Four Shootings in Milwaukee

Another Saturday night in Milwaukee means more shootings.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Four people were injured in shootings overnight, according to Milwaukee police.

According to police:

The first occurred about 10:15 p.m. Saturday in the 2800 block of N. 6th St. A 33-year-old man was standing in the roadway speaking with an acquaintance seated in the driver's side of a van when an unknown person walked by and shot the victim in the leg. The victim is in stable condition.

The second happened at 10:30 p.m. Saturday in the 9100 block of N. 75th St. A 31-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound after a confrontation at his front door with two unknown suspects. He is in stable condition. Police are still interviewing witnesses in an attempt to identify the suspects.

About 1 a.m., a 44-year-old man was shot in the leg when he intervened in an altercation between his son and a group of juveniles in the 2300 block of S. 34th St. The man is in good condition and refused medical attention.

At 1:30 a.m., police were dispatched to a shooting at Champs Clubhouse Bar, in the 2900 block of N. 8th St. An 18-year-old victim was shot in the shoulder in the parking lot. The victim is in stable condition. Police continue to interview witnesses in an attempt to identify suspects.

I guess this is the new normal in Milwaukee.

Obama Responsible for Economy

Obama will say anything and everything.

Video.



Very embarrassing.

Lucille Ball: 100

Lucille Ball was born 100 years ago today.







Happy Birthday, Lucy!

Hiroshima: 66 Years Later

On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. It was the beginning of the end of World War II.

It was a pivotal event. Truly, the world changed in an instant.

A couple of years ago, Warren Kozak, writing in The Wall Street Journal, provided some history and some perspective.

On this day 64 years ago, an American B-29 named the Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb over the city of Hiroshima. We know that as many as 80,000 Japanese died instantly. We know the city was pulverized, and we know that an estimated 100,000 additional people died later from radiation poisoning. We also are aware that the Hiroshima bomb, and the Nagasaki bomb dropped three days later, ushered in the atomic era.

At the time of the event, 85% of the American public favored dropping the atomic bombs, according to a Gallup poll (10% disapproved). Over the years, that attitude has changed. By 2005, Gallup found only 57% of Americans thought the bomb was necessary, while 38% disapproved. Most of those polled were born after the event.

In August 1945, much of the world was exhausted after six long years of total war and tens of millions of deaths. Most people that summer didn’t quite understand the implications of Hiroshima. All they knew was that the atomic bomb was some sort of new, extremely powerful device that was the result of a top-secret project. It was a demonstration of the amazing technical superiority of the United States—not unlike the moon landing 24 years later.

But even before the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, doubts about its use surfaced within the group of physicists who created it. Albert Einstein, who first brought the atomic bomb to FDR’s attention, along with Leo Szilard, who was instrumental in building it, were both opposed to using it against Japanese civilians.

As time has passed, the army of doubters has grown. These critics argue that Japan was all but defeated by August 1945 and the bombs were unnecessary. The incendiary bombing campaign had already destroyed most of Japan’s cities, they say, and the mining of the inland waterway brought its war production down to practically nothing. Its citizens were undernourished and there was practically no fuel or any other raw material left in the country. Japan, according to this school of thought, was a spent nation just waiting for the best possible deal from the Allies. Much of this is true.

On the other side, those who believe the bombing was necessary point out that unlike Nazi Germany, which collapsed during its final days, the Japanese fought more ferociously as the Americans drew closer to the mainland. Almost all were willing to die for their emperor, having demonstrated this in each island invasion leading up to what would have been the largest amphibious landing of all time.

...The debate over the bomb reached a crescendo 14 years ago when the Smithsonian Institution produced a retrospective that veteran groups objected to because they believed it focused too much on the victims and not on the reasons for the bomb’s use. The exhibit was ultimately cancelled. Then, this past spring, comedian Jon Stewart touched off his own firestorm when he labeled President Harry Truman a “war criminal” for ordering the bombs to be dropped. Mr. Stewart later apologized.

The fact that the quick end to the war allowed the U.S. to avoid a land invasion of the Japanese mainland, thus saving many more lives, is quickly tossed aside by some critics. They say there is no basis for the estimates of large numbers of casualties. But then there is the appalling number of Asians who were dying at the hands of the Japanese. Upwards of a quarter-of-a-million were dying each month. The fact that this orgy of death—17 million died in all—came to an abrupt halt when the Imperial Army was finally forced to go home is rarely mentioned.

