Boots & Sabers

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1117, 30 Sep 19

Wisconsin’s Unnecessary, Expensive, Full-Time Legislature

Yup.

MADISON — State legislators in Wisconsin are among the highest paid in the country, according to an analysis by The Badger Project.

That’s one of a few eyebrow-raising facts about the Wisconsin Legislature when compared with legislatures from other states.

Wisconsin state senators and representatives make a base salary of $53,000 per year, ninth highest among the 50 state legislatures.

And Wisconsin is one of the smallest states to have a full-time legislature. At about 5.8 million residents, Wisconsin ranks 20th in population and yet finds itself in the same position as much larger states — including California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Massachusetts — when it comes to employing full-time lawmakers.

Being a well-paid, full-time legislator in a state may be good work if you can get it. But it also can be a dubious distinction, especially when compared to other legislatures.

I’ll point you to a column that I wrote for the Washington County Daily News in February of last year about this very subject. The nut of it is, when you have politicians sitting around full time, they naturally feel compelled to do something to remain relevant. That leads to more laws and bigger government being created by people who are further and further from the people they serve.

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1117, 30 September 2019

79 Comments

  1. Le Roi du Nord

    I wholeheartedly agree. Part-time and term-limited would be just fine.

  2. Pat

    I’m in 100% agreement!

  3. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    You are against more rules and bigger government?

    Well, slap me silly.

    I have been a long advocate of part time legislature.

  4. Le Roi du Nord

    k:

    You are already plenty silly, you don’t need any slapping.

  5. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    Hey now, I never say anything as silly as you do:

    “There is no such thing as absolute truth”.

    (Thus, proving absolute truth does, indeed, exist, in your denial).

    No one can match that in the context of “silly”.

  6. Le Roi du Nord

    k:

    Sure you have:

    “the earth is 6000 years old”

    “The pope isn’t a christian”

    “climate change is a hoax”

    “fascist socialists”

    “trump is a conservative”

    And no,  I didn’t say that.  But I have said your version of religious “absolute truth” is nonsense.

  7. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    So you have absolute truth? Will you share?

    Again, I did not say second thing on list. Stop bearing false witness.

  8. Le Roi du Nord

    2+2=4 is an absolute truth.

    We are all going to die is an absolute truth.

    Your religious claims of knowing the “absolute truth” are nonsense.

    Yes, you did.  Or are you wavering in your beliefs again?

  9. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    What happens after death?

    What I said was, “If Pope preaches a Gospel other than Christ’s unmerited grace for salvation, he is not Christian.” That is far different than what you said. You should apologize.

  10. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    What are you scared of with that little question?

    If you have absolute truth, that question should be easy…even in your godless world view. I think you are afraid to answer it, truthfully.

  11. Le Roi du Nord

    k:

    It is such a silly question I didn’t think you really needed a response, but since you don’t ; you are dead. Poof! No more beer.

    No, your first “the Pope isn’t Christian” comment was in regards to his position on CC/GW. And no, I don’t apologize for your mistakes.

  12. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    So Ted Bundy, Mao, Hitler, get same “reward” as everyone else, and all the people they killed in the end?

    Here is an absolute truth of your godless worldview…what a bleak existence you live with no hope. You get the same result as the most monstrous evil among us?

  13. jjf

    Well, Ted and Mao would get the same reward if they just said they loved Jesus, right?

  14. Le Roi du Nord

    And you and I will get the same “reward”, or do you have proof to the contrary? Real proof.

  15. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    We were not talking about truth of salvation in Jesus. We were talking/confirming the bleak reality of “your truth”.

    Be proud to confirm “your truth”…as bleak as it is. It shows conviction.

    However, I see you buckling from the “absolute truth” of what it means to deny your soul, heaven, hell, and Jesus.

    Very disappointing.

    Stand up for the consequence of your atheism. Let the world see that you believe in the ulrimate eternal unfairness that good and horrible evil gets same reward in the end.

  16. Kevin Scheunemann

    Jjf,

    True faith “conversion” in Jesus is through Holy Spirit, through no direct cooperation of our depraved, sinful nature. The only thing we contribute to our salvation is our sin. True faith makes you a new creation in Christ, the old self is gone, and strives in faith to live a life pleasing to God. Can the worst sinner repent and be saved? Yes, because the old evil has been wiped away by Christ. The only sin that really sends one to hell is rejection of Christ’s forgiveness through the Holy Spirit which leads to unrepentance. God gives unrepentant sinners over to their sin at times…which has ultimate consequence.

  17. jjf

    I think what you’re saying is that the Holy Spirit didn’t want to save Ted and Mao.

    So all the rest of the world who doesn’t believe just as you do, they’re wrong and going to Hell, Kevin?  How fortunate that you are one of the chosen few born into just the right religion, at just the right moment in time!

