Wisconsin Crowds Swell to 30,000; Key GOP Legislators Waver

[L. Coyote]

Source: .truth-out.org Thursday 17 February 2011 by: John Nichols

"I have never been prouder of our movement than I am at this moment," shouted Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Phil Neuenfeldt, as he surveyed the crowds of union members and their supporters that surged around the state Capitol and into the streets of Madison Wednesday, literally closing the downtown as tens of thousands of Wisconsinites protested their Republican governor’s attempt to strip public employee unions of their collective bargaining rights.

Where Tuesday’s mid-day protests drew crowds estimated at 12,000 to 15,000, Wednesday's mid-day rally drew 30,000, according to estimates by organizers. Madison Police Chief Noble Wray, a veteran of 27 years on the city’s force, said he had has never see a protest of this size at the Capitol – and he noted that, while crowd estimates usually just measure those outside, this time the inside of the sprawling state Capitol was “packed.”

On Wednesday night, an estimated 20,000 teachers and their supporters rallied ...........

Read more: http://www.truth-out.org/wisconsin-crowds-swell-30000-key-gop-legislators-waver67882

---

For continuing updates on Wisconsin protests, follow Truthout's blog:
http://www.truth-out.org/watch-live-blog-wisconsin-protest-rally-madison-wisconsin67866

[Zoeisright]

1. Viva la Cheddar Revolution!!

Bravo!

[meow2u3]

54. Great name for the Wisconsin Democratic protest

The Cheddar Revolution. :toast:

Next thing you'll know, the repukes will be saying, "We're melting, we're melting...." :evilgrin:

[L. Coyote]

85. I'd like to see a PAPER BALLOT REVOLUTION overtake the Nation and liberate voting

from right-wing black box corporations!

Until that happens, all else may be futility!

Oregon with mail0in paper ballots DID NOT shift red.

New Mexico changed their law to paper ballots and shifted back from Red to Blue.

Your state can do it too!

[russspeakeasy]

91. Coyote makes an excellent point..

[robinlynne]

95. yes yes yes, but not mail in.... ask me privately.

[ixion]

2. I'm liking all this...

Finally, people are getting fed up with being rolled by their 'elected' officials.

[chervilant]

64. And,

haven't a BUNCH of us here on DU said repeatedly that the hoi polloi will NOT go quietly into the night?!

The corporatists are getting their first taste of just how LOUD we can be.

[defendandprotect]

3. K/R -- really interesting stuff going on -- we need more!!

[Mr Generic Other]

4. a wonderful article.

thanks for the link. that was refreshing and informative. hardly what one is used to reading anymore.

[pacalo]

5. Learned something new in reading that: Wisconsin legislature needs just one more

Republican to vote "no" & the bill will be defeated.

[icnorth]

6. Cool! The knees of the natives in the repug nation

are starting to knock. About time they had to face an awakened, pissed off mass of working people.

[Iliyah]

8. Don't trust gop aka tea brats

they speak with fork tongues. Here in Los Angeles, of course, even corporate media has saturated our airwaves here in Los Angeles, and thank gawd for the few progressive radio talkshow hosts and the internet. On KNX - total favortism for Jerk Walker and crew and our local media does show a little of the pro-union protestors but weigh in heavily with Jerk Walker and their talkingpoints. They even gave total airtime to one tea jerk who kept spouting out the Dem Senators need to comply with the contsitution, like he knows what the true meaning is.

[AlbertCat]

7. legislature needs just one more Republican to vote "no" & the bill will be defeated.

Que bueno!

If this works (it seems to be working) it could inspire others elsewhere to try a working strategy too.

I hope someone is anticipating how such protests will try to be blocked in the future.

[wial]

42. Also several GOP legislators are vulnerable to recall petitions

There's a campaign on reddit to get those started. Good research too, it looks like.

http://www.reddit.com/r/wisconsin/comments/fo8ro/recall_petitions_can_be_started_against_the/

[jerryster]

43. That would be awesome.

I know that Wisconsin is one of 18 states that can recall the governor as well. Unfortunately, I have to wonder if, by doing this so early in his term that Walker has minimized that possibility. It would be 2012 before it could happen ( it has to be after one year of term). By then the anger - and anger is what is needed - may dissipate. Voters may also be more focused on national elections in a Presidential election year.

