This is What Democracy Looks Like

This is what democracy looks like.

"Recall Walker"

"Kill the bill"

"What's disgusting? Union busting!"

It's true. This is not about getting more money. It's not about health benefits or paying into pensions. Although I maintain that the reason public workers don't pay as much as some private sector workers is because most of them get paid a whole heck of a lot less. But that is not the fight. This is about keeping collective bargaining rights.

The teacher's union has said they will agree to doubling the health insurance premiums. They agree to paying into their pension. But they will not give up bargaining rights. Destroying collective bargaining rights has no impact on this budget.

It's a chance to destroy unions.

We went down to the capitol today and marched. And shouted. And listened. And protested. There were some tea party members there having a rally on the other side of the capitol. It was so unbelievably peaceful. This is Wisconsin, though... people are amazingly nice.

The protestors outnumbered the tea party members by far. I felt kind of bad for them, actually. Until I read some of their signs. Then I was mad. So I opted not to say anything to them and continue to march with my sign.

I would have NEVER thought collective bargaining rights for public workers would ever be dismantled. Nobody gets rich being a teacher. Nobody gets rich being a firefighter or nurse.

"Time to pay your fair share of the budget deficit" some signs screamed at the protestors. But every one pays taxes. Big corporations have huge tax breaks here. Who isn't paying their fair share?

Some of my favorite signs:

"Aaron Rogers is a Union Member."

"Scott Walker is not qualified to sub in my classroom." (The Governor never graduated from college)

"Dick move, Scotty."

"If you can read this sign, thank a teacher."

"Walker: Thanks for the worst Super Bowl Party ever."

"Sorry Fox, but there's no violence here." (It has been so peaceful... and Fox News has said there are riots)