Here is one more example of why the Senate Committee led by Sen. Neal Kedzie and supported by Bob Jauch just does not make sense. Jauch has gone so far as to describe Kedzie in this manner: "He's a very reasonable legislator whom I've worked closely with in the past. I have reached out to him and he has indicated a desire to approach this issue in a thoughtful and responsible way." Not only does Kedzie like mascots that are offensive he is sneaking around trying to gut the mining law before the committee has their first meeting. Geez - and this committee really expects our full confidence and respect?
Senator Jauch's support for Kedzie is at best confusing. Kedzie does not support banning the use of mascots in our schools and Kedzie has introduced proposals (scroll down on this link until you see red!) in this special session called by Scott Walker to begin eroding Wisconsin's water protection laws. This is a thinly disguised attempt to greases the skids for his "six-pack" to declare they have negotiated the best deal possible and the North needs to suck it up and let corporate America blow up the Penokees. In act, Kedzie has not even given on of his bills a number. This begs the question as to whether he is just that arrogant or has so little respect for his colleagues that he expects they will just let this slip quietly through. If this happens then the whole statehouse is simply morally bankrupt. Seems that the three Democrats on the Senate Select Committee on Mining Jobs have been duped or simply outsmarted. If these guys had given this any thought at all, its should be obvious the title of their committee, the Senate Select Committee on Jobs for Mines, tells the story. If the Democrats or the other guys really had an interest n jobs and the promotion of the economy in Jauch's district, the title and the goal would be much different. Even if this effort is successful, these jobs will disappear as the ore is used up or worldwide prices decline. Their legacy will be a hole in the ground. Polluted water, and an on going clean environmental clean up project.
It is the work of Professor, writer, and lecturer Al Gedicksthat exposes the truth and provides clarity and a voice for those who are faced with the might of bankers and politicians. It is his efforts that expose the destruction brought on by greed and weak willed politicians who kneel at the alter of gold! It is strong people who reject this plate of gold and speak for those who yet to come - our children's children, This is the example of government that puts people, plants, the wings, those that crawl and swim first.
It is the profound words of caution that should be heeded. It is the gentle stories that resonant the importance of water and why our regulations are needed. It Scott Walker's right to establish a Senate Select Committee on Jobs for Mines and at least he is up front about his goals. Neal Kedzie's appointment as Chair of this committee is not as noble. This is a slap in the face to all who are disgusted with his lack of sensitivity to the effect these mascots on kids and communities. For Senator Jauch to describe Kedzie as reasonable defies logic.
On the brighter side, Representative Janet Bewely is at least trying to give us a voice. Thank you, Janet!