  18. Le Roi du Nord

    k:

    The key here, as you mentioned, is reality.  I live in it, you avoid it.   And my reality isn’t bleak by any means.  I have lived a good and honest life, have a great family, and a great circle of friends and associates.   Yours is filled with self-imposed victimhood, dishonesty, and blaming others for your poor judgement.

    The consequences of my choices are having to put up with fact-averse and self-promoting folks like your try to inhibit my freedom of speech and thought.

    So stop lecturing me about what I should do and take care of your own affairs.  Honesty would be a great place for you to start.

  19. Kevin Scheunemann

    jjf,

    That is a mysteryof God when he decides to give someone over to their sinful depravity.   His justice and punishment for evil are not our ways.   I find Nord’s lack of eternal punishment for awful evil much more bleak.

    Even the worst unbeliever may be predestined for election, but may simply have it masked by sinful depravity at present time.   I pray the Holy Spirit moves you.

  20. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    I only aksed what your “absolute truth” is upon death.   It is little comfort to child ill with cancer, or someone on their deathbed.    I impart hope in Christ.   What do you impart?

    You are free to live your godless life, but just be nice to those of us who hope in the “absolute truth” of Christ.  Asking us to buy into the denial of our sould, heaven, hell and Christ, is no truth at all…it is total despair.

  21. jjf

    Upon death, you get a million dollars!

  22. Kevin Scheunemann

    Jjf,

    Not surprised by your godless response to simple absolute truth.

  23. Le Roi du Nord

    k:

    You “aksed” and I answered (see above).   If you learned how to read (knowledge of spelling, punctuation, and syntax would be a plus as well) you would have realized that.

    I’m glad you finally admit that I am free to live my life as I choose.  But it awfully hypocritical of you to require I be “nice” to you while you continue to be a veritable font of insults and name-calling to anyone that disagrees with you.

    And no, I am not in total despair, nor is my “sould” in any jeopardy.

  24. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    So what do you say to a child terminal with cancer to comfort?

    What hope can you give that child? Or anyone, based on your denial of the soul?

  25. Le Roi du Nord

    Well, I wouldn’t start by lying to them, which is what you want to do.  What a horrible memory, that the last thing I said to a dying child was a lie.  You really are a terrible person.

  26. jjf

    No, Kevin, I’m just giving people hope!  That when they wake up dead, they’ll get a million dollars!

  27. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    So you would tell a terminally ill child death is the end?

    That is cold, uncaring, and callous.

    …and you call me a “terrible person” for relaying hope in Jesus in that situation?

    Really?

  28. Kevin Scheunemann

    Jjf,

    Why would worthless paper money have any value in eternity?

    It would be like telling someone they won a horse and buggy for a stock car race…no hope at all.

  29. Le Roi du Nord

    Go ahead, if lying to a dying child makes you feel better, run with it.

  30. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    “Providing hope” in Jesus is the correct term.

    If you, in your worldview, want to make that child cry and be intensely scared…that makes you a very poor human being.

  31. jjf

    You’re telling me I’m lying about what happens after death?

  32. Kevin Scheunemann

    If you deny soul, heaven, hell, and Jesus….yes!

    Hell is destination for those that do evil in this life, which is all of us.

    Heaven is destination for righteous, which only happens by Christ’s unmerited grace.

    Denial of that means the worst evil gets same result as a terminally ill 6 year old, or the victims of the worst evil liberal tyrants in history. That is a horrific world view with no justice at all. Very depressing. Leads to despair.

  33. jjf

    And your idea of what happens after death is somehow more plausible than mine?

    Where were you before you were born?  That’s where you’ll be after death.

  34. Kevin Scheunemann

    Yes.

    The absolute truth of Jesus is unchanging.

    It is more ridiculous to think we are accidents of nature, doomed to live life on this earth a short time, and that is it. We all end same no matter how evil we are. Liberal tyrant murderers get same reward as Mother Theresa. It is such a destitute/despairing notion, how can you proclaim it with a straight face?

  35. Le Roi du Nord

    k:

    Who said I would do either?  You are lying again.

    You lecture me on your “absolute truth”, yet resort to lying to make yourself feel important.  Hypocrite.

  36. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord

    You said you would tell the child the truth of your total denial of soul, heaven, hell, and Jesus.

  37. Le Roi du Nord

    Since there is no proof of “soul, heaven, hell, and Jesus”, I refuse to perpetuate your lie.  Remember, I am all for truth, honesty and equality.

  38. Mar

    Paul, me thinks you’re just a moronic, vile and deranged person.

  39. jjf

    Kevin, do you think you’re going to be rewarded based on the number of times you use the word “awful” and “disgusting” and point out other people’s sins?

  40. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    I don’t need to prove, I live by faith.

    Howver, I am waiting for the proof of your position after death. Please provide the proof one blinks to nothingness after death.

