June 13, 2011

What's the End Game In Wisconsin?

I may be politically naive but I can usually (eventually) figure out the motivation behind a series of events. In this case, I'm confused by Wisconsin's governor and his vision for the state. Months ago, the entire nation watched the battle in Madison, as Walker worked to cripple collective bargaining and effectively punish the people who have made public service their vocation. And now this:

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/06/10/239780/wisconsin-craft-beer/

And this from the New Glarus Brewing Company front page:
WI Craft Brewers need your help!
Miller Brewing Co. is attempting to insert restrictions on craft brewers and their growth into the Walker Budget. If you live in Wisconsin, please contact your representative and tell them you support craft brewers.

http://legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/contact/legislatorslist.aspx?house=assembly

The only link I can see is that he's a shill for big business. Could it be that simple? Could the difference between parties be simply whether they represent the largest money makers in their district vs. the majority of the people? And really, Republicans talk about less government and deregulation, but this would appear to be government intervention to help the 2nd largest beer manufacturer in the US hobble some small, local entrepreneurs.

Perhaps the way he sees it is that the market will regulate itself. The strong will survive and the weak will fall by the wayside (with a little nudge from his administration). Unfortunately, I'm not okay with discarding the weak. The government is for the people, by the people. Not for the largest land holder and by the makers of Paxil®.

Even if his motivation is purely avaricious, I'm not sure where he's trying to steer the ship. He's changing the working and living environment for so many people, and to what end? I just can't see it.

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