Defend Wisconsin News Round Up

Dear Democratic Fundraisers and Rainmakers

2012-02-26T10:09:00.002-06:00

Dear Democratic Fundraisers and Rainmakers:

My dear, dear Democratic Fundraisers and Rain Makers: Oh, wait! Is that an oxymoron? JK!

I love you! I love Democratic Fundraisers with my whole heart and soul. I don’t even have to work at it and I am not even being sarcastic, or ironic, or just plain evil. I love you even though you are giving me ulcers! YOU are the very best in the world and it is a privilege to know you and work with you!

Let me share with the entire blogosphere the minutes of our last Candidate Rain Maker Big Fundriaser Democratic Meeting (The BFD meeting).

I want those Republicans to understand the rich school teacher evil dastardly Machiavellian out of state hippy smelly tree hugging rich union thug (did I mention rich?) bastards they are dealing with.

Because this group is dangerous. Far more dangerous than anyone realizes. Far more dangerous than $350.00 wine.

Here are the minutes:

Vivian: “I propose that we have a “black tie” event and charge $1,000 for our next fundraiser!”

Everyone in unison: “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

Vivian: “$500.00?”

Everyone in unison: “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

Vivian: $100.00?”

Responses are shouted out:
“It cannot be done!”
“People cannot afford it!”
“There will be people that can’t come!”
“Someone will be left out!”
“Feelings will be hurt!”
“We’ve never made money before and we are
not starting now!”

Vivian: “We can have a terrific pot-luck for everyone and even pay for the drinks at another time. But, for our fundraiser, let’s charge a LOT of money!”

Dave: “Settle down, Vivian. We are not Republicans.”

Others: “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Responses:
“WE cannot ever charge a lot of money for
anything!
“WE are Democrats.”
“WE don’t believe in money! We would have an
identity crises!”
“WE cannot start on time, either!”

Vivian: “Then, how we will ever raise money for candidates and campaigns?”

(Everyone ignores this sincere question.)

More shouted reactions:
“Twenty-five dollars is too much. People
cannot afford it!”
“What about $20.00?”
“$20.00? Are you crazy? Who are you, Paul
Ryan?”

(Audible gasp from Vivian)

Vivian (in tears now): “We have to charge $25.00 to make any money at all.”

Response from the floor:
“Too much!”
“$10.00 is reasonable.”
"Students will be free."
"People who cannot pay will be free!"

The treasurer reports that the meal costs $20.00 and most people nod and agree that losing $10.00 per person on a fundraiser is a great plan for rich evil smelly hippy union thug rich teacher municipal employee out-of-state (did I mention rich?) Democrats who actually live in Rock County, Wisconsin.

Shouted reactions to losing $10.00 on the next Democratic fundloser: “YES!”

(Vivian has passed out on the floor. Someone walks over her to get coffee—which is free at all Dem Party events.)

Vivian (revived—in a pleading voice): “This is a fundraiser. We HAVE to raise money to win elections. Walker & Ryan have Koch and every big corporation in the USA and the world behind them. What do we have? $10.00 fundlosers? People, people, people!

Everyone in unison: “YES! WE ARE THE PEOPLE!”

Once again, responses are shouted out:
“We aren’t Republicans!”
“We don’t leave anyone out!”
“We are a big tent party!”
“Money doesn’t define us!”
“WE ARE THE PEOPLE!”

Angela: “I will make it fashionable!”

Mike: “I will market it!”

Sam: “I’ll help!”

Ronnie: “I move that we charge $15.00 for our fundraiser.”

Bill: “I second it.”

Dave: “All in favor?”

Vivian: “Eiiiiyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!”

Dear Women Haters

2012-02-24T18:43:00.002-06:00

Dear Republican Women Haters:

I am having such a hard time writing this love letter. Why, my heart is so overwhelmed by love that all I can do is cry and spit and splutter. I think I could write a book easier than I can write this letter.

But, I am verklempt! Just overcome by emotion. I love the unconsciously ignorant as well as the maliciously ignorant, and the intentionally ignorant and the simply malicious. And, their innocent followers!

I have a special love for followers of the mean, stupid, and crazy. It’s an odd mixture of amazement, pity, awe, wonder, pity, bewilderment… pity.

You have guessed it by now. Yes, it is time to discuss “female trouble.”

Men cannot imagine how women feel about the Woman Hater’s excessive, one might even say obsessive, interest in our private parts! You seem to care so much—and know so very little—about women’s reproductive health!

And, you have such peculiar ways of showing how much you care! I would think any way of expressing your concern at all, except legislation, would work—flowers, poetry, cash… But, panels made up of all men? Men who are not obstetricians or gynecologists or poets or philosophers, or great scientists, or neonatologists. Hmmm. Not working for me!

It’s not me—it’s you. It's over between us. Get. Out. Of. My. Life. Hope I didn’t hurt your feelings!

I might be impressed by your devoted interest in my and your mother’s nether regions—if I didn’t talk to so many men who don’t know how old their children are. Well, and if the “dead-beat dad” rate wasn’t so high. And… there is the child abuse issue. And…how many men have ever been to an Ob/Gyn appointment with their…girl friend? Or, their mother? Thought I was going to say “wife” didn’t you!?! Gotcha!

Do you even know the definitions to these terms: amenorrhea, anovulation,dysmenorrheal,dyspareunia, leucorrhea,menorrhagia, metrorrhagia,metrorrhagia, oligomenorrhea, or oligo-ovulation?

Your mother, daughter, and female partner have probably experienced one—or, if older—all of these conditions. And, she needs health care, not political care. In fact, your mother called me the other day and…

If she doesn’t have insurance, she needs Planned Parenthood or another form of free clinic. Because no one except the 1% can afford health care these days.

BTW, none of these conditions have anything to do with contraception, birth control, abortion or you.

Every time we enter the deep dark recesses of the woman-hating male psyche and how they feel about their mothers and religion and reproduction and bodily processes and sex and women’s reproductive organs, and bodily fluids and…we just get into a Goddess-awful mess. So, I am going to simplify things!

Let’s make it all much simpler my entering the, shall we say, at least partially more visible arena of men’s reproductive organs and straighten this whole mess out!

I love equality and I have the solution of the entire mess! Let’s just make everything equal!

No more dealing with those nasty body parts and yucky bodily processes and other disgusting things like reproduction.

(And, oh my God, if you think that watching a video of a baby being born is disgusting, you should have to watch a video of conception! Now, that would stop teenagers from even thinking about sex until they’re 40!)

Yes, let’s stop reproductive health care coverage for men and be done with it all for everyone!

No more vasectomies! Because, I am a Pagan woman doctor and I am religiously opposed to vasectomies. I won’t perform them and I shouldn’t have to pay for others to have them through my insurance premiums. Hell, no!

No more screenings for prostate cancer for men. That’s disgusting and I don’t believe in it—that kind of behavior can lead to homosexuality and it is against MY religion. The prostate is a male reproductive organ and should not be covered by insurance I pay for!

No more treatment for urinary tract infections in men—we all know where the urinary tract is in men—or maybe we don’t because we don’t believe in sex education—and, I am a Goddess worshipping female doctor who does not believe that particular piece of the anatomy in men should be touched for any reason except pleasure—or covered by health care insurance.

Since I believe that sexual intercourse is only for the purpose of pleasure and not for procreation, I refuse to have MY money spent on male infertility screenings or treatments. That violates MY religious freedoms. I believe that the Goddess gives you the exact number of children She wants you to have. If you have slow swimmers, then just swallow the pill like a man--so to speak.

Treatment for “jock itch” covered by health insurance? Now, you’re just messin’ with me. Suck it up, buttercup. Bad metaphor, but you get the point.

Honestly, it is against MY religion for men to be sissies and go to the doctor for every little whine. If your not bleeding, vomiting, or on fire, chill!

No more cystoscopes—and, you will thank me for that!

If your boys get caught in a wringer—ouchie. But, hey man, that’s a reproductive organ and we don’t cover reproductive care for men or women any more. That could lead to wild and crazy sex. I am pretty sure Rick Santorum agrees.

And, if your Lorena runs amok, so sorry but insurance doesn’t cover reproductive care any more. How many times do I have to repeat that? I am pretty sure that not having…not having…reattachment surgery will save money in the long run anyway because you won’t hmmm…need contraception or have the high cost of rearing children to worry about. Just put a couple of aspirin...between your knees and call me in the morning.

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Literally.

It is my religious belief that men should just overcome all life’s pain by will-power. Like women do. We have so much to teach. Take a Lamaze class like real women do and just breathe your way through life’s difficulties.

Here’s the deal. Women are the 51%. We brought male politicians into the world and we can take them out—in the voting booth.

Reproductive care is health care. It is far more than the birth control pill. It is science. It is complicated. Physicians actually go to school to learn that s@#$. They don’t get to make it up as they go—as politicians do.

Reproductive health care is personal, private, and easily misunderstood. I see no evidence that politicians, the Church, insurance companies, nor employers know anything about it.

The public is being lied to by Republican conservative right-wing politicians. One example: Prenatal testing is about far more than planning for an abortion. Think about it! Think about all of the changes in care for babies of mothers who are Rh factor negative with Rh factor positive fathers in our own life time.

Health care is between an individual and a doctor. It is not the business of politicians. It is not the business of insurance companies. It is not the business of employers. It is not the business of any church—certainly not one that a patient doesn’t even belong to.

We are not going back 100 years.

Everyone is welcome to practice h/er own religion—but, do not attempt to legislate your religion.

If your religious group is in the health care and insurance business, it might find itself having to follow the rules of the business world—and, not just the religious world.

If you are a health care provider and you cannot make a commitment to provide services to your patients according to their beliefs and practices, then I don’t think you need to be providing services to the general public. You need to be providing services to your religious group only.

Many, if not most, towns in our country do not have more than one hospital. Some small towns have only one clinic. Many have only one specialist in any given field. I am sure there are towns with only one doctor at all.

The idea that there is any “free market” in health care is a joke. We all know that we are lucky if we have any insurance at all and if we do, our employer probably chose it for us. We don't have a choice about whether we have Catholic providers or not.

The general public deserves to receive the latest and best scientific based medical care—not medical care based on the private religious beliefs of any practitioner.

Politicians, churches, insurance companies, and employers—get out of our bedrooms and the examining room and allow us access to the latest and best medical care. Health care is about far more than sex.

But, although this was fun to write, I am not kidding myself. I don’t really think this latest "attack on women" has anything to do with religion, contraception, sex, woman hating, etc. for the big money people and corporations at the top.

It always has to do with money. There is no other factor. The money people just want to keep the “base” (AKA "the little people")fired up about something. Really, do the Koch brothers and Walker’s and Ryan’s donors care about my nether regions? Don’t think so.

It might not hurt to save insurance companies some money by cheating women out of reproductive health care—in the short term. Ten children later? Not so clear.

But, it always helps to rile up the little people, rile up the right-wing, rile up the pro-life single issue voters, and it always gives the Republicans a boost!

Single issue voters--you are the best thing that ever happened to Republicans! And, I love you! I really, really do!

Good grief, this could just morph into another letter—or a book!

Your friend,

Vivian

Dear Paul

2012-02-15T16:01:00.002-06:00

Dear Paul,

I love you. I really, really do—in that detached Zen-like way that keeps me from squishing earthworms.

It hurt to kiss you goodbye on Valentine’s Day—it really, really did.

Oh, don’t misunderstand me. Saying goodbye to you didn’t hurt! That felt like a day at a spa...or a day at the beach…or inheriting $10 million from someone I never met…or meeting President Obama in person and kissing…oh, never mind. You get the point.

It was kissing you that hurt. That’s a figure of speech—I didn’t really kiss you. It was the thought of kissing you that hurt. Hope I didn’t hurt your feelings!

