Charlie Sykes

The Republican chaos engine

October 14, 2011 by Uppity Wisconsin

The thing to keep in mind when dealing with modern Republicans is that they depend heavily on two tactics: One of those tactics can best be described as a sophisticated version of the childhood retort: "I know you are, but what am I?" That's the effective GOP response when, for example, critics accurately note that Republican administrations tend to run high deficits and enact tax giveaways for special interests that make those deficits worse.

The second tactic, which is really just a psychological means of dealing with their own hypocrisy, is when Republicans project their own behaviors and motives onto the opposition. In short, Republicans are willful dissemblers but also, deeper down, in denial of their own dysfunction and inadequacy -- and quite willing to fantasize that it's always the other guy's fault. Projection increasingly is the psycho-glue that holds their fractured party and ideology together.

Wisconsin Club For Growth Weekly Funny

October 12, 2011 by The Political E...

Far-rightwingers in Wisconsin with an email account can get a weekly update from the Scott Walker/Koch brothers support group known as the Wisconsin Club for Growth.

This week's edition sent to me by a friend contains barbs under the heading "Happy Columbus Day!" for those trying to eliminate Native American mascots and nicknames from Wisconsin schools, including this line:

...people who define themselves by their grievances are unlikely to [sic] ever satisfied by the steps taken to appease them.

Remember that when you hear the wealthiest 1%, and their cheerleaders - - Eric Cantor, Charlie Sykes, Herman Cain, et al,  stamping their feet and grieving about any incremental increase in their tax rates.

No guns allowed where he works, but shootouts OK in other county buildings, sheriff says

October 6, 2011 by Uppity Wisconsin

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele has sensibly proposed continuing a ban on carrying concealed weapons in county buildings, a decision the county can make despite a new concealed carry law which takes effect on Nov. 1.

Guess who disagrees?

The Lone Ranger, Sheriff David Clarke, who used to oppose concealed carry and said it would put his deputies in danger. Now he thinks people need weapons to shoot the bad guys.

Clarke wants people to be able to bring weapons into county buildings -- just not the ones he works in.

The new law prohibits weapons in the courthouse, safety building,jail and Mitchell airport. So Clarke will be safe; only law enforcement personnel can pack guns where he works.

Abele -- after checking with county department heads -- says he also wants to ban weapons in county park buildings, the Mental Health Complex, the zoo, senior centers, the public museum, and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.

The City of Milwaukee already has approved posting city buildings with "No weapons" signs. Abele's plan needs County Board approval. The Journal Sentinel reports: