The Inn Never Changes; The Walls Talk
Who is this guy Gary Fisher?
Anyone know him? Yes? From the Inn on the Park you say?
For those who have not slopped tap beer and stayed too long at the favorite watering hole of legislators, reporters and lobbyists alike, the Inn on the Park is something akin to the office water cooler; a metaphor for where one goes to belly-ache.
The trouble with the Inn on the Park is everyone overhears the secret plans to screw with someone else.
Ya got a bill to kill? Let's amend it to death. Ya got pay-back on someone? Let's meet across the street at the Inn at 5:00pm and devise a dastardly deed.
It was easy to figure-out the assassins when it was Republicans v. Democrats. But occasionally, politics does indeed create strange bedfellows -- but we'll save those Tales from the Inn for future blog posts.
Veterans Affairs Secretary John Scocos is the Inn's latest target these days (post).
Politics is a zero-sum game, as in, I got zero, and I want some.
So, applying this political truism to the brinkmanship being played by the Veterans Affairs Board, and mixing-in the clumsy chatter at the Inn on the Park, the game against Scocos is as obvious as the beer foam at the bottom of Senator Roger Breske's glass.
*Democrat Governor Jim Doyle; He's got zero. VA Secretary Scocos is a Republican appointee hold-over;
*Democrat ex-Senator Rod Moen; He's got zero. The defeated pol/ex-Naval vet desperately wants Scocos' job;
*Republican St. Rep Terry Musser; He's got almost zero. The Veterans Committee he chairs was split into 2 committees, by Republican Speaker John Gard , diluting his clout;
*Republican VA Secretary John Scocos; He's got some. As a Gard loyalist, Scocos draws fire from those Assembly GOP caucus members who have been disciplined by their emotional leader.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Or, as Dick Morris redefined it, John Scocos is being triangulated.
7 Comments:
Actually, this one is self-inflicted. Scocos and his allies on the board, fearful that some day the governor's appointees might actually have a majority on the board, came up with a scheme to make Scocos secretary for life.
They tried to ram through a rule change that would have required a 7-0 board vote to dismiss him, and then only for misconduct or malfeasance. That would have given him the kind of tenure no secretary of any agency has ever had in the history of the state.
The mainstream news media don't cover DVA board meetings, so it should have been easy -- but Gary Fisher blew the whistle.
I don't know Gary Fisher or his politics. I know him only from his byline as a former WisPolitics reporter. When he told me about the story, I agreed to give him an outlet for it.
And, lo and behold, the board, exposed to a little sunshine, did the right thing and left the rules the way they were. (Sunshine does wonders. This board hired Scocos in a secret, illegal meeting, you may recall.)
I'm a Democrat but I'm also a veteran. I don't know if Fisher is a Republican, Democrat, or independent, but I know he's a vet, too. And we both thought something shady was going on in the agency that serves veterans.
Sometimes what you see is what you get. Sometimes there is no intrigue. But that makes for pretty boring blogging.
Well, for people that want to find out some interesting reasons why Representative Terry Musser, a fellow Republican, might be trying to go after John Scocos, I did some random research and found some interesting links.
http://wcca.wicourts.gov/caseDetails.do;jsessionid=C2C396DEED6A2795D63B57E377C64D95.render1?caseNo=1998CV000051&countyNo=27&cacheId=4488BEC4AD52B603673956AD29C70A44&recordCount=4&offset=2
http://wcca.wicourts.gov/caseDetails.do;jsessionid=C2C396DEED6A2795D63B57E377C64D95.render1?caseNo=1998CV000050&countyNo=27&cacheId=4488BEC4AD52B603673956AD29C70A44&recordCount=4&offset=3
I'm not going to make any absolute allegations. But, there is enough information here for people to wonder why Representative Terry Musser wouldn't like to see John Scocos continue as the WDVA Secretary. By the way, this is public information you can get off of CCAP. No illegal searching done on my account. So don't get any funny ideas.
Food for thought when trying to come up with other motives why certain people want to see him go away.
