skygypsie

Today Fox news aired the video & reported the 'defender' was severely disciplined by the school, because he used too much force to defend himself...while less punishment was issued for the "bully"

The Democrates agreed to the deals. In turn the dues collected (which is state tax dollars paid by the people) are then sent to the Democratic Party to help them get re-elected -------------------------------------------------------- Pretty neat money laundering dont you think? --------------------------------------------------------- ...& then those same Democratic Senators accessed campign funds to pay for their < 3 week hotel stay, when they walked out recently...or so they claim

My bet those politicians are some of those same Democratic Senators that abandoned their positions They, not the Govenor...should be the focus of efforts to be recalled

It's no wonder the State employees of Wisconsin are seeking recall of the Govenor, and protesting the Budget Bill recently passed ! This article was sent to me by my DZO, today. It gives detailed situations of how, & through entitlement, State Employees are able to bilk the taxpayers per their Collective Bargaining Agreements Most residence of the state I know, totally support the need to set boundries & eliminate collective bargaining for State Workers & SUPPORT the need for the Budget Bill ! The article concerning " Milwaukee teachers try to get Viagra covered under their state health benefits " is particularly disconcerning

These photos are amazing ! The subject & quality belong in "Life" or "Nat'l Geo"... or as prints on a wall...or in a photography exhibit ! Beautiful work

QuoteI don't find it the least bit amusing. But I love the fact that the punk ass spoiled little bully with his bigger friends around gets slammed and put in his place. Serves his little weinie ass right -------------------------------------------------------- Made me sad & mad, at the same time ...sad thinking how often the bigger kid had to go through this ... obviously it was one of the 1st times he finally acted back...no doubt his body slammin' ability would have spread through the bully ranks ! ...mad at where the little asshole learned his entitlement to be such big asshole, so early

oh boy ...& thanks again !

Thanks...you gave me the answers I was looking for!

I just viewed the video..my heart hurts for what they went through & will to come ! They will continue to be in my prayers ! As tragic as it is...it is absolutely ADMIRABLE, as well ! Your words describing them are a wonderful tribute & characterization of them personally & professionally, & are appreciated whether they are known by us all, or not !

If it does ...what immediate & long term affects will it cause worldwide ? I understand wind patterns carry, but are we potentially looking at dire straits ? Really, I know nothing about how nuclear meltdown, nor radiation respond once it hits air surface

