Mark Melchior
Eleanor Henderson
Academic Writing
March 28, 2011
Public Sector Struggle:
A Rogerian examination of Wisconsin Union Troubles
The American workforce has come a long way since the days of Carnegie and Rockefeller. Working conditions have made incredible advancements, along with salaries, benefits, and health insurance. Trade unions have been an essential piece of the public sector workforce since their establishment in early American history, and they have always proven that tradesmen need organizations to remain strong against private companies. Recently, Republicans legislature in Wisconsin has given an impressive blow to union power.
It’s a shame to see such a great nation struggling. Between several military conflicts, trillions of dollars in debt, unemployment, and a wounded economy, America has an enormous struggle to overcome. All over the nation governments are piecing together solutions to solve these issues. In Wisconsin, Republican Governor Scott Walker has devised a plan to save money and aid the state budget. However, his plan involves restricting the collective bargaining rights of Wisconsin unions. Under this bill, labor unions are no longer able to negotiate job condtions other than base wages. Other restrictions include no negotiation of overtime, premium, or merit pay. Municipal union employees are actually now no longer able to strike, “Nothing contained in this subchapter constitutes a grant of the right to strike by any municipal employee or labor organization,” (Wisconsin Act 10, 27). Other provisions of the bill include prohibiting unions to receive union dues from paychecks and annual elections on whether or not workers want to remain unionized (Lewis, par. 19, 20). These are only a few of the new laws passed in late March.
Mr. Walker believes that his plan is in the correct interest of the state. I am happy to see that a politician is risking his reputation, and chance of reelection in order to carry out what he considers is the best solution. It takes an incredible effort to run a government and to keep a state, or nation, united. I have to say that I’m impressed with his endeavor to aid the state and country he loves. Some goals of the plan are to create an abundance of private sector jobs. He aims for about 250,000 to be created by the year 2015. In addition, he claims that this bill will actually save taxpayers money. According to news reports, Governor Walker has already amassed an incredible disapproval rating in the short time he has been in office. I applaud Mr. Walker not because he is considered crooked or unfair, but that this is an indication of his hard work. Although the bill would seem wrong, he has proven that he is not afraid to take action against a problem. Also, Mr. Walker has continued to remain visible to his people by appearing on television and speaking to protestors in the capitol in Madison, and this is an admirable trait.
Unfortunately, I have to add that I am not offering any support for Governor Walker. Unions are absolutely essential to our society. Since their introduction they have been what is likely the most important force in improving the lives of public workers. I said before that I believe this budget plan is wrong and I am not without support. A recent survey from the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute shows that 65 percent of those polled believed that a more acceptable compromise should be determined. A major factor in the poll was the 70% of Independent voters that said they are against the new laws (WPRI). Some may be asking, what do unions really do? What do they provide? Almost every line of work has a union. Nearly everything from actors to construction workers belongs to a union. Growing up in a union family I was exposed to their importance very early. Blue Collar work is not exactly glamorous, nor is the lifestyle that comes with it. Nonetheless, these people need those bargaining rights to provide for their families. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) was quoted saying, “Let’s not forget who we are really talking about. We are talking about police officers that put their lives on the line to make our families safe and elementary school teachers who make sure our kids know their ABC’s,” (Lewis, par. 7). These people are some of the most essential members of our community. It is in the nature of unions to negotiate, because it was that principle that they were formed. By limiting the core of their power we could be prone to a private sector with enormous dominance. Worker’s rights are incredibly important. In a country that was founded on freedom, and the right to choose, this bill is awfully counterintuitive to the nature of American philosophy.
I, of course, am not a politician like Mr. Walker. I do not know enough about public policy to make the decisions that he and his committee do. I’m certain that, like myself, he truly values and cares for the well being of Americans. The GOP has a history of “union-busting” but I doubt this is his contribution to that cause. Limiting union power is wrong, and I like to think that he is not doing so out of malice or discontent. I trust that he wishes that he could save the jobs of those hard working people that have been laid off or provide support for public schools that have lost thousands in government funding. I believe he is simply doing so to improve our society by what he considers is the right thing. We see that unity is the one of the most important factors in repairing a nation. There no single policy that everyone is going to agree with. I think that it’s safe to say, however, with such an immense opposition to Governor Walker’s plan there has to be a more effective way to mend Wisconsin’s $3.6 billion deficit. If a different plan of action is not as effective, than maybe it could be more respectable. There have to be more ways to save money than damaging union’s ability to negotiate terms. It is, after all, one of the main reasons they are able to thrive.
