Wisconsin is the New Egypt

[Guest Speed Racer]

It is irresponsible, however, to imply that this is the norm in every location outside the US.

 

Nobody did that.

 

No, I think someone did:

 

Just look at the conditions in the sweat shops throughout Latin America and Asia to see what things are like without unions.

 

He might have left out two continents, but he included the two most populated. I would qualify that as an 'implication.'

[Duck-Billed Catechist]

Remember, many of those benefits that are being attacked now were granted at the expense of higher pay. There were trade-offs. Public sector workers had to play catch up for decades in the area of annual income compared to the private sector. We have witnessed a deterioration of those benefits the past decade even before the current bout of austerity fascism that is sweeping the nation. My take home pay is actually lower than it was four years ago due to increased medical deductions, pay freezes and increased state and federal taxes, etc. I'm not building a 7.7 million dollar mansion in Tampa anytime soon.

Just out of curiosity...which federal tax increased for you?

[jff]

No, I think someone did:

 

 

 

He might have left out two continents, but he included the two most populated. I would qualify that as an 'implication.'

 

I wouldn't.

[Guest Speed Racer]

Huh.

[jff]

Huh.

 

I guess you've never heard of Canada or Europe.

[Guest Speed Racer]

Canada is a continent?

 

I left off Europe on account of its relatively small population, and relatively small manufacturing sector.

[jff]

Canada is a continent?

 

Moving the goal posts, are we?

 

As you well know, I had originally replied to the quote below, from Jules:

 

"It is irresponsible, however, to imply that this is the norm in every location outside the US."

 

Last time I checked, Canada and Europe were "location(s) outside the US."

[Guest Speed Racer]

Moving the goal posts, are we?

 

He might have left out two continents, but he included the two most populated. I would qualify that as an 'implication.'

 

Canada is a continent?

 

Um. No. Goal posts are in the same place. Just didn't think to add Europe to my list of continents. Also didn't think to add Canada, because it's ain't.

 

As you well know, I had originally replied to the quote below, from Jules:

 

"It is irresponsible, however, to imply that this is the norm in every location outside the US."

 

Last time I checked, Canada and Europe were "location(s) outside the US."

 

Yes, my point was that in referring two of the most manufacturing-oriented continents with such high population densities, he is in fact referring to the majority of the world's manufacturing operations. In referring to the majority, he is then implying that this is the norm outside of the United States.

[jff]

In referring to the majority, he is then implying that this is the norm outside of the United States.

 

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/every

 

 

Every

eve·ry (vr)

adj.

1.

a. Constituting each and all members of a group without exception.

b. Being all possible: had every chance of winning, but lost.

[Guest Speed Racer]

Imply.

[jff]

Imply.

 

Do you have money on this argument, or something?

[moxiebean]

Antarctica is also a continent but the likelihood Antarctic sweatshops... (well, maybe if you're a penguin)

[Guest Jules]

Moving the goal posts, are we?

 

As you well know, I had originally replied to the quote below, from Jules:

 

"It is irresponsible, however, to imply that this is the norm in every location outside the US."

 

Last time I checked, Canada and Europe were "location(s) outside the US."

Cute, but you know what I meant.

[Sparky speaks]

Folks, it's common knowledge there are sweatshops in Latin America and Asia and probably a few other places on the planet. Agreed? With that in mind, I don't think anyone needs to document every generality or observation one makes in a post on a forum for a rock band with a footnote or a bibliography. If someone said working conditions in German factories were good, I don't think they would be required to post proof. It's kind of accepted that they are. Just like the idea that sweatshops exist in third world nations. It seems when someone holds beliefs or attitudes that go against the general grain of some forum members, they are held to a higher standard. But if proof is what you want or desire I'll be more than happy to keep providing it if that's what it takes to enlighten some of you. Hey, I'm only a teacher feeding off the public teat with half the year off, so I've got the time....

[Guest Jules]

There are good working conditions in every country. There are bad working conditions in every country.

[cryptique]

He might have left out two continents, but he included the two most populated.

Latin America is a continent?

[jff]

Cute, but you know what I meant.

 

I thought you meant exactly what you wrote.

[Guest Speed Racer]

There are good working conditions in every country. There are bad working conditions in every country.

 

No need to drag sense into a perfectly hyperbolic argument.

[Sparky speaks]

Just out of curiosity...which federal tax increased for you?

 

I didn't know I was going to be audited by the VC IRS. Since the first of the year without me changing anything with my employer I have an extra $15 being deducted in federal income tax from my pay check. Plus this little nugget...

