One week from today a historic election will be held in the Badger state.\u00a0 For those comfortably identified as a \u201cpolitical junkie,\u201d it\u2019s actually rather fascinating.\u00a0 For those who prefer politics be kept far more than even an arm\u2019s length away, it\u2019s an event that will fly completely below all radars.\u00a0 Yet for the Intramuralist, it reveals the wisdom \u2014 or rather, lack of it \u2014 in the established political process.<\/p>\n
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First, briefly, the basic facts:<\/p>\n
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Here\u2019s what the Intramuralist finds foolish in this process…<\/p>\n
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First, I\u2019m astounded by any adult whose means of dealing with undesirable circumstances is to run away.\u00a0 I\u2019m reminded of my 13 year old; he\u2019s still maturing.\u00a0 There are times when we have some tough conversations, and often, those are conversations he prefers not to have.\u00a0 What\u2019s one of his current coping strategies?\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not having this conversation!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 And then he storms away.\u00a0 I don\u2019t care about party affiliation.\u00a0 Have the tough conversation.\u00a0 Stand proud and respectfully articulate your point when you disagree.\u00a0 Otherwise, there\u2019s great question for the need of maturing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Second, the decision to recall Gov. Walker was made only a few months into his initial term.\u00a0 I am struck by how partisanship so often trumps reason \u2014\u00a0 whether you are calling for Walker\u2019s recall or the impeachment of a president.\u00a0 Unless engaged in obvious criminal activity, give the elect their initial term.\u00a0 If you are satisfied, vote for him again.\u00a0 If you are dissatisfied, vote him out.\u00a0 But don\u2019t allow partisanship to masquerade as any sense of wisdom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And thirdly, notice the massive amount of money by those desiring to oust Gov. Walker \u2014 and those who support him.\u00a0 Estimates vary, but the reality is that Wisconsin has spent millions on these recall efforts.\u00a0 For the 8 state senator recall races, an estimated $31 million was spent.\u00a0 In the Governor\u2019s recall election, that amount is expected to soar. \u00a0(Hmmm… wouldn’t those millions actually help fix<\/strong> the budgetary problems?)<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Evidence of even more impurity?\u00a0 Millions of the contributions opposing and<\/em><\/strong> supporting Walker are coming from organizations and people outside<\/em><\/strong> the state of Wisconsin.\u00a0 In order words, non-Badgers are badgering the Badger elections.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Friends, whether you are engrained in a firm Republican or Democrat stance, if you believe your party\u2019s establishment and the election strategy is pure, you are either unaware or ignoring the facts.\u00a0 The fact is that too much money is involved in politics.\u00a0 Money is polluting the system.\u00a0 Without a doubt, it\u2019s currently polluting the otherwise beautiful state of Wisconsin.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The fundamental question in the state of Wisconsin \u2014 the argument that the Intramuralist believes should be wrestled with and the argument over which good people will still disagree \u2014 is what is the long term impact of union contracts on state government?\u00a0 Is there any truth to the belief that unions funnel money to their candidates who, if elected, then return the favor by approving overly generous contracts?\u00a0 What is honorable?\u00a0 What is good?\u00a0 What is good for the economy?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While serving as the original impetus for the protests, the campaigns are no longer discussing the long term impact of collective bargaining. \u00a0The economic conditions in Wisconsin have been improving. \u00a0Yet due to the massive amounts of money distorting the political process, people and parties are now simply attempting to get \u201ctheir guy\u201d elected.\u00a0 Hence, neither the Badger nor the watching non-Badger can easily discern what is wise.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Respectfully,<\/p>\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" One week from today a historic election will be held in the Badger state.\u00a0 For those comfortably identified as a \u201cpolitical junkie,\u201d it\u2019s actually rather fascinating.\u00a0 For those who prefer politics be kept far more than even an arm\u2019s length away, it\u2019s an event that will fly completely below all radars.\u00a0 Yet for the Intramuralist, … <\/p>\n