Ever since I first heard the news about Scott Walker and his plans for Wisconsin, I immediately felt a deep and lasting solidarity with the wonderful folks who stepped up to stop him. It was an instantaneous pull to become involved in the outcome. I feel as invested in what happens in Wisconsin as I would if this same thing were happening here in Maine where I live. So yeah, I drive around Maine with a "Recall Walker" sticker proudly on my back window, right next to the "I Am Part Of The 99%" and "I Am Pro Choice" and "I Am Straight But Not Narrow". And, of course, my beautiful "Obama/Biden 2012".
When I was younger I would have felt nervous to have such visible symbols of my inner convictions so blatantly displayed. I mean, what if somebody said something rude or questioned me? What if they were angry? I would have been scared of that 10 years ago. But now I would say, "bring it on!" and I would be more than happy to explain and defend all my stickers with pride and strong words if necessary. I love that feeling.
So I just wanted all the Wisconsinites who have worked tirelessly to get signatures, who have rallied at the State House and been arrested or told to move along or hassled by the police, the good souls who put all those cool signs on the overpasses, the people who were mocked or harassed or threatened because they were exercising their rights as American citizens to know that : many of us love you!
We admire you! Dammit, I wish I could move to Wisconsin and join you. Honest to God, I am really tempted. And that's because you all are making history. You said, we are going to do this. And I can't think of anything more important than what you guys have put forth out into the world.
I get teary-eyed thinking about it because when you find a cause that really lights a fire inside you - going after it is the most exhilerating feeling in the world. To be on the right side of history. And Wisconsin is literally paving the way for all the rest of us to see how it's done. I love you all and thank you for the tremendous feeling of solidarity in my heart.
And if you need some of us to come and help, send a shout out because you never know, some of us just might do it.