Issue #20 August 17, 2011- 8/16 Result Analysis, Where to Now

What This Is…

Issue #20- August 17, 2011, Election Result Analysis, Where Do We Go From Here?

Election Result Analysis…

While last night's wins by the two Democrats wasn't a surprise, it certainly was a relief.  Throughout the past 6 months (or so) there have been enough unexpected events to make me cautious about anything political.  The funny thing about watching the results last night was that Holperin was ahead for the whole time I was following the coverage and it was Wirch that trailed for the first hour or so. 

In the end it all worked out, but I have to admit I didn't relax until the winning checkmark appeared next to both Wirch and Holperin.

Now that the "Summer of Recalls" (definitely not the "Summer of Love") is in the books where does Wisconsin stand?  To be honest I wrote last week's reflection on the results with the assumption that the two remaining recalls would go in favor of the Democrats.  The comment posted about that edition was very accurate in saying that real analysis needed to wait until this weeks results.  However, with the last two results in, my overall analysis hasn't changed too much. 

A recap of last weeks reflections (Issue #18):

*No one won- Not true, see below.

*Everyone won- Not true, see below.

*Everyone lost- Depends on what happens next.

*It's difficult to defeat any incumbent- Still true!

*That's a lot of money- Still true!

A little more analysis:

*The Democrats came out ahead- I know that both sides will be busy spinning the results to show that they won.  It is also true that the Republicans still control the Wisconsin Senate (although by a narrow one vote margin).  Still, it can't be denied that the Democrats gained two seats and won five of the nine races.  All three Democrats defended their seats, winning by sizeable margins.  The results serve notice to Republican leaders that they should begin to think about ways to work with Democrats and not just over and around them. 

*This is a long term struggle- Part of last week's feelings of  letdown was the fact that many Democrat supporters were counting on regaining control of one house of the legislature.  Many people that I've talked to were viewing these recalls as the culmination of the efforts to fight off the attack on labor rights in Wisconsin.  Many of us involved in the re-energized and revitalized labor movement need the reminder that this is a long term struggle.  It wasn't going to be won by recalling state senators and it won't be won if Gov. Walker is recalled.  This is a battle that has been waged throughout history and we need to adjust our expectations to recognize this fact.   

*It is extremely difficult to recall anyone- That still holds true.  It is what makes the two recall victories so monumental.  I did a quick look at the history of recalls in the United States and the small number that have been successful speaks to this fact.  A significant number of recalled politicians had committed a crime of some type or were involved scandals.  Several resigned prior to being ousted from office because of their guilt.

Why did we recall these Republicans?  Contrary to what conservatives will tell you, it wasn't simply because they didn't vote the way we (union thugs instructed by union bosses) wanted them to.  The reasons are more complicated than that.  They center around the ideas that these senators violated their obligation to represent all the citizen in their district, they consistently violated established rules and procedures, and they destroyed the bipartisan nature of our government rendering the political process meaningless.

It is much easier to campaign to recall someone who has committed a felony for example, than it is to recall someone for these more abstract ideological reasons.  That makes for a tougher sell and makes the success of the recall movement even more impressive.     

*Huge turnout, but…- Many websites and news agencies will talk about the huge number of voters that turned out.  I say, "HOGWASH!"  Yes, we did have more people vote than is typical in a local election.  Yes, it was a significant number of people voting in a special election held in the summer.  Still, with all the efforts on both sides to get people out to vote we still couldn't get a significant majority of eligible voters out to the polls.    

The simple reality is that too many of us are not engaged in the political process.  There are many reasons for this, but until people see the value in expressing their opinion in a meaningful way democracy will suffer.  People need to recognize the need to be informed and exercise their rights as citizens before they are negatively affected by political actions.    

*How can we heal?- One of the more unique aspects to these recall elections was the passionate feelings that were aroused.  The issues debated in the races truly became divisive in communities, friendships and families.  I invite you to read the comments after any on-line article about the recalls and see what is being said.  One important question that comes out of this summer is, how can we return to being a civil society?  Both sides need to abandon the hateful rhetoric and really look at the issues involved. 

