Political payback evident following tumultuous election year
Robin Vos has essentially suggested that political blacklisting is back -- and acceptable -- in Wisconsin.
Conjuring the spirit of Senator Joseph McCarthy, Vos, who was re-elected to serve as Assembly Speaker this week, suggested that the political ties of Milwaukee Bucks owners could influence the state's decision to help fund a new arena.
Bucks co owner Marc Lasry greeted President Barack Obama when he came to campaign on behalf of Mary Burke.
"If you are looking for people to support [the Bucks] you certainly don't want to poke people in the eye," Vos said on Sunday.
Read another way, Vos is essentially saying, "Support our cause, stay out of our way, or suffer the consequences."
We've seen pay-to-play and other forms of cronyism in the past four years from Wisconsin Republicans. Now we are seeing firsthand open political payback against those whose opinions differ from the GOP's policy positions.
It might not be "Red Scare" McCarthyism, but it's blacklisting nonetheless that's still very reminiscent of the late, dishonorable senator. Vos should change his tune, and offer an apology to the Bucks owners, before any more damage can be done...to the sports franchise, and towards our democracy.
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