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rdking647

(5,113 posts)
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:10 PM Sep 2012

The chicago teachers union may have just elected romney

this isnt going be popular here but heres my opinion.
heres the facts. ohio and wisconsin are 2 critical states this election. the keys to winning an election are the independents. the dems and Gop'ers will vote for their party regardless so it a matter of attracting the independents.

wisconsin and ohio have governors who ran on a platform of reigning in public unions. whether you agree or disagree with then on that its what they ran on.
now you have teachers in chicago on strike. it doesnt matter what they are striking over all that the general public,who is more interested in jersey shore and reality tv will see is that some of teh highest paid teachers in the country went on strike.

the details dont matter. the soundbites do nowadays. all joe public will here is that 70k+ a year teachers went on strike. that fill feed a backlash against public unions and its the GOP that has campaigned against them in wisconsin and ohio.

that may be enough to tip those 2 critical states to romney and if that happens romney will very likely win.

74 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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The chicago teachers union may have just elected romney (Original Post) rdking647 Sep 2012 OP
When I read your posts, I hear them in Beaker's voice. Brickbat Sep 2012 #1
I will be not popular right along with you.. DLine Sep 2012 #2
All Joe public will HEAR abelenkpe Sep 2012 #3
yeah ok. JaneyVee Sep 2012 #4
arithmetic TeamPooka Sep 2012 #5
I gave a funny response and now I'm pissed. Brickbat Sep 2012 #6
The Chicago teachers union has just given Obama the chance to stand with working people and Vincardog Sep 2012 #7
Anti-union board spamming nonsense alcibiades_mystery Sep 2012 #8
like i said it wont be popular here rdking647 Sep 2012 #12
Yeah, sure alcibiades_mystery Sep 2012 #15
Of course people are smarter than that, just ask former WI Gov. Scott Walker. n/t hughee99 Sep 2012 #21
Ask Kasich about Issue 2, while you're at it alcibiades_mystery Sep 2012 #25
Labor was outspent in WI and Walker won, hughee99 Sep 2012 #27
If the average Joe wants to earn that kind of money being a teacher in Chicago, maybe he should Brickbat Sep 2012 #16
Yep. hunter Sep 2012 #61
The highest pay in the chicago system is $92K for a PhD with at least 20 years in. $49K is base. HiPointDem Sep 2012 #68
I, as a teacher, should ignore your lack of spelling, punctuation and... YvonneCa Sep 2012 #72
+1 obamanut2012 Sep 2012 #42
I hate to say jpbollma Sep 2012 #9
Right. Working people should never stand up for themselves because they might offend .... Scuba Sep 2012 #10
So much anti-Union sentiment here lately. sabrina 1 Sep 2012 #13
And all of it is coming from the same half-dozen people that apparently have nothing better to do Egalitarian Thug Sep 2012 #74
Thats absurd. It will have no bearing on the election whatsoever. phleshdef Sep 2012 #11
Wholeheartedly agree. Sheepshank Sep 2012 #71
Hyperbole much? Tommy_Carcetti Sep 2012 #14
I don't believe that for a minute Marrah_G Sep 2012 #17
The blame lies with Rahm, not the union. n/t Raven Sep 2012 #18
No. No they didn't. HappyMe Sep 2012 #19
Meep! The Midway Rebel Sep 2012 #20
LOL!!! Cali_Democrat Sep 2012 #22
So lots of undecided voters are looking for a sign, and this is it? Please. DisgustipatedinCA Sep 2012 #23
Na kctim Sep 2012 #24
Isn't Rahm the one negotiating with them? Looks like his sparkling personality has won him more craigmatic Sep 2012 #26
If the latest jobs report on people dropping out of the workforce doesn't phase the public neither dkf Sep 2012 #28
It's just killing you. Isn't it. nt Guy Whitey Corngood Sep 2012 #35
I'll be sure to drop by Nov 7 and say a very cheerful hello. 2ndAmForComputers Sep 2012 #37
I wish politicians would level with the people. But I think I am dreaming. dkf Sep 2012 #38
Your concern for the rich is very well documented. I just don't buy your crocodile tears. nt Guy Whitey Corngood Sep 2012 #47
It's faze not phase. Hatchling Sep 2012 #65
Thanks for your CONCERN, but this is a DEMOCRATIC website. Zorra Sep 2012 #29
It used to be, anyway. It's a corporate site now. woo me with science Sep 2012 #34
Well... Oilwellian Sep 2012 #48
so if i disagree with a union im no longer a democrat??? rdking647 Sep 2012 #57
Yes, actually. Zoeisright Sep 2012 #69
What a load of codswallop n/t Spazito Sep 2012 #30
In other words, "Shaddup, unions...until after the election!" bullwinkle428 Sep 2012 #31
Collective bargaining kinda like Bush-era free speech, I guess. Z_I_Peevey Sep 2012 #33
Just like what LGBT folks are usually told obamanut2012 Sep 2012 #43
Another - Thanks for your concern. GoneOffShore Sep 2012 #32
I think the only people who will go on about this Mz Pip Sep 2012 #36
oh for fuck's sake. really? cali Sep 2012 #39
Without his tax returns, Mitt has no sway with independent voters. rocktivity Sep 2012 #40
I have to agree with you. What the hell are they thinking? progressivebydesign Sep 2012 #41
Well, that line of thought ~ that's a full array of stupid. And, sadly, you just can't fix stupid. Zorra Sep 2012 #59
Oh, my! I feel a fainting spell coming on. Comrade Grumpy Sep 2012 #44
Are you clutching your pearls yet? LOL GreenPartyVoter Sep 2012 #46
If this is resolved before the election, then down the memory hole it goes. Next concern? GreenPartyVoter Sep 2012 #45
i doubt it.... madrchsod Sep 2012 #49
Sorry, don't agree. Avalux Sep 2012 #50
Post removed Post removed Sep 2012 #51
Ha Keep grasping. Pisces Sep 2012 #52
Oh, Bullsh-t. Independents are just people who end up voting with whomever they think is winning. leveymg Sep 2012 #53
This is dumb. Nothing is more local than school district issues. TwilightGardener Sep 2012 #54
i hope im wrong but if im not rdking647 Sep 2012 #55
LMFAO concern troll budkin Sep 2012 #56
Silliness. Quantess Sep 2012 #58
So now teachers have to apologize for their salaries? tjdee Sep 2012 #60
Unions are blue AnnaLee Sep 2012 #62
You may be right - this is a "no win" situation for Democrats badtoworse Sep 2012 #63
Stop the Kool-Aid, rdking647 hombre Sep 2012 #64
Why don't you blame rahm? lame54 Sep 2012 #66
Damn, Sir: You A Determined Little Critter, Ain't Ya? The Magistrate Sep 2012 #67
Deep-dish Chicago style! KamaAina Sep 2012 #70
Another way to look at it. Idiot Rham may have just elected romney. Autumn Sep 2012 #73

