By State Representative, Leon D. Young
Leon D. Young
Let me begin by wishing all of you a belated Merry Christmas. The Holiday Season is in full swing and everywhere you look you see signs of this joyous time of the year.
I recently had the misfortune of seeing a Scott Walker TV commercial. Believe it or not, Mr. Walker, his wife (Tonette) and two children were shown serving Christmas meals to less-fortunate individuals. I was particularly struck by what Mrs. Walker had to say: The holidays are a time for us to give thanks and to reach out to those who are struggling. It’s a tough time for many families, but in Wisconsin we have a long tradition of helping our neighbors.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Wisconsin.
In this season of peace, our hope is that we can put our differences aside and move forward together.
This all sounds well and good. And, true enough; Wisconsinites are very giving people who are more than willing to reach out to lend a helping hand. But what this governor and first lady fail to realize (and simply don’t get!), Government bears the primary responsibility for the health and well-being of its people.
In the 12 months that Scott Walker has been in office, the misery index for most Wisconsinites has skyrocketed. Mr. Walker’s trickle-down approach to reviving Wisconsin ’s faltering economy (tax breaks and giveaways to businesses) simply isn’t working. Just last month, the state lost 14,000 more jobs.
Under Scott Walker’s watch, state government has consistently abdicated its role as an advocate for the people that they were elected to serve. This governor has been so out-oftouch that he in all likelihood will face a recall election next year.
Hence, I found Mr. and Mrs. Walker’s yuletide message from the Salvation Army meal site too contrived, too convenient and, definitely, too dishonest.