A Wisconsin Bottom Line: What We Are Fighting For

[marmar]

from the Working Life blog:




A Wisconsin Bottom Line: What We Are Fighting For

by Jonathan Tasini
Tuesday 01 of March, 2011


I think the hardest part of being immersed in a battle--even one that is energizing and inspiring--is to see where we stand in the overall war (with apologies to those who don't like the military imagery). No doubt, the people in Wisconsin--and hundreds of thousands of supporters nationwide--have given the anti-union forces something to think about. But, a sobering observation: we have already conceded and lost more than ever should have been on the table, if we step back to look at the class warfare underway. This isn't a declaration of defeat. It is simply a statement of the long, hard road ahead.

Let's be clear--it is exhilarating to see the images of tens of thousands of people swarming the state capitol in Wisconsin. I have been honored to be part of a group of people and organizations, particularly the Job Party, which has organized three successive demonstrations in the past 10 days--each one larger than its predecessor.

It is a huge step forward to see people pouring out of their homes to stand up to those who would continue to broaden the class warfare against the workers of the country.

BUT...

Recall this:

With the nation watching, Mr. Beil reversed course last week and accepted Mr. Walker’s demand that public employees pay 5.8 percent of their salaries toward their pensions and double their contributions toward health coverage.

.............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.workinglife.org/blogs/view_post.php?content_id=15117