I just want to throw a tantrum. I want to flop on the floor and pound my fists, scream and holler. I want someone to hear me! It isn't that I haven't ranted before but boy do I ever need a rant right now.
The rethuglians have simply gone around the bend. Here in Wisconsin and in Washington. In Wisconsin doors are slamming on DMVs in the state - only in Democratic neighborhoods mind you - and opening in republican strongholds to shift the weight in the next recall effort. We all know this shabby game based on the truth that when Democrats vote in numbers the election goes to them, when they stay home the election goes to the repubs - unless, of course, the repubs lie and cheat and buy votes and make people wait in line for hours upon hours and rig the voting machines, etc ad nauseam ala Florida in both presidential elections when King Bush Jr. "won".
Earlier in the month we were treated to fake candidates the repubs were running in an effort to draw votes away from the recalls. That didn't work. We The People were too smart for cardboard scarecrows. Now we are being abused in neighborhoods where there are 'just too many uppity, recall-voting Democrats'. So Walker et al waltz in and shut down the DMVs so voters can't get the ID everyone now needs or they can't vote. Then they drive to another neighborhood where there are gobs of conservative voters and open a brand new, shiny DMV right down the block so those poor tea-party folks don't have to be bothered to go too far to vote. And by the way, this disgusting ploy came right on the heels of redistricting which scribbled all over the map and has the potential for disrupting the ease with which citizens are able to vote.
Fair? Hell no! Illegal? I surely wish it were so but we have no laws on the books to prevent this sneaky, under-handed, low, dirty manner of doing what apparently is our Governor's business. Do not forget, though, who pulls Walker's puppet strings. Charles and David Koch and all the sub-Koch's who are currently filling Scottie's coffers with "donations". He wants to make sure he has money to ward off the recall effort when it comes his way. That, of course, means citizen action!
And Washington?! Each day I get out my dot-to-dot coloring book and make damn positive I am connecting the dots with bright colors. Like this: Scott Walker is connected to the Koch Money which is connected to the WalMart Money which is connected to the DeVos Money. All that money is connected to people like Eric Cantor, John Boehner, Michelle Bachman, and all the rest of the tea party elites. This money is connected to oil, gas, guns, power and greed. That connection is deep in many states now and deep in Washington where it is stalling any way through our serious debt crisis.
I use some softer colors to connect another set of dots. Like these: People with disabilities do not often have money, sometimes no family. They are connected to nursing homes, day care centers, group homes which are connected to a combination of state, county and/or federal money. Elderly people are connected to this same money which is connected to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security which is connected right now by thin, stressed threads to the same money Eric Cantor, John Boehner and the tea party retuhglians are connected to - except - this coloring book's pages are more like a stack of papers with the Boehner's and the Cantor's and the Bachman's and the tea party at the top with the money and the disabled, the veterans, the elderly and the ill at the bottom trying to hang on to the pale strand that might break and leave them without money.
All the money then would be in the hands of the wealthy, of course.
What will happen to the men and women my friend works with? She's a nurse and works at a facility which takes profoundly mentally and physically handicapped adults and older children. These people have no family. None. They have come through the system over years and ended up here. One gentleman has a body two feet long, no arms and no legs. His head is twice the size it should be. He is 55 years old. He has no one to care for him. He is in this facility because he has no one to take him in and attend to his difficult, round the clock needs. My friend tells me funds are being cut for these people's care. Nurses and CNA's are being let go. What will happen to the residents if the facility shuts down? Will they be transferred? To where? Will they be - what?!
Is this how we see ourselves as a country? Is this what we wish to model for our children? See, kids, this is how we treat one another. Forget what the Christians tell you about loving one another - that's a bother. Focus on the money - that's what the tea party does.
Concealed guns, fake candidates, closing DMVs so you can win, economical brinksmanship, stalling, lying, cheating. I am so disgusted in the republican party and their new owners, the tea baggers, I could scream.
I believe in the Power of the People - we must respond to this coup!
Wisconsin Needs A Moral Compass
Showing posts with label Gov. Walker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gov. Walker. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Heat Wave Heating Up Across The Country
I wonder what the temperature is in Washington as the calls, emails and letters flood in to the White House and the computers and mailboxes of Congress? Perhaps worse than out here in Midwest land where the indices for today are breaking records almost by the hour. And there's worse to come in both places.
Four out of five emails in my inbox today were petitions to sign begging Congress and President Obama not to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid or they were emails begging that I call my elected officials and tell them I don't want that to happen. I have been doing that and did that again today. I called Paul Ryan's office and told them that I am a constituent and that I strongly oppose any cuts to social supports definitely as long as we keep blessing the wealthy with tax cuts and bonuses.
Meanwhile Gov. Walker keeps on with the same rhetoric although the Beloit Daily News on Friday reported that a poll taken by UW Wisconsin showed that his popularity had plummeted in the last many weeks. Thank heavens! It was a bright spot in the week when nothing seemed to have changed with the debt ceiling crisis and the only thing that was deflecting our collective attention were stories of Rupert Murdoch's abysmal behavior. But then had we really thought that guy was a stand up person? I see today that over the weekend others are falling in Murdoch's wake.
I say again - Money! Power! Greed! Corruption!
But it is worrisome, the crisis worsening in Washington. People are playing with our futures, the near term ones as well as our children's futures. It will pit young against old and wealthy against poor. It will tear us apart by families, neighbors and friends. It is unconscionable and it is in our faces.
Please call your elected representative and tell them you oppose cutting Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare. Call today, call tomorrow, call every day and leave the same message. Tell your friends and relatives to call as well.
The Capitol swtichboard number is 1-202-224-3121 or www.house.gov and look on for the map of the states. Click on your state and locate your representatives number and call! This is critically important that We The People stand up for our lives and our supports.
Balance the budget by making the wealthy share the burden with us fairly. No more obscene pay, no more loopholes, no more tax cuts for the rich. If we must hear the phrase "Shared Sacrifice" then by god let everyone share!!
Power To All The Common People!
Four out of five emails in my inbox today were petitions to sign begging Congress and President Obama not to cut Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid or they were emails begging that I call my elected officials and tell them I don't want that to happen. I have been doing that and did that again today. I called Paul Ryan's office and told them that I am a constituent and that I strongly oppose any cuts to social supports definitely as long as we keep blessing the wealthy with tax cuts and bonuses.
Meanwhile Gov. Walker keeps on with the same rhetoric although the Beloit Daily News on Friday reported that a poll taken by UW Wisconsin showed that his popularity had plummeted in the last many weeks. Thank heavens! It was a bright spot in the week when nothing seemed to have changed with the debt ceiling crisis and the only thing that was deflecting our collective attention were stories of Rupert Murdoch's abysmal behavior. But then had we really thought that guy was a stand up person? I see today that over the weekend others are falling in Murdoch's wake.
I say again - Money! Power! Greed! Corruption!
But it is worrisome, the crisis worsening in Washington. People are playing with our futures, the near term ones as well as our children's futures. It will pit young against old and wealthy against poor. It will tear us apart by families, neighbors and friends. It is unconscionable and it is in our faces.
Please call your elected representative and tell them you oppose cutting Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare. Call today, call tomorrow, call every day and leave the same message. Tell your friends and relatives to call as well.
The Capitol swtichboard number is 1-202-224-3121 or www.house.gov and look on for the map of the states. Click on your state and locate your representatives number and call! This is critically important that We The People stand up for our lives and our supports.
Balance the budget by making the wealthy share the burden with us fairly. No more obscene pay, no more loopholes, no more tax cuts for the rich. If we must hear the phrase "Shared Sacrifice" then by god let everyone share!!
Power To All The Common People!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tick, tick, tick.....
The clock is ticking as August 2nd comes in to view. What will the decision of our elected representatives and senators, our speaker of the house, our president be on the raising or not raising the debt ceiling and chopping SS, Medicare and Medicaid?
While T-Paw tells us our president is not smarter than a fifth grader, Michelle Bachman's husband is scrambling to deny that his "counseling center" is not offering "ex-gay" therapy, our governor signed in to law his "guns in public" legislation. According to WAVE - Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort, this law will now allow loaded, hidden guns in to bars, restaurants and other businesses where they just do not belong. Business owners do have the option of posting signs alerting the public that loaded guns are not allowed in their buildings, but they have to be posted where everyone can see them. WAVE reports that "two out of very three Wisconsinites say they will feel less safe, not safer, with guns in public places."
As my son said not long ago when we talked about the potential for a concealed carry law in Wisconsin - "Now let's see, how could this situation (some altercation in a bar, a fight on the street, a protest march, standing in line too long at the grocery store) be improved? Oh, that's right, add guns!" He's so spot on. Adding loaded, hidden guns to the volatility of our society right now will surely improve any situation won't it? What are Walker and his Walker Worshipers thinking??!!
I try to envision the places we like to frequent. We go to this little custard/hamburger bungalow maybe once a week. This guy makes the best burgers but once in a while some jerk has a problem with his sandwich and fusses over the issue at the counter. What would happen if this guy carried a gun and couldn't settle down or felt the owner wasn't being fair? Am I being too dramatic? I don't think so. How about shopping at the local mall? You've seen this, too. A woman is irate that her pj buttons came off after she washed the garment and is demanding her money back plus damages. (I actually had that happen to me when I worked retail) She is bright red and shaking. What if she had a gun? If she had been in a fight with her husband, been drinking? Not everyone shops at the mall in the late morning after coffee with the girls, some shop after Happy Hour!
There's a movie I like - L.A. Story with Steve Martin. It's a spoof on life in Los Angeles. In one scene Steve and his girlfriend are on the freeway. Steve realizes it's "open season on the LA freeway!" and pulls out his gun. They zoom along trying to avoid people in trucks and other cars shooting everywhere. Is this what eating at Applebees will be like on Hectic Fridays? Or dropping in somewhere for a drink on a Saturday night? Open Season for people with their brand new shiny hidden and loaded guns?
So, it's just another step by the outlaw Walker Administration - Gunslingers for Hire. But I decided on a plan of action for myself. From here on I am going to ask the workers or owners at the places I like to go if they are supportive of people bringing in hidden loaded guns. If the answer to that is a shrug, an I don't really care attitude, it's the law so what can I do kind of thing or yes, by all means I am thrilled to have loaded guns in my establishment, then I will tell them that I will no longer be eating or shopping there nor will I be recommending their business to others.
Power To The Town's People!
P.S. Keep your ears and eyes on this debt crises - it has monumental implications! In fact the Republicans should be ashamed and shamed. Their intransigence is frightening seniors. A talk with my elderly mother-in-law this morning left me feeling angry at Boehner et al for what they are doing to the nerves of elders. They are afraid their little trickle of Social Security income will dry up and be gone and then what will happen to them? Shame on these Rethuglians. Tick, tick, tick!