*Analysis needs to wait for history- We really won't know the full effects of this summer's events for a while.  That's the difficulty of being a part of history instead of studying it.  Time will tell the full impact of our actions.  Hindsight is truly better than foresight.  It's always easier to judge our actions when their full impact is known.  However, that shouldn't stop us from acting in the present based on what we know at this moment.   

*Politics, economics, etc. are more about perception, opinion and confidence than any reality- This is true in all the social sciences (political science, economics, sociology, psychology, etc.).  What is "true" or a "fact" can be different for different people in different situations.  Just compare how different people react to the same event and you will see this "flexible truth" in practice.  How many times have you heard someone say, "I just don't understand how they could think that was a good idea!"?  Our ideas of what makes a society "good" and how to get there are based on widely different foundations.  Our challenge as a state/nation is to find a way to unify those different bases into a working collective whole. 

In my mind this is why any ideology that can't accept compromise is so dangerous.  It is why we are do divided here in Wisconsin and why our national government is struggling to be effective.  If we can't find ways to work together to achieve a common good then our chances to be a successful democracy fade.  Another reason the recall process was so important.  It should force Republican leadership to realize that they need to listen or they will not retain power.

What's Next

Now that the Senate recalls are completed the question becomes, what happens now?  Will there be a "return to normalcy"?  For the immediate future the Republican response to this summer will be telling.  Will there be true efforts at bi-partisanship?  The labor movement can't simply sit back and wait to see what will happen.  I see four main areas that need to be addressed as the summer ends: 

Define Movement- What are we fighting for?  The current anti-Walker movement is made up of a broad coalition of labor, political and social groups.  The interests of these groups overlap in their opposition to the Walker Agenda, but diverge in many areas as well.  Historically this has been a weakness of coalitions like ours.  Given enough time or pressure these differences have weakened the strength of the movement. 

Different groups need to play to their strengths and be willing to work with others who may have different focal points for their agendas.  These groups, and the individuals who are their backbone, need to carefully analyze their goals and objectives.  Once these are clearly defined compromise becomes possible between groups and the coalition can maintain its strength.

Different strategies- Social movements have many ways to achieve their goals. Some of these are:

            Political Action- Recalls, elections

            Mass Protests- February in Madison

            Legal Action- Lawsuits

            Social Activism- Networking and communication

            Media/Education- Get the story out      

           

 None of these will work alone, but a combination of them can be extremely effective. 

Strengthen Base- There is already a large base of energized citizens who are ready to work to reclaim our state.  However, there are still a significant number of people who are not engaged in the process.  As time goes by an effort needs to be made to reach out to these people and get them involved.  They need to be shown reasons why they should support our movement and convinced that they can have an impact on what happens here. 

The same needs hold true for our existing supporters.  As time goes by it is a natural tendency for people to accept the status quo.  Loss of rights, loss of money and lack of opportunity become "normal".  If this happens the movement to resist weakens and it becomes difficult to regain the momentum.  The middle class worker who formed the core of the initial protests is not easy to keep mobilized.  Jobs, families, etc. take focus away from political and social struggles.  The sudden loss of income for many of us will put additional pressures on our time and energy (just as the Republican strategy intended).       

Maintain and expand organization- The activism and the organization behind it has been incredible during these past months.  From essentially nothing a powerful organization has been built.  This organization is key to our success.  Without it we are widely dispersed and isolated individuals.  We need to carefully assess our progress in organizing our base and work to make our efforts even more effective and efficient. 

A brief, but heartfelt, THANK YOU!! to all the staff members of the different organizations who made our volunteer efforts into a force for change.  Your support, guidance and instruction were instrumental in the efforts to recall the Republican senators.

Also thanks to all the people who I met over the course of the protests, canvassing, phoning, social networking, etc.  You've all given me hope for the future of Wisconsin.

The Struggle Continues…

Issue #19- August 12, 2011 Final Senate Recalls and Candidate Information

What This Is…

Issue #19- August 12, 2011, Next Week's Elections, The Candidates Speak and It's Not All Roses in Wisconsin.

Volunteer Opportunities…

We are entering the final weekend for the Senate recall races.  There are two Democrats being recalled with the elections being held next Tuesday.  In order to maintain the gains that were made in the Senate on Tuesday we need to defend the Democrats who are facing recalls. 

