50 Photos from the 50-State Rallies to Save the American Dream

Thank you for organizing this. It was my first rally ever, and I’m very glad I was there!

I remember the 1930′s and $1’00 per day wadge. DO WE WANT TO RETURN TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS? not me

Thank you MoveOn staffers for having the belief that we could pull this off…because WE DID! You always have these great event ideas that make me crazy, happy, & satisfied all at the same time.

It’s a sad day in this country when we no longer value the work of teachers, firefighters, and union workers…..really sad….we will continue to stand with you Wisconsin….as long as it takes…..this is for middle class workers EVERYWHERE in this country!!!!

Enough is Enough! If this country would stop fearing, catering and selling out to the “super rich” we may have a chance at saving our middle class, or the hope of ever reaching the middle class. The corporations and republicans do not have the people’s best interest at heart. They need to pay their fair share of the tax burdens of this country, then talk to the people about how we can do our part. But, their agenda is to make the people into slaves with no rights for a decent life. That’s un American. The unions protect the workers from their agenda. We need to fight for the unions and our elected officials that have the morality and backbone to stand up for the people that make this country great, before it’s too late. They hope we are all too lazy and stupid to fight them. We must get involved and vote these greedy bastards out!

THANK YOU EVERYBODY. WHEN I SAW THESE PICTURES IT HAS BROUGHT ME TO TEARS. YOUR SUPPORT IS SO IMPORTANT TO STOP THESE CORPORATE BILLIONAIRES WHO DON’T EVEN THINK OF US AS REAL PEOPLE. WE WORK HARD UP HERE IN WISCONSIN. WE DON’T MAKE A LOT OF MONEY AND WE PAY HIGH TAXES BUT WE HAVE ONE THING THAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT. WE HAVE COMMUNITY AND WE CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER. AND THAT INCLUDES OUR ELDERLY, OUR YOUNG, OUR POOR, AND OUR SICK. WE ARE NOT OUR GOVERNOR WHO HAS TRICKED SO MANY OF OUR CITIZENS INTO BELIEVING HIM. SOLIDARITY!

We need to shift our strategy in Wisconsin. There were over 100k people in Madison. Instead news cover Kenosha tea party with a recall effort of one of the Fab 14 senator Bob Wirch. We need to keep and sustain media coverage of our struggle, and it may be more effective at this time to decentralize ourselves from Madison. We need to organize recall efforts of Republican senators through out Wisconsin, and get out and show our support of Fab 14 on the local level.

We Need people in Madison right now. They are going to remove protesters at 4 pm and have buses ready to take them somewhere??? no one is sure where. Please come to Madison now!

I support the public employees, teachers, firefighters, and all union members being attacked across this great nations. nnThe powers-that-be are giving tax breaks to the rich, corporations have been declared u201cpeopleu201d when it comes to contributions, and bailouts were awarded to many who u201cpromisedu201d to create jobs with it.nnJobs have not happened, in reality they have created a fiscal crisis and blamed it on the victims, you and me the working class!nnWe need to turn to each other and not on each other. n

I am hoping that this is the beginning of the people of America finally standing up to those that want it all, get it all, and have it all. Over the past 30 years we have heard nothing but “Shared Sacrifice” but it is the poor and especially the Middle Class that did all the sacrificing. It is time to take a stand against greed and a corrupt government. I stood yesterday with the workers and I will continue to speak out for the good workers of this nation.

They are pushing more for the 1880′s.

Right on America! Unions do make us stronger and once we pass the Industrial Hemp Farming Act bill that Rep Ron Paul will re-introduce to this Congress in April we’ll make the new “Hemp Industry” a union business to.

so, so amazing and inspiring!!! People are finally waking up and taking it to the streets……let’s keep it up folks!!!!

So, so great and inspiring!!! We are finally waking up and taking it to the streets! Let’s keep it going!!!!!

This is so, so inspiring. People are waking UP and taking it to the streets finally!! Now we gotta keep it going!

As someone who has been at the state capitol in Wisconsin almost every of the last 13 days, I want to thank you for taking a stand with us yesterday. We’re tired, but we soldier on.

Nice looking people fighting for what’s right! Love it.

I forwarded your request to the Ed Show on MSNBC. Have you gotten any help yet?nn

This is more than union busting. This is class warfare. Fascism can happen here, and will happen if we don’t get to work! We’ve accomplished nothing. This is just the beginning. Organize. Petition. Recall. Vote.

Thank you, MoveOn!!

Dear President Obama,nPlease nationalize the assets of the super rich.nThank You,nBrucen

Dear President Obama,nPlease nationalize the assets of the super rich.nThank You,nBrucen

FOOLS, make a list of Koch’s companies, like Bravo paper towels,and on and on;HIT THEM in the PROFITS, and then you have their attention. Every Teacher sign should say SUPPORT US BUT NOT BRAVO TOWELS and on and on..THEN watch the hired thugs like WALKER fall in line…OPPS..

I am lovin’ it!!! If John Bainer could just follow me around for one day he would never call another gov. worker lazy!!! It is sooo good to finally see the voice of the people fight back!!

No. Thank you for being so strong.

As a Madisonian, this moved me beyond belief. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Boy , he sure would if he followed my Rush Dittohead supervisor around for a day. Meanwhile, I was working.

YEAH!!!!!!!!!

I was in Madison the past 2 Saturdays. Being with the people is awe-inspiring!! Thanks for lending your voices to protect Unions and all Public Employees!nn

Are any of the pics from Topeka? Or even Jeff City, Mo?

Stand Strong Wisconsin! We Support You! We STAND In Solidarity With America!nThank you to the Courageous “Wisconsin 14″! You have Literally Restored My Faith in the Democratic Party! You are ALL The Kind Of Democrats WE Want to See Represent All of us!

Ellen, Bless your heart and Thank you So Much!nI deeply appreciate what All of you in your Wonderful state are doing for All of America!

My husband, son, and I attended a rally in Annapolis, Maryland yesterday. Thank you for being there. Let’s stand tall against the plutocracy.

hello,I was in Madison last saturday & yesterday, my son has been to Madison about 3 or 4 times since this started. we are a proud union family & for the longest time have wondered why the republicans hate working people, but more importantly why any working people support republicans! I tried to explain to a co-worker (who does) the supreme court decision in terms I thought he’d understand “when the corporations run everything & decide you shouldn’t have guns there won’t be any debate they’ll just come for them &you won’t stop them ” he didn’t get it which is why sadly this bill will pass. but thanks for the effort. it was great to see all the support and whatnot. corporations do not care and are going to get what they want and we’re fucked.nLloyd, USW Local 2-209

This is beautiful! I too was nearly in tears by the last photo. Thank you everyone for getting out there and getting your voices heard! Thank you from WI to every supporter nation (and world) wide!

I want to personally say thank you, Mr. Scott Walker – you managed to awaken a fire in my soul that had been dead for a while. I am getting to a new stage in my life; so thanks for the reminder of what I love – STANDING UP against the few that try to oppress the many. Getting you to back down is just the beginning – WE SHALL OVERCOME!

Please, keep us posted on what’s really going on there tonight/tomorrow. If reinforcements are needed – we are there.

We will not be stifeled !!!!

We must press on and continue to show our solidarity. Together we stand strong and we CAN make a difference. Walker and his cronies have a huge lesson to learn. They may think they’re quick, excuse me “smart”, money-makers, but they’re S-L-O-W learners when it comes to what really matters. I stand with my fellow colleagues in education, and with my husband’s and son’s fellow labor union members. Thanks to all who stood and took pictures. There is hope for us Middle Class workers…it lies within each of us.

We support the Wisconsin Cheddar Revolt and real people everywhere! We represented at the St. Paul solidarity protest and it was great to see so many people fighting for their rights. nnIn general, people don’t seem to realize that we non-billionaires are being robbed by the billionaires on a daily basis. Tea party thugs and right wing radicals are all being dupped the same as us. They are nothing more than button-down Blue Shirt Fascists employed by the rich to distract us from what the rich are doing. The super rich are parasites that are sucking us dry and we have let them do it until now.nnStop buying their products, stop loving their brands, stop believing their lies, stop watching their networks. If we shut them out and if we cut off corporate access to democracy, all of our lives will get better. nnIt is time to shut down corporate control of government. We shouldn’t hate government, as they have tried to convince us. We should take it back. Government is us. It is our collective way to protect ourselves from robber barons and thugs and to build the future we want.

Remember the poem:nFirst they came…nFirst they came for the communists, nand I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a communist.nnThen they came for the trade unionists, nand I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.nnThen they came for the Jews, nand I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Jew.nnThen they came for menand there was no one left to speak out for me. nnnSee our next post for a new version….

Perhaps the new version goes something like this:nnFirst they came…nFirst they came for the car unions, nand I didn’t speak out because I didn’t work in Detroit.nnThen they came for the air traffic controllers, nand I didn’t speak out because I thought, yeah they are too entitled.nnThen they came for the welfare mothers, nand I didn’t speak out because I thought, yeah they are lazy, aren’t they?nnThen they came for the all the industrial workers,nand I didn’t speak out because I thought, well, NAFTA could be good for me.nnThen they came for the free press, nand I didn’t speak out because I believed it was fair and balanced.nnThen they came for everyone’s savings and retirement money,nand I didn’t speak out because I thought bubbles happen and deregulation will make me money.nnThen they came for people with houses and predatory loans, nand I didn’t speak out because they said greedy low-income people brought down the system.nnThen they came for the right to an education,nand I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a student or a teacher.nnThen they came for those who organized to fight the rich,nand I didn’t speak out because I believe them when they said it was about the budget.nnThen they came for menand there was no one left to speak out for me.

I too would like to thank those who gave of their time to stand in support of our friends in Wisconsin, and to those who shared the pictures. It is time we all showed our solidarity, and I couldn’t be more grateful for my fellow citizens in the middle class. Walker and his cronies have a huge lesson to learn. They may think they’re quick, excuse me, “smart” money-makers, but they are S-L-O-W when it comes to learning and accepting what’s really important. He needs to realize that he too is a public employee…he and all other elected officials work for US, and together we all work for each other, our communities, our country. President Obama, are you paying attention?

For those that think the American Dream is over.nI know you’re feet are sore, your legs are tired, and you think you are only whispering. Do not despair; if you can’t stand on my shoulders, then sit.nI will stand with you on mine until I am too tired; shouting for help the whole way. More will come standing with us both; we will continue on the shoulders of others to become an unbreakable wall.nDo not despair, we shall overcome – love, those that still believe America is for the people.

I would really like your permission (and help) to figure out how to re-post this and your poem on FB. My security settings are super tight, I’m not sure what to change to have this or any other posts viewable, or if it’s even possible.

AWESOME!

AWESOME!

Economic justice makes good public health! Support the workers and their families in Wisconsin.nProud to be a Cheesehead (in Cambridge MA)!

YES YES AND YES. NO ONE WILL SAVE OUR UNION AND OUR UNIONS, BUT EACH ONE OF US DOING SOMETHING EACH DAYnTO KEEP THIS GOING, TO NOT GET COMPLACENT. WE AREnIT. IF WE DON’T DO IT, MAKE OURSELVES HEARD AND FELT, THEY’RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO DISMATLE OUR FREEDOMS.nTELL EVERYONE, DO SOMETHING. STAY LOUD.

This is what America is about. We will stand together and stand strong against anyone who tries to crush the American Dream… This means you Scott Walker!!!!

50 states plus the District. Don’t forget about the District of Columbia!

don’t despair. it’s a never ending fight. it may be the best thing for unions in a long time if we lost this battle, cause it will mobilize us like never before, 2012

Per Wikipedia:nnGeorgia-Pacific paper and pulp company, maker of Brawny paper towels, Angel Soft toilet paper, Mardi Gras napkins and towels and Quilted Northern toilet paper.nnInvista, a polymer and fibers company that makes Stainmaster carpet, and Lycra fiber, among other products.nnKoch Pipeline Company LP, that owns and operates 4,000 miles of pipeline used to transport oil, natural gas liquids and chemicals.nnFlint Hill Resources LP, that operates oil refineries in six states

I agree with you, Deb. While this kind of support MUST go on, I believe the next step should be identifying Koch Industry’s products, whatever they are, and boycott them. Also look into whatever made the Govenor rich and boycott that if possible.nNothing hursts them like a loss of money

I think most “real” working class people are getting the game, and we are seeing through the smoke and mirrors. The wealthy and their puppets can no longer pit the middle class against each other. When our politicians speak of sacrific, we now ask them, what are YOU willing to sacrific???nnWhy don’t the top 1% pay their share of taxes? Why are we rewarding the bad behavior of Banks?? Why don’t politicians take a cut in benefits and pay???nnLet’s save some real money do what the American people have ask… be done with this war, yet it falls on deaf ears.The war in the middle east is costing us millions of dollars an hour!!! Now there would be a little extra cash to help our deficit issues.nn n

I was in Niagara Square in Buffalo, NY. It was sunny but cold and there were hundreds of people there. There were auto workers, firefighters, police officers, teachers, parents, children. Hundreds of people believing the dream. We support you Wisconsin!! Keep strong.

Thank you for backing Union and Non Unions workers. The Middle Class is under attack. We can no longer afford to give concession after concession, while our pay and benefits are not keeping up with inflation. “What is the price, we ask the other side? What is the price that you want from these working men and women? What cost? How much more do we have to give to the private sector and to business? How many billion dollars more, are you asking, are you requiring? “When does the greed stop, we ask the other side? That’s the question and that’s the issue.” Ted Kennedy on the floor of the United State Senate in January of 2007 speaking about Republicans trying to stop raising Minimum Wage, when does the greed stop, we ask the other side? I need not say anymore.

Amazing….We, the labor movement should have done something like this when Reagan fired the control tower operators.nIt seems the only way you get a corporation’s attention is when their pocketbook hurts a little. I think the next step should be a boycott, for whatever it is worth, against Koch Industrys, no matter what their product is as well as the Govenor’s business, if any. This solidarity must continue and strenghten.

I live in Madison. I’ve been there both on my own and with my 2 yr old and 4 yr old. I am teaching them that democracy is worth fighting for and that we all have a voice–even when our leaders refuse to listen. These photos truly give me goosebumps. Thank you to everyone, across the nation and world, who are standing up for all of our rights, our voices, and our democracy.

So proud of you all… I wanted to be there but was unable. But I want you all to know that I stand firmly with you in every way that I can. We all need to keep doing all we can do… even if it means facebook and talking to your friends. Thank you thank you thank you for standing strong! I think eyes are finally opening and you all are changing the course of history!

We depended too much on the Party and not enough on leading the Party in this manner. There should have been a continuity with the Election campaign, starting with “Single Payer” and they should never have gotten away with those ‘town meetings” in 2009 summer with brats pretending to be Populists without counter demonstration. Here before the election there were cats talking doing away with Minimum Wage. But I guess everyone in the protest came at last to a memory of working without rules except rules the boss wanted at the moment and if that step ladder or platform is too shakey for you Joe Blow can take your place. I wondered when the “take aways” were ever going to end and whether we were all convinced the working poor had a self-immolation gene, rather than the Koch brain wash.

Bless you you helped a lot of people see the light!

Wake up America. Your job is not safe. You think you are being paid what you are worth. But watch the businesses whittle away your benefits. Companies are playing games by lowering the value of the healthcare coverage you get and not telling you. They are taking away the retirement safety nets, not paying much into them, asking you to pay more into something that may fall apart later. Some are even balacning budgets by borrowing from your retirement. Your savings is being held hostage by the Banks and they are paying better interest to the stock investors. Stand Up and be heard. The JOB you save today may be your own. You ARE earning less than last year. Check it out and Get on Your Feet and Fight. Joint the protests now. nnIt is not our fault if Management of our Government are afraid to ask for more money from the Rich. Taxation is the plus side of our debt. Taxes make things work. Hey – RICH – Pay the taxes and get us out of debt.

My sentiments exactly! Thanks

I want to share this on my Facebook page. What name can I attribute it to, HollyandJohn?

I’m so thrilled that our revolution is finally here!

Thank you for backing Union and Non Unions workers. The Middle Class is under attack. We can no longer afford to give concession after concession, while our pay and benefits are not keeping up with inflation. “What is the price, we ask the other side? What is the price that you want from these working men and women? What cost? How much more do we have to give to the private sector and to business? How many billion dollars more, are you asking, are you requiring? “When does the greed stop, we ask the other side? That’s the question and that’s the issue.” Ted Kennedy on the floor of the United State Senate in January of 2007 speaking about Republicans trying to stop raising Minimum Wage, when does the greed stop, we ask the other side? Need I say anymore?

I am a public employee in a state that doesn’t have collective bargaining. We are employed for no more than 30 hours per week so they don’t have to pay us any benefits. We can be let go with no notice. We have gone three years without a raise as we watched gas prices triple and everything else go up as a result. Don’t cave on collective bargaining. Don’t return to an America before Unions.

Absolutely wonderful and inspiring photos! Keep them coming!!

We stood up with 500 in Annapolis Maryland. There is no bargaining anymore. The rich and their Republicans have pushed us to the edge. Without each other we have no meaning, life has no meaning . they are going for us and the entire planet. It is life we are standing up for, not money. The people have rights and the Earth has rights. Everything we believe is the opposite of what the republicans believe. Somehow everything that is important right up to spiritual beliefs about life and respect is on the line not just for us because if they mow us down they will destroy every person and every society and every culture that is not their own until the planet goes under. We must keep fighting for ourselves our neighbors and every human and animal and tree and blade of grass that they aim to destroy. Arise ye workers of America and the world!!! Viviana

I am a public employee in a state that doesn’t allow collective bargaining. We are employed for no more than 30 hours per week so they don’t have to pay us any benefits. We can be fired without notice. We have gone three years without a raise while gas prices tripled and everything else went up as a result. Don’t cave on collective bargaining. Don’t return to an America before Unions.

As an ex-teacher, and then into industry as the ‘lone female,’ I scream for acknowledgement. But I can only do so from a Social Security income as I supported our automotive industry with our life savings for ten years. I represented our teachers’ union in federal mediation during a strike, and I worked management in industry.’ I’ve looked at life from both sides now,’ to paraphrase an old song. And in my estimation, it all boils down to corporate dollars. “You need to have money to make money,” but nowhere is it defined as to the morality or legitimacy of how those financial gains were garnered. Frankly, I know for fact that the ‘big dollar’ backing in my final corporate position was achieved through illegal ‘insider’ trading. But we continue to support ‘corporate America’ as a friendly big brother…and that is as far from the case as I can imagine! Corporate America is NOT out to help the American citizen; they are out to ‘capitalize’ on a system that continues to favor the rich, denigrate the poor, and scream ‘socialism’ when anyone complains. I’m NOT looking for a handout…I’m only looking for the respect I earned, but for which I was never compensated, in building a larger corporation. There is an old German-Dutch statement…”Too soon old, too late schmart.” I live it!n

Wow, I really like this response and never even thought of it! Couldn’t make a rally, too far from where I live, but did send a little money from my social security. We are watching with much interest and love for the people who are out there helping! I’ll look into what needs to be boycotted! YES

I’m so thrilled our revolution is finally here!

i’d be honored to use this too… May i please? Credits to whom?

It’s about time the American public woke up to the threat the Republicans pose to the middle class and the American dream, which have been slipping away for the last 30 years. The corporate oligarchy is running this country into the ground. Our democracy is under a state of siege.

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! WE are who WILL OVERCOME the Corporations that BELIEVE OWN OUR Country! WE ARE fighting back & WE WILL WIN! Left, Right or otherwise, WE ARE AMERICA! NOT the fascist corporates & their follower sheeple!

Dear moveon~are these photos under any copyright? I would like to spread them but would rather not be sued

I think working class America is finally seeing through the smoke and mirrors. The strategy of pitting the middle class against each other is no longer working. The even more sad and pathetic plan of making us think it is the poorest among us that has created our “deficit issues”, which has always been a favorite blame game with the Republicans, is falling flat too.nnIt is not the poor that got us into this mess. The heaviest welfare burden is the big greedy corporations and political wasteful spending. How do we the tax paying middle class, keep on making their lives beautiful and bountiful?? It is by believing the lie that if we make a fair wage, we are somehow harming each other. The lie is so twisted and evil.nnThe question we now ask is, When is it their time to sacrific? How dare they pick on hard working Americans who pay for their way in life!! Wouldn’t we all love the perks politicans get??? Somehow they think they are entitled to these perks…why??? nnWe could save millions of dollars an HOUR if we got out of this senseless war. NOw there is a little cash that would help pay off the deficit. Doesn’t the majority of America what out of this war??? nn If we haven’t got it yet, Wisconsin is the warning we need to heed. They just don’t care about the middle class.nn

u201cIu2019ll be all around in the dark. Iu2019ll be everu2019-where u2013 wherever you can look. Wherever thereu2019s a fight so hungry people can eat, Iu2019ll be there. Wherever thereu2019s a cop beatinu2019 up a guy, Iu2019ll be there. Iu2019ll be in the way guys yell when theyu2019re mad u2013 Iu2019ll be in the way kids laugh when theyu2019re hungry anu2019 they know supperu2019s ready. Anu2019 when the people are eatinu2019 the stuff they raise, and livinu2019 in the houses they build u2013 Iu2019ll be there, too.u201dn- Tom Joad from “The Grapes of Wrath” (1939)

Thank you for the pictures it does the heart good u2013 nnThank you # 16 for taking Christianity back!