Perhaps the simplest and most compelling argument for the bombs is the main reason President Truman decided to drop them in the first place: He hoped it would rattle Japan enough to force it to surrender. That is exactly what happened.

Today, Hiroshima has become a Rorschach test for Americans. We see the same pictures and we hear the same facts. But based on how we view our country, our government, and the world, we interpret these facts in very different ways.

A former G.I., now 90, who survived the war in Europe and was about to be sent to the Pacific understands quite clearly that the bomb saved his life. His grandchildren may see this event in a very different way.

Brat Days, Sheboygan

The 58th annual Brat Days is in full swing in Sheboygan. Great food. Great music. Great activities.



Johnsonville is a major sponsor of the event.

Apparently, the lame anti-Scott Walker contingent is too occupied with the recall elections and disrupting the opening ceremony of the Wisconsin State Fair to politicize and boycott Brat Days in Sheboygan.

Unlike Madison's Brat Fest, it appears Brat Days will be spared.

State Fair and Riverwest Mob Attacks: Ed Flynn

As bad as the violence was last night at the Wisconsin State Fair and as inadequate as the police response was in terms of controlling the situation, at least progress has been made since the mob attacks in Riverwest.

Police actually admitted there was a mob this time. There were no denials. There was no confusion about whether there actually was a mob attack.

Progress!

Police Chief Ed Flynn actually admitted at his press conference that people were singled out for attack because of their race. In his statement, he was vague. He didn't say blacks targeted whites, but he did acknowledge the racial element in the violence.

Flynn guaranteed that events in Milwaukee this weekend will be safe.

That's quite a guarantee.

Here's video of Flynn's news conference on the State Fair violence:

Wisconsin State Fair Curfew Policy

After last night's mob attacks at the Wisconsin State Fair, the beatings and the violence and the hospitalizations, the Fair has put in place a new policy.

GOOD!

Here's the youth/parental guardian admission policy, from 620 WTMJ:

The Wisconsin State Fair imposed a curfew Friday for all patrons under age 18 after a series of mob attacks marred the Fair's opening night Thursday.

According to State Fair Park CEO Rick Frenette, the policy will go into effect at 5:00 p.m. Friday evening and reads as follows:

"1. All youth under the age of eighteen (18) years of age are required to be accompanied by a legal guardian (age 21+) to be admitted to the Wisconsin State Fair after 5:00 p.m.

2. Anyone 18 years or over may be asked to show a valid driver's license or state identification card for proof of age in order to be admitted to the Wisconsin State Fair without a parent or guardian after 5:00 p.m.

3. Any young adult under 18 without a valid driver's license or state identification card and not accompanied by a parent or guardian will not be admitted after 5:00 p.m.

4. Execpetions and challenges to this policy will be satisfied at the discretion of Fair Management."

I'm sure that the plans of many kids under 18 have been made more complicated because of this policy.

They need a parent or guardian to accompany them if they want to enter the Fair after 5:00 PM.

When I was under 18, I had great times going to the Fair with friends at night. It has to be frustrating for good kids.

However, any parents or kids troubled by the new policy should direct their anger or disappointment at the thugs, the mobs of violent thugs, that committed crimes last night inside and outside of the fairgrounds.

State Fair management should be commended for taking steps to keep the State Fair safe.

Frenette said in a news conference Friday that seven State Fair Police officers were injured in the attacks and that two have been treated and released from the hospital. 24 teenagers were arrested after attacking fairgoers Thursday night.

"State Fair management has been assured and is working with the State Patrol and City of West Allis and City of Milwaukee to have an increased police presence surrounding the Fair Park for the safety of all fairgoers and surrounding community," Fredette added. "We will not tolerate this behavior within the Fair Park again."

Witnesses described a chaotic scene Thursday night, and many believe African-American teenagers were targeting white fairgoers.

This is absolutely unacceptable.

Without question, State Fair management did the right thing by instituting the new policy.

It's sad that thugs attacked fairgoers and committed the crimes they did.

It's horrible that young black people targeted white people.

If the accounts of victims and witnesses are correct, these were hate crimes.

I know the Fair is technically considered to be in West Allis, but Mayor Tom Barrett was at the opening ceremony yesterday. And portions of the fairgrounds are in the city of Milwaukee? Has Barrett commented on the attacks?

At least some members of the violent mob had to be city of Milwaukee residents.

I wonder how Barrett feels about residents of his city being responsible for causing these crimes and forcing the Fair into enacting these unprecedented measures.
_____________

The State Fair's website has been updated with the new admission policy.


