SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Times "Scott Walker — Wisconsin's true progressive"

Melanie Sturm:
"....Though these reforms were modest, the unions and their allies reacted ferociously, like a mama bear defending her cub. They captured national attention with protests, runaway state senators, legal challenges and state senator recall elections. Despite their efforts, they couldn't overcome the will of the people — to keep the reforms.

That's because Walker's reforms are succeeding: The budget has a $150 million surplus, property taxes are lower, the unemployment rate is 6.8 percent (the lowest since 2008 and well below the national average), the private sector created 26,000 jobs in 2011, and savings realized by school districts have preserved jobs and educational programming. Most encouraging, according to a Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce survey in May, 73 percent of employers predicted moderate to good business growth and more than half plan to expand operations within two years — the highest rate in a decade.

No wonder one-third of union members voted for Walker, according to exit polls. Seeing union policies drain government finances, endanger vital government services and undermine their own jobs and benefits, why would union members want to pay their dues? Now that they have the option not to, tens of thousands have opted out. Perhaps this is the best outcome of all, for civil society is healthier when government employees believe they're on the same side as taxpayers.

As C.S. Lewis said, “We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.”

Though it's too late for Edwards, other self-proclaimed “progressives” must Think Again — good policy makes great politics..."  (Read more?  Click title)