Unions, Robust Democracy, Gov. Walker, and Public Order

Last night Wisconsin government union supporters took over the Wisconsin Capitol building, probably in an attempt to prevent the Wisconsin Assembly from voting.

The story started with a proposal by Gov. Walker to cut government union pay and benefits and to limit their power. Wisconsin Senate Democrats fled the state to deny the Wisconsin Senate the necessary quorum for fiscal bills. A stand-off ensued, accompanied by pro-union mobs surrounding and occasionally occupying the Wisconsin Capitol. Last night the Wisconsin Senate Republicans stripped the bill of its fiscal provisions and passed it. The Wisconsin Assembly was to vote on it today.

I have no real objection to the pro-union mobs occupying the Capitol to prevent the vote. Democracy is messy business, and politics is force in disguise. As long as extra-legal democracy (i.e., force and limited violence) doesn’t cross the line into terror and civil war, so be it.

But the use of force is a dialogue. I have no problem at all with Gov. Walker calling out the National Guard and violently restoring order. Any of the union supporters who complain would be hypocrites.

I would prefer, however, that he simply convene the Wisconsin Assembly elsewhere to vote on the bill. Its better style.

The only real bad actor here has been President Obama and his permanent campaign organization, Organizing for America or whatever its called. Their role in fomenting the crowds to oppose Gov. Walker is a sin against our federal system and a violation of oath.

P.S. Old Abe, Screaming Eagle–I’m glad I’ve been following the fun in Wisconsin or I might I have missed learning about him.