall be duly entered on the journal; and three/fifths of all the members elected to such house shall in all such cases be required to constitute a quorum therein.

[lucky american]

The co-workers were talking today....

The unions are cutting their own throats and showing America what arrogant imbeciles they really are.
I believe this will spread to other cities (as well it should) and open the eyes of the people that pay the exorbitant salaries of these leeches.

[paulycy]

Obama rallies union base as budget standoff grips Wisconsin

[BuckeyeTexan]

IANAL. Don’t accept my interpretation of the law as fact.

[paulycy]

They’re putting their cards on the table, that’s for sure.

Their cards show them to be stupid and greedy.