So. In case any of you haven't been tuned into the news this week...something BIG is going on in Wisconsin. Our Governor is trying to get a bill passed that would limit the collective bargaining rights of public employees...this is bad for ALL public sector employees, but since I'm engaged to a teacher that's what I know the most about. Not having bargaining rights would mean that teachers would no longer have a say in class size, work hours, curriculum, school calendar, and a whole slew of other things that are REALLY important.
Some news media are trying to make this into a story about people protesting about pay cuts, but as anyone who has attended ANY of the rallies here the past few days knows, it's about collective bargaining rights. Sure...losing $5,000 (effectively) a year hurts...a lot. However, some of the big unions have agreed to these cuts as long as they could keep their bargaining rights. So if you see any stories saying it's about money...it most certainly is NOT!
Right now it feels like our lives revolve around these protests...and while it's cool to be standing up for our rights...it's also exhausting...and I rather miss "normal" life. Madison schools had a "sick out" on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and many other school districts in Wisconsin followed suit on Thursday and Friday. Today will be Day 5 of us going downtown protesting. The numbers have steadily grown and yesterday there were probably about 50,000 people. Including......JESSE JACKSON! He gave a speech at the 5:00 rally yesterday and while we were standing in the capitol he passed by us, like a foot away.
We've seen tons of Mark's kids from this year, last year, and the year before which I think has made him feel a lot better! I think everyone would rather be in the classroom (including Mark), but they all support him (many of them public employees, themselves).
Hopefully, this won't last too much longer. Hopefully, Scott Walker will make some concessions. I'll continue to keep everyone updated, but now...off to the rally!
1 comment:
Sister! Even though you're obviously not happy about all this, it's kind of neat that you're becoming a part of history and participating in your first (I think) protest. I am in no way saying that this is a good situation by any means, but how neat is it that over 30,000 people are banning together to fight for a cause they believe in?
I contacted another blogger whose boyfriend drove four hours just to be a part of the protest. I just wanted to let her know that you and Mark were out there fighting, too. She was thrilled to hear the coincidence. Love you guys, and I wish I were at the Capitol with you!
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