Rallying

Three months ago now, I wrapped Adah up in her moby and we walked to our local elementary school (her future school) to vote on the early November election. I was disappointed in the results of that election, not only because "my people" lost, but also because it seemed to me like voters weren't really thinking about the candidates, just voting for the "other guy." Disappointed that the Democrats haven't yet fixed all the problems of the Bush era (grrrr, don't get me started on this), the Republicans took the vote in this dear state of Wisconsin. The result of this right win, I must say, has been frightening thus far.

Our new Governor, Scott Walker, has gotten quite a bit of negative press already, especially in the past week, for his arrogant, bull-headed, power hungry budget repair bill that will take away the collective bargaining rights of all state employees (public school teachers, nurses, police officers, the list goes on...) and essentially do away with unions. Apparently, he needs to balance the budget that was balanced when he came into office on Jan. 31...before he dumped $140 million into special interest groups. The details of this bill make me cringe - essentially cutting the salaries of hard working, underpaid social servants all around but of course allocating funds to build another prison. Possibly one of the worst parts was that before unveiling the bill, Gov. Walker announced that the National Guard had been briefed and stood ready to respond to any reaction to the proposed bill. Super, let's threaten our citizens and invoke fear in order to scare them out of their right to respond. Such Democracy.

Today, I joined thousands (and I do mean thousands - apparently the biggest protests at the Capitol since Vietnam) of other Wisconsinites as we marched and rallied at the State Capitol in opposition of this horrible legislation. I marched for my friends and my neighbors, for the education system that my daughter will be a part of, and for myself - because this bill will also impact all University employees. And I was inspired...

I was so excited to see the bipartisan camaraderie exhibited today. Democrats and Republicans and Socialists (who invited me to come join their organization, so friendly) all rallied together, and for once, party lines didn't matter. People were rallying for human rights, not across political lines.

Before I went to the rally I was working in my office, and shortly before I was about to leave emails came pouring in from my UW students - explaining that they'd be missing class today, understanding they'd have to take an absence, but doing so gladly in order to stand in solidarity with their fellow students and in support of their professors. I was so proud of them - for being concerned citizens, engaging in civil discourse, and for caring.

At the rally I was amazed by the number of high school students protesting in support of their teachers. Granted, Madison schools were closed today (due to the number of teachers calling in absent in order to attend the rally...which says a little something about the impact of this bill!) but the support shown by students was admirable - they chanted, made signs, wore their high school sweatshirts and cheered "kill the bill" along with the masses.

I loved seeing the multigenerational engagement - from babies in carriers to elementary school students holding signs to elderly adults in wheelchairs chanting excitedly - this protest was truly a diverse, community effort. We would ALL be impacted by the implications of this radical proposal.

The clever signs were my final highlight - too many to mention. My favorite, perhaps, the one reading "I used to be Republican." Yup. This is what happens when we elect a train wreck for governor. Live and learn, my friends. Let's hope Walker can do that over the coming days. Holding out some hope that he can humbly respond to this call from the masses. Kill the bill. Let's move Wisconsin forward.