1. The union strikes in Wisconsin have brought back the never ending debate on whether or not worker unions are valuable or harmful to this country. Do you believe that unions have a place in this country or should they be banned?

I do not have a problem with interest groups that wish to unite under a common banner, because that is certainly democratic. However, labor unions have done harm to this country, as they “demand” unrealistic salaries and benefits for positions that do not deserve it. The issue is a lack of respect for authority. Our employers have a right to set wages, and we can either make ourselves invaluable assets and earn higher salaries, or move on to a new job. People can unite to influence politics, but people must also have a respect for the authority placed over them.

2. Democrats in Wisconsin fled the state in order to stop the vote of the Governors bill from occurring. Should this be allowed and is it right for a party to block a vote in such a manner?

Absolutely not. This is an abdication of one’s responsibilities and this should be punishable by impeachment. These individuals have proved nothing but their cowardice in fleeing from their responsibilities, so they should be punished for their actions. These individuals should take responsibility and vote in their legislative sessions, as their constituents sent them to do. The same principle applies for both parties.

3. The worker’s unions in Wisconsin are not independent unions but rather state workers such as teachers and city workers. These are very valuable positions in the state. Do you believe this will make a difference because of their value compared to independent unions such as UAW?

This could possibly make a difference. For instance, Wisconsin has 300,000 public employees, so this is a significant portion of their population. If they are so valuable, though, one has to ask the question, why haven’t they been missed much as they have been protesting? I agree, many of these people are important influences on the lives of many, but they should not let their politics interfere with their individual duties. One has to ask the question, are they really doing their jobs for the children and the betterment of the state, or are they like any other human, acting based on self-interest?

4. The head of the unions in Wisconsin have already agreed to the states monetary demands to raise their fees and health insurance; however, they will not keep the unions right to collective bargaining. This is the only issue still on the table and neither side is ready to give in. Do you believe unions should have the right to collective bargaining?

Absolutely not. This gives them the attempt to lobby politicians in an attempt to steal more of the money of the taxpayer to advance their power and clout in the public sector. This is something that I wish could be stopped, because they are costing the taxpayer a significant amount of money in their dealings. Their rates for retirement and insurance should be the same as the private sectors, whereas they are significantly lower in Wisconsin, even after the raises.

5. The police department and firefighters were excluded from this bill. Do you believe that it is right to exclude some state employees and not others from budget cuts and higher fees?

I think it is, to an extent, unfair for some to get the breaks and others not to. However, we must take into consideration that police officers and firefighters have a much higher risk of losing their lives in their line of work, as they protect the lives of individuals on a daily basis. I think that this was a good thing for the state to do, as these men give the ultimate sacrifice to assure the safety of individuals.

6. The governor of Wisconsin claims this bill is going to balance the budget. The protestors claim that there are many other ways to balance the budget rather than ones that affect teachers and state employees. Should other options be considered and what should they be?

There should be no “raise taxes” option. The governor is doing all he can to “get his house in order” fiscally. The dominance of these public sector unions in Wisconsin has gone on for far too long, and the state is going broke as a result. The governor is taking necessary steps to avoid layoffs and further job loss. This should be the step taken, as opposed to further government growth by higher taxes and more burdens on the citizens of the state to pay for benefits of others.

7. Should the Democratic senators be forcefully brought to convene? If not, should they be impeached for failing to fulfill their duties as elected officials?

Absolutely. These senators should either be forced to resume or resign. Their abdication of their duties is a disgrace to the people of Wisconsin and the republican form of government that citizens of the United States expect from their elected officials. The citizens of Wisconsin sent them to vote on various issues, not sit at home tucking their tails between their legs. This is truly a disgrace to American politics.