I am curious if recall efforts could start now such as collecting signatures or however it works in Wisconsin. Or does any part of the process have to wait until after one year of the term is complete.

Tea Party idiots are on the way to Madison. Is violence on the horizon?

[chervilant]

67. Let's predict...

Do you think the relentless assault on the hoi polloi will abate or end before 2012? Do you think the hedonistic corporatists are gonna stop following Uncle Miltie's precepts? Do you think the crumbling global economy is gonna magically heal itself and stop its freefall disintegration?

Do you think We the People have had a damned 'nuff of this crap from the Corporate Megalomaniacs?

If your answers are "no, no, no, yes" I think you can safely predict that Wisconsin will recall that POS.

[Kingofalldems]

9. K and R for Democrats

[mvd]

10. Big K&R - this is too important to cave on

The Repukes are doing a fundamental assualt on workers' rights.

[SomeGuyInEagan]

11. Is there a fund set up to support the protesters? Or for the recall (even if a year away)?

I'll send money.

[Citizen Worker]

12. The people united will never be defeated. This is solidarity in action and exactly what we need to

do on a national scale. Letters and phone calls no longer work, non-violent direct action does.

[1monster]

13. Hey Wisconsin! Walk Like an Egyptian!!!

[No Elephants]

29. My thought, too. We should ALL walk like the united, brave, peacefully protesting Egyptians!

[chervilant]

68. Awesome

graphic and I love your quote-- I am a child of the universe, indeed! I have a RIGHT to be here! I should NOT have to go hungry, or be homeless, or fear that my chronic back pain is a harbinger of something dreadful that I'll never know because I don't have health insurance. Those who oppress me and the millions like me are greedy, narcissistic sociopaths. We need to call them by their names.

[1monster]

73. It's from the Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. Wise words to live by...

The Desiderata


Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,

even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble,

it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.


Max Ehrmann was an attorney turned philosopher-poet who live in Terre Haute, Ind. He spent his life wrestling with the realities of making a living and following his personal calling to a life of poetry, literature, and thought. He wrote A Prayer, which became a message of hope for thousands, but he is best known for Desiderata, which he wrote for himself, "because it counsels those virtues I felt myself most in need of." Max included this work as part of a personal Christmas greeting in 1933, and Desiderata's power and appeal have continued to reach out to and significantly affect readers ever since.
He died in 1945.

Desiderata is copyrighted and is displayed here with permission from Bell & Son Publishing, LLC ,
1301 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10019-6076

http://www.sfheart.com/desiderata.html

[chervilant]

98. Wow...

I haven't read that amazing poem since I was a kid.

Speaking of reading: Naomi Klein's thoroughly-researched and well-written Shock Doctrine should be required reading for every member of the hoi polloi. Klein's prophetic assessment of the Corporate Megalomaniacs' intended usurpation of the global economy has helped enlighten her readers--now, it's time to spread the word.

Less than 400 people worldwide own and control better than 45% of the planet's resources, including HUMAN resources. It is past time to acknowledge and address how this radical income inequity keeps the vast majority of us enslaved and at risk of homelessness, starvation and death.

[ErikJ]

14. Beck and Oreilly AFL-CIO members too

But their $20 million salaries are justified to them.

[L. Coyote]

15. Now if we can get all these people to support PAPER BALLOTS.

We might see very different election results in the future!

Oregon, with mail in ballots, did not shift red!

[Iliyah]

16. Just went to the

MSNBC website, GUESS what, all 50 tea brats being promoted with red, white and blue...

Took days for pro-union to even for s split second for US coverage and, thru GOP tea brat talkingpoints, total coverage.

[L. Coyote]

30. Maybe we should get the teabaggers to demand paper ballots

Have them "go off the ranch" so to speak.

[ejpoeta]

92. it benefits them too. what if some computer geek dems tried to steal an election.

just as easy either way. paper ballots benefit all of us, republicans, dems, libs, teapartiers....

[russspeakeasy]

17. Bravo Wisconsin...Say hello to Spring Green....

[frylock]

18. the mutherlickers are starting to feel the heat eminating from all those torches

[muntrv]

19. But....but the teabaggers will have 3 million in WI! Fox Nooze says so!

:sarcasm: (as if the smilie is necessary).

[Hubert Flottz]

49. FOX = FUDGY MATH!

They need all that lip gloss when rupert comes to town.