The rich are and have been getting richer and richer while the poor and the middle class continue to see themselves get more and more poor. We fight to keep our jobs, our benefits and a decent wage. We’re tired of doing more and more for less and less…America, we’re proud and now we’re again getting stronger! I stand with the proud folks all over this country and especially with you in Wisconsin!!! May we again take back this proud nation and prosper, see our middle class again grow in numbers and strength as well as the poor finally seeing the American dream work for them too. We’ve finally been pushed too far and now we’re mad as hell and look out because we’re now fighting back! Wisconsin…we’re with you all the way, stand proud.

Brothers and Sisters,nThe American Labor Movement was built upon 2 pillars of foundation: SOLIDARITY FOREVERnAN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALLnnWith this in mind I propose the following:nReunite ALL the different elements of the American Labor Movement (AFL-CIO, Teamsters, S.E.I.U…etc.) into ONE BIG UNION to present a UNITED FRONT in the face of this Corporate/Govenment onslaught! The FIRST order of business for this ONE BIG UNION shall be to establish a NATIONAL DEFENSE FUND supported by the 2% payroll tax cut recently given working people. This would generate upwards of 15 billion dollars/year.nnIt is my feeling that if you want to “play’ in the sandbox with the big boys…you NEED big boy money in your pocket. This money would be used for…THE DEFENSE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM!nnRichie (Trumka) and Jimmy (Hoffa)…let’s stop the chit-chat and start to ACT…..NOW!nnin solidarity (forever),nPhillynn

I attended the Chicago rally yesterday, which was great. Just a word of warning to those of you who attend future rallies that carry similar left-leaning messages: don’t let anyone with any type of camera film you while they ask you questions without being entirely sure that they are sympathetic with your position. There where several such folks at the Chicago rally and their intent was clearly to capture liberal, pro-union folks on camera and make them look stupid. As we all know the righties are great at posting edited vids and audio on-line and on tv which take progressive speakers’ messages out of context. I really can’t see any benefit to doing any type of interviews with these duplicituous righties. n(By the way, when I began asking them questions they refused to answer, claiming ‘we are the ones doing the interview’ and when a friend began filming them, they stated that they didn’t want to be filmed.)

How true, and when it comes to any middle class, working people, whoever they are, we all must stand up for them or we sink together

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was in Madison yesterday and was aware of all of the support going on around the country. Let’s stick together!

Yes, we stand together or we sink together; we all need to ask the President to take a stand in this nationwide dispute; Governor Granholm, bless her heart, took a stand and she came from Michigan who benefited from the President’s decision to help the auto industry; what happened? GM paid back the United States government; put thousands back to work who are now paying taxes, and if I remember right the GOP was totally against the loan.

Awesome….sadly voters that voted AGAIN for the GOP hurt middle class americans….ppl must get it….corruption needs to end and we need to kick out corrupt politicians….we need to march on Washington and fight for hard working americans, seniors, veterans and those disabled.

I live in Madison. I get to the Heart of it all almost every day — to the Capitol grounds. You have no idea how much it means to us that so many support us and more importantly how important it is that so many really GET what’s going on. “What it is” IS exactly clear!

We always need reinforcements. As a teacher I can only be there a couple of hours per day. Most of us have taken ill with bronchitis because of the stress, being outside changing, etc.nWe need everyone’s help as often as possible.nThanks so much:)nA Sun Prairie Teacher

It is also an issue of only 50% voting:( This has awakened the voting public!

It is so touching to see this support – Fighting Bob LaFollette would be proud! I love you progressives – now spread the word out there about the right wing lies – don’t back down! And when we get this crazy gov out of here, come and visit us!

Let’s do it again next Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep up the good work. Lots of us stand with you.

If somehow the Wisconsin elitists enact an amendment to require the 14 to return to collect their pay,then if it be legally possible,maybe we should all pitch in and pay them through donations so they can hold out. The longer they hold out and stay out of state,the stronger the movement will become and the more likely it will be that collective bargaining will prevail. The situation is that important !! When is the Governor going to be held accountable for his telephone disclosures,and by whom? Unfortunately something like this is what had to occur to convince the weak minded who vote Republican to come to reality. Many wanna be somebodies vote Republican because they think that makes them important and part of a classier group of people. You can tell these people quickly by simply engaging them in conversation on basic issues.If they only knew that they are just pawns of the rich,who have nothing in common with them.

Am I the only person that sees the similarity between the Governor of Wisconsin and how he wants to “rule” the state and Gadhafi and how he wants to run Libya?

Can we do it again next weekend??

God bless you, Wisconsin! Even here in Japan we are hearing of your fight, your strength, your courage! You inspire workers everywhere to stand up for ourselves, no matter what it takes, to protect our jobs and our rights. What you are doing today will effect people all over the world. Thank you for your tremendous efforts, and I hope you can feel the wave of support, respect and gratitude that fills the hearts of hundreds of thousands who cannot be there physically. Solidarity!

I was in Topeka and sent several pictures to MoveOn early this morning. I don’t understand why they weren’t posted, since Kansas is the home of the Kochs.

I could not go yesterday but I will sure be there next Saturday.

I could not go yesterday but I sure will go next Saturday.

He has not started shooting peaceful protesters yet….

Yesterday CNN covered the anniversary of the tea party. While there were massive protests in every state of the country, they talked about the tea party. Anyone who still believes our media is liberal has not been paying attention.

Morally the 14 should be refusing to accept their pay. Some of them are probably independently well off and don’t need the money. Those who are not, are the ones we should be helping.

The unions created the middle class, before there were unions there was only the rich and the poor, pay attention America !!!

The unions created the middle class, before the unions there were only the rich and the poor, pay attention America !!!!!

When are the Republicans going to realize they are only being used by the Koch brothers and the rest of the oligarchy? Until they wake up they will not change their vote.nnDo the Wisconsin Republicans really think the Koch brothers will really care what happens once they (and their friends) steal everything the people of Wisconsin own through no-bid sales? Once they get unions outlawed in Wisconsin the next step will be to get it written into the state constitution.

No way anyone should let anyone we do not know film us without signing a release form first. If it is not clear who is behind whatever organization or company they represent I say refuse to be interviewed on film or tape.

I am SEIU (retired). Please remember the only reason SEIU and the other unions quit the AFL-CIO was because we thought the AFL-CIO was not doing enough to organize workers. We always said we would stand together with all of labor.nnAs long as AFL-CIO does not fall asleep (only look out for their union’s current members) when the current crisis is over maybe it is time to reunite.nnEither we hang together or we hang separately.

Original by Dietrich Bonhoeffer:nnu201cFirst they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. nnThen they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists, but I was neither, so I did not speak out. nnThen they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out. nnAnd when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me.u201d

Amen. And we know that there were many people who wanted to go to protest, but for many reasons were not able. There are a lot more people who agree with us! A fire has been awakened!

God Bless You. Don’t give up.

and if, by chance , you have been getting gang stalked by the fascist racketeers that the USA government allows to openly and notoriously stalk, harass, poison and irradiate people – without the slightest fear of arrest, you know how late it is.

Can others join that union. I’m retired and never been in a union but joining a union that fights for the middle class and the poor against the rich and powerful would be a great way to join my still working brothers and sisters in solidarity.

is it ok to post this on my facebook page??? If so, who do I credit???

I stand with the WI 14!!!

IF YOU HAVE:nAn eight hour workdaynA five day work weeknPaid sick days, vacation days, and holidaysnFamily and medical leaven…Health, life, and disability insurancenA pensionnSafe and healthy working conditionsnProper job trainingnTHEN THANK A UNION MEMBER.

I’m in solidarity with the public workers in Wisconsin. Across this country the voices of the people has resonated loud and clear that we will not tolerate the 2% controlling this country, Koch brothers and corporations plans to eliminate the unions, and silence the workers will failed and we will prevail.

Beautiful and moving photos! This IS what democracy looks like. As a Wisconsinite, it is so touching to see support from all over the US. As you understand so well, it is not about one group of laborers, it is about us all.nPeace and Love from a public employee in Madison, Wisconsin

As of today, Walker is still saying that his decisions to crush unions is that Wisconsin “can’t afford them.”

The theme song should be; “Get up stand up, stand up for your rights; Don’t give up the fight” (Bob Marley) “Forward ever, backward never” Plutocracy and economic slavery? No way.

Thank you for posting this reminder. The powers that be have been eroding labor/ middle class for years. Hardly anything is produced in this country. Practically all my furniture and clothing comes from China and when I call American Express and other corporations, I am speaking to an Indian or a Philipino! The unions need to put out some more money and unionize more people, so that we don’t hear stupid, petty and jealous remarks, “I can’t negotiate,” et al. They need to train organizers, especially computer people who work long hours for comp pay. We need to educate our young people in the history of unions in this country (people died for the right to have a union) and also the history of the Depression and the New Deal. As the kids say, Education sucks in this country. I can go on for pages, but I think I’ve said enough.

We have a really strong takeover move going on now after years of more insideous positioning. America MUST wake up and fight to keep our democracy intact. When the same FAT CATS that buy the legislators also own the media we have an up hill battle. nnSo proud of the people in Wisconsin and everyone who walks the walk.

I attended the Chicago rally yesterday, which was great. Just a word of warning to those of you who attend future rallies that carry similar left-leaning messages: don’t let anyone with any type of camera film you while they ask you questions without being entirely sure that they are sympathetic with your position. There where several such folks at the Chicago rally and their intent was clearly to capture liberal, pro-union folks on camera and make them look stupid. As we all know the righties are great at posting edited vids and audio on-line and on tv which take progressive speakers’ messages out of context. I really can’t see any benefit to doing any type of interviews with these duplicituous righties. n(By the way, when I began asking them questions they refused to answer, claiming ‘we are the ones doing the interview’ and when a friend began filming them, they stated that they didn’t want to be filmed.)

Guess Wisconsin Gov Walker woke a sleeping giant. Lets go America. You won’t see coverage of this on Fox. They are in bed with the Koch bros. big business, and the rich. It is all about screwing the middle class. Scapegoating the unions and working America to line their own pockets.

We stood up (about 500) in Dallas Texas. No picture here was in this group. Our local ABC TV station had a short blurb. Our local Fox station did not.

The theme song should be; “Get up stand up, stand up for your rights; Don’t give up the fight” (Bob Marley) “Forward ever, backward never” Plutocracy and economic slavery? No way.

nnI was very proud and happy to go out and protest against Union Busting at the State Capital here in Columbus, Ohio last Saturday, even though I’m no longer a Union member, I believe that Unions still plays a positive and vital role in our workforce to ensure that all workers union or non-union are able to get decent benefits, work hours, a safe workpalce, and a fair and decent liveable wage.nnI pray to God that we prevail, and not let the Republicans take us back to the dark ages were workers were treated like chattle and slave labor, the rich got rich off of the backs of the working poor and middle class, now they refuse to protect and look out for us now after they have made billions of dollars off of our sweat, muscles, and mind. and if we let these Republicans, corporations, and the very wealthy get away with busitng the unions , no telling what else they will be going after to hurt the poor, working poor, and middle class Americans in this country, and if we “keep On Pushin,” stand-up turn out in masses and make our presences know and are voices heard loudly against these greedy Republicans, I believe we will come out on top and be winners and victorous at the end of the day. nnIt’s very appaulling and disgraceful to me that my Republican Govenor here in Ohio when he took office last month gave his cabinet and his buddies he brought with him raises knowing that our State is in a financial crisis, I believe he should first live by example and cut his and all State politicans salaries and benefits to help balance the State budget as well, I don’t think its fair that the poor and middle-class balance the budget while they did not sacarfice anything to help get us out of financial crisis themsleves, but we know this is more than about money, and benefits, but it’s really about the Republicans trying to bust up the Unions because Union are more apt to support Democratic Candidates during election cycles, which if the Unions are gone, they would have a better chance of winning more elections, it’s also about amending our over-all Freedom of Speech and Freedom to Peacfully, March, Protest, and Demanstrate, for our rights to be carried-out and protected in this country as well., The Republicans wants to take this Country backwards, not forwards, We must not sit back and allow them to take us back to the days of old just to appease and cater to the rich and powerful, they would not be a position of pwer and wealth without the assistance of average everyday Americans. .nnSo in Closing, I was a union member in the past, I’m now unemplyed and been on disability due to legal blindness from Glaucoma, and now that I’ve been rehabilitated, I’m in the process of returning back to work full-time as a State or Federal Government Employee, and this issue would very well have a negative impact on my success as an disabled employee as far as attaining, a fair and decent liveable wage, health care benefits, and other benefits I need to live successfully here in the State of Ohio. nnWe need to keep marching, keep yelling, keep fighting back, and keep pressure on our Politicans to do the right thing, believing and hoping that this situation at the end of the day would turn around in our favor. nnDarrell Prunty AAS BS MS Columbus, Ohio

I am so proud of the Wisconsin protesters, and everyone who stands with them. This is America at its finest.

I was very proud and happy to go out and protest against Union Busting at the State Capital here in Columbus, Ohio last Saturday, even though I’m no longer a Union member, I believe that Unions still plays a positive and vital role in our workforce to ensure that all workers union or non-union are able to get decent benefits, work hours, a safe workpalce, and a fair and decent liveable wage.nnI pray to God that we prevail, and not let the Republicans take us back to the dark ages were workers were treated like chattle and slave labor, the rich got rich off of the backs of the working poor and middle class, now they refuse to protect and look out for us now after they have made billions of dollars off of our sweat, muscles, and mind. and if we let these Republicans, corporations, and the very wealthy get away with busitng the unions , no telling what else they will be going after to hurt the poor, working poor, and middle class Americans in this country, and if we “keep On Pushin,” stand-up turn out in masses and make our presences know and are voices heard loudly against these greedy Republicans, I believe we will come out on top and be winners and victorous at the end of the day. nnIt’s very appaulling and disgraceful to me that my Republican Govenor here in Ohio when he took office last month gave his cabinet and his buddies he brought with him raises knowing that our State is in a financial crisis, I believe he should first live by example and cut his and all State politicans salaries and benefits to help balance the State budget as well, I don’t think its fair that the poor and middle-class balance the budget while they did not sacarfice anything to help get us out of financial crisis themsleves, but we know this is more than about money, and benefits, but it’s really about the Republicans trying to bust up the Unions because Union are more apt to support Democratic Candidates during election cycles, which if the Unions are gone, they would have a better chance of winning more elections, it’s also about amending our over-all Freedom of Speech and Freedom to Peacfully, March, Protest, and Demanstrate, for our rights to be carried-out and protected in this country as well., The Republicans wants to take this Country backwards, not forwards, We must not sit back and allow them to take us back to the days of old just to appease and cater to the rich and powerful, they would not be a position of pwer and wealth without the assistance of average everyday Americans. .nnSo in Closing, I was a union member in the past, I’m now unemplyed and been on disability due to legal blindness from Glaucoma, and now that I’ve been rehabilitated, I’m in the process of returning back to work full-time as a State or Federal Government Employee, and this issue would very well have a negative impact on my success as an disabled employee as far as attaining, a fair and decent liveable wage, health care benefits, and other benefits I need to live successfully here in the State of Ohio. nnWe need to keep marching, keep yelling, keep fighting back, and keep pressure on our Politicans to do the right thing, believing and hoping that this situation at the end of the day would turn around in our favor. nnDarrell Prunty AAS BS MS Columbus, Ohion

GREAT JOB! I finally feel like America is waking up! This campaign is strong. Lets keep it going. Yeah Everyone!

Please everyone we all must get out and vote these bums out ! It is up to all of us.

Please everyone we must all get out and vote these bums out! It is up to all of us.

Then they came for the mentally illnand I didn’t speak out because I didn’t have a problem and didn’t know anyone who did.nnThen they came for the sick, unable to afford treatment, nand I didn’t speak out because I was healthy and had a job with what I thought was good health insurance.nnThen they came for the old and disabled nand I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t either and I believed them when they said social security was broken and there was no way to fix it and we must all settle for less.nn

I am so proud of my brothers and sisters whom are standing up finally. This movement may be a little late, but better late than never. I’ve complained, lost sleep, even cried over this for years. If we the people don’t speak up and say stop this madness it will never end. The government I was taught is ‘ Of the people, by the people and for the people’. It’s time we make them listen. Hear what I say and not what you think I said. nGO AMERICA!!

please everyone we must all get out and VOTE these bums out! It is up to each and every one of us

I’M GOING TO COPY ALL THESE PHOTOS AND HANG THEM IN MY KITCHEN AS AN INSPIRATION FOR THE COMING YEARS UNTIL WE WIN OUR COUNTRY BACK! I WANTED TO RALLY, BUT THIS TIME I WAS UNABLE — HAVE DONE IT MANY TIMES AND WILL AGAIN! HANG IN THERE AMERICA — THIS IS THE PEOPLES’ COUNTRY, NOT BIG BUSINESS AND BIG MONEY…GOD BLESS AMERICA, THE PEOPLE’S SPIRIT MAKES IT BEAUTIFUL!!nnMarci JahnnPalm Desert, CA

The Oscar winner of the Best Documentary, “Inside Job” filmmaker Charles Ferguson put it so well, this evening when he accepted the Oscar Award for his documentary…three years ago I made another documentary about the economic reality of the banks and the castastrophe that followed to our economy because of the CEOs of these institutions…nothing to this day has happened to those responsible for these criminal acts. ????? ARE WE AS AMERICANS GOING TO ALLOW THIS CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR TO CONTINUE OR ARE WE GOING TO STAND UP AND SAY ENOUGH AND TAKE BACK OUR COUNTRY???

The Pics Are Great Too!! nnI agree with one of the posters on here, When the next General Election comes around in two years, We need to ensure that we vote The Republicans out of office before they destroy America with their failed trickle down economic policies.

Then they came for the mentally ill,nand I didn’t speak out because I didn’t have a problem and didn’t know anyone who did.nnThen they came for the sick,nand I didn’t speak out because I was healthy and had a job with what I thought was good health insurance.nnThen they came for the old and disabled, nand I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t either and I believed them when they said social security couldn’t be fixed and we must all settle for less.

It has been so inspiring to be with the workers of Wisconsin in spirit. Union backs were broken in my Texas “right-to-work” state long ago, but we keep joining and keep raising our voices. You have given us reason to keep striving and keep hoping.

Charles Ferguson tonight as the Oscar winner of the Best Documentary, “Inside Job” said that three years ago he made another documentary of the economic situation brought on by the criminal acts of the CEOs of Banks in the US and to this day nothing has happened to them. No one has had to take responsibility for their illegal acts. Americans must stand up and take back our country from those who would destroy our country by their greed.

As a retired Teamster I am proud of all that spoke out on this attack. A neighbor asked why I’m so upset, since I have my pension. I replied that many fought hard for the wages & benefits I enjoyed & it’s up to me & other retirees to help keep the movement going. My responsibility to union members did not end when I retired. I also pointed out that many who are getting involved now have never been in a union but realize that unions built the middle class and the middle class is under attack. There other other governors waiting in the wings to follow suit if this movement fails. I would ask all involved no refrain from using slurs or drawing Hitler-style mustaches on Gov. Walker. That only makes us look like the tea-party. PEACE & THANKS

We do need to take back control of our government. Pry it from the firm grip of mega corporations.

We need this to circulate now, this will give us something to do, to help unions, get the word out who owns what? THANK YOU for the info

yesssss, say that

Please publish your list on facebook, twitter and others, this is where most information get out. We need everyone to see this, we let this happen in Nov. we can still make a difference in 2012.

If you’d like to see a country with no middle class, visit Italy. People there are either living in huge villas or in dirty high rise buildings with laundry hanging from every window. If we allow our leaders to take away our freedoms, we’ll be there soon and then it will be too late!

To anyone that is NOT aware, Americans are all members of the UNION of STATES of AMERICA, can you grasp that? Welcome brothers and sisters. Now try thinking from whom they will extract wealth NEXT when they are done with the teachers. Or should I suggest you think of them as Jews in Germany in the thirties and forties. And then they can for the gay and gypsies, and so on.nnPlease pay attention to the tone, and goals of this governor, and ask why he hasn’t got time for the agenda that could help his state without taking away rights.

“First they cameu2026″ is a famous statement attributed to Pastor Martin Niemu00f6ller (1892u20131984) about the inactivity of German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets, group after group.

The People united, will never be defeated. Connie Riley

The people united, will never be defeated. Connie nRiley

Unions are fraud.

Oop, I forgot to mention that if we do not remember that we fought for labor peace for some 75 years until many of the ill-treatment of many workers by predatory capitalists was generally resolved. Unfortunately, the huge tax cut programs and huge spending increases by government allows for a faux crisis which is now exploited by those seeking higher political office.

OR at least suggest they get with Ameirica succeding first, and profits second, or lose the business for the good of the nation.nWho thinks we should sit by and ALLOW a few corporations to KILL or economy single handedly? Same with the “nervous” corporate record profit hoarders, put up the jobs and growth hitched to the tax cuts plan, or see GOVT businesses take the intitiative and build businesses needed for our recovery that Big Bus is obviously hoping to delay for another year for political theater for the Gop. IF, they can stall the economy for another year, they can blame Obama for their handiwork. “see, he didn’t restore the economy while we undermined and delayed,and finally defunded as much as possible of the Obama admin.

This is just not a fight for workers in the USA but for around the world, Stay strong we are watching and supporting you all, from down under. MUA here to stay!!!!!

Figures those asswipes would be into toilet paper.

Too much of the media coverage about Scott and Wisconsin has not talked enough this situation. nnFor example, the reductions in the corporate taxes in Wisconsin — no data has shown Americans that corporations are doing much for our workers when they can send jobs overseas where people are much cheaper. nnFor example, the fact that Scott has outsourced jobs before when he arbitrarily eliminated civil servants. They company he brought in was headed by an individual who had been in prison. When this outsourcing initiatve was appealed, the civil servants were rehired. Net, net the money spent was higher than if he had just let it alone.nnFor example, not much about these photos that were made yesterday. It is so exciting to see so many people respond to this situation in Wisconsin. Let’s hope that the middle class in this country starts to address the extreme people on the left and the right. If we don’t soon, we won’t have a middle left. nnIf we step up to this challenge, then Scott will have done at least one thing right.

we don’t want to loose union’s we need them, what else is there?

This class war goes back as far as the Reagan years, but until just recently middle class Americans haven’t been willing to admit they are under attack. We started to get the picture during the healthcare debate, it became far more clear with the billionaire tax break in December, and now we see that we are about to be further driven down economically with budget cuts and denial of worker rights. Money concessions will not do in the current struggle. It’s now about rights, dignity, and control over one’s future. As more of us start to realize what is at stake in Wisconsin and beyond it will be increasingly difficult for the 2% power broker class to divide and control the middle class voters as they have.

yes, voting is important – it’s key. But what is also important is to keep yourself informed and educate, educate, educate. Don’t stop talking to friends, family and strangers on what is really going on in this country. Yes it’s difficult – I have Limbaugh Republicans in my family – I know – but we still have to keep trying.nnSo talk to those of opposing viewpoints and tell them you’re a liberal/progressive and, no, you don’t hate our country and, no, you don’t want to destroy it and, no, you’re not a freeloader, and, no we don’t hate business but realize corporations are not people.nnBut, yes, you do believe we all should have decent wage for a decent roof over our head and a decent life, yes, we all should have access to affordable health care – the rest of the industrialized world has figured out how to do it – and yes, the rich and corporations should pay more of their fair share, as the wealth of the rest of the nation has decreased significantly over the last few decades while the wealth of the extremely rich has increased dramatically – due simply to the policies this nation has adopted – and that is not good for a healthy democracy.nnBelieve me – I know that’s difficult – I live in Arizona – and I think most of you are aware of what Arizona can be like :)

dido.

Thank You! This is a very thoughtful and provocative way of looking at what is going on! Well said!!!

Did Republicans refuse their pay filibustering every Obama bill and taking a YEAR to pass a bill that should have been done in a couple months tops.nPlease repeat the mantra of the right, we should repeal the health bill because they did NOT have input into it, because they threw tantrums and maintained fantasy fact banks trying to convince us the president was NOT born where his birth certificate and he say, but where the GOP wants him to be from.nThey also think they get to ASSIGN his religion. ODD thing. But had NO time for healthcare except to call it commie, fascist, marxist, and martian, and NO input for A YEAR, and NOW tell us to toss it and START OVER, meaning ANOTHER year, telling me they just hope to STALL through Obamas term, PERIOD.

Thank you Ansleyboy, all your thoughts and all your intentions mean a great deal to us. Today was a tough day. We thought we were going to lose the capital. The governor ordered the police to take the protesters out, and brought in outside police from conservative parts of the state. They stopped more protesters from going inside, and stopped all food and water deliveries. They were asking people about permits and many feared violence but the protesters were completely non-violent. The police decided not to do it. They left 1,000 inside and many more outside after they locked all the doors. So they are sleeping in the People’s House again tonight staying strong for all of us. It was a great day to be a Wisconsinite. One More Day, One More Day, One More Day!

Maybe we should start a new Party:nnThe WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE PARTY!!!!nIf the middle class doesn’t wake up and see who the real enemies are, they will lose all the rights we have fought so hard for over the years.nWorkers are the backbone of this country and we are being attacked and blamed for the financial crisis this country is in. Propaganda is being used to mislead the ignorant who vote against their own self-interests. WAKE up, America!

I just want you to know that some of the protesters are families with children! On Friday the police woke many of them up at three in the morning saying they had to clean and had professional cleaners coming. No cleaners came, it was just harassment.

aybe we should start a new Party:nnThe WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE PARTY!!!!nIf the middle class doesn’t wake up and see who the real enemies are, they will lose all the rights we have fought so hard for over the years.nWorkers are the backbone of this country and we are being attacked and blamed for the financial crisis this country is in. Propaganda is being used to mislead the ignorant who vote against their own self-interests. WAKE up, America!

Thank you, YouSirName, for the valuable information you have provided. It is informationnwhich we all need to be aware of in order to boycott these paper products, and Stainmasterncarpet (how fortunate to know about that productnsince I’m in the process of buying carpet and amncomparing carpets prior to buying), and ladiesnwe’ll have to give up the Lycra!! It’s a small sacrifice compared to what those in Madison are doing. These few ideas are a drop in the bucket,nI know, but it is better than continuing to buy any of these products.

I like that song, i remember singing that bob marley song way back in the day :-) I liked and sung the Civil Rights songs of the Sixties by Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions, “Keep on Pushin” My Country,” “We’re A Winner” “They Don’t Know,” and ” We’re Rollin On” These songs very much fit this situation we’re dealing with now, the Republicans want to take us backwards, but I refuse to go backwards, there’s nothing left for me, but to move and go forwards.

The police backed off. There were about 1,000 people left in the rotunda. They moved them all the to the second floor. No violence occurred and they allowed food and water to be brought in again. But they locked the doors so no others could enter.

THANK YOU ! The fight you are fighting is for all of us, whether a union member or not – This fight will affect everyone! Keep strong, Stand your ground, don’t back down.

So thankful for your stance. I’m retired, 70 years old, and I’m marching tomorrow in Arizona

My job, non-union, was outsourced on October 3, 2008. The electronics industry is notoriously non-union, but requires a high degree of knowledge and skill. We all need more unionization to protect ourselves from the corporate elite that controls our government, whether local, state, or national. In Wisconsin we see the result of the trend after the ridiculous “Citizens United” decision by the Supreme Court, which laughably proclaims that corporations are “people” with the right to sway elections with unlimited funding of their puppets in elections to change our laws in their favor. Now is the time to fight back and once again give the power to the people, which has gradually been taken away, and favors the CEO’s, and super-rich, who pay NO taxes, or very little, which turned a surplus under Clinton into the largest deficits in our nation’s history. Please write President Obama and convince him not to compromise with a Republican party that has been co-opted by radical far-right conservatives who are only looking to increase their wealth at the expense of the poor, sick, disabled, and hard-working Americans who are striving to achieve the American Dream. We have a chance to turn things around with the 2012 elections. Please don’t sit on your hands this time around and throw the radical right-wing conservatives out of office. Our future depends on it. We can use fiscal conservatism to streamline government without falling into the trap of social conservatism. We are supposed to be equal under the law, but Republicans are trying to stack the cards against the working class. One way to fight back is to STOP watching FOX, and STOP buying their advertisers products. Hitting them in their pocketbooks is the most effective way to stop their Fascist agenda. Unions built the Middle Class, and we need them now more than ever. Collective bargaining is supposed to be protected by the Constitution. Don’t let the illegal actions by Governor Scott Walker and his cohorts in Wisconsin’s legislature get away with their union-busting agenda, and support the brave Democratic state senators in their standing up for state workers.

i was at the chicago rally also, but what upset me was the pro-life people carrying helium filled yellow balloons with the word “life” protesting planned parenthood, while moving through the people at the union rallynnwith the balloons a couple of feet above their head if anyone was looking at the group of ppl from the street side i’m sure they would have thought it was a pro-life rally

Thank you everyone for supporting us here in Wisconsin.

I was honored to be in Madison to show my solidarity and pay my resepcts to the Wisconsinites who were marching. I told several Wisc. marchers that they were doing this for all of us. They helped to reunite the labor movement in this country by their example (and so did Gov. Walker, no matter what he might want to think! Thanks Scotty!). nnThis is a starting point for us all to begin to take back our government from billionaires and millionaires who could care less about us. I will go back to work at Caterpillar, to share my experiences with my UAW brothers and sisters and to encourage them to join the Soft Revolution! God bless union people and America!

Hooray to ALL of us for joining in. “we the people” are waking up ALL OVER THE WORLD! This is only the beginning…….nMorgana MorgainenAsheville, NC

It is so time to take back America! I want to feel proud to be an American again and not feel like we are the ones to keep taking the brunt of our financial downfall. How much money does it truly take to live happily? Does it take billions to be happy? I call it greed down to the core!!!!! and materialistic! We, the people want a decent job with decent pay and benefits for our family. We must all stick together to make that dream a reality.

Detroit, 10 of us added to the others,many many more in Lansing. In spirit, there for Egypt and Iran locations too.

I am a Registered Nuses in California and I belong to UNAC. I stood in the rain to help support my fellow brother and sister in Wisconsin. We are one.

Maybe its time for all of us to head for Wisconsin and show them a real crowd.

I sincerely hope this movement continues until all of the republicans have no choice but to “get it”!

Bless you. We stand with you. I missed the rallies to support – but have been donating money when I can to MoveOn & Dems!!

I marched in Madison on Saturday to show my solidarity and respect for what the Wisconsin public workers and marchers had done for labor and the country as a whole. Little did Gov. Walker think that he would be responsible for re-igniting the labor movement! Thanks Scotty!nnThe crowd was over half women and there were numerous small children there under the age of 8 and even a few babies. To think that this narcistic creap (Walker) would even ponder the idea of starting violence in the crowd to promote his political career shows you what the Republicans and Tea Baggers about and especially this creep. nnThere was a reason one of the custom made signs I made had a picture of Walker and Hitler, with the words between their pictures “What’s the Dif?” and below that the words “Hitler is proud!”nnWhy do I compare Walker to Hitler? Hitler also contrived a state of emergency and declared marshal law. Walker did that in last job to force union security guards out of the court house he worked at so he could replace them with Wackenhut guards. That was two years ago. The county board refused to allow him to replace the union guards, so Scotty contrived a fiscal emergency, so he could replace them. He wouldn’t admit that now because his narcissm won’t allow him to admit a lie, a mistake or be honest with you. He is no different than Rod Blagoevich who we had to impeach in IL. Like Hitler, Walker declared an emergency shortly after taking office, so that he could destroy unions and his political opponents. Like Hitler, he isn’t above being totally devious. nnI am ready to march again and stand up for myself and others. Let me know when. I will go back to work tomorrow and relate my experience in Madison to my fellow UAW workers. Some of them will go with me.

You know what? I do know how it is to be gang stalked, body doubles, fake ID stalkers, creeps, knocked out and raped, and the ones doing it bribe some police around here. Fortis. Being resiliant drives THEM crazy. Its awful, stay with focus on what matters, ignore them the best you can if it is happening to you, it shows them in what they do.

It sounds like your state is Walmart!! Another death to the middle class and it is consistently keeping its employees below the minimum in hour so they don’t have to provide insurance.

I marched in Madison on Saturday around the capitol building. I made it a point to tell Wisconsin marchers over and over how they weren’t only standing up for themselves, but for every union member across the country. They thanked me for being there and my support too. You know what? I would do it again. nnWe need to keep marching and making ourselves heard. We are the ones who have to fight for justice for all. We are the last organized voice of working Americans out there. Go back to work next week and talk about this with your co-workers. Don’t be afraid to share your experiences with non-union workers. Let them know you marched for them too, so that they might understand and appreciate how unions benefit everyone. You can be the best spokesperson for your union and local by giving a testamonial to your faith in this fight. nnThis is not a one day experience. What we did last weeekend was to expand a “soft revolution” to the rest of America. When I say “soft”, I mean non-violent. That doesn’t mean you can’t be vocal on marches, but avoid violence. The other side wants it to get rough. We will scare away a lot of support if it gets rough. So keep it soft. The Republicans have already backed off of this in IN, FL and OH. It’s working. Keep the faith baby!

FYI in case you hear crazy, mail theft of weird work pay, frauds using false documents, marks of shots in my back in the morning, odd cuts and bruises,there is some squirted liquid that makes people pass out, its sick and true, and all know of invisible suits, this is making me blush again having to let people know about how some are . Hacked computers, some are skimming global dormant accounts, Detroit is dealing with a cell of Al Queda, perps who act like others,beware. Thinking and health scares some.

Stay strong, Ellen ! The working class of America has your back !

DON’T WALKER ON MY UNION RIGHTS!

HEY REPUBLICORP! GIVE BACK YOUR 700 BILLION DOLLAR GOVERNMENT WELFARE YOU HELD THE UNEMPLOYED HOSTAGE FOR! REPUBLICORP THE PARTY OF NEED!

I am a Cheesehead Nurse from Madison Wi. I belong to SEIU. These pictures brought tears to my eyes. It’s hard to go out in the cold every day and protest and then go to work for 8 hours and take care of sick people. I am there fighting for all of my brothers and sisters across the USA. I love you all!!!

I am the daughter of a Retired UAW worker, I am a single mother with 2 children, and I am a college student. It was an honor to walk at Madison with so many people Saturday. The day was quite emotional and moving. I am Proud to have stood among so many to stand up for the rights of the my fellow Wisconsinites. THIS IS WHAT DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE!!!!

This IS the American way!

Maybe people will begin to see what the true American majority is and maybe people will recognize the need to vote for people who truly care about the people of this country and not politicial expediency. The photos were inspiring and confirm my continued belief that there are more Americans who want to live in a country that meets the needs of the people rather than the pockets of the corporate greed.

God bless you, Ansleyboy, and all you inspiring folk in Wisconsin. You have no idea how much pride, warmth, and HOPE your actions have inspired in me (personally) and clearly across the entire country. AT LONG LAST you may have awakened the DECENT, HARDWORKING, FRIENDLY, CARING, broad mainstream American who has been abused, pillaged, raped and trodden under foot by a system of corporate control that’s left us in perpetual debt and our retirement savings whittled down to nought.nMay God give us all (but especially those of you at the FRONTLINES IN WISCONSIN) the strength, courage and fortitude to persevere. We are with you in spirit and with material support. I have donated to the DCCC, ans will donate more to other worthy organizations who contact me for support geared towards organizing to keep up this fight.n

union workers means better health even for insurance companys .wow never thought i would say that

Thank you from Wisconsin!!!

No Lee – the best thing about this fight is that it has awakened a sleeping giant – the labor nions of America and a lot of people who are not unionized but want to be. Don’t worry about mobilization for 2012. If Obama doesn’t stand up for labor like he said he would (and so far he has been MIA!) then we need to find somebody who will!

My father is a retired public school teacher. He was the president of his local teacher’s association for three terms. This was long before the presidents had release time for their duties, as they now do in California. Dad fought long and hard for the inclusion of collective bargaining and for teachers to be treated as the professionals who they are. Of his three children, I am the only one who followed him into the teaching field as a bilingual elementary school teacher. It is more than sad to see all the progress that my dad made on behalf of the Caliofornia teachers go up in smoke just because one unenlightened and very ignorant person fails to see that the teachers and other public employees deserve to be treated as the generous and professional contributors that they are.

misskathyfromPA – you really don’t have to worry that much about the “extreme” people on the left – it is the ones on the right that are doing all the damage!

Well siad Jobmann111 – it is time to give “Trickle Up Economics” a try!

Yes to collective bargaining…yes to the beauty, diversity and integrity of the American worker…yes to human rights…yes to bi-partisanship / dalogue & the ability to rise above political gain for the common good…are you listening Governor Walker?????

Yes! – the Republicans are on that old Republican track – one step forward and two steps back!

beverlyhills1998 – Thank you for all that you do! You are a blessing to everyone that you care for!

It’s not only our freedoms we need to keep, but our UNIONS TOO!

Simply amazing!

If it ever turns VIOLENT the crowd of 100,000 could STOMP the Repressive Republicans to DEATH literally and physically.nJust saying!

It’s great to see hard working middle class Americans come together to fight for their rights from this attack by the ‘Corporate Overlords’ Yes…Big Business is the problem, and has always been the problem…NOT Big Government as they lie and would like us to believe, only now they want all the POWER and all the MONEY!!!

In England, activists are (not surprisingly, imho) meeting w/ a lot of success holding siege actions [picketers keep a 24/7 vigil around the target by scheduling participating protesters in staggered shifts] at the headquarters of Mega-Corporations who don’t pay their taxes; placards remind folks that the targeted multinational doesn’t pay ANY taxes, pays less in taxes than do individual citizens, avoids paying their way by offshore-ing their finances to the Cayman Isls, etc. This (again, imo) turns-the-tables… it’s a direct response to the Meme that the NeoCon propaganda machine is constantly putting out there: “now is the time for everyone to sacrifice”, It’s a constant reminder / counter-Meme that one group hasn’t sacrificed a damn thing since their puppet Reagan’s Regime. And aren’t you tired of our (Democratic) Leadership keeping us constantly on the defensive, lying down to the least provocations? Take the fight to the Big Corporations… plant 100 of us 24/7 around their steel-&-glass towers and demand that they START paying their fair share… force them to justify why they’re getting tax breaks while the rest of us r getting bled dry. It will be a lot harder for them to keep the “EVERYONE must suffer” myth alive while there’s a constant reminder that the richest aren’t paying diddly.nn Now I realize this is the internet, that I’ve just put out here that there’s a good idea worth trying, and that, therefore, the first 50 of you who read this will be unable to suppress the knee-jerk reaction to knock the idea down…so first, look it up. Google it. Take a minute and think it through… what ELSE do we have going? If it were up to me, every damn adult and child American would be out on the streets – what happened yesterday would be a TAME day… Like you (I bet), I’ve tried (and failed – - spectacularly) to get my friends/family to come along to the protests I travel to in DC and Ft. Bragg and NYC… So now we’ve had a day when all theez Newbies turned out. Great! How do we KEEP them engaged? What’s next? Do we just let the moment pass? Right now, coming off a Saturday when a lot of asses got off a lot of couches, many of us r looking for the answer to these questions. Well, my Liberal Brothers & Sisters, nothing succeeds like success… and if this is working elsewhere, why the hell would we NOT want to at least try it? This is a tactic that is working. nnSo what’s needed? Simple – a list of the biggest corporations who don’t pay taxes…….. and groups in every state to pick one (or, if they have ‘too many’ volunteers, maybe two) of thoz tax-dodgers and lay siege to their state’s target-corporation headquarters….(I believe it would be most effective to – as is being done in Europe – pick one or two corporations and lay down one concerted action on that outfit nation-wide… but that’s just one man’s opinion..)nnEnough of this laying out on our pickets the NeoCon tactics we DON’T like – - – let’s put on our placards what we DO want and take the fight to the enemy. (And please, if you don’t like this idea – fine… scroll merrily on your way… you’re probably more into blowing air than you are into actually doing something. ‘Get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand…’)nnWhat say you….

Yes! Yes! Yes! We have to help them by putting more bodies out there on the line! They have been extraordinary troopers but they are going to need some breaks, some people to spell them, but they also need to see the ranks swell around them! I remember what it felt like in Decatur, IL in the early 90s when people form all over the US and Canada flooded into “The War Zone” during the Staley lockout and the strikes at Bridgestone/Firestone and Caterpillar. I think that meant more than anything to the people in Decatur, to see how deeply other people cared about and supported their efforts. LET’S DO IT AGAIN!