Brian:
As a glib general consultant striving to endear yourself to political powers that be you forgot to mention your penchant for looking at the world through
pints of ale at the Up North Pub on East Wilson Street in Madison.
Realize that Veterans Affairs Board member Kathy Marschman has never given veterans a reason why she thought John A. Scocos deserved a lifetime appointment
in state government. And Scocos never offered a reaction of any kind to the hot potato issue before or after the failed coup attempt.
Scocos and Marschman tried to do an end run around the system only they found that it didn't resonate well with veterans. The vets naturally knew it would have
been a general disaster for them and not in their best interests.
Marschman was a no-show at what was supposed to be Scocos' unprecedented tenure celebration in Union Grove. And Scocos fled the scene with his unauthorized
state-paid driver long before the vote at Friday's meeting; a vote that would have promoted him to
paranoid potentate for life.
Marschman and Don Heiliger are hangers-on bobbing up and down on Titanic board seats when they should have been history months ago.
Gov. Jim Doyle's prerogative is to replace them with qualified, nonpartisan appointees. Something he tries to do except state Sen. Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, won't schedule confirmation debate in the full senate.
So one can only speculate what intentions Doyle and the Republican and Democratic leggies have regarding the Veterans Affairs Board, Natural Resources Board and other appointees.
It's marginal to call "zero tolerance" anything related to this. The IJC has used that term referring to industrial toxins spilling into the Great Lakes for
years.
Marv Freedman and Gary Fisher, this song is for both of you. Gary, I also love song lyrics. We should do some Karaoke sometime together...not! Yee hah!
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Your Song
"It's a little bit funny this feeling inside
I'm not one of those who can easily HIDE
I don't have much money but boy if I did
I'd buy a big house where we both could live"
-Elton John
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Dear veterans and others interested...Let the fun begin on credibility checks.
Gary Fisher: "If there's a need for clarification, I request WDVA forward a tape recording of the Madison meeting. The person defending Zeitlin must have attended the meeting and be a WDVA insider (certainly not a CVSO representative) otherwise how else would he or she know Zeitlin's exact comments?"
Richard Zeitlin's prior comments: "I was dismayed to read your report of the meeting of the Wisconsin Board of Veterans AFfairs on November 28. You misquoted what I did say and attributed comments made by Marathon COunty Veterans Service Officer Scott Berger to me. Your erroneous reportage substantially altered the meaning of what I said and it would be appreciated if you would retract what you wrote. In the future, when you attend Veterans Board meetings, you can receive a verbatim account of the proceedings by requesting a written copy via standard WDVA practice."
wsharp: "Oh yeah - if Gary Fisher did misquote that Zeitlin guy..."
icarelax: "Speaking of dirty, I'm still wondering why you or Gary Fisher haven't yet answered the question about Gary misquoting that other guy who complained."
1-4 inf: "By the way...I'm wondering if you are even letting Mr. Fisher write on your behalf? If he is misquoting people, shouldn't you publicly reprimand him or take his article down until he gets it right?"
*Who is defending Zeitlin, Gary? I don't understand where you come off. I think he made it pretty clear who he is. I don't see him hiding behind anyone. I see people questioning the truth, but that's about it. Why don't you do what Mr. Zeitlin suggests and contact the WDVA instead of your make believe inside guy, Gary? Now I understand why they say you are confusing the facts.
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Gary Fisher: "Complainers offer no solutions. They only lash out at people trying to do what's best for the veterans community."
xcapman: "How about thanking Scocos for the good job he's done."
mpwi: "I propose all three of you concentrate all your energies on supporting Scocos leading the charge on another historic veterans' benefits package and stop misleading the confused public. Or you can applaud Scocos with his achievement of bringing millions of dollars in extra federal revenue to needy veterans."
*I don't know about the rest of the public, but I think these "complainers" are clearly offering suggestions. Maybe I read that wrong, but I'll let the public judge.
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Gary Fisher: "The board raised Scocos' salary to $118,000 in August of this year, although he received the same percentage of increase as all department secretaries received."