Here's another fine example of the "collective bargaining" of Union representation. No wonder postage is always on the increase & Union worker's love their representation. Interestingly enough it's a Federal worker's union of which I used to belong: APWU As I stick my neck out expecting slams, critques & accusations of hypocracy... understand I do not condone ANYONE being paid for standing around because of seniority or Union involvement, especially at the expense of taxpayers Though retired from Federal employment after 20 years of service, I continue to work & pay taxes... a large amount subsidizing this agency ------------------------------------------------------------ Postal Service sticks employees in a closet—and pays them! "Standby time" is not just for customers anymore By Alex Salta Sep 11 2009, 12:55 AM R.B. Boyer Not the only idle ones The U.S. Postal Service may be best known as the beloved government agency of Newman and Berkowitz, and for losing that $12 check your Grandma sent you for your birthday. But according to a rather amazing report in the Federal Times, that might not be all the Post Office is known for pretty soon. Employees of the U.S. Postal Service, an agency facing a $7 billion deficit this year, average a whopping 45,000 hours of idle time every week—at an annual cost of about $50 million. The reason for this sudden influx of downtime? That would be a combination of a 12.6% drop in mail volume over the past year, and a collective bargaining agreement that prohibits postal workers from being laid off or reassigned. "Standby time," as it is commonly known, is a practice that allows the USPS to keep employees on the clock and fulfill their contractual obligations. "Volume has dropped, we don't get the same mail receipts we used to get, and our overtime is already pretty much nil," Edward Jackson, a Washington, D.C. mail plant supervisor told the Federal Times. "But we still have to keep [employees] in a pay status. So we put them in standby rooms." Now you're probably wondering what a "standby room" is exactly. The truth is that it can be anything from an empty conference room to a 12-by-8 foot storage closet used as an area to contain employees who are on standby. "It's just a small empty room... It's awful," one employee said. "Most of us bring books, word puzzles. Sometimes we just sleep." The standby practice has most directly affected the 220,000 members of the American Postal Workers Union, a union made up mainly of clerks and maintenance workers at post offices and processing centers, whose contract with the USPS forbids employees with more than six years experience to be laid off. The same contract also contains a clause guaranteeing "eight hours' pay for eight hours' work." The USPS is left in the position of having too many workers for too little an amount of mail, and nothing to do with them except put them off to the side. Employees on standby are still technically available to work while on the clock, but days can sometimes go by before their assistance is needed, the story said. It isn't exactly like the standby employees are thrilled about this arrangement either; this is not a classic case of "lazy government workers" slacking off on the job. "They just instruct employees to report to these holding areas," APWU President William Burrus tells the Times. "The Employees resent it. They can't work, they can't read, they just sit there." Employees are forbidden to engage in any activity that they wouldn't do while performing normal work, this includes everything from listening to music to reading a book. "We want to make sure they uphold the rules and regulations of the Postal Service," Edward Jackson explained to the Times. Knowing that many employees resent being put on standby, some supervisors have taken the process as an opportunity to punish employees. Bob Patterson, an APWU official from Oregon, told the Times of a case of a USPS being put on standby in a 12-by-8 storage closet as punishment for complaining about working conditions. "There was productive work she could be performing," Patterson contended. While the USPS claims that it is being forced to implement standby time by burdensome union contracts (again, it must be noted that these are contract terms the USPS management agreed to), some employees are beginning to suspect that management is trying to get them to resign in protest rather then continue to work under these conditions. "I think they're trying to prove that they don't need people in the stations," Florida APWU representative Sam Wood told the Times. "Management says, ‘We can do without these employees.'" Wood went on to claim that one Florida mail processing plant told its employees that 10% of their workforce (58 workers) would be placed on standby until they could be reassigned to another location. Meanwhile, the reassignment process can take up to several months. So what is to be done? One solution being floated is a $15,000 buyout package for USPS employees not yet ready to retire. The postal service, which introduced the plan in August, is hoping that 30,000 of their 636,000 employees accept the offer. Even the APWU's President admits that something must be done. "[Standby time] is clear evidence that we have a surplus of employees," Burrus told the Times. "I hope our people accept the buyouts." While the USPS and the APWU try to sort through this situation no one has seemed to have asked the public what they think of the dilemma. The USPS—agency of the aforementioned $7 billion deficit and the nationwide hiring freeze—is apparently operating under the assumption that their decisions are made in a vacuum. In reality they are operating under a $78 billion publicly funded budget. Spending $50 million a year so employees who are willing and able to work can sit in a closet and stare at a wall is a little bit of a problem. Time will only tell if the postal service and the APWU will get their acts together, but at this point they're looking less reliable than the pony express

I was a member of the APWU ( American Postal Worker's Union ) for 20 years, but retired a few years ago from the United States Postal Service. Though, Postal is a Federal agency, they are a private entity ! Congress has had no intercession abilities with the agency... Other then collecting dues, I found 'them' to do squat for the workers I have had no clue what the status is of Unions -v- Postal Workers, since !

Jim, this update was posted on Facebook this morning by Chris Porter: Franklin Update All, Please forward this letter on to who ever you see fit... Good morning all. Let me first express on behalf of Amanda, Kyle, Myself and both of our families so many thanks for all of your prayers and well wishes. We are all so fortunate to have s...uch a wonderful support network in all of you. We are still waiting for updates and it could be many hours, days, or weeks before we know exactly how the recovery process will play out between Amanda and Kyle. I can however report that Kyle was not injured and or burned as badly as reported earlier by the media and is expected to make a full and rapid recovery. I can also say that the updates we are receiving on Amanda are increasingly optimistic and though she has a long road of recovery ahead of her, the doctors are giving us the impression that things are not as bad as first reported and her chances for a full recovery are getting better not worse. The first 24 hours will set the tone for the story ahead. I also have to extend a very sincere thanks to my brother-in-law Kyle who I strongly credit for the fact that my little sister is still with us. Having witnessed the accident and being on of the first on the scene, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that he made no less than five quick decisions in the air and on the ground that gave her a second chance at life!! When the engine quit, Amanda was on the top wing in the rack. Kyle continued to fly the airplane in a straight and level fashion as long as he could to give Amanda every opportunity to unstrap and get into the front cockpit where she would have the best chance in the event of a hard landing. He also resisted the tendency to turn for the pavement which typically induces a fatal stall/spin situation. He avoided a landing in the pyro field which could have proven to be fatal, and faced with the only other option of land in mesquite woods, Kyle landed into the wind drastically reducing the forward speed at impact. Upon reaching the scene, I noticed that he set the airplane down in the only Waco sized piece of ground in that dense woods that didn't have tall trees in it. Kyle sustained the majority of his burns trying to pull his wife from the wreckage and when his efforts produced no results, he stayed in the cockpit and transmitted a repeating distress call about the post impact fire that had started. I honestly believe this motivated the rapid responders to press through the brush and douse the airplane at a more rapid rate which meant the split second difference that saved Amanda, who was still in the plane. The first responders on the scene did an excellent job of responding to the situation in a rapid manner. Having a professional air boss teamed up with professional CFR personnel made a world of difference that could be the single most important factor that both Amanda and Kyle are still with us. Please continue to send your thoughts and prayers this direction because we sincerely believe they are helping. I will pass updates along as I receive them. Sincerely Matt By: Younkin Airshows