Eugene O’neill, our only Nobel Laureate in theater, neatly summed up the basic premise of and the need of society for union in the neanderthal roar of Robert Smith–”Yank” in “The Hairy Ape:nn”It takes a man to work in hell. Hell, sure, dat’s my fav’rite climate. I eat it up! I get fat on it! It’s me makes it hot! It’s me makes it roar! It’s me makes it move! Sure, on’y for me everyting stops. It all goes dead, get me? De noise and smoke and all de engines movin’ de woild, dey stop. Dere ain’t nothin’ no more! Dat’s what I’m sayin’. Everyting else dat makes de woild move, somep’n makes makes it move. It can’t move witout somep’n else, see? Den yuh get down to me. I’m at de bottom, get me? Dere ain’t nothin’ foither. I’m de end! I’m de start! I start somep’n and de woild moves! It–dat’s me!–de new dat’s moiderin’ de old! I’m de ting in coal dat makes it boin; I’m steam and oil for de engines; I’m de ting in noise dat makes yuh hear it; I’m smoke and express trains and steamers and factory whistles; I’m de ting in gold dat makes it money! And I’m what makes iron into steel! Steel, dat stands for de whole ting! And I’m steel–steel–steel! I’m de muscles in steel, de punch behind it! . . . Slaves, hell! We run de whole woiks. All de rich guys dat tink dey’re somep’n, dey ain’t nothin’! Dey don’t belong. But us guys, we’re in de move, we’re at de bottom, de whole ting is us!”nnSo ultimately it’s simply the know-how, the strength, the can-do, the pride of the American worker that he has for sale, and by bargaining collectively he can give and receive value in the market place. This is among the best individual speeches from the many American plays I’ve directed, and I believe every word of it.

Eugene O’neill, our only Nobel Laureate in theater, neatly summed up the basic premise of and the need of society for union in the neanderthal roar of Robert Smith–”Yank” in “The Hairy Ape:nn”It takes a man to work in hell. Hell, sure, dat’s my fav’rite climate. I eat it up! I get fat on it! It’s me makes it hot! It’s me makes it roar! It’s me makes it move! Sure, on’y for me everyting stops. It all goes dead, get me? De noise and smoke and all de engines movin’ de woild, dey stop. Dere ain’t nothin’ no more! Dat’s what I’m sayin’. Everyting else dat makes de woild move, somep’n makes makes it move. It can’t move witout somep’n else, see? Den yuh get down to me. I’m at de bottom, get me? Dere ain’t nothin’ foither. I’m de end! I’m de start! I start somep’n and de woild moves! It–dat’s me!–de new dat’s moiderin’ de old! I’m de ting in coal dat makes it boin; I’m steam and oil for de engines; I’m de ting in noise dat makes yuh hear it; I’m smoke and express trains and steamers and factory whistles; I’m de ting in gold dat makes it money! And I’m what makes iron into steel! Steel, dat stands for de whole ting! And I’m steel–steel–steel! I’m de muscles in steel, de punch behind it! . . . Slaves, hell! We run de whole woiks. All de rich guys dat tink dey’re somep’n, dey ain’t nothin’! Dey don’t belong. But us guys, we’re in de move, we’re at de bottom, de whole ting is us!”nnSo ultimately it’s simply the know-how, the strength, the can-do, the pride of the American worker that he has for sale, and by bargaining collectively he can give and receive value in the market place. This is among the best individual speeches from the many American plays I’ve directed, and I believe every word of it.

We are sick of the Elites who are ruining our country. The Rich who think they are above the law! They keep pushing harder and harder to suck up what little wealth is left from the middle class and the poor. You want a fight, well now you got one! You will learn when the voice of the people are raised it will be a mighty Roar that can be heard around the world.nnWe are the PEOPLE!nWe are AnonymousnWe are legionnWe do not forgivenWe do not forgetnExpect us!

Governor Scott. There go the people, you must run to catch up to them for you are their leader!

Yes! It is time for Americans to stand up for America! We are a government ‘of the people, for the people, by the people’; not of the rich and entitled, and certainly not of corporations. We need to keep the pressure on and TAKE BACK AMERICA!

Beautiful just beautiful!

Republicans are bent on destroying the poor and the middle class. Wall Styreet has become a de facto dictator of our country.Ours is only a government of the people, for the rich and by the lobbyists. Even our elections are indirectly controlled by the rich.

Reminds me of SOGAT 82 and our struggle against that great Captain of Industry Mr Robert Maxwell.nIn the words of JB Lenoir “Keep on going if you know you’re right”.nDemocracy is for the benefit of us all or it is nothing but a political construct for the exploitation of the masses by the devious rich.nBest wishes from the UK!

Scott waker is a KOCH addict – he is strung out on the koch brothers $ billons

I admire your strength- keep fighting–I had a poster in my classroom- for the students- now it’s for all of us- Never give up-Never give up- Never give up!

Dear Mr. Obama- You need to step up to the plate. Where have you been in all of this? You said it looked like Mr. Walker was trying to bust the unions. And for the millions of us who voted for you where do you stand?nWhen Mr. and Mrs. Walker came to the Governor’s dinner did you tell him he was wrong? Did you tell him that busting unions would not balance the budget? That taking away food from children who don’t have any wouldn’t balance the budget? Or that taxing the teacher’s pensions are just small potatoes and wouldn’t do much to give the state the millions they need back?nAnd what about telling Mr. Walker that the real problem is that the states are broke because of the BANKING industry and what they did to everyone in America. Where did the states put their money that was to be for pensions? Mr. Madoof was punished but how come no one else in the banking industry? They committed frauds worse than Mr. Madoff. Why are their CEO’s still collecting huge bonuses?nThe middle class does not need to be shoved down while they are all ready trying to find jobs, get places to live, pay for high priced gasoline, and just survive day to day. nSo please Mr. Obama step up to the plate and hit one for the home team.

From Kalamazoo, MI we are trying to get there by Tuesday late afternoon. Any words of advice for what to bring? Is it true? Have they shut down the bathrooms and stopped food/water deliveries?

This makes me happy. Not, of course, that union and workers are facing these blatant attacks from the uber-rich and their republican lap-dogs, but that the American People are standing up, together, for the American People, now.

Holly and John of Minneapolis

Yes, just Holly and John of Minneapolis.

“All that harms labor is treason to America” (Abe Lincoln)

actually it was Pastor Martin Niemoller, a German, in reference to the rise of the Nazis and the lack a response by German intellectuals.

Love the Democrats stay in Illinois kill the bill

What’s the Matter with Kansas ?, a great book by historian Thomas Frank clearly outlines how neocon conservative Cristo-fascists nwill march in lock step with republicans regardless if they vote against their self interest, which they have for the past 40 years. nnKansas, once a bastion of liberal progressive populism has turned 180u00b0 like the rest of the bible belt into a cadre of simpleton non rational nblowholes for corrupt deviant politicians that participated in an orgy of profligate spending ransacking the national treasury during thenBush era. nnReaganu2019s Voodoo trickle down economics surely worked, but in reverse. All bona fide econometric models have broadly proven that hisnmonetary policies never achieved the elicited projections, where in fact it became a platform for the systematic destruction of the middle nclass by delivering Stagflation and an explosion in the national debt; One intended consequence was making for profit corporationsnthe beneficiaries of an unregulated market that the Supreme court now has enshrined as a capable voting entity. Part two, is now set in place nwith the takeover of one of the legislative chambers and an involution is afoot to a darker Tea Party mythical Shangri La.nnThey want small government except when it relates to religion, guns, abortion and gays. Anyone that is willing to vote for a conservative-nrepublican surely has Fix News/Farce News aka Fox News plugged up their sphincter. They are masters at manipulating their ignorantnbase with fear and hatred into a debased merriment of hope.nnAs an independent southerner, do I yearn for the Clinton years, he thought us what a true fiscal conservative is all about and whichnPresident Obama is trying to replicate under a hostile political medium. Clinton, a pragmatist that put his social agenda secondary to the Keynesian economic priorities befitting of a great nation, unleashed economic forces creating unprecedented wealth in unison with a socially sustainable market for all classes to benefit from, and subsequently destroyed by Republicans… but I guess it always takes a Democrat to fix the aftermath of a Republican.n nLets’ see if the Rovian-Norquist abstraction or the deviceful sycophant puppet-master entertainers like Beck or the likes of Hannity will direct their myopic devotees to surely reinstate a cesspool of corruption and a unregulated authoritarian-nationalist theocracy.nLike my friend Tony cites, Kristallnacht revisited through a second coming of indentured servitude that these false prophets and demi-gods now controlling the reigns of power will instill on the citizenry in their misery of minimum wage surrender.n nTheir u201cPledge with Americau201d manifesto is a regurgitation of Gingrichu2019s doctrine, Contract with America, which in my opinion is code for the following 14 points of Republican Fascism:nn1- Powerful and continuing nationalismn2- Disdain for the recognition of human rightsn3- identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying causen4- Supremacy of the militaryn5- Rampant sexismn6- Controlled mass median7- Obsession with national securityn8- Religion and government are intertwinedn9- Corporate power is protectedn10- Labor power is suppressedn11- Disdain for intellectuals and the artsn12- Obsession with crime and punishmentn13- Rampant cronyism and corruptionn14- Fraudulent electionsnnPerhaps it’s an ominous sign for them to have taken control of the House of Representatives, they will have two years to show again their “magic” and then help re-elect President Obama a great 1/2 white man from Kansas !nnRicardo OrtiznA Conscious Independentnn

What’s the Matter with Kansas ?, a great book by historian Thomas Frank clearly outlines how neocon conservative Cristo-fascists nwill march in lock step with republicans regardless if they vote against their self interest, which they have for the past 40 years. nnKansas, once a bastion of liberal progressive populism has turned 180u00b0 like the rest of the bible belt into a cadre of simpleton non rational nblowholes for corrupt deviant politicians that participated in an orgy of profligate spending ransacking the national treasury during the Bush era. nnReaganu2019s Voodoo trickle down economics surely worked, but in reverse. All bona fide econometric models have broadly proven that hisnmonetary policies never achieved the elicited projections, where in fact it became a platform for the systematic destruction of the middle nclass by delivering stagflation and an explosion in the national debt; One intended consequence was making for profit corporationsnthe beneficiaries of an unregulated market that the Supreme court now has enshrined as a capable voting entity. Part two, is now set in place nwith the takeover of one of the legislative chambers and an involution is afoot to a darker Tea Party mythical Shangri La.nnThey want small government except when it relates to religion, guns, abortion and gays. Anyone that is willing to vote for a conservative-nrepublican surely has Fix News/Farce News aka Fox News plugged up their sphincter. They are masters at manipulating their ignorantnbase with fear and hatred into a debased merriment of hope.nnAs an independent southerner, do I yearn for the Clinton years, he thought us what a true fiscal conservative is all about and whichnPresident Obama is trying to replicate under a hostile political medium. Clinton, a pragmatist that put his social agenda secondary to the Keynesian economic priorities befitting of a great nation, unleashed economic forces creating unprecedented wealth in unison with a socially sustainable market for all classes to benefit from, and subsequently destroyed by Republicans… but I guess it always takes a Democrat to fix the aftermath of a Republican.nnLets’ see if the Rovian-Norquist abstraction or the deviceful sycophant puppet-master entertainers like Beck or the likes of Hannity will direct their myopic devotees to surely reinstate a cesspool of corruption and a unregulated authoritarian-nationalist theocracy.nLike my friend Tony cites, Kristallnacht revisited through a second coming of indentured servitude that these false prophets and demi-gods now controlling the reigns of power will instill on the citizenry in their misery of minimum wage surrender.nnTheir u201cPledge with Americau201d manifesto is a regurgitation of Gingrichu2019s doctrine, Contract with America, which in my opinion is code for the following 14 points of Republican Fascism:nn1- Powerful and continuing nationalismn2- Disdain for the recognition of human rightsn3- identification of enemies/scapegoats as a unifying causen4- Supremacy of the militaryn5- Rampant sexismn6- Controlled mass median7- Obsession with national securityn8- Religion and government are intertwinedn9- Corporate power is protectedn10- Labor power is suppressedn11- Disdain for intellectuals and the artsn12- Obsession with crime and punishmentn13- Rampant cronyism and corruptionn14- Fraudulent electionsnnPerhaps it’s an ominous sign for them to have taken control of the House of Representatives, they will have two years to show again their “magic” and then help re-elect President Obama a great 1/2 white man from Kansas !nnA Conscious Independentnn

Where are the pictures of the signs depicting Scott Walker as Hitler and Bill O’Rielly as a sexual predator??

The cops are rebelling against the King. NOTHING is shut down!! You might find food/water but best to bring supplies in backpacks, strollers, whatever. Just walking around once may take up to half hour….We will need you Tuesday to drown him out!!

Since writing that I have changed my mind. But no it is not because I think Democrats should ever base their decisions on what the Republicans have done in the past. Maybe it is from having spent 5 years in seminary. And no I am not now (and have never been) a minister since finishing seminary in 1985. It is just something which truly sticks with you for your whole life.nnThe reason I changed my mind is I can just see the propaganda coming out of Governor Walker’s office and every other right wing organization in the country: “Democratic Senators Admit They Are Wrong, Refuse to Accept Their Pay.”nnHaving never lived in Wisconsin I certainly do not know what the laws in the state are regarding pay for public workers. I cannot see how they can pass such a law as long as the Senate does not have a quorum. However who knows what Walker might be able to pull out of state regulations. Furthermore, I see no indication that the governor and Republican legislators have any great concern about legal niceties or even constitutionality of their actions.

Holly & Jhon you forgot Greyhound and eastern Airlines also there were meatpackers unions in the 1990′s.hey came after all of us too. Most of us ended up losing our jobs and moving on to work at whatever we could fimd. When we were on strike at Greyhound we could not get anyone else to see the need for joining together to stop the movement that Reagan and the Republicans were out to tear down the unions. Some other Unions like Ford had been brainwashed into thinking that it couldn’t happen to them. But it has, just as we tried to tell them. Anyway I am very very glad that all have decided to fight for what made this country free and built

To those that cannot understand this movement…Unions are NOT dictatorships. The members ARE the union and each has an equal vote. Plus, NO SUPER-MAJORITY REQUIRED. The Wisconsin members showed they are willing to negotiate, the Gov. showed he is not.

great job, all of you…………………

The moral majority is silent no more!

Comment somewhere on here about the paper industry and toilet paper, nevermind hemp, try cut up towels instead.

Is this possibly John and Holly the artist… and if so is it possible that I saw Holly in a crowd behind Ed Shultz on msnbc? How many Holly and Johns can there be in Minneapolis? Anyway whomever HollyandJohn are I would just like to say I love your post! nP&LnSandra

WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THE GUY THAT WILL WORK UNTIL HE IS 70 TO PAY FOR A GUY THAT HAS BEEN RETIRED FOR 20 YEARS… CAN WE REALLY BLAME THE GUY FOR BEING UPSET.

Hi Kathy.n I agree with you that if more progressives had voted in these teaparty states then the outcome would have been different. However, as is the true nature of man, it isn’t until they have been “awakened” that they take action. nI think that “awakening” is now happening all over the country.nWe must stay diligent!nPeace,nSandra

The wealthy have no shame.

May I please share this? It’s great.

Maybe this is a wake up call. People need to pay attention at the time of voting. Not just vote for the person that has an “R” behind their name or has spent more money to get elected. You get what you vote for and Wisconsin, same as Idaho and others that votes “R’s”, got real dozies. WAKE UP AMERICA – NOW IS OUR MOMENT!

Dear FAUX News – This is from the woman in Madison walking with a cane that you refused to interview because it would burst Rupert’s bubble that the only protesters are “bored UW students”. I have been crippled for forty years but worked my entire life – usually two jobs – and raised five kids who are college grads. We lost our home and pension to Wall Street robber barons but survive on SS. I can’t afford to go to dr because I supposedly make too much money to receive Medicaid so I share pain meds with my elderly dog. BUT I WAS THERE AND I WALKED AND YOU CAN’T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME!!nnI will be there again and again even if I end up crawling. I was there for civil rights and everything in between. I taught kids to be fighters and toddler grandson is learning to march. It will take someone better than Adolph Walker to make me shut up and sit down. However … I would certainly like to see President Obama charge Walker with violations of Patriot Act for “inciting violence to riot”.nnFor those of you in other 49, Walker began by rejecting train and thousands of jobs. He is driving out wind energy farms. He is still attacking Right to Vote by placing more restrictions on registering. If he sells off the UW power plants, who besides Koch Bros can afford to buy, which will drive up tuition? He is taking away funds for preschoolers. He wasn’t smart enough to graduate from college – like (shudder) Palin – so he doesn’t want anyone else to be smarter than him. EVERYONE IS SMARTER THAN HIM AND HIS CRONIES THAT HE IS REWARDING. The only stupid people are the ones who put him on top of pile of power and money. Guess what? That little white speck on top of bird shit is still SHIT!nnI thought we were alone and voiceless – I was wrong. The photos brought me to tears and the comments have bolstered my faith that being an American is still a dream worth keeping. THANK YOU ALL!!!

Power to the people!

Very Impressed with Saturdays Rally in Albany unlike the rally in Saratoga Springs, New York.

I am so glad to see that someone else sees this. I am a nurse and I worked at a local physician practice, but it had many offices and it was in a mostly republican district and kind of rural, but not that rural and they made every person they hired go to a training thing that they said was to see what kind of personality you had and it was called Disk training. When I went there it was about how to get others to do what you want, it was like a form of brainwashing and they showed you techniques to do this and they even discussed Hitler and were talking about what a genius he was! I am very outspoken and I told them that Hitler was insane. Needless to say I did not have this job very long, they found excuses to fire me!

Thank you and everyone writing and working this amazing event. AT LAST. It is so wonderful to see that “We The People” have re-awakened to truth and shed our fear of those who would eat us alive. We are essentially declaring a ne American Revolution of powerful solidarity and peaceful revolt. I have never felt such powerful HOPE in all my seventy years… and my earnest prayers and blessings go with you all.nnWe have watched passively for the past five decades while the rich corporate Vermin chewed away at our Nation’s Constitution and Bill of Rights, depriving and diminisning the Middle Class who dwindled to become the Pooor Working Class, where citizens become too discouraged and disheartened to bother thinking for themselves. so they gradually give in and allow themselves to be led, like goats to slaughter, by the likes of Far Right Religious Fundamentalists, Rabid Republicans, and Tea Party fanatics… all of the same cloth, who promise nothing but LIES and continue to feast on our ignorance of Truth. BUT NO MORE!!! WE ARE AWAKE AND WE ARE TAKING BACK OUR RIGHTS AND POWER. nnIn Peace.

Then they came for our rights and freedoms,nAnd I didn’t speak out because I believed we had to keep our country safe from terrorists.

And if you can read this, THANK A TEACHER!

If the Governor won’t listen to the people then it is time for him to leave.nHe’s supposed to serve the people, all the people.

Are you referring to Social Security or to union retirees? The retirement of the guy that retired 20 years ago was funded IN PART by the guys that retired 30-40 years ago. The point is we work to make today and tomorrow better for ourselves and those that follow. When I joined my union I was making a $6/hr. Minimum wage was under $2. When I retired I was making $26. Min. wage was $7+. Do we want to use minimum wage as the standard or have min. wage raised because union pay is the standard? That is what collective bargaining is all about, but remember it is a negotiated contract, give & take on both sides. Walker is not giving, only taking.

We are so proud of our troops who are being sent to Afghanistan at the cost of $1 million per person for the sake of freedom–why? The real freedom fighters are in Wisoncon and they do it for free–thank God for that.

Corporate and Personal Greed is destroying our country.nnHOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?nHow many Cars can one person drive?n How many TV’s can one person watch?n How many Mansions does one need to live?n How many Yachts? nHow many Rolex?nHow many $500.00 bottles of Wine nHow many Swiss Bank Accounts?n How many private planes?n How much jewelry can one woman wear?n How many designer dresses does one woman need?nHow many pairs of shoes? n How many trips can one person take? n How much caviar can one person eat?nnnIf you are wealthy and read this your answer will be … never enough!nnYou see, opulence is a disease without a cure. nnTracy Chapman wrote a song in the 80′s and it was called…nOne day the poor people will rise up and take their share…maybe that time is NOW.nnnnnnn

Someone tell me what is wrong with a “right to work” sceanario. Why do you have to belong to a union to work in some jobs? The employer creates jobs – not unions. If you don’t like the employer – you have the freedon to leave andf find other work. Employers will pay well for good staff. Unions kill competitiveness. Why to teacher’s unions use

continued… nnLIFO employment/retention?? Keeping teachers in place because they have been in longer that younger good teachers is harming our kids education..nnnAny one have a clue?

Govenor Walker and the Republicans are trying to pit tax payers against union members ……..nDAAAAAAAAAAAA ……. Union members ARE TAX PAYERS. Unions set the standers for the rest of the work force.nFOLKS “DON`T FALL FOR IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!nThe fight goes on ……………..

nsolve our deposit problem, put the tax rate back to before GW lied to the world.

