(To hear any video on this page, scroll down to stop the marching music player at mid-page after Sekhmet before opening the video link or player.)
Last night [Aug 9th], we stood in a crowded square outside the state Capitol in Madison. Teachers, fire fighters, police officers, moms, and dads chanted, "This is what democracy looks like."
It was powerful. And as the election results came in, something else was clear: The voters are powerful.
When Republicans declared war on working families, we could have retreated. But together, we took the fight onto their home turf and put them on defense for a change. And in 2 of 6 Republican strongholds, we won.
History will deem last night a victory for progressives. Here are some key facts:
Gov. Scott Walker no longer has a working majority in the Senate. His extreme anti-worker bill passed by only 2 votes, thanks to 1 moderate Republican. Our 2 wins are game changing.
If last night's election was statewide, Democrats would have won in a landslide. We forced neck-and-neck races in Republican areas.
In 2012, if Democrats achieve last night's rate of success in Republican House districts, Speaker Nancy Pelosi will have a 274-seat majority.
We sent a national message that when Republican politicians hurt working families, voters will punish them -- even in Republican areas.
We also proved that when Democrats stand strong for progressive principles -- as Wisconsin Democrats did -- they will be rewarded by voters and volunteers.
This morning, the Wisconsin Democratic Party chair sounded a forward-looking note, "We went on their turf and we won. We will not stop, we will not rest until we recall Gov. Scott Walker." posted 8-11-11
An inspirational protest video about the policies of the current Wisconsin government. This video is a snapshot of the protests in Madison during the winter and spring of 2011.
If you like this video, please share it with the world! And if you agree with the message, please keep working for the movement! http://vimeo.com/27163437 posted 8-05-11
Stephen Colbert on attempts to create voter confusion-posted 8-09-11
It is peculiar how the smallest, most innocent, observation can become the “straw that breaks the camel’s back”.
Barb With was volunteering as an observer at the Waukesha recount when she made a glaring discovery. The poll tape that was being counted and matched for votes cast in the April 5 election for Supreme Court Justice was dated March 30, 2011. When she brought the suspicious date to the attention of election officials, they could not come up with any reason for the mis-dated poll tape.
Weeks later – on June 11 - Barb appeared before the Assembly Committee for Election and Campaign Reform.
A video of her testimony is on the link below, but also take the time to read the accompanying article which provides more detail on the corrupt Waukesha recount process and the history oftouch screen voting machines and important questions regarding Kevin Kennedy, of the Government Accountability Board, which overseas Wisconsin elections and oversaw the Waukesha recount.
According to the story, some of this information has been blocked on some servers and Facebook. Read it and pass it on.
Here is a portion of Barb With’s recent testimony. The video imagery shifts to some artsy imagery as the audio continues. Be sure to watch all the way to the very end:
(Thanks to “Call” citizen journalist Dennis Brault for forwarding this information and several other posts for today. MLT)
April 26, 2011 - BREAKING!
Wisconsin Democrats they filed enough signatures on a petition to recall State Senator Robert Cowles. This makes a clean sweep of all Republicans vulnerable to a clean sweep in recalls.
Today, we made history in Wisconsin. WI Democrats -- supported by over 2,600 DFA volunteers on the ground -- submitted over 150% of the signatures needed to demand the recall election of the 5th Republican State Senator: Alberta Darling.
This is unprecedented. In the history of Wisconsin there have been only 4 recall elections ever. Now, in just the last two months, we've legally required 5.
Republicans from Madison to Washington D.C. are watching every single step of this fight and we're not going to let up until we win. With signature gathering continuing for the 3 Republicans left who are eligible for recall, it's vital we keep covering TV with our hard-hitting real people ad. If we hit $600,000 by Friday night, we'll be able to stay on the air in target districts through the end of next week. Please watch the add and contribute now to make it happen.
Our TV ad, which we created with our friends at the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, features life-long Republican voter Mike Crump.
"As a Republican my entire life I'm appalled at what Scott Walker and the Republicans did. This hurts my family. It's about my kids in school."
Mike is one of the many reasons MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, Ed Schultz, Lawrence O'Donnell, and Cenk Uygur have all praised our Wisconsin ads. It's also why local activists in Wisconsin have asked us to keep it on TV.
Please watch the ad and contribute now.
Thanks to the support we've had so far from DFA members nationwide, we're closer than ever to flipping the WI Senate and stopping Governor Walker's anti-families agenda. Working together with our members on the ground, we won't stop until we win. Thank you for everything you do.
-Jim
Jim Dean, Chair
Democracy for America
April 18, 2011 - BREAKING: Wisconsin activists just submitted over 100% of the signatures needed to "recall" Republican state senator Luther Olsen from office!