  41. jjf

    The burden of proof is on the person making the claim.  You say you get rewarded for the way you treated others on B&S.   You get to live, not die…  so death means what, exactly?  Again, like so many other words for you, “death” means whatever you want it to be?  And you are gone – but you recline on a comfy couch at the right hand of the Father, with an angel peeling you a grape?

  42. Kevin Scheunemann

    Jjf,

    Of course not. I don’t attain salvation by my merit, but by Christ’s unmerited grace. In that grace, I discern outward actions as good and evil in sincere love.

    I do not neglect my thankful duties in grace of salvation by excusing or tolerating those that take evil positions such as baby killing. or embrace an ideology responsible for hundreds of millions of brutal deaths last century. http://Www.victimsofcommunism.org

    If you think my discernment of a brutal ideology is personal fun, far from it. I just wish the ignorance of brutal leftism in practice was something I would not have to discern. But we have a ton of ignorant citizens in U.S.lumbering, willingly, toward tyrannical power.

    As Christians we cling to what is good and abhor what is evil (Romans 12:9).

    I understand this directly conflicts with your godless religion and its prime conviction: tolerate, tolerate, tolerate…except biblical Christians.

    I recognize it is tough debating someone who articulates good and evil in an era where evil, constantly, is tried to be labeled as good and good as evil. My main encouragement is for you to come over to grace of Christ and you will not have to fight a losing battle, here, and in eternity.

  43. Kevin Scheunemann

    Jjf,

    Nord made a claim “we all end up in same place”, why is he not held to same rigorous standard of proof?

    I told you I don’t need proof, I live by faith in Christ…the solid rock I stand.

    I don’t set the standard for Nord, he sets it for himself.

    I suggest you hold him to his standard first, before you ask me to comply with his godless standard for my life.

  44. Kevin Scheunemann

    Jjf,

    When we die, you stand before Almighty God for breaking the Law (doing evil). We all stand guilty. At that point we are destined to be thrown into hell for breaking our perfect Creator’s commands. (The imperfect cannot enter a perfect heaven). At that point, Christ will do one of 2 things “Away from me evildoer, I never knew you.” Or welcome you as a true redeemed child of God who has known you all your life. “Come, I have prepared a place for you”. Maybe even a “Well done, good and faithful servant”.

    Which one will Christ say when he sees you on judgement seat?

  45. jjf

    Without re-reading every word here, I have the impression that Le Roi is telling you to stop telling him how to live his life, or that he’ll be dog-paddling in the liquid brimstone.  Also that you go “poof” when you die.  I’d say that’s about right.  You’re alive and then you’re not.

    As I said before, it’s just as useful to ask where you were before you were born… or for that matter, who were you before what you think of now as your first memory?

    Sure, hold people to their statements, ask them for proof when they make assertions.  Do it for yourself, do it for others.

    Asking what’s after death is a weak trick.  If “dead” doesn’t mean “poof gone,” then what’s the use of the word?  You’re the one saying “dead” doesn’t mean “dead and gone.”  Show me.

    What kind of evidence is sufficient for you?  Again and again you tell us that you need none.  Your “faith” is your way to whitewash a big bush of unproven assertions.

  46. jjf

    I say He’s going to shake my hand and say “You used your brain.  You passed the test.  Open bar and buffet is down the hall on your right.”

    I don’t know what you’re smoking and how you come to your conclusions, but the reality is that I’m probably just as anti-communist as you.  And if I had to guess, Le Roi doesn’t worship Mao either.

    And I know it’s not fashionable with the GOP these days, but I’m also anti-fascist, or as we used to call it in the old days, among “the Allies.”

  47. Kevin Scheunemann

    Jjf,

    If all you look at is this life, and not the next, that is a narrow point of view. Why do you have a diversity problem with Christian’s having an expanded view?

    AND if you think you are going to get to heaven on your own merit, you are in for a shock. Chemrist’s unmerited grace is only way. Did you live in thankful gratitude for his salvation, or did you spend it in hostility to the Gospel?

    Good works (for keeping score) and self merit is the telltale sign of dmfalse religion.

  48. Kevin Scheunemann

    “CHRIST’S UNMERITED GRACE IS ONLY WAY”

    Auto fill is the devil.

  49. jjf

    There’s no “next life.”  Are you standing in hostility against Zeus’s power, and are you ready to face his wrath?

  50. Kevin Scheunemann

    Since Zeus is a false god of your making, not worried.

    I stand in opposition toward evil and Satan.

    Where do you stand?

  51. jjf

    Zeus was my making?  I guess you know less history than I thought.

    Satan?  Is that another one of your gods?  Wow, how many beings with magical powers do you believe in?

    I guess we have something in common, though!  I stand in opposition to evil!

  52. Kevin Scheunemann

    jjf,

    You stand in opposition to evil?

