WI governor beats recall: the underlying dynamic

The recall attempt against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker failed.  I suspect this may turn out to be the 3rd biggest political event of the year (after the Nov. elections and the Supreme Court decision on Obamacare.  As usual, both sides attempted the spin the result.  As usual, most of the media missed the underlying dynamic.  Buying public employee votes with pay raises and benefit packages is commonplace.  It usually only becomes a problem when the government employer gets hit with a serious budget crisis, as was the case in WI.  As in Greece, Portugal, etc. when austerity measures become necessary, everyone wants someone else to cover it.  People whose votes were bought feel cheated and entitled. They sometimes become violent.   Most politicians lack the courage to take on government employee unions.  Walker's courage and survival may strengthen the resolve of  other leaders to make the necessary cuts.  When are people going to escape the delusions that there are free lunches, and pies in the skies? At least some WI voters have finally awakened and abandoned the delusions.  Two local elections in California (which is perhaps the poster child for financial basket cases) have resulted in votes in favor of cutting back on retirement benefits of employees.  I feel bad for the employees, but reality is often unpleasant. Is this the beginning of a trend?  This government spending/vote buying mania that exists at all levels of government has to end before the U.S. starts mimicking Greece.