Signatures are now submitted against Olsen, Dan Kapanke, and Randy Hopper -- with local volunteers working to recall at least 3 more. If Democrats pick up just 3 seats, Republicans will lose control of the state Senate -- sending a huge, national message about accountability.
Peter Yarrow of Peter Paul and Mary performs to over 100,000 in Madison:
"Greetings! I, Sekhmet, stand before you with my army of Paschat Warriors to tell you of the urgency of this moment in your time. This is about Freedom! This is about retaining what little freedoms each individual inhabitant of Planet Earth has at this time, and about enlarging and expanding upon the freedoms which have been slowly and systematically taken from each and every one of you. Freedom is your birthright as a citizen of Planet Earth, as indeed it is the birthright of all of the Kingdoms of Mother Gaia. And it is to take a stand that we ask you to participate with us, stand tall with these brave ones in your State of Wisconsin in the United States of America, because they have the Courage and the Heart and the profound desire for Freedom - to stand out in the freezing cold, not just for an hour or two but for days on end, and they will continue. Stand with them!
"Stand with all of those in the countries of the Middle East who are being attacked by those of the dark who are trying so desperately to hang on. And you may give them a message from me. You may tell them that I and my army are on the march, and it is to end, with Freedom for all of the World and all of its inhabitants! Beloved Ones, this is the time when all of these things are coming to the Light, the news stories, the feelings and the empowerments which are coming in to each and every one of you. And so we have asked as a symbol that this song of Wisconsin** be placed upon the Ashtar website for you to listen to and for it to inspire you. Send it out! Send it out and if you have a website, post it. Send it to those who have websites and ask them to post it as a solidarity mission for the entire planet.
"Let us stand together as One! Let us not only keep the flame of Freedom burning bright, but let us power it up until everywhere, its flame, its Light burns with a brightness that has never ever been seen or felt upon planet Earth since the very beginning, before the veil. Let us stand tall in Courage together! Let us put our Hearts and our Minds and our Spirits into this mission! And let us all be in solidarity with these brave ones in the snow, with these brave ones in the sands and the heat where the bullets are flying. We are One! We are Family All Together! And so it is! Namaste.
***The email addresses of the 14 Wisconsin Democrats who left the state to avoid a vote against collective bargaining. Please email all with your support.
--The CREDO Action Team: Here's a sample message to send to your friends:
Subject: Wisconsin's courageous state senators deserve our thanks.
Dear Friend,
Democratic state senators in Wisconsin have been forced to flee the state in order to stop Governor Walker's radical attack on worker's rights.
Now, Gov. Walker has ordered state police to hunt them down, and force their return to Madison for a vote on his bill.
The fight in Wisconsin affects all of us. And this is a crucial moment to show solidarity with the state senators as they continue their courageous stand to protect workers.
I just signed a petition telling Wisconsin's Democratic state senators they have my support. You should sign it too. Click below to say thanks.
In a true move of democratic solidarity, Egyptians sent Wisconsinites pizza. It's a political cheesehead's dream come true. From Politico: It might seem like a small gesture, but it's overwhelming to the staff at Ian's on State Street - a campus staple mere blocks from the Capitol - where in the last few days, they've fielded calls from concerned citizens of 14 countries, and all 50 states and the District of Columbia looking to donate money to provide free pizza to the Wisconsinites who have congregated here.
Ian’s Pizza in Madison: 30 states/5 countries buy pizza for workers!
Posted on February 20th, 2011
Incredible story from Ian’s Pizza, on State St. in Madison!
They are only serving the workers rallying in Madison and have shut down normal operations; you can call and buy a pizza too:
I wanted to share about our trip to Madison Saturday.
The day was exhausting but exhilarating as well!! The media are not getting the numbers right at all. Last weekend we had 70,000 and this weekend, there had to have been about 130,000 or more!!! All the shuttle busses were overrun, and the city busses, too!! Our day began when we took the city bus to the Capitol and were engaged in healthy conversation--one man was homeless and shuffled back and forth between shelters. He was very articulate about how important it was for the people to believe that they could make a difference. He was so proud of the people in Wisconsin.
When we arrived at the square, we knew the day was different. The people filled the streets and sidewalks all around the Capitol and the energy was SOOO intense. From large organized groups to small individuals walking, it was incredible! Then about 2:00 in the afternoon, we began to hear a gentle yet strong voice encouraging all of us to have a voice! It was accompanied by a guitar...It was Peter Yarrow! Beautiful way to set the focus of the rally on knowing we are all there for a bigger reason. The snow was falling in large flakes. Children were catching the flakes on their tongues, and in every direction, I see every kind of person imaginable! Talk about an eclectic group. Then the call to begin the rally with our National Anthem. I was in awe hearing ( again I think it was over a hundred thousand) voices belting out the words that represent what we believe to be the foundation of democracy. Then from the Capitol building a deafening roar as the people within the building cheered on 3000 firefighters preceding bagpipes. Oh, my! It was spectacular!! We didn't get home until way late Saturday night...and slept in past 9 a.m., a first for me! I am overwhelmed by the experience.