While T-Paw tells us our president is not smarter than a fifth grader, Michelle Bachman's husband is scrambling to deny that his "counseling center" is not offering "ex-gay" therapy, our governor signed in to law his "guns in public" legislation. According to WAVE - Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort, this law will now allow loaded, hidden guns in to bars, restaurants and other businesses where they just do not belong. Business owners do have the option of posting signs alerting the public that loaded guns are not allowed in their buildings, but they have to be posted where everyone can see them. WAVE reports that "two out of very three Wisconsinites say they will feel less safe, not safer, with guns in public places."
As my son said not long ago when we talked about the potential for a concealed carry law in Wisconsin - "Now let's see, how could this situation (some altercation in a bar, a fight on the street, a protest march, standing in line too long at the grocery store) be improved? Oh, that's right, add guns!" He's so spot on. Adding loaded, hidden guns to the volatility of our society right now will surely improve any situation won't it? What are Walker and his Walker Worshipers thinking??!!
I try to envision the places we like to frequent. We go to this little custard/hamburger bungalow maybe once a week. This guy makes the best burgers but once in a while some jerk has a problem with his sandwich and fusses over the issue at the counter. What would happen if this guy carried a gun and couldn't settle down or felt the owner wasn't being fair? Am I being too dramatic? I don't think so. How about shopping at the local mall? You've seen this, too. A woman is irate that her pj buttons came off after she washed the garment and is demanding her money back plus damages. (I actually had that happen to me when I worked retail) She is bright red and shaking. What if she had a gun? If she had been in a fight with her husband, been drinking? Not everyone shops at the mall in the late morning after coffee with the girls, some shop after Happy Hour!
There's a movie I like - L.A. Story with Steve Martin. It's a spoof on life in Los Angeles. In one scene Steve and his girlfriend are on the freeway. Steve realizes it's "open season on the LA freeway!" and pulls out his gun. They zoom along trying to avoid people in trucks and other cars shooting everywhere. Is this what eating at Applebees will be like on Hectic Fridays? Or dropping in somewhere for a drink on a Saturday night? Open Season for people with their brand new shiny hidden and loaded guns?
So, it's just another step by the outlaw Walker Administration - Gunslingers for Hire. But I decided on a plan of action for myself. From here on I am going to ask the workers or owners at the places I like to go if they are supportive of people bringing in hidden loaded guns. If the answer to that is a shrug, an I don't really care attitude, it's the law so what can I do kind of thing or yes, by all means I am thrilled to have loaded guns in my establishment, then I will tell them that I will no longer be eating or shopping there nor will I be recommending their business to others.
Power To The Town's People!
P.S. Keep your ears and eyes on this debt crises - it has monumental implications! In fact the Republicans should be ashamed and shamed. Their intransigence is frightening seniors. A talk with my elderly mother-in-law this morning left me feeling angry at Boehner et al for what they are doing to the nerves of elders. They are afraid their little trickle of Social Security income will dry up and be gone and then what will happen to them? Shame on these Rethuglians. Tick, tick, tick!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Dear Mr. Walker.......
Open letter to the Governor of Wisconsin from a constituent.
I am writing from a community in southern Wisconsin. We pay attention to things down here just like our brothers and sisters all over the state. We've been paying attention since February 11th when the young folks in Madison decided to support their educators by going in to the streets and shouting about fair play, honest wages, and how angry they were that you were going to take away their teachers collective bargaining rights and the collective bargaining rights of many other public employees. We've been paying attention since thousands of us traveled to Madison to protest your night time flights of fantasy, your under-handed and under-the-table deals and the knowledge of who actually pulls your strings.
We're still paying attention. How do I know this, Mr. Walker? Because I see more and more signs in the windows of homes in the community in which I live, more bumper stickers, more yard signs declaring RECALL WALKER! I have one in my window, too. That is not a surprise to me but my question is, is it a surprise to you? And if it is something of a surprise, why would that be true? Oh, I know, you probably think we're all a bit simple-minded out here in Common Middle Class Land or what will be left of it when you're done. I know, we liberals/progressives are just daft when it comes to finances and budgets and support structures. We can't be depended on to guide the ship of state with a steady hand on the tiller. We'd sail off the edge of the known world with all our silly social programs trailing along behind us. We don't have the backbone to dish out the tough love you and your cohorts do to rein in this out-of-control nearly bankrupt state. Thank goodness you are here to save us!
Anyway, that's what I imagine you are thinking. I might be way off in left field though. You might not be thinking anything of the sort. You might be thinking that concealed carry is just the ticket or that ending collective bargaining is Just In Time political maneuvering ala others of your kind across the U.S. or that Judge Prosser simply has a bit of a temper but otherwise is a peach of a fellow or that Paul Ryan's draconian plans for state and federal support services are nothing but line items in the war on the middle class which was overdue according to you and others of your kind.
That's what I imagine. Because, Mr. Walker, I can't imagine a person who has the best interests of the people of his state at heart doing even one of the things you have done since you have been in office in Wisconsin. Because, Mr. Walker, I think you are in the pocket of the Koch Bros., and who knows who else and they make or break your agenda. Because I think the office of the governor of Wisconsin has been bought by Big Business and you are the Big Business hired gun.
The other day a patient with whom I visited told me she had moved from Wisconsin to Illinois. When I asked her why she told me that Wisconsin is going down the tubes, that it isn't friendly to regular people and that it is becoming a state of governmental outlaws. Are you an outlaw Mr. Walker? Is Scott Fitzgerald an outlaw? Do you work for the Koch Boys, the wealthy ranchers who own everything and everyone and hire people like you to do their dirty work? Is Wisconsin returning to the days of the Wild West?
I can only say beware the pitch forks and torches, Mr. Walker. When the citizens lose so much that they can barely subsist, there may be more marches and more protests. Civil unrest is a mighty thing to be responsible for, Mr. Walker.
I remain in solidarity with the Common People just like me.
Power to All the People!
I am writing from a community in southern Wisconsin. We pay attention to things down here just like our brothers and sisters all over the state. We've been paying attention since February 11th when the young folks in Madison decided to support their educators by going in to the streets and shouting about fair play, honest wages, and how angry they were that you were going to take away their teachers collective bargaining rights and the collective bargaining rights of many other public employees. We've been paying attention since thousands of us traveled to Madison to protest your night time flights of fantasy, your under-handed and under-the-table deals and the knowledge of who actually pulls your strings.
We're still paying attention. How do I know this, Mr. Walker? Because I see more and more signs in the windows of homes in the community in which I live, more bumper stickers, more yard signs declaring RECALL WALKER! I have one in my window, too. That is not a surprise to me but my question is, is it a surprise to you? And if it is something of a surprise, why would that be true? Oh, I know, you probably think we're all a bit simple-minded out here in Common Middle Class Land or what will be left of it when you're done. I know, we liberals/progressives are just daft when it comes to finances and budgets and support structures. We can't be depended on to guide the ship of state with a steady hand on the tiller. We'd sail off the edge of the known world with all our silly social programs trailing along behind us. We don't have the backbone to dish out the tough love you and your cohorts do to rein in this out-of-control nearly bankrupt state. Thank goodness you are here to save us!
Anyway, that's what I imagine you are thinking. I might be way off in left field though. You might not be thinking anything of the sort. You might be thinking that concealed carry is just the ticket or that ending collective bargaining is Just In Time political maneuvering ala others of your kind across the U.S. or that Judge Prosser simply has a bit of a temper but otherwise is a peach of a fellow or that Paul Ryan's draconian plans for state and federal support services are nothing but line items in the war on the middle class which was overdue according to you and others of your kind.
That's what I imagine. Because, Mr. Walker, I can't imagine a person who has the best interests of the people of his state at heart doing even one of the things you have done since you have been in office in Wisconsin. Because, Mr. Walker, I think you are in the pocket of the Koch Bros., and who knows who else and they make or break your agenda. Because I think the office of the governor of Wisconsin has been bought by Big Business and you are the Big Business hired gun.
The other day a patient with whom I visited told me she had moved from Wisconsin to Illinois. When I asked her why she told me that Wisconsin is going down the tubes, that it isn't friendly to regular people and that it is becoming a state of governmental outlaws. Are you an outlaw Mr. Walker? Is Scott Fitzgerald an outlaw? Do you work for the Koch Boys, the wealthy ranchers who own everything and everyone and hire people like you to do their dirty work? Is Wisconsin returning to the days of the Wild West?
I can only say beware the pitch forks and torches, Mr. Walker. When the citizens lose so much that they can barely subsist, there may be more marches and more protests. Civil unrest is a mighty thing to be responsible for, Mr. Walker.
I remain in solidarity with the Common People just like me.
Power to All the People!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wisconsin Supreme Court Backs Walker
You've heard no doubt. It was on the national news, scrolling across the bottom of television screens everywhere. The "election" of Judge Prosser sealed the fate of collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin. Judge Sumi's decision was cast aside and the anti-union, anti-middle class voices spoke. The following is from All Headline News online:
On a 4-3 vote, the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld on Wednesday the state’s anti-union law. The decision reverses a ruling by a lower court which ordered a permanent injunction against the law. The court said the state legislature did not breach Wisconsin’s constitution in curbing the collective bargaining rights of most state employees. The court decision is a major political victory for Gov. Scott Walker, who supported the bill amid protest by teachers, union members and others who believe the law is an affront on workers’ rights.
If they did not break the open meeting law then what would we call what happened? Many people have many questions!
Visit The Cap Times at www.host.madison.com to read excellent posts on this historical vote. It will, without a doubt, change Wisconsin. According to a Care2 article this morning:
But the decision is not likely to take the pressure of Republicans in the state anytime soon. A new poll released shows Gov. Walker's popularity is at an all-time low with at least half of the state favoring recalling the Governor. That same poll shows Walker losing to either Russ Feingold or Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett in a hypothetical future match. Recall efforts against six GOP senators also took a major leap forward as EMILY's List endorsed five candidates in those recall elections. Wisconsin is simply one state in a national strategy of permanently disenfranchising Democratic voters and eradicating decades of gains by the middle-class.
