My sister's RW boyfriend wanted to talk about WI politics/unions with me

[AllyCat]

She told me he couldn't "wait to talk to me" and my dad told me he wanted to talk about how those "damn unions were ruining eveything".

He said, "What on earth do y'all think you're doin' up there in WI?"

My husband and I responded that we are trying to keep the Koch Bros from buying up tax-payer-purchased assets. "huh? Coke? You mean drug money?". We explained the Koch Bros. He was familiar with them, but couldn't understand what they had to do with anything. We explained about the no-bid contracts on state utilities with no public oversight, the split of the UW system, the stopping of the State Life ins. program, and requiring my cosmetologist to have a license (I think she should have one) but my kids' teachers not needing one. "Huh? You mean this is not about the unions not paying their 'fair share' to balance the budget". We explained the budget had a $52M surplus until just a few weeks before Walker's bill was "unveiled", he gave over $100M in tax breaks to the wealthy and corporate. Then he called a "budget crisis!" and we all had to pay "our fair share". We explained that we all were willing to help pay down the debt, but that ultimately, Walker still refused the bargain to balance the budget and that corporations were not paying THEIR SHARE at all.

He asked about the no-bid contracts on our utilities as he'd never heard about it. "Why isn't that in the news?" The news is RARELY slanted to the right he later told my sister.

We said that we have been there at the protests and aside from Faux Noise, there is no national media covering the proceedings there. He didn't say anything more. We never even talked about unions (which I know he hates). This issue is so multi-faceted, you can pull the argument legitimately into any direction. He is a smart man, but had nothing more to say about the issue.

[gratuitous]

1. It's good that he's a smart man

Perhaps a little application of facts, as you did, will penetrate his cranium and enable him to see the situation with some new eyes. Good job having those facts on hand and at your disposal.

[yellerpup]

2. Good job.

Sounds like you got him started thinking for himself. Really! :applause:

[AllyCat]

4. he is suffering too in his job...many cuts and he wonders where the next one will fall

I just hope he sees that he is one of the middle class who will get hit with the knife if he does not fight with his whole heart.

[yellerpup]

8. Yes, fear works so well on those who are vulnerable.

You've opened his eyes and like you, "I just hope he sees that he is one of the middle class who will get hit with the knife if he does not fight with his whole heart."

[eowyn_of_rohan]

3. it is surreal when our family members are so brainwashed

that it seems impossible to reach them. i had an argument with my aunt - who I never argue with- over these issues. i truly dont know if it is worth our time to argue with them, when they think Glem Beck rocks and Rachel is twisted... it is really sad. My sympathies go out to you.

[AllyCat]

5. Eowyn, there is no option but to talk to everyone.

Okay, there is an option, but I don't like it. We have to convince them that we are all affected unless we are super rich...and that ain't many of us at all!

[Rhiannon12866]

6. Very well explained...

Kudos! :yourock:

[Xipe Totec]

7. He sounds like a thoughtful, rational person - a rarity these days. n/t

[Enthusiast]

9. Your sister's boyfriend is a good Merican.

We need more like him -well informed. :sarcasm: