For the first time the Congressman has had to face an organized opposition. He had better be prepared to reap what he has sown. Every since Barrett lost his district and the Congressman's district was increased to include the North Shore, he has had a pass because those opposing him did not come out to the town meetings. That's all changed now and he will see what the opposition really looks like.

Our very wealthy congressman, F. James Senenbrenner,has spent his entire career taking care of the wealthy at the expense of the middle class. His ego centered comments are often disrespectful of those who do not agree with him. His "Town Hall Meetings" have been campaigning and fund raising, not legitimate listening sessions. John Boehner, Jim Sensenbrenner and their ilk have never been critical of vocal opponents of the President and Democratic office holders at their town hall meetings. Listen up Jim . . .times are a changing and not necessarily for the better for the rich and powerful.

iPhone typing. Opening line "if you don't think ALL"

Sensenbrenner is a tool of the corporate elite who doesn't give a hoot about anybody's opinion if it doesn't agree with his. Very unlike what Obama has been doing by moving to the center and trying to represent everyone. Sensenbrenner has his agenda and that is all he cares about. I agree it is time for him to leave. I saw a video of that town hall meeting he was talking about and the only one I saw being disrespectful and paternalistic was Sensenbrenner. AJ and Lyle are right, he better get used to people showing up and being upset and voicing it. It is time people started standing up to the lack of democracy going on in this country. I am not in the union or have a friend in the union and being bullied by union thugs I am just a very concerned citizen who doesn't like what is going in our country for a lot of reasons and I am not going to let the corporate elite take away my voice.
And that goes for members of our government on both sides of the fence. They are all pretty much owned by the lobbyists who give them money.

Bewildered, Well old friend you are right about George Soros supporting Move On, but there is a critical difference; Soros isn't doing it for financial gain. His focus is on social justice. Whereas the Koch Bros. are definitely in it for the financial gain. As far as using town hall meetings as fund raising events, it is basically wrong to do so. They then become nothing more than a meeting of the faithful. This is precisely why we need public financing of campaigns.

Please. Guys. You are hurting my feelings with all this union thug business. I worked union for 40 years in the private sector and have not once met a union thug. Although I have had more than my share of differences with representation that character assassination is right out of the Libertarian handbook.

I have written several letters to Sensenbrenner. If you could see the response's I received you could only come to the conclusion that Jim is CLUELESS. At least I have received responses from him. Not so with Ron Johnson.

I don't see a byline on this article. Did Jim Sensenbrenner write this?

I attended my 1st town hall meeting with Sen, Sensenbrenner on2/5/11. It was a dissapointment. We had to write out our
question(s) and supply our name and address. There were about 20 persons there . No open discussion was allowed. Last
Thursday 3/17/11. I participated in a Town Hall meeting with Sen. Chris Larson and Rep. Jon Richards. What a difference! There were about 150-200 people in attendance. A power point on the budget bill was given; anyone could speak by raising a
hand and you were given a portable microphone so all could hear your question or comment. I felt I was being listened to
and not lectured. I feel that Sen Sensenbrenner listens to only a certain segment of his constituency and doesn't even try to persuade others; he just ignores them.
KM-C Shorewood

Karen, You have expressed my sentiments as well.

Lyle, Thanks. As a 71 yr old "union thug" I have brain cramps every now and then. I shouldn't be writing comment B-4 my
second cup of coffee, Yes, I believe we have only 2 Senators: Kohl and Johnson. (Perhaps, I was sub-consciously deleting Johnson!)
KM-C Shorewood

Representative Sensenbrenner's characterization of "lack of civility" at that Tosa meeting could also be described as "passionate outrage" at what is happening here in our state. Perhaps he should come home more frequently and note the lack of civility on the part of those who "govern" us.

OMG GOP

Sensenbrenner is a corporate goon/stooge.

Corporations outsource jobs; teachers create jobs.

Democrats represent the middle class; republicans represent the middle finger. Gold.

Over the past 30-odd years, the Democrats have moved to the right, and the Republicans have moved into a mental hospital. --Bill Maher

As we can see clearly here, Republicans are the party of Respectful Disagreement, the Democrats the party of insults, threats, and intimidation.