Of the two races, many feel that Holperin's will be the closest.  I haven't seen any recent polling data for either race, but the Democrats had the lead in each one at last check.  However, the nature of these special elections is such that it is difficult to get accurate information and it is essential that as many people are contacted to increase the turnout for Tuesday's elections.

Here's some information about how you can help.

*Phone Banking at the Labor Temple

            Saturday 8/13 10AM-8PM

            Sunday 8/14 Noon-8PM

            Monday 8/15 1PM-9PM

            Tuesday 8/16 10AM-8PM

*Canvassing in Antigo and Rhinelander (Sen. Holperin) starts Saturday 8/13 with carpools leaving the Labor Temple at 9:30 AM and 11AM.  These locations are 3+ hours from Madison so plan accordingly. 

*Canvassing in Kenosha (Sen. Wirch) is also on Saturday with carpools leaving 9:30 AM,  11AM and 1PM each day until Tuesday.

Contact information if you have questions or are interested in volunteering are:

Kevin Gundlach - Labor Temple  770-4295 

Jennifer Giegerich -Rhinelander 608-213-1406, jennifer@conservationvoters.org

District 12

Kim Simac (R) vs.

Jim Holperin (D)…

Senator Holperin is facing a Tea Party candidate in Kim Simac.  As a result he is also facing the large amounts of money that the Tea Party and its supporters can generate.  Tim Dake, chair of Wisconsin Grandsons of Liberty, stated, "It has been on our minds and in our plans for two years now to have someone from the tea party movement in the state Senate."  They started a PAC called Taxpayers Hoping for Change and are running TV and radio ads.  Dake added that, "We see some of the things we want to get done, getting done.  But we need more voices inside the Capitol.  A win by Kim Simac would give us that."

This PAC is joined by other Republican supporting groups like Americans for Prosperity in using their financial influence to gather support for the Republican candidates. 

Simac's campaign hasn't shied away from the support. 

Kim Simac Campaign Illegally Coordinates with California Tea Party Extremists

www.wearewisconsin.org

Given that we are already struggling with any type of bipartisan efforts here, do we really need to add a senator who is part of a movement that has shown itself to be incapable of working with others? 

Simac has been content to avoid direct debate with Holperin for most of the race.  In fact she avoided multiple efforts to get her into public forums even during the Republican primary race.  This has been a major issue with voters in the district.  While canvassing for Holperin last week, several citizens voiced concern to me about her unwillingness to communicate directly with the voters.  Interesting given that she is basing a significant part of her campaign on the fact that Holperin left the state and didn't adequately represent his district earlier this year. 

She finally did debate with Hoperin recently.  Here are a few excerpts:

On state aid for rural school districts:

Holperin: I support and have tried to get additional funding for rural schools. I also support state superintendent Tony Evers' fair funding for our future plan because that formula would be fairer to northern Wisconsin. The beauty of Evers' formula is you don't have to put any more money in it to make it work...It would simply reallocate (current state aid amounts). The reallocation would help more school districts in northern Wisconsin. I think we ought to go to work on it, and make sure it gains some traction going into the fall legislature. I think it would be good for this state.

Simac: I will have to continue to fight to make sure we get as much money as we can for smaller schools. We definitely have to bring jobs to the area so schools can stay healthy (in terms of enrollment). I'm concerned with Evers' plan. I think it will knock the budget out of balance. I think it would be throwing more money at the problem. A formula that would work better could probably be looked at."

She has been quoted as saying she wouldn't send her own kids to public schools and that people who work there are "questionable people".  What "smaller schools" does she refer to?

On a piece of current legislature to either support or challenge if elected:

Simac: I would have to say with all the things I've been looking at, I think you just stumped me. All the things I've been looking at the last couple of months trying to get up on board as a new candidate, I've been trying to stay up on issues, but I would have to say I can't name you a single one right now. I think what I've been working really hard on trying to do is trying to understand what it is people of the Northwoods really need and what it's lacking. That's what I would take to Madison.

Maybe she could work on getting Nixon a pardon.  In February of this year she stated she felt he deserves one.  Apparently the one he already got wasn't enough. 

