Dear State Journal Editor –
I attended the Mining Commission Hearing on Wednesday in Madison – hours away from the communities this bill will affect directly. Lest we forget though, this bill sets new mining rules for the whole state moving forward; it could be any of our backyards at some point. I had questions and concerns, and I expected to hear testimony and answers regarding the proposed mining bill – a bill that the mining company had a strong hand in writing. Instead, I along with many were insulted with disdain exhibited by the Republican leadership in not allowing questions and their offering no answers. The rudeness I witnessed to other legislators and constituents was appalling and frankly inconceivable that it was an adult speaking.
One response regarding filling the job openings with Wisconsin workers, was that such details of the plan would be released upon passage of the bill. How is this responsible governance? I am trying to be an informed, responsible citizen, and am met with contempt by Republicans time and time again. How can one not assume their redistricting and “protect the vote” efforts are merely guises for voter suppression. I am very discouraged about any bills being written behind closed doors by special interests and where citizens and the quality of life in Wisconsin are not the priority. We the people clearly don’t have a voice with this leadership, nor a transparent process. This does not pass my “stink test” of a “good faith effort” on the Republicans and mining company’s part.
Elisa Miller
Thanks for sharing your experience, Elisa.
You (and Patti Wisniewski!) should think about blogging. We need more female bloggers in WI. 🙂
Thanks Elisa.
Courtesy of the GOP/Charlie Sykes/Bradley Foundation approach to conservation, there are no longer any commercial fishing jobs in Lake Michigan.
“The Decline of a Once-Great Fishery”
http://www.jsonline.com/news/127244963.html
Republican Gov. Warren Knowles understood that “conserve,” is the root of conservative. GOP (and most Dems) needs to get back to that.
Ms. Miller, Would you consider sending your remarks to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel? I think you should. I was at the hearing too and was shocked at the lack of due diligence being displayed, especially when faced with geological data from a scientist who indicated that this mine is going to pollute like heck. My intuition was telling me something is really rotten in Denmark.
Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,
P.O. Box 371, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0371
Fax: (414)-223-5444
E-mail: jsedit@journalsentinel.com
Show your work… what is changed in the bill from current law that allows a mine “to pollute like heck”? With that statement you are also implying that federal environmental laws allow one “to pollute like heck.”
fms, when was the last time someone went to jail for polluting?
That doesn’t answer my question. Nor does your point hold up: if no one is ever prosecuted for polluting ever then who cares if the law is this, that, or the other.
fms, if those FEDERAL pollution laws are worth something, what happened to the THOUSANDS of sustainable commercial fishing jobs in Lake Michigan.
“The Decline of a Once-Great Fishery”
http://www.jsonline.com/news/127244963.html
When are those jobs coming back?
Battling invasive species isn’t exactly an apples to apples comparison. I guess you could pass a law against those species, but that wouldn’t stop them any more than passing a law against the flu would stop the spread of that. I don’t think EPA regulates overfishing, but you might want to check with the Obama administration on that one (I’m sure it’s Bush’s fault). I did hear Obama say that under his watch the rise of the oceans will and our planet will heal, but I don’t know if that included fishing jobs in the Great Lakes.
“Battling invasive species isn’t exactly an apples to apples comparison. I guess you could pass a law against those species, but that wouldn’t stop them any more than passing a law against the flu would stop the spread of that. ….”
Freighters coming down the St. Lawrence spread the flu. Who knew. Thanks to you and all the other paid wing nuts who share the fms’ handle.
As happens more frequently than not, it comes down to deflections and name calling. What was wrong with having a civil discussion and debate of ideas? Have a nice rest of the weekend!
fms, please accept my apologies for referring to you as a wing nut.
Can you or one of the others come back and please explain who those freighters coming down the St. Lawrence spread the flu.
Elisa, interestingly enough, many of your comments echo what was said during the passage of Obamacare.
I don’t believe they intend to create this mine. This is just payback for the Crandon mine defeat and
the passage of the mining moratorium. The big boys can’t accept that they lost the last mine fight in 2003.
The people spoke then and the legislators are pretending they didn’t hear us.
That’s ridiculous. What would be the point of that? If payback was the sole reason, why wouldn’t “the big boys” focus on Crandon-type metallic sulfide mining instead of iron ore mining? Why would a mining company waste its time? Who are “the big boys” you speak of? But you know, if what you say is true, then there’s nothing to worry about.
It’s a “bright, shiny object,” that they know will catch your eye. Even if it’s approved 2,000-3,000 jobs are years away.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/politifact-testing-larson-claim-on-long-wait-for-minerelated-jobs-j68gr9q-188587511.html
Piggybacking on BC, it’s a way, maybe the only way, for the GOP to look serious about jobs/prosperity for the 99%. They’re protecting the enemies of the free markets, monopolies and oligopolies.
You do know your link says “mostly false” on a minimum of 7 years? First the claim is there will be no jobs, then the criticism is that the process should not be shortened, followed by the criticism that the jobs won’t come fast enough! So which is it?
Oh, yeah, I know.
How many more months does Gov. Walker have to deliver on his promise of 250,000 new jobs?
And I suppose all of this opposition has nothing to do with that? Even in your deflections you help make the point.
Forgotmyscreenname-
It would be “interestingly enough” if the two were more similar than you are implying. President Obama’s leadership was more inclusive and transparent than these WI Republicans have been.
-The Affordable Care Act was DRAFTED with healthcare providers, insurance companies, policy makers, etc all sitting at the table. WI Republicans have excluded democratic legislators, various experts and stake holders.
-The Affordable Care Act was not written by special interests. The mining company has written their own bill. Last time I checked companies/corporations were not people nor elected law makers. Maybe Schoolhouse Rock needs to revamp “How a Bill Becomes a Law.”
-The healthcare law had compromises. I know that’s a swear word with this WI leadership.
-It took almost 16 months to pass. It wasn’t rushed through. Unlike WI Republicans, they rush things through in a matter of days, in the middle of the night.
-President Obama did Q&A’s on TV, multiple press conferences, grassroots informational sessions to educate the public on its contents, it was in the news daily… It was transparent. Questions were allowed. WI Republicans have refused to allow questions and believe they are above the law and accountability.
-Do you know that Sen. Schultz (R-Richland Center) says this law is worse than what they voted on last session? He voted against it then.