The truth of that last sentence is reverberating in my head this morning as I read these posts. It is and has been a concerted ultra-right-wing agenda operating in destruction mode. For further looks at that read this from Care2.
http://www.care2.com/causes/politics/blog/wisconsin-wants-to-repeal-child-labor-laws-too/
It is impossible to arrive at any other conclusions than money - that has to be the driving force behind these draconian moves to completely dismantle the middle class in America. What else could it be? We don't believe the song and dance about balancing budgets, we know that's horse manure. We don't believe people like Walker-Fitzgerald are compassionate people at heart, that's clearly not the case. I haven't made it to sixty-three years old without knowing some things and one of the things I know is money has a smell to it, a glint to it, a shrill sound to it and things done in money's name have a sneakiness to them. These decisions beings made in Wisconsin, these deals being done in the dark, these calls to the Kochs, the threats and the lies all smell, sound, glitter like lots and lots of money.
Please call your state representative, your senator and let them know you are appalled at this hijacking of Wisconsin. Just like the playground it often takes a group to defeat a bully.
Walker et al are now moving along other fronts. One is to roll back Child Labor Laws. If the word appalling doesn't work here I don't know what does! Another front is the environment. This is from League of Conservation Voters.
Dear Jeanie,
The Wisconsin recall fight is ground zero for the future of sound environmental policy.
The state of Wisconsin has emerged as ground zero for efforts to take back our democracy from corporate special interests. As you’ve probably heard, Tea Party-backed lawmakers, led by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, are pushing one of the most egregious anti-environment agendas in the nation. And if they succeed unchallenged, other states may soon see similar efforts.
The Koch Brothers and their dirty polluter allies are investing millions to keep the Wisconsin State Senate’s anti-environment majority. They invested heavily in Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and other Tea Party governors during the 2010 elections and there are not about to see their investments fall short.
So far, Scott Walker has delivered handsomely for dirty polluters. Walker’s anti-environment attacks include:
Shutting down Wisconsin’s $400 million wind industry
Rejecting $800 million in mass transit funding (absolutely disgraceful when gas is at $4 per gallon)
Providing campaign donors special exemptions to build on Wisconsin’s wetlands
If Scott Walker and the Koch Brothers win this summer it will open the floodgates to unchecked dirty polluter campaign money. If they win in Wisconsin, every sound environmental policy in every state will be under threat. But just as important, Wisconsin LCV is backing a strong slate of pro-environment candidates who will fight for important environmental protections and vital clean energy policies.
Keep your eye on this Common Struggle. It is the struggle of us all!
Power To All The People!
On a 4-3 vote, the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld on Wednesday the state’s anti-union law. The decision reverses a ruling by a lower court which ordered a permanent injunction against the law. The court said the state legislature did not breach Wisconsin’s constitution in curbing the collective bargaining rights of most state employees. The court decision is a major political victory for Gov. Scott Walker, who supported the bill amid protest by teachers, union members and others who believe the law is an affront on workers’ rights.
If they did not break the open meeting law then what would we call what happened? Many people have many questions!
Visit The Cap Times at www.host.madison.com to read excellent posts on this historical vote. It will, without a doubt, change Wisconsin. According to a Care2 article this morning:
But the decision is not likely to take the pressure of Republicans in the state anytime soon. A new poll released shows Gov. Walker's popularity is at an all-time low with at least half of the state favoring recalling the Governor. That same poll shows Walker losing to either Russ Feingold or Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett in a hypothetical future match. Recall efforts against six GOP senators also took a major leap forward as EMILY's List endorsed five candidates in those recall elections. Wisconsin is simply one state in a national strategy of permanently disenfranchising Democratic voters and eradicating decades of gains by the middle-class.
The truth of that last sentence is reverberating in my head this morning as I read these posts. It is and has been a concerted ultra-right-wing agenda operating in destruction mode. For further looks at that read this from Care2.
http://www.care2.com/causes/politics/blog/wisconsin-wants-to-repeal-child-labor-laws-too/
It is impossible to arrive at any other conclusions than money - that has to be the driving force behind these draconian moves to completely dismantle the middle class in America. What else could it be? We don't believe the song and dance about balancing budgets, we know that's horse manure. We don't believe people like Walker-Fitzgerald are compassionate people at heart, that's clearly not the case. I haven't made it to sixty-three years old without knowing some things and one of the things I know is money has a smell to it, a glint to it, a shrill sound to it and things done in money's name have a sneakiness to them. These decisions beings made in Wisconsin, these deals being done in the dark, these calls to the Kochs, the threats and the lies all smell, sound, glitter like lots and lots of money.
Please call your state representative, your senator and let them know you are appalled at this hijacking of Wisconsin. Just like the playground it often takes a group to defeat a bully.
Walker et al are now moving along other fronts. One is to roll back Child Labor Laws. If the word appalling doesn't work here I don't know what does! Another front is the environment. This is from League of Conservation Voters.
Dear Jeanie,
The Wisconsin recall fight is ground zero for the future of sound environmental policy.
The state of Wisconsin has emerged as ground zero for efforts to take back our democracy from corporate special interests. As you’ve probably heard, Tea Party-backed lawmakers, led by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, are pushing one of the most egregious anti-environment agendas in the nation. And if they succeed unchallenged, other states may soon see similar efforts.
The Koch Brothers and their dirty polluter allies are investing millions to keep the Wisconsin State Senate’s anti-environment majority. They invested heavily in Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and other Tea Party governors during the 2010 elections and there are not about to see their investments fall short.
So far, Scott Walker has delivered handsomely for dirty polluters. Walker’s anti-environment attacks include:
Shutting down Wisconsin’s $400 million wind industry
Rejecting $800 million in mass transit funding (absolutely disgraceful when gas is at $4 per gallon)
Providing campaign donors special exemptions to build on Wisconsin’s wetlands
If Scott Walker and the Koch Brothers win this summer it will open the floodgates to unchecked dirty polluter campaign money. If they win in Wisconsin, every sound environmental policy in every state will be under threat. But just as important, Wisconsin LCV is backing a strong slate of pro-environment candidates who will fight for important environmental protections and vital clean energy policies.
Keep your eye on this Common Struggle. It is the struggle of us all!
Power To All The People!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Appeal from Oz - Send Pizzas!
What a glorious day in Wisconsin! It's just too good to be true and I am headed out to sit on my patio and enjoy some tea in a minute but I had to send this out to everyone who might be able to help.
Dear Jeanie,
Hundreds of Wisconsin workers have set up a tent city near the Capitol in Madison to protest Scott Walker's proposed $824 million of cuts to education and $500 million to health care for low-income families. The new city is called Walkerville.
The residents of Walkerville are there to make sure that the governor and the legislature know that tax cuts for the wealthy, giveaways to big business and attacks on workers' rights have a high human cost. They are carrying our voice to the Capitol, giving up time at work or school, and the comforts of home. Even if you can't join them, you can help.
Can you call Pizza di Roma at (608) 268-0900 and buy a pizza for one of the brave residents of Walkerville?
Since first launching their attacks on the working families of Wisconsin, Gov. Walker and the legislature have shut themselves away from the people they're hurting at every turn. Walker even went so far as to remove a painting of three low-income Milwaukee children from the governor's mansion, a portrait specially commissioned to remind Wisconsin's governors of the least privileged state residents.
However, as long as Walkerville keeps going, no one in the Capitol can ignore us.
Call Pizza di Roma at (608) 268-0900 and buy a pizza for Walkerville.
Thank you,
Brandon Davis, SEIU Political Director
PS - Spread the word.
That just shocked me - removed a painting hanging in the governor's mansion of three low-income Milwaukee children? This guy is beyond awful! Once again I have to invoke Baum's book and remind myself of the Tin Man who so badly wanted a heart. But we know the Gov doesn't have a heart and doesn't seem to want a heart therefore he isn't the man the Tin Man was. So, I'm happy to put this date out there. - Democrats solidify August 9 for General election to recall Republicans. Go to scottwalkerwatch.com to read up on the dastardly deeds done by the Walkerites and how the Dems are dealing with these nails on the pavement.
The news is flushed with hopefuls now jockeying for a position somewhere near the head of the pack of Presidential runners. I am relieved that some are fading to the background and hope a few more do the same. The Palin-Bachman duel is pretty much just sheer drama and I hope it stays that way. Newt? Yeah, not interesting no matter what. And I heard today that Randall Terry is making noises that he will run. Oh, say that isn't even remotely true!!! Margaret Atwood here we would come! The Handmaid's Tale has to be one of Terry's dearest nightmare scenarios for the U.S.
Off to the patio for tea and a good read. I am reading a novel - Nefertiti - which details the excesses people can foist on the common people in the name of ego-drenched glory-seeking. I know, reminds you of Walker and Fitzgerald doesn't it?
Enjoy the cool, sunny weather and the gentle breezes and, if you can, send a pizza to Madison.
Power To All The People All The Time!
Dear Jeanie,
Hundreds of Wisconsin workers have set up a tent city near the Capitol in Madison to protest Scott Walker's proposed $824 million of cuts to education and $500 million to health care for low-income families. The new city is called Walkerville.
The residents of Walkerville are there to make sure that the governor and the legislature know that tax cuts for the wealthy, giveaways to big business and attacks on workers' rights have a high human cost. They are carrying our voice to the Capitol, giving up time at work or school, and the comforts of home. Even if you can't join them, you can help.
Can you call Pizza di Roma at (608) 268-0900 and buy a pizza for one of the brave residents of Walkerville?
Since first launching their attacks on the working families of Wisconsin, Gov. Walker and the legislature have shut themselves away from the people they're hurting at every turn. Walker even went so far as to remove a painting of three low-income Milwaukee children from the governor's mansion, a portrait specially commissioned to remind Wisconsin's governors of the least privileged state residents.
However, as long as Walkerville keeps going, no one in the Capitol can ignore us.
Call Pizza di Roma at (608) 268-0900 and buy a pizza for Walkerville.
Thank you,
Brandon Davis, SEIU Political Director
PS - Spread the word.
That just shocked me - removed a painting hanging in the governor's mansion of three low-income Milwaukee children? This guy is beyond awful! Once again I have to invoke Baum's book and remind myself of the Tin Man who so badly wanted a heart. But we know the Gov doesn't have a heart and doesn't seem to want a heart therefore he isn't the man the Tin Man was. So, I'm happy to put this date out there. - Democrats solidify August 9 for General election to recall Republicans. Go to scottwalkerwatch.com to read up on the dastardly deeds done by the Walkerites and how the Dems are dealing with these nails on the pavement.
The news is flushed with hopefuls now jockeying for a position somewhere near the head of the pack of Presidential runners. I am relieved that some are fading to the background and hope a few more do the same. The Palin-Bachman duel is pretty much just sheer drama and I hope it stays that way. Newt? Yeah, not interesting no matter what. And I heard today that Randall Terry is making noises that he will run. Oh, say that isn't even remotely true!!! Margaret Atwood here we would come! The Handmaid's Tale has to be one of Terry's dearest nightmare scenarios for the U.S.