[donquijoterocket]

83. It's necessary

By virtue of the fact that fundy wingers of whatever stripe have inspired the discovery of Poe's Law
1.Without a winking smiley or other blatant display of humor, it is impossible to create a parody of Fundamentalism that SOMEONE won't mistake for the real thing.Which is a nice distillation of this
2.Similar to Murphy's Law, Poe's Law concerns internet debates, particularly regarding religion or politics.

"Without a winking smiley or other blatant display of humor, it is impossible to create a parody of Fundamentalism that SOMEONE won't mistake for the real thing."

In other words, No matter how bizarre, outrageous, or just plain idiotic a parody of a Fundamentalist may seem, there will always be someone who cannot tell that it is a parody, having seen similar REAL ideas from real religious/political Fundamentalists.

[freshwest]

20. Thanks for the great news!

:fistbump:

[Marcel]

21. Awesome!

:fistbump:

[mokawanis]

22. I'm there every day, fantastic experience!

I live and work about 5 miles from the Capitol and have been participating in the protest every day since it started. It's been an amazing and inspiring experience, so many people determined to stand up and fight back against the war being waged against workers. The firefighters here in Madison were exempted from the cuts but they have been showing up in large numbers to support us. We're not backing down and we're not quitting. Walker wanted a fight and we're giving him a lot more then he expected.

[susanwy]

35. On behalf of State/Local gov employees everywhere....

:patriot:

Stay strong my brothers and sisters, stay strong!

Susan

[flpab]

90. STAY STRONG

I am in Florida and Scott is doing the same thing to us here. We will be next.

[chervilant]

69. BRAVO!!!!!

Many of us are there with you in spirit, can you tell?!?

This is the most exciting development in our nation's push back against the corporatists who've usurped our government, our media, AND the global economy! The corporatists now know that they were DEAD WRONG that We the People are too fat, too lazy, and too complacent to fight back!

IN YOUR FACES, you hedonistic, narcissistic sociopaths!!!

[blackspade]

23. It warns my heart to see this.

I hope this spreads all over the country on issues that concern each community.
Hopefully it will cascade, leading to a reinvention of America.
Not based on 'Returning to Greatness,' but advancing, ...or Progressing, ...to a society based on hope not fear.

[sofa king]

77. Me, too. Exercising the right to assemble is one of the things we do well.

I particularly like that we're doing it peacefully and effectively while people from other nations are trying it on for the first time. And the fact that it's in support of our teachers is icing on the cake.

[Rene]

24. I'm ready to hit the streets to protest the DC GOP actions in the House

I'm incensed about all their 'defunding' activities....like Planned Paranthood, PBS, NPR etc. I'll get out and protest if it will be organized by some group. Someone want to step up and lead us?

[plumbob]

25. Kudos to the protesters! Viva Wisconsin! From a proud AFT/AFL-CIO

member in Texas!

Sic 'em!

[Chorophyll]

26. Woot!!! On Wisconsin!

:fistbump:

[burrowowl]

27. Everybody

should be in the streets.
The idiot Gov. gave away a surplus to the Autocrats and is now blaming it on the workers!

[Geoffrey_Lebowski]

28. As I'm looking at this, there's a "Stand With Walker" banner at the top of this page ...

Right now, I see a "Stand With Walker Against Union Demands" at the top of this page.

I know I'm new here, and I don't mean to be critical, but ... I mean f***ing ... seriously?

Is this what it has come to?

Nothing directed at the site owners or anyone else here, but ... I was all pumped up to read this article, and a banner like that ... that is depressing to see.

[1monster]

76. The advertisement was placed by Google. It is one way of raising revenue

for DU. Those placing the ads look for sites discussing various issues and place ads that are on the subject. They don't really care which sides of the discussions are arguing.

If you become a donner to DU, you will be able to switch off those advertisements. As little as $5 will get them off your VDU for a whole year... :D

[sofa king]

78. What's not to like? They lose, we keep their money.

[L. Coyote]

31. UPDATE: City of Madison unionized workers to have collective bargaining contracts extended thru 2012

8:08pm Erica Pelzek reports hundreds of uniformed police officers and firefighters marched the Wisconsin Capitol Square at 5:30 this evening, pausing at the City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., to hear out Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz's generous proposal.

