I called and made the point that, effectively, what is happening is that the Governor of Wisconsin is increasing taxes on the teachers and other government workers. I mean, when all is said and done, the Governor is reaching into these workers' pockets and taking out about $100 from every week's paycheck. What else would you call it? (My math is at the bottom of the post).
Sean - and every other right-wing host's - argument is that Wisconsin needs to tighten its belt. It can't spend what it doesn't have.
I thought that was odd coming from a guy that supported two wars that our country put on its credit card. I mean, if we have to pay for our stuff, why isn't he suggesting tax increases to pay for the wars? Could it be because he might have to part with a few of his ill-gotten gains? Or, if his argument is that we cannot afford to increase taxes in the middle of a recession, then why is it OK to (essentially) increase the tax burden on teachers? Surely, if they can afford it, the top teir of wealth-holders in this country can afford to do a little more as well, right? Sean? Sean?
Sean's response? No, seriously, I'm not kidding....
"9/11, 9/11, 9/11!!!!!"
The math:
Average teacher pay, according to, of all people, Michelle Malkin: $52K
After tax income: $52K*.65 (assuming overall federal/state tax burden of 35%)$33,800/yr
$33,800/52
$650/wk
Additional contribution demanded by Wisconsin governor: $5K
$5k/52=~100
Therefore, average weekly teacher pay will be reduced by $100/wk (or 15%), from $650 to $550