Holperin: Looking at a short list of bills I've signed on for the fall floor session, one would designate additional enterprise zones in Wisconsin. This would designate an enterprise zone in a rural area, and I would hope we get one of those in northern Wisconsin. There's a bill I've co-sponsored, one for tax credit for hospitality advertising. When you talk about saving costs for small businesses I think that's something we ought to consider. We probably can't afford it. I think we ought to move ahead and get ready for a time when we can afford it. I support, and it's at the federal level, but the state needs to do more to move it forward and that's the sales tax compact, which would require sales tax collection by Internet companies. I think it would help our main street businesses who complain about inequity. That's active at the federal level and something we need to do.

District 22

Jonathon Steitz (R) vs.

Robert Wirch (D)…

Senator Wirch's opponent has not been as extreme in his rhetoric, but still holds to the Republican ideals of putting economics ahead of all other issues.  Don't misunderstand my point, the economic struggles we are currently suffering are decimating our country.  However, as with any crisis, there needs to be a balance between addressing any issue and making sure we still protect other areas of importance. 

 Some excerpts from a recent on-line question and answer session.

Comment from 'Guest': 

How would you work to protect our crucial fresh water resources, such as Lake Michigan?

Jonathan Steitz: 

We all recognize that Lake Michigan is a valuable resource for the 22nd District. The Great Lakes Compact was a bipartisan measure and is an important part of protecting Lake Michigan. I think it's important to protect our natural resources, but we need to do it in a way that doesn't hinder job creation.

Comment From 'Tomi': 

How will the average citizen ever be able the fight big corporate money?

Bob Wirch: 

I have introduced legislation to make corporations accountable for their election spending in the state of Wisconsin. Also, grass roots political action is still the best way to fight big corporate money.

Jonathan Steitz: 

The big money in this election is coming from unions, not corporations.  It's the unions that are trying to buy this election with out-of-state money

He might want to double check this statement, I believe that corporate interests have given a significant amount of money too.  

Comment from 'bbking': 

Wirch, where can I find a job where I can go awol for a month and not get fired?

How respectful is this question?

Bob Wirch: 

First of all, AWOL is right wing baloney. I am a workaholic. I worked every day when I was in Illinois, running my office, talking and listening to constituents, solving constituent problems and speaking to the media. It would be the same things I would be doing from Madison or Kenosha.

Comment from 'Nic': 

Putting the amount of campaign money aside, if elected what is your highest priority once in office and how exactly do you plan to accomplish this priority?

Jonathan Steitz: 

My number one priority is fostering an environment to create jobs. I am most passionate about reforming the tax code in this state. The Wisonsin tax code is too complicated. We need to simplify the tax code (which save administrative costs for both taxpayers and the government) and lower tax rates across the board. Taxes have real consequences on job creators. In the last decade, the 15 states with the lowest taxes have created 1.5 million jobs, while the 15 states with the highest taxes (which includes Wisconsin) have lost over 1.4 million jobs.  To restate a point I've made several times.  We do need to create jobs, but the vision for how to do so is very different for the two parties.  Also, I would ask Mr. Steitz what type of job he sees as being created.  Are we talking well compensated jobs or minimum wage jobs with few benefits that make supporting an average family difficult?

Bob Wirch: 

Family supporting jobs and fighting for the middle class. I believe it’s important that everybody is paying their fair share and the policies of this Governor have unfairly targeted the middle class. I will continue to be the voice of moderation that I always have been and oppose extremist elements and policies in Madison.

Another Side to the Story or All isn't Rosy in WI…

Each of the recalled Republicans and other GOP leaders have been putting out information about how their legislation has improved our state.  For example, school districts like Kaukauna saw their budget situation improve.  Of course there are other examples such as:

Green Bay area school districts likely to raise taxes | Green Bay Press Gazette | greenbaypressgazet

www.greenbaypressgazette.com

Wonder why public workers were upset about the Budget Repair Bill?  Not only will we be vulnerable in the future to losses in wages and benefits.  Not only will the loss of collective bargaining mean a loss of control of the workplace.  The effects are even more immediate:

Capitol Report: Second round of insurance cost hikes unveiled for state workers

host.madison.com

These are examples of what the future will hold for our state unless changes are made.  We are at a crossroads where two very different views of economics, politics and societal values are battling for control.  Each of us needs to look carefully at what we value and how we want our state to look in the future.  Our actions now will shape the world that we will leave for future generations.  People in the past have fought (and died) for the rights that we currently enjoy, are we willing to simply let their efforts fade into historical insignificance?   

