Gordon Forgey

The recall effort to oust Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, a Republican, came to a head Tuesday. Running to replace him was Tom Garrett, a Democrat and mayor of Milwaukee.

In the simplest of terms, the recall and subsequent election was a contest of the Tea Party against public workers and unions.

On Tuesday, Walker’s recall was rejected. He received almost 54 percent of the vote. Apparently, voters like what he is doing and want their leaders, as he said, to stand up and make tough decisions.

Walker had tried to solve the state’s budget crisis. Included in his actions was revoking the right of state employees to collective bargaining.

All hell broke loose. Public employees picketed the legislature and, in fact, took over the capitol building in protest.

For those who argue that government spending must be cut, Walker is a national hero. For others, he is a villain, sacrificing people, services and growth.

Regardless, damage has been done. The two camps are rigidly separated and antagonistic towards each other. There is no middle ground. Walker promises efforts at reconciliation, but emotions are high and the battle lines are drawn.

The division in Wisconsin is no different from that in other parts of the nation, particularly Washington, D.C., where political ideologies are not negotiable.

As a result, the middle ground is really what has been rejected. Sadly, that is where many of the answers to problems facing the nation and its citizens will be found.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher