Submitted to Shelton Blog by John Cox and Christine Armond Mason County Progressive
WHAT DOES DEMOCRACY LOOK LIKE IN WA?
WA State Patrol estimated that 2,000 people rallied under the CapitolDome to show solidarity with state workers in Wisconsin in their stand-off
with WI Gov. Scott Walker and his plan to eliminate collective bargaining.
WA state employees and supporters chanted, sang songs, heldbanners & waved signs as they rallied around the capitol grounds.
WA State PTA joined the rally to ask state legislators toprotect students & schools from budget cuts.
Inside the rotunda, demonstrators gathered to hear speakers,such as Ohio's Democratic Congressman Dennis Kucinich.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich (center of photo at podium), addressed the groupwearing an American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees
Union T-shirt. He said he hoped the rally in Olympia would ripple
across the country to show solidarity with WI union workers.
Service Employees International Union members (purple) showed up insuch numbers that they were able to form a ring around the capitol building.
The 4 lone members of the Tea Party attending the rallywere sought out for an interview by KOMO TV.
"Every worker in America should be concerned about what's happening in Wisconsin because workers' rights are on the line," said Rep. Kucinich.
"You cannot have a democracy if you don't have people in a positionto be able to negotiate for their wages and to have decent benefits,"
stated Rep. Kucinich. He called Washington a bastion of workers'
rights...a place where people have the capacity to push back.
Photos by John Cox
SHELTON BLOG NOTE:
Another WI solidarity rally in Olympia is scheduled for Sat., Feb. 26th, 12:00 PM
Link to more information:
How interesting that KOMO news should interview the four members of the tea party. The picures are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteMy dream is to see a crowd like this at a WA No Biomass Incineration demonstration!!! It would make a statement that could NOT be ignored!!!
ReplyDeletePolice have just announced to the crowds inside the occupied State Capitol of Wisconsin: ‘We have been ordered by the legislature to kick you all out at 4:00 today. But we know what’s right from wrong. We will not be kicking anyone out, in fact, we will be sleeping here with you!’ Unreal.
ReplyDeleteThis is the quote of the day!
I saw Walker on TV Sunday morning (meet the press), and I think the police and firemen did too! Their actions this date speak volumes in connection with how Walker justified not putting them on the block with the rest of the unions - and what they think of that!