Issue #18- August 10, 2011- Election Results and Thoughts

What This Is…

Issue #18- August 10, 2011, It's Not Over, Initial Reactions to Election Results

We also shouldn't forget that Chris Taylor won the 48th Assembly race. 

Still Work To Do…

It is important to remember that there are still 2 more recall elections being held next week.  Two Democrats face recalls and we need to stay motivated to help them defend their seats.  The two senators are, Jim Holperin (12th District) and Bob Wirch (22nd District).  Holding on to these two seats would mean that the Republican margin would only be 17-16.  This would mean that one senator (are you listening Senator Schultz?) could be the difference in future votes.

It's easy to let down after last night's emotional rollercoaster.  However, we need to remember that this fight isn't (and never was) a single day battle.  Let's keep up the energy for Senator Holperin and Senator Wirch.  Then we can assess where we stand and move forward. 

Initial Reactions…

As I write this, the results show 2 Democrats winning and 4 Republicans defending their seats.  Of course there is the inevitable confusion in Waukesha County, but I'm assuming that the results there will stay as is.  There will be plenty of time for more analysis of the results in the future, but my initial thoughts about last night:

*It is very difficult to unseat an incumbent in any election.  This has been a fact throughout our political history and last night didn't change this.  Two successful recalls is still an incredible result.  People tend to vote for what they know and the incumbents have the advantage in most areas that win elections. 

*Both sides won.  Now that these results are in, the political spinning can begin.  Democrats will say that any recall victory shows the dissatisfaction that Wisconsin residents have with the Walker agenda.  Republicans will claim that by keeping the majority, the voters have voiced their support for their policies.

*Everyone lost.   Looking at the initial results, I don't see any definitive outcome.  Both sides will claim victory and the battle will continue.  The fact that the final race came down to the already controversial Waukesha County results won't help clarify the political situation here.  With the heated campaigns followed by a close result we are no closer to finding solutions to our problems that a majority of Wisconsinites can agree on.  The rhetoric and vitriol will continue to divide us.

*No one won.  Republicans need to realize that this isn't a mandate to continue their unilateral system of government.  Yes, they did keep the majority in the Senate.  However, the fact that the recalls occurred and met with some success shows that there is concern over the direction Wisconsin is headed.  This may be dissatisfaction with the policies. It may be dissatisfaction with the methods.  It could be any number of other reasons.  The reality is that we need to return to a more civil and cooperative way of doing business in our government. 

*That's a lot of money.  If our economy is so bad, how did we manage to spend so much on these elections?  Once the final numbers are in for spending on these recalls I'm sure we will all be amazed.  Scott Walker's administration can certainly claim to have stimulated parts of Wisconsin's economy.

The saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words".  It seems that if we can find this amount of money for political action then we should be able to generate some revenue for our other needs too.  I recognize that significant amounts of money came in through organizations and large donors.  It is difficult, if not impossible, to sort out where all the money came from.  However, it doesn't matter where the money came from, but rather that it is available.

I know that conservatives will point to the union contributions to Democrats and use that as an example of why unions are so problematic for democracy.  I would counter that the union money is still going to be overshadowed by contributions to organizations that operate under a questionable set of rules.  The small percentage of my union dues that go to our PAC is easy to follow.  I help decide where the money goes and the records are clear and meticulously maintained.  That's not the case for many of the donations made in this campaign.  We need to look at campaign finance reform in a serious way.  We need to do this before we totally lose control of the process (if we haven't already).   

 

Where To Now?.…

I'm not alone in feeling a letdown after last night.  I started the day feeling optimistic and went to bed disappointed and frustrated.  The emotional nature of these elections makes it difficult to reflect about results, but (after a few hours of sleep) it seems to me there are some key things to take from yesterday as we look to the future:

*What are we fighting for?  This all started in Wisconsin with a response to the attack on collective bargaining for public employees.  The movement has grown to include other groups and issues that are under fire from the Walker administration.   This includes a wide range of interests and means that it can be easy to lose focus.  We need to look beyond the immediate results and plan for the future, keeping our long term goals in mind.

