I’ve seen a lot of signs on Madison’s capitol square that read “Screw Us and We Multiply”. It’s an oldie but a goodie, and always good for a laugh. With Governor Walker’s slow but methodical erecting of (probably) illegal procedural roadblocks to prevent large demonstrations from happening near the capitol, it has become clear that he is, in fact, screwing with us. So, we need to multiply.
The rallies and the demonstrations were and are essential for gaining attention to our cause, boosting morale, and forging friendships and working relationships. Now it’s time to take it statewide. It’s clear that the Governor and his two cronies (does he have any allies other than the Fitzgeralds at this point?) are not going to listen to the people of Wisconsin. They are going to try winning this class war through limited press releases, staged photo opportunities, and childish temper tantrums.
Fitzy's Wacky letter to Miller
Have you noticed that the Senate President, Mike Ellis, has not appeared with Walker recently? He is one of the key Republican senators we need to sway. Please contact his office and politely encourage him to vote against the bill. He is leaning and needs a gentle nudge, not a hammer.
Senator Michael Ellis: (608) 266-0718; Sen.ellis@legis.wisconsin.gov
Marching, emailing, and calling should continue, but it’s really about the recalls, now, so go here to get more information about the recalls and to volunteer to gather signatures:
http://www.recalltherepublican8.com/
As of this writing, the dates on the sign-up page are from last weekend, but there is a box for “future dates.” Please sign up if you can, and be persistent and polite if you don’t hear back. This is a grass-roots effort where you must take responsibility to actively pitch in and not just wait for orders. There are no “union bosses” to tell you what to do, contrary to what right-wing radio and Fox News are saying.
You can also sign up here:
http://action.seiu.org/...
And go here to contribute to the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, which is coordinating the effort to recall the 8 Republican senators who have served at least one year of their term:
http://www.actblue.com/...
Let me say it again: The recall effort is the story right now. It will be great to see the tractors on the square on Saturday, and if the weather cooperates we should see another large crowd, but the best way to help the 14 Democratic Senators is to support the recall effort and pressure the Republican senators to break away from Governor Walker and join the overwhelming majority of Wisconsinites who want to kill this bill. News that the recall effort is ahead of schedule would put enormous pressure on the Republican senators, and you can help make it happen!
John Nichols was on local radio this morning, as he has been almost every morning during this adventure, and brought up some good points. He mentioned that he recently spoke to Ed Garvey, the lawyer and politician who made a name for himself representing the NFL Players Association in negotiations with NFL team owners. Ed told him that when the other guy starts to spit, rant, and rave, that’s the time to sit back and let him carry on, because that’s a sure sign you’re winning.
Ed Garvey's blog
We are winning, so we can afford to back off a little from the capitol building and let the camera lights shine on the sputtering Walker and the melting Scott Fitzgerald. (By the way, does the younger Fitzgerald ever talk? He looks totally lost standing behind Walker at those “press conferences.” Does he even know where he is?)
We can back off from the capitol, but we can’t rest. Now is the time to spread out across this state and multiply. We do that by each of us gathering ten, or a hundred, or a thousand signatures to recall the Republican state senators.
By the way, if you’re near the capitol and want to visit and march, just do it. The orders from Walker are not valid. Anyone can peacefully march and carry protest signs at the capitol any time they want. Do not be intimidated, just bring your camera.