We cannot afford to add to America’s extensive list of socio-economic problems. Sadly, because Governor Walker pushed Act 10 into law this is exactly what has happened. What I would ask of the Mr. Walker, and other state officials, is that they make it a point to find solutions that will not hurt the equality in American business. There is no way around the struggle that is ahead. It has been made clear by our government that we will have to make some sacrifices. However, I think that it’s fair to say that solutions should be in the interest of all Americans.
Works Cited
Bauer, Scott. “Wisconsin Union Law Published Despite Court Order.” ABCNews.com. 26 March, 2011. ABC News. Associated Press. Web. 27 March, 2011.
Lewis, Finlay. “Should Unionizing Be a Purely Private Right?” CQ Weekly 14 March 2011: 565. Print.
2011 Wisconsin Act 10. State of Wisconsin. Legislative Reference Bureau. 28 March 2011. Web.
Wisconsin Policy Research Institute. “Public Opinion Backs Unions.” CQ Weekly (2011): 566. Print.
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really good first draft! There are a lot of good Rogerian qualities that you worked into this essay well. You presented both sides of the argument well, I think. You really tried not to be too harsh on Walker, even though it was clear you did not agree with him. However, in paragraph 3, you seem like you are trying too hard to be nice, and it begins to seem really fake. But you established good common ground and used a lot of Rogerian language.
One other thing I think could be fixed is a compromise. I see how proposing your own would be a really big challenge, but maybe you could do a little more research and find out what other people or politicians are/were proposing instead of Walker's bill. Also, I think a better transition from your introduction to your second paragraph would be useful.
Lastly, I like how you worked in a little bit of a personal "story"/part into your essay. I thought that was really good!
Overall, great work!
Lindsay
Mark,
ReplyDeleteGreat first draft! I really liked the topic you choose because it is current and applicable to the American values. Also I liked your personal story, it added personality into your story. Also, well done on establishing common ground.
A few notes:
Since this is a Rogerian argument, I would wait to develop my perspective of the union issue until a bit later. We know your perspective in the first paragraph when you said “Republican legislature in Wisconsin has given an impressive blow to union power.”
Paragraph 5 establishes a lot of common ground. I think you could move this paragraph earlier in your paper after you have talked about Walker’s perspective. Also I think a direct quote from Walker himself would help you establish your point.
Great paper! Good luck with revisions.
-Christina
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI really, really enjoyed this paper. You use very effective rogerian language and very respectfully acknowledge the viewpoints of the other side. I want to applaud you on your ability to spend a fair amount of time in your argument stating the viewpoints of the other side while also maintaining that you clearly do not hold the same view points. I felt that you disagreed without pushing away opposing audiences.
In addition, this topic was a very good and interesting choice, as it holds relevance to present-day issues.
Your second paragraph contains an extremely clear and understandable explanation of the issue - this helped me to really understand exactly what you were writing about. I also want to add that the language you use through out the paper not only maintains your own voice all the way through, but also flows fluidly and smoothly.
Other than a few wordy sentences and some grammar issues, I found very few problems with your paper. This is an extremely successful and solid first draft.
Good job! Good luck with your revisions!
-Meredith
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI thought you did a really great job with your first draft. You clearly have a firm grip on what is going on in Wisconsin. I know a bit about this issue but your essay game me clarity on the controversy. I thought you did a good job showing both sides but I thought you should hold off until later in the essay until you talk about your point of view. You have a really good personal story in there about how you grew up around unions because your family was involved in them. I think that story could be more effective later in the paper. I also noticed that you addressed the Governor by “Mr.” or “Governor.” I think it would be better if you used only one of these titles and keep his name consistent.
I really enjoyed reading your essay. Good luck on your revisions.
Greg Bloom
Mark, this is a great first draft. I was really impressed with how well you grasped and broke down the issue in Wisconsin. I'm very interested in this conflict and wholeheartedly agree with your side and I think you presented it very well.
ReplyDeleteYou used Rogerian technique very skillfully to establish common ground and to not seem as thought you are attacking Walker.
A few things to fix:
I think you can break the 4th paragraph into two paragraphs with the next one starting at "Growing up..." That way, you can elaborate more on both aspects of the current paragraph: 1)How people are displeased with the new laws and 2)How the presence of unions has effected you. Perhaps you could include a story about their positive effect on you and your family?
This topic has great kairos but I think that you should touch upon what is happening right NOW and what action has been taken against Walker's new laws.
Also, I think you should include a quote from Walker and then go on to discredit what he says in that quote backed up by evidence. Although you incorporated a quote from a Senator from Iowa, it would be much more powerful to include a quote from Obama on the issue. I know that although Obama acknowledges that there needs to be action taken to fix the current budget, he has accused Walker of making "an assault on unions" and acknowledges their eminent significance in our country.
