# Govenor Scott Walker (R) WI **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [February 17, 2011, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743 "2011-02-17T20:56:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 28
**Author:** ![UncaThomas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/c77e96/32.png) [@UncaThomas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UncaThomas)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/541 "2011-02-27T05:51:32Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Closer to fifty. Odd years, indeed. Apology accepted with sincerity equal to the offering. It would appear you’re about as old as i am. They been using bad legislation to grab for power even longer than that. Both sides are guilty of it. I think you know that if you been watching 50 odd years. The two major parties are far more interested in their own supremacy than the best interests of this nation. It has been so at least since LBJ. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Jeffrey\_Lebowski](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_jeffrey_lebowski/32/215_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Jeffrey\_Lebowski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Jeffrey_Lebowski)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/542 "2011-02-27T05:52:05Z")
> [@Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](#): > > Mr. Lebowski, can I buy you a Caucasian? Or an area rug? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![The\_Bodhi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f14d63/32.png) [@The\_Bodhi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bodhi)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/543 "2011-02-27T05:55:45Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > That’s the best kind of extortion. Starting sweat now, are you?[61% of the public think Walker is wrong](http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/robert-schlesinger/2011/02/23/public-dislikes-wisconsin-gov-scott-walkers-union-busting). It is going to end badly for someone, but it ain’t the Democrats. I will not sweat over a mere discussion or any political meanderings. The really nifty things about polls is that rasmussen is a far more reliable polling site as it is not supportive of any political side unlike that which you cited. That said, they say 50% of the populace support public unions, but the really nifty thing is that 67% disapprove of the democrats fleeing the process. Really care to bet how this will end up? I am going to be the democrats are going to lose through their attempted extortion. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/544 "2011-02-27T05:58:03Z")
> [@The\_Bodhi](#): > > rasmussen is a far more reliable polling site as it is not supportive of any political side unlike that which you cited. You…you actually believe this? Really? No wonder you’re a Republicoid shill… ---
**Author:** ![The\_Bodhi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f14d63/32.png) [@The\_Bodhi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bodhi)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/545 "2011-02-27T05:59:54Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > “[http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/robert-schlesinger/2011/02/23/public-dislikes-wisconsin-gov-scott-walkers-union-busting](http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/robert-schlesinger/2011/02/23/public-dislikes-wisconsin-gov-scott-walkers-union-busting)”]61% of the public think Walker is wrong. Hmmm… wrong again. > **[48% Back GOP Governor in Wisconsin Spat, 38% Side With Unions](https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/february_2011/48_back_gop_governor_in_wisconsin_spat_38_side_with_unions)** > > A sizable number of voters are following new Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s showdown with unionized public employees in his state, and nearly half side with the governor. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Bodhi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f14d63/32.png) [@The\_Bodhi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bodhi)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/546 "2011-02-27T06:01:11Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > You…you actually believe this? Really? No wonder you’re a Republicoid shill… Again, you hit the response button with nothing more than a label… When will you provide substance? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/547 "2011-02-27T06:02:11Z")
> [@The\_Bodhi](#): > > Really care to bet how this will end up? I am going to be the democrats are going to lose through their attempted extortion. You really don’t understand how civil disobedience works, do you? The more you retaliate against the protesters, the more public support swings over to them and the stronger they become. By all means, give it your best shot, but the unintended consequences are going to be a bitch. I have no doubt that collective bargaining for public employees with be alive and well when the dust settles. ---
**Author:** ![Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/try2b_comprehensive/32/65_2.png) [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/548 "2011-02-27T06:03:41Z")
**Assi** , **The Bodhi** , and **UncaThomas** , welcome to The Straight Dope! The welcome wagon function around here can be pretty janky sometimes, but what can I say? This isn’t a billion-dollar operation you know. Still, please enjoy [this performance](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubVVSWHkxs8) of Liszt’s 3rd transcendental etude, known as “Liebestraum”, which translates to “Dream of Love”. (Note: don’t watch the video, just listen. The performer’s antics are a little distracting, though from an audio standpoint it is the best interpretation I am aware of, though theoretically it could be topped) The composer is said to have been inspired by the following poem: > [@](#): > > O Love > O love as long as e’re you can, as long as e’re you may. > The hour will come when by a tomb you stand and mourn. > Then see to it that your heart still glows and nurtures love, > As long as any other heart still beats in answering affection. > Whoever offers you his all, return your utmost for his sake, > And make his every hour a joy, and give no cause for grief! > And guard your tongue: an angry word can soon escape. > Ah me! it was not meant - > But the other, wounded, leaves and weeps. > –Ferdinand Freiligrath You could get that idea just by listening to it, but please don’t ask me to explain how- my powers frankly are limited. Anyway, if you are anything like me I think you’ll find there is quite a lot to learn around here. I hope you find your stay both informative and enjoyable. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Bodhi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f14d63/32.png) [@The\_Bodhi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bodhi)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/549 "2011-02-27T06:05:54Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > You really don’t understand how civil disobedience works, do you? The more you retaliate against the protesters, the more public support swings over to them and the stronger they become. By all means, give it your best shot, but the unintended consequences are going to be a bitch. I have no doubt that collective bargaining for public employees with be alive and well when the dust settles. I understand a lot more than you will ever know. Civil disobedience can work that way with heavy handed tactics. It can also backfire in the eyes of the public when the public views those who are a part of the civil disobedience as having no other concerns than ripping the public off. This will have dire consequences and I am betting that collective bargaining rights are going to take a sever beating based upon the democratic senators handling of this issue. