Bruce Murphy's Opinion

I don't think that Walker--or the taxpayers of the State--are particularly happy about the economics which have required a 'pay freeze' here.

But Bruce Murphy takes it a step further.

...the Walker administration has announced it will begin a system of merit pay for exceptional employees. The idea, ostensibly, is to make government work like the private sector. But private companies are driven by the profit margin and reward employees who contribute the most to that profitability.

Not so in the public sector. Government leaders are inevitably tempted to reward political loyalty. And all the changes occurring under Walker are leading in that direction. Unions have lost all ability to represent workers. There will still be civil service protection for those threatened with firing, but it’s difficult to see how civil service rules will prevent cronyism in the awarding of merit raises. And that sends a message to all workers: Be loyal or you’ll never get ahead.

If Mr. Murphy is able to document the red-highlighted charge, on which the rest of his screed depends, perhaps he'd like to share.

Walker, and at least most of 'his people', understand the difference between the interests of the State and the interests of Walker.


If they don't, then they can be tossed.  That's what elections are for.  In fact, Murphy indirectly proves it here:


...the legislature has given Walker the power to reach deeper into government departments to appoint loyalists rather than civil service employees, and the power to override rule-making by government agencies. All of this will lead to increased politicization of government – and less ability of workers to withstand orders that serve the party in power (whichever party it is) rather than all the people.

The Doyle Administration was tossed for a reason, and the reason is described above.  The number of loyal statist/Doylies, and their activities, led the electorate to make the decision:  "Enough!  Get Out!!"