Happy Labor Day From John Kasich

The latest campaign ad for John Kasich features "Lieutenant Steve", a pretend police officer with no last name and no uniform, just a blue shirt and a mustache.

Lt. Steve begins by reminding us that when Kasich took office, "He upset a lot of working people, including me."  Yes, Kasich said cops were idiots, said he was at war against public employees and their unions, wanted to cut your pay and benefits, and take away your labor rights.  I can imagine how "upset" -- not to mention violently pissed off -- you must have been.

Then Lt. Steve turns strangely forgiving, saying that Kasich is tough but OK, because "he listened."  Listened to who?  Union-busters, the Koch brothers, frackers, coal companies, Rupert Murdoch, and the ghost of Ayn Rand.  He sure as hell didn't listen to working people like you, Lt. Steve!  He tried to crush you, but since our repeal of his SB 5 allowed the continued protection of your rights and wages and benefits, now you say you're going to vote for him because . . .

"Before Kasich, Ohio was a mess."  Non-specific and highly debatable, but if you're referring to the financial crisis caused by the Great Crash of 2008 (Thanks, Dubya!), then every state was in the same mess.  And just like other states, Ohio -- and John Kasich -- has benefited from our steady national economic recovery.  Largely a matter of good timing.

So what did the Wonder Guv supposedly do for you?  "Kasich's tax cuts help the middle class."   Oh please, cut the crap!  There's no help to the middle class.  He gave us a small income tax cut, which primarily benefits businesses and higher incomes.  He simultaneously gave us a state sales tax increase, which is detrimental to the middle class and lower incomes.

"Kasich's tough."  My dear, dumb, fake Lt. Steve -- you're mistaking rigid, axiomatic ideology for toughness.



Three years ago, John Kasich's attempted union-busting blew up in his face at the polls, and he couldn't have been elected dog catcher.  But now, thanks mainly to weak opposition, he'll be reelected without breaking a sweat.  A pity.  Voters have such short memories.