Off to the patio for tea and a good read. I am reading a novel - Nefertiti - which details the excesses people can foist on the common people in the name of ego-drenched glory-seeking. I know, reminds you of Walker and Fitzgerald doesn't it?
Enjoy the cool, sunny weather and the gentle breezes and, if you can, send a pizza to Madison.
Power To All The People All The Time!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
What Isn't Under Attack in Wisconsin?
Everything is under attack in Wisconsin. Will this administration ever listen to We The People? Will Gov. Walker ever stop with the devastating cuts and attacks on the working men and women of Wisconsin?
This morning The Cap Times had this lead article: Rolling Back Child Labor Laws. This heinous proposal would allow unlimited hours of work for 16 and 17 year olds. Can we see the simple horizon on this? Of course. This horrendous proposal would encourage teens to drop out of school, - how about this for No Child Left Behind?! - it would reduce the adult work force because employers would see a benefit to hiring younger workers, and take unfair advantage of younger workers. What do I see? I see an all out assault on working people in Wisconsin. Each week there seems to be some new and draconian plan for undermining the working people of the state. However, remember that Gov. Kasich of Ohio has promoted this same sort of thing in asking the state legislature to drop the minimum wage to a bit over $5.00 thereby making it more profitable for employers to hire those under 18. Or let's just say he wanted to reduce the minimum wage across the board and this was his way of doing that. Remember these folks have been at these plans for decades. And why? Because I guess the Kochs and the DeVos and the Waltons just don't have enough money.
Scott Ross at One Wisconsin Now says in the latest email that Walker "had secretly agreed to sign any concealed carry bill passed -- no matter how extreme." More of the surreptitious machinations ongoing in Walker's Wisconsin - which, when I checked with Mapquest wasn't listed in my search. Concealed carry - what a dangerous thing. And in a state with such heightened and polarized emotions. Not a good decision.
I've noticed more and more cars in this area with RECALL WALKER signs on the bumper and more signs in windows as well. This lackey for the money people is becoming more and more unpopular. Tsk, tsk. What you get for selling your soul to the company store. Recall efforts continue on both sides of the aisle though the repubs are in a bit of trouble due to their extensive lying to buy their way out of the trouble they'd be in if those senators were recalled. On the Dem side of things, unfortunately the recalls are also moving forward. The time is soon coming for an account for these seasons of discontent in the state.
Last night we watched a made-for-tv series titled The Tin Man. It seems the story written long ago by Frank L. Baum continues to fascinate us. The Tin Man is a current telling of Baum's tale with very creative updates. The scarecrow is a guy who had his brain removed because he was the good queen's engineer and he made a powerful machine. The tin man had been a captain of the Queen's own guard - he had a tin badge - and had lost his family to the wicked witch's storm troopers. The lion was an intuitive who was frightened of most things. His kind had been taken by the wicked witch and hooked to a machine so she could see the future. Dorothy was called DG and only at the end of the adventure did she find out that her aunt - Dorothy Gage - had been a revered good witch of Oz - or as it was called in the series - O Z land. Very clever
Just like the smash Broadway hit, Wicked, The Tin Man is a political and very astute satire on current situations. I got to thinking that if I applied myself I might come up with a version based on Wisconsin politics. Let's see - the wicked witch would most assuredly have to be, um, well - how about one of the Koch boys? What? Not Walker you ask? Nope, I think Walker and Fitzgerald will have to be some of the flying monkeys. Doesn't that seem much more realistic? Yeah, I think so, too.
Keep your eyes on the news - the summer is winding up!
Power To All The People!
This morning The Cap Times had this lead article: Rolling Back Child Labor Laws. This heinous proposal would allow unlimited hours of work for 16 and 17 year olds. Can we see the simple horizon on this? Of course. This horrendous proposal would encourage teens to drop out of school, - how about this for No Child Left Behind?! - it would reduce the adult work force because employers would see a benefit to hiring younger workers, and take unfair advantage of younger workers. What do I see? I see an all out assault on working people in Wisconsin. Each week there seems to be some new and draconian plan for undermining the working people of the state. However, remember that Gov. Kasich of Ohio has promoted this same sort of thing in asking the state legislature to drop the minimum wage to a bit over $5.00 thereby making it more profitable for employers to hire those under 18. Or let's just say he wanted to reduce the minimum wage across the board and this was his way of doing that. Remember these folks have been at these plans for decades. And why? Because I guess the Kochs and the DeVos and the Waltons just don't have enough money.
Scott Ross at One Wisconsin Now says in the latest email that Walker "had secretly agreed to sign any concealed carry bill passed -- no matter how extreme." More of the surreptitious machinations ongoing in Walker's Wisconsin - which, when I checked with Mapquest wasn't listed in my search. Concealed carry - what a dangerous thing. And in a state with such heightened and polarized emotions. Not a good decision.
I've noticed more and more cars in this area with RECALL WALKER signs on the bumper and more signs in windows as well. This lackey for the money people is becoming more and more unpopular. Tsk, tsk. What you get for selling your soul to the company store. Recall efforts continue on both sides of the aisle though the repubs are in a bit of trouble due to their extensive lying to buy their way out of the trouble they'd be in if those senators were recalled. On the Dem side of things, unfortunately the recalls are also moving forward. The time is soon coming for an account for these seasons of discontent in the state.
Last night we watched a made-for-tv series titled The Tin Man. It seems the story written long ago by Frank L. Baum continues to fascinate us. The Tin Man is a current telling of Baum's tale with very creative updates. The scarecrow is a guy who had his brain removed because he was the good queen's engineer and he made a powerful machine. The tin man had been a captain of the Queen's own guard - he had a tin badge - and had lost his family to the wicked witch's storm troopers. The lion was an intuitive who was frightened of most things. His kind had been taken by the wicked witch and hooked to a machine so she could see the future. Dorothy was called DG and only at the end of the adventure did she find out that her aunt - Dorothy Gage - had been a revered good witch of Oz - or as it was called in the series - O Z land. Very clever
Just like the smash Broadway hit, Wicked, The Tin Man is a political and very astute satire on current situations. I got to thinking that if I applied myself I might come up with a version based on Wisconsin politics. Let's see - the wicked witch would most assuredly have to be, um, well - how about one of the Koch boys? What? Not Walker you ask? Nope, I think Walker and Fitzgerald will have to be some of the flying monkeys. Doesn't that seem much more realistic? Yeah, I think so, too.
Keep your eyes on the news - the summer is winding up!
Power To All The People!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wild Wisconsin
They're cleaning up after a series of intense storms formed up in Southern Wisconsin last evening and pounded the state. The temps dropped more than 30 degrees in a matter of two hours. Downed trees, floods, power outages and hurricane force winds contributed to a wild night in the Badger State! For all the climate deniers protest about climate change not being due to human activity, I quote Bugs Bunny from the 50s - "What maroons!" Andy and I have been studying climate change, peak oil and global economic changes for over four years. I try my best to vet my sources and pay close attention to who and what I am reading. Our studies tell us this kind of erratic, quickly changing weather and its intense winds, heavy rain and potential tornadoes fit squarely with predictions for climate change. I hope no one was injured in Madison last night when the storms tore through the Capitol.
Storms aren't the only wild things happening in Wisconsin. This came from Wisconsin Wave yesterday:
With each day the fight against Scott Walker's unethical budget grows stronger. On Monday thousands of firefighters, nurses, and community members marched with Russ Feingold to the Capitol to demand that the legislature vote down this immoral document.
Meanwhile "Walkerville," the tent city that has sprung up on the capitol square in Madison, continues to expand, offering a daily reminder to decision makers that the whole state is watching their actions and will hold them accountable if this disastrous budget becomes law.
And more:
Let Walker know that Housing is a Human Right!
On Thursday, June 9th, Governor Walker and Congressman Paul Ryan of Janesville will be addressing a real estate conference sponsored in part by the Wisconsin Realtors Association and the Wisconsin Bankers Association, both major backers of these far-right politicians.
Come join housing rights advocates and other concerned citizens as we protest these men's disastrous economic policies along with the trade associations that lobby incessantly for them.
When: 10am-12pm
Where: The Fluno Center (610 University Ave.)
My post is late for many to get to Madison but you at least will know what is happening. Consider calling Ryan's office and letting them know you support housing as a human right.
It's going to be one of those long, hot summers perhaps. I know today is cooler by 30 degrees than yesterday but in terms of intensity, not only will the storms become stronger but so will the politics. Wisconsin is so polarized. Take a look at some of the stories the Wisconsin State Journal is posting.
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_70483420-8d7e-11e0-a40c-001cc4c03286.html
There are many related articles on that particular link but remember, too, the State Journal's editorial stance - conservative. It's always helpful to know that when you read a paper. For instance, take another look at news this time from a progressive slant (one I love!):
http://uppitywis.org/
I heard a story on NPR yesterday on my drive to and from work. It had to do with Scott Fitzgerald - the state's prime Walker henchman. Nasty fellow. And not done being nasty or looking for ways to subvert We The People's common good. Follow the money, the power and the corporate influence. That, my fellow People, is truly The Yellow Brick Road. Off to Oz then!
Power To All The People!
Storms aren't the only wild things happening in Wisconsin. This came from Wisconsin Wave yesterday:
With each day the fight against Scott Walker's unethical budget grows stronger. On Monday thousands of firefighters, nurses, and community members marched with Russ Feingold to the Capitol to demand that the legislature vote down this immoral document.
Meanwhile "Walkerville," the tent city that has sprung up on the capitol square in Madison, continues to expand, offering a daily reminder to decision makers that the whole state is watching their actions and will hold them accountable if this disastrous budget becomes law.
And more:
Let Walker know that Housing is a Human Right!
On Thursday, June 9th, Governor Walker and Congressman Paul Ryan of Janesville will be addressing a real estate conference sponsored in part by the Wisconsin Realtors Association and the Wisconsin Bankers Association, both major backers of these far-right politicians.
Come join housing rights advocates and other concerned citizens as we protest these men's disastrous economic policies along with the trade associations that lobby incessantly for them.
When: 10am-12pm
Where: The Fluno Center (610 University Ave.)
My post is late for many to get to Madison but you at least will know what is happening. Consider calling Ryan's office and letting them know you support housing as a human right.
It's going to be one of those long, hot summers perhaps. I know today is cooler by 30 degrees than yesterday but in terms of intensity, not only will the storms become stronger but so will the politics. Wisconsin is so polarized. Take a look at some of the stories the Wisconsin State Journal is posting.