I don't know what to say other then my prayers are with them both & for their family & friends ! I'm so sorry for your anguish, as well !

How sad...I'm so sorry ! Broken heart...maybe ? We have a 7 yr. old brindel boxer mix, Voodoo...I couldn't imagine anything happening to her ! I'm sorry for your losses !

Your posts have been informative and factual Thanks ------------------------------------------------------------ your welcome

The Govenor is speaking at this moment. He points out this Budget Bill will save 1500 state jobs that otherwise would've been laid off effective April 1st. Prior to the signing of the Bill, 1000's of lay off notices were set to go out. It will save 10,000-12,000 state jobs over the next 2 years. It will refrain the need of tax increases to the middle class incomes. The benefits the state workers will have reduced; will still by far, be above the average middle class worker's benefits of the non public employee. One purpose noted in eliminating issues of the collective bargaining abilities of the Unions, would give employees of higher merit & employment standards the opportunity of reduced likelihood of lay offs, or skipped over for promotions over those less qualified, but entitled due to seniority...giving the power to the local jurisdictions. I think we've all seen that in our Union shops, in the past! Ultimately the quality of production & outcome; as well as, the positive future of their workplace, as a whole, will stand a better chance of survival. Case in point, a WI. teacher was awarded the "teacher of the year" award, but a week later was laid off due to her seniority. The teachers have never conceded to any cuts. The Governor had attempted to give the Democratic Senators the compromising ability to debate issues on behalf of the public workers via email, but each time they back pedaled. What a way to support, back, & communicate for, & on behalf of, their constituents ! Unions are no less guilty of corruption, nor taking the working man's money for their own personal gain... then any government, nor political entity nor agenda !

I've put in my time & paid my dues, & then some...so now it's ok to be "every man for himself" ? I've worked & paid taxes for over 30 years. I was also a Federal worker for over 20 years ! I totally understand cuts of pay & benefits ! Did I like it..of course not, but it was inevitable ! I was 48 went I went to college to become a nurse & then was trained as a DZ packer at 50. Neither came with a free price tag ! I've chose to continue as a fulltime packer for 5 years, now ! I'm also fully aware of the operations of a dz -v- TI's, & the need for available fill ins, as my husband is also a full time DZ Staffer & TI, for nearly 11 years ! That being said, I find I'd rather go without, so my son's & their families, & my grandkids...or your grandkids, have something left for them ! However, a select few continue to have a sense of self entitlement, regardless of the affect on their colleagues...or what source their pay is generated from ! My point is in reflection of the thread, not 2 people working to benefit themselves. They are just an example I was pointing out; we all have to go without some, whether we like it or not...so the quality of sustanence is maintained for those around & after us ! That is my definition of " The American Dream " !