_____________

UPDATE, from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

On Friday afternoon, Mayor Tom Barrett announced an increase in police presence at community events planned for the week. He said there would be no tolerance for violence at festivals and that perpetrators will be prosecuted -- regardless of race.

"Two years ago I was a victim of a random attack at State Fair… last night's events took place at State Fair that I don't believe are random," he said at a City Hall news conference.

Barrett didn't indicate if he believed the events were racially charged.

Barrett said this weekend is of special importance because of the Historic Third Association Jazz festival, the African World Festival and the Milwaukee Comedy Festival in addition to the fair. He said police presence will be increased at all events.

Can you imagine the response if mobs of white young people targeted and attacked innocent black people leaving African World Festival?

Try.
_____________

Here's video of Barrett's news conference:

 

State Fair: Mob Attacks (Video)

I was at the Wisconsin State Fair yesterday.

I didn't witness any problems while I was there. I saw no fights and nothing remotely like mob violence or people being attacked randomly.

We were parked on the infield. As we walked to the car after hours of consuming the best of the fair (like dark chocolate covered cranberries drizzled with white chocolate on a stick - delicious!), we passed the grandstand. MC Hammer was performing "Too Legit to Quit."

I left the grounds about an hour before closing and went home happy, with a six-pack of cream puffs to go.

I guess I was lucky.

From WISN:

Local law enforcement agencies are investigating several incidents near State Fair Park late Thursday night.

Milwaukee police said that around 11:10 p.m., squads were sent to the area for complaints of battery, fighting and property damage to a large, unruly crowd. One officer described it as a "mob beating."

Police said the group of young people attacked fairgoers who were leaving the fair grounds. Police said that some victims were attacked while walking. They said others were pulled out of cars and off of motorcycles before being beaten.

Police said at least seven people were taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said the incidents happened in various areas near the fair grounds, including near the intersection of 84th and Adler streets.

The Milwaukee Police Department, West Allis Police Department and Milwaukee County Sheriff Department all responded to the area.

Milwaukee police said nobody was in custody early Friday morning. They said they are working to identify suspects.

From 620 WTMJ:

Witnesses tell Newsradio 620 WTMJ and TODAY'S TMJ4 of a mob of young people attacking innocent fair-goers at the end of the opening night of State Fair, with some callers claiming a racially-charged scene.

One witness described a mob of 20 to 30 young black men beating white people, including him, as they left State Fair Thursday night.

"It looked like they were just going after white guys, white people," said Norb Roffers of Wind Lake in an interview with Newsradio 620 WTMJ. He left the State Fair Entrance near the corner of South 84th Street and West Schlinger Avenue in West Allis.

"They were attacking everybody for no reason whatsoever."

...TODAY'S TMJ4 video shows West Allis police handcuffing at least one person, but they won't say how many people they took into custody.

Milwaukee Police said that their officers were sent to State Fair Park for "complaints of battery, fighting and property damage due to a large, unruly crowd."

A police sergeant told TODAY'S TMJ4's Melissa McCrady that the number of calls describing injuries are still coming in, so they could not give an accurate number of people who were injured.

That sergeant explained that some injuries were serious, and local hospitals were attending to the injured.

Milwaukee Police said they had no one in custody.

One woman told police that she was sitting in her car with a window down when some teenagers reached through her window and started attacking her.

"I think once we get all the info in it'll be just like that, like what happened in Riverwest," said the police sergeant.

...[Norb Roffers of Wind Lake] described his emotions and reactions to the attacks outside the park.

"I turned around and looked, there was this black kid standing there laughing, thinking it's funny. My wife's like, 'Let's get out of here.' It's one of those things, you don't expect it. Your reaction to it is, first of all, quite surprised, then you get so angry, it's like, 'What in the hell's going on there? Why are these guys acting like such hoodlums? What are they picking on anybody for?' We were just like cattle being herded out of the park, and they were picking and choosing who they wanted to beat on."

He said his injuries were limited to a headache.

Roffers said the attack wouldn't stop him from attending the State Fair.

"We will be going back," said Roffers.

"It's a family event for us. We get together with our family and we do stuff at the park to enjoy the fair. My biggest concern is that the State Fair Park Police and West Allis get their heads out of their butts and figure out how to do some security over there. This isn't the first year State Fair has been going on. They should know what the heck they've got to do and where they've got to have people in place by now."

