Signs of Hope?
Dear Deborah,
I am writing from Madison, where I arrived an hour ago. Tomorrow, I am speaking to the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, a date arranged many months ago, long before anyone imagined that Madison would be the scene of a major political battle.
The stalemate in Wisconsin continues, and polls show that the public supports collective-bargaining rights for public-sector workers. I was worried that there might be a race to the bottom, having read complaints on blogs that begin, "If I don't have a pension or healthcare, why should they?" Then I learned, thanks to a correspondent, not to be too upset by blog comments. He said that there are people paid to post negative or positive comments about products, people, and ideas. Apparently such people create hundreds of fake identities to simulate public opinion. Oh, well, just another good reason to inform yourself, reach your own judgment, and not be swayed by the crowd, which might consist of one person pretending to be dozens or hundreds.
Last week, I had the exciting experience of appearing on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart. Jon has assembled some hilarious satires on the showdown between Gov. Scott Walker and the state's teachers. The segments are