Good for them. We call that capitalism. Strange how so many people here don't like it ------------------------------------------------------------ I don't have a problem with capitalism nor free enterprise, but in this economic situation & in efforts of humankind...it's a bit discouraging for some to want it all ! There is no longer enough to go around ! Families have a hard enough time staying off the system to provide for their families after one or both have lost their incomes, causing those still in the workforce to pay for it ! The wheels on that bus then continue to go round & round against state & federal deficits ! In the meantime, 2 working people in one household fortunate enough to hold their jobs, who dispute cuts, and pursue efforts to subsidize their 2 income postions...by efforts that would reduce employment & income altogether of another's family ! Nothing like spreading the love for your fellow man

The 700k or 7M (I have heard both) number is only a cost that is real if you use union workers, otherwise it would be about 1/7th that number. -------------------------------------------------------- Exactly ! Original reports claimed $7 mil. damage to the Capitol; however, most recent reports say over $700k. I say give the protesters a pan of spackle, & a paint brush...let them see the work required of those who have lost their jobs & benefits, who did not have Union representation. If given the opportunity to incur the cuts as included in the Bill; I'd bet the thousands of GM workers of the Local UAW, would have taken them rather than having GM's 3rd longest running plant in Janesville, WI...shut their doors permanently 3 years ago ! At one time, Unions probably were an aid to the working man, but with the economic evolution as it is...they've found it their agenda to line their 'blue collars' ! My experience as a former Federal worker has been, floor stewards are no different then management, other then the titles they boar & the scope of their positions. Should this Bill be recalled, & the allocation cuts are not made; to include $900 mil to schools, & $ 500 mil in Medicaid / Badgercare...this state IS headed for bankruptcy. Wisconsin has been known to be one of the more liberal of the welfare system, causing an influx of welfare seekers from neighboring states ! After GM's closing, most every major industrial & textile plants have closed permanently, relocated to another state, or country, or incurred massive permanent lay offs. Small farms have gone belly up, while corporate farms have been paid by the government an enormous amount /head of cattle, or paid by the government NOT to farm their land ! I have 2 skydiving friends who are married & are both teachers. Both are wonderful people... Both have been highly active in the protests ! During their summer months; while collecting their teacher's pay & unemployment, they both work 'under the table' at a DZ. Both have gotten their riggers rating & he; his TI & pilots license, in the last 2 years ! Understanding another TI, pilot & riggers are an asset to any DZ, they are both now trying to utilize their newly acquired ratings on to DZ's; in attempt to get full time positions, some others have as their only source of income during jump season. I am astonished as to the resistence these State workers have for the good of the future of the State as a whole

Local news ( Fox 11 out of Green Bay & Fox 6 out of Milwaukee) did report 22 rounds were found by law enforcement on the grounds of the Capitol... "peaceful "demonstrators" ( some acquaintences who were there) confirm they were found, but only 'planted' as an attention seeking message This same individual also denies any damage to the tune of < $ 700,000.00 by protestors to the interior of the Capitol, but didn't offer much of an explanation when the camera shots were aired

Being from Wisconsin & having the news story being shoved down our throats for over 3 weeks, I can only give what I've followed ! Understanding news reports are either propaganda, rhetoric, or reports on a " need to know " basis, this is what has been reported. All WI Democratic Senators fled the state & holed up in hotels in IL., claiming to force compromise by the Republican Senator's / Govenor. It was recently indicated their campaign funds are indeed, being used to cover their; to date, 3 week walk out ! Last week a news reporter uncovered a "secret" email exchange between one of the Senators & the Madison, WI., Mayor. Evidently, the Union paid the Mayor & senate to stage the walk out as a ploy to stall & divert until the Union's Collective Bargaining Contract could be signed. The email also entailed the Mayor advising if there were any other known Union contracts within the area; that needed a stall until they too could get their Union contracts signed, to advance notice to him, to do so ! The Bill passed the Assembly last night, without the return of the Senators. Tonight's news indicated the Senator's may still refuse to return, as way to give the People an opportunity to be heard, despite the Governor demanding law enforcement seek out each one & return, even if by force ! My understanding of the Bill, dictates State workers have lost collective bargaining in most Union affliated issues other then in regards to wages. Their retirement entitlement met by the State matching $ for $, was decreased by 5%. Earlier reports indicate the Bill, will cost the State workers an overall decrease in pay & benefits to the equivalent of @ $ 2.00/hour. The "peaceful" demonstrations at the State Capitol, has resulted in damage of over $ 700,000.00 to the interior of the Capitol. I for one think each one should be charged with AWOL, abandonment of post, terminated from duties, & required to reimburse the People ( State) every dime they have earned since their recent term began...and I FORMERALLY considered myself a democrat

...breath taking !