But according to Roffers, they did not have enough people there to handle the crowds, and he claims that the main stage acts - MC Hammer, Young MC and Tone Loc, were the draw for a crowd he claimed was there.

"I think the headliner they had last night is what drew the type of crowd they had last night. I've never been at that fair where they had so many African-American people. There's never usually that many of them, at that park, for whatever reason that I can figure."

..."There was this terror going on when you leave the place, you just wonder. Luckily, all the violence that was happening stayed right close by the park entrance. As we got a block away from the park, that's when the cops started showing up."

He said the lack of police and security presence will bring about his complaint up the various channels of State Fair and local police.

"They should be able to provide safety and traffic control," said Roffers. "I've never worried about it before."

He said he would give a written complaint to the State Fair and put in a call to West Allis Police, but that's not all.

"I will be contacting the State Fair Park Board and I'm going to chew on their butts a little bit about what happened."

From FOX 6 News:

It wasn't the way that we wanted State Fair to kick off this year. Hundreds of people rampaged through the local neighborhoods at about 11:00 p.m. last night. Milwaukee police say it all started around closing time in the parking lot.

Police were called out to State Fair Park for complaints of battery, fighting, and property damage from a large unruly crowd. According to police, starting at the fairgrounds, the group ran down 84th St. then continued down to 60th and Main St.

Some reports say the group charged at cars leaving the fair, smashed in car and home windows, and fighting/attacking people along the way.

Police say people were punched in the face by the group. A Muskego woman required stitches and another woman will need surgery. As of now, four victims have come forward so far.

We've gotten several emails from witnesses at the scene saying the mob could have started at the Midway inside the park. Multiple fights broke out and a little boy was thrown to the ground.

Multiple fights broke out and a little boy was even thrown to the ground.

Police continue to investigate what happened late last night. According to police, nobody is in custody and they are working to identify the suspects involved. They tell FOX6 that if or once the suspects are found, they could face at least two felony charges -- including child abuse.

That's horrible!

I experienced nothing threatening on the fairgrounds last night (other than the deep fried butter).

I saw people of all races having a good time. At no point did I see large groups of young people roaming the grounds. I witnessed nothing intimidating or frightening.

I had a very pleasant experience.

It's very disturbing to think that my visit to the fair could have ended with a beating and a trip to the hospital if I had left just a bit later and been in the wrong place.

There is absolutely no excuse for this mob violence, none whatsoever.

I'm afraid that a much larger law enforcement presence is necessary to maintain order.

Sadly, it appears that there is a mob of conscienceless young people, sociopaths, in the Milwaukee area bent on behaving violently and terrorizing innocent people.

We can't let them hold our state fair hostage.

We can't let the terrorists win.
___________________

Watch video from TMJ4.



Video from FOX 6 News:

 

RAW VIDEO: Cell phone video of State Fair midway incident

 

RAW VIDEO: State Fair news conference on incidents

 

Victims describe what happened at State Fair

 
___________________

UPDATE: Wisconsin State Fair Curfew Policy
___________________

UPDATE: Walker orders State Patrol to assist at State Fair

Gov. Scott Walker has ordered the Wisconsin State Patrol to provide additional law enforcement help at the Wisconsin State Fair after several incidents involving rampaging youths broke out on the fairgrounds and on the streets outside Thursday night.

Cullen Werwie, Walker's spokesman, said the governor made the decision after reviewing the events from Thursday night, in which at least 24 people were arrested.

"We will continue to evaluate the situation and make any adjustments necessary to ensure a successful and safe event. We will be doing everything in our power to ensure that parents feel that it is safe to bring their children to the world's best fair," Werwie said in a statement.

___________________

UPDATE, August 6, 2011: New rules help keep things calm, State Fair spokeswoman says

Wisconsin State Fair officials reported a normal, violence-free evening Friday, thanks in part to new rules put in place to keep unattended teens away and a beefed-up presence of uniformed law enforcement officers.

"It really went well," Patrice Harris, the fair's communication manager, said Saturday.

At least 31 people were arrested and at least 11 people were injured Thursday, during the fair's opening night.

The trouble Thursday began around 7 p.m. when fights erupted among black youths in the Midway area and spread into neighboring streets around the 11 p.m. closing time.

As a result, new rules were implemented that require all people under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 21 in order to be admitted to the fairgrounds after 5 p.m.

In addition, Gov. Scott Walker ordered the State Police to help keep order. Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn also promised additional police protection at the fair and other weekend activities around the city.

"Fairgoers were coming into the park thanking us for the policies," Harris said. "The extra security really assured people of their safety."