Dear Paul. Darling Paul. Sweetheart. I will speak for myself and the entire Congressional District 1. Hope they don't mind!

We have had a very immature, youthful (callow—really, now that I think about it) childish romance with you that was fueled by an infatuation with wealth, privilege, and the mere proximity to power. Hmmmm...nope, cannot think of anything else.

We had dreams of going to the prom with you. Laughing at inside jokes at our social events with all the super cool Janesville Jet Set—hereafter known as the JJS. Dreams of defending the 1%--which would include “our” best friends. Going to “Cabo” and never adding the “San Lucas” just to show how cool we are. A lifetime membership at the “club.” Never needing to say which club. Skiing at that place in France and using the term “Euro trash” just to prove that we are so cool we are hot… 15% tax rates…

But, we out grew you. You became an embarrassment. It’s over. Bye, now. I speak for all of us in the CD 1. We are kissing you goodbye. I mean this in the nicest way possible.

I don’t want to hurt your feelings—but, when other people went into the Peace Corp, you came home to your mother!?! Tell me this isn’t true? Why didn’t you do something heroic, Paul? Not to mention the excessive mother-son thingy. Not attractive at all.

And, well, I have a secret yen for independent stand on your own two feet people to represent me. And, for a Republican you are a slacker! I have scoured your bio looking for some evidence that you have ever had a real job. I have heard that you waited tables once. Is it true? I see no evidence that you have ever done anything else except…oh, dear, I almost used a profanity that involves newborns and feeding and mothers!

Well! I see no evidence that you have done anything except work for your family and politicians!

Looking at you bio, I cannot even tell what was an internship, a part-time job, or what was a full-time job.

You have been on the government dole for…how many years? 16? Or is it 18? Dude, you’ve got 3 children! Get a real job! That’s what all the Republicans shout at me every time I go to a protest—"Get a real job!" And, I would like to help you do that. I really, really would!

Maybe you don’t need a real job because you have a trust fund. Just speculating. Don’t know. You are just awfully old to have never had a real job. 15% tax rate? Hmmm?

I really have nothing against wealthy politicians. I really, really don’t. As long as they have a sense of responsibility and a sense of our great country being a community. Well, really, I like for them to have some sense, too.

So, we began drifting apart when you didn’t do something heroic—like the Peace Corps. Came home to Mama. Didn’t get a Real Job in the Real World like you Republicans harp about the entire live-long day. At least, I’m not seeing it in your bio. Hmmm?

But, I also haven’t seen any sign of you ever getting out of your box, Paul—and, it is a very well-padded, privileged, comfy, well-connected box. Isn’t it?

Did you go back-packing through Europe? Ah-ha! Service trips to South America? Spend a year in Appalachia—my favorite!?! Live in another country? Dig wells in Africa?

I just hate Xenophobia, don't you?

Did you ever have an apartment in South Beloit or inner city Milwaukee? Ever been poor? Ever lived on your own income? Ever lived on $30.00/year? Ever gone without healthcare for…oh, say…10 years or so? Ever driven a beater? Or, not had a car? Ever been without dental care for…hmmm…10 years or so? Ever had a tooth pulled because you couldn’t afford to have it repaired? Do you know how much every little bit of health care costs? How much a poor family of 5 pays for groceries?

Would you give me your insurance—I need it?

So, I don’t know you intimately, but I doubt you have spent very much time out of your box. I find that...well, not very sexy.

And, this is hard to say and even harder to hear. But, you did not meet my needs intellectually. Ayn Rand? Really? Do you know what that says about you? Did you know that brands you as having the moral and intellectual development of…oh…say a teenager? It says that you suffer from grandiosity, a lack of empathy, a lack of depth and wisdom, a lack of a sense of community… Oh, dear! You don't get out of your box, do you? Or you would keep that a secret!

Hope I didn’t hurt your feelings! You’re young! You can grow. I recommend you read the Bible. The New Testament. The words of Jesus. Read them slowly. Buddhism is great, too. Really, the world’s religions say pretty much the same thing. And, you won’t find it in Ayn Rand’s books.

Do unto others...Paul... Do you want your mother and grandmother without healthcare?

Do you know what happens to people who don’t have health insurance? They don’t get health care. And, they die.

Social Security is an insurance program bought and paid for by the American people.

Notice served: You are not going to screw with Social Security or Medicare.

Hope I didn’t hurt your feelings! I hate breaking up—don’t you?

But, I am kissing you goodbye, sweetheart!

Your friend,

Vivian

Why Voting is Important!

2012-02-08T09:01:00.015-06:00

The Recalls have been completed and the trolls abound with their concern over their people not being Recalled correctly....How dare anyone challenge their people? Why did we vote or not vote last time? Did we vote for change? Or should we vote for really important issues?

Lawrence (The Last Word) discusses the importance of voting for the right reasons and that is for the power that directs the debate and how that debate may determine your future. My neighbor has worked for American Airlines for well over 20+ years and courtesy of the reorganization of American Airline in a structured Bankruptcy may lose retirement benefits. Who is watching out for her? More recently the FAA legislation that dis-empowers Unions further and helps the likes of Bain to Raid Pensions easier. Those who voted in this new breed of Republican need to decide what is important...Pensions, Social Security, Medicare, Badger Care, Jobs....Why did the likes of Ron Johnson replace Russ Feingold as our Senator and then do nothing for Wisconsin except block key appointments and legislation put forth by the President. Those appointments determine your future..."SuperPacs" were determined because Al Gore's election was stolen and now we need tons of cash to offset the Republican Greed that seems to be apparent at every level of government.

My question to you...Can WE THE PEOPLE generate the votes we need without SuperPac influences? Can WE THE PEOPLE hold their noses for an election cycle and then correct the error that Citizens United created and then make changes in the US Senate to assure majority vote and not Super Majority votes to get the business done that directly affects you and me.

Russ Feingold is against the SuperPac of the President and, in principle; I would agree with Russ on this. On the other hand it is the current Law of the Land. And although in my mind this is not ethical even though it is law; I believe when one goes into battle one does not use fists when the other side is bringing in chains and tire irons.

Voting matters and winning matters. It is time to evaluate and debate. Will money interest take over completely or will it be necessary to fight back with the new tools available and then push back the ridiculous Corporate Personhood after the fight is won?

Lastly---How does this statement about Voting Importance from Lawrence apply to SuperPacs? It has to do with your vote and will it be counted, coerced or suppressed? Will you keep an open mind when SuperPacs dominate the election scene? Watch the Video and then Decide.
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/the-last-word/46231295#46231295

Other Links:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/07/obama-super-pac-russ-feingold-campaign-finance_n_1259836.html?1328629935

http://www.progressivesunited.org/blog/the-president-is-wrong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAvvAa3JOzE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTuuzYeW_kE&feature=related

Why Tim Cullen won't be running: http://www.channel3000.com/politics/30351853/detail.html

http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/02/koch-backed-americans-for-prosperity-puts-700000-into-wisconsin.php?ref=fpnewsfeed

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/story/2012-02-01/super-pacs-individuals-corporations/52924336/1

Just in from Robert Reich:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-reich/obama-super-pac_b_1262386.html?utm_source=Alert-blogger&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Email%2BNotifications

Always VERIFY!

2012-02-06T16:05:00.002-06:00

Yup, you read this screen-shot right. Apparently the "Democratic Party of Rock County assn. DNC" supports Walker and have posted such on a pro-Walker website and Facebook

(https://www.facebook.com/WeStandwithWalker/posts/251467304931594)

HOWEVER ... the rest of the story is that this Facebook group is, in no way, associated with the REAL Democratic Party of Wisconsin or of Rock County nor the authentic DNC.

ALWAYS be CAREFUL when you associate with questionable sites that pop-up on Facebook for - it seems - more and more pages with malicious intent appear every day. Beware and do NOT send membership funds through any site that cannot be verified by your local or state Democratic members.

ACTION FLASH MOB

2012-01-26T16:25:00.003-06:00

CALL THE WHITE HOUSE TODAY

Demand an investigation and immediate Federal presence to challenge the Wisconsin GOP for violating FEDERAL LAW declaring war against the SOVEREIGN NATIONS OF THE GREAT LAKES with the mining bill before our Legislature TODAY.

Kelda Roys has filed a FOI request regarding Walker Administration contacts with Gogebic Taconite 45 days ago. But on Monday, she received a voicemail saying they would respond "in the next few weeks". What are they trying to hide?

Switchboard: 202-456-1414

Today in the Wisconsin State Assembly, the formerly-known-as-Republican party, guided by Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald is attempting to ram yet another despicable bill through the House that will destroy the Great Lakes environment, destroy tribal agricultural wet lands (wild rice), and more. The Native Tribes were negated from participation in this horrific legislation.

Stand with the tribes TODAY! Please SHARE this and spread it everywhere... I didn't even write it but it needs to get out... Please help us make this TREATY BUSTING get the justice it deserves!

http://wcmcoop.com/members/global-flash-mob-stop-the-fascists-as-they-break-federal-treaty-law-call-the-white-house-and-demand-federal-intervention/

Poll shows Jon Erpenbach with most support, Tom Barrett with least

2012-01-18T23:33:00.000-06:00

According to the results of a non scientific poll conducted by Defend Wisconsin News Round Up via our Facebook page, by far the greatest number of people support the candidacy of Jon Erpenbach for Governor of Wisconsin.

The question asked was as follows: "Who do you support in the race for Governor? Let's presume Russ will not run and that we will all support whoever the nominee is in the end". During approximately 24 hour period, 337 people cast their vote and Jon Erpenbach candidacy gathered 120 votes. The next closest runners up: Peter Barca, Russ Feingold and Dave Obey, got 41 votes each. Kathleen Vinehout garnered 20 votes, Ron Kind and Doug La Follette got 16 votes each, Mahlon Mitchell 11 votes, Kathleen Falk 8 votes, Dave Hansen, Lena Taylor, Tim Cullen and Scott Walker with 4 votes each, Tommy Thompson 3 votes, Tom Barrett 2 votes, Herb Kohl 1 vote and Someone Else 1 vote.

Conclusions that can be drawn from these numbers:

1. Those who voted in this poll are active in the anti-Walker recall movement and are also active social media users. These are the people who are looking for information, have passionate views and are actively looking to connect with others. This may not be the majority of the electorate, but these are the people who are most likely to go and knock on doors for candidate of their choice.

2. Two of the top 4 vote getters - Jon Erpenbach and Russ Feingold - have already announced that they will not be running in the recall election. This leaves a field of candidates that are not generating as much excitement but may prove to be just as able in unseating Walker in a recall election.

3. Last year's Democratic nominee for Governor - Tom Barrett - came in nearly at the bottom of the poll with 2 votes, with only Herb Kohl and Someone Else getting fewer votes. In a scientific poll, getting 2 votes would be considered being within a margin of error, meaning statistically insignificant number. Considering that Tom Barrett may be considering his options at this time, this may not be the best omen for his candidacy as a gubernatorial candidate.

4. While I am personally a fan of a primary, findings of this poll present arguments both for and against having a primary to determine the eventual Democratic nominee to take on Scott Walker. With the most popular candidates sitting the recall out, it may be a battle between those that the public feels lukewarm about versus candidates that inspire no enthusiasm whatsoever from those most passionate about recalling the Governor. Anyone of these potential candidates could potentially beat Scott Walker in an election, especially with the job picture showing no signs of improvement. But with all the advantages held by Scott Walker - money, having a head start on any competition, and more money - having a primary may be a great way for Democrats to create a leader who will come out of a friendly contest with better name recognition, time to create a brand and time to raise money.

In the end, a question: why are those most likely to win, chose to not participate?

By the way, voting is still open so here's your chance to weigh in: Vote!