DLine

(397 posts)
2. I will be not popular right along with you..
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:13 PM
Sep 2012

From a political standpoint I don't see this helping our side at all. The fact its Chicago is even better for Fox News and right wing pundits.

abelenkpe

(9,933 posts)
3. All Joe public will HEAR
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:15 PM
Sep 2012

Perhaps you need to spend your time countering the soundbites which are generally false in that not all teachers make that amount most are paid much less. It would certainly be more productive to support workers than come on this board whining about unions and spreading fear.

Brickbat

(19,339 posts)
6. I gave a funny response and now I'm pissed.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:17 PM
Sep 2012

There's never a good time to strike. But to "time" a strike around an election is just stupid. Say the teachers agree to work without a contract, or to concessions -- you could make the argument that they have displayed weakness and will hurt "our side" by rolling over before an election, that it will give union-busters momentum coming into November.

No one wants to strike, not even union members. It's devastating, it's hard work, it's emotionally and physically draining. There is never a good time to strike. But it has to be done. Direct action through withholding labor is a powerful tool and one that levels the playing field. The fact that the teachers have picked this time to strike should give people a clue as to how high the stakes really are.

Vincardog

(20,234 posts)
7. The Chicago teachers union has just given Obama the chance to stand with working people and
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:17 PM
Sep 2012

win 2012 in a landslide.

 

alcibiades_mystery

(36,437 posts)
8. Anti-union board spamming nonsense
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:17 PM
Sep 2012

Topped off with a wee bit of "My post isn't going to be popular" self-righteousness.

Your disdain for workers and voters is obvious.

Ohio - and this is a fact - utterly rebuked its governor on Issue 2, humiliating him on the national stage and supporting collective bargaining for public employee unions. You forgot to mention that with your facts. What was the vote there? Oh yes, it was 61% of Ohioans siding with their public employee unions. The collective bargaining law in Wisconsin was forced through under the most divisive governship ever. Yes, Walker escaped a recall, but voters were generally against the procedure of recall rather than in favor of Walker's policies.

The details matter if you're NOT A FUCKING liar.

 

rdking647

(5,113 posts)
12. like i said it wont be popular here
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:23 PM
Sep 2012

and now people will see teachers who average over 70k a year on strike.
you average joe on the street will only see that. they wont see a debate about class sizes or test scores. all they will see is greedy teachers striking for more money.
thats the real perception. and perception is all that matters.

 

alcibiades_mystery

(36,437 posts)
15. Yeah, sure
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:25 PM
Sep 2012

You're wrong. People are smarter than that, and smarter than you. Noticeable, in any case, that you refused to respond to the Ohio referendum, which utterly debunks your contention.

Where you from, by the way? I just dropped my daughter off at CPS strike camp at the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club earlier. How about you? What are you doing with your kids during the strike?

hughee99

(16,113 posts)
27. Labor was outspent in WI and Walker won,
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:52 PM
Sep 2012

Labor outspent Kasich in Ohio (according to Human Events, anyway) and Labor won. So I guess the question is, are people "smarter than that" or are they just swayed by whoever spends the most on advertising?

Brickbat

(19,339 posts)
16. If the average Joe wants to earn that kind of money being a teacher in Chicago, maybe he should
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:30 PM
Sep 2012

get off his ass and apply.

hunter

(38,264 posts)
61. Yep.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 02:46 PM
Sep 2012

I tried teaching in a big city. It was the hardest job I've ever done, I burned out.

People have no idea.

YvonneCa

(10,117 posts)
72. I, as a teacher, should ignore your lack of spelling, punctuation and...
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 05:48 PM
Sep 2012

...sentence structure skills and believe you have skills in logic? In politics? OTOH, this goes way beyond the politics of the situation. It's about doing what is right for students, and the educators of today and tomorrow. Our country HAS to get that right. We teachers EDUCATE...that's what we do. It would be great if our voices could be heard without a strike...but our voices have been stifled.

If, as you say, the perception is that greedy teachers are striking for money, that's because that is how they are spinning it. That spin is wrong and needs to change. I have always agreed that President Obama can be hurt by being on the wrong side of this issue. As a supporter of his, I do NOT want that to happen.

But he has the bully pulpit and can use it. I hope he will.

jpbollma

(552 posts)
9. I hate to say
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:17 PM
Sep 2012

I agree. As a union supporter, even here in MI people have swung against the unions. When unemployment is at 8% people side with reactionaries and tend to go at their fellow workers instead of the cause of their problems. I hope this is quickly resolved.

 

Scuba

(53,475 posts)
10. Right. Working people should never stand up for themselves because they might offend ....
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:17 PM
Sep 2012

... the one undecided voter in the nation.

What drivel.

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
13. So much anti-Union sentiment here lately.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:23 PM
Sep 2012

This provides the President with a perfect opportunity to differentiate himself from the anti-Union Republicans.

Election season is the very best time to give OUR party the opportunity to show the Teachers Union, that unlike George Bush, Democrats stand up for the working class.

He has the support of the major unions and I am certain he will take this opportunity to show them he is on their side.

Romney otoh, most likely will do what Republicans always do when it comes to Unions.

 

Egalitarian Thug

(12,448 posts)
74. And all of it is coming from the same half-dozen people that apparently have nothing better to do
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 05:52 PM
Sep 2012

than churn this crap out...

 

phleshdef

(11,936 posts)
11. Thats absurd. It will have no bearing on the election whatsoever.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:19 PM
Sep 2012

You think a teachers strike in Chicago is going to take precedence over debates regarding Medicare, taxes and the national debt, etc?

I'm sorry, but I don't think your analysis here is a very sober analysis. Aside from that, Ohio is still very much pro-union. Look at how we voted down issue 2.

 

Sheepshank

(12,504 posts)
71. Wholeheartedly agree.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 05:45 PM
Sep 2012

And in addition, I think most of the nation will see this strike as a local/state/City issue, and not so closely tied to Federal Elections.

Tommy_Carcetti

(43,080 posts)
14. Hyperbole much?
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:23 PM
Sep 2012

Amongst the general public, public school teachers are one of the more favorably viewed professions. For example, whenever you hear of a questionable large taxpayer project, what is one of the first things you hear from the public? Typically, it's:

That money should be used to hire more teachers or That money should go to pay our teachers more.

You're right, though. Your opinion isn't popular here. It's not popular here for the simple fact that it's wrong.

Marrah_G

(28,581 posts)
17. I don't believe that for a minute
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:30 PM
Sep 2012

There is much I would like to say about your recent posts, but unfortunately doing so would break DU rules. I will say that I find your views to be contrary to my own.

The Midway Rebel

(2,191 posts)
20. Meep!
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:35 PM
Sep 2012

You should end your posts with the phrase "Meep!"

...Joe public is stupid, teachers are greedy Meep!...

