BREAKING: .#Wisconsin governor signs bill curbing collective-bargaining rights

[pinboy3niner]

ONE MINUTE AGO:

.#Wisconsin governor signs bill curbing collective-bargaining rights. http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. STRIKE, say it after me, STRIKE, repeat after me STRIKE

and yes it is coming

[liberal N proud]

4. +1000

Shut the state down. Nothing moves, no one goes anywhere

[Jackpine Radical]

5. Not yet, Nadin. There are many things to do before we pull that string.

Here's the text of an email I just wrote to a nephew who lives near Madison and was asking about how to be active:

As for action, beyond the demonstrating, I think the first thing on the schedule is to get JoAnne Kloppenburg elected to the Supreme Court. For one thing, I think Walker's new law will be challenged & will eventually get to the WI Sup. Ct. But beyond that, we need a progressive majority on the Court for a lot of other reasons. That election is April 5. The way to win it is to get everyone out to vote. In most years, very few people vote in these off-year elections (like maybe 10% of eligible voters), so this is one place where getting out the vote is extremely important. You could do door-to-dorr work &/or concentrate on getting other students out to vote. SC elections are theoretically nonpasrtisan, but I imagine your county Democratic Party chair might just happen to know where you could tie up with others who are campaigning for her. You probably ought to join your county party if you aren't already a member. Also, local union leaders would be a good source of practical information on how you can help.

In addition to the SC election, there are 2 other practical things you could get involved with. As I imagine you know, 8 Republican State Senators are eligible for recall. In order for recall elections to happen, a lot of signatures have to be gathered on petitions. This has to happen within 60 days, and the clock is ticking. You could volunteer to go out to the district of one of these senators and help collect signatures. Then, once the recall election is scheduled, you can go back & help get out the vote--phone bank or go door to door or whatever. You might even be able to phone bank from home while babysitting.

The eight vulnerable State Senators are Luther Olsen, Robert Cowles, Randy Hopper, Glenn Grothman, Mary Lazich, Dan Kapanke, Alberta Darling and Sheila Harsdorf.

Here is a link to a map of State Senate districts: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/ltsb/redistricting/PDFs/Senate.pdf
I think your closest target would be Dan Kapanke, whose district is just north of yours.

There is also a special election (I think on May 3) to replace 3 Republican Assemblymen. These seats are vacant because Walker appointed them to Cabinet posts. All are from normally very safe Republican districts, but again, lots of people will stay home on Election Day because it's an off-year, and there are no super-sexy races going on. The 3 are Mike Huebsch (94th), Scott Gunderson (83rd) & Mark Gottlieb (60th).

Here's the Assembly District map: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/ltsb/redistricting/PDFs/assembly.pdf
I don't think any of them are close enough for you to travel there easily.

It's truly amazing how this mess has woken the state up. Maybe we needed this shock treatment to turn things around, sort of like a drunk hitting bottom.

[SpiralHawk]

6. Excellent strategery...

thank you...

[nadinbrzezinski]

16. Absolutely why I said, it is coming,

[snappyturtle]

8. My first inclination is yes, yes, yes, strike! However, in the link

below to Crooks and Liars delineating what is in the now law, in a state of emergency the unions are not allowed to strike. I took from that members could be fired and then what? Privatised? It would be a way for Walker to corporatize jobs with private vendors. I don't think Walker would have any problem with declaring a state of emergency. Just thinkin'....imho

[Pacifist Patriot]

9. I like the political suggestions above coupled with a "work to the contract" mentality.

[Brickbat]

10. Worrying about what's "allowed" and "not allowed" will get us nowhere. Strikes were against the law

and people walked them anyway in order to win five-day work weeks, 8-hour days, and so on. Worrying about what's "allowed" is in the past. This is a moral issue about what's right and wrong.

[snappyturtle]

15. I agree with you...that's why I said "yes"...initially. However, I can see

the governor over stepping moral grounds to achieve his objectives.

[Brickbat]

17. Well, of course. Capital always does.

This stuff isn't easy; it's a real fight.

[snappyturtle]

2. .........

:banghead:

[Drale]

3. Well its was passed illegally so its not really law

and especially after April 5th will be thrown down and burned.

[Xolodno]

7. Probably get tossed...

...by the courts. And they will silently sideline the whole legislation. That may be their way of not looking like they capitulated and saving face.

[Jackpine Radical]

11. That's why the next step has to be to gek Kloppenburg elected to the WI SC.

She will replade David Prosser, a conservative, and tip the balance back to a moderate/liberal court.

[FredStembottom]

13. Interesting thought. Useful.

Thanks, Xolodno.

:hi:

[Historic NY]

12. Get the RECALL movement in overdrive....make him squirm knowing

everyday closer to January a tsunami is going to wash him away.

[Botany]

14. The papers on the Governor will be filled 1/4/12 for Walker's recall

But before then a State Supreme Court Race will be done & then the recall 8 vote will be
in voted on in May 2011 (guess)