Harris said she did not know if the new policies, or fear that Thursday's violence might be repeated, suppressed attendance.

Jerry Lewis: September 5 Press Conference

Jerry Lewis has scheduled a press conference for September 5, the day following the Muscular Dystrophy Association's telethon.

From the Associated Press:

For decades, Jerry Lewis has played the key role in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual telethon, helping to raise more than $1 billion. Now the two sides are parting ways, but no one is explaining why.

But the 85-year-old comedian told reporters last week that he plans to hold a press conference the day after this year's telethon to talk about what he thinks is important. When pressed by a reporter about his role with the telethon, Lewis said: "It's none of your business."

The Tucson, Ariz.-based association announced this week that that the comedian was no longer its national chairman and he would not appear on the telethon this year.

Association spokesman Jim Brown declined to say what prompted the decision. And Lewis publicist Candi Cazau of Las Vegas also declined comment, telling The Associated Press Thursday that comedian was traveling outside his home state of Nevada.

In May, Lewis said in a statement issued through the association that he would make his final appearance on the telethon this year and sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" during a six-hour primetime broadcast scheduled for Sept. 4.

But during a session with reporters last week at a Television Critics Association press tour to promote an upcoming TV documentary, "Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis," Lewis hinted that his involvement in raising money for muscular dystrophy research wasn't finished.

"Who told you that?" Lewis asked a reporter who asked him how he felt about this year being his last telethon. "I never read it."

"Do you remember when the New York Times printed, `Dewey wins'? I rest my case, pal," Lewis said. "Anything you read, read it twice."

...Lewis later said he would hold a press conference Sept. 5 to clarify his plans.

"I will have plenty to say about what I think is important. And that's the future, not the past," he said.

Very strange.

A press conference the day after the telethon?

Why no explanation regarding Lewis and this year's telethon? Why wait to explain what's behind Lewis' departure as national chairman of MDA?

This is all so odd.

Obama Bus Tour: Taxpayer-funded

The Obama "listening" bus tour of the Midwest, clearly a campaign mission, is going to be funded by taxpayers.

The very snippy, incompetent Jay Carney insists that Obama won't be campaigning, just carrying out his duties as president.

Yeah, right! The Obama bus tour stunt is so presidential.

I'm sick of paying the bill for Obama's campaign events.

No doubt, he'll be in Wisconsin, to "listen."

Video:



Transcript, White House:

QUESTION: Is there anything you can tell us about the bus tour the President plans to take -- where he’s going and why?

JAY CARNEY: Well, I can tell you that it will be from August 15th through the 17th, and that it will be through the Midwest. Further details will be forthcoming later. That’s all I have for you now.

QUESTION: But in terms of the --

CARNEY: I mean, he will get out -- very happily getting out in the country again, after a sustained period here in Washington. And he will -- he looks forward to talking to folks about growing the economy, creating jobs. And we’ll have more details, again, as I said, about the specifics of the trip later.

QUESTION: Did you say out of the country or out of --

CARNEY: Out in the country.

QUESTION: Oh, in the country. I’m sorry.

CARNEY: The Midwest.

QUESTION: I’m sorry.

CARNEY: Yes.

QUESTION: Is that a campaign event or --

CARNEY: Negative. It is an official event.

QUESTION: Okay, so it will be funded by taxpayers?

CARNEY: He’s the President of the United States.

Yes.

QUESTION: The bus tour -- it’s certainly a visual, but what are the tangibles?

CARNEY: Again, we’ll have more specifics about this trip itself. The air of cynicism is quite thick. The idea that the President of the United States should not venture forth into the country is ridiculous.

QUESTION: I didn't suggest that.

CARNEY: No, but you implied it in your question. And it is absolutely important for the President, whoever that person is, in the past and in the future, to get out and hear from people in different communities. And the President -- this is a trip that we’ve had on our books for quite a long time, and he very much looks forward to taking it.

Carney was extremely defensive.

He certainly has trouble maintaining his cool when he's trying to defend the indefensible.
___________________

Obama will be in Michigan on August 11.

Johnson Controls Inc. will host President Barack Obama next week at its advanced battery factory in Holland, Mich.

The factory was opened to make lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles that were developed at the company’s battery laboratory in Glendale, as part of the company’s joint venture with the French battery developer Saft.

