Get Ready for Another Brain Drain? (Oregon, Dakota: 2014, house, taxes)

[NomadStephanie]

The "Wisconsin Idea" is one of the things I admire most about Wisconsin. I would think that most Wisconsinites--regardless of political affiliation--would be proud of their University and their state's traditional emphasis on education? And yes, it does matter whether a University is defined by the search for truth and thinking on a higher level, or by job preparation. Ironically, it's the flexible, critical, and creative thinking that is developed in the context of a liberal arts education that makes a student more competitive in the type of jobs and industries our changing world needs. A technical education prepares you only to the extent the technical skills remain up to date and that you stay in the same exact industry... a danger in an economy where flexibility is key to survival, where many people have to switch industries or careers.

I believe I can see what Walker is trying to do--shift all public institutions toward privatization and pave the way for industry barons like the Koch brothers to have a supply of workers for their projects. A less educated, more technically skilled population, stripped of union protection, is more easily exploited by industries that seek profit for top dogs and shareholders by minimizing salaries and wages. This also panders to the Republican base by showing a disdain for higher education, characterizing the goals of higher education as a "waste of taxpayer money," and shifting the emphasis to the "practical" goal of "job preparation." It's all very stupid, short-sighted thinking, as is any Republican thinking these days.

I suppose if Walker has the authority to do this, a successor with a different take on things would be able to return it to the way it was before? I remain hopeful that the way Walker is running roughshod over his home state to please his sponsors and lay a path for his ambitions will leave some people who aren't completely converted by the Fox News Kool-Aid with a bitter taste in their mouths and a desire to fix what Walker will have screwed up by the time he's out.

[Milwaukee City]

That's a pretty impressive conspiracy theory you have there Nomad. Besides all your wide crazy generalizations it seems like short-sighted liberal conspiracy thinking these days. Seriously where do you even begin with this argument or idea? Any time a liberal mention Evil Koch Brothers you know you are in for a treat of well thought out logic and a reasonable position.

[earthlyfather]

These 'educated' posters are better that SNL. Such venom posing as vague generalities, pseudo conspiracies - as previously noted. Let me guess. Since shuffling around the capital, singing folk songs did not effect the wanted change, a new tactic has been adopted.

And, the disdain for the 'technically' educated. The progressive trifecta is complete. LOL at the triad.

[Empidonax]

Originally Posted by earthlyfather

These 'educated' posters are better that SNL. Such venom posing as vague generalities, pseudo conspiracies - as previously noted. Let me guess. Since shuffling around the capital, singing folk songs did not effect the wanted change, a new tactic has been adopted.

Yes, the tactic is to listen to Rush and drink beer with the Koch Bros. How's that for another stereotype?

And, the disdain for the 'technically' educated. The progressive trifecta is complete. LOL at the triad.

What disdain? The mission of UW has been different from that of the 2-year tech schools which lie outside the system. Both are great things, but it seems that Walker's edit (which has since been backpedaled as an error) disdains traditional university education in favor of tech training. Why does mentioning this have to be seen as a slam on tech ed?

[Empidonax]

Just in case not everyone gets the news:

Walker proposes changing Wisconsin Idea

So, he says he's committed to the Wisconsin Idea after all. Now we can argue if the maneuver was a secretive attempt that backfired or an innocent editing error.

[disastermouse]

The mayor of Madison is funding $5 billion over five years for Worker's Cooperatives as an alternative to tax-break enticements to corporations that can simply leave after the tax benefits run out. That can keep more money in the community and maybe even become a progressive political base, given enough time.

Walker may be causing brain damage, but there are forces also moving in the opposite direction.

[disastermouse]

Whether you're a progressive or a conservative, an increase in regional wealth creation BY THE COMMUNITIES THEMSELVES can't really be looked at askance, can it?

Why don't the local workers own the paper mills? Up north they sure as heck own the logging operations. If you depend on outside companies to provide your jobs, you're always a supplicant and the will of the owners becomes your will regardless of whether it's in your long-term interest.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by Empidonax

What disdain? The mission of UW has been different from that of the 2-year tech schools which lie outside the system. Both are great things, but it seems that Walker's edit (which has since been backpedaled as an error) disdains traditional university education in favor of tech training. Why does mentioning this have to be seen as a slam on tech ed?

It isn't a slam on tech ed. The state puts a lot of money into it. It is just different.

A University IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE a tech school.

This is what happens when you elect a college drop out.

PS: I love the people thinking that the Koch bros aren't expecting any return for their political contributions, and that if someone thinks they might want to affect public policy (which they have stated they are, themselves) then it must be a conspiracy.

[MaseMan]

Originally Posted by timberline742

It isn't a slam on tech ed. The state puts a lot of money into it. It is just different.

A University IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE a tech school.

This is what happens when you elect a college drop out.

PS: I love the people thinking that the Koch bros aren't expecting any return for their political contributions, and that if someone thinks they might want to affect public policy (which they have stated they are, themselves) then it must be a conspiracy.

Exactly. It's like some people haven't been paying attention to which way corporate interests have been driving public policy. Walker is an unabashed corporatist without exception, but some pretend that doesn't drive his agenda.

[timberline742]

Walker Backs off Removing 'Wisconsin Idea' From UW Mission - ABC News

Perhaps this drop out is backing off