“We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.”n– Justice Louis D. Brandeis ( more than 60 years ago )

As a Wiscosinite &a public employee retired after 32 years of public service, this montage of support around the country has just brought tears to my eyes. As one of over 80,000 at nsaturday’sMadison rally we are trying to wrest control of our State’s future from our Nixonesque Governor and the evil corporate puppet masters who are funding a national campaign to bust unions and take away funding for schools, Medicaid and public services.nThank you all who came out for Move-On and Saving the American Dream rallies. We will continue to represent you and resist with all our God given might until these schemes are exposed and thwarted!

When the supreme court gave corporations the power to influence the votes with money, we were sold down the river to poverty. soon we will be Egypt, Liby fighting for our right to democracy. Time to wake up America.

God Bless you all for being there. I wanted to go to Dover, DE. but I had to work. Thank God I have a job to go to.

The Gov is listening to the people.. that is why he is doing what he is doing – representing the majority of the Wisconsin voting population… Unions are the loudest but not the majority..

I highly commend Mr. Trumpka the Union President for suggesting that we they tax every stock trade one half of a penny. That would sure bring in a lot of money for State or Federal Budgets!n

I’m pro union but public workers + union = conflict of interest…nnYou guys should have be paid what people in the private sector are paid. You work 170 days a year…

The middle class is under attack on many levels, while those at the top continue to get fatter and fatter. The public has been indoctrinated with the idea that politicians who are in control are fighting for them. Ideological thinking rules those who wield control. We, those of us who populate the middle and lower financial end must educate ourselves. Without a middle class, this country is in deep trouble.

This is whats happening to us in the private sector and we pay for your benefits. Shame on you guys…

It is imperative that we all stand up for what we believe. We need to have our voices heard in whatever way we can.

Neither do you teachers who are doing much better than much of the country and you are complaining about it. You guys need to pay a pittance more for benefits and you cry like babies…

You guys are teachers, why don’t you work together to solve this problem rather than fight one symptom of it? Stop your belly aching and use your heads.

To JRVRTOO :You have been listening to too much Glenn Beck, Limpball and the like.nWhy don’t you look up the facts about unions and not listen to lies about Unions? nUnions are the reason we are not YET a third world country. Union members do not mind paying union dues if their best interest is at stake. nWithout Unions these huge corporations who make billions off the backs of the hard working Americans would get away with murder. Their bottom line is money … not people.nI say Hurray for the Unions! The unions set the standard and when that is gone… and with no regulations, then the corporations have won. Third world …here we come.

Do not blink america,the wolves are at the door! where is our leadership,where are there voices,I’ve been to a couple of rallys in Denver and in both cases the speakers are union poeple.

I went to the Arizona rally on Saturday. My favorite signs were “Mr. President where are your shoes” and “GreedyOnePercent”.

Hmm, they didn’t use the photos of the union thug arrested in Sacramento for assaulting a counter-protestor? Or the video from Atlanta of another guy union supporter shoving a counter demonstrator with a blindside hit?

It’s good to hear some of the voices here. I am so sadden by friends who listen to the rightwing media machine. I mean really, a few billionaires hire a 50M$ a year junkie and a 20M$ a year delusional Alcoholic to tell them that people who make 40,000$ a year are the Privileged Class and they buy it as irrefutable fact. Now I know how Goebbels got 10′s of millions to believe that the US attacked Japan at Pearl Harbor.

nTo Jason Aron Moron n”you guys should have be (quoting you) paid what people in the private sector are paid.”nnIt sounds like you are referring to teachers and personally, I don’t think teachers are paid enough who work in the public school system anywhere in this country.nnI do think you are listening to too much right wing propaganda which is trying to pit non union works against union workers.nnAnd anyway, Jason, if you can read this and wrote that then you ought to be thanking your teachers instead of begrudging their middle class life style. If you think teachers have it so good why don’t you go to school and get a degree in teaching so you can have what you say they don’t deserve.nnSandrannnntn

This is not about the guy who is 70. This about our children,and our future,if we let these poeple have their way, yet again, They will continue to attack the middle class until it is no more.

You don’t pay for our pension. Teachers get a compensation and part (5%) of OUR WHOLE COMPENSATION is put into a trust fund for our use in retirement. Get informed: Our pension is entirely self funded.. Scott Walker has the same setup, as an elected official, but he pays only 3.2%!

In England, activists are (not surprisingly, imho) meeting w/ a lot of success holding siege actions [picketers keep a 24/7 vigil around the target by scheduling participating protesters in staggered shifts] at the headquarters of Mega-Corporations who don’t pay their taxes; placards remind folks that the targeted multinational doesn’t pay ANY taxes, pays less in taxes than do individual citizens, avoids paying their way by offshore-ing their finances to the Cayman Isls, etc. This (again, imo) turns-the-tables… it’s a direct response to the Meme that the NeoCon propaganda machine is constantly putting out there: “now is the time for everyone to sacrifice”, It’s a constant reminder / counter-Meme that one group hasn’t sacrificed a damn thing since their puppet Reagan’s Regime. And aren’t you tired of our (Democratic) Leadership keeping us constantly on the defensive, lying down to the least provocations? Take the fight to the Big Corporations… plant 100 of us 24/7 around their steel-&-glass towers and demand that they START paying their fair share… force them to justify why they’re getting tax breaks while the rest of us r getting bled dry. It will be a lot harder for them to keep the “EVERYONE must suffer” myth alive while there’s a constant reminder that the richest aren’t paying diddly.nn Now I realize this is the internet, that I’ve just put out here that there’s a good idea worth trying, and that, therefore, the first 50 of you who read this will be unable to suppress the knee-jerk reaction to knock the idea down…so first, look it up. Google it. Take a minute and think it through… what ELSE do we have going? If it were up to me, every damn adult and child American would be out on the streets – what happened yesterday would be a TAME day… Like you (I bet), I’ve tried (and failed – - spectacularly) to get my friends/family to come along to the protests I travel to in DC and Ft. Bragg and NYC… So now we’ve had a day when all theez Newbies turned out. Great! How do we KEEP them engaged? What’s next? Do we just let the moment pass? Right now, coming off a Saturday when a lot of asses got off a lot of couches, many of us r looking for the answer to these questions. Well, my Liberal Brothers & Sisters, nothing succeeds like success… and if this is working elsewhere, why the hell would we NOT want to at least try it? This is a tactic that is working. nnSo what’s needed? Simple – a list of the biggest corporations who don’t pay taxes…….. and groups in every state to pick one (or, if they have ‘too many’ volunteers, maybe two) of thoz tax-dodgers and lay siege to their state’s target-corporation headquarters….(I believe it would be most effective to – as is being done in Europe – pick one or two corporations and lay down one concerted action on that outfit nation-wide… but that’s just one man’s opinion..)nnEnough of this laying out on our pickets the NeoCon tactics we DON’T like – - – let’s put on our placards what we DO want and take the fight to the enemy. (And please, if you don’t like this idea – fine… scroll merrily on your way… you’re probably more into blowing air than you are into actually doing something. ‘Get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand…’)n

I’ve noticed that the people who use American flags for their photos are always the least patriotic in their post, like Jim here.nThey get their information from foolish people on TV and just spew that same garbage any chance they get. nnThe problem is …they BELIEVE IT!

It will be a lot harder for them to keep the “EVERYONE must suffer” myth alive while there’s a constant reminder that the richest aren’t paying diddly.nn Now I realize this is the internet, that I’ve just put out here that there’s a good idea worth trying, and that, therefore, the first 50 of you who read this will be unable to suppress the knee-jerk reaction to knock the idea down…so first, look it up. Google it. Take a minute and think it through… what ELSE do we have going? If it were up to me, every damn adult and child American would be out on the streets – what happened yesterday would be a TAME day… Like you (I bet), I’ve tried (and failed – - spectacularly) to get my friends/family to come along to the protests I travel to in DC and Ft. Bragg and NYC… So now we’ve had a day when all theez Newbies turned out. Great! How do we KEEP them engaged? What’s next? Do we just let the moment pass? Right now, coming off a Saturday when a lot of asses got off a lot of couches, many of us r looking for the answer to these questions. Well, my Liberal Brothers & Sisters, nothing succeeds like success… and if this is working elsewhere, why the hell would we NOT want to at least try it? This is a tactic that is working. nnSo what’s needed? Simple – a list of the biggest corporations who don’t pay taxes…….. and groups in every state to pick one (or, if they have ‘too many’ volunteers, maybe two) of thoz tax-dodgers and lay siege to their state’s target-corporation headquarters….(I believe it would be most effective to – as is being done in Europe – pick one or two corporations and lay down one concerted action on that outfit nation-wide… but that’s just one man’s opinion..)nnEnough of this laying out on our pickets the NeoCon tactics we DON’T like – - – let’s put on our placards what we DO want and take the fight to the enemy. (And please, if you don’t like this idea – fine… scroll merrily on your way… you’re probably more into blowing air than you are into actually doing something. ‘Get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand…’)n

Do we just let the moment pass? Right now, coming off a Saturday when a lot of asses got off a lot of couches, many of us r looking for the answer to these questions. Well, my Liberal Brothers & Sisters, nothing succeeds like success… and if this is working elsewhere, why the hell would we NOT want to at least try it? This is a tactic that is working. nnSo what’s needed? Simple – a list of the biggest corporations who don’t pay taxes…….. and groups in every state to pick one (or, if they have ‘too many’ volunteers, maybe two) of thoz tax-dodgers and lay siege to their state’s target-corporation headquarters….(I believe it would be most effective to – as is being done in Europe – pick one or two corporations and lay down one concerted action on that outfit nation-wide… but that’s just one man’s opinion..)nnEnough of this laying out on our pickets the NeoCon tactics we DON’T like – - – let’s put on our placards what we DO want and take the fight to the enemy. (And please, if you don’t like this idea – fine… scroll merrily on your way… you’re probably more into blowing air than you are into actually doing something. ‘Get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand…’)n

Great news and pics I have prayed for days like this. It is about time!!! Either we stand up for what is right or the middle class and the poor all go down. It was very clear to me that the tea party was truly not for the middle class and the poor. It was a faction that made people believe and got elected on out and out lies. If I was in Wisconsin, I would be persuing the state laws and see if they cannot impeach Scott Walker. Start listenig to honest news and get it correctly instead of the ridiculous garbage some are feeding us. Start checking out facts yourself. So good to see ordinary people standing up for our fellow Americans. We need more unions not less. An individual cannot protect themselves anymore against losing their livelyhoods. We also need to support politicians and our President who have the heart to fight for us. We are after all the majority in this country and we need to start acting like it!! If we cannot go to a rally there are plenty of avenues to voice our concerns and opinions! Write a letter to your congressmen and women. Make a phone call to voice your opinion on issues. We waste more time then that watching opne TV show. shich is more important??? Us the avenues we have for good for instance. Read what is true or not, use our phones to voice ourconcerns and opinions, write a letter to your representatives. be active in your community, be active in your political party. Even in a political party your views made be heard. Great job to every one this weekend.

We Bobs agree.

I am a Union menber TWU Local 100 AFLCIO NY NY.n Social Sec. going broke? Lie#1!! President Johnson took all the money out of SS to pay for the Vietnam war. The SS gets paid from the general fund now. There has allways been more money comming in than going out and for the next 40 years. Think of the amount of money there, if they never touched it! Lie #2 The retirement plan can not sustain it self. NYCERS, my retirement plan with all NY puplic workers has got over 110 billion in it. It has been self sustaining for as long as I been here, and has bailed out NYC twice in the last 28 years. Unlike New Jersey who raided there public retirement fund for 80 billion and now has a hole of minus 30 billion, Gov Christy wants to get rid of the public sector workers and unions because he cant repay the monery but instead, gave tax brakes to the ultra rich and corporations. Sounds like Wisconson? You bet. New Jersey is next.n Later Johnny G NYC Long Island

looks like a nice photo op. nothing got accomplished. well i guess they got to make neat signs, sat in the cold and maybe someone will take their picture so they can be in the paper or on a website to show how much they care. the people of egypt know how to get results. politicians, unions and teachers stifle freedom, creativity and individualismn

first they put away the dealers to keep our kids safe and off the streetsnthen they put away the prostitues to keep the married men close to their homesnthen they shewed away the bums and beat a bunch of queersnits funny no one was left to notice when they came for us

Thank You, the adverage American for standing up for what we know is Right. It looks like the next two years are going to be about standing Together for what we believe in.

looks like a nice photo op to show how much they care. the people of egypt get results. the people of yesterday got nothing but to make neat signs and to sit in the cold. what about the real injustices of todays society.

I plan to send them a check for $100. They are doing work for me by refusing to play against a stacked deck and further hurt Unions and All working people. (Retired teacher who contributed 100% of the funding for her retirement plan.)

wheres the president?

For our Church going CEOs, remember the words of Jesus: “It will be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Thank you 50 United States! You give me many more reasons to be glad I was able to serve on AFSCME’s Local 1 board and as a union steward!

Jason, if the teachers have it so great, why don’t you become one. Oh yeah, I am not a teacher or a union member.

How long before these teapartiers get it? They are being duped by the Koch brothers and their ilk. Most of us support fiscal responsibility… I mean, we of the middle and lower class have no choice but to practice it on a personal level. However, once people like Walker succeed in dismantling the protections afforded us and our livelihoods through union intervention, the bus wheels will roll over everyone. How long before each of us — including those supporting the Tea Party — is thrown under the bus. WAKE UP, teabaggers!

So inspired; so grateful for you, Move On .org to help keep the connections alive. Americans are politically savvy when we get to the streets to show solidarity, call out the lies spewing from corporate America., and hold politician’s feet to the fire. We need to REMEMBER how essential it is to participate well beyond voting. Keep Democracy alive and capitalism’s greed in check.

No, but in Madison, which is OUR HOUSE, the house that we built, there are 8 entrances. (more if you count the ones that are under the 4 great stairways). When I first got there on Tuesday last week, the entrances were unrestricted. Later, on Thursday, only 2 could be used.nThen only one, allegedly because the building was full “so that we could be counted and that for any one person out, one could come in. On Sunday we were told that we had to clear the building by 4pm. but the protesters would not be intimidated.Also, the police force in the building had more than quadrupled by Sunday. The shields read: City of Milwaukee, Madison, Racine and other Wisconsin cities. Also the Sheriffs were not just from the Madison county but also from other counties across the State. I also saw several plainclothes “legal observers”. When you also consider how they did a “surprise vote” in the middle of the night (4:am) to get this bill to pass the house, excuse me if my trust is a little low. There is an obvious penchant toward intimidation which reminds me of the 60s.

HI Wisconsin, I appreciate all the hard work you are doing! I am awestruck by your numbers I see in the photographs! I wish I could be with you now. I have been standing with you here in Iowa! –Daenna

Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan, Libya….People are standing up and risking their lives to oust the GREEDY ruling dictators who have been destroying their lives for years. Here in the US we don’t have it so tough IN YOUR FACE, but we are nonetheless CONTROLLED by a greedy ruling class! Capitalism has run amok and it’s more valued to Ponzi the US citizens out of our homes, schools, careers and lifestyles than to create a wonderful future for all our people. nnMy question is: when are WE going to unite and demand that the ULTRA-WEALTHY start investing in our country? Stop shipping all our jobs overseas, cutting our SCHOOL budgets (first on the chopping block, including here in Colorado, almost $500 PER STUDENT proposed cuts!). Let’s stand up for transparency in banking, campaign funding, military spending, bloated uneeded government jobs, etc. If we don’t, FORGET about a future in the US. You’ll be better off in the middle east. We’re heading towards the decline of the Roman Empire, take II. Who’s ready to lead the charge? Stand up against the “powers that be”? We can’t just think “they’re too strong” and back off. Let’s follow the example of the Middle East and DEMAND action! NOW!!

Right on! The best way to support our troops is BRING THEM HOME!!!. This will also begin to address the REAL cause of this deplorable economy situation: the unbelievable growth of our military. If only it went to our Veterans!!!

I couldn’t have said it better tam1967…we have been docile for too long watching from the side lines, and if it wasn’t on our own doorsteps we tend to ignore it, and now we’re reaping the results, we are sinking fast as poor and middle class Americans and we must do someting now! Get the corrupted Republicans who are sold out to Corporate industries out of office before they destroy us completely!!!!!!!!!!

New, original lyrics for the “On Wisconsin” fight song. I passed out about 100 copies, and small groups of us sang it at the Denver rally on Saturday, Feb 26. Anyone who wants may use these lyrics. nnOn Wisconsin! On Wisconsin!nWade into that fray.nRepublicans may try to stop younBut you will win the day.nnRah, Rah, RahnnThe governor is out to get younThinks he’s got the mightnRally for democracy,nDemand your right u2026 nn(All Yell) TO BARGAIN COLLECTIVELY !!!nnLyrics u00a9 by: savta1.deanna@gmail.comn

Exactly: If my Union does something I don’t approve, I can get out and not pay my union dues. What leverage do I have when a big corporation uses their money to influence politics? NONE. That is the difference.

Just because you don’t like unions doesn’t make them fraudulent. They get their power for the will of the unionists amongst us. They are WE THE PEOPLE. Wanna talk about fraud? Bernie Madoff, Tarped banks that took our tax dollars to buy out their competition, Gigonormous bonuses pays to big corporation execs even as their company was going under.nWanna go on? How about Scott Walker, whose deep pocket friends, the Koch, established a HEADQUARTERS IN MADISON ONLY DAYS AFTER THEIR PRODIGY WON THE ELECTION. Hmmm…?

Well I will be fussed! We are an American people once again rather than a stereotype in a commercial….and I love what we are selling here! ( broad smile to my brothers and sisters)

I like your idea Zen. We need to get the ball rolling and keep the momentum. How can we sit back after our country got the biggest Ponzi put on us when WE paid back the banks, for losing OUR money!!, and now having the big bux boys continue with their greed and take, take, take. This country needs a MAJOR revolution to put it back on track. nnAre you ready to get this going and find which companies need to be targeted? and get an organized effort going? I think the US is ready to say “enough is ENOUGH, we want our country back!!!!”

This is absolutely true…it is not only our right to vote, it is our DUTY.

I am so glad to see that we are acting more like the American people again. Mass media has fed the rest of the world a stereotype about the average American that they control and is also false. As if they know what IS the average normal American worker. The world at large needs to know that WE, the majority of citizens do not live like they portray us in advertising.nn And if you push us to far…well…here you have it! I am very proud of us all! Lets keep it going…this is just the beginning. We need our U.S. Constitution to be a living document and not some piece of paper they manipulate laws around in order to squeeze all our rights and every penny from us while letting the rich skip out on their responsibility to the nation.

Social Security is NOT in trouble. It has a 2.6 TRILLION DOLLAR SURPLUS right now. The politicians want to take it and give it to Wall Street friends. Don’t let them. Ask your legislator to demand the rich pay social security tax on ALL their income just like the rest of us. Right now they DON’T pay anything on income over $100,000. That’s not right!!!

Look to Tunisa and Egypt for hope and example.Long live King , Gandi and Mandela. Don’t let them take us backwards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

We looked for “Hope” in one man. How foolish. It was there all this time but it took Wisconsin to show us the way. Hope is in us all as long as we remain united against the avarice and tyranny of the ubber-wealthy, the Corporate Elite and their sycophantic politicians and lobbyist. Hope is there when we stand together. We stand together or we fall alone. Stand strong America. Stand strong Wisconsin. We stand with you!

Almost every politician in america is corrupt. But we the people can’t impeach them.nnAlso, WE THE PEOPLE are paying the taxes which go to your union workers pay. So WE THE PEOPLE should have a say in your pay. I like the new bill, it puts your pay raises up for a public referendum.

We looked for “Hope” in one man. How foolish. It was there all this time. it took Wisconsin to show us the way. Hope is there when we stand together. Stand strong America. Stand strong Wisconsin. We stand we you!

A new American civil war has started as We the People unite together for The Greater Good seeing how, under the radar, we allowed big corporations to amass enormous sums of money and power. They are trying to drive us down, but we are not their pawns! We are just beginning to stand up and find our Strength in Numbers. Thank you Wisconsin Workers, for inspiring us to action! It may take a few years, but we can and will Reclaim Our Democracy of the People, for the People. OVERTURN “CITIZENS [corporations] UNITED” vs. FEC!

You seem to allude to tenure, from the French “tenir” to have. Established, alledgedly so that we can keep the incompetent. And, no. That is a myth too: There is no tenure and there has been no tenure since 1980. Before that date Teachers, especially at the Universities were “tenured” so that their skills would not migrate to the public sector, where their skill is amply rewarded. nThe fact is that if a School Disctrict wants to fire you, they have to go through due process. That, my friend, is democracy in action. You should not be fired without due cause.nFirst, an Administrator establishes a complaint against that teacher and put him/her on “report”. That is no small punishment for after this, they can demand that this teacher provide the Administration with a copy of their lesson plans, (daily instead of weekly). Teachers on report must make themselves available to answer any and all criticism against their performance at any time and make as many meetings at it takes to clear this. They must also submit any worksheet to their Administrator before they can teach that day. If the Admin disapproves, the teacher has to come up with an alternative, usually at the last minute. I’ve seen a man brought to tears repeatedly over this harassment. He finally could not take it any more and submitted his resignation. This myth that incompetent teachers cannot be fired is a crock, a favorite meme of conservatives.