*This isn't a short term struggle.  American history is an ongoing struggle over the same issues that arose here in Wisconsin.  History doesn't repeat itself exactly, but the themes are often consistent.  Labor rights, environmental protection, gender equity, civil rights, and many more are all intertwined throughout our past.  Frequently they are emphasized at different times, but they share some common values and have come together here in Wisconsin. 

Had the Democrats won all six elections last night we still would be faced with a continuing struggle.  The attacks on our rights won't go away with an election any more than our fight to defend them will.  One day doesn't win or lose the fight.

*It's tough to beat money.  In a time when you can reach a huge number of people quickly through mass media, money makes a huge difference in elections.  This fact is obvious, but needs to be repeated until real campaign finance reform occurs.

*Organization is key.  The only way to counter the influence of money is to have dedicated, well organized groups working hard to get the message out.  The fact that the recalls were as close as they were is a testimonial to the level of engagement that citizens had.  With the first wave of action drawing close to an end (after August 16th) we need to keep our efforts strong.  This can only happen if there are people willing to organize and coordinate the efforts.  This will take money, but more importantly time and energy.

I want to extend my thanks to all the people who put in time to help with the recall efforts.  I met so many wonderful people who were so dedicated to the cause.  Working together we are making a difference and will continue the fight. 

Issue #17- August 6, 2011 Get Out the Vote!!!

What This Is…

Issue #17- August 6, 2011, Get Out the Vote Weekend!!  Take a moment between recall activities and get some information about voting, Washington D.C. and a few more reasons to vote Democrat. 

One Day Closer…

We are in the final weekend before the August 9th recall elections (to repeat, not the August 11th elections).  I've made this plea before, but will do so again:

Find a way to get involved

in the recalls during the next few days!!

Everyone has skills and strengths that can be used for the cause.  I'm repeating the information about volunteer opportunities that was given earlier this week.  However, if these times don't work, contact an organization of your choice.  They will be able to find some way to put you to work at a time that works for your schedule.    

           

     

The Wisconsin Democratic Party also has opportunities to volunteer.  They are located at 1314 N. Stoughton Rd in the Teamster's Union offices.  Opportunities are:

            August 6 and 7- 12-3

            August 8- 5-8 PM

There are also opportunities to do exit polling in Hopper's, Olsen's and Darling's districts on election day.

             *To Volunteer, please contact: marymagnuson@ElectionDefen​seAlliance.org

Election Night Sing-A-Long and Results Watching-  State St. side of the capitol from 8-9 PM on August 9th.  Plenty of places will be gathering points for watching results come in.

Vote!!!…

Some of the top complaints (from all political persuasions) for as long as I can remember has been that "government is out of touch" and "those politicians don't represent the 'regular American". 

Just look at the events of the past few weeks and the response to these events.  The debate over the debt ceiling is a great example of the disconnect between a majority of voters and the leaders of our country.  The crisis was confusing to most citizens and even our political leaders seemed unsure exactly what would happen as the situation unfolded.  A relatively small number of legislators were able to manipulate the situation to further their agenda.  When a resolution to the conflict was reached, it seemed no political groups were happy.  At the end of the day, this became another reason for people to disengage from politics.

It is true that most people in the United States don't participate in politics.  They may listen to a radio show, watch the news, read articles on the internet or get information in other ways.  The real measure of participation is voter turnout and we have a miserable record here.  For example, Governor Walker's mandate for change consists of 52.3% of the votes cast.  However, only about 25% of voters in Wisconsin cast ballots for governor that year.  Even the high interest races like the spring election between Prosser and Kloppenburg drew only 1,500,113 votes out of an estimated 4,372,347 eligible Wisconsin voters.  That was considered a high turnout for an election of that type.  The recall election where Sen. Hansen was the winner turned out about 37% of the electorate.

No wonder politicians are not in touch with the voters, the voters aren't reaching out to touch the politicians.  In a representative democracy like ours participation in elections is vital to promoting a healthy government.  Without high voter turnout and other ways of participating (correspondence, rallies, etc.) leaders become more and more isolated from the people they represent.

