Journal Sentinel Editorial Disappoints; Walker's Undemocratic Actions Get A Pass

The newspaper criticizes Senate Democrats for an admittedly bold tactic: leaving the state to shut down the legislative process and sidetrack Scott Walker's heavy-handed move against unions, workers and collective bargaining.

The editorial says they are making "a mockery of the democratic process."

I wish the paper had used such strong language to condemn Walker's unilateral decision to throw out collective bargaining - - the process and the right - - in place for decades in the state.

I wish the paper had said Walker's refusal to negotiate with unions made a mockery of the democratic process, too.

The paper has called for Walker to moderate his actions, to move somewhat slower on certain issues, but has not lowered the boom.

It did on the Senate Democrats, mocking them with words like "snit," and "tantrum," and "childish stunt."

As I said, a disappointment, as I know the editorial board knows full well that what the Senate Democrats did was not a stunt.

Maybe the Senate Democrats would come back if the paper could convince Walker to begin negotiating with the unions, and withdraw his hard-edged program to end union effectiveness in Wisconsin.

That's what adults do. They talk and they bargain, and no doubt the Senate Democrats would come back if they had assurances from Walker that he would do the democratic basics.