Kind of like that.

 

DisgustipatedinCA

(12,530 posts)
23. So lots of undecided voters are looking for a sign, and this is it? Please.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:42 PM
Sep 2012

So an undecided voter, on the fence between Obama and Romney (as if these people really exist), is sitting around pondering life, when all of a sudden: Wait--I'm off the fence now! The teachers in Chicago just went on strike! That settles it, I'm voting Mitt Romney, because, well, because Economy Union Freedom Troops!

I hope no one actually like, pays you for thinking about stuff.

 

kctim

(3,575 posts)
24. Na
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:42 PM
Sep 2012

A national strike for more money during bad times may have tipped a ton of people to vote for Romney, but not one city in a state guaranteed to go to President Obama.

 

craigmatic

(4,510 posts)
26. Isn't Rahm the one negotiating with them? Looks like his sparkling personality has won him more
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 12:45 PM
Sep 2012

friends. How hard is it to negotiate a labor contract? They want to work and you want them to work. They want a raise but you don't want to give them everything they want so you meet somewhere in the middle.

 

dkf

(37,305 posts)
28. If the latest jobs report on people dropping out of the workforce doesn't phase the public neither
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 01:04 PM
Sep 2012

Will a strike.

I highly doubt the American public gives a damn about policy even.

It's all about who is promising better benefits from the imaginary money tree.

2ndAmForComputers

(3,527 posts)
37. I'll be sure to drop by Nov 7 and say a very cheerful hello.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 01:23 PM
Sep 2012

Having to pretend you're happy must really, really, really suck.

 

dkf

(37,305 posts)
38. I wish politicians would level with the people. But I think I am dreaming.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 01:26 PM
Sep 2012

And then they won't be properly prepared for the future.

Yes that bothers me.

Hatchling

(2,323 posts)
65. It's faze not phase.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 04:03 PM
Sep 2012
Phase
verb (used with object)
9.
to schedule or order so as to be available when or as needed.
10.
to put in phase; synchronize: to phase one mechanism with another.


faze
? ?/feɪz/ Show Spelled[feyz] Show IPA
verb (used with object), fazed, faz·ing.
to cause to be disturbed or disconcerted; daunt: The worst insults cannot faze him.

Zorra

(27,670 posts)
29. Thanks for your CONCERN, but this is a DEMOCRATIC website.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 01:05 PM
Sep 2012

Fuck your Third Way anti-union bullshit propaganda. It is not appreciated by Democrats.

A message from all of us.

?t=1347296034

[font color="blue" size="12" face="face"]Wisconsin Recall Election: Democrats Gain Control Of State Senate After John Lehman Declares Victory[/font]
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/06/wisconsin-recall-election-john-lehman_n_1572938.html

Eat that.


Chuckles Koch, the GOP woodchuck says:

This union strike is a matter of grave concern! It will make babies cry all around the world!
Unions are bad! Unions support and fund DEMOCRATS, and must be eliminated!1!1!






woo me with science

(32,139 posts)
34. It used to be, anyway. It's a corporate site now.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 01:16 PM
Sep 2012

This garbage, corporate Third Way propaganda is ubiquitous here now, both condoned and protected.

Spewing right-wing viewpoints used to be grounds for termination from DU. Now wading through this garbage is part of the neoDU experience.

Oilwellian

(12,647 posts)
48. Well...
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 01:43 PM
Sep 2012

It does get confusing for the average Democrat when they see the leaders of their party, Clinton, Biden & President Obama, praising the Simpson-Bowles Commission (aka Cat Food Commission) at the Democratic convention.

 

rdking647

(5,113 posts)
57. so if i disagree with a union im no longer a democrat???
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 02:15 PM
Sep 2012

thats a load of bullshit.
i'm allowed to think for myself.

and if you want to gloat about the dems in wisconsin gaining controll of the senate i have to ask... have the unions won the right back to collective bargain yet? is walker still the governor?

you can eat that......



bullwinkle428

(20,626 posts)
31. In other words, "Shaddup, unions...until after the election!"
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 01:11 PM
Sep 2012

"But make sure you keep filling the Democratic party war chest!"

Z_I_Peevey

(2,783 posts)
33. Collective bargaining kinda like Bush-era free speech, I guess.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 01:13 PM
Sep 2012

It's a fine thing to talk about, so long as you don't use it.