January 7 - January 16 Protest News Round Up

2012-01-16T13:09:00.000-06:00

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Scott Walker PR blunder in Janesville

Yuri Rashkin: My Platform - What I Believe In

Skating in front of the Capitol in Giant letter that spell RECALL. Thanks to Stanley Jackson for the pic!

Sly In The Morning: John Nichols: Recall Heros

Conservative think tank states case for tying teacher pay to success of a school

Corporate Interests Trump People in Walker’s Wisconsin

Walker MLK DAY – Dismantling the Black Vote

Judge To Hear Arguments In Voter ID Lawsuit

DMV expands location, hours across Wisconsin

Wisconsin Gov. Walker at Superior airport for jobs announcement | Superior Telegram | Superior, Wisc

Homelessness a growing, hidden problem in rural Wisconsin | Superior Telegram | Superior, Wisconsin

Dems want federal review of voter ID law (AUDIO)

Walker to attend MLK events in Madison, Milwaukee - JSOnline

John Doe investigation: When was shortfall reported?

How Fares the Dream?

Scott Walker Recall Drive Is Closely Watched

David Beats Goliath – Wisconsin Style

Is Your Senator Representing Charles and David Koch? |

Investigations against Gov. Scott Walker appointees raise questions about reporting of allegations

Total Recall: What to watch for on Wisconsin Recall Signature Turn-in Day

ALEC Politician Claims ALEC Meetings Are "Open to the Public." Really? | Center for Media and Democr

Wisconsin, Minnesota ponder expanding Amtrak service - JSOnline

GOP focused on passing only four bills during new Legislature session

George Newago- 'Don't pee in my Cheerios'

Kelda Announces Opposition to SOPA/PIPA

Wisconsin Club for Growth says Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett saved $25 million in the city budget than

"CAN WALKER" PARTY! - Mt.Horeb | Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice

GAB To Review Recall Petitions In Secure Location

Judge To Hear Arguments In Voter ID Lawsuit

ALEC Accountability Act set for introduction in Arizona

Official fears election problems -- GazetteXtra

Democratic Chairman Predicts 720,000 Signatures

Republican faithful gear up to defend Walker - JSOnline

Time to Amend - Let's get candidates to pick this issue up. by RoseGardener » Sun Jan 15, 2012 3:

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"Remove Gableman? Not so fast!" by We the People -- GazetteXtra

Will Scott Walker have to swear to tell the truth? Kavanaugh pleads not guilty

Wisconsin Protests 2011

Open Letter to Wisconsin Government Accountability Board

Walker Enlists Karl Rove Protégé to Promote New Protest Policy | Center for Media and Democracy

Plain Talk: High court opened door to legalized bribery

Possible Democratic candidates to run in 2012 Recall Races for Governor (Poll) - Scott Walker Watch

Larson Acres foes seek to have Gableman recused from case -- GazetteXtra

Thompson visits city as part of Senate campaign -- GazetteXtra

Janesville - Rock County: Prohibiting Employees From Signing Petitions Should be a Crime

Lawsuit, judge ruling cause delay in recall review « Wisconsin Law Journal

Stuff Done in the Past Year That I Never Thought I'd Do

Like we've been saying: Under Walker and the GOP, Wisconsin government haste makes waste

The Hypocrisy of Jeff Fitzgerald, Wisconsin Republicans

BIZARRE: Scott Walker Health Czar Picks Inexperienced Texas Home-Schooled Nurse for Top Post

Scott Walker Billboard Brags About Job Creation To Empty Factory Yard

Recall: An End in Sight - Part Two

Rumor Has It 1,500,000 Signatures!

Gableman’s links to Koch Industries make impartiality impossible

An Interview with Ian Murphy -- the 'fake' David Koch

Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) under scrutiny over $10 million payment

Monologues of Dissent: Things We Do for Free: An Open Letter to Russ Feingold

22 Dem lawmakers ask U.S. DOJ to review Wisconsin voter ID law

Recall Walker Anthem (Hip-Hop)

Tommy Thompson Addresses Forward Janesville Members - Home Page Videos - Video Player :: Local Visio

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Letter to the Attorney General Announcement

Tea Party Enters the Wisconsin Recall Fray

Fight on, Wisconsin

Wisconsin ALEC Republicans Caught Breaking the Law by Ignoring Treaty Rights; Fitzgerald Announces F

Assembly puts off mining bill for a week - JSOnline

Fitzgearald Recall Organizer Lori Compass Makes A Special Announcement 1-13-12

State dems blast new public health officer as unqualified - JSOnline

NBC Chicago : Cutler Among Footballers Lobbying Against Right-to-Work Legislation

Scott Walker Collective Bargaining Law: Government Workers Retired In Record Numbers In 2011

Democrats Targeted for Recall – Nada, None, Zero-WHY?

Badger Blue, Times Two: Contempt, thy name is Fitzgerald

$100K targeted for software for recall petitions

Recall Fitzgerald: Republican speaks out against State Sen. Scott Fitzgerald

Wisc. Recall Supporters Confident, But GOP Has Sway : NPR

Battle Lines Stark as Wis. Recall Push Nears End

The Polarizer: A look at what makes Scott Walker tick

Group says it has enough signatures to recall Fitzgerald - JSOnline

Capitol Report: State superintendent Tony Evers calls on Assembly to 'keep promise,' close voucher l

Sen. Fitzgerald files suit challenging end date to collect recall signatures

Chutzpah, Thy Name Is Scott 'Inept' Walker

America Isn’t a Corporation

Watching Scotty Go

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UPDATE: Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald Recall Effort

Filmmaker Seeks Support for "Wisconsin Rising" Film | Center for Media and Democracy

Wisconsin governor determined to survive recall threat - HUMAN EVENTS

In The News : Milwaukee Area Labor Council AFL-CIO

Scott Walker - SourceWatch

Sources Tell 12 News Organizers Have Enough Signatures To Trigger Recall Election

Mining Bill Hearing in the Northwoods – how public and who benefits?

Petition review will take longer than 60 days, delaying Wisconsin recall election - TwinCities.com

Wisconsin Dems To Deliver Walker Recall Petitions Next Week

Jim DeMint: 'We Really Need Someone Like A Gov. Scott Walker' In The White House

Texas Workers Stand with Wisconsin

BOR: Austinites Rally Against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker

Gov. Walker's fateful decision on rail - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Fitzgerald files complaint over recall timing

Fitzgerald has that Kapanke LOOK

Russ Feingold for Wisconsin Governor

Venture capital bill gains support - Milwaukee - The Business Journal

Signature review in recall election of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to take longer than original.

Wisconsin Democrats Use Scott Walker Aides' Scandal To Raise Money

Badger Blue, Times Two: Not your average liberal

As Recall Wraps Up, Scott Walker Dodges Snow to Kiss Rings of Extremist Texas Donors

Local Walker Recall Effort to Surpass Goal

Walker Billboard Removed and soon Walker himself!

Republican Redistricting Rush sends Wisconsinites to Africa?

#occupyaustin mic checks Walker in Hilton

Wisconsin Recall Roadtrip: Wausau and Tomahawk |

Elections board to create database of those who sign recall petitions - JSOnline

Chants of "Recall Walker" echoing in Austin, Texas to welcome Gov. Walker. photo

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says the state's jobs data is unreliable

The Maddow Blog - Wisconsin, you're voting in Africa now

200 Miles of Wisconsin- Recall Signs Pave the Way

Host of GOP Heavyweights Slated for Pro-Walker Rally in Wauwatosa

Free Bus Ride to Madison Jan 17th for Monona Terrace Celebration!

#massive fail | Blogging Blue - Blogging Liberally in the Badger State

Walker Pulls a Perry -- Uh Oooops

Daily Kos: Scott Walker Billboard Fail (another Bwuhahaha moment)

Democratic legislator seeks Gableman's ouster - JSOnline

In Focus 1/09/12- Jim Schneider with Sen. Glenn Grothman; Recalls and Bills

Reddit Clobbers Rep. Ryan Into Opposing SOPA

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Errors in redistricting process could affect thousands of voters

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Fitzgerald Recall : Movin' Right Along

Will Doug La Follette Run for Governor?

Senator Erpenbach: We Want You to Run for Governor.

Rock/Walworth Lincoln Day Dinner

GOP lawyers must pay Democrats' attorneys $17,500 - JSOnline

Brookfield woman Slugs Recall Petitioner, caught on tape

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Walker's waste panel finds $456 million savings

Milwaukee County DA Alleges Scott Walker Website Paid For With Embezzled Funds

Governor's spokesman is abusing his position

Protesters rally at Lincoln Hills School over union T-shirt fight

Another ethics complaint filed against Justice Gableman

"Democrats call Walker's waste report misleading " by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Brookfield woman cited after recall dispute caught on tape

News :: Walker's Policies Are Killing Wisconsin's Economy :: The Shepherd Express: Milwaukee's best.

Hey Scot Walker

Hurley: Waukesha of the North, except sometimes they get caught

Worley Dervish: 2012 Talking Points: Rachel, Thomas, George, and Me

Both sides see positive news in latest revelations from Walker staff investigation

Ed Garvey: ‘Open’ primary needed to pick Walker challenger

Daily Kos: Scott Walker's assault on the environment: An affront to Wisconsin's Heritage

Kleefisch: 'I'll Be Back On The Ballot'

"Walker setting up new education council" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Pro-Walker Rally on Sat Jan 21 | Republican Party of Milwaukee County

Waukesha County Judge Mac Davis does what Walker, Legislature couldn’t – changed recall law, in poli

Wisconsin jobs meter is moving the wrong direction - BizTimes

Thought Control: Right-Wing Koch Brothers Caught Telling Thousands of Employees How to Vote

Scott Walker Does It His Way

Walker Sues to Stick Taxpayers With Campaign Tab Despite Being Able to Raise Unlimited Money

AFP, reality t.v., and Wisconsin GOP | Blogging Blue - Blogging Liberally in the Badger State

Herb Kohl endorses Tammy Baldwin for Senate

Total Recall: Signatures continue to accumulate, slowly, in final "recalliday" weekend; election tim

Lena Taylor: I didn’t want to be on the side of history that remained silent | Wisdom Voices

Say Republican! I Mean Unethical - Walker's Website Woes

Rob Zerban Posts Strong Fundraising Numbers Against Paul Ryan | Rob Zerban For Congress

DNR: Mining Bill Could Cost Agency Millions

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Dozens of Green Bay teachers to retire this month

Friends of Scott Walker v. GAB Changes the Recall Rules Mid-Stream : Marquette University Law School

Walker recall signatures 'rolling in by the thousands'

Ex-Walker aide was part of inner circle - JSOnline

Civil Discourse
PodOmatic | Best Free Podcasts

Scott Walker Failures Timeline

John Nichols: Walker appeals to GOP’s labor-bashing zealots

Governor Walker Should Be Flogged For His Inability To Control His Underlings

Sunday Satire: Walker Team Issues Down-Sized Bible: Incentive for Corporate Job Producers

Continuing Assault on Unions

Dozens gather in West Bend to show support for Governor Walker

Supporters Of Gov. Walker Rally Against Recall

A response to Gov. Scott Walker: Thanks but no thanks for the 'savings' - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Daily Kos: Announcing: Daily Kos National Recall Walker Week! (Action Diary)

Cop who responded to complaint had already signed recall petitions

Love him or hate him | WisconsinWatch.org

Wisconsin Recall: We Are What Democracy Looks Like

Fitzgerald Recall – A True Grassroots Movement

Regardless Of Outcome, Walker Recall Already A Success

Open Letter To Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Monologues of Dissent: Walker's "revised" update: less math, more lies?

Hartmann: Wisconsin Dems fire up Walker recall campaign

Accused embezzler Tim Russell also Milwaukee County GOP treasurer

Wisconsin’s Unsung Heroes

Walker recall would cost $9 million - JSOnline

Petition Turn-in Celebration!!!