They negotiated well! deal with it. You should do the same, wages are set by Unions. If Mr. Walker has it his way – child labor, slave wages. Get a grip! nP.S. I too am not a teacher – or union member. Always fight for the working class. Now go post on a CEO’s website the ridiculous, disgusting amounts of money these jokers make.nThen go post on each one of our government representatives – we pay for everything they have….and they bitch about how awful our gov’t is or too big. nPlease get your priorities straight….

You are ridiculous! unions are the last line of defense the middle has against corporations. Wake up!

Made me want to cry. Thank you. (Did make me cry!)

“Right to work” is a phrase coined at the time of the great labor unrests of the last century. Specifically, when there was a strike, “scabs” were often brought in by Management to break up the strike. Since there was no “stike fund”, workers who did not report to work were not paid. Union workers were told “not to cross the picket line”. If they did not report to work, they could be fired. If they did, other workers would take them to task.nBut,take my school district: Technically, it is a closed shop and we are Unionized. That is, when there is a problem, a Union Rep is allowed to represent our interests to the School District. But in my district, not all members pay union dues. I had a fellow teacher not paying her dues because she “disapproved of unions”. However, when we negotiated the contract for her, I never saw her refuse the increase in pay or in benefits. That is hypocrisy. I think that when the Union negotiates our contract, those who do not pay union dues should be left alone to try and get their lot improved on their own. There should be 2 payscales: one for those who support the Unions and another one, for those who don’t. I bet you these teachers would fall in line pretty fast. The main reason that this is not beeing done is that it creates interminable headaches for the person(s) in charge of Payrolls.

What country are you in Mr. Jason?? Certainly not in the USA. I would gladly pay a “pittance more for benefits” …. oh wait that’s right I have no benefits…. Sure wish that I could vote myself a raise, have a car and cell phone given to me free of charge, take a week vacation once a month, feel secure that at the celebration on my 70th birthday that there is actually a social security check in the mail to show for the 55 years I have paid into an account that the politicians feel free to dip into for the little pork projects. Wake up Mr. Moran or is that moron??

Actually, Walker won by a slim majority. Definitively not a “mandate”. nAnd from what I see in Madison day in and day out, he is fast losing that. Not just the Public employees’ unions, but also all the “private secor” unions have now realized what Walker is after: Public employee unions have already acceeded to his demands and the “crisis” (really created by his largesse toward big business as soon as he took office),*this* crisis has been averted.nScott Walker wants more than that: he wants to have the unions ask again each year for the right to unionize. That is ridiculous and he knows it: nWhen there is an abhorrent contract to be accepted or rejected, it is a little late to make a request to that same Governor, hope that he will acceed to that demand (good luck there), think of a possible counter-offer that not-unionized teachers can agree on, and organize for a vote. (OOOPs, my bad: there may not be any vote). It is a little like declaring a war and ask for the funds to Congress to make the warplanes then start enlisting.

Attended my first rally in Augusta, Maine and want to thank everyone in the world that is backing us up for workers rights and protection of the working middle class! This Independent voter is backing up the Wisconsin 14 et al.

That is so true. How did we let these tea party candidates get elected in the first place?nWell, it isn’t really such a mystery. WE DID NOT TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY. We thought, gosh those people are such raciest idiots but we DID underestimate the power of propaganda.nI hope this is a lesson to all progressives and awakened Republicans… NOT voting has serious consequences.

Thank you from Wisconsin!

A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned – this is the sum of good government. nThomas Jefferson nnTake that, Walker!!!nnMarcia & Paul Henry – Wishon, CAnnn

“And what country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time, that this people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to the facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.” nThomas JeffersonnnRevolt NOW!!!!

But we are (working together) and we did(solve this problem) by accepting all other financial hardships the suggested. And again, we are using our heads in this blog to get Scotty out of power. Hmmm. and besides YOUR bellyaching, what are you doing, exactly???

Do you really think any church going CEO’s are reading these post? Hardly. They are on their yachts drinking Champaign My concerns are secular.nQuality of life in the here and now. nThere are over 40 MILLION people in this country, land of the plenty and home of the brave, LIVING IN POVERTY.n n

I learned that lesson too, in PUBLIC SCHOOL. Thank you, just about to do a version of this, from a holocaust survivor or Elie Wiesel, I don’t remember. Love your update of it cause it so dam right on. Thank you!!!!

My concerns are secular too, Sandra. However, Repubs often see us a non-christian and anti-patriotic. The point I was making is that if they are so christian, why do they adopt a behavior that will not lead them to heaven according to their u00f6wn”beliefs

We had over 1,000 show up in the rain – in sunny San Diego. Even with the rain (which normally keeps folk indoors, oddly enough) we had 130+ unions represented, and quite a few legislators.

Maybe I missed it, although I looked carefully, but — where’s the WEAC nlogo? in your closing, where you feature all the organizations that support the WI workers. I was a WEAC member for decades, and I KNOW they supported this cause. nOh, well………..I’m not very mobile any more —- too old and beat up, But my heart is there in Madison forever. nMove ONNNNNN!

You are right Hank, but Obama got to get the corp to stay here I USA first and we as a people need work on mobilization of the Corp with or with unions. I wish I had a union in my 45yr carree so I could of been paid better as the educated woman I was. But I known R. Regan was starting to take down the middle class and poor working class like me back in the 80′s but know one wanted to listen to a black woman. Thank God he let me live long enough to see everyone wake up!!!

Thank you, what a beautiful montage of photos showing the true American spirit and what it truelly means to be free, for if this was in another country, we would all have been shot at, gassed at etc…

A government leader takes millions from outside sources. He grants special considerations to his para-military police supporters, then orders them to round up political dissidents so he can consolidate his power. He shuts down important telecommunication systems.nA scenario from the Middle East? Yes, but also quite similar to whatu2019s happening in Wisconsin. Financed by Kansas billionaire brothers, wrapping his political agenda in a spurious flag of fiscal concern, Republican Gov. Scott Walker exempts state police unions from his union-busting plans, ignores the government workersu2019 offer to trim salaries and work days, and even shuts down the state comment line because too many people called in to complain about his attempts to take away worker rights.nWe cheer on the brave Middle East demonstrators seeking freedom from oppression in their countries. We take the rabid ramblings of their dictators as carefully calculated lies and lend our moral support to those putting their lives on the line to help their neighbors, everyday people. We need to be doing the same in Wisconsin.n

A government leader takes millions from outside sources. He grants special considerations to his para-military police supporters, then orders them to round up political dissidents so he can consolidate his power. He shuts down important telecommunication systems.n A scenario from the Middle East? Yes, but also quite similar to whatu2019s happening in Wisconsin. Financed by Kansas billionaire brothers, wrapping his political agenda in a spurious flag of fiscal concern, Republican Gov. Scott Walker exempts state police unions from his union-busting plans, ignores the government workersu2019 offer to trim salaries and work days, and even shuts down the state comment line because too many people called in to complain about his attempts to take away worker rights.n We cheer on the brave Middle East demonstrators seeking freedom from oppression in their countries. We take the rabid ramblings of their dictators as carefully calculated lies and lend our moral support to those putting their lives on the line to help their neighbors, everyday people. We need to be doing the same in Wisconsin.n

I saw no one gather in protest when thousands lost their jobs, homes, dignity 2+ years ago when the economy first took a turn for the worse…We have all made our sacrifices …now you are the only one’s left and sad to say it is time…Maybe is why I am not protesting…because I have already had my right’s stripped from me!

So very well put, keep being the Lights in the semi-darkness eh?! If you and Everyone else did not.. The very events that this page displays would Never have been if Many Many people had not been steadily following their own true compasses every day instead of giving in to “the Machines” (siren calls) for mass distraction and confusion and “Disengagement”. Keep it up and we will too. If you actually Work for something (that you Need to Eat and Shelter yourself and or family too) you could NEVER just let some person that already has More than they could ever spend in multiple lifetimes come and take it away for No reason.. Could You?! Unbelievable what’s been going on for so long..

Good Kenneth, but not enough. Put the tax rates back to what they were under a Republican President, Dwight Eisenhower. In the 1950s the people with the highest incomes paid a marginal tax rate of over 90%. It didn’t hurt them a bit and our deficit was much smaller – even got the World War II deficits paid off! Eisenhower understood the value of public works too – he started the Interstate Highway system. How far the Republicans have fallen!

They don’t care about anybody but THEMSELVES, THE RICH THAT IS! They want to take and take until we have nothing more than the slaves and serfs did back in the “good ole days!” I keep saying they just want to go back to the days when they had total control over everything. They DON’T WANT TO SHARE ANYTHING WITH ANYONE! They are greedy, selfish people!

Yes – where is Obama? During the campaign he said if there were trouble like this he would “put on a comfortable pair of shoes and march with the workers”. If he will come to Madison and march with the demostrators I will even buy him a comfortable pair of shoes!

Jason – unionized public workers are paid LESS than what workers with equivalent qualifications are paid in the private sector!

Well Wisconsin can’t afford Walker!

You got that right!!!!!

You are so right! If we eleiminate the salary cap the “problems” of social Security just go away on their own!

Maybe the Koch brothers will see all these wonderfully supportive people and realize that sometimes there are things that money simply cannot buy.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO TURNED OUT! I’M SO PROUD OF YOU! LET’S NEVER FORGET THIS IN FUTURE ELECTIONS! EVERYONE’S VOTE DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

i hope this is IT. The straw that broke the camel’s back so to speak. Now, rather than dread 2012 I look forward to it with great optimism.

Pulease!!! This country cannot afford the bloated pensions you have saddled the states with. You should buy your own pension using 401K like the rest of us Americans do. Shame on you. For the people and against the unions bargaining for benefits and health.

It makes me proud to see so many standing up for their rights. Americans have been silent too long.

You don’t pay for mine either. I’m a teacher and I have 8% of my pay deducted for my pension. My health insurance is also deducted from my pay. I will never get the social security that I paid into befor becoming a teacher. If I choose to work in the provate sector after retirement, I will pay into social security, but will never get the benefit. After retirement, if I choose to work for the state, I will continue to pay 8% of my pay into the pension fund, but again, I will not get any benefit from it. It’s actually a pretty good deal for the private sector.

Amen!!! Also, republicans expect americans to believe that President Obama created the deficit, I mean really. When Bush took office he doubled the salary that Clinton was paid, gave increases to the house and senate and big rebates to the wealthy. After so many middle class jobs were lost who is suppose to pay taxes? Hence, the big deficit. That is not mentioning the billions spent in Iraq.

You are absolutely right on. They have a sytematic plan, and if we don’t wake up, it will be too late. I hope all this chit chat is not for blowing off steam, but to put us into action. What can we all do? How do we get info. on how we can effect real change? Wanting to help in Ca. Tam1967

Love it! I wrote about this in my blog- it’s a blog I started with a conservative prosecutor (I’m a liberal public defender). I support unions, Wisconsin, and democracy!nI told my readers to join this movement!nhttp://twoangelsofjustice.blogspot.com/2011/02/save-american-dream-stand-with.html

I am a teacher in Wisconsin. Thank you to all of my colleagues and friends around this fabulous country for standing up to support us, and for helping to show that our democracy should be representative of the people! To represent the people they need to listen to the people!

Who the hell is this Snot Walker you guys are talking about?nnAnyway – I’m so proud of the courage, stamina, determination, strength, dedication, and patriotism you in Wisconsin have shown. You’ve opened many eyes and ears in our proud nation. And see how those values are spreading. I think the greedy rich have kept us so busy making a living so as to make us so exhausted they thought we’d give in every step of the way. How do they sleep at night?nnRight on Wisconsin!

Who the hell is this Snot Walker you guys are talking about?nnAnyway – I’m so proud of the courage, stamina, determination, strength, dedication, and patriotism you in Wisconsin have shown. You’ve opened many eyes and ears in our proud nation. And see how those values are spreading. I think the greedy rich have kept us so busy making a living so as to make us so exhausted they thought we’d give in every step of the way. How do they sleep at night?nnRight on Wisconsin!

46 states are facing bankruptcy because the U.S. Federal gov. has taken all the money!! We want the military/defense industries to retool for green products and stop asking the Federal Government for money for ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction. The ‘power’ and ‘influence’ of the corporations of the Military/Industrial Complex is the core/ root problem here. Our Congress are whimps…they TAKE campaign funds from corporations and they could still Vote For The People, but they do not. We must DEMAND of CONGRESS to stop the 700B yearly Pentagon spending and return the money to the states!n Mary Hath Spokane, Peace Prophet

I am just so excited about “this”! Let’s keep the momentum going! Seize the moment. (u00bfCarpe Diem?…)

I am just so excited about this “activism”. Keep the momentum going! Is the expression “Carpe Diem”=”Seize The Moment”. Good Job!

America was built on the the backs of the working class and their families. The true Tea Party is what is going on in the middle East and Wisconsin, not the corporate sponsored tea party. The silent majority is starting to speak as one family. A family will only go so long with out standing up and being counted.

The photos and many support messages simply overwhelm me with pride – AFSCME member – until I retired 8 years ago. We are with you Wisconsin and with all workers everywhere who are standing up for workers’ rights to ORGANIZE and UNIONIZE and BARGAIN COLLECTIVELY! THANK YOU with a million bows!

Proud to be a member of the family – AFSCME [until I retired 8 years ago]. All of this wonderful solidarity – I was in SF for the rally – and good will makes me happy and optimistic that the tide will return to workers to chart the future of our country . . . let the workers rule!

wow1 At last there are some opportunities for democracy even for a little person like me….I saw it happen on Sat with 5000 other beautiful people.

Do you think you’re funny? Are you serious? I’ve been to the Concentration camp where the original piece was penned…………..H & J’s rewrite was clever and thought-provoking………….you can’t even spell ‘shoo’.'Christ…………..

RePubs are putting the Movement back into the Union Movement?

I always like to tell my Sisters and Brothers – remember – “U” are the U in UNION

What does everyone know about Van Jones, I have not heard much about him before this so I did a little research, it seems as if he has been involved in groups that support communistic and socialistic agendas. Does anyone else find this alarming?

Hey just wondering what everyone knows/ has heard about Van Jones. I have heard little about him before this so I did some research and it seems as if Jones has/is involved in groups that advocate communist and socialist agendas……does anybody else find this alarming?

What does everyone know about Van Jones? I did some research and it seems as if he has ties to communist and socialist groups…..does anyone else find this a little alarming?

Jason, just to let you know, my wife and I were bullied out of our jobs as teachers by a principal who didn’t want anyone over the age of 50 working in his building. This was a result of No Child Left Behind. Our union couldn’t do anything because there are no laws to prevent the bullying of teachers nor is there contract language to prevent it. We will, over the next 20 years, lose $800K in lost wages, decreased pension (that we pay for), decreased Social Security (that we pay for) and increased heaklthcare costs. You are wrong to think that unions are all powerful. You are wrong to think that public employees have a “free ride.” We work just as hard as anyone else. And we are damned proud of our work. We really wish you would get informed and stop berating us. You are not operating in YOUR own best interest by listening to the trash talk about public employees.

The Right Wing has no right! We organize and support to re-enliven America and lead toward the LIGHT! That’s what’s RIGHT for all America’s people. What’s important? Its always the people!

Rather than throwing everyone else under the bus in an immature vindictive tantrum, try joining the fight alongside those who would struggle to help you regain what you have lost. It is the attitude you propagate that strengthens the priveledged elite and weakens the middle class. The labor movement is all that stands between working families and corporate greed. If we fall, slavery is what we are left with, and your skin color will not save you this time. Wake up! The labor movement’s actions benefit union and non-union workers as well, whether or not they care to admit it. If we set prevailing wage at 30.00 per hour and you are non-union so you don’t get that, you will still earn more than you would have without us to set the bar so high. The gap between the rich and poor is such that, as “middle class americans”, we are FAR closer to the bottom than we are to the top. It is time we stop thinking of ourselves as future millionaires. Wake up and smell the coffee. Get on board or get left behind. If you are in a union and dislike the way it is run or don’t feel empowered, stop whining and complaining. Show up, get involved, take responsibility for your situation, and FIGHT for change! Our only hope is in UNITY and SOLIDARITY. If I am robbed of my rights I will work to regain them, not strip you of your rights so that we are both impoverished. If the labor Movement and Unions were outmoded and outdated, the governor of Wisconsin would not be trying to give away the power generating facilities (property of the Citizens of Wisconsin) to a pair of billionaires so that the citizens have to buy back the power they used to produce for themselves! The defecit scott walker is trying to fix is one he created by giving tax breaks to the wealthiest corporations. We have ALL made sacrifices, and that in and of itself is wrong; Wall Street made the mess, but as usual, Main Street will pay to clean it up because people would rather CRY than FIGHT. Whatever your situation, always remember: You can make Progress or you can make Excuses. The choice is yours, but if you chose to whine rather than fight, dont cry in my ear. I won’t hear you.

THANK YOU!!! you my friend have captured the apathy in our nation today and put fire to the feet of them…If you don’t mind, I will post this on my facebook….I’m Ormoned Fingers

The Koch brothers have ties with fascist groups. Ruppert Murdoch also. They have billions of dollars to buy their way. Doesn’t that scare you?

I was at Harrisburg PA on Saturday. Beautiful sunny day for a rally. I am proud to support my sisters and brothers in Madison (go Jen B.)

I am with you Brumar2… people have to take responsibility for themselves and not allow the unions to BRAINWASH them into their belief system… capitalists create JOBS – employees can find a new job if they don’t like (or can’t extort through collecctive bargaining) the pay and benefits…

All of you who have been showing solidarity, in Wisconsin and elsewhere, are my heroes. Thank you so much for your dedication, sacrifice and hard work. I am in Missoula, Montana and will be supporting you in any ways I can think of. My friends and co-workers are talking about your bravery and the importance of your cause.nAs a small gesture I will walk to work today in our snow storm and remember that you are cold and uncomfortable every day and sacrificing in the name of us all.nI’d like to add that I have never understood why the word “boycott” has stopped being used and is viewed as a bad word and a bad practice. Is it because we don’t want to give up the products we have become so comfortable with? We support our oppressors every time we give them our money.nRachael

I’m just wondering when someone will begin the process of recalling the 8 Republican Senators that can be removed now. I just looked over a survey that almost ensures 6 of these districts would oust their senator at this time. I wish I knew my way around a computer well enough to start this process NOW. Unfortunately I don’t but I’m praying someone out there does and BEGINS NOW!

I’m wondering when someone will start the process of removing the 8 Republican Senators that can be immediately recalled. I wish I knew my way around a computer and the social networking sites to begin this myself. I just read a survey that shows 6 of the 8 districts would have enough signatures right now and the other 2 were too close to call but looked as if they would be able to have enough signatures within days.

Our politicians and supreme court judges contributed most of America’s retirement-including their own to an unscrouplous stock market which they knew would toumble. America took the hit. These sheisters by law protected their perks (defined lifetime federal health and retirement benefits) inacted by them as a federal law to insure their benefits would never decrease. When the stock market crashed, our tax dollars keep their defined benefits funded. nnIt is time to take away the politicians federal guarranteed lifetime defined health and retirement benefits. nnColine George

Why absolutely no photographs of the hate-filled signs linking Walker to Hitler? Selective “journalism” perhaps. Why no pictures of Union members assaulting members of the public with whom they disagreed?

Do you work for Bank of America? Or one of the other 82 other companiesthat pay almost nothing in taxes? Maybe if Bank of America paid it’s fair share instead of getting a TAX BENEFIT of 2.3 BILLION, we would not be in the mess we are in. But it was alright to just give them all 700 BILLION & bail them out. Had a $2.3 TRILLION asset, but paid less than an average American household. What is wrong with this picture? Just like 82 other Corporations. I wonder how many millionares/billionares also got away with this. You do the math and figure out how much these CORPORATIONS cost the American taxpayers.

Yes, he is a communist and believes the government was behind the twin towers attack – he signed his name to a document demanding the gov’t come forward and confess.. he is a major league screwball who wants to redistribute the wealth – he is a member of the communist party of America.

Hank, you couldn’t be more worng… On top of great salaries, you have retirements that are the eveny of everyone in teh private sector… If you don’t know that you need to see what 401K’s provide after you pay in after salary

Our Corporate News Network, aka CNN, had 24/7 coverage of the Egyptian revolt for the whole duration — I believe, 3 weeks or close to it. However there’s not much coverage of the Wisconsin “uprising” and definitely NO coverage of the protests across the nation in solidarity with the working class. Similarly, our mainstream media gave NO coverage to the rallies held by proponents of single-payer universal health care. The people were led to believe that Obamacare was the solution to our for-profit health care system when, in reality, Obamacare merely increased the power and profits of health insurance and drug companies. I remember the rallies and marches in different states protesting the Iraq invasion/occupation. The mainstream media coverage of the protests, again, gave NO clue that a great number of Americans opposed the establishment. What does it tell us about our “representative government” and our “fair and balanced news”? More of us should wake up and smell the coffee.

