"I support the fundamental right to collective bargaining in this state." ~ Gov. Peter Shumlin (D-VT)
I went to the rally at the Statehouse today for solidarity with the workers in Wisconsin and other places that are under attack. It was cold as hell, but the sky was clear, and in my guesstimate, there were 4 to 5 hundred people. I arrived right after Governor Shumlin spoke, so I didn't catch that, but there were many other speakers... Speaker Smith, Senator Pollina, someone from Sanders' office, as well as several union/labor activists (I was moving around a lot and didn't get names... sorry). Spirits were high, and the crowd was fired up.
Perhaps as a good measure of the popularity of the teabaggers in Vermont, there was one person standing there with a sign that said "Union Greed is Hurting America". Musta been confused.
All in all, it was a good vibe. These actions over the last week (still unfolding, of course) are some of the most inspiring things I can remember happening in this country in a very long time. Too long.
Here's some pics for you all. And you Wisconsinites(?) out there, please pass them along and know the Green Mountain state is behind you , 100%.