We’re All in This Together. Americans are frustrated with the direction of our country and our continued economic problems. You can see this across the spectrum of American politics, from those joining Tea Parties to those at Occupy Wall Street protests.
Americans are tired of being lied to and misled by government officials who are supposed to represent their interests. Most of all, Americans are frustrated with national leadership that seems more interested in scoring political points than getting things done.
It’s the same in Wisconsin.
Debates about public-sector unions and compensation packages for government workers have been particularly—and unnecessarily—heated. Interest groups have attempted to pit government workers against taxpayers. It’s true in other states, and it’s true in Wisconsin.
But the truth is, we are all in this together.
It’s Not Politics. It’s Simple Math. Americans need to work together to find solutions to the problems that face our local governments, our cities, our states, and our country. We need to realize that this isn’t about politics, this is about simple math. What politicians have promised and the resources we actually have are way out of balance. The numbers simply do not add up.
And when the numbers don’t add up, the real choice isn’t between keeping what was promised and a reduced version, but between a reduced but sustainable version and nothing. No one, when confronted with the choice of funding schools, libraries, transportation, police, firemen, hospitals, and other vital services will choose to protect every last penny of gold-plated pension plans instead.
Hard-working government employees and taxpayers alike have been diserved by politicians who over-promised without being able to deliver. Today, we need an honest discussion about our real situation so we can find answers that are fair to everyone.
That starts with recognizing that the status quo is not an option. Trying to make good on the promises of the past would cripple governments and the economy.
All Americans—union members, government workers, business owners, and individual taxpayers—want our country to succeed. We want to get back on the path to prosperity and opportunity. Working together to put our governments back on sound fiscal footing is an essential first step in that direction.
Find out more at http://isthatreallyfair.com/