Scott Walker GOP victory center opens in Waukesha: getting out the message

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Im So Disappointed In Scott Walker

Graeme Zielinski shares the latest on the Wisconsin recall effort and the scandal touching Scott Wal

AFSCME Local 1 - Member's Eye View: The Most Important Recall Weekend

Wis. Republicans Push Last Ditch Legislation

Wisconsin Gov. Walker: Unions ‘want me dead’

Nose Plugging Is Now Illegal; Welcome To Fitzwalkerstan

Walker ordered transfer of control of veterans event funds - JSOnline

Column: Why U.S. should cheer for Scott Walker

Cognitive Dissidence: Walkergate: The Tim Russell Tangent

Wisconsin's GOP assembly speaker, attorney general agree: Gov. Walker will face recall race in 2012.

2012's top unanswered questions - Alex Isenstadt

DJ Nick Nice spins tunes and fights Gov. Walker - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Scott Walker PR blunder in Janesville: UPDATE

2012-01-11T22:44:00.000-06:00

The infamous Scott Walker smiling in front of the closed GM plant billboard (whistling past the graveyard?) is now gone. It's been replaced by what you see in this picture. The plant is obviously still there but since there's no activity, there aren't many lights on, either.

The original piece was picked up by Daily Kos:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/01/11/1053897/-Scott-Walker-Billboard-Fail-(another-Bwuhahaha-moment)?via=siderec

Follow up pieces appear in Blogging Blue:
http://bloggingblue.com/2012/01/11/massive-fail/

and PolitiScoop:
http://www.politiscoop.com/us-politics/wisconsin-politics/663-walker-pulls-a-perry-uh-oooops.html

Scott Walker PR blunder in Janesville

2012-01-11T15:49:00.001-06:00

A photo of a billboard in Janesville, Wisconsin, featuring a smiling Scott Walker, was captured on camera and posted as a pic on Facebook. Besides a smiling Scott Walker, the billboard states in Walker-campaign font: Scott Walker Creating Jobs for Wisconsin. Below, the billboard asks the readers to call Governor Walker and thank him. The advertisement is paid for by the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce association, long known in Wisconsin as a powerful arm of the Republican party.

There is one little problem with this billboard: it is placed directly in front of the now closed GM plant in Janesville. Such jarring is the disconnect between the smiling Scott Walker and an empty parking lot of a factory that used to employ thousands of people, that those posting the pic had to clarify that this picture was not photoshopped or altered using a software in any way.

Just to make sure that nobody has any questions, I ventured to the plant this morning and filmed the billboard myself.

The reaction to the photograph on Facebook was so swift and strong, that by noon, a friend who works in Washington DC contacted me inquiring if indeed this picture was taken in Janesville, WI. By 1 pm it was posted on Facebook that the billboard was being removed. Still, here is the evidence of a terrible PR blunder.

Not unlike a recent blunder by Mitt Romney who said that he liked firing people, it does not matter that the General Motors plant closed several years and had nothing to do with Scott Walker's destructive policies. It does, however, fit in the very clear narrative, which is this: Scott Walker is bad for Wisconsin and he's been bad for Wisconsin jobs. His policies are failing, and a billboard with a smiling Scott Walker in front of a shuttered plant acts as a colorful epitaph for his reign.

By the way, the number to call is 608-266-1212. Call him, won't you?

December 27 - January 6 Protest News Round Up

2012-01-05T23:53:00.000-06:00

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Stephanie Leigh needs our help!

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: We Did It! Fundraiser for Stephanie Leigh reached it's goal of $1,000

Yuri Rashkin: Christmas Day Attack by Janesville Gazette

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Dear God's Fan Club

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Dear Janesville Gazette

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Janesville Gazette, partisan politics and local elected offices

Two Ex-Scott Walker Staffers Arrested In Ongoing Investigation

Can Paul Ryan be beat? - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Daily Kos: Wisconsin's Overpass Light Brigade: Visible Resistance and Bridges

Peter Barca: Year of Secrecy and Power Grabs Puts Wisconsin Democracy at Risk

Voters can request Wisconsin ID cards online

Senator Erpenbach: We Want You to Run for Governor.

Scott Walker’s War on Poverty | Blogging Blue - Blogging Liberally in the Badger State

Madison, Wisconsin ranked as best educated city in U.S.

Judge: GAB must verify signatures on recall petitions against Gov. Walker - TODAY'S TMJ4

Revelations on Walkergate: 3 former Scott Walker aides charged for theft, fraud, child enticement

Michael Best & Friedrich is too cozy with Gov. Walker and the Wisconsin Supreme Court - Isthmus | Th

» Waukesha-recall with Kathleen Falk! » A United Wisconsin

Mary Williams has no idea what “Treaty Rights” are … Ashland County Demands Public Hearing on Mining

On Campus: Who paid for Gov. Walker's trip to the Rose Bowl?

Gov. Scott Walker: Must Get Past the Recall Election to Move the State Forward

Scott Walker: Big unions will pick my rival - Mackenzie Weinger

Scott Walker Gives Long-Time Crony Huge Pay Raise « Milwaukee County First

Wisconsin's a welfare state where poor families are showered with money: Ron Johnson

Capitol Report: Walker tells conservative D.C. group he "doesn't plan to lose"

Scott Walker Slams Out-Of-State Money In Wisconsin Recall While In Washington For Fundraiser

Walker discusses recall at D.C. think tank - JSOnline

From Monologues of Dissent
*WARNING* This document contains extremely explicit details of the child enticement case against Brian Pierick - heaviliy implicating his partner Timothy Russell (the Walker aide arrested today on felony embezzelment charges). This is very graphic. And absolutely revolting. And they campaign on "values."
http://www.wispolitics.com/1006/large/120105_State_v_Pierick.pdf www.wispolitics.com
Three charged in John Doe investigation of Walker aides - JSOnline

News :: Scott Walker's Other Big Problem :: The Shepherd Express: Milwaukee's best guide to events,.

Ex-Walker aide arrested; charges to be announced - JSOnline

Breaking News - Ex Walker Aide Arrested - John Doe Investigation Rolling

How a Wisconsin High School Marching Band Became a Political Hot Potato - Forbes

Jorgensen Bill to Help Vets Qualify for State Work Advances

Security Guards Harass us and Flip us off While Collecting Signatures

The Political Environment: Get Ready For New Wisconsin Road Taxes, Fees, And/Or Tolls

Political Heat: Walker ad full of lies, distortions -- and he's hoping you fall for it

While states roll ahead with high-speed rail plans, Wisconsin idles

State should plan for health care reform - JSOnline

Miller: Has hopes for 'professional way' of coping with 'extreme politics'

Court orders Wisconsin GOP to come clean on redistricting documents

Results - Scott Walker ad

Daily Kos: Pulaski WI Marching Band 'Sticking to the Union' in Rose Bowl Parade (Update)

Walker makes safety council appointment; panel to meet soon - The Lakeland Times - Minocqua, WI

Barrett Files Re-Election Papers

Wisconsin Governor puts a stop to the state’s progress on establishing a health insurance exchange «

On Politics: Rep. Grigsby moves out of intensive care

Citizens' referendum to repeal Emergency Manager law has enough signatures | Eclectablog

More Mass Layoffs, Plant Closings In 2011

Reddit, Still Attacking Paul Ryan, Raises $15,000 For Challenger

Hulsey Campaign: Rep. Brett Hulsey to Gov. Walker: Your new ad is based on broken promises

Federal judges say GOP lawmakers trying to hide redistricting details from public - JSOnline

Fellow Republican Governor Deems Scott Walker and John Kasich Failures

Scott Walker Health Program - Governor Walker Is Not Actually a Good Person

Signature Gathering at El Rey Supermercado

Michelle Obama’s backside is your business how?

Scott Walker Tries to Take Credit for Removing Family Care Caps He Instituted and Was Forced to Remo

Jeana Brown Throws Down on Scott Walker

Overpass Light Brigade in Madison

Cheap Shots 2011 - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Scott Walker — Wisconsin Reporters

Scott Walker . . . Buh-Bye

Gableman defending latest ethics scandal with Patriot Act author, (Fox) News Corp. director

Wisconsin petition coordinator: “We’re over 600,000 (signatures statewide)” to recall Gov. Scott Wal

The llatest episode from Civil Discourse entitled "Is the GOP telling us the whole story?"PodOmatic | Best Free Podcasts

Recall Walker! Car Magnet 10 x 3> Recall Walker!> Union Thug Threads: Labor Union t-shirts & gifts

Conversion of county to state jobs upends 209 workers - JSOnline

Walker agenda has been destructive for Wisconsin - BizTimes

State's decision to halt health exchanges worries insurers - JSOnline

People & Power - The Koch Brothers

U.S. News - Rose Parade disrupters face fines, jail time

Walker recall effort enters final weeks - The Northwoods River News - Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Performance Bonus to Wisconsin for Covering Uninsured Kids

Romney Worships 2011’s False Idol: Paul Ryan

Walker Reaches for Trust Funds

Value of Gableman's legal services disputed - JSOnline

Recalls Dominate Patch's Most Popular Stories of 2011

ASTOP may see loss of funding

2011: the year Wisconsin fought back. SSWIDTMS’s most viewed videos of the year

Daily Kos: Life In the Age of Scott Walker: "You *Are* Being Harassed, And Pretty Soon You're Gonna.

Governor Recall Effort Gains Steam in Wisconsin

Recall Petitioners Continue to Collect Signatures

Viewpoint: Wisconsin's sandstorm

10 Reasons Why Labor Unions Are Going to Win | Dissident Voice

As John Doe Probe Heats Up - Past Misdeeds Plague Walker

Ryan's Shrewd Budget Payday

From Wisconsin’s Department of Unmitigated Gall

Tensions over Walker recall effort lead to rise in complaints to police

Wisconsin Workers: Hope for the Holidays

Cognitive Dissidence: Walker Adds Insult To Injury For State Correction Officers

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Observations and Realizations of 2011

Recall groups seek stay in GOP's lawsuit - JSOnline

Ann Jacobs, an Attorney in Milwaukee posted "IMPORTANT - here is a formal complaint against Justice Gableman filed by the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and Mike McCabe. Share widely."
http://www.wisdc.org/proxy.php?filename=files%2Fpdf+%28imported%29%2Fwdcrequest2011-12-20.pdf
Walker: Punking & Punk'd

Wisconsin Supreme Court Asked By Prosecutor To Reopen Collective Bargaining Lawsuit

Scott Walker: "I Don't Even Know Where Cali Is"

Root River Siren: Scott Walker Named "Governor of the Year" By Fakey Journal

Interview with Dean Pagani, Editor of Governor's Journal

Scott Walker Went to Cali. Out-of-state protesters were ready to meet ‘n’ greet!

DA Asks Wis. Supreme Court to Reopen Union Lawsuit

State DOJ officials wanted to stay out of John Doe probe - JSOnline

Wisconsin Unemployed Could Lose a Check

Effort to Recall Scott Walker Heads to Rose Bowl

Barrett "seriously considering" recall bid - JSOnline

The Wreck of the Brothers Fitzgerald - 250th Solidarity Sing Along

Volunteer Receives Commendation from Senate Senate

Protesters Follow Scott Walker to California

Mike Tate column: Dreams of Wisconsin's next governor

The Wisconsin left made a spectacle of itself in 2011 - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Monologues of Dissent: Walker's "update" doesn't add up

Daily Kos: Report From Wisconsin: Songs, Lights and Signatures

Governor Of The Year – Scott Walker

Governor supports bill making non-strikers eligible for unemployment benefits - JSOnline

John Nichols at Recall Walker pac Barrymore Rally

Wisconsin’s spending is greater than national average, even as Walker slashes education and public s

Judge to Scott Walker recall groups: ‘No intervention’ | The State Column

Gov. Walker: We're standing up for middle class in Wis.