Great job with this essay and good luck with your revision
~Molly
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your first draft of your Rogerian paper. You have used the format of the Rogerian argument very effectively. You begin by setting up the background and history of your topic and then go into your opponent’s opinion. At this time, I had no idea that you were in favor of the opposite side, so your language was very respectful and I truly believed that you meant what you said. I did wonder the reasons why the opposition would do the things that they are. If there was more information as to why the decrease of the unions would help America as a whole, it would really help your argument I think. I also liked the incorporation of Governor Walker and the use of his name again in the third paragraph. I would try, if possible, to use that source more in the paper to increase the amount of credibility in the paper.
You then continued into your side of the argument. I think you can expand even further and show the negative aspects to reducing the power of the unions, especially if you are short on words. I would think about adding more about your experiences, if it is relevant. If not, then I do not see the real point for including it in the paper. With the extra text, I would consider splitting up your third paragraph into different trains of thought.
I liked the use of Rogerian language, such as being “certain”, “trusting”, and “believing” in your third paragraph, which shows the common ground between the two sides. Again, I think you could add more to this, especially if you add reputable sources, since you do not have any in that paragraph. I think for your resolution, instead of stating that there should be better plans made, try to actually come up with a resolution that would theoretically work. If this doesn’t work for you, then don’t worry about it, but I think that an actual resolution would be more effective than just stating that the unions should not be hurt or we need to save money better.
I liked your closing paragraph a lot as it summed up your points and put into perspective that struggle is inevitable, but that if does not need to come at the cost of unions. Overall, great first draft and I think after a few revisions, you will have an even better Rogerian argument. Good luck with your revisions!
--Ethan Freedman
Mark,
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent first draft for your essay. There are a number of things that make it exceptional; firstly, you clearly have a fairly strong grasp for what makes a paper "Rogerian." You begin your paper very broadly, and you gradually narrow it down to your core topic. While you do this, you do an great job of keeping it neutral--to the point where I wasn't entirely sure which side you would argue. It's good that you keep a level head debating such a (potentially) heated topic, as you gaining some good "ethos" when your reader finally finds your position on the issue, especially if they are on the opposing side.
Your third paragraph is very well structured, and very Rogerian. Words and phrases like "happy to see," "risking his reputation," "incredible effort," "I'm impressed," "I applaud," "loves," and many more makes your paper less based on classical argumentation, using soft and encouraging language to do so. Likewise, in the following two paragraphs, you do an excellent job of using good sources to help express your viewpoints gently, but very effectively. Your sources are excellent as well; I find it appropriate and effective that you used more than one printed source to help gain ethos. Good job there!
The only thing I would consider for your revision is to work on a compromise. What can Governor Walker and the unions do to settle this so that everyone wins? Also, try to add some pathos to your argument through a personal story that you can find in another scholarly source. Likewise, add some kiaros--why is this essay relevant right now (besides the bill)?
Other than this, I do not have much else to contribute for your revision. Good job, and good luck with your revision!
-Ethan Wennberg
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your first draft of your Rogerian Argument about the Wisconsin Union. I think it was a great topic to pick for this paper and very current.
I thought you did a really good job at establishing common ground by stating: “I’m certain that, like myself, he truly values and cares for the well being of Americans”. I thought that sentence was effective and Rogerian.
I believe you did a great job at maintaining a level of respect for his authority and giving him credit for the difficult job that he does have.
I think for the Rogerian argument you should wait to present your 2nd paragraph for later. The entire 2nd paragraph lists the negatives that the bill would do. I believe it would be more effective to delay the reader from knowing your opinion. I think you should state why the other side thinks this is a good idea then counter argue and present the aspects of the bill that you believe are not as strong.
The second sentence in your second to last paragraph, I don’t think you should state that you don’t know enough about public policy because I think that takes away from your credibility.
I also think your compromise can be more developed and explained further.
Great job with the first draft and good luck with your revision!
-Becca Moran
Mark,
ReplyDeleteGreat start to your first draft! I think your overall writing ability is really strong. You also did a great job in finding a current topic for the Rogerian argument. It is a topic that effects everyone of your readers, so it made it enjoyable and interesting to read.
Also, your use of common ground was perfect for your paper. It really showed that you put a lot of time into showing respect to the other side. Especially in in the third paragraph where you use terms such as, "I am happy to see...", "I'm impressed", ect.
I did not find many issues with your first draft. It was very strong. But, here are a few little things to work on:
You could probably break up your 4th paragraph. It is a lot of information in one paragraph and I feel as though it would be easier to read and understand if it was less to grasp all at ones.