Talk about civility. Isn't Sensenbrenner the one who took his gavel and turned out the lights while other committee members were trying to have a discussion?

Tom,The Libertarian Party(republicans) rely on ignorance and propaganda to further their agenda. They control what most of us think. Any rational person who took it upon themselves to search out information not provided to you by corporate media would find it astounding how a few hundred individuals in this country dominate every aspect of our society. I rarely get fact based argument from republicans. I get "the middle finger" on exit with no good argument. How has their agenda improved your life? I am curious.

"Lack of civility"? What irony. There are so many lies, half truths, barely trues, and "pants on fire" statements coming out of politicians these days, that civility seems superfluous. The government does all manner of things in secret. Everything has a "spin" on it. Campaigning candidates present themselves as cliches. Lobbyists have access to those in power, and get things the average voter could never even hope for. Bills are passed filled with so many riders and loopholes that the original intent of the legislation, that the average voter voted for, is lost. The self interest of people running for office, or the incumbent, is staggering. Where are the patriots who put the voter's and their country's needs ahead of their party's needs? Why is education, the one thing that everyone says is the hope of this country, always the first thing to be cut in the budget? It can't be vital to the country and expendable at the same time. What could be more "uncivil" than getting America into wars so frequently? This is expensive, and history teaches us that we end up being trade partners with whoever we were fighting, a relatively short time later. I fear for this country. Dave Koven

Dennis and Mary Jo Bodden

I agree with Jim Sensenbrenner that we ought to be able to disagree without being disagreeable. But we never heard Jim Sensenbrenner rebuke any of the nasty town hall meeting disrupters that were well documented during the health care debate. Nor did he comment when Republicans shouted down Feingold during his reelection campaign.

And just for the record, Jim Sensenbrenner has discontinued his town hall meetings in Shorewood because he was not liking opinions of his constituents there.

Hi Bob, By corporate media I am referring to Disney, Time Warner, News Corporation, Liberty Media, Bertelsmann and Viacom. Which pretty much own everything. Suggesting how we should think and live. The era we live in now is "opinion journalism". Sort of like Fox vs MSNBC. To date and the only worthwhile arena for impartial media is the Public Broadcasting System. In my opinion of course.

Thanks Lyle, Appreciate the input for more reliable print sources. It is a shame this became a one newspaper town. Bob is entitled to trap me. My intention is to try to hear reasonable opposing views so I learn. If I have to be corrected on a public forum, so be it. In my opinion, Bob is at least willing to engage and that is more than most republicans I have talked to. Thanks for having my back. Appreciate it.

Stay classy republicans. "We all marveled at two different instances of "double finger" drive-bys, both birds fully loaded, no hands on the wheel, cell phone in crook of neck."
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/03/19/958223/-Tales-from-the-Recall-Trail:-Alberta-Darling

I have found over the years that elected official's staff are the one's that get things done. Sometimes it is better to make contact with the staff and get to know them personally.

Hi Bob,No argument there. Media has been corporate but news was presented differently. As far as journalistic standards go its what you know and refuse to print that I could take issue with. Where is Bob Woodward when you need him. Without the internet I would have no way of evaluating interpretive media. Perhaps many of the things I learn are wrong but I'll take my chances with me making those decisions rather than hidden government. And I agree about both sides expressing emotion with innuendos designed to polarize us. Your comment on parrot made me laugh. The Libertarian Party website makes statements in writing that in practice are the exact opposite of what they imply. And for anyone that's interested they pay mandatory dues. Yet there army of puppets march on, finding axes as the only tool to our problems. Sorry about the opinion journalism.

Thanks for the comments Bob. What bothers me is that one army is better financed than the other. And yes Bob I do think there is a group of wealthy ego centric individuals that are pulling society's strings. I think there is overwhelming evidence to support my view. I don't think they have my best interest in mind. I don't believe they have your interests in mind. I think their agenda is completely self serving and it is subsidized by us taxpayers. I have always considered my self conservative. I live modestly and within my means. I don't like to carry debt. I value public resources. Education should be a top priority for our country. Everyone should be able to retire with some dignity after contributing a lifetime to society. Not just the well to do and union people. Health care for everyone? What is so terrible about that? I find out now that I am whats called a "liberal" with the same condescending tone as "union" . Really ,I have not seen a plan for the future for our citizens after their usefulness to corporate America has diminished . Or have I missed something someplace. Sorry Bob but I think we may have more in common than appears on the surface. At any rate I am happy to be in company with a group that holds each other accountable. It makes for meaningful exchange. Unedited.