Save the Wisconsin Retirement System

Bill would outlaw paying for recall signatures -- GazetteXtra

"Janesville school-union talks halted" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Walker Tells Low-Income Wisconsinites to Take a Hike - A Tax Hike

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Gableman attorney steps down from judicial selection panel - JSOnline

Walker Stalker harassing Jenna

What a $pectacular year it was! | WisconsinWatch.org

Walker hides behind nonsensical lawsuit to “escape from the electorate” | Blogging Blue - Blogging L

Republicans Require No Photo ID to Vote in Republican Iowa Caucus

Dan Dieterich: Walker aims to make UW a second-tier system

Are Wisconsin public employees over-compensated? | Economic Policy Institute

New work rules set in as contracts lapse

Judge Rules Against Wis Dems Intervention In GOP Recall Lawsuit

Can Paul Ryan—and His Agenda—Be Beat? It's Possible | The Nation

Are You Registered?

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Wisconsin one of few states that will raise taxes on poor

400 Club Reception With Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker - Republican Party of Orange County

Walker’s Republican Party Worked in Conjunction With Big Party Bosses

Sly In The Morning: Really little things you can do to really piss off Scott Walker

WSJ: Waukesha County clerk 'likely broke state law' during April Supreme Court race | Wisconsin Wave

'Governor Of the Year' Lies to State about Family Care

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on MSNBC's Morning Joe

Gov. Walker: Political courage could see set back with his loss in recall

Daily Kos: Feds Order Lifting of Long-Term Care Caps in WI; Walker Tries to Take Credit

Beyond the polls…Moderate Wisconsin Republican voters are ditching Walker as radical right panics

Survey: How would you grade Scott Walker’s first year as governor? - Milwaukee - The Business Journa

Wisconsin awarded $23 million performance bonus for BadgerCare Plus

Spencer Black: Walker and environment: ‘That dog don’t hunt’

Recall Supporters Are Wisconsinites, Too

Al Sharpton Blasts Governor Scott Walker For 'Bogus Claims' (VIDEO)

America’s secret political power

New testimony released on GOP redistricting - JSOnline

Sly In The Morning: Scott Walker Named Governor Of The Year by GoJo

Illegal Voter Intimidation in Conover Wisconsin

Partisan politics in non-partisan elected positions -- WCLO

Governor Walker Announces Plan to Lift Family Care Enrollment Cap, Expand to New Counties

2011, the year of the recall

Your new photo IDs will arrive via mail - JSOnline

Wisconsin Renters Face New Rules

Blue cheddar: a Progressive blog in Wisconsin

Campus Connection: Walker plans to phase out Wisconsin Covenant

The Year the Protester Took Center Stage

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2011 in pictures: This is what Democracy looks like | Blogging Blue - Blogging Liberally in the Badg

Scott Walker Wins Joe McCarthy Renaissance Award

Scott Walker: Wisconsin Recall Process 'Pretty Unusual'

Keeping College Students From the Polls

The Political Environment: Walker Ending 2011 With 70% Of PolitiFact Conclusions Saying "False"

Justice Who Upheld Gov. Walker’s Anti-Union Law Received Over $10k Worth Of Free Services From Walke

Wisconsin Recall Opponents: Barking Up the Wrong Fruit

Walker says he could have sold his changes better

Wis. Dems set up own public hearing on mining bill - CBS News

Walker On The ‘Koch’ Call: ‘It Was Stupid’

Fact-Checking The Fact-Checkers: The AP Releases Misleading Analysis Of Tax Plan

The Political Environment: Assembly Mining Bill Undermines Transparency Claims

Wisconsin Supreme Court Ethics Issues May Lead D.A. to Re-Open Collective Bargaining Suit | Center f

Wisconsin Losing Jobs | Lez Get Real

Wineke: Reflecting On How History Will Treat 2011

Political Heat: Why Walker's association with Grover Norquist matters

Solidarity Sing Along - December 26, 2011

Grigsby regains conscious, well-wishers pray for her health - JSOnline

Walker admits to meeting man jailed in John Doe investigation | Defend Wisconsin

2011–Dec12 FYI: JMI to Host Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker for Naples Luncheon « James Madison Ins

Scott Walker’s Shocking Year-End Revelations

Letter: Wants Walker recalled | Hudson Star-Observer | Hudson, Wisconsin

Plain Talk: If Justice Gableman had any scruples, he’d resign

To win, Democrats have to change - JSOnline

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93-Year-Old Tennessee Woman Who Cleaned State Capitol For 30 Years Denied Voter ID

Illinois couple gift 3,200 acres for recreational use in Minocqua

Worley Dervish: Wisconsin Set to Throw the Republicans Out

The Progressive Honor Roll of 2011 | The Nation

Songs Sung By Working People : Our Carols and Songs

A Light Up Recall Holiday Photo Album

Scott Walker... Executive Orders
2011- Scott Walker

At Dec. 10 action, machinists say: ‘Our unions will not be busted!’

We Did It! Fundraiser for Stephanie Leigh reached it's goal of $1,000!!

2012-01-05T22:58:00.004-06:00

As Scott Walker continues to insult the integrity of Wisconsinites by insisting that efforts to recall him are somehow funded by outside interest groups, the reality is that we are doing this on our own time and dime. People collecting petition signatures, are doing it after work, on our days off, while grocery shopping, and while visiting friends and relatives. Most of us, if not all, who are running various protest pages and websites, are doing this with no monetary compensation whatsoever, and on that level, Stephanie Leigh's work stands on its own, because she shares an enormous amount of information, which means that she dedicates hundreds and hundreds of hours to sharing with you and me something that she believes we should know. That fact alone deserves a substantial recognition.

But Stephanie's work goes beyond the amount of information she shares with her fans. Through her distinct editorial voice, Stephanie garnered support of over 60,000 "likes" through all the pages that she helps administer. Considering that Scott Walker Facebook page claims to have over 71,000 fans, Stephanie is well on her way to having more "likes" than Scott Walker. Even in the surreal world of Facebook, having that many fans takes a lot of effort and work, and I should know: I have been running Defend Wisconsin News Round Up since mid-February and I am proud to boast a tenth of the fans that Stephanie does. And so I take off my hat to Stephanie Leigh for the success that she has enjoyed through her immeasurable efforts and commitment.

As I watched Stephanie's pages over the past 11 months, I wondered if she is financially able to make things work. Again, this kind of work is immensely rewarding but it just doesn't pay very much, if at all. I contacted Stephanie and learned that indeed, things are not going as well as she would've hoped. Stephanie lost her job a few months back, unemployment was taking its sweet time and she could not count on her family to provide her with support.

Over the years I have listened to my share of NPR fundraisers and even contributed once or twice, and it struck me that what Stephanie is doing is similar to the National Public Radio, in the sense that she is providing something that was of much value to her readers, at no charge whatsoever. Every day, her pages give its fans hours of reading material, some of it funny some of it serious, but all of it educational, and all of it creating smarter readers and better voters.

Me, I'm a problem solver. Through my involvement in politics, I have given fundraising a lot of thought. While I'm opposed to the absolutely insane amount of money that is flooding and endangering our political process, I believe that those candidates who are fully self-funded are really showing that they have no real grassroots support. If people believe in you, they will contribute. Not millions of dollars but a few dollars here and there, and with Facebook and other social media outlets allowing for the message to be spread far and wide, those who are interested in being involved, can do so.

Therefore, it made perfect sense to me to set up a fundraiser for Stephanie. I know that I'm a fan of her work, and I figured that if there are others who claim to like her, (over 10,000 by the latest count) then we should be able to raise a few dollars to help Stephanie defray whatever living expenses she has, and to allow her to do that which she does best - provide us, her readers - with relevant information about important issues.

Lo and behold, in just a few short days, we were able to raise over a $1,000 and the money is on its way to Stephanie. Thanks to all of you who contributed - nearly 50 - and thanks to all those who shared the updates about the fundraising effort. I said it before and I'll say it again: it is only by working together that we succeed, and to get Scott Walker recalled, it will take all of us, working together, just like we did to help Stephanie, to make our great state right again!

Yuri Rashkin
Publisher

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up

Dear God's Fan Club

2012-01-01T12:39:00.002-06:00

Dear God’s Fan Club:

January 1 seems a wonderful day to write a letter of unity! Not!

I have finally found, on Facebook no less, a sentiment I previously couldn’t find just the right words for: “I don’t have anything against God. It’s his fan club I can’t stand.”

Well, of course, I am committed to unconditional love for the entire world, but some people are very challenging. Hope I did not hurt your feelings! Why should it be so hard to love God’s fan club! Holy Kitty Cats!

So, of course, now I just have to love this group of people ! I really, really do! I especially love those members of Gods Fan Club who are Republican followers of Governor Walker and Reince Priebus and who shout obscenities at RECALL volunteers on street corners.

I love you most of all—I am pretty sure you have had a sad, sad, shortage of unconditional love in your lives, so I must love you. It is a challenge I cannot avoid. And, for goodness sake, didn't your parents teach you a d@#$ thing?

I suspect that certain Fan Club Members, sometimes referred to as Christians, have done more to harm Christianity that all 3 atheists in Wisconsin ever could! Hope I haven’t hurt your feelings! Think about your personal witness, people! Think!

Yep, I love all flavors of Christians—especially the cursing, shouting, “F-bomb” throwing, finger-gesturing type. Oh, and the arm gesturing type. Do NOT want to forget the arm gestures. Very few people do this kind of thing—thank the Wood Nymphs! But, WOW! Is this what you mean by being “warriors” for Christ? I sincerely hope not!

I still love you, but, holy kitty cats…!!! Do you go to church after go by a group of mostly senior citizens and shouting obscenities? Do you brag about how cool you are?

Can you really picture your leader doing this? Oh, your leader is Jesus if you are a Christian, not Gov Walker or Reince Priebus. Pretty sure you know that, but just making sure.

And, there is a special place in my heart for paranoid fan club members. After all, Christians are in a culturally perilous position in this country—they only constitute 78% of the population! In some surveys, as many as 89% of Americans describe themselves as “highly religious.”

I mean, honestly, what do you call someone who has 78% of the pie, but wants it all? Right! Think about it… That 22% does not pose a deadly threat. Why, Americans would rather elect a child abuser than an atheist! Breathe… You do not have to kill their Mosque first before they kill your church. Remember…democracy…freedom of religion…Constitution…!

Ewwwww…ahhh…oh… Actually, that Constitution thingy can bite you in the a@#. Forget I said that. Before long, everyone will want protection by it.

Hmmm... This is a delicate subject. I have been meaning to talk to you about your complete lack of a sense of reciprocal values.

See, if YOU have a right to a Tea Bag (Party or Bag--never can remember :>) rally with really ugly signs, then your political opponents have the right to public political expression, also. I believe most Tea Bag/Party people are Fans of God? I believe they would be outraged if I drove by and shouted rude messages and made rude gestures?

I don't want to hurt your feelings, but you have the moral development of an earth worm if you cannot understand that it works both ways! Hope I didn't hurt your feelings! Bless your hearts! Honestly, you need an instruction book, don't you?

I understand that many Fan Club Members believe the USA has a state religion and want the US to be (or believe that it already is!) a theocracy—as in “The United States is a Christian Nation!” Ah… well…don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings here. Trying to pose this delicately…Hmmm...Ever think about reading? READING history? READING the Constitution?

And, which branch of Christianity did you want to be the National Religion? Catholicism? Baptist? Southern Baptist? Which Baptist? Lutheran? Unitarian? I vote for Unitarian! I don’t want to gossip, but I have heard some of you say that the others aren’t Christian, so…? Which one? I love you all, but… not all you Fan Club members are crazy about each other.