From Plano, Texas……I stand w/Middle America and its workers……collective bargaining and union rights will live on in the USA. What’s good for workers is what’s good for America. A million thanks to Wisconsins’ workers for all they are doing!! We support you and your families!!

remember history, the unions werehe firs thing Hitler disbanded when he first took power

Perhaps we need to reflect on the real issue at stake. This is not about wages,or benefits -the unions have agreed to those concessions – this is about destroying choices. Please remember, that teachers have invested a lot of money on the necessary higher education degrees: bachleors, masters and PH’ds. The reality is that total compensation for state and local workers is actually less than comparable private sector workers. Educators also spend their monies in the communities where they work and live. Should unions collective bargaining be eliminated – then the monies educators spend in those communities will greatly decline causing more money issues for those communities and their businesses.

Moran??

I’ve a self-proclaimed bumper sticker that says, “Land of the free rich, Home of the brave poor.” Middle-class America, stay alert and united!

simply because they were so few.

Well that is alarming as well and thank you for the information I will have to check that out further. My intention was just to remind people to not take everything and everyone for face value, that all people have their own agenda and beliefs. It just makes me wonder what Van Jones’ intentions are and if the people that cheered for his this weekend know much about his background.

One thing the conservatives will never admit is that the sole reason why we have a tripartite form of government is to protect the minorities from the tyranny of the majority. The courts are there to serve as a check against the majority–in other words, this is not, and was never intended to be, a pure democracy. We know that reasonable people do not come out in off-year elections, and that this encourages kooks to come out of the woodwork and say that they were elected by the majority. Let this be a lesson to the rest of us, however. We can never allow such a thing to happen again! And let us allow the courts to intervene in cases where the kooks try to reign in our rights.

Our system of politics is broken and all the band-aids in the world cannot fix it. The powers that be, ie. Free Market, Capitalism, (the love of monwy), have privatizeds the profits and socialized the risks in America. The productive middle class is evaporting and only a major shakeup can get us the right path and even that may come too late.

Jason, I would love to know what You do for a living. Have you not noticed that the protest is Not actually over paying a ‘pittance more for benefits’? Teachers — of which I am not, nor am I a union member, though I fully support both! — were willing to pay more for benefits. It was when their bargaining rights were threatened altogether that they stood up, along with many other Americans. Look into what is really going on and Think, as objectively as you are able, about where this is headed, then see if you’re still standing on what you feel is the right side.

So is this a case of ignorance is bliss? Or an “If I don’t have it, no one should” mentality? Before you argue a subject, you should know what you’re arguing about. Stop just buying into what republicans are selling and INFORM YOURSELF!

JRVrtoo – If you really believe that I’ve got a great bridge in Brooklyn that is for sale!

Van Jones is on the side of the people. If he was on the side of the Koch brothers (who financed Governor Walker’s campaign in Wisconsin) I would be REALLY worried about him. Note that our founding fathers did not particularly trust corporations as they felt that they could subvert the will of the people. This country was NOT founded on free market principles because the founding fathers believed that a “free” market was antithetical to democracy. They were right – now the corporations have even subverted our Supreme Court!

Well said John. Furthermore, any “reforms” to Social Security should begin with eliminating the salary cap. Right now, if someone earns $1,000,000 per year they only pay into Social Security on the first $105,000 of that salary. On the remaining $895,000 they don’t pay into Social Security at all. These people would not be able to earn the kind of money they do if all the rest of us weren’t here, busting our tails day in and day out. It’s time for them to give a little something back!

Well, apparently you DON’T have a clue – read the post from ELICEC below to get one.

John – you make good points – however, when our Supreme Court comes down with a ruling like the one in Citizens United v FEC, they are not only allowing, but ENCOURAGING the kooks to reign in our rights!

Check out MSNBC – they have been giving coverage to Madison, particularly on Rachel Maddow’s show and Ed Schultz’s show. Fox News, on the other hand, has been following their usual mantra – “Unfair and Biased!”

No.

You are correct about the Tea Party – most of their financing comes from the Koch brothers, who also provided much of the financing that helped Walker get elected governor of Wisconsin. Check out the Coffee Party – you might like it!

MaryHathSpokane – you are so right! However, the $700Billion you mention is actually LESS than we spend on all security – it is more like $1.3 TRILLION!

If you are referring to Social Security I say eliminate the salary cap – make everybody pay into Social Security on everything they earn! This will do more to fix the system long-term than anything else being considered including reducing benefits!

Enough people get onboard, and it shouldn’t take years. Look at Egypt! Hard part is getting enough of a movement going.

I just saw the movie “Waiting For Superman” and it presents a different picture. Tenure started at the University level, and moved to Primary/Secondary. In the movie it demonstrates how difficult it is to remove teachers who are underachievers. It even shows how in some places their put on “parole” as it were, and put in a separate facility where the DON’T teach, but continue to receive full salary. (they called it the Rubber Room). They also talk about the system as pushing the underachievers from one school to another as “lemons” and that since it’s next to impossible to get RID of them, they just bounce around. If all of this is false, please let me know. I would suggest checking out the movie, rentable for $1 most places.

As a wisconsinite it is so heartwarming to see that other states see and understand what Walker is trying to do here. He has successfully turned people against one another, brought out the worst in some, and hate in many, but he has also brought out the good and unity in people who care about what our country is all about DEMOCRACY. nEven if he doesn’t listen to the people, or want to hear what we say, nhe knows we see what he is all about. Our country is Of by and for nthe PEOPLE not one person. Thank you thank you thank you for ncaring. This movement I fear will spread across America if it goes through in Wisconsin. Keep fighting the fight, WE are the government. It is OUR country, government officials are our employees.

Wow! Awesome! Some very courageous people! Wish I could have been (and be) there, too!

We would not have a problem with the Unions, if “ONLY THEY SUPPORT THE REPUBLICANS ” instead of the Democrats.

I bet , we would not have the “problem with the Unions” ,if the Unions would fund the Republicans instead of the Democrats.

I was there Saturday. They had portapotties and until yesterday you could go inside the capitol. Now they will not allow protesters inside. Don’t know how they can do that since it is supposed to be a PUBLIC building. There is a church across the street that let protesters in to warm up, rest, and meditate. Businesses around the area are very supportive also. The legislature has now denied the Democratic Senators and their staff use of copy machines and other supplies. Their staff do not get pay checks unless the majority leader okays it. I have never seen such tactics being used to destroy your opposition. Is this really being allowed to happen in America. My eyes were really opened to the magnitude of this issue on Saturday. It is much larger than just my need to provide for my family. We have to hold the line here and start pushing back. Continued support through bodies and spreading information is greatly appreciated. Thanks from a 38 year veteran Wisconsin teacher who loves teaching, but will probably have to leave and get another job or two to supplement retirement.

I was at the Los Angeles demonstration. Great experience – lots of determination, yet very friendly.

In my opinion, one of the main reasons a lot of working people support republicans is religion and the Right to Life issue, which to me shows a very narrow vision. I know abortion is a volatile subject and can understand opposing it, but at what cost?

I can understand the critics of Pres. Obama after his “comfortable shoe” campaign comment. I believe he’s right in keeping a low profile on this. In 1980 Reagan fired the air traffic controllers. In 1997 the IBT struck against UPS. They went to Pres.Clinton & asked him to force employees back to work. He said it was not up to him to step in. These were 2 major strikes that were hurting a lot of businesses. (Not trying to minimize any localized strikes) Obviously there were no major strikes during Bush’s term or he would have followed Reagan’s example. This needs to be won on it’s own merits & with the country’s support. If Obama steps in & we lose, it’s his fault, if we win, it’s because of him. We need him to keep his job. He can be more effective for middle America in a second term. I hope this is the Republicans “Waterloo.”

It’s the least we can do! We were happy to gather together with 1000 people here in PA’s capital city this past Sat. to express our support for you guys in WI. My feeling is that this is just the beginning. WI, you are on the battle front right now, but we know the battle is coming our way. Stay strong!!! We will be ready!!!

…. Most likely only because that is one law he’d have a hard time skirting around.

Those are the key words in your statement, JRVrtoo…. THE VOTING POPULATION! nn I know it has been stated already on this site, but it cannot be stressed enough: Americans need to understand the issues, know what their candidates stand for, County, State and Nationwide and GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!

Ridiculous, ignorant comments, xvamyricx! So because nearly every politician is corrupt, we should just let it go? Who regulates pay raises for the wealthy, and where do you figure that our taxes pay for unions? nnAnd I can say and ask you this without bias as I have never belonged to a union!

Did I say let it go diana_k? No. And union workers in this case is teachers and such. Your comment was ignorant. Mine wasn’t.nnNo one regulates pay raises for anyone.

Tasre,nEVERYONE that toils or has toiled for their subsistance should be able to join the ONE BIG UNION! After all, everyone that IS NOT a Unionist is a threat to undermine the cause (i.e. work for less). I, too, am retired but the struggle continues…doesn’t it?nnin solidarity,nPhilly

SgtCedar,nYour words certainly ring true. I, too, was in the AFL-CIO (now retired also) and it seemed to me all too often the Unions’ attitude was “Hooray for me…I got mine…YOU gotta get your own”.nnAll too often we forget that anyone that is NOT in the UNION threatens to ‘work for less’… be that wages, benefits or pensions.nnNOW is the time to reunite, realign and recommit to the “cause”. The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Humanity!

The photos are evocative and the comments remind me that people care with words–some will care with actions as well because they will choose not to purchase the products of these mega corporations.nnRemember, folks, to vote this spring when you get the chance. Vote well informed. I work in a sector that Governor Walker’s Budget Repair Bill will strip of its collective bargaining rights. What’s worse is what his budget will do to our students: he will cut 30 percent from the general aid.nnThat loss of funding from the state means the technical college system will have longer waiting lists for the most in-demand programs. Those adults who are laid off or currently unemployed will wait longer to get retrained in any of the better or best technical fields.nnThe 30 percent cut to our school means our citizens won’t have access to some programs at all because we have to cut 30 percent of the programs; those programs will just be gone because we can’t afford to fund them. nnWalker will be making this a great state for business owners–but a terrible state for employees. Citizens can get entry-level jobs for minimum wages. They won’t be going to the technical college for retraining in a highly skilled two-year technical field because Walker took away the funding for those programs.nnShame on Walker–he is Robin Hood in Reverse.nnLast week I most cared about my collective bargaining rights. As of yesterday evening, I have become crazed about what Walker is doing to my college, my community, my local school system, and everyone who will be trying to pull himself or herself up by the bootstraps. Walker has removed those bootstraps entirely and gleefully–telling us that it is for our own good–he had to balance the budget.

I would not count on it stopping him for long. Sooner or later he will find someone who puts money over morality. It is also why it is important that protesters police themselves. Walker will take the least provocation as an excuse to have someone start shooting.nnIf one of his goons shots someone and is convicted I wonder how long it would take for him to issue a pardon?

I do not know the laws in Wisconsin. I do know here is Pennsylvania it would be illegal (unless the GOP has changed the law) for local police to enter the Capital. If the Capital Police require assistance they would call the State Police.nnI am sure Walker would justify using local police by issuing some emergency declaration. Who is going to stop him? Even if the state supreme court ruled against him, how long would that take?

I am 62 years old and have a master’s degree. I can say of all the teachers I ever had there was only one that I ever had from whom I did not learn anything.nnHe was a philosophy instructor in undergraduate school. He was a socialist who made very clear anyone who was not a socialist had no idea what they were talking about on any subject. He spent the whole semester trying to get the students to answer one question. No matter what anyone said all semester all he would ever say was it was wrong. He only revealed the “truth” the last class when there was no time to discuss his “correct” answer.nnLuckily the experience in that class did not turn me off to the subject of philosophy. I have spent the rest of my life studying philosophy both in classes and on my own.nnOK, I guess I can say I Iearned one lesson even from him. I learned to never accept any person’s answer to any question without question. I will admit it I have never had any teacher from whom I did not learn something. It may not have been what they were teaching.

If we do not act together, as a nation of individuals, we will lose more and more, until there is nothing left. The sacrifices you mention; were they voluntary? did you have any choice in the matter? We have seen that writing on the walls. We tightened our belts, too, with fewer hours, higher prices, and, well, diminished expectations.nnBut we did not abandon you. You were a victim of greed, as will we all be, if we do not organize and implement peaceful, democratic solutions. Don’t take your anger out on fellow victims. Remember, it was the Banksters and Wall Street that did this to you. NOT your fellow workers.

Genius may have it’s limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped. Mark Twain said that. I’m on a union pension, and it sure ain’t bloated in any way. OBTW: it is my pension, I belonged as a union member, paid in as a union worker, and draw out, as a retired union worker. YOU didn’t pay a dime into it.nnI’ll take an annuity over a 401 any time. You’re a fool if you let Wall Street hold your pension money for you. 401′s run out. Usually before you want them too. I bargained, collectively for a benefit package that paid OK, but had great benefits, and decent representation. Where are the 401k’s for all the ENRON employees? Lost when Enron tanked. Zero, Nada, Zip. Do you want to trust those same people with every cent of YOUR retirement?nnNow you see why Mr. Twains observations were so appropriate here?

Did you get $5 for posting this lie? State your sources, or retract your lie.nnWhat I find alarming (and disgusting) is this; folks like you, who will not put in a days honest labor, criticize and demean those of us who do. Even to the point of whoring what intellect you have, for subsistence wages.nnCommies? You hate Commies, right? Then why shop at WalMart? While Wally World is shaving quality off the Chinese goods, they’re sending $.50 of every dollar you spend at WalMart, back to the Commie government in China. WalMart shoppers actively support the Communist dictatorship in China.nnSo, why do you want to destroy America?nn

See above. Anybody that shops at WalMart is actively supporting the Communist regime in China. TeaBaggers; I’ve never seen so many people who are proud of their stupidity.nnFunny; I ran the spell check on TeaBaggers. It suggested ‘Carpetbaggers’. Wow, these computers are sure getting smart!

Holding back. We don’t need him. He needs us. You get 100,000 people to stand guard (over the capitol) in midwinter in Michigan, you got 100,000 highly motivated people. Win, lose or draw, that’s 100,000 angry alert people who go away determined to do something.nnThe whole world is watching.nn

That is, characteristically, a lie. Public sector gave back all the concessions demanded of them. Walker just got more brazen about breaking the unions. He has, apparently committed several crimes in pursuit of this monstrous goal.nnI understand several legal actions are underway right now to clarify this situation. I don’t need a bunch of lying TeaBaggers muddying the waters here. Let the courts and lawyers decide this one.

So what, exactly do you have to report on Mr. Van Jones? Facts? Police reports? Witnesses? Or was this one of Glen Becks’ teary little blurbs of paranoia?nnTeaBaggers shopping at Wally-world do more to support the actual Communist Chinese Party. Fifty cents of every dollar spent a Wally-world goes directly into the Red Chinese Party coffers. Don’t you find that a ‘little alarming’?

Do you have any pictures like that? The Washington State rally — our side, 2,500 vs their side, 200. — went well. Even though TeaBaggers came over to our side, and tried to stir things up. They brought the signs with the Hitler mustaches with them. Funny thing about teachers; they know how to deal with noisy, obnoxious immature children. Like you.nnDisagreement is one thing. Brazen lying is another. Come, join us. Well will fight for your rights just as surely as we fight for our own.

Interesting that you chose a MOVIE for rebuttal of my post. I googled for the synopsis. I don’t know where they got the idea for the plot: There never was a “rubber room” to host teachers who were paid but didn’t teach in any school / district that I hever heard of. Of course, I’m only a teacher who was in the system for 26 years, not a rich movie maker who writes pseudo-documentary for the (un)education of the masses, and to make a buck. The provision of a “room” for such purpose indicates an institutionalized practice, complete with rules and contracts. Dig, my friend, dig for the TRUTH. Don’t find your TRUTH in FICTION material.

I am as anti-communist as you, my friend, but first, you need to get a clue: My pension check is cut by ETF. During my entire career, 5% of MY COMPENSATION was set aside in THAT fund. The Great State of Wisconsin did NOT contribute a penny to it, bercause by Wisconsin Statues, it is ILLEGAL for the State to do so.. Now that the pot is full, Scott Walker wants to get it. But first, he has to get rid of the Unions, who negotiated that contract. All of these monies were contributed out of my paycheck. It is rightfully mine. Name calling adds nothing to your cause. nCommie? No. Greedy? No: I only want what is mine, not yours. Large corporations that got sweet deals with Scott Walker are the greedy ones here. Filthy? PLeeeaase. Get a clue and the facts first!

Indeed: Repubs are funding large corporations, and in return, they are buying elections for Republican puppets: It came as no surprise to us in Madison when 2 days after Scott Walker was elected. the Koch brothers set up shop less than a mile away from the Capitol.

There are indeed 8 Senators from Wisconsin who could be recalled. We need about 15,000 signatures for each, but from their *own* constituents. (there were over 100,000 protesters this past Sunday. It is difficult, because they were elected in more conservative districts. (It is not impossible, however:-)). My Senator is Julie Lassa, one of the Fab.14), so I cannot start a petition to remove: Robert Cowles, Alberta Darling, Sheila Harsdorf, Luther Olsen, Randy Hopper, Glenn Grothman, Mary Lazich and Dan Kapanke.

No.

Again with the nonsense? Gov. Walker made no mention of union busting when he ran for office. It was a surprise. Today, almost 70% of voters DO NOT want Walker in office. Recall petitions are already circulating. He can’t be thrown out of office today. We have to wait till next January. But we can recall any politician who wasn’t newly elected.nnThat is our recourse. Recall any state senator or congressman who supports Walker. It can be done ‘of the people, by the people and for the people’. He is not listening to the people. Gov Walker is listening to his backers, the Koch brothers. You saw what a fool he made of himself when thought he was talking to Ed Koch on the phone.nnYou saw a mercenary man, a man of no scruples, save being arrested by his own troops. You saw a man willing to entertain even illegal suggestions from his backers, to plant provocateurs, violent agents who seek to subvert the will of the people, and better serve his corporate masters.nnNo matter what else you believe, two billionaire brothers do not make up a majority of voters. Stop lying, please. It will do you no good here. We are the people.

If you have a safe working environment, thank a union.nIf you have paid sick time and vacation time, thank a union.nIf you earn a living wage, thank a union.nIf you are paid overtime, thank a union.nIf you support children being in school and not working 14 hour days in a factory, thank a union.nnVirtually all of our working conditions and benefits can be directly linked to what unions fought for during our history.nIf these are “commie” ideas, then I guess the “commies” won after all, as most any thinking person would agree that these are good things.nnThe history of how our employer based healthcare system developed is more complicated, however, at this point, you can thank a union for making sure that employees get the best healthcare deal possible.nnIf you oppose the Affordable Healthcare Act, there are few that think it is perfect. It is far from perfect. It is a step in covering every American citizen, which I believe in. No one should receive no care or substandard care purely because of their finances – what a “commie” idea. What a Christian idea. What a humane idea. What an equality-loving, equality-believing idea. Terrible idea. Although no health care system is perfect, the rest of the industrialized world has figured out how to do it. In no other country in the westernized world does their citizenry have to always worry that they will lose everything that they have built over a lifetime due to illness or injury except the Christian, God-fearing United States of America. No other country but ours. So, if we can’t eventually get to the point that the rest of the industrialized world is at, we’re either too stupid or too greedy to do it – or both. Which are you or are you both?

There are, however, very devious practices from the Repubs: Yesterday, I was at the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison and asked to come in, at this is OUR RIGHT, under the Constitution. We were denied entrance for hours (I stood in the cold from 9:10am to 2:30pm) What Scott Walker did, after ousting the protesters WHO WERE LEGALLY WITHIN THEIR RIGHTS: wE HAD GOTTEN AN INJUNCTION AGAINST sCOTT WALKER TO ALLOW US IN THE BUILDING. We were denied entry nevertheless. They had a “system” to allow only one in as one got out. (for safety reasons, they said). Safety my foot: on Sunday, there were 100,000 people demonstrating in the cold, without a single incident. The Capitol police were inside trying to find a ruling to allow us in. (*They* know what Democracy is). Outside, and denying us entry was a shoulder to shoulder line of Police Officers and Sheriffs with sidearms and tasers on display. Who were they?: Sheriffs from Portage, Outagamie, Oceola, Milwaukee, Wisconsin University Police. They were getting double pay. When I was finally allowed to enter MY house, there were perhaps 1000 protesters, all centered under the Rotunda, with some more Police Officers denying them entry to the rest of the building. I got a pass to Listen to Scott Walker “introducing” his bill, which, I remind you has passed the house thanks to Republican conniving a 17 second vote at 4:00am in the morning, when the Democrats were asleep in the Capitol.

