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For the first time in a week I was able to go on MSN to check my personal email and not find something about the protests going on in Madison. Yes, this has made national news.

For the first time in a week I was able to go on Facebook and not find a comment from either a union sympathizer or a Walker supporter.

The protests over the budget bill and the showdown with organized labor has drawn thousands to the state capitol in protest. For the most part the protests have been orderly. The order of the day has been to chant, sing, wave signs, beat drums and march for a cause.

Democratic senators kept Wisconsin in the news when they exited the state in an attempt to stall proceedings on the budget bill. There has also been talk of recall elections for some of the senate seats.

The unions have conceded on the money issues which is a big step. But, Governor Walker says there will be no negotiations and that collective bargaining must go. He wants public sector workers to pay their fair share in health and pension benefits.

In looking at this from the outside what we have here is a smoke screen. Governor Walker is saying collective bargaining remains intact except for modest changes. But letters he has sent to various entities do not support this. If collective bargaining remains intact then why are the thousands of protesters descending on Madison?

There is a saying that timing is everything. The time to debate the budget bill and work out compromises has no doubt come and gone.

It is too bad out elected politicians missed it.