Sunday, February 20, 2011

NOT "DANGEROUS" AFTER ALL


From the New York Times:
MADISON, Wis. — In a capital city overrun for much of the past week by union supporters, state employees and students — all objecting to the Republican governor’s plan to cut collective bargaining rights and benefits for public workers — a new element was introduced on Saturday: opposition to the opposition.

All around the Capitol square, tens of thousands of union supporters chanted, as they have for days: “Kill the bill! Kill the bill!” In one corner, a far smaller contingent of demonstrators, many of whom described themselves as Tea Party members, chanted: “Pass the bill! Pass the bill!”
....

Initially, lawmakers and others here seemed worried about how the events might play out, and scores of officers were on hand, along with barricades, temporary fences and even police snipers.

One legislator had deemed the scene “dangerous,” but police officials said there were no serious problems as the day went on. The obvious tensions seemed to be playing out with only an occasional exchange of angry words, hand gestures and spittle.
Union members are ready to make concessions, but they are not willing to give up their right to bargain on other issues. There you have it. The "dangerous" rabble demonstrated peacefully to the surprise and dismay of the anti-union people.

The pro-union crowd in Madison received support from fellow demonstrators in a far-away country.


H/T to Counterlight for the photo just above.

UPDATE: Oppose the Governor.

Support the Democratic Senators.

From Michael Moore.com:

Watch the video and read the statement from Kamal Abbas of Egypt's Centre for Trade Unions and Workers Services.

7 comments:

  1. This public employee and union member says Hang Tough Wisconsin!

    Don't let the bastards take away your collective bargaining rights!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hang tough! Tom belonged to the union. It probably helped save his job for him at one point.

    ReplyDelete
  3. So the union-busting corporations bussed in their astroturf Teabagger lackeys, to bust Wisconsin state unions? Color me unsurprised.

    Solidarity! Here's two links to take action:

    Oppose the Governor.

    Support the Democratic Senators.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Michael Moore has an expression of support from one of the leaders in Cairo.

    http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/must-read/statement-kamal-abbas

    It's very moving to see this support from the heroes over there.

    Oh, BTW, Solidarity Forever!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I posted both petitions from JCF on my Facebook page.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Here is a statement of solidarity from Egypt:

    http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/must-read/statement-kamal-abbas

    ReplyDelete
  7. I added an update with links to the petitions and to Michael Moore's website.

    ReplyDelete

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