That’s Democracy for ya. When government officials start acting outside the law, then any legal tactic will do to oppose them.

We (that is only about 20 of us protesters) were escorted through the building and scanned (3 times for most, 5 times for me: I needed to go to the bathroom). We had the nosebleeders seat in the gallery, to the left of Scott Walker. The gallery was otherwise packed with tea-partiers, “friends of the legislators” on the right side and “friends of Scott Walker’s office” in the back of the room. On our side, we suddenly saw a whole group walk in escorted, with green tickets, in front of us. Seats were assigned, so we could not be in front. They were ushered in through the tunnel of the Rice? Reis? building, (which has M&I bank on the bottom floor). “Rules of the Gallery” were given to us: no standing, cheering, jeering, chanting, showing signs. (That is every day rules, not just for us, but also for theTea-partiers ushered in at the last minute.) Cameramen and Newspeople were on the floor).We sat and behaved ourselves but the Tea-Partiers were allowed to stand, c heer loudly everytime Walker spoke. We asked the pages standing there to do their job and stop ALL the standing and cheering. They refused, stating: “I can’t stop all these people from standing and cheering. I said well, then, we can do it too?. He said: the rules are DON’T. If you do, we’ll have to escort you out. We shouted in disgust that “democracy is dead in Wisconsin” and “unfair” and we were escorted out. I’m so disgusted with these practices hat I could just spit nails. I have resolved to aid in everyway I can to help our fab 14. If you know of a website where I can make a personal contribution to them, please let me know. Thank you

Why do you say you won’t get any SS? This is not making any sense. could you restate your position, logically?

You sure never paid a dime into my pension plan mister. I’ve lost thousands of hours due to regional pension rules, and tens of thousands fo dollars from my retirement account. FWIW: Social Security, a SEPERATE entity from the national budget, has a $1.2 Trillion dollar surplus. A surplus which regularly gets diverted to the general fund. Instead, that money should be put in SAFE instruments, to allow more for SS recipients.nnSS isn’t always fair. And our local office has armed guards and bullet-proof glass. I do not wonder why.

So, you’re saying that, because union teachers make a barely living wage, they should just shut up? You are conflating your own wretched desire that no-one do better than you, with an honest conflict of power. A conflict you seem to have conveniently dismissed.nnThe date stamp tells me you’re conveniently ignoring the facts that have been revealed in the last week. Walker is illegally using state police to advance his political agenda. Much like Daffy Ghadiffy. No matter how many people protest, he just won’t leave.nn”The wealthy have no shame.”? Stupidity sure is resistant to good honest shame.

Labor Omnia Vincit

Sorry alan, but Faux “news” lies to you.

Labor Omnia Vincit

Hardly.nnI wish you would pick up a newspaper, newsmagazine, non-fiction book, history book and READ them, watch something other than Fox News and listen to someone other than Limbaugh and educate yourself PLEASE – for everyone’s sake.nnThe “absurdly high corporate taxes” – the top 83 corporations pay NO taxes – there are so many loopholes in our tax system, they pay NOTHING. They’ve purchased our politicians to put policies in place and to write in and keep the loopholes that allow this, and their money has been very well spent.nn”the EPA” – why, yes, please, let us have dirtier air to breathe, filthier water to drink and contaminated soil to walk upon and grow our food in, so the profit margins of corporations can increase. The previously communist European countries had very little to no environmental regulation and they are still cleaning up that era’s mess. By all means, let’s follow the communist example that you’re promoting. Let us return to the days when our rivers caught fire and burned for days on end. Hopefully, you’ll be the first to invest in some riverfront property since that is apparently the country that you desire to live in. Let’s return to the days (and we are slowly doing that even with the EPA) where people cannot go outside without literally dropping dead from breathing the air.nn”the unions” who are responsible for the majority of our benefits and working conditions today – Germany has a very strong social safety net, the working people enjoy benefits that would make the jaws of most Americans drop open if they knew of them all – and their economy is recovering much more quickly than ours and they are one of the top exporters in the world. So, it’s obviously possible to have a clean environment and a strong middle class with a healthy economy. How did they do this? They put policies in place to keep their manufacturing base strong and the government invests heavily in retraining workers for new occupations as older ones disappear, among many other things. They’re doing these things while their corporations actually do pay taxes and they keep their environment clean and they value their citizens and workers. We could learn a few things from other countries if so many people who didn’t know what they were talking about didn’t fall for the oh so simplistic cries of “socialism, socialism” that cuts off all discussion of what other countries may be doing right, disregarding our “socialistic” public education, social security, medicare, entire armed services (free housing, free medical care, discounted food/other at the commissary and px), among other things, which the majority of Americans actually still think are good ideas.nnPlease try to educate yourself instead of parroting the right wing talking points. The country needs an intelligent conversation on how to solve issues, not people yelling one-liners at eachother that they hear in 30 second soundbites off the television. Try delving more deeply into issues, as your comments show glaringly that you haven’t. PLEASE try using the brain that God gave you.

Oh, please, Alan. Enlighten us with your knowledge and wisdom. I’d actually be remotely interested in what your interpretation of it is. *YAWN*

I’m greedy? I have been ruled disabled by the US Army, the Commowealth of Pennsylvania, and Social Security and I am too lazy to work? My disability is I have such severe respiratory problems that I pass out when I cough (which I do constantly). About 75% of the time I cannot speak above a whisper. My job which you think I am too lazy to do required me to talk on the telephone about 4 hours a day. How would you like to receive service from a government worker you could not hear if you called me?nnI’m greedy? I would like to see you live on the income I have from Social Security and my state pension. Last year my total gross income was just slightly above $35,000. Social Security has not given recipients any increase for 2 years. My state pension which you seem to think is so generous has not given any recipient any increase in benefits in over 9 years. It requires a vote of both houses of the General Assembly and the Governor’s signature to give pensioners any increase. But I have all the power you say.nnI’m a greedy union pig? I am sure you resent the fact that I have any medical benefits to supplement Medicare (which you doubtless think is undeserved). My medical benefits are completely controlled by a board which the Governor’s representatives completely control. While I do not have a significant increase in cost for the health insurance every year the benefits (and thus the out of pocket expenses I pay) decrease every year since I went on disability in 2004.nnI’m greedy and lazy? In addition to serving the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 17 years I am also a veteran of 16 years in the military. I served in combat zones in Korea and Vietnam. I was also on active duty during Desert Storm, thought I did not end up going to Iraq.nnI am sure you conceder me unpatriotic. Well, I volunteered to go to Vietnam when I had not need to go. I could have sat in the States for 11 months and gotten out without going back to combat. Just in case you think I had a cushy job in Saigon in Vietnam is why I went, I was never in Saigon during my whole year in country. Just over night when I arrived and the day I left.nnI served at a brigade level base camp which was attacked about 75% of the nights I was there. I have 5 Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.nnAlan what have you ever volunteered for in your entire life? Are you a combat veteran or was it to go for the next round of beers at the bar?nnI’m greedy and lazy? You hope I lose my pension? I will tack my record of work and sacrifice against your’s any day. I’m not going to sink to your level and hope you lose your pension. And that is not because I also spent 5 years in seminary and have higher morals than anyone else.nnI assume you are younger or, if not, are bitter because you lost a job or something. What too many people forget is the only reason workers have any protection is because of the unions. Do you like having the weekend off? Thank the union workers in the 30s for that. Do you have any benefits if you work (or did you have any if you are no longer working)? Thank the union organizers in the 30s for that.nnOK, let’s hear your story.

Ya, I am sure the Koch brothers would ever care anything about a pip squeak like you. They give to Governors and Senators. But I am sure you think they have your best interest at heart.

Just in case you wondered I did check out your Tweets. As I suspected, you think Vietnam veterans deserve anything which is done to them.nnI quote, “Make sure you thank a vet today…launch a loogie on a lib.” Or how about, “They did it to Nam vets…why not ? [sic]?”nnStick to Twitter it and its 140 character limit is the proper forum for the content of your mind. I am sure you have classed me as an elite. Who points out that there should not be a space before a question mark.nnIf I am an elite, yes I have a master’s degree, so be it. I am proud to be above your level.

Geez, ya, Alan, even I knew that – Wisconsin doesn’t contribute to the pension. Why don’t you try flicking your remote to another station other than Fox news or your radio dial to something other than Rush. PLEASE, just try expanding your knowledge – alright – actually try acquiring some knowledge – on subjects you clearly know nothing about.nnHow about the greedy, filthy corporations that pay NO taxes, that have tax shelters in other countries, that are abdicating their responsibility to pay their fair share in the country they do business in? Remember – the SOLE and LEGAL obligation of a corporation is to maximize profits – they are not in it to help America, to help Americans or to be pro or anti-American. They will basically screw anyone or anything they need to in order to maximize their profits (theoretically, legally, but obviously with the most recent recession, with massive amounts of fraud) – hence, it is up to the government to regulate them to ensure they are actually not a detriment to individuals or to the country’s interest, which, admittedly, the government, in many instances, has done a poor job. It’s a difficult thing to do for our politicians who have already been bought by the large corporations. Are those corporations greedy, filthy pigs? Are they un-American? Are the wealthy individuals and corporations who have purchased our politicians so they would put policies in place to favor the corporations and the extremely wealthy and tilt the scale dramatically in their favor, creating a huge income and wealth disparity that now approaches many third-world countries, are they greedy, filthy pigs?nnOr is it just your fellow worker – firefighters, police, teachers, utility workers, garbage collectors, all the terrible local, state and federal workers who make your life easier and safer and increase your standard of living? They’re the greedy, filthy pigs? The ones who, hate to enlighten you, are in the same boat as you, trying to make a decent wage and have a decent standard of living, as the rich become dramatically richer, while leaving the dwindling middle class to fight over the scraps that are left and that are getting smaller and smaller, they’re the greedy, filthy pigs? They’re the half, Alan, who have educated themselves enough to realize what is happening – unfortunately, you’re in the half that has no clue, that can’t open their minds to think for themselves, that find it easier to be spoon-fed misleading information and actual lies and that would rather sling hateful rhetoric instead of truly educating yourself and having an intelligent, educated conversation on how to solve the country’s problems.nnWhy don’t you drop a line to the New York firefighters and police and first responders of 9/11 and let them know what filthy, greedy pigs they are? And tell them they’re greedy, filthy pigs for actually wanting help for the health issues they suffered from 9/11 that the Republicans voted against a few months ago? I’m sure they’d appreciate it. After all, they’re not actual working people, like you are.

This, ladies & gentlemen, is what Walker referred to when he thought he was talking to David Koch about planting trouble makers. Mr. Levy does not understand what unions are about and so he lobs nasty comments. Have a nice day Mr. Levy.

yeah get rid of the unions why don’t we?! and while we’re at it, get rid of minimum wage! and get rid of child labor laws so that 99% of the youth in this country have no chance of a future other than to work to death in a factory! and get rid of the working conditions laws so that workers get weaker and sicker just by being at work in the disgusting situations that they used to be in! and get rid of the laws enabling us to go on strike without being shot by our bosses! and do away with the laws protecting workers from being sexually harrassed by their bosses! and do away with the laws regulating the meat packing industry so that whenever rats get into the food in the factories, the owners can just make the workers throw rat poisoning into the meat to kill the rats and then what goes into our meat? the remainders of the rat poison (that’s right! WE WOULD BE POISONED BY THE MEAT INDUSTRY!), rat meat (since they’d get chopped up too!), and rat poop! Sound delicious to you?! Go back to school, idiot!

Alan, like I said. Go get an education. But you’d better hurry. Go get it before the republicans take all the money away from the schools to pay for a war on oil!

It gave me great joy to protest in support of the Unions and HR1, HR3 and HR358 on Saturday! I am honored to fight along side anyone fighting for Unions’ rights! It was a tongue twister but we had fun shouting out “Women and workers unite! Fight for common people’s rights!” You have a lot of supporters nation wide. Your governor has only a bunch of Faux News believers on his side. There’s no way your state can pass such a ludicrious law! you have the nations support!

Yeah-that was one of W’s great coup’s–putting more of the media into the same old hands–that way the public can be fed whatever line the media mongers want us to hear–divide and conquer! They can also under-report any event, thus minimizing the importance of any event they don’t agree with. nRight now there is a lot of discussion about internet rules and regs that will undoubtably attack the freedom that we now enjoy on this medium. Pay attention to what is going on in the legislature.nEven more importantly–REMEMBER THIS AT ELECTION TIME!!!n

I thank you SgtCedar. I was in the Marines then later in the Navy. Discharged in ’69. Retired from IBT in 2006 w/ 30 years.We could profess pride in service to our country & pride in working in a union until hell freezes over, but Mr. Levy’s only form of entertainment is probably stirring the pot on this web page or watching Rush & Glen. Ignore him.

I left Vietnam and the active Army in June 1969. I later joined the PA Army National Guard. I was forced to take early retirement in 2000 due to disability. I served in Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm (did not end up going to Iraq for that one).nnI checked out Levy. He usually hangs out on Twitter. All his comments to me were nothing but copies of things he said on Twitter. Twitter with a limit of 140 characters is the proper forum for his thoughts.nnYou would probably have been far up northin the Marines or Camron Bay for the Navy. I was with the First Infantry Division right up along the Cambodian border north west of Saigon. Luckily I was at a brigade headquarters. We got rocket or mortar attacks almost every night. They never wanted to hit my small platoon of signalmen but we were always right across the road from something they wanted to blow up. They would walk the rounds right through us. One night they did blow up a 50,000 gallon tank of aviation fuel right across the road from our tents. That was fun. It burned for a week.nnThank for all your time (a lot more than I managed). I am you got home safe.

I’m not doing your work for you, Alan – being the conservative you are, you should appreciate that you have to do the work yourself. Take the time and look it up yourself. If you do it right, you’ll enlighten yourself on a lot of other issues that you are no doubt wrong about.

Alan, Alan, Alan, as with just about everything else you’ve posted on here, your “GUESS” is Wrong. nnn nHow can one tell they lie? It’s really quite simple. One only needs to watch/listen to the propaganda they put out or give a platform to, then go out and look at the world with one’s own eyes. n n”Fair and Balanced” what a joke – what a sick, sad, joke!

Well, I guess you decided not to take my advice and educate yourself and research topics yourself and reply again with the same right wing talking points without even bothering to think for yourself. A true patriotic American would put the time in to find out what’s really going on. nnWow – Obama’s destroying the dollar? Where have YOU been for years and years? The dollar’s been declining for a VERY long time. You need to pay a little bit of attention to what’s been going on, Alan, and work on your memory retention.nnInsurance companies invented death panels, Alan. And now the state of Arizona is helping them along with their work. Don’t shove it off on Obama.nnGuess you haven’t been paying attention to your health insurance premiums that have steadily risen over the years with reduced benefits – ya, that was sustainable. And have you REALLY forgotten the world economy was imploding during Bush’s watch? What thinking individual expects everything to be coming up roses just two years after almost sliding into a depression?nnAnd the fetuses? You’re the one who’s the type of person who stops caring about them the second they pop out of the womb – you’ll support cutting off aid to lower income pregnant women for their well-care, early education intervention for children who are less well-off, lunch programs for the same children, intervention programs for domestic abuse, after-school programs, student loans for higher education, and all the other programs meant to give children who are born with less of a chance to live a better life. And then you’ll b—– about people having children that you have to help financially with. Make up your mind, Alan. I actually support a woman’s right to choose – NO ONE knows and understands her circumstances better than she does. I also just as fervently support programs which help the children that are in this world as much as possible to give them a chance at the best life possible. And I even *gasp* support programs that will help adults, who truly need a helping hand and actually USED to be children, Alan, so they can make a better life for themselves also, and contribute as much and positively to society as possible.nnGeez, Alan, READ, LISTEN, RESEARCH – look for yourself – don’t be spoon-fed by Fox & friends & Limbaugh & friends – I know it’s much, much easier for you, but, really, put a little effort into it.

Fox News reported that Kevin Jennings, an Assistant Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, was informed by a 15 year old boy that he was having sexual encounters with older men. Jennings didn’t report this conversation, and Fox News proceeds to harp on how much of a tool he is. What they didn’t bother to find out is that the kid wasn’t 15, he was above the age of consent.n n nIn March 2009, Fox News made it seem as of Joe Biden was parroting the line that made John McCain look so out of touch during the campaign to try to inject false hope into the ailing economy. In fact, Biden never said that “the fundamentals of the economy are strong” in March. That clip of Biden was actually from the campaign and selectively edited to seem more recent.n n nFox News edits Obama’s statements makes it seem as if he wants health care “like in the European countries.”nThis is not what he says at all, he repeats a question he is asked and goes on to say that it is not what he wants.n n nIn an April 2009, the Fox News show America’s Newsroom made the claim that Obama’s $3.6 trillion budget is 4x bigger than Bush’s costliest plan. This isn’t true at all. Bush’s budgets for 2009 and 2008 were $3.1 and $2.9 trillion respectively.n n nMaybe you remember this one from the campaign. The New York Times wrote an article that Fox didn’t like, so they Photoshopped images of New York Times editor Steven Reddicliffe and reporter Jacques Steinberg to make them look ugly and passed it along as news.n n nWhen the 9/12 Tea Party march on DC was being reported by Fox News, the numbers they were parroting were massive: 1.5 million, maybe 1.7 million. In fact, other news organizations were putting the number between 60,000 and 70,000, which was about the size of the National Equality March a few weeks later. Fox News didn’t really talk about that one too much. Too many gay people.n n nFox News and the New York Post reported completely unsubstantiated rumors that Obama was raised in a Muslim madrasah. Naturally the story turned out to be a half-truth that Fox News used to its advantage. nnSource: Google search: “Top ten fox news lies” n nNot good enough for you? Fine, just go to Youtube and type in “Fox News”, hell you don’t even need to add the word “lies”. The video evidence is right, freakin’, there! When they lie, they record and broadcast it themselves, for crying out loud!

Alan, Alan, Alan. I glean information from myriad sources. Unlike, apparently, you. You still haven’t researched anything, apparently. Really, the information isn’t THAT difficult to find. nnUnless you actually want to enter into a real discussion instead of reiterating insults and one-liners, responding to you any further is wasting precious minutes of my life, and, unfortunately, I’ve wasted enough of it on you.nnIf you’re that entrenched in the Fox/Limbaugh & friends “fair and balanced” media, you’re simply way too deep for me to waste my time trying to dig you out. It’s an impossible chore. It’s very sad, really, because there are truly valid discussions to be had on how to solve the country’s problems and it’s impossible to have an intelligent discussion about them with someone like you who just wants to cling to simplistic one-liner right wing talking points with no deep thinking involved.nnYou’ll never even have a clue.nnBye.

then they came for the military veterans and active servicemen…

you either live under a rock or you are another fox news brain washed tea bagger that cares for no one but yourself. capitolism is not just for the rich.

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSER!!!!!!!!!!!

IS THIS GLEN BECK

Because I will receive the money from my PERA Pension, I will not receive any of the SS that that I paid prior to becoming a teacher. Many teachers work in the private sector during the summer and pay into Social Security, but will not receive the benefit. There is a calculation that can be done to determine if you are eligable to receive Social Security, but it is almost impossible to receive both the Pension and Social security. I don’t know of anyone who has received both. As I say the calculation makes it pretty much impossible. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but that is the way it is.

These tea baggers are really out there. They watch FOX NEWS (lol). Take it for the truth. You can tell who they are because they dont have a clue about the real world. This country is bought and payed for by the rich. Wake up! We the people are supposed to run this country. NOT CEO’s. By the way Beck is an idiot and so is anyone who watches his show. I want democrocy not a KING. Governed not ruled over.n

I have tried several times to share this page on my facebook page, the first time I was told it contained blocked content. the next few times it said “there was an error loading this page.” nperhaps Facebook is republican.

united we stand

The unions are big enough that they can stand on their own! They don’t need help from the government!! We already pay them from our paychecks. Why do we have to pay through our taxes also? Talk about giving to the wealthy. That makes a few big CEO’s paycheck fatter is all that’s for. How many CEO’s does one union have? Maybe 5 or 6? WOW!! they must get one H-ll of a paycheck!

Unions are big enough that they can stand on their own. We are already forced to pay them from our paychecks. Why must we also pay a couple of CEO’s from our taxes also?

I hear nothing here but Rush Limbaugh and America Live being replayed . . . all because Mr. Levy (and I use that term of respect reservedly) can’t think or research things on “his” own but prefers to have his facts “spoon-fed” to him.

lillymouse, “Mr.” Levy’s posts are not even worthy of your consideration. A wise one once said, “You cannot argue with ignorance.”

Wayne, sounds like you know alot about drug dealers, prostitutes, bums and queers. What keeps you close to home with your long-suffering wife, while you color your hair, put on her lipstick, try on her wigs, lift your chin and wait for her demise just so you can get out there in the “real world?”