Unions reverse decision to ban GOP from parade

[elocs]

Source: La Crosse Tribune

WAUSAU, Wis. — The Marathon County Labor Council has reversed a decision that excluded Republican politicians from participating in the Labor Day parade in Wausau.

Labor Council President Randy Radtke earlier said Republican elected officials were not invited because they supported changes to collective bargaining for public employee unions. Wausau Mayor Jim Tipple responded by threatening to withhold financial support for the parade unless everyone was allowed to participate.

WSAW-TV says Radtke released a statement today that said the Labor Council didn't want community groups and school bands affected, so Republicans will be allowed in the parade.




Read more: http://lacrossetribune.com/news/state-and-regional/wi/article_a06e4730-d3d7-11e0-a588-001cc4c03286.html

[Ian David]

1. I bet none of them stick around long enough to walk the whole route. n/t

[rurallib]

2. They should have the sanitation workers drive their trucks in the parade

and surround the repubs.

[demosincebirth]

3. I'd would say ban them from all Labor Day functions from now and for

every. Gompers, Meany, Bridges are turning in their graves, just, at the thought of allowing republican politicians to participate in Labor's parade. Disgusting.

[No Elephants]

4. Huh?

"the Labor Council didn't want community groups and school bands affected, , so Republicans will be allowed in the parade."


How would keeping Republicans out of the parade affect those who were going to be allowed in the parade?

Somehow, I am not seeing a Pulitzer in this writer's future.

[louis-t]

6. Read the rest. The Mayor threatened to withhold funds.

Another Teabag mayor holds another city hostage.

[No Elephants]

8. Oops. I actually thought I had read it all. Even clicked through to the source.

Embarrassed, I am.

[demosincebirth]

21. Cancel it! . Samuel Gompers would turn over in his grave.

[sleepyangel]

26. Why is there no mention as to cost?

Raising the funds seems the perfect statement of "F all y'all".

[movonne]

23. It will probably disrupt the whole parade...people booooing an

all..it would be nice to be somewhere where we all come together and not have politics in it...

[demosincebirth]

31. Labor day has always been about politics...us (workingmen/women) against them.

[Brother Buzz]

5. I bet Rep. Sean Duffy (R-WI) will chalk this up as a victory then stay home

He knows he would take a lot of heat if he actually walked the parade after this brouhaha.

[semillama]

7. Exactly.

I don't imagine many republicans want to be out in public facing the part of their constituency that attends Labor Day parades...

[Brother Buzz]

11. I'd really feel awful if the parade entry before him was passing out hard candies

You know what I mean, Vern?

[KamaAina]

15. "Could I have ten thousand marbles, please?"

[Brother Buzz]

17. Jawbreakers! lots and lots of jawbreakers passed out up and down the parade

Change candy purchase order to Jawbreakers, STAT!

[October]

9. They ought to get out in front of this

something to the effect of "Yeah, let's see how many republicans have the guts to face us..."

[SoapBox]

10. I say...Invite Each and Every RushTurd in the state...

and then see who accepts AND shows up!

Then put them all in one section of the parade...and let the citizens boo the shit out of them.

Oh and what is the political affiliation of the Mayor please?!?

[anokaflash]

12. Mayor claims to be non patisan

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/30/us-labor-day-wisconsin-idUSTRE77T64220110830

""Tipple's office is nonpartisan, and he claims no affiliation with either political party.""

[SoapBox]

13. Interesting...

...here is his bio from the city page:

http://www.ci.wausau.wi.us/Departments/Mayor/History/Biographies.aspx#M44

"James E. Tipple was born in Madison Wisconsin on July 10, 1947, the son of Edwin and Edith Tipple. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point in 1969 with a degree in Business Administration and Economics. After graduation Jim moved to Wausau and fell in love with the area.

He retired after working more than 20 years as the manager of Information technology at Wausau Insurance Companies. He successfully ran for Mayor, without any previous political experience, because he wanted to give back to his community. His strong business background has been an asset during his term as Mayor.

Mayor Tipple attributes his leadership strength to his ability to incorporate humor in all aspects of his life. This is evidenced by the "easy button" he keeps in his office. Jim has been active in the community serving on many boards, committees and civic organizations and strongly believes volunteers can "make the difference" in our community. Mayor Tipple advocates Wausau as a great place to live because of the good schools, flourishing economy, diverse business climate, quality of life and beautiful outdoors!

Jim and his wife Patricia (Pixie) were blessed with two children, Bradley and Jennifer. Jim and Pixie currently reside in the City of Wausau."

I wonder how we could find out his voter registration? That in and of itself would tell me all I need to know.

[leftyohiolib]

14. then the council should have threatened to cancel the whole damn thing

and promise to get someone else elected as mayor.

[groundloop]

16. I heard a rumor there's been a run on eggs and tomatoes in every grocery store in Wausau....

Something about showing the repugs what they're thought of on a day meant to honor the workers of America.

[jtrockville]

22. Hope it's sitting out in the hot sun, so it's nice and rotten by Labor Day.

:evilgrin:

[bullwinkle428]

18. I just sincerely hope the crowds give the Republicans the kind of greeting

they all so richly deserve! :evilgrin:

[placton]

19. backing down

its what we dems do, yes?

[elocs]

20. Only when advised to do so by the White House. n/t

[alterfurz]

24. so when those who have turned their backs on labor march by...

...workers in the crowd silently turn their backs on them. Too subtle?--then chant "What's disgusting?--Union busting!" Or just boo. But stay classy, now--no mooning!

[Llewlladdwr]

25. So are y'all really okay with citizens being denied participation in a publicly funded activity? NT

[lynne]

27. I read this earlier. As the parade is funded with city tax dollars -

- the mayor felt that no groups could be excluded. Seems the mayor told the Labor Council that if they wished to exclude groups, it would have to be a private parade and they would have to pay the full cost.

Frankly, I have to agree with the mayor. Tax dollars = Everyone included. Those who don't like the republican's being in the parade should loudly BOO them as they pass by.

[FSogol]

29. +1. That's the correct call, IMO. n/t

[Turbineguy]

28. Good idea

Bring the monkeys to fling shit at them.

[moondust]

30. Tomato season.

:evilgrin:

[PuffedMica]

32. Group all the Republicans together

That way the street audience can vent their anger like the 'wave' in a sport's arena.