Knowledge, equity and tolerance should lead ignorance,self service and suppression. I would be curious to poll a group like this as to what single issue would make the most significant contribution to responsible government. All of you are active in the conversation that's happening in America everywhere but where we are represented. Bob I have no intention of indicting anyone. I have my sights set on Wisconsinites determining their future. I want everyone engaged. This Republican agenda is expensive. And I detest government telling me the only tool I can yield is an axe. Better watch what we cut with that axe.

Lyle, Last statement made me smile. I need to get back to fishing and put my blinders on again. I was a happy camper. Now. I am worried.

Michael, I really enjoy your discourse. You are a very wise person and whether that came with age or you were born that way makes no difference. You seem like the kind of person I would love to have for a neighbor. Thank you to you and Lyle also for your insightful comments.

Funny that F. Jim didn't feel that way when T-Patry bullies acted out at Democratic Congressional town halls. Noe that he is a target he gets all kumbaya.

AJH, Planned Parenthood hasn't worked and is a great waste of taxpayer money. Check out the local hospital records and see how many unwed mothers still give birth. We need a new approach, the cost of from birth through puberty to taxpayers for these fatherless children is enormous. As for Senator Johnson, cut him some slack, he's only been in Washington a very short time and a bunch of things in Washington are taking precedent over things back here right now. Give him the same courtesy that you would bestow upon a Democrat.

I'm glad someone finally pointed out the parallel between the tea party folks and the folks who've been protesting the budget repair bill. I doubt that was the intent, but it's on the money.

Keith, Your opinion of Mr. Feingold sure comes up different from mine, never saw any exemplary qualities exhibited from Russ to me, only self concentrated ego! As a matter of fact he couldn't look me straight in the eye. It was time for a replacement. Then are you for use of abortion for birth control? Enough on the Palins, move on and away from more character assassination, both sides need to stop their personal attacks. We need to work on viable solutions not warped political rhetoric comment.There are other sources for woman's health related issues, free info can be obtained from many hospitals in the area.

Lyle, So you are an early riser too. I do enjoy your dialogue, Lyle, even though you make some invalid assumptions about me. I agree with the variables impact and also believe that it does cross all income levels, economic and education levels too. Can't understand how one can ignore the facts and reality, if you don't look at that then what do you look at. If would be good to have a truly unbiased factual report on the cost impact to society and the overall failure so far of the approaches we have taken to resolve the situation including health and sex education in schools. All I"m lobbying for is trying something fresh. Whether or not Johnson is a self made man is not an issue for me as I'm willing to give someone with a business background versus a lifetime of only politics a try. He may or may not disappoint me going forward but I will cut him the slack to try. We have all too many congress members on both sides that don't have a clue on how to manage anything nor how their legislative actions may impact the economy negatively albeit inadvertently. Well, got to go , have a meeting.

Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin legislative majority exposed…
Someone said to know the truth just follow the money and that’s where you will find it. As a skeptic and cynic, I normally discount conspiracy theories; they are much too difficult to manage and to work consistently enough to make any kind of rational sense. However, with the concerted effort of Republican chief executives and Republican legislative majorities focused on the states’ financial shortfalls and the introduction of almost identical legislation by a number of states; the probability of pure coincidence exceeds reasonable expectations.
I think I fully understand the Republican platform which consists of the following Lebertarian planks:
• Reduce the size of all government; federal, state and local
• With smaller government it will automatically reduce or remove regulations and regulatory authority which controls the conduct of business, allowing for complete self regulation and laissez faire.
• The federal government should be limited to the functions of national defense, building and maintenance of infrastructure to promote commerce and to promote business interest abroad.
• The authority for domestic policy would be turned over to the states to administer as they see fit.
• Privatize all non essential government services.
• The federal government would impose a flat rate income tax on all earned income to all working citizens to fund government operation.

• Eliminate all inheritance taxes.
• Eliminate taxes on capital gains.
• Elimination of federal funding for education, health care, retirement, unemployment compensation and public welfare.
• Abolish all teacher and public employees unions and collective bargaining.
• Prohibit unions from contributing to political campaigns.
• Make all fifty states right to work states.
• Criminalize all abortion, pornography, and homosexuality.
• Regulate the internet and wireless communication.
• Eliminate personal bankruptcy.
• If states choose to offer public education, then it would be offered only through a voucher system.
• Limit punitive damages through tort reform.
• Eliminate class action law suits.
Keeping in mind the Republican intent, then the legislation presented by Republican dominated legislatures and administrations don’t come as a surprise. However, this has been carefully crafted and funded. Following the money trail leads directly to Koch Industries, Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, the Edgar and Elsa Prince Foundation and a number of others with extreme conservative agendas. Prominent in this group are the Koch Brothers through donations directly to Walker and the Republican Governors PAC. The Koch Brothers have a vested interest in business deregulation and specific interests in the State of Wisconsin.

RAK, Can you verbalize how your life has improved in the last 20 years or so by sending $3000 dollars of your tax money every year to support profitable mega corporations whose executives annual pay packages run in the range of 15 to 20 million annually? That,s $3000 for me and every other taxpayer. Wouldn't it be nice to have the same tax advantage of GE? !8 billion in profit and 0 tax? We can't afford education but we endorse THIS mentality? I maintain that the Republican Party thrives on our ignorance. Small business is hurt by the strategy in play now. Not helped. Everything I place value on is being axed. Everything I find wrong with the way our politics have taken shape is being aided. So I am really interested in how raising our taxes(increasing Corporate Welfare),, robbing the working class of infrastructure paid for by them , and advancing programs aimed directly at lowering our standard of living is in your best interest? I am looking for some meaningful dialog because somewhere we have to find common ground. Even if we don't agree. Love the input.

Thank you Lyle for exposing the truth. Have read all this and researched it thouroughly but can never just lay it out there so precisely so thank you. This all was started over thirty years ago by the Koch brother's father who helped found the John Birch Society. It has been a thirty year plan and we are seeing it all come to fruition now. We must wake up and fight back which, thanks to Walker's extreme tactics, what we see happening with the citizens in this state. It is wonderful to see people finally getting involved in their democracy and it's about time.

Lyle Thank you for taking the time to expose this. Like Bob said. This conspiracy theory business consumes brain space. I generally dismiss such things, mainly because I was consumed in too many things that weren't important. Following this trail, the history, the players involved and concluding that injustice has been dealt the American people , part of me views them as enemies of the Republic. There well be a case made that they should return the portion of their empires that were financed by taxpayer money. How many school districts could be helped with the money the Kochs pump into the political system? Oh thats right. WE finance our own demise.

Well after you guys have had all the Koch you can handle, here's another one you can sink your teeth into:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_for_the_New_American_Century

Millions of hours and braincells have been burnt to a crisp obsessing over this timeless classic. It's a favorite of 911 truthers, trilateral commission junkies and Bilderberg connoisseurs alike.

Have at it.

Michael,
Funny story about the birchers....would love to hear the longer version some time. I was not the one that mentioned the chant, "THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE" but I love the chant. We were chanting that last Friday, as we were protesting on Lake Drive to get people to stop and sign the recall petition for Alberta Darling and we had a number of people drive by and give us the finger and shout at us........like we were doing something really awful. Most of the people driving by though were very supportive and gave us the thumbs up. I didn't quite know how to take your comment, " that is how long I have been complacent" but I am thinking you were being scarcastic. I started protesting 42 years ago and was one of the first people in this area to hold a Hunger Hike. Do you remember those? Then I moved to California and felt like I had come home to my people. :)

Hi Karen, I thought Bob had mentioned that but after looking back at the post I was not accurate. Sorry. My statement about my being complacent is that I have ignored issues most of my life. I believed that our country was safe in the hands of our government. Even if the other side got in we were all in this together. It was a sharp slap to realize that government, now in the firm grasp of libertarians, actually want to steal from whatever pool of society's funds left intact. I am angry with me.

Your honesty is refreshing Michael. Glad you have seen the light and are fighting to spread it around.