The visit will take place Thursday at the factory that Johnson Controls opened as part of its $598 million investment in advanced battery technology — half of which was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The $299 million stimulus grant to Johnson Controls was the biggest project funded in 2009 by the Obama administration awarded as part of a $2.4 billion investment in advanced batteries, which the administration aims to help the U.S. reduce reliance on imported oil, boost fuel economy of vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

During a briefing to reporters at the White House Thursday, Obama’s press secretary, Jay Carney said, “While at Johnson Controls, the President will highlight the key role innovative technologies will play in helping automakers achieve the historic fuel-economy standards, establishing U.S. leadership in advanced vehicle manufacturing, spurring economic growth and creating high-quality domestic jobs in cutting-edge industries across America.”

Obama will be spending quite a bit of time in the Midwest next week.

Taxpayers will be spending a lot of money, stuck with paying the expenses for Obama's campaign events.

Dow Tanks

Oh, my God!

Dow Sinks 500, Worst Day Since Dec. 2008

This is a nightmare.

Barack Obama is Jimmy Carter.

John Chisholm and Sandy Pasch

Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, DEMOCRAT, is a Sandy Pasch supporter.

The MacIver Institute reports:

Milwaukee County DA was a major contributor to Sandy Pasch and stumped for her Assembly election in 2008.

Photo here.

Clearly, Chisholm shouldn't be involved in investigating the BBQ for Votes case.

He actively campaigned for Pasch and was a major financial contributor.

Scott Walker, State Fair, Protests (Video)

I love the Wisconsin State Fair.

It's a fantastic event where people from all walks of life come together and just have fun.

It's a respite from the nightmares and annoyances of daily life. For a day or a few hours, forget about the disastrous economy, sinking home values, contentious recall elections, scandals, blah, blah, blah.

Have some food on a stick and relax. Listen to the live music. Have a cream puff, a heavenly cream puff. Watch the pig races. Buy a mop or the latest, new and improved slicer and dicer.

What's not to love?

PROTESTERS.

Protesters marred today's opening ceremony. They refused to show the event the respect it deserves. Instead, some goons decided they would attack Governor Scott Walker, completely disregarding the spirit of the fair, a celebration of Wisconsin.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

The politics that have split the state since winter spilled into a Wisconsin summer tradition Thursday morning during Gov. Scott Walker's meet-and-greet at the opening ceremony of the Wisconsin State Fair.

Protesters in red shirts chanted "shame" and "recall Walker" during Walker's speech while supporters of Walker cheered him on.

While Walker spoke, Lynn Ziehr, 49, of Richfield shouted "shame" right back at the protesters.

Ziehr has been attending the fair for many years, but this was her first time attending the opening ceremony. She did so this year to support Walker.

Ziehr said she didn't think the protest was appropriate for the event.

"I can't believe how much hatred is going around this state," she said.

Barb Neddo, 49, and her daughter Sarah, 19, protested at the event sporting "Recall Walker" shirts.

Sarah Neddo, a sophomore at UW-Madison, said she thinks it's important to let people know that the protests aren't going away.

"We're still here and we're still fighting," she said.

Mother and daughter both noted that, for the most part, people kept their cool at the event.

Sarah Neddo said she thinks it's great that people on both sides could express their views and then go enjoy a day at the fair.

Ziehr, too, said she planned to stay at the fair for the rest of the day, and is excited to see the draft horses.

Other speakers at the opening included Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and West Allis Mayor Dan Devine.

From 620 WTMJ, a less sanitized account of what happened:

Amidst the fun and frivolity of the State Fair's opening day, some protesters of Republican Governor Scott Walker's policies came and showed their disapproval when he spoke at the fair.

As Walker gave the last speech of the opening ceremony at the fair on Thursday morning, protesters yelled "Shame, shame, shame!"

"You're a weasel," came from one of the protesters.

TODAY'S TMJ4's Diane Pathieu tells us that what began as 20 to 30 protesters eventually turned into twice that many people shouting during the duration of Walker's speech.

Walker claimed that the protests shouldn't stop the fun of the fair.

"Out of 800,000 people, (there's) 50-60 people, they have their right to do that," said Walker.

"Most people who come to the fair will tell you they set aside politics and business and have a good time."

But for Milwaukee Public Schools teacher Julianna Kelly, it was a chance to get up close to the governor and make her voice heard, and she's not done yet.

"Our government is supposed to be of the people, be by the people for the people," explained Kelly.

"(His policies) hurt way too many people, not just teachers, Medicare, Social Security, the elderly, children of poverty."

Not "SHAME, SHAME, SHAME"! Not again!!!