We may go this week if things get tumultuous and they call out for us. It has been an extremely peaceful and joyful protest.
Thanks for listening. We love you all! (This was so therapeutic for each of us, knowing there are so many of us who are together on this) Peace, love, and joy!
"On Saturday, I did go to Madison for the protest.
"Some notes in brief. On the way down there, I prayed for protection of everyone in our car, and the car itself, and for the protest.
also......surrounded everyone in our car, in the car, and in the protest, with Christ's white light. I then extended the protection to the entire city of Madison, and all suburbs. turned out to be a really good thing to do.
"Going into Madison, I felt energies. These were positive, high frequency energies, and were there the entire time. These started as soon as we got off the interstate.
"Although some others at Adams County Democrats were not there, I did tell them of the energies. I did not tell them, that going into Madison, I looked up into the sky, and there
were energies originating within the clouds. I suspect I know why, but
did not discuss this. I kept that to myself, til now.
"The protest was peaceful and positive. Lots of interesting signs. I am not at all sorry that I went. I have no regrets. I would do it again too. So if anyone from the Adams County Democrats would like to go again, I would go again.
"We went to East Town Mall, and we went by bus (yellow school buses) to
the capital, and we returned by bus too. The media was there. I saw reporters, saw tv cameras. Saw 3 satellite Tv trucks.....one was clearly labelled as Fox News. Not sure what the others were.
"We were on the world stage, which I found I could handle. There was a rally at 1:30 pm, at 3 pm, and at 5 pm. We left after 3, because it was too cold. We kept together as a group. Our group marched around the capital, I think 5 times. so I got a work out. Not hard for me. Being that I walk around Adams every day. This was easy for me.
"I am now working on the protests with the wand."
D.K., Adams County, Wisconsin
Hi Fran . . . and Susan and Elise !
I'm in shock . . . joyous shock. I know all that we do really has an effect. BUT it REALLY, really does.
I just received a note from one of the Wisconsin senators. I'm sure most of the note is a template. But I was shocked to receive any response . . . and at the very end is a P.S. written just to me. I was so moved I was on the verge of tears. The love these people are showing is big. Just had to share with you all.
Thank you for ALL that all three of you do.
Blessings, Jim P.
From: "Sen.Larson"
To: "Jim P Dear Jim, Thank you for contacting me regarding Governor Walker's use of the Budget Adjustment Bill to reverse 50 years of Wisconsin history in preserving worker rights; to give himself unchecked authority to make dramatic cuts to the state's safety net programs like Badgercare and Seniorcare. It even gives the governor the ability to sell off 34 state-owned power plants using NO BID contracts.
As you indicated in your email, you know, I and the other Senate Democrats have chosen to stand with Wisconsin workers and families. We continue to ask that Republican legislators reconsider their unprecedented attack on Wisconsin workers, their communities and our tradition of working with labor to move Wisconsin forward. We ask simply that they come to the bargaining table and address the concerns of so many from across Wisconsin.
I appreciate your support in the fight ahead of us. The rubber-stamp Republican Legislature has done everything they can to railroad the governor's radical agenda through the Legislature. Please continue your advocacy with legislators, the governor, and especially with your friends and community. We need you to let your neighbors know that this assault on worker rights will hurt every person and every community across Wisconsin. It will drive down wages and decrease workplace safety for all Wisconsin workers, union and non-union alike.
If you attend any of the rallies at the State Capitol, please feel free to visit my office at 22 South. Although I am not presently able to be at my office, my staff has kept the office open to the public every day since the 17th. I am reading emails and staff are sending me messages and information. I am also updating people directly via Twitter.
Thank you again for emailing me and for joining me in opposing Governor Walker's unprecedented act.
In Solidarity,
Chris Larson, State Senator, 7th District P.S. Thanks for the support all the way from Georgia!
Importance: Low Hi Everyone !!! This is Jim from Atlanta; but I'm originally from Minnesota . . . so I know your beautiful state and people fairly well. Know that I'm supporting ALL of you. You are true pioneers and patriots. Your energy for truth, justice, and freedom is spreading across this country. As you know, many other states are following your lead. We are having a rally at our capital tomorrow, Saturday. Just know that you are not forgotten and that you are fondly remembered daily. Jim P.