Gary Fisher reported: "How can you justify a DCA (merit raise) while vets, surviving spouses and children are taking cuts?" asked WDVA Board Member Marv Freedman, who said he was unaware of the raises.
WDVA website: In the first four years of the program (I Owe You), over $250 million in additional federal veterans’ funding have come into the state, most notably for additional compensation for disabled veterans. In addition there has been a 30% increase in the number of Wisconsin Veterans who now access the federal VA Health Care System. These veterans who were mostly uninsured, now have access to medical care and prescription drug options can meet their long term medical needs.
*I don't know about the rest of the people reading this, but I also am mystified by how Marv Freedman can claim ignorance although he was part of the Board who authorized Scocos' raise. Also, along with being on the receiving end of one the best budget packages ever, the WDVA has obviously not been dropping the ball on its needy veterans. But, go ahead and try to believe that, Gary Fisher.
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Gary Fisher: Although he (Scocos) suggested to Spivak and Bice that there was nothing unusual about the proposed change, it would make him the only department head in state government with that kind of protection."
xcapman: "While he rips Scocos for getting a pay raise, he doesn't even bother to consider other agencies' merit increases (ever look at DOT?). Of course, DVA might not look so bad compared to some of its peers."
*I suggest Gary Fisher stay consistent with his journalist research. I hope, with his masterful skills, he does post these findings. I am sure we all would like to find out the truth about all the agencies.
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Xoff: "If you can step back from the Scocos Cult of Personality, I think you will find that the benefits you enjoy as a veteran come from actions taken by the legislature and the governor."
Governor Doyle on his website: "To expand the support system we offer our veterans, I worked closely with Secretary Scocos – recommending that the Legislature adopt nearly every budget request he made. As we moved through the process, we were able to work together with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Legislature to improve on it even further."
Governor Doyle on his website: "This budget makes sure that Wisconsin veterans will continue to enjoy the benefits of the nation’s most comprehensive veterans program, because there is no better way for Wisconsin to thank our veterans for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of us all."
*Interesting that all the good stuff happened under Secretary Scocos' watch, Wisconsin is now the most comprehensive veterans program. And Doyle happened to give John Scocos a lot of credit. Too bad others can't do the same.
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Xoff wrote in "No evidence of wrongdoing, but plenty of innuendo in coverage": "That story (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's 'Doyle Donations preceded sale of nuclear plant') clearly suggested there was something wrong taking place...But the clear impression you're left with is that there's something fishy."
In the same article, Xoff wrote: "I agree that the system needs to be cleaned up, and would like to see Doyle take the lead. But holding him responsible for what the legislature does or doesn't do makes no sense whatsoever."
*Interesting that Xoff has no problem making innuendos that Secretary Scocos supposedly robs needy veterans of their benefits while giving himself and other supervisors raises. He also has no problem saying that Scocos was in on a secret illegal meeting to get hired as Secretary. Additionally he has no problem hinting that John Scocos has his hands in the cookie jar when it comes to WDVA Board decisions. Well maybe, just like Xoff's take on Doyle, holding John Scocos responsible for what the WDVA Board does or doesn't do makes no sense whatsoever. Let's keep consistent, Xoff."
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Recently, xcapman had this to say on an Xoff blog: "Marv Freedman is standing behind his comments, huh?
Xoff, you said:
'Gary Fisher, Marv Freeman and I all have put our names on anything we have had to say about this issue.'
Well, since Gary Fisher is allowed to make comments on meetings he didn't attend, so will I. I have come across some interesting news...Marv Freedman was at the last board meeting and said something public for the veterans board and public to the effect of not being involved at all in commenting to Gary Fisher and his so-called news stories. Interesting...
Also interesting is that Gary Fisher's latest blog appeared right after the last board meeting apparently ended. Funny that he would have such inside information on the exact details of the board decisions considering him and Marv Freedman supposedly don't have any kind of relationship at all.
