What This Is…
This is an attempt on my part to simplify my communication with friends and colleagues about the current political issues in Wisconsin and actions that are happening in opposition to the actions of the Republican majority here. There are lots of things happening in our great state and it is challenging to try and keep up with all the issues and responses. My goal is to try and provide the same information that I've been sending out in emails, just a little easier to sift through.
This isn't the ultimate authority in what is happening around WI. I'm sure that for every event or issue I address there are countless more happening. It's simply a different way for me to share the information and ideas that I've already been sending out by email. Hopefully, it will be more accessible and user friendly, but if not…I can always try something else or return to the tried and true email list.
I hope that this site will provide people with some support, information and connections to the wider protest movement. As we go through our fourth month of responding to the attacks on the working class the pressure and stress takes a toll. We also lose our connections with fellow educators as we disperse during the summer. Keeping our spirits up and our energy focused is vital as we draw ever closer to the recall elections.
Information that will appear here at different times:
News items (that may or may not have been addressed in the mainstream
media)
Opinions about current events/policies
Connections to other sites that provide opportunities for action
Information about local educational issues (Board of Education meetings,
and other similar info) and MTI news
Pictures and other media from events that we are participating in
Suggestions for actions, feel free to respond to these with improvements
and additional suggestions
Once again this isn't supposed to replace these other sources, just provide a unified place for you to get information. It is also a place where I will share ideas for other action that come from many sources.
Why We Fight…
While in some ways this is not a necessary issue to address (if you are reading this you already have been involved in the fight against the current majorities agenda), it never hurts to remind ourselves what is going on. This past week was one for the history books. The Supreme Court's decision combined with the extraordinarily quick legislative action on the budget leaves all of us reeling. It is my hope to address different parts of the governor's budget in future postings. That is something missing from mainstream media. There hasn't been a lot of detailed explanation of what exactly this budget does. They've given us more of a general focus on broad numbers and reporting what the legislators and governor want us to hear. I'll wait to give more information about the details of the budget until I get a chance to read it.
How We Fight…
The recall elections are just a few weeks away and time is precious as we prepare to try and win control of the Senate. There are many different ways to be involved…
The most pressing and important volunteer opportunities are in the recall efforts.
The Wisconsin Democratic Party has opportunities for phone banking, data entry, door to door canvassing, etc. Their website is www.wisdems.org/takingbackwisconsin
The phone banks are set up at the Democratic headquarters at 110 King St, Ste 203
We are Wisconsin is also offering similar opportunities and are at the Labor Temple 1602 S. Park St. Their website is www.wearewisconsin.org
Upcoming Issues and Events…
We can't forget that we are also engaged in local actions to support our own working conditions along with the families and students we serve. Our attention is currently focused on the issues surrounding the upcoming MMSD budget and elementary planning time. There are two School Board meetings being held this week. I'm suggesting that MTI members arrive at the Doyle building around 4:30 on Monday to meet and talk (wear your red shirts). The meeting on Wednesday is closed for part of the time, but the Board will be addressing the issues of releasing documents associated with our protesting in February. Encourage your fellow educators and supportive families from your school to attend. The Board will also meet next Monday to address the budget.
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