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_70483420-8d7e-11e0-a40c-001cc4c03286.html
There are many related articles on that particular link but remember, too, the State Journal's editorial stance - conservative. It's always helpful to know that when you read a paper. For instance, take another look at news this time from a progressive slant (one I love!):
http://uppitywis.org/
I heard a story on NPR yesterday on my drive to and from work. It had to do with Scott Fitzgerald - the state's prime Walker henchman. Nasty fellow. And not done being nasty or looking for ways to subvert We The People's common good. Follow the money, the power and the corporate influence. That, my fellow People, is truly The Yellow Brick Road. Off to Oz then!
Power To All The People!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Back To Business Part II
News of today - Walker & Co. have locked the doors to the Capitol and now every man, woman and child must go through a metal detector to visit Their House! I know, some of you in other states have always had to endure this but in Wisconsin we have never had to put up with this nasty business. And let me add that it isn't a need for more intense security because of some threat posed to the building or anyone working within, it is because the governor and his henchmen are trying to stop citizen protest by locking the doors and siphoning people through metal detectors one visitor at a time. Pure and simple and - very nasty indeed. Shame on this kind of control freakiness.
Part II of Jim Hightower's Lowdown brings us to the second bogus front organization doing dastardly deeds in the name of ultra-right wing agendas: American Legislative Exchange Council. ALEC, their acronym, boasts "nearly 2,000 members" and is a verrrry secretive organization. They hide their list of legislators from us on purpose but I wonder if anyone from Wisconsin might be on that shadowy list? Hmmmm. ALEC identifies itself as a nonpartisan group. Ha! Not hardly. All of the 22 legislators who serve as board members of this "tax-exempt legislative service organization" are republican. Jim says that the only Dems invited in are tokens and "individually vetted to make sure they adhere to the corporate dogma".
ALEC poses as a legislative association when in reality there is no "exchange" between lawmakers but in actual practice the exchange is between lawmakers and behind-the-scenes powerhouses as Altria, AT&T, Bayer, Cocoa-Cola, ExxonMobil, GlaxoSmithKline, Intuit, Johnson&Johnson, Koch Industries, Kraft Foods, Peabody Energy, Pfizer, Reynolds American, State Farm Insurance, UPS, and Walmart. These companies form ALEC's "private enterprise board", and as Jim writes, "they are among the self-interested corporations that put up its money to shape its agenda".
I know, it's depressing isn't it? And maddening as well. Still, it's better to know what the land looks like as it shifts beneath We The People's feet. Here's some additional dope on ALEC pertinent to Wisconsin politics. As Jim tells us: "Even before Scott Walker took office this past January, ALEC agents were handing him model bills for clubbing teachers and other public employees. Pushing ALEC's attack from the inside the legislature was Wisconsin state Sen. Scott Fitzgerald - (grrrrr) -, the rancorous, union-busting majority leader who was ALEC's state chairman last year." I knew that guy was poison.
Alec was the organization that drew up the Voter ID Act seeking to ban university students from using their college ID's to vote. What a bunch of slash and burn megalomaniacs! There's a lot more to ALEC like the infamous Arizona anti-Latino law, developing state laws to stop citizens from interfering with corporate whim, and working diligently to undermine Obama's universal healthcare reform. Nasty indeed!
In addition to all this fake organization subterfuge going on I promised I'd tell you who is trying to shut up professors. This is what I found out from Jim.
Apparently three professors at different Michigan universities all received the same freedom-of-information demands for all their emails that "used certain words". Strange huh? These professors were all teaching in the labor studies area and the words they were using turned out to be - 'Scott Walker', 'Madison' and 'Rachel Maddow'. Uh oh. Jim says "the demand didn't come out of the blue, but from far right field, specifically from a ferociously anti-union corporate front group called the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Peek behind the curtain and you'll find piles of money from the Koch brothers, the DeVos family, the Prince family, and the Waltons of Walmart." Sickening but no surprises. Jim finishes this piece with this - "Now the billionaires' Mackinac unit is behind the chilling witch hunt for state university professors."
Remember back in the late winter I wrote about our Wisconsin Night of Glass. I am further going to say that this type of intentional hunt for and discrediting of professors (a part of our culture's intelligentsia) is again reminiscent of Germany in the 1930s. I also believe it is critical for We The People to draw parallels and connectors, to remember stories of other times in order to see what is happening currently. Things to not have to be exactly the same to be the same!
Pay attention. Share your feelings and readings with others. Try to imagine what it would look like to lose our cherished freedoms - those we have not already lost. We need in the worst way not to stay asleep right now - we need to be wide awake. One of my favorite movies is V for Vendetta. For all the Hollywood in the movie it is a great statement on where the U.S. finds itself right this minute. Watch it if you haven't seen it and if you have watch it again. Feel the connectors in that movie to your life or what your life could be like in the very near future.
I wish to thank Jim Hightower for his intelligent and bold commentary on politics in the U.S. He is a courageous man writing the truth. Thanks, Jim.
Power To All The People!
Part II of Jim Hightower's Lowdown brings us to the second bogus front organization doing dastardly deeds in the name of ultra-right wing agendas: American Legislative Exchange Council. ALEC, their acronym, boasts "nearly 2,000 members" and is a verrrry secretive organization. They hide their list of legislators from us on purpose but I wonder if anyone from Wisconsin might be on that shadowy list? Hmmmm. ALEC identifies itself as a nonpartisan group. Ha! Not hardly. All of the 22 legislators who serve as board members of this "tax-exempt legislative service organization" are republican. Jim says that the only Dems invited in are tokens and "individually vetted to make sure they adhere to the corporate dogma".
ALEC poses as a legislative association when in reality there is no "exchange" between lawmakers but in actual practice the exchange is between lawmakers and behind-the-scenes powerhouses as Altria, AT&T, Bayer, Cocoa-Cola, ExxonMobil, GlaxoSmithKline, Intuit, Johnson&Johnson, Koch Industries, Kraft Foods, Peabody Energy, Pfizer, Reynolds American, State Farm Insurance, UPS, and Walmart. These companies form ALEC's "private enterprise board", and as Jim writes, "they are among the self-interested corporations that put up its money to shape its agenda".
I know, it's depressing isn't it? And maddening as well. Still, it's better to know what the land looks like as it shifts beneath We The People's feet. Here's some additional dope on ALEC pertinent to Wisconsin politics. As Jim tells us: "Even before Scott Walker took office this past January, ALEC agents were handing him model bills for clubbing teachers and other public employees. Pushing ALEC's attack from the inside the legislature was Wisconsin state Sen. Scott Fitzgerald - (grrrrr) -, the rancorous, union-busting majority leader who was ALEC's state chairman last year." I knew that guy was poison.
Alec was the organization that drew up the Voter ID Act seeking to ban university students from using their college ID's to vote. What a bunch of slash and burn megalomaniacs! There's a lot more to ALEC like the infamous Arizona anti-Latino law, developing state laws to stop citizens from interfering with corporate whim, and working diligently to undermine Obama's universal healthcare reform. Nasty indeed!
In addition to all this fake organization subterfuge going on I promised I'd tell you who is trying to shut up professors. This is what I found out from Jim.
Apparently three professors at different Michigan universities all received the same freedom-of-information demands for all their emails that "used certain words". Strange huh? These professors were all teaching in the labor studies area and the words they were using turned out to be - 'Scott Walker', 'Madison' and 'Rachel Maddow'. Uh oh. Jim says "the demand didn't come out of the blue, but from far right field, specifically from a ferociously anti-union corporate front group called the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Peek behind the curtain and you'll find piles of money from the Koch brothers, the DeVos family, the Prince family, and the Waltons of Walmart." Sickening but no surprises. Jim finishes this piece with this - "Now the billionaires' Mackinac unit is behind the chilling witch hunt for state university professors."
Remember back in the late winter I wrote about our Wisconsin Night of Glass. I am further going to say that this type of intentional hunt for and discrediting of professors (a part of our culture's intelligentsia) is again reminiscent of Germany in the 1930s. I also believe it is critical for We The People to draw parallels and connectors, to remember stories of other times in order to see what is happening currently. Things to not have to be exactly the same to be the same!
Pay attention. Share your feelings and readings with others. Try to imagine what it would look like to lose our cherished freedoms - those we have not already lost. We need in the worst way not to stay asleep right now - we need to be wide awake. One of my favorite movies is V for Vendetta. For all the Hollywood in the movie it is a great statement on where the U.S. finds itself right this minute. Watch it if you haven't seen it and if you have watch it again. Feel the connectors in that movie to your life or what your life could be like in the very near future.
I wish to thank Jim Hightower for his intelligent and bold commentary on politics in the U.S. He is a courageous man writing the truth. Thanks, Jim.
Power To All The People!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Don't Let The Sheriff of Nottingham Ruin Wisconsin!
Had to share!
Scott Walker's budget priorities are probably best summed up as “ tax the poor, feed the rich.”
To shine a light on this heartless ideology community activists are hosting a “Reverse Robin Hood” budget action this Wednesday in Madison.
When: Wednesday, May 11th at 12pm --sharp--
Where: The King Street entrance to the State Capitol
What: Protesters will be popping in to visit some of Walker's favorite banker buddies and tax dodgers. Those who attend will be given the specific details at the meet up site. This will be a 100% peaceful protest to raise awareness and stand united against corporate tax dodgers and their corrupting influence on our state government. Reverse Robin Hood will be there with his medieval cronies so feel free to get creative and come in costume if the mood strikes you.
Organizers are encouraging everyone to spread the word, so please invite your friends on Facebook!
Also, don’t forget that the fight against the corporate dominance of our state government continues this Saturday with a mass demonstration against the budget bill in Madison.
Scott Walker's budget priorities are probably best summed up as “ tax the poor, feed the rich.”
To shine a light on this heartless ideology community activists are hosting a “Reverse Robin Hood” budget action this Wednesday in Madison.
When: Wednesday, May 11th at 12pm --sharp--
Where: The King Street entrance to the State Capitol
What: Protesters will be popping in to visit some of Walker's favorite banker buddies and tax dodgers. Those who attend will be given the specific details at the meet up site. This will be a 100% peaceful protest to raise awareness and stand united against corporate tax dodgers and their corrupting influence on our state government. Reverse Robin Hood will be there with his medieval cronies so feel free to get creative and come in costume if the mood strikes you.
Organizers are encouraging everyone to spread the word, so please invite your friends on Facebook!
Also, don’t forget that the fight against the corporate dominance of our state government continues this Saturday with a mass demonstration against the budget bill in Madison.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Catching Up
Good Morning on a Tuesday in Wisconsin.
