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As conventions go, this one isn’t going to set any kind of record numbers. We will measure attendance in the hundreds, not the thousands.
But not many conventions are going to attract the kind of national media attention the National Governors Association conference will when it runs Friday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 4 in Milwaukee.
The conference is being hosted by our very own Gov. Scott Walker, who is, no doubt, looking at this as one of the early steps in his quest to become president of these here United States. All the big media outlets in this country will be here, and Walker is going to hog his share of the spotlight.
Walker went so far, earlier this week, as to compare his union-busting strategy to that of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Scott Kevin Walker doesn’t have quite the same level of gravitas. SKW vs. FDR? Not much of a contest.
But I can understand what Walker is trying to do. Every politician wants to compare himself to someone well-known in the hopes it will attract voters. FDR may not be appropriate, but there are plenty of celebrities Walker could mimic.
Think of it as a call-and-response thing, with Walker standing before a big crowd.
Walker: "I’m just like David Clarke, my friend when I was county executive. We are both tough and fearless."
The crowd: "And crazy."
Walker: "I’m just like Anthony Weiner, and you can’t make me change my mind even with overwhelming public opinion."
The crowd: "We love you, Carmen Dragon."
Walker: "I'm just like Michelle Bachmann. I'm for women. I'm for the Tea Party."
The crowd: "And stupid."
Walker: "I’m like those owners of Alterra, willing to change."
The crowd: "But they’re selling something we want."
Walker: "I’m bi-partisan. I’m friends with and work with Tom Barrett."
The crowd: "Who?"
Walker: "People would be surprised to know I really love unions. I’m just like Jimmy Hoffa.
The crowd: "Dead and missing."
Walker: "I love our lieutenant governor. I’m just like her. Do you know her name?
The crowd: "Hell, no."
Walker: "Neither do I."
With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.
He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.
This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.
Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.