Just remember, when you go by and give me the finger, or the arm, or shout rude messages—I can see your license plates and read your bumper stickers. Business owners, you are not doing yourselves any favors to curse and shout. You can disagree politely—and gain everyone’s respect. But, I CAN SEEEEEE YOU! And, some of the things you do are illegal. Illegal.

I love you! I really, really do. Have you thought of anger management classes? Etiquette classes? Business management classes? Going to church MORE frequently? Listening? I don’t want to be presumptuous, but have you read the Bible?

I am presuming that most of you belong to the Party of Family Values—are your children in the car with you!?! Other people's children?

Is shouting, cursing, and using the "F word" a new family value? Could this possibly explain all the poorly behaved children in school these days?

Is this the explanation of bullying in school? After all, they say that school bullies have parents who are bullies? Just sayin'

Hope I didn’t hurt your feelings!

Your friend,

Vivian

Janesville Gazette, partisan politics and local elected offices

2011-12-28T14:49:00.002-06:00

In a story on December 25, Janesville Gazette came out strongly questioning whether it is appropriate for those belonging to political parties, and particularly holding offices within local parties, to serve on Janesville City Council, Rock County Board of Supervisors or School Board. This story generated much discussion, primarily from those of us who feel that the premise of the story is unfair and at least on its face appears to be biased.

As if to underline this point, this story was originally posted on the Gazette's website under this headline:
Party politics emerge in local board races ... - Janesville Gazette, which was eventually pulled from the site and replaced with this:

Republican or Democrat? It’s not supposed to matter at local level -- GazetteXtra

Here is what I wrote about this story on my main blog www.YuriRashkin.blogspot.com
Christmas Day Attack by Janesville Gazette

Lou Kaye of RockNetRoots.blogspot.com wrote this piece fairly pointing out that partisan politics were not an issue until the Gazette made them so:
Newspaper Injects Partisan Politics into Local Non-Partisan Elections

Vivian Creekmore, a regular contributor to this website wrote her signature Love Letter to the Gazette, highlighting the fact that everyone has a political point of view but the Gazette is displaying a "blatant political bias".
Dear Janesville Gazette

And just today, Tim Bremel, morning talk show host on "Your Talk Show" on WCLO (owned by Bliss Communications same as the Gazette) devoted half an hour to the subject. Lack of phone calls eventually leading him to conclude that evidently the partisanship point brought up by the Gazette is "at least somewhat moot".
Partisan politics in non-partisan elected positions

What the Gazette appears to have ultimately missed is that while candidates may be more involved in partisan politics then ever in recent history (or insofar as anyone can remember), the Gazette readers live in the same politicized world as do the candidates, where this kind of involvement from those who want to be involved in positions of leadership is not just not offensive, it is expected. The unanswered question remains not what party people (or candidates) belong to, but what do they stand for as individuals.

Stephanie Leigh needs our help!

2011-12-28T14:23:00.001-06:00

Everyone, I got to know Stephanie over the last several months as the voice behind the incredibly popular Facebook page "I will get more "likes" than Scott Walker". Stephanie spends countless hours gathering and distributing information about the recall effort and the protests in general. She follows the Occupy movement and many other liberal causes that led her fan count to reach nearly 10,000. Stephanie is also involved with running several other pages including "The Heroic Wisconsin 14" and "Scott Walker is a Douchebag". Together these Facebook pages have over 60,000 fans.

Stephanie and I have never met but we communicate regularly because our missions are similar - essentially to disseminate information about the Wisconsin Protests and to bring together those who want to participate in actively helping Wisconsin gain back what was lost under the brief but fierce reign Scott Walker and the Fitzgerald brothers. Defend Wisconsin News Round Up sticks to issues that are relevant to Wisconsin protests, while the information shared by Stephanie is far wider in its scope.

Recently, I learned that Stephanie is struggling. She has lost a job she held for years, her family is not doing much better than she is, and the unemployment took its time to get to her. I, myself, do not know all the particulars but I know rent and internet access are a struggle and these are not that expensive. I also know that there are tens of thousands of people who spend time daily, following the news that Stephanie links and re-links.

We need Stephanie Leigh and the work that she does. This person has single-handedly brought together thousands of people who care about what is going on in Wisconsin since Scott Walker took power. In February and March when we were at the Capitol en masse, people from all over the world called and ordered food for protesters. Now it's the time for us to help one person who helps so many of us stay informed like a one-person information booth.

I know that whether we raise $60,000 or $600, it will help Stephanie continue to do her important work. Just imagine if one day those pages went silent. Not only would it limit the sources of information that all of us rely and expect to be there, but it would send a message about our resolve to those on the other side of this important debate.

Here's the link to the donation website I sat up. Do yourself and our democracy a favor and put in a few bucks!

Yuri Rashkin
Publisher
Defend Wisconsin News Round Up

https://www.wepay.com/donations/stephanie_leigh

Here's link to Stephanie's main site:
https://www.facebook.com/StephOnTheLeft?ref=ts

Dear Janesville Gazette

2011-12-27T21:59:00.002-06:00

Dear Janesville Gazette:

I love you. I really, really do! After all, I wouldn’t write you two letters if I didn’t love you. Please go back and read my first letter at: http://defendwisconsin.blogspot.com/2011/03/dear-rock-county-and-bliss.html

You just seem to be a slow learner! Hope I didn’t hurt your feelings! But, I have a thing or two to say to you! With a loving heart--always with a loving heart!

In fact, this is actually an article that I am dedicating to you—because I love you so much—and you have so much to learn!

And, you confuse me. You really, really do! After all, the Gazette is a newspaper engaged, presumably, in journalism with a blatant political bias. And, yet, you seem to be making a point in a recent article that local office holders are suspect if they have a political affiliation? Hmmm? Doesn’t that make Bliss Communications very suspect? I am trying to understand. I really, really am!

The Janesville Gazette and Bliss Communications can have an apparent political bias, but concerned community members running for local office are not supposed to have a political affiliation? Check?

What is the definition of slander, BTW? Do you know any good attorneys? I don't need one, do I?

The title the article I am dedicating to you is:

"Democrat or Far Right Wing Rag—The Gazette Never Leaves Us Guessing"

I was seriously asking myself why the Gazette hasn’t run any articles with headlines such as:
“Rotarians Take Over the City Council!” or
“Service Club Members Dominate the County Board!” or how about
“Senior Citizens Flood Local Political Offices!” or, hmmmm…
“Church Members Command the City Council!”

Now, these are headlines that I would like to see—something you might see in “The Onion.” Something to bring a smile to my face!

After all, everyone has a right to belong to service clubs, belong to churches, and to serve their communities. And, everyone has a right to their political opinions and to political association—don’t we still? I haven’t checked lately. Maybe not!

I am a member of the Democratic Party of Rock County and we serve no state or national masters. We have a tiny budget; do no big fund-raising; do nothing more dangerous than have an annual Pasta Party--some people gain dangerous amounts of weight; and encourage everyone to participate in their communities. We do hold community participation in high regard, don’t we? Just checking.

Why, I even encourage conservatives and Republicans to register to vote, vote, and get involved in their communities.

Sit down right now with a highlighter, a good article on propaganda, and a copy of "Republican or Democrat--It's Not Supposed to Matter" from the Gazette for an educational experience. No, nevermind. Not worth the time.

I pray no one has been hoping for independent unbiased seriously researched-based journalism from our own Janesville Gazette--because you are not going to get it. But, what you are getting is a first class education in propaganda.

The title of the Gazette article and the article itself: “Republican or Democrat, It’s Not Supposed to Matter” tells us little and implies a lot. We are being told that our local city elections are becoming partisan--although later on the writer admits that local elections and local politics have always been partisan to some degree. Otherwise, why would someone refer to what must surely be a membership in the Republican Party as a $25.00 fee for a newsletter?

And, my goodness, why are the Ultra-Conservative Republican owners of the media in this area worried about who is a Democrat or Republican anyway? They have all the access they will ever need! Relax! Enjoy! You've got the Editorial Page--what more do you need?

And, good grief! I have gotten quite a promotion! I thought I was just a serving on the board of the local Democratic Party. But, no! Now, I find out that I am a “high ranking member of the Democratic Party of Rock County” along with three folks who are entering local politics. WhoooHooo. I guess we are running with the big dogs now. Imagine our surprise.

I did not know that belonging to a political party might disqualify me from public service. I might have worried about marital offenses, sexual harassment, and such like. Or, I might not have worried since they don’t seem to matter.

Oh, poopy. I forgot. That’s propaganda. The Gazette writer could have said, “Three of the candidates for local office are officers of the local Democratic Party.” That’s denotation--just the facts.

But, the Gazette wants to connote something an ittsy bittsy bit different. Ohhh...ahhhh...they want to portray Demorats as a little bit dangerous. So, three Democratic candidates become “high ranking members...” Why that sentence could end in anything--just use your imagination!

More scary music...and the question, “Coincidence?” What if it isn't a coincidence? What if Democrats have a plan? It has never happened before, but, hey anything's possible! What could be scarier than Democrats with a plan to…wait for it…take over local government? Democrats could…cannot think of anything, but I am shaking in my boots! Oh, wait, I am a Democrat. They had ME scared for a moment!

Oh, and what if it isn’t a coincidence that the Gazette ran this story now? What if…what if…surely not!?! What if the owners of the Gazette want the readers to vote for Republicanish type non-partisanish contenders for local elections and THAT was the point of this story?
.
Are Republicans also gearing up for more partisanship in response to the current climate? Now, that would imply that Republicans haven’t already been actively seeking to dominate local politics? What? The article kinda sorta made it sound like they couldn’t identify any Repuplicans on the city council or county board. Hmmm...what would happen if we did a background check of everyone on the county board or city council?

And, my goodness, that ugly word, “springboard” came into play! Holy kitty cats! Springboard. I have never heard a worse accusation in my life. A Democrat might “springboard” from a local position to a higher political position. I predict that this word will be bandied all over Facebook on the Republican Party sites. Ohhhh…Ahhh…I predict that someone will write about this. Democrats are springboarding everywhere--something that has never been done by a Republican. Ever.

Would it be splitting hairs to point out that some of the folks on the city council might just be denying that they “belong” to the Republican Party but are splitting hairs and could not really deny that they are Republicans or conservative in values or ideology? Or that they vote Republican in every blessed election. Because, if there is anything nastier than spitting hairs, I don’t know what it is. Sounds disgusting.

For example, the Gazette can almost skate by with this article passing as journalism by interviewing someone from Madison and questioning a few Republicns--did I say Republicans? I meant to say city council members. And posing a rhetorical question or two about whether the R’s are responding to the bruhaha in Madison…Uh, the answer to any question about R’s responding to bruhahas in Madison is “No.” The R's are not responding to the bruhaha in Madison. They are causing the bruhaha in Madison. I love the word "bruhaha," don't you?

So, the Gazette couldn't find any Republicans on the Janesville City Council or the Rock County Board and we are being asked to believe that Democrats entering local elections are the cause of increasing partisanship. I hope I have completely misrepresented that.

Thank goodness some lady pointed out her anxieties about another council member’s comments. It is my professional opinion that she cannot take the heat and should get out of the kitchen and take medication. My goodness—how self-serving can you get!

The idea that people cannot work together to solve community problems and manage our local government is crazy.

The idea that people do not have a right to political affiliation or that makes them unable to serve their communities is horse hockey.

The idea that the Gazette ran this article just to let the Republicans know who to vote for is totally possible.

It is the Gazette that has an agenda. It is Bliss Communications that has an agenda. We are not going to get open and honest journalism from this newspaper. JMNHO.