 

Congress Sneaks Middle-Class Tax Hikes into 2010 Withholding Tables

 

Here are the 2009 Tax Withholding Tables:

 

2009 Biweekly, Single, Payroll Period, after subtracting withholding allowances

 

Not over $276: $0 in taxes

Over $276 – $400: 10% payroll tax

Over $400 – $1,392: $12.40 plus 15% of excess over $400

Over $1,392 – $2,559: $161.20 plus 25% of excess over $1,392

Over $2,559 – $6,677: $452.95 plus 28% of excess over $2,559 (Notice the large salary range)

Over $6,677 – $14,423: $1,605.99 plus 33% of excess over $6,677

$14,423: pays $4,162.17 plus 35% of excess over $14,423

 

Compare those to the 2010 Tables:

 

2010 Biweekly, Single, Payroll Period, after subtracting withholding allowances

 

Not over $233: $0 in taxes

Over $233 – $401: 10% payroll tax

Over $401 – $1,387: $16.80 plus 15% of excess over $401

Over $1,387 – $2,604: $164.70 plus 25% of excess over $1,387

Over $2,604 – $3,248: $468.95 plus 27% of excess over $2,604 (Notice the large salary range is gone)

Over $3,248 – $3,373: $642.83 plus 30% of excess over $3,248 (Notice the substantial increase and 30% tax rate on these wages)

Over $3,373 – $6,688: $680.33 plus 28% of excess over $3,373

$14,450: pays $4,169.99 plus 35% of excess over $14,450

My link

[Guest Speed Racer]

Pappastax.com, the premier tax authority in the land.

[u2roolz]

Pappa Stax sounds like an Italian Motown record label.

[Sparky speaks]

Tax tables are tax tables...sorry

 

Meanwhile:

 

Main Street Movement Erupts as Thousands Across Country Protest War on the Middle Class

Inspired by the events in Wisconsin, thousands of Americans all over the country are taking action to battle legislation that would attack their labor rights, defund their schools, threaten their health and safety, and decimate the American middle class. Here are just some of the places across the nation that are taking part in this new “Main Street Movement” to defend and rebuild the American middle class:

 

- GEORGIA: Hundreds of workers demonstrated outside the Georgia capitol yesterday, declaring their solidarity with striking Wisconsin workers. Some demonstrators wore “cheesehead” hats, a clear reference to a cultural tradition in Wisconsin.

 

– IDAHO: Hundreds of teachers marched against legislation that would layoff 770 teachers and leave schools severely understaffed.

 

– INDIANA: In Indiana, House Democrats fled the state, preventing a vote on legislation that would enact “right-to-work” laws that would’ve crippled the right to organize. After the House Democrats took off, hundreds of workers and students marched into the capitol building and staged a massive sit-in, pledging not to leave until the radical legislation was withdrawn. Yesterday, Indiana’s Main Street Movement scored its first victory as Republican lawmakers withdrew the anti-union bill. Indiana Democrats are refusing to come back until right-wing legislators withdraw legislation to undermine the state’s public education system.

 

– MONTANA: More than a thousand “conservationists, sportsmen, firefighters, teachers, correctional officers and others” descended on the Montana capitol to protest against “unprecedented GOP attacks on public services and education and laws that protect land, air, water and wildlife.” Students carried signs that read “Keep Us In School,” protesting crippling cuts to the state’s education system.

 

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– OHIO: In Ohio, thousands of ordinary Americans who rely on the right to organize to earn good, middle class incomes are facing off with Wisconsin-style legislation backed by Gov. John Kasich ®. Nearly 10,000 protesters demonstrated in Columbus, Ohio, gaining the support of former Gov. Ted Strickland (D-OH) and Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH). So many demonstrators showed up that the Ohio Highway Patrol was ordered to lock the doors of the state capitol to stop more demonstrators from getting into the building.

 

– TENNESSEE: Hundreds of Tennesseans gathered to protest a bill that would completely strip Tennesee teachers of collective bargaining rights. “What you have right now is 300 or so of us, standing and asking the state legislature to focus on what the priorities are right now, instead of attacking working people,” said Mary Mancini, executive director of Tennessee Citizen Action. “If they listen to us, well then that’s great. … If not, I can see this thing growing.”

 

– WASHINGTON: 2,000 demonstrators in Olympia, Washington, marched against the state’s proposed budget cuts that would harm students and middle class Washingtonians and in solidarity with workers in Wisconsin. “If Scott Walker succeeds in ending worker rights in Wisconsin, the birthplace of public servants’ liberty, it could happen here,” said Federation of State Employees President Carol Dotlich.