According to Cieslewicz, City of Madison unionized workers will have their collective bargaining contracts extended through the end of 2012. In order "to ensure that all employees can continue to receive current pension and health benefits for the next two years," Cieslewicz said he realized he needed to extend these contracts today before Gov. Scott Walker's union-busting budget-repair bill potentially passes.

Representatives from 12 Madison labor unions in the city cheered, continuing their march down State Street to a Special Council Meeting held at the Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St., to discuss the contract extensions.

==============
That's today's latest post in the BLOG: http://www.truth-out.org/watch-live-blog-wisconsin-protest-rally-madison-wisconsin67866

[Imagevision]

32. Like Cairo, do we wait for the Walker supporters to come riding in - in their Mercedes's...

[DU GrovelBot]

33. ## PLEASE DONATE TO DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND! ##

This week is our first quarter 2011 fund drive. Democratic Underground is
a completely independent website. We depend on donations from our members
to cover our costs. Please take a moment to donate! Thank you!

Click here to donate

[No Elephants]

34. Too bad we didn't pass EFCA, but maybe this will help Dems anyway.

Most--not all-- union leaders have stuck with Dems, but many rank and file had gone Pub over the years. And, not having the NRA, churches, youth groups, Boy Scouts, etc. working for us, we sure as hell need both union leaders and the rank and file.

DLC/New Dem/Third Way/Conservadems/Blue Dog, etc. types have certainly not been as strong for workers as they could have--and should have-- been, but stuff like this at least reminds workers and union leaders which Party is worse for them. Cold comfort, maybe, but it's "not nothing," either. And something is better than nothing. (Wish we'd wise the hell up and do better again, though, for the health of the country AND the Party.)

[deacon]

36. K + R

[Judi Lynn]

37. 3 great photos from Wisconsin posted at Ed Schultz's MSNBC website:

http://www.polls.newsvine.com.nyud.net:8090/_vine/images/users/600/margaretjudson/6082035.jpg

http://www.polls.newsvine.com.nyud.net:8090/_vine/images/users/600/margaretjudson/6082029.jpg

http://www.polls.newsvine.com.nyud.net:8090/_vine/images/users/600/margaretjudson/6082027.jpg
http://ed.msnbc.msn.com/

[deutsey]

38. I'm glad they didn't stay at home and complain on computer discussion boards

:evilgrin:

[LawnKorn]

39. Hold the line against the Republicans

We can't let the pukes win

[LawnKorn]

40. K&R

[wial]

41. Tomorrow is goon squad day in Wisconsin

The Tea Parties are busing in an out of state counter rally. Rumor has it (ok I'm just trying to start the rumor) they will drive through the crowd on snow machines cracking bullwhips, led by Todd Palin.

Costa-Gavras' "Z" comes to mind, as it did re the Egypt situation. Now the test will be, as it always is when the authoritarians unleash their "antibodies", who will the police protect and who will they not protect. Hopefully they'll protect everybody of course especially considering there are so many children in the crowd of good citizens, and the tea parties by contrast are made up largely of pitiable demented old folk -- but it will be interesting to watch.

[INdemo]

44. Just read this from a AP realease..

Democrats who stayed in Madison on Friday scored their own victory, forcing the state Assembly to adjourn until at least Tuesday without taking a vote on Walker's bill. Republicans, however, have more than enough votes to pass the measure once the Legislature can convene.


Wis. rallies renew history of political activism
By DINESH RAMDE Associated Press The Associated Press
Saturday, February 19, 2011 5:33 AM EST

[chervilant]

71. Well, well, well,

I wonder if those Republicans realize they'll be committing political suicide if they vote to pass this POS legislation?

[James48]

45. Craigslist ad

You gotta read this one- A Craigslist ad for subletting a Chicago room - available to any Wisconsin senator who needs a place to stay-

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/sub/2220499545.html

[myrna minx]

46. Too funny.

:hi:

[polichick]

47. Great ad! "no fresh cheese curds on every corner" LOL

[L. Coyote]

79. TEXT: 1br - Logan Square Bedroom for Wisconsin Senator

I know how it is.

You're a freshman Senator from Bayview/South Milwaukee. You're riding high on the thrill of your first big election victory, thinking "maybe this whole state government thing is going to be alright." Sure you're in the minority, but that means you get to say whatever you really want right? Who knows maybe you'll even get to co-sponsor a bill to give social services to poor people or something hippy-dippy like that.