Who is lying on this one? Is Marv Freedman proud of his comments on here and wants to stand by them? Or, is Marv Freedman dismayed he is being quoted when he hasn't had any conversations with Gary Fisher? Or even worse...is Marv Freedman trying to play both sides by telling everyone what they want to hear just to position himself for more political influence in the future? These are questions worth pursuing."
xcapman really was on a role and quoted Gary Fisher some more with:
"Another Vietnam vet said, 'It comes down to whether the secretary serves at the pleasure of the board or board must demonstrate cause to dismiss, that's the battle.'
or
A staffer for Rep. Jerry Petwoski, R-Marathon, member of the Military Affairs Committee, said they'd 'be keeping watch and monitoring' the board's action on the proposed rule changes.
Who is the staffer and who is the vietnam vet? Curious that you can convict some of us as being cowardly, xoff, when you are allowing that same kind of anonymity."
*I really liked those points and wanted to put them out for people to see again on the Free Will and free speech side of things.
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Freedomfighter, I took some of the work you did from the blog that was subsequently deleted by Xoff. I personally didn't think it was all that bad. But, I made it a little more mellow to make sure nobody else erases it. Thank goodness I printed it out before it was deleted or it might have been forever lost. I think it's fair that others get to see its content. I hope you don't mind or I will make a public apology to you. Beyond that, I will now take a step back and let the readers make their own judgments about the whole Secretary John Scocos debacle based on these quotes.
My major concern, when writing this article, is the credibility and consistency of the people who like to shoot rocket propelled grenades at a guy and can't even get their own stories right when they attempt to disparage him. Happy reading everyone!
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
Whew.
I hope you guys don't mind taking some free advice from a butthead. Because here it is.
Arguing over who unleashed the largest volume of urine in a pissing contest is never a winning strategy. I'm not a veteran and I couldn't tell you wtf the Veterans Affairs Board even does. But it is very hard to advocate for a lifetime political appointment and not come off like you are scamming someone. When I hear nothing about any benefits from the proposed rule change and lots about urine... I may be a butthead but I figure it's all about urine and not about making anything better.
I am not going to make any judgement about who's urine tastes worse. That would require more sampling than I am interested in.
VETERANS STILL WAITING ON ANSWERS FROM THE PEANUT GALLERY:
xcapman said in an earlier comment:
“Why do you always ask why nobody answers your questions when you clearly have avoided answering others? Don't even make someone go back and find out how many times that has happened. You know you will lose on that one.”
I went ahead and did it anyway for xcapman. Curiosity is killing me on all of this. I want to see if Gary Fisher, Marv Freedman, Xoff, and Terry Musser have any answers for the veterans. If they are so mighty and naturally ethical, shouldn’t they rise to the challenge and establish credibility? I know Secretary Scocos hasn’t answered yet, but he obviously hasn’t answered any of these blogs. So, maybe you can pursue him on that another time. I’m not answering for him. I doubt anyone would answer for him. Duh! That’s why you’re not getting your wish on what he has to say on the issue. But you four clearly check these out regularly so I don’t see why you can’t answer them. The veterans community is eagerly waiting. I’ll outline the game plan for you so you have no problem with the task.
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Action: To answer questions that haven’t had satisfactory closure.
Conditions: With years of journalistic experience, military backgrounds, and military values of honor and integrity.
Standards: The truth, nothing but the truth, so help you God.
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Gary Fisher reported:
“How can you justify a DCA while vets, surviving spouses and children are taking cuts?” asked Board member Marv Freedman, who said he was unaware of the raises.
Xcapman questions whether Marv Freedman really puts his name out in the real world and blogosphere with consistent messages:
“Marv Freedman was at the last board meeting and said something public for the veterans board and public to the effect of not being involved at all in commenting to Gary Fisher and his so-called news stories. Interesting...
Also interesting is that Gary Fisher's latest blog appeared right after the last board meeting apparently ended. Funny that he would have such inside information on the exact details of the board decisions considering him and Marv Freedman supposedly don't have any kind of relationship at all.”
*****Marv Freedman, will you please tell us what’s going on? I don’t know where you stand. I’m confused!!!
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Xoff roars:
“Making personal attacks while hiding behind anonymous comments is cowardly.