    You oppose Baby killing abortion?

    You oppose genital mutilation in children through forced transgender therapy by parents?

    Just checking if you really oppose evil, or are just pretending.

  53. Le Roi du Nord

    jjf:

    Correct, I am no fan of Mao.  And I’d bet I did more to fight communism before k was born.  But let him think he knows everything.  It makes him feel important.

    And to k’s question about what happens when you are dead, I like the free beer (I’d prefer a good Pils to IPA any day) and buffet option.  It sure beats having a fictional entity determine my fate.  But k is strong in his belief that lying, intolerance, and deceit won’t result in any demerit points for him.

  54. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    “No fan of Mao”?   Sounds like all he did was get a speeding ticket.

    How about: One of the most evil and detestable people to ever embrace Marxism?

    That is opposing evil.

    Your statement is a non-committal tickle.

  55. Le Roi du Nord

    “Sounds like all he did was get a speeding ticket”.   Really, I didn’t know that he drove.  Can you show me the reference where you obtained that fact?

    I’m doing my part in opposing evil at the ground roots level; fighting the intolerance, lies and dishonesty you spread.  If everybody does their part truth will overcome the darkness.

  56. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    Settle down.   One of the most brutal leftist Marxists and the most you can muster is that you are “not a fan”?

    I was criticizing your lack of conviction.

     

  57. Le Roi du Nord

    I’ve got all sorts of conviction.  I just won’t play your silly game.

  58. Kevin Scheunemann

    In other words, you hide your conviction if it is openly critical of brutal, abusive, leftists.

    As long as we cleared that up.

  59. Le Roi du Nord

    In other words, you are lying again.

    Why be so dishonest, yet so preachy?

  60. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    Prove it.

    Agree or disagree:  Mao was a brutal leftist Marxist dictator and murderer.

  61. Le Roi du Nord

    Prove it:  The earth is only 6000 years old.  Yes or no?

  62. Kevin Scheunemann

    Holy Bible

    Old and New Testament.

    Now answer my question.

  63. Le Roi du Nord

    Hah!!  That isn’t proof, that is fantasy.  Grow up, you are making a major league fool of yourself.

  64. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    You still did not answer my question.

  65. jjf

    And he did not denounce Mao in exactly the right terms!  He must be a spy!  Or a fellow traveler!  Or both!

  66. Le Roi du Nord

    jjf:

    We mere mortals all need to remember; k is always right, we have no business questioning his absolute truth, and we are always, without fail, wrong.  Once we rational beings come to terms with those doctrines it becomes a fun ride.

  67. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    I threw you a layup to give you an opportunity to denounce one of most evil leftist Marxists ever, and you make it a “How dare you ask me that”?

    Do you have any conviction in delineation of evil tyrants in history?

  68. jjf

    Kevin – Let me guess, if he doesn’t denounce Mao in just the right way, then he’s awful, right?  Do you take this act to street corners?

  69. Kevin Scheunemann

    I just asked if he agreed or disagreed with the statement.

    I always answer his question.

  70. Le Roi du Nord

    Threw a layup?  You really shouldn’t be using sports analogies if you don’t understand them.

    And no, I didn’t say, “How dare you ask me that”, you did.

    And no, you don’t always answer my questions.

     

  71. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    You still did not answer my question.

    I have answered every question you have put to me. Stop bearing false witness.

  72. Le Roi du Nord

    k:

    You forget so quickly – you don’t get to tell me what to do.  I won’t answer any more of your questions until you are nice.

    Now throw me another layup.

  73. jjf

    Come on, Le Roi, keep playing, I’ll throw you a layup:  How exactly do you feel about the Reformed Baptist Church of God Reformation of 1915?  Awful, detestable, or both?

  74. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    I only asked if one of the most murderous liberal Marxist tyrants in history was evil?

    It is not a trick question. Why do you dodge such an easy question?

    Especially after your claim of a sure foundation of what is good and evil in other thread.

    This is such an easy question.

    My concern is, you don’t have a sure foundation and you tolerate Marxist evil, like Mao, and baby killing in practice.

  75. jjf

    But Kevin, why won’t you denounce the Reformed Baptist Church of God Reformation of 1915?  This is such an easy question.

  76. Le Roi du Nord

    jjf:

    I really don’t care about it one way or the other.

    k:

    My foundation is sure, firm and consistent.  Your concern should be your own intolerance, alternative facts, name-calling, and self-promotion.

  77. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord

    If it is sure, then you will not mind answering my very easy question.

  78. Le Roi du Nord

    k:

    And again, you don’t get to tell me what to do.

  79. Kevin Scheunemann

    Nord,

    Just asking a simple question. I bend over backwards to respond to your questions.

    Just thought you had common courtesy.

    Sorry if I was wrong in my generous judgement of you on that point.

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