When I first watched the news of the 1 AM voting I just saw the shouting of "Shame" and didn't catch what was happening. Various news channels showed pretty much the same footage. Then I was watching Fox 11 News (gasp!) and they showed the video with audio of the railroad job. The Speaker called for the ayes, the nays and ordered the clerk to record the vote and adjourned. It took just seconds. Most Republicans refused to talk to the media (no wonder)except for Rep. Michelle Litjens, R-56 and she commented how the Democrats had the opportunity to vote but chose not to vote. What an outrageous comment!
It was very obvious that the Republicans must have met in caucus and planned this high speed vote. Democrats were shouting to be recognized by the Speaker and were shouting "No!" but were ignored and the Republican members of the Assembly walked out immediately following the vote.
The Democrats are right -- the vote took seconds, probably no more than 4 or 5 seconds and there was no opportunity to vote unless it had been pre-arranged. Even Rep. Bob Zeigelbauer stated it took him by surprise and he had no chance to vote.
This action by the Republicans gives proof that the Republicans have no interest in serving the public. It is all about a power grab and stripping public employees of collective bargaining rights.
WLUK Channel 11 (Green Bay) has the video. Select "Assembly Passes Budget Bill". You may have to replay it a couple of times because the vote happens very quickly. Amazing display of a perversion of democracy. Thank you WLUK! (25 Feb 2011).
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Here is the link from YouTube. You will have to listen carefully to hear the Speaker of the Assembly over the noise. You will note he is not recognizing any of the Democrats and the vote takes place in seconds. He asks for the ayes, the nays, and instructs the Clerk to record the vote. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ADiCILYgKA
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