Sen. Dale Schultz speaks about the tensions in Wisconsin

Wisconsin state senator Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) spoke at a public forum held in Dodgeville on February 28, 2011.

A few excerpts:

"I know some would cast this whole conversation, or what's going on, as somewhat of a romantic narrative where there are heroes and there are villains. I however don't share those feelings. I only see potential victims."

"I hope that when we are done with this budget we will be able to look back and to say, in the best Wisconsin tradition we found a way to come together."

Schultz recalled the Vietnam War protests and the bombing of Sterling Hall, and continued, "So to me, when I see a crowd like this, and I see the passions where they're at, I am reminded of what I had seen many, many years ago. And right now, people are civil and passions are held in check, and I think sometimes people almost think this takes on a festival-type atmosphere. But I know as decisions are made and people feel left out, if they feel like they're not being listened to, the potential for that to change is very much at hand. And nothing would make me sadder than to have something terrible happen as a result of what is going on in Madison."

"I have not altered my position, I have not told people how I am going to vote, because I am trying my best to bring people together. And when you draw a line in the sand and you are definitive in what you say, people tend to move away from you, closer to the abyss. I want to bring people together. I want a dialogue."

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Wisconsin
• budget repair bill
• budget adjustment bill
• Scott Walker
• Dale Schultz
• unions
• collective bargaining
• protests
• Madison
• Dodgeville
• Sterling Hall