But before you've even finished breaking in the tall backed "captains chair" your wife bought for your Madison office the shit hits the fan. The Governor goes totally 'roon the bend' and you can't walk from that great bagel shop on state street to your office without getting almost hit in the face with a "Local 171" sign.

Or maybe you've represented Poplar and north-west Wisconsin since your first election at the beginning of time. You've known the vagaries of being in and out of power. But after 20 years in Madison you've had it with this shit. Time to do something adventurous and blow this popsicle stand.

Either way you're on the lam, following river-beds and listening for dogs as you try to duck the fuzz and make it to sweet sweet freedom in the cornfields of Iowa or Illinois.

We've all been there.

Well lucky for you I'm here to help. I'm throwing open the guest room in my Logan Square home to any Senators currently evading the Wisconsin State Patrol. Sure you may not have all the comforts at home - no fresh cheese curds on every corner. But if you stare at the lake hard enough you might be able to pretend you're just in a bigger MIlwaukee... with an actual economy.

Amenities include:

1. Furnishings: Twin Bed, Dresser and closet
2. Bathroom with a large vintage tub.
3. A state merely plagued with political nihilism and outright corruption, as opposed to one collapsing into its own supernova of crazy.

Stay until its safe to slip back up in the cargo hold of a Metra train. Or if you want to stick around long term you can start a double life and announce your mayoral candidacy on Monday.

Serious Inquiries Only. No Pets.

* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

[Raksha]

84. Now that's funny!

:rofl:

[Hubert Flottz]

48. This needs to happen in every capitol where the pricks try to...

shove their bullshit down the people's throats. The time to just sit and take this shit is OVER!

Edit...The Gov. thought he lived in Wussconsin, but boy was he ever wrong.

[Atypical Liberal]

50. Hooray!

Hooray for the working people of Wisconsin!

[trud]

51. mob rule

That got us Bush in Florida. So much for Democracy.

[olegramps]

55. Peaceful assembly is a guarantee of the Constitution. I suppose you know that.

The mob that was bussed in by the Republicans banged on the doors and windows and threaten violence. I really suspect some recent posters.

[socialist_n_TN]

61. As dp I. As do I.............

:banghead:

[coalition_unwilling]

56. Welcome to my Ignore list - n/t

[chervilant]

72. Wow...

Whoever's paying you to troll DU is NOT getting their money's worth.

[L. Coyote]

80. WRONG. Corrupt Justice, voter registration manipulation, and electyion crimes

got us Bush in 2000. Even after caging the black Dems voters and fixing some counties, they still did not enough votes to defeat Gore, so they had to steal it in plain view! The mob was just window dressing.

[WillyT]

52. HUGE K & R !!!

:woohoo:

:bounce:

:kick:

[IamK]

53. Public schools had to close again due to teacher "sickness"...

The unions may not have a choice as this is potentially a last stand of sorts, but they are quickly losing the battle of public opinion...
http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/116504893.html

[XanaDUer]

57. I see nothing in there that says they are losing the goodwill of the

public.

[IamK]

62. read any public message board (TV /Radio/newspaper etc.) in the Wisconsin

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/116374544.html

http://www.cbs58.com/index.php?aid=16215&

[XanaDUer]

63. Message boards are not polls, not scientific ones.

Usually, it is a bunch of RW morons mouthing off and using sockpuppets to pretend that people agree with them.

http://www.weac.org/news_and_publications/11-02-17/illegal coders_overwhelmingly_say_Walker_has_gone_too_far.aspx

[olegramps]

58. The article doesn't anything about public opinion.

All that I have seen has been tremendous support of the teachers. The Fire Fighters and Police who supported Walker were for some inexplainable reason exempted from this bill, yet they have come out in support of the teachers. I suspect your motivations.

[Plucketeer]

74. Fine!

Let 'em "home school" their kids. I'd bet those complaining are just irked that their "day care" is being subverted.

[Name removed]

75. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[L. Coyote]

81. Strikes by teachers are prohibited by state law, but not sick days.

If they are acting within the terms of their contracts, no problem I say.

[Buenaventura]

59. ¡Venceremos! n/t

[GoCubsGo]

60. "They should be glad they have jobs."

I heard that from one of the repug senators on NBC this morning. Damn good thing I didn't have a brick handy, or I'd be out one television set. The same goes for you, you arrogant son of a bitch.