Good grief.

This ticks me off. It really does.

For God's sake, give it a rest at the fair.

What are these thugs going to do at the Governor's Auction?

One of the highlights of the Fair is the Governor's Red, White and Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction. The Coliseum will bustle with the excitement and chatter of the Governor's Red, White and Blue Ribbon Livestock Auction as auctioneers chide bidders to raise the stakes and up the ante. Exhilaration and the excitement level increases as the bids go higher and higher on each Champion Market Steer, Lamb and Barrow. Proceeds from the event contribute to youth agriculture programs and scholarships.

Read more about this great event.

The protesters disrupting the opening ceremony of the 2011 Wisconsin State Fair have no shame.

Really disgusting.

Sadly, this sort of behavior is a hallmark of the Scott Walker detractors. They're blinded by their hate. They are unhinged.

Remember when protesters disrupted a Special Olympics event at the Capitol?

Here's video of the disgraceful display at the State Fair today, from the MacIver Institute:



Look at these people! They're crazed. They're an embarrassment. How terribly inappropriate! Such thuggery is no way to win hearts and minds to their cause.

Kudos to the MacIver Institute for doing such a terrific job of informing the public.

Obama 'Listening' Bus Tour

Obama is supposedly going to listen to Americans.

He's going on a bus tour to get in touch with the people of the heartland.

From Reuters:

President Barack Obama will take a three-day campaign-style bus tour through the American Midwest this month, as he tries to refocus attention on jobs seen as vital to his chances of winning re-election in 2012.

The president will be on the road between August 15 and August 17 "listening" to the American people about jobs and the economy, White House press secretary Jay Carney said.

Obama's approval ratings have been dented by persistently high U.S. unemployment and acrimonious negotiations in Washington to raise the country's $14.3 trillion debt ceiling.

"Listening"?

Very funny.

That reminds me of Wisconsin's former senator, Russ Feingold - the guy Wisconsinites rejected and threw out of office BECAUSE HE DIDN'T LISTEN. Feingold's listening sessions were a joke.

Obama's bus tour is a lame election stunt.

He has no intention of really listening to Americans.

I'm sure the audiences will be carefully screened to be friendly.

Obama won't learn a thing in an echo chamber.

Complete waste of time.

Obama: Ramadan Statement

It should come as no surprise that Obama released a statement recognizing Ramadan.

If you recall, Obama failed to release an Easter statement earlier this year.

It turned into a very awkward misstep for Obama. Jay Carney's explanation for Obama's decision to ignore Easter was an absolute disaster.



When it comes to Ramadan, however, Obama has plenty to say.

Statement by the President on the Occasion of Ramadan

As Ramadan begins, Michelle and I would like to send our best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world. Ramadan is a festive time that is anticipated for months by Muslims everywhere. Families and communities share the happiness of gathering together for iftar and prayers. Bazaars light up the night in many cities from Rabat to Jakarta. And here in the United States, Muslim Americans share Ramadan traditions with their neighbors, fellow students, and co-workers.

For so many Muslims around the world, Ramadan is also a time of deep reflection and sacrifice. As in other faiths, fasting is used to increase spirituality, discipline, and consciousness of God's mercy. It is also a reminder of the importance of reaching out to those less fortunate. The heartbreaking accounts of lost lives and the images of families and children in Somalia and the Horn of Africa struggling to survive remind us of our common humanity and compel us to act. Now is the time for nations and peoples to come together to avert an even worse catastrophe by offering support and assistance to on-going relief efforts.

Times like this remind us of the lesson of all great faiths, including Islam -- that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. In that spirit, I wish Muslims around the world a blessed month, and I look forward to again hosting an iftar dinner here at the White House. Ramadan Kareem.

At Easter, Obama could have spoken of the "heartbreaking accounts of lost lives and the images of families and children in Somalia," the Christians persecuted and murdered at the hands of Islamic insurgents.

He could have said something in celebration of Easter and raised awareness of the slaughter of Christians in Somalia, but he didn't. Obama chose silence.

Ramadan Kareem.

Jennifer Hudson Sings 'Happy Birthday' to Obama (Video)

 

Americans for Prosperity: Absentee Ballots - The Facts

The Democrats and their Leftist media mouthpieces have been foaming at the mouth about the sinister "mistake" on absentee ballots sent out by Americans for Prosperity.

They claim it was an intentional, sleazy means to suppress the vote.

Here are some FACTS on what happened:

(Do you remember "facts"? They used to matter.)