The signs are encouraging here in Wisconsin.  More and more people are engaged and participating in politics.  However, the real measure will come in the next couple of weeks.  If a significant number of citizens don't choose to cast a ballot it will be disappointing.  Do we want a "democracy" where less than half of the population utilizes their most powerful political tool?  It is the job of every citizen to promote participation in elections.  That is how we can get government to respect people, not lobbyists and donors.

Washington D.C.…

On July 29th about 80 Wisconsin teachers and family members boarded a bus to head to the Save Our Schools Rally in Washington D.C.  We met up with over 100 other Wisconsin citizens and about 5,000 supporters of public education from many states.  My high school son made a video of our trip using pictures/video that he took along with some pictures/video from a variety of other sources. 

Save Our Schools :: Washington DC

www.youtube.com

It Only Hurts When I l Laugh…

It is important to keep some sort of balance in our personal lives as we negotiate our way through current events.  Humor is one way of dealing with the stress.  Here are a couple of funny bits about situations that aren't funny at all.

Colbert Report: Wisconsin's Senator Recall Election

www.colbertnation.com

Obama Turns 50 Despite Republican Opposition

www.theonion.com

And then there are those moments that make you want to stand up and cheer.  Many of you have seen this, but…

Matt Damon Defends Teachers [HQ]

The best part about this video is that the rest of the "documentary" that this is taken from is very conservative in tone and tries to make teachers look bad.  Reason TV is promoted as libertarian, and touts itself as a place for "Free Minds and Free Markets".  I loved Drew Carey in "Who's Line", but can't say the same for his politics.

Who Can You Trust?…

I'm sure you've all heard about the mailings in Wisconsin from AFP.  I am sharing this again because these actions are so disgustingly blatant in their disregard for any moral values.

 North Hudson Man Files Voter Suppression Complaint Against Americans For Prosperity

hudson-wi.patch.com

All political parties and organizations promote their own agenda using statistics and data.  I just wish that our leaders would research more and have a better understanding of the facts they are putting out for public consumption.  I also wish that the press would do a better job of analyzing what they are told and not just repeat what political figures say.  Our news shouldn't be blatantly biased by ignorance.  

  Glenn Grothman – State Senator or Walker Education Policy Puppet?

bdgrdemocracy.wordpress.com

Politicians like Grothman further distort issues that are already confusing and this leads to comments like this one from madison.com.

Kudos to Sen. Glenn Grothman, R-West Bend, for his proposal to end 4-year-old kindergarten in Wisconsin.  It is no more than free childcare for parents at taxpayer expense and additional employment for teachers. These very young children need to be at home with their mothers for proper nurturing.  Educators attempt to justify their position on this issue with test scores. There's more to life than numbers.

Just so I understand, if the scores are bad it's because teachers aren't doing their job, if the scores improve then "there's more to life than numbers."

Most of us agree that economics at a national level is confusing.  However, the bottom line is that we need more people working.  Then demand for products will go up as people have money to spend, tax revenue will increase and many of our current problems will be alleviated.  What do tax breaks for corporations do to promote job growth?  Most of the data I see directly contradicts the claims that tax breaks for the upper income earners means quality employment for more people.

The Maddow Blog - Between here and recovery, the politicians

maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com

Once again there is confusion about the issue of tax breaks.  On Shelly Moore's Facebook page there were comments that it would help if farmers paid their fair share.  These same comments insinuated that Moore wrote, and benefits from farm subsidies.  I'm sure the comment writers feel the same way about corporate tax breaks. 

It gets harder and harder to listen to the inconsistencies and covert (or maybe overt) discrimination in policies supported by conservative leadership.  As funding is cut for reproductive health care, public transportation, public education,  and other areas it is troubling to look at who benefits from the cuts.  It is even more troubling to look at who is hurt.   