We were out of town this past weekend visiting family. We talked with them about what has gone on in Wisconsin over the past few months. They had questions and reflections of their own. It's good to get different perspectives and hear views you might not have thought about before you talked. It's amazing that so many people from the east coast to the west are talking about Wisconsin! A conversation with friends in New Hampshire last week showed us what an impact the struggle in Wisconsin has had on others across the U.S.
I see the blizzard of emails in my inbox so I have made some hot tea and begun digging through the mail. Here's some of what I discovered, a few things due to take place this week.
This is Wisconsin Wave's plans for today and in to the weekend - so if you're thinking of participating in something - get up to Madison.
This week the fight for democracy in Wisconsin continues with three terrific events:
On Tuesday, April 26th at 8am join housing rights group Take Back the Land at the Dane County Courthouse in downtown Madison in a protest against the foreclosure of a Madison residence by M&I Bank. If allowed to proceed, this eviction would displace formerly homeless individuals while enriching a bank whose top executives contributed large sums of money to Governor Walker’s campaign.
Fight for housing justice and against corporate greed by telling M&I bank that their behavior is unacceptable!
Later on Tuesday, at 1pm, advocates of public higher education will rally near Bascom Hall to protest UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin’s plan to separate the Madison campus from the rest of the UW-System. Called the “New Badger Partnership,” Martin’s proposal would begin the process of completely privatizing the university while drastically increasing tuition.
In response, students and community members from around the state are convening to stand up for a fully funded, accessible, and public university.
On Saturday, April 30th at 9:30am the Madison Institute will host a Progressive Roundtable discussion at the Capitol Lakes Retirement Center titled “Building a Democracy Movement in an Age of Austerity and Corporatization.” Moderated by Liberty Tree executive director Ben Manski, this event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the democratic grassroots organizing occurring throughout not only Wisconsin but the rest of the country and beyond.
Also today at 2:30 pm in Kenosha, The Center for Media & Democracy will be hosting a rally to protest Paul Ryan's Medicare Proposal. You can join these folks at:
Gateway Technical College
Outside Madrigano Auditorium
3520 30th Avenue
Kenosha, WI
This appeared today on Scottwalkerwatch.com:
With difference of 0.49% of the 1.5 million votes cast, Supreme Court race recount will begin. Election officials believe it is just the third statewide recount in state history, following ones in 1989 and 1858.
Still, according to Walker himself, this recount nonsense is making it difficult for repubs to get anything done. Slashing and burning takes a lot of time and money I guess! And this just made me grit my teeth. Taking credit for things that Gov. Doyle did while he was in office.
"Walker recently took credit in a widely reported press conference for creating 125 jobs at a state manufacturing plant, even though then-Gov. Jim Doyle announced the same new jobs back in December. “It’s great to see Gov. Walker supporting one of the economic development projects of the Doyle administration,” said former Commerce Secretary Aaron Olver, a Doyle appointee who is now working for the city of Madison.
Last week, Walker traveled to Curt Manufacturing near Eau Claire to award a $625,000 transportation grant to the second largest manufacturer of trailer hitches and towing products in the United States. “This project directly creates 125 new jobs and indirectly creates 129 jobs, resulting in $12.6?million in annual wages right here in Wisconsin,” Walker said in a news release. “By providing these funds, we are bringing quality jobs to Wisconsin while improving road access to Curt Manufacturing’s expanded facility.” Consider it one more hurdle cleared by the first-term Republican governor in his quest to fulfill his campaign promise of creating 250,000 jobs in four years. But wait a second.
Didn’t Doyle announce the creation of 125 new jobs at the same business late last year?
Indeed he did.
Well, back to reading emails. It's a chilly, soggy day here. But the ground is an emerald green! Ah, April.
Power To All The People!
We were out of town this past weekend visiting family. We talked with them about what has gone on in Wisconsin over the past few months. They had questions and reflections of their own. It's good to get different perspectives and hear views you might not have thought about before you talked. It's amazing that so many people from the east coast to the west are talking about Wisconsin! A conversation with friends in New Hampshire last week showed us what an impact the struggle in Wisconsin has had on others across the U.S.
I see the blizzard of emails in my inbox so I have made some hot tea and begun digging through the mail. Here's some of what I discovered, a few things due to take place this week.
This is Wisconsin Wave's plans for today and in to the weekend - so if you're thinking of participating in something - get up to Madison.
This week the fight for democracy in Wisconsin continues with three terrific events:
On Tuesday, April 26th at 8am join housing rights group Take Back the Land at the Dane County Courthouse in downtown Madison in a protest against the foreclosure of a Madison residence by M&I Bank. If allowed to proceed, this eviction would displace formerly homeless individuals while enriching a bank whose top executives contributed large sums of money to Governor Walker’s campaign.
Fight for housing justice and against corporate greed by telling M&I bank that their behavior is unacceptable!
Later on Tuesday, at 1pm, advocates of public higher education will rally near Bascom Hall to protest UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin’s plan to separate the Madison campus from the rest of the UW-System. Called the “New Badger Partnership,” Martin’s proposal would begin the process of completely privatizing the university while drastically increasing tuition.
In response, students and community members from around the state are convening to stand up for a fully funded, accessible, and public university.
On Saturday, April 30th at 9:30am the Madison Institute will host a Progressive Roundtable discussion at the Capitol Lakes Retirement Center titled “Building a Democracy Movement in an Age of Austerity and Corporatization.” Moderated by Liberty Tree executive director Ben Manski, this event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the democratic grassroots organizing occurring throughout not only Wisconsin but the rest of the country and beyond.
Also today at 2:30 pm in Kenosha, The Center for Media & Democracy will be hosting a rally to protest Paul Ryan's Medicare Proposal. You can join these folks at:
Gateway Technical College
Outside Madrigano Auditorium
3520 30th Avenue
Kenosha, WI
This appeared today on Scottwalkerwatch.com:
With difference of 0.49% of the 1.5 million votes cast, Supreme Court race recount will begin. Election officials believe it is just the third statewide recount in state history, following ones in 1989 and 1858.
Still, according to Walker himself, this recount nonsense is making it difficult for repubs to get anything done. Slashing and burning takes a lot of time and money I guess! And this just made me grit my teeth. Taking credit for things that Gov. Doyle did while he was in office.
"Walker recently took credit in a widely reported press conference for creating 125 jobs at a state manufacturing plant, even though then-Gov. Jim Doyle announced the same new jobs back in December. “It’s great to see Gov. Walker supporting one of the economic development projects of the Doyle administration,” said former Commerce Secretary Aaron Olver, a Doyle appointee who is now working for the city of Madison.
Last week, Walker traveled to Curt Manufacturing near Eau Claire to award a $625,000 transportation grant to the second largest manufacturer of trailer hitches and towing products in the United States. “This project directly creates 125 new jobs and indirectly creates 129 jobs, resulting in $12.6?million in annual wages right here in Wisconsin,” Walker said in a news release. “By providing these funds, we are bringing quality jobs to Wisconsin while improving road access to Curt Manufacturing’s expanded facility.” Consider it one more hurdle cleared by the first-term Republican governor in his quest to fulfill his campaign promise of creating 250,000 jobs in four years. But wait a second.
Didn’t Doyle announce the creation of 125 new jobs at the same business late last year?
Indeed he did.
Well, back to reading emails. It's a chilly, soggy day here. But the ground is an emerald green! Ah, April.
Power To All The People!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Physics & The Chemistry
I'll get right to the news.
Judge David Prosser who now leads challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg by less than half a percent of votes in Wisconsin's judicial race, because, many of us feel, he stole that election, has decided to declare it a "decisive" election, and had his legal team state that any recount would be "frivolous" and a wasted cost to the state.
This according to an online article from care2. Further he stated through his attorney that there would not be any evidence to support a recount because it would not change the outcome. Prosser's attorney added that the campaign would take any needed steps to prevent a recount from moving forward.
When asked several times if he would say on what grounds these decisions were being made, the attorney answered "No". Here's a section of the article that made me fall off my chair.
"Prosser said that the election proved that , "..people realized that judges should be much more than partisan politicians who wear black robes. Judges should be impartial in theory and in fact. They should faithfully apply the law without fear, and without favor." Then, in a moment of utter cognitive dissidence, he cheered on "the advancement of conservative values as the way to address and ameliorate our many problems."
I love the phrase 'cognitive dissidence'. Far worse than that however. It gives me the feeling I'm hearing someone who believes they have an entitlement. And that's scary. Not all those people are narcissists but many of them are and that is a hallmark of the self-absorbed person - entitlement.
From Michigan an unbelievable story - what is going on?
"Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has begun the process of taking over Benton Harbor, Michigan, inserting an Emergency Manager from his own team to take over the operations of the town. " What the.....?! I've included the link to the story below. It's shocking so just sit with it for a few moments after you read it and contemplate what this means to liberty and freedom in our country.
http://www.care2.com/causes/politics/blog/michigan-governor-starts-financial/
The end of the article warns that Gov. Walker, an ideological/political kin of Synder, is apparently drafting similar plans for Wisconsin. These take-overs are, according to the article, being written up by the legal offices of Foley & Lardner, the largest law firm in the state. The author of the article asks a disturbing question at the end - "Are these governors doing away with local government all together?"
It's a damn good question and one we probably should be asking every day now. I don't rescind my post from yesterday, the one on peaceful protest and talking to others, in fact I think it's becoming more important by the day! We must circulate these articles, emails, posts, newspapers, blogs to everyone we can think of and ask them the same question - Do you think these moves by right-wing people are designed to do away with local governments? If we don't ask these questions, where might we find ourselves in the very near future?
On the darkly humorous side of the news, I found this. You have to appreciate that, here in Wisconsin, the senators who left for Illinois and we progressives, took a pounding when they left to protest the budget bill put forward by Walker. They left so a vote on that travesty could not be taken. But, the threats, by the gov himself, the dirty ideas to take the senators' computers, to hold their paychecks and all other manner of nasty behavior did not bring them home. During that time, as you remember, the screeching from the right never stopped. A particular line that was continually in the news when a repub was interviewed was how shameful it was that the senators were so unprofessional that they had left their jobs for which the people had elected them. So, you'll love this.
"However, all five Republicans declined to show up, leaving Franks as chair to deal with the Democratic members of the panel who were all advocating for the repeal. "
Why did they leave?
"Republican Rep. Trent Franks found himself rather lonely at his "Defending Marriage" subcommittee hearing Friday when other Republican members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, which Franks chairs, failed to show up."