 

My link

 

Madison police chief asks Walker to explain 'troubling' statements

Madison Police Chief Noble Wray Thursday asked Gov. Scott Walker to explain his "troubling" and "unsettling" statements captured in a secretly recorded phone conversation that he "thought about" planting troublemakers among the thousands of peaceful demonstrators at the Capitol.

 

The protests, heading into their 11th day, are aimed at a bill Walker proposed to strip most bargaining rights from state and local unionized employees in Wisconsin.

 

"I spent a good deal of time overnight thinking about Governor Walker's response, during his news conference yesterday (Wednesday), to the suggestion that his administration 'thought about' planting troublemakers among those who are peacefully protesting his bill," Wray said in a statement issued this morning." I would like to hear more of an explanation from Governor Walker as to what exactly was being considered, and to what degree it was discussed by his cabinet members.

 

"I find it very unsettling and troubling that anyone would consider creating safety risks for our citizens and law enforcement officers. Our department works hard dialoging with those who are exercising their First Amendment right, those from both sides of the issue, to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure they can demonstrate safely.

 

"I am concerned that anyone would try to undermine these relationships. I have a responsibility to the community, and to the men and women of this department — who are working long hours protecting and serving this community — to find out more about what was being considered by state leaders."

 

My link

 

In case someone needs a good laugh...

 

[Duck-Billed Catechist]

I didn't know I was going to be audited by the VC IRS. Since the first of the year without me changing anything with my employer I have an extra $15 being deducted in federal income tax from my pay check.

I was genuinely curious because it seems like I hear people complaining about rising taxes all the time, but federal taxes have only gone down or stayed the same for years so far as I know*. Even social security withholding has gone down this year (although you probably don't deal with that). Sounds like this is a withholding issue and not necessarily a tax issue, but given that it's something like an interest-free loan to the government, I can see why that would be a problem.

 

*I think that Making Work Pay thingie may have expired recently (not sure), but that was a temporary thing to begin with.

[Sparky speaks]

There are other tax issues that only my accountant can explain that have put me over certain thresholds causing me to lose the college tuition tax credits that I would have had for the cost of putting three kids through college as well. I went back into coaching a couple of years ago and every dime I made extra I had to pay back to Uncle Sam at tax time. I would have made more money coaching for free. Now I enjoy the free time each spring. Hey, it's only worthless fiat money created out of thin air by the Federal Reserve...

 

Next post I'll provide you all with my blood type and colonoscopy results...

 

Where's Obama?

 

 

Globalist Shill Barack Obama Asks Business Leaders For Job Creation Ideas Even As He Ships More Of Our Jobs Overseas As Part Of The New One World Economy

 

The other day, Barack Obama summoned a group of business and labor leaders to the White House and "challenged" them to come up with some great ideas for creating more jobs inside the United States. Meanwhile, Barack Obama is pushing hard for Congress to approve the new free trade agreement with South Korea. This is yet another bad "free trade agreement" in a long string of bad "free trade agreements" that are absolutely gutting the U.S. economy. The truth is that the United States has become a nation which is constantly consuming more while at the same time producing less and less. The gap between the wealth that this nation produces and the wealth that this nation consumes is becoming absolutely astronomical. But instead of fighting for changes that would keep American jobs in America, Barack Obama has allied himself with the multinational corporations that are making huge profits by outsourcing and offshoring our middle class jobs as part of the new one world economy. Our politicians can give speeches until they are blue in the face about how "wonderful" globalism is, but the truth is that it is taking millions of our jobs away and it is ripping the U.S. middle class to shreds.

 

For a moment, imagine you go to the store and you see two products. They are roughly equivalent, although one may be a little better than the other. One product costs ten times as much, you are going to have to pay a bunch of extra taxes and fees to purchase it and you are going to have to fill out a ton of paperwork in order to buy it. The other product is dirt cheap and all you have to do is take it up to the register.

 

So which one are you going to buy?

 

That is the situation that so many of our multinational corporations are facing today. In the new one world economy, they can choose to hire incredibly expensive American workers, or they can go to the other side of the world and legally hire very motivated workers that will gladly work for slave labor wages.

 

Do you see why so many jobs are leaving America?

 

American workers were never told that all of these "free trade agreements" would mean that they would be merged into a global labor pool where they would directly compete for jobs with slave labor on the other side of the world.

 

But that is exactly what is happening and it is destroying the U.S. middle class.

 

Talk about the biggest union busting plan of them all!

 

What is going on up in Wisconsin is nothing compared to what globalism is doing to U.S. workers.

 

And yet idiot American workers keep voting these same chumps back into office again and again and again...

 

My link

[The High Heat]

My link

 

In case someone needs a good laugh...