1. Fixing the Typo

The Absentee Ballot Mailing was mailed only to AFP Wisconsin members in the eight Senate Districts that have recall elections. The date included on the absentee ballot application (August 11th) was intended solely for the two senate districts with elections on August 16th. However, the printer/mail house sent that version out to all districts, including those that have elections on August 9th.

While the Left is hoping to make this into a voter suppression issue, this is anything but. It is in AFP’s best interest to have all of our members vote and that was the intention of this mailing. Here is a statement from AFP Wisconsin State Director Matt Seaholm explaining the printing mistake.

AFP sent the ballots to its own members.

In effect, the typo hurt themselves.

It makes absolutely no sense that AFP would try to suppress the vote of its members.

It's ridiculous to scream about voter suppression. The media are doing a dismal job of covering this story. The headline should read: "Americans for Prosperity mistake could hurt conservatives in recall elections."

Furthermore, "AFP-Wisconsin is directly addressing this mistake by sending out a call to each and every individual on the mailing list to clarify the date of the elections."

Voter suppression? Corruption?

NO WAY.

2. DNC Makes Similar Error

The media is largely ignoring the fact that the DNC made a similar mistake -the DNC placed robo calls last week to voters in Republican Sen. Dan Kapanke's western Wisconsin district urging them to vote in the election, but wrongly gave the date as Aug. 16. Click here to read more about the DNC’s robo call errors.

This DNC error isn't getting much media attention at all.

Why? Why isn't this error being cited as voter suppression?

Where's the outrage?

Cue the crickets.

3. Wisconsin Jobs Now and Citizen Action Wisconsin

Perhaps the most egregious offender of all in this story is Wisconsin Jobs Now and Citizen Action Wisconsin, which is also being largely ignored. Wisconsin Jobs Now has been hosting “block parties” with free food and then busing people over to early voting.

Wisconsin Jobs Now is connected to Citizen Action, a union group that has spent big money supporting Sandy Pasch in the District 8 recall election. It just so happens Sandy Pasch sits on Citizen Action's board as well.

Here's the corruption.

"Block parties" in celebration of voting?

Give me a break!

It appears that Sandy Pasch and her campaign are engaged in dirty politics.

There's a world of difference between the tactics of Wisconsin Jobs Now and AFP sending a ballot with a typo to its own members.

I'm not surprised that Pasch and the Democrats and the union hacks would spin the AFP mistake the way they are.

Pasch's remarks on the mistake are idiotic.

Unfortunately, I'm also not surprised that the media are happily spreading misinformation as well.

The Democrat-Union-Media Complex chugs along.

Come on, TMJ4! Give your viewers the truth, not what you want them to believe.

Charles Benson, Obama lapdog, should be ashamed of his handling of the story.

Wisconsin State Fair

The 2011 Wisconsin State Fair begins today!

Something new this year:

WORLD'S LARGEST CREAM PUFF – AUGUST 11

How would you like to see a Cream Puff that weighs more than a Supreme Champion Swine? Check out our own "Puff Daddy" as he attempts to set a Guinness World Record for the World's Largest Cream Puff! It will all "rise to the top" in Central Park on Thursday, August 11 during Golden Guernsey Dairy Day. Watch Team Cream Puff as they assemble a cream puff for the Guinness Book of World Records. The official record-setting weigh-in will take place at 2pm in Central Park.

Go Team Cream Puff!

Happy Birthday, Obama

Packers, White House, August 12

The Green Bay Packers, Super Bowl XLV Champions, are finally getting recognized for their achievement by the White House.

Charles Woodson vowed to visit, and now it's going to happen.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

President Barack Obama will host the Packers on Friday, Aug. 12 to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl XLV victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Packers announced.

“I’m really excited that we were able to find a date to visit the White House,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “The labor situation this spring made it a little challenging for us to set up a visit, but I think it is going to work out great. We’re very appreciative that President Obama invited us, and I’m thrilled that our players and coaches will get to enjoy this unique opportunity.”

I hope this invitation to the White House is followed by another one, after the Packers' Super Bowl XLVI victory.


_______________

Statement from the White House:

President Obama to Honor Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers at the White House

WASHINGTON--On Friday, August 12, President Obama will welcome the Super Bowl XLV Champion Green Bay Packers to the White House to honor the team and their Super Bowl victory. The President will also continue his tradition of honoring sports teams for their efforts both on and off the field by recognizing the efforts by the Packers to give back to their community as part of their visit.