As a former Wisconsinite (1987-90) who is so proud of the fight spirit of progressivism taking place both in Madison, where I lived while attending grad school, and throughout the entire state, I just wanted to pass on this piece of news.
The Capital Times of Madison is reporting that Hundreds protest outside of Koch lobby office
The report describes such details as
On Thursday, protesters filled both sides of Doty Street, with more than 30 police officers stationed at the curbs to keep traffic flowing at rush hour.
Jane Pedersen, one of the protesters, had traveled to Madison from Menominee three days ago with a handmade sign reading, "Walker: Bought by Koch brothers ???"
Thursday she had her poster in hand. The questions marks had been crossed through with a black marker. For her, the minor change held major significance.
"Now, it's a fact," she said, noting the prank call between Walker and blogger Ian Murphy and the new lobbying office. "There's a connection between Walker and the Koch brothers."
That bothers her. The connection between politicians and lobbyists is too great in most cases, she said, but in this case it seems extreme.
Aleia Mason was wearing a sandwich board sign made of cardboard and packing tape. She said even a week ago she got questions about her sign, which reads, "Koch Party, I want my country back." Now, she says, everyone knows who David and Charles Koch are.
It's been a while since I've been back in Madison, but when I lived there, I really enjoyed it (with perhaps the exceptions of the harsh winters). But when I see stories like this, it warms my heart. I also think that taking the fight to the Koch Brothers is a necessary action and I hope that this spreads.
I can recall that when I lived in Madison, I was struck by how progressive the city was. I was somewhat aware of the existence of conservatives. They seemed to mostly live upstate and in more rural areas, and many seemed incredibly racist.
Anyway, I don't know how the GOP managed to take over the state last year, but in a year in which the momentum is with the GOP and someone is principled as Russ Feingold loses his seat to an obvious political extremist, perhaps it is not to big a suprise. What is a surprise to me is that a state governor, elected by a fairly small margin, would seek to do a George W Bush and seek ti impose an implied mandate for radical right wing change.
But then again, we know that there are larger forces at work here, including two named Koch. And the protesters in Wisconsin clearly know this too. Hence, the demand of "Koch Party, I want my country back." I love that the Tea Party's own words are now being appropriated and turned against them. I am also delighted to see some heroic Democrats fighting for the working class.
Now, when will Obama show up in Madison to show support for those who showed him theirs?