Mz Pip

(27,404 posts)
36. I think the only people who will go on about this
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 01:20 PM
Sep 2012

are people who wouldn't be voting for Obama in the first place. It will probably get spun as some kind of proof of Obama's guilt by association to Chicago politics. Rush, Hannity and Beck will make hay of it but as far as changing any minds, I doubt it. Those who hate unions have already made up their minds.

progressivebydesign

(19,458 posts)
41. I have to agree with you. What the hell are they thinking?
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 01:29 PM
Sep 2012

Sadly, because of the narrative in the media during the Bush Recession, even the most moderate democrats are not friendly to anyone striking when other people desperately need work. I know it's not fair, but that is the public opinion.

Their timing blows... and in Chicago of all places.

Zorra

(27,670 posts)
59. Well, that line of thought ~ that's a full array of stupid. And, sadly, you just can't fix stupid.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 02:22 PM
Sep 2012

If moderate "Democrats" are not friendly to anyone striking when other people desperately need work, then they are so fracking stupid that they are not worth consideration. That line of non-reasoning shows them to be just as stupid and illogical as any conservative republican.

"Golly gee! Joe down the street is out of work, and teachers are striking in Chicago! Time to invade Iraq!"

Basing our actions on the foolishness of stupid people only adds to the stupid.

Here's are some examples of stupid moderate "Democrats" in action:

Brown touts Democratic support

Sen. Scott Brown's (R-Mass.) reelection campaign is launching a push to highlight his support from Democrats throughout Massachusetts, an effort to burnish the freshman's centrist credentials to help him win voters in the deep-blue state.

Brown received the endorsement of Charlie Ryan, former Democratic mayor of Springfield, Mass., on Thursday, and on Friday Democratic state Rep. Chris Fallon appeared alongside Brown to become the first sitting lawmaker to offer his endorsement.

Fallon characterized the endorsement as an issue of character, rather than partisan politics, and called it an "easy" choice.

"We know where your heart is....."


Yes. We know where your heart is.





Chuckles the sensible centrist woodchuck says:

"Given a choice between a republican anti-union candidate and a progressive pro union Democratic candidate, I'll
vote for the republican every time!"





madrchsod

(58,162 posts)
49. i doubt it....
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 02:07 PM
Sep 2012

the strike in chicago is not going to change anyone`s mind. those who hate unions would`t vote for any democrat.

90% of the teachers who voted to strike are not all democrats. yes ...90% of the membership had to vote yes because rahm moved the goal post from a 50% percent to a 90%.that`s why he`s so fucking pissed off.

Avalux

(35,015 posts)
50. Sorry, don't agree.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 02:10 PM
Sep 2012

Yes, the liars will link Obama to the strike via Rahm and Chicago and spin it til the cows come home. Of course they will. Won't make a bit of difference, certainly won't give Romney an edge.

Response to rdking647 (Original post)

leveymg

(36,418 posts)
53. Oh, Bullsh-t. Independents are just people who end up voting with whomever they think is winning.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 02:12 PM
Sep 2012

They don't give a shit about unions.

tjdee

(18,048 posts)
60. So now teachers have to apologize for their salaries?
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 02:25 PM
Sep 2012

They're highest (second highest?) paid teachers in the country?

So what?

These people are professionals and deserve good salaries for educating this country's children. IMO their pay grade should be where doctors make.

That's not really all there is to it though.

AnnaLee

(1,023 posts)
62. Unions are blue
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 03:16 PM
Sep 2012

I have a neighbor around the corner with a large blue sign in the yard supporting unions and another large blue sign in the window supporting Obama. This person sported a pink theme during the attack on Planned Parenthood.

I just moved into this neighborhood and have never seen the residents of this house. I hope I meet them soon.

What is the best time to be blue? Is there one?

 

badtoworse

(5,957 posts)
63. You may be right - this is a "no win" situation for Democrats
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 03:28 PM
Sep 2012

If the teachers prevail in this strike, the Republicans will point out how the Democrats gave away the store to the public employee unions. This may not play well among independents (Keep in mind that Walker survived the recall election which suggests soft support for the unions among independents). If the settlement necessitates a tax increase, it will be that much worse.

On the other hand, if Rahm prevails, it may weaken union support for Democrats generally since Chicago is such a strong, Democratic bastion.

Considering the current political dynamics, I would say the teachers have the advantage.

 

hombre

(20 posts)
64. Stop the Kool-Aid, rdking647
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 03:31 PM
Sep 2012

When did you become a private poll taker?

The idea on people blaming President Obama on the teacher's strike in Chicago and how it will effect he beinreelecteded is like waiting for a lighting strike to hit in middle of the south pole on the coldest day.

Autumn

(44,748 posts)
73. Another way to look at it. Idiot Rham may have just elected romney.
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 05:50 PM
Sep 2012
of course I think if independents don't like Democratic values. fuck them.
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