[XanaDUer]

66. That was the line from my previous job

I and some others got laid off, and that is what they're telling the remaining folks. Way to go there to build morale.

[TBF]

65. Recommended K&R nt

[AlphaCentauri]

70. First Tunisia, then Bahrain, Libya, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Egypt and now Wisconsin

The revolution is spreading everywhere

[disndat]

86. A tribute to high tech -

Facebook, Twitter, cellphones, WikiLeaks, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg -- as hypothesized in the NYT.

[chervilant]

88. It is,

indeed. And, like an avalanche, it can't be stopped.

[L. Coyote]

82. Judge refuses to send Madison teachers back to work

X-POST: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4739105

Source: Journal Sentinal
Judge refuses to send Madison teachers back to work
By Associated Press
Updated: Feb. 18, 2011 7:34 p.m. |

Madison - The Madison School District has gone to court to get teachers back to work, but a judge refused to immediately order teachers back to class.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports the district late Friday filed for an injunction that would bar teachers from taking part in any more work stoppages such as teacher demonstrations that have closed schools three days this week.

Schools have been closed in Madison, Milwaukee and other districts around Wisconsin as teachers call in sick to attend protests at the state Capitol over Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill. Teachers and other state union workers are upset that Walker wants to curtail their collective bargaining rights.

In its filing, the Madison School District characterizes the work stoppage as an illegal strike. Strikes by teachers are prohibited by state law.

[tpsbmam]

87. Just plain awesome! WTG Wisconsin!

Let Wisconsin be infectious and the start of nationwide actions!

K&R

[L. Coyote]

89. Richard Trumpka, President of the National AFL-CIO, will be headlining at the 12:00 noon rally

Representative Mark Pocan (D- Madison) has looked more closely at the numbers and writes that the $3.6 billion deficit is bogus. The alleged deficit is based on $3.9 billion in new agency requests for the 2011-2013 budget, a 7.2% spending increase. However, these are merely requests, not dollars actually allocated or spent, and Pocan writes that the legislature never votes to grant 100% of agency requests: “I don’t think there is a member in the legislature that would vote for . In fact, I asked Director Lang when was the last time we gave agencies exactly what they requested and was told he couldn’t think of one and he’s been here decades.”

MORE: http://www.truth-out.org/watch-live-blog-wisconsin-protest-rally-madison-wisconsin67866

[earth mom]

93. Huge K & R for Union Solidarity!

:kick:

[craigmatic]

94. Good for them I hope they win this!

[Sherman A1]

96. On Wisconsin!

:toast:

[jerseyjack]

97. So Where Are The Recall Petitions?

30,000 people and no one thought to bring a recall petition?

[L. Coyote]

99. VIDEO: Wisconsin Democrats Could Stay Away for Weeks = YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWoPWoyBCYM

[L. Coyote]

100. VIDEO: WI GOP Tries Illegal Tactics To Pass Anti-Union Bill = YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBj4XS4Eq4I&feature=player_embedded

Wisconsin Democrats say Republicans are breaking the rules in their rush to pass a "budget repair bill" that contains anti-union provisions. Republicans in the State Assembly have enough votes to pass the bill, but decided to start voting on it before the Assembly was scheduled to meet. Republican Assembly Leader Jeff Fitzgerald said he thought the Democrats would not show up for the scheduled 5pm vote. Eventually he agreed to rescind the vote.

After the session, a group of Democratic Assembly members dressed in an orange solidarity t-shirts talked to The UpTake. "In their haste to do business without us on the floor before the designated time to begin they actually passed my amendment by mistake." said one.

"They tried to silence us" said another.

"They're trying to shut down democracy and shut down the voices," said a third.

"The fact that someone is in the minority, that we all represent the minority party in the state of Wisconsin doesn't mean we we have a voice."

"This bill has almost nothing to do with balancing our state budget. It's merely a guise to push through one of the most radical to push through one of the most radical agendas in the reduction and loss of workers rights that we've seen in 50 years," said another member.

"When we came in this morning we wanted to introduce our constituents and they shut us down. They walked off. They didn't want to hear that over 50,000 Wisconsin citizens have spoken out over the last week against Governor Walker taking our rights."

"Today we asked our Governor to show some leadership. Not only did he flatly refuse to meet with us at the Capitol, but he flatly refused to even discuss the offers that have been made by organized labor to help bring an end to this impasse."