Also, maybe you could come up with a better compromise. You basically state in paragraph 5 that the plan will not work and there has to be a better one. Maybe you can research other plans out there for other states. You can see if someone came up with something that you agree upon.
Good luck with your revisions and really great job!
-Joni Fromer
Dear Mark,
ReplyDeleteNice job on your first draft. Your use of the Rogerian style was very impressive. You did a nice job of sticking with Mr. Walker's side and giving him the benefit of the doubt while holding your own ground. You came up with a compromise, found common ground, as well as used Rogerian statements!
However, I do think you need a better compromise. You state that you think there may be a better solution, but state no solution. You also have a few minor grammatical errors, but another read-through of your paper will probably do the trick on solving that.
Nice job on your draft. Good luck on your revision!
- Greg
Mark, I think you chose a great topic and your paper was very informative. You have good acknowledgment of the "effort to run a government and to keep a state, or nation". Your background info about growing up around a union family works very strongly in establishing ethos as well as pathos for your argument.
ReplyDeleteI like how you take a step down here through phrases such as "I do not know enough about public policy", which makes your approach more modest. And you have also shown to find common ground in places where you mention "I’m certain that, like myself, he truly values and cares for the well being of Americans."
Great first draft
Mark,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great start to your paper. I found it refreshing that you chose a topic that most people wouldn't think of doing. Your writing was very clear and easy to follow. That being said, you still have some room for improvement. Here are some things that I noted:
-Try to fully describe what a trade union is. This will make your argument more clear to the reader.
-It is fascinating that you are able to have a personal experience with the topic. Expand on this more to show the audience your own opinion. Sometimes an anecdote can be more relatable than some facts, especially in a rogerian essay.
-I noticed that you didn't come to any sort of compromise at the end of your essay. I suggest brainstorming ideas of ways to do this in order to show the true "rogerian argument".
Other than those few things, I think that you did a great job. Good luck on revisions!
Elizabeth Rubel
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI think you did a real nice job on your first draft. While reading it, I thought of myself as the other side and always thought you were being nice and respectful with your Rogerian language. Also, I did not know much about this topic and I think you did a nice job giving information as to what is going on. I also liked that your paper had an element of timeliness in that we can relate to the topic easily knowing that it is a current issue.
Things to work on. At the end of your paper, I think a more detailed and complete compromise will bring more of a statement to what you have to say as well as help out with the Rogerian elements.
Good luck on the rest of your paper!
Jake
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI think this draft is really good. It outlines the problems with getting rid of unions. Your point of view and your voice comes through the paper really clearly. You make it really easy to understand the problems for someone who doesn't know much about issues surrounding unions.
I think that you could work on working out some sort of compromise.But other than that it was a great essay. good luck with revisions
Zane
Mark,
ReplyDeleteLet me start out saying I am very impressed by your essay! It has a good title, has appropriate and well used sources, and is a fine example of rogerian argument.
I think that those who are not as familiar with Unions will be lost due to a lack of a clear definition of what a Union is. I find it bizarre when you say things like "impressive blow on unions" when you are against the attack on Unions. I think it is a good way of mediating but it makes it seem you are supporting the blows on the Unions till the paragraph in which you state that you are against Walker's policies that it i understood your opinion on the matter. I like how you do state you are not a politician and acknowledge your weaknesses in the essay.
Great job keep it up!!
Mark,
ReplyDeleteGreat first paper! I enjoyed how current it is and how it has a personal connection to you. I find that very effective and stimulating. You have a clear grasp on the rogerian argument. I found that I was underlining and using the words "Great!" a lot to describe my reactions to your paper. So...great! I especially like your impressive use of sources. I like how you led up to your claim and could see an abundance of understanding and rogerian language.
With that said, I think that some information you stated has lack of citation where there needs to be some. For example paragraph three, where you state "Accord to news reports," there should be a more specific reference. Or in paragraph 5 where you mention the 3.6 billion dollar deficit, where did this info come from?
I would also like to see more of a compromise. I understand for this situation it is pretty hard to do, but it would make your argument a bit stronger. Also, emphasize your experience with your family's union experience, its interesting and I would like to know more.
Overall great start! Good luck!
Molly Schneider
Mark,
ReplyDeleteYou did a very good job presenting an issue that I can't image too many of us have a strong background in. You made it easy to understand and I certainly appreciated that. I definitely agree with your stance as well, certainly you have a firm grasp on the issue.
Some thing I would add would be more personal antecdote, perhaps between the paragraph supporting Wallace and the one outlining what is wrong with his plan. This would ease the reader more into the other side of the issue a little better, just something to consider.
You're off to a really strong start and well on your way to a good paper. Hope this helps and good luck with your revisions.
-Brendan