Life in Fitzwalkerstan: Stuff Done in the Past Year That I Never Thought I'd Do

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Wednesday February 01, 2012 · 8:08 AM PST

2012/02/01 · 08:08

When Republican Governor Scott Walker's union-busting, power-grabbing "bomb" hit Wisconsin last February, it not only forever changed the state's political landscape, it also transformed people's daily lives.

Like many, I reacted first with outrage wrapped in despair. I felt powerless. Isolated. Lost in a society indifferent to justice, or honesty, or compassion. But the broad, roaring response to Walker quickly proved me wrong, and in the sustained efforts to reclaim our state, many new friends discovered untapped abilities -- often finding our surprised selves in roles, and places, we could hardly have imagined before.

As the gubernatorial recall wrapped up last month, I began reflecting on the long, strange trip Walker booked for us all. Below the squiggly thing is a list I first posted to Facebook, recounting some of my unexpected experiences in Fitzwalkerstan.

I hope you enjoy it, and some of the links I've added. I don't intend it even a bit as bragging, which is a mortal sin in the Midwest. Some things were just because I'm not skilled at saying "no" to people who are working 80-hour weeks. I'm no hero. I'm not looking for thanks, and can never think of a reply to that. At most I've made a tiny contribution to an ongoing shared struggle for human dignity and social justice that people elsewhere truly risk their lives for every day. Those folks are the real deal.

What's offered here as my first diary is just for possible entertainment, and in the hope some readers might consider their own opportunities to make a difference.

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