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/550 "2011-02-27T06:08:45Z")
> [@The\_Bodhi](#): > > Hmmm… wrong again. > > [48% Back GOP Governor in Wisconsin Spat, 38% Side With Unions - Rasmussen Reports®](http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/february_2011/48_back_gop_governor_in_wisconsin_spat_38_side_with_unions) Statistically speaking, Rasmussen hasn’t much of a track record. They were [rated dead last in accuracy](http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/04/rasmussen-polls-were-biased-and-inaccurate-quinnipiac-surveyusa-performed-strongly/) of projections in the 2010 midterm election, so I see little reason to trust their polls now. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Bodhi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f14d63/32.png) [@The\_Bodhi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bodhi)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/551 "2011-02-27T06:09:44Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Statistically speaking, Rasmussen hasn’t much of a track record. They were [rated dead last in accuracy](http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/04/rasmussen-polls-were-biased-and-inaccurate-quinnipiac-surveyusa-performed-strongly/) of projections in the 2010 midterm election, so I see little reason to trust their polls now. link fail especially when it comes from the king of bias… ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/552 "2011-02-27T06:12:17Z")
> [@The\_Bodhi](#): > > link fail especially when it comes from the king of bias… You can argue with his opinion, but you can’t argue with his numbers. Rasmussen got it wrong more than anybody else. Have you got better numbers on their accuracy? I’ll hold my breath… ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Jeffrey\_Lebowski](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_jeffrey_lebowski/32/215_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Jeffrey\_Lebowski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Jeffrey_Lebowski)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/553 "2011-02-27T06:12:38Z")
> [@The\_Bodhi](#): > > link fail especially when it comes from the king of bias… Worked for me. Here’s a quote: > [@](#): > > On Tuesday, polls conducted by the firm Rasmussen Reports — which released more than 100 surveys in the final three weeks of the campaign, including some commissioned under a subsidiary on behalf of Fox News — badly missed the margin in many states, and also exhibited a considerable bias toward Republican candidates. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Bodhi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f14d63/32.png) [@The\_Bodhi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bodhi)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/554 "2011-02-27T06:16:33Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > You can argue with his opinion, but you can’t argue with his numbers. Rasmussen got it wrong more than anybody else. Have you got better numbers on their accuracy? I’ll hold my breath… [http://www.538host.com/pollacc1.png](http://www.538host.com/pollacc1.png) Your belief is incorrect and the article is biased as it is a selected sampling. Anyone that knows anything about statistics realizes that you can get anything to say anything if you very what you sample and what you leave out. Give us an actual report of all their polls accuracy and then tell us they are the worst. Otherwise, it is more selctive and biased reporting by the NY Times. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Bodhi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f14d63/32.png) [@The\_Bodhi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bodhi)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/555 "2011-02-27T06:17:33Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Jeffrey\_Lebowski](#): > > Worked for me. Here’s a quote: It worked on the third try. Thanks for the selected quote. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/556 "2011-02-27T06:19:04Z")
> [@The\_Bodhi](#): > > Anyone that knows anything about statistics realizes that you can get anything to say anything if you very what you sample and what you leave out. But Rasmussen would never do that, right? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@Miss\_Purl\_McKnittington](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miss_Purl_McKnittington)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/557 "2011-02-27T06:21:32Z")
Speaking of politicians acting illegally, everybody’s aware that the only person in this situation who has come close to doing so is Scott Walker, right? He’s almost certainly going to be investigated by the state Government Accountability Board over [the statements he made in the phone call with Ian Murphy](http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_0657a7e5-a7ca-59df-abf0-3222b8c8ef98.html), and Madison Police Chief Noble Wray and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz are [pushing him for answers](http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_40c3dfbe-402c-11e0-8c68-001cc4c002e0.html) over the suggestion to plant troublemakers among the protesters. Answers which he and his spokespeople have been reluctant to give past vagueness. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/558 "2011-02-27T06:22:11Z")
> [@The\_Bodhi](#): > > [http://www.538host.com/pollacc1.png](http://www.538host.com/pollacc1.png) That is the exact same table listed in my cite from the NYT. See where the Rasmussen error says 5.8? Dead last. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Bodhi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f14d63/32.png) [@The\_Bodhi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bodhi)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/559 "2011-02-27T06:28:36Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > That is the exact same table listed in my cite from the NYT. See where the Rasmussen error says 5.8? Dead last. Read the table again and see what it is of. Polls can be wrong, but that sampling is just simply misleading. Sorry to burst your bubble. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2011, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743/560 "2011-02-27T06:32:06Z")
> [@The\_Bodhi](#): > > Read the table again and see what it is of. Polls can be wrong, but that sampling is just simply misleading. Sorry to burst your bubble. Then show me a better sample! Who had a worse error than Rasmussen? Gainsaying whatever I cite without any support is not debate, it just silly contradiction. Put up or shut up. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743.md?page=27) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/govenor-scott-walker-r-wi/571743.md?page=29)