The Meaning of Wisconsin's Recall Election

Cal Thomas | Syndicated Columnist | Published: Jun 08, 2012

The Meaning of Wisconsin's Recall Election

Everyone is trying to discern the meaning of last Tuesday's recall election in Wisconsin.

The political implications may not be known until the November election, but the economic implications ought to be obvious. In Wisconsin, as in a growing number of other states and cities, "We can't afford it" is replacing out-of-control spending on public employees.

Yes, many of their contracts called for pay and benefit raises, even for those long retired. But we can't afford it and as Wisconsin voters determined, endless spending won't repair what's wrong with our economy, which is, well, reckless spending.

Individuals know they can't charge things forever. Now governments are waking up to the obvious. In Virginia, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio and many other states, economies are being turned around because conservative Republican governors are doing what needs to be done.

Let's hope this movement sweeps the nation and in November sweeps out those in government who want to keep spending and taxing as if there is no tomorrow. If we allow them to, there won't be a tomorrow for America.

I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.

Publication date: June 11, 2012

The Meaning of Wisconsin's Recall Election