In old movies about the old West, there would be a wagon train of pioneers bedded down for the evening. A large campfire, a circle of wagons. A black dome of sky spangled with stars. The distant call of a coyote and the nearby chant of crickets.
One of the tenderfoots would come out to the crusty, unshaven mountain man who was their guide and strike up a conversation: "Sure is quiet tonight."
The old galoot would grunt back, "Yeah. Too quiet."
While I understand in part President Obama's reluctance to use his presidential "bully pulpit" to get involved in a state matter like the on-going protests in Wisconsin, why does this extend to the rest of his Administration?
Where is Labor Secretary Hilda Solis? (202) 693-4676 will get you the US Labor Dept. Public affairs office. (202) 693-4676, right off their website.
I called and asked for Carl Fillichio or Jaime Zapata who are the Public Affairs contact people. WHY isn't Labor Secretary Solis visiting Wisconsin?
If ever there was a chance for the US Department of Labor to come out of the shadows of their monthly unemployment reports, Wisconsin is it! Unions by the sackful showing up from all across the state. Vanloads and busloads of union members riding in from the Midwest. New York State Troopers marching around the Madison Capitol Square rubbing elbows and jostling signs carried by Illinois letter carriers, Michigan autoworkers, Pennsylvania steelworkers. All of this done peacefully, with wit and charm, with food, first aid, lodging and clean-up covered like a warm blanket.
Deputy Secretary of Labor Seth Harris (202) 693-6000 at the Department's website could issue a statement couldn't he? Come to Madison on a "fact-finding" tour?
I mean this is the best photo-op labor has had in decades. Why muff the chance to answer back at the Chamber of Commerce/Koch Brothers/Banksters? Those thieves want Labor docile, compliant, atomized, uncomplaining and CHEAP. The Labor Department is by definition opposed to all of this, isn't it? So lets hear from them! Or hear WHY we're NOT hearing from them!
ANNNNDDDD........ This coming weekend the Wisconsin Tractorcade is coming to Madison. The Allis Chalmers, John Deeres and International Harvesters will be grinding along Wisconsin's two-lanes headed for a rally in Madison. The FARMERS are coming to protest. The Walker Bill and the Walker Budget are designed to crush public schools and cripple "Badgercare" the state medical program that in lots of counties and rural areas is the ONLY medical care available. The FARMERS are feeling embattled! (In 1775 at the Concord Bridge another band of embattled farmers stood........)
So Labor Secretary Solis? Deputy Secretary Harris? Why not share a flight with Secretary of Agriculture TOM VILSACK? Hilda? Seth? According to the US Dept. of Agriculture website, Tom's number is (202) 720-3631. See that? Same area code! For you, a local call! And I'll bet old Tom, being the Secretary and all, probably doesn't even have a party line. He's got one of them fancy private lines, just like you.
But why isn't Agriculture Secretary Vilsack coming to Madison this weekend? There will be farmers there, some no doubt from Tom's home state of Iowa. Mingle with the farm folk Tom. And give a speech too! Tell us about how rural families have a stake in good union wages. Tell us why cutting health care for farm families is a BAD idea in any state.
Here's a great chance, Tom! Carpe that diem! Earn that per diem!
Oh and Tom? Hilda? Seth? Don't just take it from some WineRev in Minnesota. I'm still waiting for the Department of Labor Public Affairs group to call me back. But maybe you'll want to explain why you're not coming to other Kossacks who call those numbers. Maybe lots of people will call and ask "Why isn't the secretary coming to Madison?" "Its all about labor. Its all about farming. Why don't you come and talk to us?"
US Dept. of Labor (202) 693-4676
(202) 693-6000
US Dept. of Agriculture (202) 720-3631
We the people would like to know.
Shalom.