We The People - we've got a huge task in front of us. I think the streets will be filled from now on with The People. We've got a lot to talk about, lots of marching and protesting to do, lots of letters to write, phone calls to make, conversations to have. Today I got an email alert regarding Hershey. I sighed. How long has it been that activists have been working to call the Hershey company to some level of accountability? Forever? Now, activists are being called upon to write Hershey and demand that they end their child labor, forced labor and trafficked labor practices as well as to use Fair Trade cocoa for their products. It isn't too much to ask but we've been asking them for more than two decades to be a decent company. By the way, here's the link to what is being asked of Hershey.
http://www.raisethebarhershey.org/our-demands-of-hershey/
I think it will be like that for the foreseeable future. We're going to need to become more and more savy in our protests. As Bill McKibben said in his 350.org speech, "there's no sense in whining about it, it's just physics and chemistry." He was speaking about global climate change altering the Earth's temperature and the massive effort to return our planetary home to 350 ppm of carbon in the atmosphere. But, he wasn't just talking about the physics and chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere, he was talking about the physics and chemistry of money and power and the pollution they are causing The People.
Write to the Governor of Michigan. You can write to him at: http://www.michigan.gov/snyder. Tell him you are outraged at what he is trying to do to The People in his state. Let him know you are watching him and sharing his dark plans with friends across the country. These folks need to know The People are awake and aware and that we understand the physics and the chemistry of money.
Power To All The People!
Judge David Prosser who now leads challenger JoAnne Kloppenburg by less than half a percent of votes in Wisconsin's judicial race, because, many of us feel, he stole that election, has decided to declare it a "decisive" election, and had his legal team state that any recount would be "frivolous" and a wasted cost to the state.
This according to an online article from care2. Further he stated through his attorney that there would not be any evidence to support a recount because it would not change the outcome. Prosser's attorney added that the campaign would take any needed steps to prevent a recount from moving forward.
When asked several times if he would say on what grounds these decisions were being made, the attorney answered "No". Here's a section of the article that made me fall off my chair.
"Prosser said that the election proved that , "..people realized that judges should be much more than partisan politicians who wear black robes. Judges should be impartial in theory and in fact. They should faithfully apply the law without fear, and without favor." Then, in a moment of utter cognitive dissidence, he cheered on "the advancement of conservative values as the way to address and ameliorate our many problems."
I love the phrase 'cognitive dissidence'. Far worse than that however. It gives me the feeling I'm hearing someone who believes they have an entitlement. And that's scary. Not all those people are narcissists but many of them are and that is a hallmark of the self-absorbed person - entitlement.
From Michigan an unbelievable story - what is going on?
"Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has begun the process of taking over Benton Harbor, Michigan, inserting an Emergency Manager from his own team to take over the operations of the town. " What the.....?! I've included the link to the story below. It's shocking so just sit with it for a few moments after you read it and contemplate what this means to liberty and freedom in our country.
http://www.care2.com/causes/politics/blog/michigan-governor-starts-financial/
The end of the article warns that Gov. Walker, an ideological/political kin of Synder, is apparently drafting similar plans for Wisconsin. These take-overs are, according to the article, being written up by the legal offices of Foley & Lardner, the largest law firm in the state. The author of the article asks a disturbing question at the end - "Are these governors doing away with local government all together?"
It's a damn good question and one we probably should be asking every day now. I don't rescind my post from yesterday, the one on peaceful protest and talking to others, in fact I think it's becoming more important by the day! We must circulate these articles, emails, posts, newspapers, blogs to everyone we can think of and ask them the same question - Do you think these moves by right-wing people are designed to do away with local governments? If we don't ask these questions, where might we find ourselves in the very near future?
On the darkly humorous side of the news, I found this. You have to appreciate that, here in Wisconsin, the senators who left for Illinois and we progressives, took a pounding when they left to protest the budget bill put forward by Walker. They left so a vote on that travesty could not be taken. But, the threats, by the gov himself, the dirty ideas to take the senators' computers, to hold their paychecks and all other manner of nasty behavior did not bring them home. During that time, as you remember, the screeching from the right never stopped. A particular line that was continually in the news when a repub was interviewed was how shameful it was that the senators were so unprofessional that they had left their jobs for which the people had elected them. So, you'll love this.
"However, all five Republicans declined to show up, leaving Franks as chair to deal with the Democratic members of the panel who were all advocating for the repeal. "
Why did they leave?
"Republican Rep. Trent Franks found himself rather lonely at his "Defending Marriage" subcommittee hearing Friday when other Republican members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, which Franks chairs, failed to show up."
We The People - we've got a huge task in front of us. I think the streets will be filled from now on with The People. We've got a lot to talk about, lots of marching and protesting to do, lots of letters to write, phone calls to make, conversations to have. Today I got an email alert regarding Hershey. I sighed. How long has it been that activists have been working to call the Hershey company to some level of accountability? Forever? Now, activists are being called upon to write Hershey and demand that they end their child labor, forced labor and trafficked labor practices as well as to use Fair Trade cocoa for their products. It isn't too much to ask but we've been asking them for more than two decades to be a decent company. By the way, here's the link to what is being asked of Hershey.
http://www.raisethebarhershey.org/our-demands-of-hershey/
I think it will be like that for the foreseeable future. We're going to need to become more and more savy in our protests. As Bill McKibben said in his 350.org speech, "there's no sense in whining about it, it's just physics and chemistry." He was speaking about global climate change altering the Earth's temperature and the massive effort to return our planetary home to 350 ppm of carbon in the atmosphere. But, he wasn't just talking about the physics and chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere, he was talking about the physics and chemistry of money and power and the pollution they are causing The People.
Write to the Governor of Michigan. You can write to him at: http://www.michigan.gov/snyder. Tell him you are outraged at what he is trying to do to The People in his state. Let him know you are watching him and sharing his dark plans with friends across the country. These folks need to know The People are awake and aware and that we understand the physics and the chemistry of money.
Power To All The People!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Common Struggles
I think a lot about the Common People these days. Since the 11th of February when students marched on the Capitol in Madison, I've been trying to find the right words and pictures and connections to speak about the Common People. Don't get me wrong, it isn't difficult. The images swirl around all of us every day. The divisions between the wealthy elite and the Common People is widening like a fault line. I wonder what seismic events that gap will produce in to the near future?
We dropped off some items at the Goodwill on Saturday then went in to do some clothes shopping. We like it there because it fits our budget and because the clothes are recycled. The gentleman who took our recycled items gave us a slip with a story on it. The story of a Common Person named Creighton. Creighton, the story says, began having medical problems when he was just a little guy. He also needed frequent hospitalization and surgeries. Throughout all that struggle Creighton's dream was to be independent - like all of us wish to be. He applied at a Goodwill Store and waited. The slip reads: "He recalls the day he received a phone call that he got the job as 'the best day!'" It's not going to be a surprise that Creighton's health improved when he began working or even that he was able to move from assisted living to his own apartment. He's excited that some day he will be able to buy a car.
The following story highlights the situation for Common People in their fight for safety and dignity. Unlike Creighton who was fortunate to hire on with Goodwill, the people in this painful story were not nearly so fortunate. This is difficult to read.
http://www.care2.com/causes/civil-rights/blog/disabled-workers-at-turkey-plant-subjected-to-abuse-for-21-years/
In Bangladesh a story reminds us that everywhere The Common People are struggling:
April 11 is day we remember the 64 workers who were killed and the 80 who injured when the Spectrum factory in Bangladesh collapsed in 2005. Since then at least 200 more Bangladeshi garment workers died as a result of factory fires, and many more were injured, while producing garments for major European or the US brands.
Yesterday, the National Garment Workers Federation NGWF organized a “Garment Workers Condolence and Remembering Rally” reminding people that a safe workplace is a fundamental right.
Andy had an interesting conversation with a co-worker last week. They had their heads together at lunch quietly chatting about all things Wisconsin Politics. Unions are a topic not encouraged as appropriate table talk at his work place. The co-worker shared that he'd read an article warning that the elite money folks - far bigger than Water Boy Walker - are focusing on unions as the last bastion of organized Common People in the U.S. Makes the stories above take on more significance doesn't it? Gives the meeting of billionaire/corporate honchos in Rancho Mirage last year even more clarity.
Drop in on scottwalkerwatch.com to check out the news, upcoming events around the state and who and what to boycott. I am on my way today to share with the manager of our local Logli's (Schnucks) grocery store why I won't be shopping there any longer. They were backers of Walker.
I am also going to take a moment to remember the workers in Bangladesh, the workers in Bophal, the workers at the Massey mine, the young immigrant women in the Shirt Waist Factory fire and the story Sally Fields portrayed of Norma Rae (Crystal Lee Sutton) and working conditions in a garment mill. I'm also going to remember Creighton and how much he has gained by working, making enough to be independent and that I hope he is able to get his car soon.
Power To All The Common People!
We dropped off some items at the Goodwill on Saturday then went in to do some clothes shopping. We like it there because it fits our budget and because the clothes are recycled. The gentleman who took our recycled items gave us a slip with a story on it. The story of a Common Person named Creighton. Creighton, the story says, began having medical problems when he was just a little guy. He also needed frequent hospitalization and surgeries. Throughout all that struggle Creighton's dream was to be independent - like all of us wish to be. He applied at a Goodwill Store and waited. The slip reads: "He recalls the day he received a phone call that he got the job as 'the best day!'" It's not going to be a surprise that Creighton's health improved when he began working or even that he was able to move from assisted living to his own apartment. He's excited that some day he will be able to buy a car.
The following story highlights the situation for Common People in their fight for safety and dignity. Unlike Creighton who was fortunate to hire on with Goodwill, the people in this painful story were not nearly so fortunate. This is difficult to read.
http://www.care2.com/causes/civil-rights/blog/disabled-workers-at-turkey-plant-subjected-to-abuse-for-21-years/
In Bangladesh a story reminds us that everywhere The Common People are struggling:
April 11 is day we remember the 64 workers who were killed and the 80 who injured when the Spectrum factory in Bangladesh collapsed in 2005. Since then at least 200 more Bangladeshi garment workers died as a result of factory fires, and many more were injured, while producing garments for major European or the US brands.
Yesterday, the National Garment Workers Federation NGWF organized a “Garment Workers Condolence and Remembering Rally” reminding people that a safe workplace is a fundamental right.
Andy had an interesting conversation with a co-worker last week. They had their heads together at lunch quietly chatting about all things Wisconsin Politics. Unions are a topic not encouraged as appropriate table talk at his work place. The co-worker shared that he'd read an article warning that the elite money folks - far bigger than Water Boy Walker - are focusing on unions as the last bastion of organized Common People in the U.S. Makes the stories above take on more significance doesn't it? Gives the meeting of billionaire/corporate honchos in Rancho Mirage last year even more clarity.