 Scott Walker Cuts State Health Services, Then Rejects Health Reform’s Public Health Grants

thinkprogress.org

  Being Right is Nice, but…

It is important that we stop the trend towards consolidation of power in the hands of a few  people.  An author, Reinhold Niebuhr (who's writing influenced Rev. King), wrote in his book Moral Man and Immoral Society (1932) that, "Disproportion of power in society is the real root of social injustice." In the same book he wrote, "Economic power is more basic than political power."  It is easy to see how economic power in the hands of a small number of people will lead to control of political power with the result being social injustice.  America today has some of the widest gaps between rich and poor in our history.  That combined with the Supreme Court rulings that money is speech means that the wealthy have unprecedented power in shaping our political landscape.

One troubling aspect of politics is the fact that doing what is right isn't always politically possible or  practical.  Niebuhr noted that because of inequalities, "relations between groups must therefore always be predominantly political rather than ethical.  So, if you follow this hierarchy in order of power, economic power is strongest, then political power and last comes ethics.  These aren't listed in order of importance, but rather in terms of influence.  A rather bleak picture until one realizes that we still live in a democracy where one person gets one vote.   

 

The power of the ballot in the hands of an informed citizen is the only real defense against the domination of our government by a wealthy minority.

Issue #16- August 2, 2011, Volunteer Opportunities and More

What This Is…

Issue #16- August 2, 2011, One Week to Recalls!!

Upcoming Events and Opportunities…

We are one week away from the recall elections that could put the Senate in the hands of the Democrats.  There are many opportunities to get involved in the recall efforts.  If you haven't volunteered yet, now is the time.  If you have been volunteering, now is the time to continue your work.  We need to inform people about where to vote, when to vote and of course why they should vote for a Democrat.  As always there are opportunities during the week to make phone calls, write post cards and prepare canvassing materials.  The times for Get Out the Vote volunteer opportunities are as follows:

     

Because recalling shouldn't be all work and no play, We Are Wisconsin is hosting a party on Friday, August 5th.

The Wisconsin Democratic Party also has opportunities to volunteer.  They are located at 1314 N. Stoughton Rd in the Teamster's Union offices.  Opportunities are:

            August 5- 6-9 PM

            August 6 and 7- 12-3

            August 8- 5-8 PM

There are also opportunities to do exit polling in Hopper's, Olsen's and Darling's districts on election day.

             *To Volunteer, please contact: marymagnuson@ElectionDefen​seAlliance.org

Why We Need to Call/Canvass…

In an ideal world…citizens would be informed of the issues…political ads would be honest…voting procedures would consistent and easily understood. 

In the real world…well, you know how it is.  Here's an example of what has been happening in some districts.  This story is being replicated across Wisconsin. 

North Hudson Man Files Voter Suppression Complaint Against Americans For Prosperity

hudson-wi.patch.com

There have been other examples of potential voter suppression and we need to stay vigilant in order to make sure all voices are heard.  

People need to know where to vote because not all polling places will be the same as in a regular election.  Citizens are also confused about what identification they need because of the Voter ID Law recently passed.  

"Fair and Biased" or

Be An Informed Information Consumer…

Along with the allegations of voter suppression comes the news that Americans for Prosperity is purchasing $90,000 in advertising for Simac (running against Jim Holperin).  This is on top of the money they've already spent and I'm sure it isn't their last big advertising purchase.  This isn't a complaint about their spending of money on campaigns, it is their right under current election rules to spend money how they choose (just like it's the right of Wisconsin citizens to recall senators they feel are violating the public trust).  It is a warning to all Wisconsin residents that the blitz is coming.  Over the next couple of weeks we will be swamped with advertising, phone calls and press releases full of "information" that will be used to sway voters. 

I, like all people, take in information and use it based on my preexisting ideas and beliefs.  My opinions are biased and the information I present will represent my bias.  I respect that there are people who believe very differently from me.  An event, comment, piece of legislation, etc. will be seen in multiple ways depending on the recipient's perspective

One of my biggest concerns about our current political situation is that we are not listening to other opinions respectfully.  Instead of hearing each other we immediately resort to name calling and refuse to consider a different opinion.  This isn't new or unique to current events, but certainly stands in the way of any reasonable solutions to problems. 

As the election draws closer the pressure intensifies.  This brings out the worst on both sides, so be prepared to be angry at the mudslinging.  Because of the importance of this election and the level of interest it is attracting the rhetoric will be even thicker than usual.  All the more reason to be a careful consumer of information.  Find sources that you trust and take all news with a grain of salt.