Gary Fisher, Marv Freedman and I all have put our names on anything we have had to say about this issue.”
Gary Fisher caught using the same kind of anonymous quotes in his reporting:
“Another Vietnam vet said, ‘It comes down to whether the secretary serves at the pleasure of the board or board must demonstrate cause to dismiss, that’s the battle.”
Or
A staffer for Rep. Jerry Petrwoski, R-Marathon, member of the Military Affairs Committee, said they’d ‘be keeping watch and monitoring’ the board’s action on the proposed rule changes.
Xcapman replied matter of factly:
“Who is the staffer and who is the vietnam vet? Curious that you can convict some of us as being cowardly, xoff, when you are allowing that same kind of anonymity."
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Richard Zeitlin rages:
"I was dismayed to read your report of the meeting of the Wisconsin Board of Veterans AFfairs on November 28. You misquoted what I did say and attributed comments made by Marathon COunty Veterans Service Officer Scott Berger to me. Your erroneous reportage substantially altered the meaning of what I said and it would be appreciated if you would retract what you wrote. In the future, when you attend Veterans Board meetings, you can receive a verbatim account of the proceedings by requesting a written copy via standard WDVA practice."
Gary Fisher replies:
“If there's a need for clarification, I request WDVA
forward a tape recording of the Madison meeting.”
***Have you made the request to WDVA yourself yet, Gary? Have you figured out the truth yet? It’s your burden to clear up your own name. But if it’s not important to you to re-establish your credibility, that’s your problem I guess.
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Gary Fisher alleges:
“The stipends go to members of veterans service organizations (like the VFW, American Legion) who provide honor guards at veterans' funerals.WDVA has two funeral honors teams, and they are funded from a segregated appropriation funded from the veterans trust fund.:
Xcapman replied:
“And what about the two funeral honors teams? Thought there were three.”
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Xoff said:
“I don't know Gary Fisher or his politics. I know him only from his byline as a former WisPolitics reporter. When he told me about the story, I agreed to give him an outlet for it.”
”I don't know if Fisher is a Republican, Democrat, or independent, but I know he's a vet, too.”
Xcapman challenges Xoff:
“By the way, rumor has it that Gary Fisher isn't even a real veteran. If that's wrong, maybe he can straighten the record on this one. I don't want to spread nasty rumors if they aren't true. Maybe Gary can straighten the record on this one.”
Xoff whimpers a return shot:
I'll let Gary Fisher answer that himself if he chooses to.
*****Although I have no idea about this allegation, I would like to hear Gary Fisher defend himself. Maybe he is a veteran. If so, let him prove it and I’ll respect that.
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Representative Terry Musser quote:
"We finally get (general purpose revenue) to pay for the military funeral honors program, and WDVA managers give themselves pay increases," said State Rep. Terry Musser, a Black River Falls Republican and Vietnam vet.
MPWI retort:
Musser, shouldn't you know better than to tell the public that the general purpose revenue used to fund the funeral honors program has nothing to do with the money used to pay for agency merit raises?
*****Rep. Musser, did you know better or were you just saying something to make Secretary Scocos look corrupt?
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Gary Fisher: “Although he (Scocos) suggested to Spivak and Bice that there was nothing unusual about the proposed change, it would make him the only department head in state government with that kind of protection.”
xcapman replied: "While he rips Scocos for getting a pay raise, he doesn't even bother to consider other agencies' merit increases (ever look at DOT?). Of course, DVA might not look so bad compared to some of its peers."
*****Gary, did you find out how many merit raises the other agencies authorized? I haven’t seen your findings yet. I thought you were the great investigator?
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Okay veterans, the world now can sit and wait for the answers from these fine individuals. I don’t know if I got all the unanswered questions, but I think I cam close. Maybe I could sing a song about waiting now, since Gare Bare Fisher likes to often do so. But, I decided not to so I could keep on topic. I know, I know - I am nicer than they have been to Secretary Scocos.
You can all huddle at the Inn at the Park and have a drink over this one while devising some cocky replies. Good luck.
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