Drop in on scottwalkerwatch.com to check out the news, upcoming events around the state and who and what to boycott. I am on my way today to share with the manager of our local Logli's (Schnucks) grocery store why I won't be shopping there any longer. They were backers of Walker.
I am also going to take a moment to remember the workers in Bangladesh, the workers in Bophal, the workers at the Massey mine, the young immigrant women in the Shirt Waist Factory fire and the story Sally Fields portrayed of Norma Rae (Crystal Lee Sutton) and working conditions in a garment mill. I'm also going to remember Creighton and how much he has gained by working, making enough to be independent and that I hope he is able to get his car soon.
Power To All The Common People!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Odd & Ends on Thursday
My niece has encouraged me to blog these missives I have been writing. She's correct and perhaps this will save many of you from having to read long emails. I hope you decide to stay tuned.
Continued prayers for The People of Japan, for the Earth and for strength, courage, calm and love.
On the way home yesterday I heard democratic Senator Tim Carpenter and Senator Fitzgerald interviewed on the Neal Conan show - The Political Junkie - on NPR. Sen. Carpenter talked about the experience of being in Illinois as all the protests occurred in Madison. He spoke about the exhilaration of seeing the massive outpouring of people in to the streets to raise their voices. He also spoke about the recall efforts for eight republican senators and for Gov. Walker. Senator Fitzgerald was speaking from Washington, D.C. ( remember why Fitzgerald is there - to dine and dance with corporate money) He spoke about the recall efforts as well though he was speaking about that effort as it regards democratic senators, some of whom belonged to the fourteen who left the state. The two men were on totally opposite sides of the issues, not a surprise, but once again I hear the republicans reaching for the language that has defined the protests as well as the movement now solidifying in Wisconsin. Perhaps I am just being picky about definitions but when I hear Fitzgerald refer to the progressive ideas of Gov. Walker I want to rant and rave. These repubs are not progressive. It just ain't so. The tea party that overwhelmingly supported Walker, etc., is not made up of progressive people. They are, at the very least, conservative and more realistically, ultra conservative. And let's not forget the Koch Bros. and their money. Robert La Follette would not welcome these guys in to the progressive fold because their ideology doesn't match in content or spirit. It is that simple.
Words are powerful. Andy reminded me the other day of something he had learned in Squadron Officers School in the Air Force. The class was Effective Communication and the specific lesson was Errors in Logic. He picked out three errors he could identify in Walker's speeches and in his interviews during his campaign. The first: Glittering Generalities. These devices are intentionally deceptive and in Walker's case a big glittering generality was that he would cut the costs of government without raising taxes. (It's always helpful to ask "What does that mean?" or "How are you going to do that?") The second: Faulty Dilemma. "Wisconsin is in a budget crisis!" Walker repeated over and over on the stump and when the protesters appeared on the streets and when the senators left the state. Again, it's helpful to ask questions: Why the 140 million in corporate giveaways which created a deficit? The third: Errors in Deductive Reasoning. Or 2 + 2 = 3. This begins with an error in one of the entering arguments. In Walker's case it went like this: Cutting collective bargaining for public employees while excluding police and firefighters will result in support from police and firefighters. We the People needed to have asked then-candidate Walker what it meant to promise answers to questions raised without giving specifics. Obviously Walker had a detailed plan and was not willing to share. In the case of many items that have now come to light in the budget beyond stripping collective bargaining, to share would have been to have lost the election.
The Bloomberg reports more of the litigation against Walker. The Care2 article gives another perspective on the overreach by conservative forces at play in Wisconsin and across the country.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-15/wisconsin-collective-bargaining-statute-challenge-gets-march-18-hearing.html
From the Care2 social networking and news site:
http://www.care2.com/causes/politics/blog/massive-protest-in-wisconsin-shows-walker-s-overreach/
I feel now the time begs for us to put our shoulders to the political wheel which turns sometimes so slowly we cannot calm ourselves in the face of it, and sometimes so quickly it amazes us. Everything matters. Protests, letters, emails, calls - always calls! - coffee with friends, prayers, solidarity, dancing in the streets, singing.
What did Emma Goldman say? The quote attributed to her is: "If I can't dance I don't want to be part of your revolution." (If you'd like to read the back story on that, follow this link.) http://ucblibrary3.berkeley.edu/Goldman/Features/dances_shulman.html
The discourse between ourselves and others must spark the flames that sheds light in to the dark places. That is where errors in logic occur and gather energy. That is where deductive reasoning has fled. All that glitters is seldom what we wished for it to be, the gold that will make us all insane with wealth. This time asks us to lay aside the societal myth that all of us can reach the top and be given the blessing of all the lands we see to the horizon. It asks us, without promises of reward, to speak truth to power.
And, who knows, maybe we won't be fooled again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIHJ9RMAVGI&feature=related
Power To All The People!
Jeanie
p.s. Please consider a call to Sen. Tim Cullen - 1-608-266-2253 - to protest his weak olive branch to Walker. He wants to have the state constitution amended to never again allow senators to leave the state during a vote. I appreciate that Sen. Cullen is looking for some way to reconnect with the Governor and the repub legislators, however I believe he must look for something else. It was not a "stunt" to leave for Illinois, it was a constitutionally sound move to prevent a vote that did not have full support and to amend the constitution to cut off that possibility would hobble future avenues of political response. These senators called on us for our solidarity. We gave it to them and we accepted our wide awake duty as participants in our democracy. We supported them. We spoke the word - Solidarity. We need their respect for that action. And we need Senator Cullen to be creative and think of some other olive branch to lay before the governor.
p.p.s. Big Rally in Madison this weekend! 10 am on Saturday the 19th, veterans across the state will gather at Library Mall on State St. to march up State St. to the Capitol.
Continued prayers for The People of Japan, for the Earth and for strength, courage, calm and love.
On the way home yesterday I heard democratic Senator Tim Carpenter and Senator Fitzgerald interviewed on the Neal Conan show - The Political Junkie - on NPR. Sen. Carpenter talked about the experience of being in Illinois as all the protests occurred in Madison. He spoke about the exhilaration of seeing the massive outpouring of people in to the streets to raise their voices. He also spoke about the recall efforts for eight republican senators and for Gov. Walker. Senator Fitzgerald was speaking from Washington, D.C. ( remember why Fitzgerald is there - to dine and dance with corporate money) He spoke about the recall efforts as well though he was speaking about that effort as it regards democratic senators, some of whom belonged to the fourteen who left the state. The two men were on totally opposite sides of the issues, not a surprise, but once again I hear the republicans reaching for the language that has defined the protests as well as the movement now solidifying in Wisconsin. Perhaps I am just being picky about definitions but when I hear Fitzgerald refer to the progressive ideas of Gov. Walker I want to rant and rave. These repubs are not progressive. It just ain't so. The tea party that overwhelmingly supported Walker, etc., is not made up of progressive people. They are, at the very least, conservative and more realistically, ultra conservative. And let's not forget the Koch Bros. and their money. Robert La Follette would not welcome these guys in to the progressive fold because their ideology doesn't match in content or spirit. It is that simple.
Words are powerful. Andy reminded me the other day of something he had learned in Squadron Officers School in the Air Force. The class was Effective Communication and the specific lesson was Errors in Logic. He picked out three errors he could identify in Walker's speeches and in his interviews during his campaign. The first: Glittering Generalities. These devices are intentionally deceptive and in Walker's case a big glittering generality was that he would cut the costs of government without raising taxes. (It's always helpful to ask "What does that mean?" or "How are you going to do that?") The second: Faulty Dilemma. "Wisconsin is in a budget crisis!" Walker repeated over and over on the stump and when the protesters appeared on the streets and when the senators left the state. Again, it's helpful to ask questions: Why the 140 million in corporate giveaways which created a deficit? The third: Errors in Deductive Reasoning. Or 2 + 2 = 3. This begins with an error in one of the entering arguments. In Walker's case it went like this: Cutting collective bargaining for public employees while excluding police and firefighters will result in support from police and firefighters. We the People needed to have asked then-candidate Walker what it meant to promise answers to questions raised without giving specifics. Obviously Walker had a detailed plan and was not willing to share. In the case of many items that have now come to light in the budget beyond stripping collective bargaining, to share would have been to have lost the election.
The Bloomberg reports more of the litigation against Walker. The Care2 article gives another perspective on the overreach by conservative forces at play in Wisconsin and across the country.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-15/wisconsin-collective-bargaining-statute-challenge-gets-march-18-hearing.html
From the Care2 social networking and news site:
http://www.care2.com/causes/politics/blog/massive-protest-in-wisconsin-shows-walker-s-overreach/
I feel now the time begs for us to put our shoulders to the political wheel which turns sometimes so slowly we cannot calm ourselves in the face of it, and sometimes so quickly it amazes us. Everything matters. Protests, letters, emails, calls - always calls! - coffee with friends, prayers, solidarity, dancing in the streets, singing.
What did Emma Goldman say? The quote attributed to her is: "If I can't dance I don't want to be part of your revolution." (If you'd like to read the back story on that, follow this link.) http://ucblibrary3.berkeley.edu/Goldman/Features/dances_shulman.html
The discourse between ourselves and others must spark the flames that sheds light in to the dark places. That is where errors in logic occur and gather energy. That is where deductive reasoning has fled. All that glitters is seldom what we wished for it to be, the gold that will make us all insane with wealth. This time asks us to lay aside the societal myth that all of us can reach the top and be given the blessing of all the lands we see to the horizon. It asks us, without promises of reward, to speak truth to power.
And, who knows, maybe we won't be fooled again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIHJ9RMAVGI&feature=related
Power To All The People!
Jeanie
p.s. Please consider a call to Sen. Tim Cullen - 1-608-266-2253 - to protest his weak olive branch to Walker. He wants to have the state constitution amended to never again allow senators to leave the state during a vote. I appreciate that Sen. Cullen is looking for some way to reconnect with the Governor and the repub legislators, however I believe he must look for something else. It was not a "stunt" to leave for Illinois, it was a constitutionally sound move to prevent a vote that did not have full support and to amend the constitution to cut off that possibility would hobble future avenues of political response. These senators called on us for our solidarity. We gave it to them and we accepted our wide awake duty as participants in our democracy. We supported them. We spoke the word - Solidarity. We need their respect for that action. And we need Senator Cullen to be creative and think of some other olive branch to lay before the governor.
p.p.s. Big Rally in Madison this weekend! 10 am on Saturday the 19th, veterans across the state will gather at Library Mall on State St. to march up State St. to the Capitol.
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