Excerpts from: 'This Is What Democracy Looks Like' in Wisconsin,
as Largest Crowd Yet --80,000--Opposes Union Busting
By John Nichols
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker finished a bad week with a misstep that emphasized his inability to generate support for his attempt to strip the state’s public employees of collective bargaining rights.
First, the governor’s radical proposal went to such extremes in its anti-labor bias that it sparked a protest movement so large, so steady and so determined in its demands that it is now commonly compared with the protests that have rocked Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries.
Then, the man that badges worn by marchers describe as “The Mubarak of the Middle West” really blew it. Saturday was supposed to be the day when the governor pushed back against the movement that has challenged his radical power grab. The governor’s Tea Party allies attempted to grab the spotlight with a rally at the state Capital. Unfortunately, the much-hyped event, which national Tea Party groups had poured money and organizing energy into generating, drew an anemic crowd of several thousand. Even by the optimistic estimates of the Tea Partisans themselves, the pro-Walker turnout was one-tenth the size of the crowd that came to oppose the governor’s so-called “budget repair bill.”
The governor made things worse for himself by going on CNN and announcing that he had received 19,000 e-mails from the “quiet majority” of Wisconsinites since he made his proposal and claimed that most of them were supportive.
Dumb move. Really dumb move.
Within hours of making his claim, the streets of Madison were filled by what veteran political organizers described as the largest demonstration ever seen in the city. Former Mayor Paul Soglin, a key organizer of anti–Vietnam War protests, said, “We had some big demonstrations in the sixties, but this is bigger.”
Mahlon Mitchell, the president of the Wisconsin Professional Firefighters Association, which has been a high-profile participant in the demonstrations, surveyed the crowd while recounting Walker’s boast about the 19,000 e-mails.
“I think I have 19,000 people behind me,” said Mitchell.
Pointing to one edge of the massive audience arrayed before him, he said: “And 20,000 there.” He pointed to the other edge of the crowd: “And 20,000 there.”
Finally, he pointed down State Street, the thoroughfare that stretches from the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin campus, which was packed with students who have backed the unions: “And 20,000 there.”
Link to complete article: First, the governor’s radical proposal went to such extremes in its anti-labor bias that it sparked a protest movement so large, so steady and so determined in its demands that it is now commonly compared with the protests that have rocked Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries.
Then, the man that badges worn by marchers describe as “The Mubarak of the Middle West” really blew it. Saturday was supposed to be the day when the governor pushed back against the movement that has challenged his radical power grab. The governor’s Tea Party allies attempted to grab the spotlight with a rally at the state Capital. Unfortunately, the much-hyped event, which national Tea Party groups had poured money and organizing energy into generating, drew an anemic crowd of several thousand. Even by the optimistic estimates of the Tea Partisans themselves, the pro-Walker turnout was one-tenth the size of the crowd that came to oppose the governor’s so-called “budget repair bill.”
The governor made things worse for himself by going on CNN and announcing that he had received 19,000 e-mails from the “quiet majority” of Wisconsinites since he made his proposal and claimed that most of them were supportive.
Dumb move. Really dumb move.
Within hours of making his claim, the streets of Madison were filled by what veteran political organizers described as the largest demonstration ever seen in the city. Former Mayor Paul Soglin, a key organizer of anti–Vietnam War protests, said, “We had some big demonstrations in the sixties, but this is bigger.”
Mahlon Mitchell, the president of the Wisconsin Professional Firefighters Association, which has been a high-profile participant in the demonstrations, surveyed the crowd while recounting Walker’s boast about the 19,000 e-mails.
“I think I have 19,000 people behind me,” said Mitchell.
Pointing to one edge of the massive audience arrayed before him, he said: “And 20,000 there.” He pointed to the other edge of the crowd: “And 20,000 there.”
Finally, he pointed down State Street, the thoroughfare that stretches from the Capitol to the University of Wisconsin campus, which was packed with students who have backed the unions: “And 20,000 there.”
http://www.thenation.com/blog/158745/what-democracy-looks-wisconsin-largest-crowd-yet-80000-opposes-union-busting
submitted by Dick Curtis
ReplyDeleteThe Governor and Senate Majority Leader of Wisconsin looked out at some 70,000 concerned citizens of Wisconsin and made statements such as: "This bill is non-negotiable", or "I will not change this bill in any fashion," and then the Governor of Wisconsin has the audacity to indicate that the 70,000+ protestors should listen to the taxpayers --- as if the 70,000 protestors were NOT taypayers!
Remeber several months ago we discussed the issue of "Tyrany" right here in Mason County? I guess my biggest concern is that not just here in Mason County are we being exposed to non-democratic processes but elsewhere -- Wisconsin, for one.
Isn't it time that folks step back and see what is really happening?
Protestors and Democratic lawmakers have likened Gov. Walker to a 'Dictator' --- and demonstrators protesting the budget bill have waived signs comparing him to the ousted Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak and Adolf Hitler.
What does it take? There were 3,200 signatures on a petition here in Mason County; there are 70,000+ demonstrators in Wisconsin. Obviously, it does NOT matter to a Dictator or Tyrant! What does it take to get the attention of those who are Mandated to Represent Us!!!
An Update:
ReplyDeleteOn Tuesday, Feb 22, 2011:
In Indiana, House Democrats "Walked Out" of the Statehouse on Tuesday, blocking a GOP-backed bill against mandatory union dues.
In Ohio, thousands of union protestors showed up, prompting officials there to "Lock the Doors to the Statehouse"!
On CNN and elsewhere Tuesday (today) they reported that the Wisconsin Gov. has "blocked access to a website" that had previously been available!
Oh, my, our democratic process and human rights just keep being violated -- only, now we in Mason County don't feel so alone.