No Place In Wisconsin For Fitzgerald, Walker's Dictatorial Performance

Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald's Kremlinesque cancellation of a mining hearing, dissolution of a special committee he created and insider maneuvering for quick approval of the Assembly's industry-crafted mining bill exemplifies the same arrogant, anti-democratic ham-handedness in the ambush Scott Walker's sprung on collective bargaining and the secretive, self-serving drafting of redistricting maps by legislative Republicans behind-closed doors in private lawyers' offices.

State government is not the sole-proprietorship and exclusive cudgel of the party in power to wield against opponents, everyday taxpayers and the democratic process.

Walker and Fitzgerald have earned the recall elections coming their way.

Walker is not Wisconsin's emperor and Fitzgerald is not King of the Senate. These are public, historic institutions handed down in trust by the people for service and temporary occupancy - - not for possession.

With Mark Belling as their spiritual adviser,  - - "they can do whatever they want" - - Walker and his allies are proving they are not suited to govern in a pluralistic, open political environment.