What an awesome time had by all at the rallies today! Seriously, other than D.C., no city in the country throws a rally better than the Madtown. Not even close...I knew the day was going to be a blast when as soon as I arrived at the United Wisconsin pre-rally, noise of rain suckered me into speaking to the crowd for about 30 seconds before the rally started...needless to say I didn't have my notes handy, but I made it through without swearing or getting booed; a moral victory for sure. I was also proud to see my boy, Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (who I've been pleading with to run) give a hell of a speech that left the pre-rally crowd once again imploring Wisconsin's Fighter to, "Run, Peter, Run!!" (Please do, Peter!) The feeder march up to the main rally was a humbling first for me, as people snapped pictures and applauded while our rag tag, yet highly proficient, Forward Marching Band led our group of thousands to a joyous reunion with our brothers and sisters already on the Square. And let's just say that Senatorial candidate Lori Compas killed it on the main stage and left us roaring our support for our legendary grassroots hero...she had an impressive showing for her first rally speech and sounded like a seasoned veteran alongside Capital Times Assoc. Editor and author John Nichols and Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin President Mahlon Mitchell: "I am holding in my hands Scott Fitzgerald's pink slip!!" Which reminds me...go to hell, Fitzbagger!! In addition to talking with old friends, I had the pleasure of hangin' with a boatload of the usual suspects I've come to know and count on over the last year, including fellow Sconnie Kossacks plankbob, Sand Hill Crane, Giles Goat Boy, BatmanWI, and JVolvo. I also had my initial in-person meetings with several friends that I have made via Facebook through our shared struggle and a couple more Wisconsin Kossacks, ruleoflaw and jorogo! Being able to see so many dedicated people re-unite to laugh, brainstorm, cheer and cry over what we've been through and how we're going to keep moving Forward makes every second of the movement worthwhile.
I never tire of the adrenaline rush that comes from seeing the masses (65,000 plus according to John Nichols!) from all generations and walks of life back in action, beautifully reminiscent of the early days of the Uprising, with the vuvus blaring, flags and banners waving, drums hammering and chants echoing. The sheer amount of energetic love in the air was overwhelming. The crowd was clearly re-energized on this gourgeous day, with a plethora of creative new signs, rejuvenated protesting vocal chords, and ear-to-ear grins plastered like an Alberta Darling scowl on faces everywhere you looked. Days like today remind me how deep our mutual love is for the only state I've ever called home and reaffirm exactly WHY I love Wisconsin and its dedicated army of grassroots soldiers that I consider family and will proudly continue to stand with and fight alongside until this battle is won. Today's speeches carried a pervasive theme (and simultaneously palpable feeling emanating from the crowd in the brisk, spring air): Although we must never, and will never, forget what brought us all together last February, we truly have turned the corner. We are entering the next phase as prepared, motivated and confident as ever to reclaim the Wisconsin we all know and love from the corrupt politicians in Fitzwalkerstan and their teabagging, ALEC-inspired, Koch-headed corporate extremists who picked this fight. Hey, GAB...bring on these fuckin' elections. We're ready.
Solidarity!! FORWARD!!!