But, it isn’t the agenda that bothers me. No, it is the complete lack of sophistication in how it is presented. How stupid do you think we are? Pretty stinkin’ stupid obviously!

Hey, I am smart! I deserve good propaganda! I deserve the best propaganda. Get up earlier and work harder.

I loathe, despise, hate, abhor, detest, abominate, and repudiate being underestimated! The readers of the Gazette are intelligent discerning people who deserve better than this!

If you are going to serve us propaganda, then by G-d, I want better propaganda! I am sick of this puerile transparent rubbish! No more with simple negative connotations. After all, Democrat is a positive word in some circles! I love Democrats!

Stop with the simple formulae and give us some propaganda with meat on the bones! Give us some research that is hard to repudiate! Give us some glittering generalities, testimonials, and more bad logic! I want to hear some good bandwagon speeches! Make me work harder!

Bliss Communications thinks the residents of South Central Wisconsin are so d@#$ dumb, that we don’t recognize blatant attempts to sabotage candidates for city council. The Gazette thinks you and I are so stupid that we don’t know that not officially joining the Republican Party means that you are not a Republican.

[Someone, please let me know what constitutes libel and slander and if I am getting close?]

Hope I didn’t hurt your feelings! Bless your hearts! I just love you to death! Want a piece of cake? Pie? I've got candy! I want my own radio show. Oh, has anyone mentioned that you need more balance, any balance, actually, on the radio. Happy New Year!

Your friend,

Vivian

December 17-26 Protest News Round Up

2011-12-26T00:33:00.000-06:00

Yuri Rashkin: Christmas Day Attack by Janesville Gazette

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Was it you who dug the deep gouge keying my c

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: 20 Reasons Why Wisconsin Teachers Deserve Good Pay and Generous Bene

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Dear Republican Christian Gentlemen

Live Online Chat with Yuri Rashkin, Assembly candidate

A Christmas Message From America's Rich | | Rolling Stone

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Dear Education Grinches

Party politics emerge in local board races -- GazetteXtra

Jim Bowman column: Obstacles to voting are becoming apparent

Newsmaker of the Year: All eyes on Governor Scott Walker

Daily Kos: Twas the Night Before Recall, or A Visit From a Fighting Spirit, a poem by Steven P. Se

Walker's travel called into question

photo

Walker elusive on his travels

Wall Photos

Please Sign Gov. Walkers Coal Christmas Card

"Peace on earth? NOT in Wisconsin!!" by We the People -- GazetteXtra

Tom Barrett hasn't signed the recall petition

The Reasons for Democratic Optimism in Wisconsin - Hotline On Call

Scott Walker - Nothing to See Here, Move Along

Tommy Thompson's Secret Talks With Scott Walker Show Conservative Drift of Walker's Wisconsin

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker says he has regrets about collective bargaining measure

Chetek man brings Gov. Walker gift of petitions

Scott Walker: Regrets, he’s had a few | WisconsinWatch.org

The Sleeping Giant. Or: How Wisconsin Came Together And Changed The Course Of History AVAILABLE NOW

Cognitive Dissidence: Walkergate: The Christmas Train Wreck

photo

State releases details of budget cuts; UW System to take biggest hit

Biz Beat: Jobs report notes high number of Wisconsin layoffs

Walker: State Is Headed In Right Direction

Walker recall activists shoot for a million signatures - Isthmus | The Daily Page

Governor asks Guard to assist Santa Claus

The Political Environment: The WMC's Mining Meltdown

Union leaders urge Barrett not to run in recall race - JSOnline

Walker Supporters: Short Attention Span Theater Feeds the Beast

Hungry Guy: The A.P.A.'s psychopath checklist applied to Governor Scott Walker

Governor Of The Year – Scott Walker

Walker to outline $174 million in new budget cuts - JSOnline

Janesville - Rock County: Having Some Fun With Time and Their "Prophet"

Janesville - Rock County: All Wisconsin Republicans Voted To Raise Taxes On Middle Class

Gov. Walker dominates the air waves early in push to burnish his image - JSOnline

Walker struggles to fulfill promise to create 250K jobs

Fitzgerald's Partisan GAB Pipe Dream Falls Flat

The Reasons for Republican Optimism in Wisconsin - Hotline On Call

Save America Stop Walker

River Falls woman arrested for spitting on recall worker in Wisconsin - TwinCities.com

Milwaukee State Rep. Grigsby In Intensive Care

Sly In The Morning: Chief Political Correspondent Dylan Brogan Questions Governor

Witness: Sensenbrenner said first lady has "big butt" - JSOnline

Working Families, Community Members Help Those on Strike This Holiday Season - Wisconsin State AFL-C

‎"The district attorney who filed a lawsuit challenging Wisconsin's law passed earlier this year effectively ending collective bargaining rights for most public workers said Thursday he is considering asking the state Supreme Court to rehear the case. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne told The Associated Press he was looking at making the request after learning that Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman had received free legal services from a law firm that defended the law in that case decided in June."
http://www.doorcountyadvocate.com/article/20111222/OSH0101/111222036/-1/7DAYSARCHIVES/DA-may-seek-re

Peter Barca: A Year for the Wisconsin History Books

Green Bay Firefighters Union Agrees to Pay More for Benefits

"Candidate passed over for post sues Walker" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Recall Now! Recall Now!

Biz Beat: Walker's budget cuts are costing state private jobs, report warns

Koch Industries gets defensive about Badger Democracy expose on “Kochfacts.com”

FBI Investigating Scott Walker?

Holiday Spirit

An open letter to Tonette Walker | Blogging Blue - Blogging Liberally in the Badger State

Scott Walker - Not Enough People In Jail

Local Supporters of Walker Recall Take to the Street

Muskego Assembly Rep Introduces Partial-Birth Abortion Ban

~ From Doug LaFollette~
Several have asked about my platform and ideas. Given our current situation they are quite simple.

First, or course, defeat walker;

Second, put together a team of attorneys who can determine which of his actions can be reversed by executive order which I would do the first weeks in office;

Third, appoint people to run our State agencies who respect education, worker’s rights, environment protection and other critical values;

Fourth, if we are not successful in getting control of the State Senate, I would veto any bad legislation that was passed;

Finally, we have to realize that until we gain control of both houses, we will not be able to reverse his attack on our State and begin to pass legislation to get Wisconsin back on its progressive track. Therefore, one of my and all of our, efforts will need to be electing people to the Assembly and Senate in the November election.

Groups behind Walker recall want to intervene in elections board suit - JSOnline

Daily Kos: Hundreds of Wisconsinites sing Walker recall carol in defiance of new pay-to-protest rule

John Nichols: Scott Walker's ton of cash can't counter people power

Rebecca Kleefisch: State’s economy killing the competition

Capitol Report: Wisconsin leads nation in job losses

Scott Walker the Anti-Christ?

Worst Persons: Cassie Wright, NRA News team and Gov. Scott Walker - Countdown with Keith Olbermann /

redist21 - JSOnline

Frustration over recall Walker signatures causing problems - TODAY'S TMJ4

First Amendment Final

Twitter / Amy Kant: This was on my car when I ...

Wis Dems File Rebuttal To GOP Lawsuit Against Recall Procedures

Wisconsin Stands Up Again, Scott Walker Backs Down… For Now!

RF woman cited for abusing recall petitioners on Main Street | River Falls Journal | River Falls, Wi

Demand Scott Walker return the Dirty 'Swift Boat' Money

photo

New Dog Democrat: Want To Help The Wisconsin Recall? Just Share This Post!

photo

recall walker_recall fitzgerald_Jon Erpenbach speaks in Mayville WI December 17_2011.mpg

Racine & Burlington Unite to Recall Scott Walker

Graphics: Mapping Scott Walker’s support | WisconsinWatch.org

The Maddow Blog - Wisconsin's pay-for-protest is all sound and fury

No permits – no problem (VIDEOS)

Educator Effectiveness

Make it a union-made holiday

John Nichols: Bargaining rights are human rights

Bravo to Madison's Solidarity Singers! | The Progressive

OFFICE HOURS FITZ & LORI.wmv

WI Community College Throws Out Recall Circulator And The Constitution, A Call To Action

A sign of irritation

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO

Portable North Pole

Daily Kos: Scott Walker defends attempt to force public workers to identify invalid recall signature

Walker says 'Make sure people are applying the law' in recall process - TODAY'S TMJ4

Solidarity Sing Along 240: December 19, 2011

Gableman voted with law firm after receiving free legal services - JSOnline

Tough year for GAB: Board subject of several lawsuits

Madison360: Scott Walker's extremism wins national notoriety

The Defining Issue: Not Government's Size, But Who It's For

Editorial: Don't take apart accountability board

John_Nichols_on_What_PDA_is_About.mov

UW employees must report child abuse, Walker order says - JSOnline

Pics from the Walker/Ryan protest tonight! What an awesome bunch! And Newman came too!!!

Kevin Corkhill

Sly In The Morning: Ed Sadlowski - Junior AND Senior

WI Protests--Solidarity Sing Along Dec 19, 2011

Policy requiring permits for Capitol protests may never be enforced

Why Walker opposes wind energy: 2.5 million reasons, starting with 1 million from Koch Brothers

Solidarity Sing-Along continues to rally at Wisconsin Capitol despite new rules - Isthmus | The Dail

Layoff notices go out at Harley-Davidson

Two arrested for allegedly spitting on recall workers in Iowa County

Walker’s Plot to Plunder Pensions

In Madison, 1,000 Singers Defy Walker’s Edict

I recall

6,000 jobs on web site touted by Walker are outside Wisconsin - 620 WTMJ - Milwaukee's Source for Lo

Wisconsin Recall Breaks Record for Signatures Despite Best Efforts of Pro-Walker Media to Undermine.

Cognitive Dissidence: Grassroots Rally To Recall!

Barney Frank schools George Will, Paul Ryan on marijuana legalization | The Raw Story

Wisconsin Constitution, Article 1, Section 4

Wis Dems To Intervene In GOP Lawsuit Challenging Recall Process

Conservative group says Wisconsin to allow Mickey Mouse, Hitler signatures on petitions to recall Go

The general strike that didn't happen: a report on the activity of the IWW in Wisconsin | Industrial

Third lawsuit filed over Wisconsin voter ID law

Yes to an iron ore mine; no to a bad Assembly bill - JSOnline

Letter: Your insults won't sap my recall resolve

Scott Walker Kills Women's Cancer Screening Program For Political Gain - Forbes

Daily Kos: Recall Trail: Our Lives Were Threatened, My Camera Destroyed

photo

Lyin' Paul Ryan and the End of Medicare

Recall effort here still adding signers

Polaris Closing Wisconsin Plant, Opening New Facility In Mexico | ATV Magazine Online

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Billie Jo Spears - Mr. Walker It's All Over - Lyrics Update Contest

Big Apple, Side Order of Cheese: Wisconsin at Netroots New York

The Fable of Gov. Walker's Job Creation

Fitzgerald's vision: A state without the GAB - JSOnline

Walker Enlists Karl Rove Protégé to Promote New Protest Policy | Center for Media and Democracy

Wall Photos

Bar fight in Cudahy over Walker recall petition - 620 WTMJ - Milwaukee's Source for Local News and W

Crippling the Right to Organize

Labor Unions 101 for all of you total idiot liberals

Stop grousing at the referee

Democratic spokesman asked about recall efforts on Wisconsin's Morning News - 620 WTMJ -Milwaukee's

Recall organizers raise $3k against Wis. senator

Solidarity Showdown, Sing-a-long in Crisis – Day 1 [Live Updates]

Michael Martin

Governor's Northern Wisconsin Economic Development Summit - The Lakeland Times - Minocqua, WI

Wis Dems To Intervene In GOP Lawsuit Challenging Recall Process

Revisions in Capitol access plan allow more leniency

Daily Kos: Scott Walker wrote me another letter

Ten Things You Didn't Know About Wisconsin's Right to Recall

WALKER: When unemployment checks check employment

Walker Faces Challenge from Tribe on Mining

"Small Business Owner" in Walker Ad Actually a Billionaire That Helped Outsource Thousands of Jobs t

WI Protests--Solidarity Sing Along Dec. 16 2011

Revisions Made To State Capitol Access Plan

Solidarity Sing-Along defies new Wisconsin Capitol access regulations - Isthmus | The Daily Page

WI Protests--Solidarity Sing Along-- I'm Dreaming of a New Governor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Was it you who dug the deep gouge keying my car?

