Michael Moore and Michelle Shocked Came To The Rally!

We went to the rally at the Capitol yesterday and were surprised that Michael Moore showed up.  Michael Moore pointed out how Wallstreet and greed got us into this, not teachers and not unions, but they are the ones being attacked.  It's not about the budget, it's about politics.

Here a great link of 360 degree photos of the protests:

http://www.tourdeforce360.com/madison_protest/

Rally on Mar. 5

Gov. Walker says his ideals are innovative, but they seem to ultimately hurt the middle class.  The average salary for teachers here is $50,000 and I will attest that housing and living is more expensive here and the money does not go far.  But they are willing to pay into their healthcare and pension, but the biggest issue is "union busting" legislation, which seems to have nothing to do with the budget, but a lot to do with politics.  Wisconsin has worked hard for everyone to have a good quality of life, and that  is currently being threatened and so quickly.

Michelle Shocked (folk singer originally from Texas) came from LA

Here's a YOUTUBE link to watch Moore's speech and see Michelle Shocked's performance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgNuSEZ8CDw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWrt-OutM94

Michael Moore was a surprise speaker!

The 14 senators who left are called the "fab 14"

We are all amazed that the 14 democratic senators are still in Illinois and have not come back.  It has been almost 3 weeks.  Not sure how long they can stay away for, but if one comes back, then the "repair bill" will pass.  

I have been impressed at the number of families and babies who have come to the rallies.  It has been so cold out but people keep coming-I think 50,000 on Saturday.

It was freezing out!  The woman in the green sweater gave her jacket to her daughter  (to her right) and the daughter already had a big jacket on.  It was bone chilling cold!

Protests Continue...Day 15!

                                                      


Here are some pics from inside the capitol and last Saturday's protest.  They estimate 70,000 people were there-it was definitely the largest protest I have ever been in!

Gov. Walker is still set on getting rid of most collective bargaining for unions.  He announced more details of his budget for 2012 and there will be huge cuts and loss of jobs: http://bit.ly/dXIuJ9.  The 14 Democratic senators are still in Illinois, avoiding having to vote on the repair bill.  The capital is now not allowing people in unless they are with the media or work there, but there are some protestors inside who refused to leave.  They let them stay and sleep there, but if they leave, they cannot get back in.

If you want to follow what is going on here in Wisconsin, you can go to these links (and of course my blog!):

http://www.thedailypage.com/isthmus/

http://www.channel3000.com/index.html

http://bluecheddar.wordpress.com

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Solidarity in Wisconsin

It has been a crazy week here in Wisconsin!  Governor Scott Walker has introduced a bill that essentially is aimed at getting rid of unions!  He's a real jerk.  Mark and I went to the rally yesterday and it was nice to see democracy in action. 

The protest was made up of young and old people.  I heard a four year old say,"Governor Walker is trying to take away our rights."  

Click on the link below to hear Rachel Maddow discuss the history of Wisconsin's unions and why this is related the survival of the democratic party

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/

2011 Blizzard, Good Thing We Had a Shovel

We had a total of around 16 inches. It is the most snow I have ever had to shovel! It looked like the mountain towns in Colorado. Mark and I shoveled and the neighbor came by and helped us too. Many people have snow blowers! But the damn plows push the snow onto the driveway and mailbox and you have to shovel again! Luckily the sun came out and it wasn't too bad.

Let it snow!

Is that our car!?

Embracing the Winter

Today was 30 degrees and cloudy--perfect day to be outside and do winter things.  Mark and I went to the Weary Traveller and I had the "Bad Breath" burger-garlic, cream cheese, and sauteed onions.  We ice skated for the first time on a pond (different from an indoor rink).  Many people were out at Tenney Park with hockey sticks, sleds, and skates.  We also went to the Henry Vilas zoo-the polar bear, seals, and otters looked happy!  To top off our winter day, we are going to a UW women's hockey game.  It is almost February and spring is around the corner!