2011-12-20T10:24:00.003-06:00

This letter, reduced to 250 words, was published in today's Janesville Gazette.

For the past month, I have volunteered doing my civic duty under our Wisconsin State Constitution to collect signatures with the recall Walker effort. It has often been cold, wet and blustery. More often than not, people give me thumbs up, yell encouragement, honked their vehicle horns in solidarity, and stop to chat, while others have a convenient opportunity to stop and sign the petition.

But, there have been others who gave me the finger, yelled obscenities, and foolishly demonstrated a poor understanding of our democratic society tarnishing the image and reputation of Walker supporters. Was it you who asked me if I had any "of those funny cigarettes given out to children to make them vote?" Was it you who swore at me when I wished you a nice day after offering a hug to quell your anger? Was it you who dug the deep gouge keying my car from front to back?

I'm a fellow Wisconsinite, incredibly proud of the heritage and past integrity of our state. Having lived for a while outside the state, I happily returned to my state that once put the high premium on the value of exceptional educational opportunities for all and one which always - always - put a priority on integrity, progress, citizen well-being and the protection of our environmental resources. The legislature, where I worked in the 1970s, was a legislature where honorable men and women could debate without slander, lies and behind-the-back deceit skirting legality to achieve their agendas. It was a state where self-respect, character, and transparency in government was valued over political party posturing and money from miscreants. It was a state that would never demean nor attack its citizens when they were vocal, never deny them their constitutional rights, nor humiliate them when they were struggling no matter a trumped-up fiscal crisis or ascendancy in political dominance because we were Wisconsin!

When you go past those hardy Wisconsin citizens who are diligently volunteering (NOT being paid!) to collect signatures shouting in your anger, or worse, please understand this: They, we, are Wisconsin. They are doing their civic duty for what they know is best for Wisconsin. We will not be chased away nor intimidated as we defend all that once made Wisconsin uniquely proud. If you must continue to display your anger with threats, vandalizing, and trying to impede lawful democracy in action, you only reveal only one thing to everyone: you have validated our prudence to embark on this recall and we will continue to stand for our mutual Wisconsin and democracy itself.

Judith Detert-Moriarty

Dear Education Grinches

2011-12-19T13:51:00.003-06:00

My Dear Dear Education Grinches:

I love you! I really really do! I love all grinches. You are so very easy to love. I love all the people of the world who hate this and hate that and then never do their homework! It makes my job so much easier. After all, it is easy to win arguments with people who never do their homework!

Hope I didn't hurt your feelings!

Educations grinches, I have been waiting with bated breath to hear that you have taken your children out of our rotten horrible no good Wisconsin schools with those sorry slacker teachers who couldn't cut it in the REAL WORLD where you work and begun homeschooling them! WHAT? You haven't!?! Why ever not? You HATE public education and Wisconsins' school teachers! Withdraw your children now, I say!

Hmmmm?

Wait! You are going to take your children out THIS SEMESTER and send them to private school because you cannot bear for them to spend another minute being taught by those horribly rotten no good slacker school teachers who could not make it for a minute in the REAL WORLD!

I will be watching the private school and home school registration to make sure you are walking the walk. Because that is the only thing that matters, doncha think? Walking the walk?

I admit I have been thinking about that whole "couldn't make it in the REAL WORLD" criticism I keep reading about teachers and public employees I keep reading.

Have any of these critics ever seen a child before? A hormonal teenager? A group of children? What could be more frightening than that!?! I wanted to substitute teach when my daughter went to college, but I learned that I have a paralyzing phobia of more than 10 children in a group.

So, my dear, dear Education Grinches, here is my response to you! No, you don't have to thank me! I love doing research! I learn so much. You should try it. I especially love the Bureau of Labor Statistics. No, sweethearts, biased sources don't count.

I apologize in advance for the caps. Long story.

WHY WISCONSINS' TEACHERS SHOULD RECEIVE LARGER COMPENSATION PACKAGES.

FIRST, WE MUST CLARIFY WHY WE ARE EVEN TALKING ABOUT THIS SUBJECT AT ALL.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS THAT ANY STATE BUDGET PROBLEMS COULD BE ADDRESSED. THE ONLY REASON THAT WISCONSIN'S BUDGET PROBLEMS WERE RESOLVED ON THE BACKS OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES ARE POLITICAL:
1. TO WEAKEN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
2. TO STRENGTHEN PRIVATE CORPORATIONS
3. TO BREAK THE BACKS OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNIONS.
4. TO HANDICAP FUNDRAISING ABILITIES OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE POLITICS BEHIND "THE BUDGET BILL:"

1. REPUBLICANS NEED TO HANDICAP DEMOCRATS IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE—AND VICE VERSA—IN ORDER TO WIN ELECTIONS.

2. REPUBLICANS ESPECIALLY NEED TO HANDICAP THE FUNDRAISING ABILITIES OF DEMOCRATS IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE. DEMOCRATS RECEIVE MUCH SUPPORT FROM UNIONS.

3. REPUBLICAN SUPPORT COMES MOSTLY FROM LARGE CORPORATIONS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WHO ARE DELUDED INTO BELIEVING THAT THEY ARE BIG BUSINESS OWNERS.

4.REPUBLICANS NEED TO WEAKEN AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS AND PUBLIC LIFE AND STRENGTHEN PRIVATE BUSINESSES AND CORPORATE POWER IN ORDER TO INCREASE THEIR OWN POWER.

5.SO,BREAKING THE BACKS OF STATE/MUNICIPAL UNIONS ALLOWS SCOTT WALKER TO SEEM LIKE A HERO FOR BALANCING THE BUDGET AND TO ACHIEVE THE REPUBLICAN GOALS OF WEAKENING GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS, BREAKING THE BACKS OF UNIONS & HANDICAPPING, ULTIMATELY, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

THE PUBLIC RELATIONS STRATEGIES USED TO ACCOMPLISH THIS ARE:

*CREATE ENVY OF UNIONIZED EMPLOYEES-- "THE OVERPAID TEACHER AND GOVERNMENT WORKER"

*CREATE DISDAIN FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES--"THE OVERPAID SLACKERS WHO COULDN'T CUT IT IN THE REAL WORLD"

*CREATE AN "US VS. THEM" MENTALITY--THE "INDEPENDENT HARD WORKING EARNED EVERYTHING BY THEMSELVES PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEE" VS THE "SPOILED" PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYEE

NOW, THOSE LINES ARE DRAWN! COUNTLESS PEOPLE WHO BARELY GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL THEMSELVES AND SENT THEIR OWN CHILDREN TO PUBLIC SCHOOL THINK TEACHERS WHO HAVE MASTER'S DEGREES AND 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE SHOULD MAKE THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY AS A RECEPTIONIST WITH A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA--OR A LINE FACTORY WORKER WITH NO INDEPENDENT RESPONSIBILITY.

DO I REALLY NEED TO STATE WHY TEACHERS NEED UNIONS? APPARENTLY SO.

1. STARTING SALARIES FOR TEACHERS IN WISCONSIN ARE NOW 49TH IN THE COUNTRY. WITHOUT UNIONS, THEY WOULD BE 50TH.

2. WITHOUT UNIONS, IF THE SUPERINTENDENT’S NIECE WANTS YOUR JOB, YOU GO TO TIMBUCTOO AND SHE GETS YOUR JOB. SORRY, MR. OR MS. SUPERINTENDENT. MY MOTHER WAS A TEACHER IN A NON-UNION STATE.

20 REASONS TEACHERS IN WISCONSIN SHOULD HAVE LARGER COMPENSATION PACKAGES:

1. All teachers have bachelor's degrees and over 50% of Wisconsin teachers have master's degrees. They should make more money because they are better educated.

Fewer than 25% of Wisconsin residents have college degrees or master's degrees, yet critics of teachers’ salaries constantly compare the salaries of this highly educated population with the general population of Wisconsin.

They are not overpaid when their education and years of experience are taken into consideration.

Those with master's degrees make less than in the private sector but their fringe benefits compensate for the lower salary.

2. Starting salaries in Wisconsin are 49th in the country and should be raised to make Wisconsin competitive with Illinois—or Wisconsin school teachers will flee to IL.

3. A four year college degree costs about $80,000/year at a state school in Wisconsin and $200,000 at a private university. Scholarships & even loans are very difficult to come by Opportunity costs raise that another $40-80,000—teachers give up an annual income of at least $10-20,000/year to attend college.

In order to recover just the cost of the education alone, a teacher would need to make over $8,000-20,000 more than they would in another field.Teachers cannot even recover the costs of their education—the pay is too low.

4. Failing to compensate teachers competitively will result in a "brain drain"—the most competitive & qualified teachers will begin leaving the field or not enter it or leave Wisconsin to teach in other states that are "friendlier" to teachers. Web sites rate states according to the pay scale, benefits, scheduled raises, etc.

5. Public education is the final common denominator in our culture. If we despise our schools and our teachers, we despise ourselves. Our schools reflect our culture and are the one experience most of us share.

Most children will attend public schools. Relatively few will attend private or home schools.

Public schools are required to accept all students: those with devoted parents and those with negligent parents; those who are well-behaved and those with behavior problems; those who are mentally healthy and those with mental illness; those with learning disabilities and those who are gifted and talented, etc. Public education is not comparable to private education.

Teachers do not create our social problems and do not have the power to solve our social problems. They have no choice over their "client" -- the have to take all comers. They have to play every hand that is dealt them year in and year out. They deserve generous compensation for this.

6. Teachers work independently, using their own judgment, without close supervision. This is in no way comparable to factory work, office work, or clerking in a store and they deserve compensation for this.

7. Children are, quite literally, the single greatest resource of any person, family, or country.
If our educational system has problems, we must solve them. But, those problems will not be solved by competing with McDonald's for employees.

The people who are responsible for our next generation of physicists, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and mechanics deserve our utmost respect and compensation. If you do not value the people providing the education of your OWN children, shame on you!

Your corporations, your research labs, your armies, your hospitals are worthless without well educated population to work in them. Compete in a global economy? Go to war? You want to pay the people that teach our children peanuts and yet have the gall to talk about a global economy?

8. Teachers are "on" all the time they are not on a designated break. They cannot chat on their cells, take long potty breaks, or snack when no one is looking.

9. They have to be in the room with OTHER PEOPLE'S SPOILED BRATS all day long. Pay them a lot, I say!

10. Teachers grade papers, make bulletin boards, read, attend seminars, etc--all on their own time.

11. EVERYONE should have a family supporting wage, health care, and a retirement plan.

If you are envious of teachers’ compensation packages and union benefits, go to college—it’s never too late! Get a job requiring a college degree or a union job. But, don’t try to cut teachers down to your size.

12. We love and revere Thomas Jefferson don't we? An educated public is necessary to a democracy. There is no more important job in a democracy than that of a teacher. We cannot claim to value education and then refuse to pay for it.

13. Did YOU teach YOUR own children to read or teach them math skills? Why not? Enough said.

14. Education as an industry is a powerful economic engine. Every dollar taken out of the salary budget for education is a dollar taken out of the local community. If you want teachers eating at your restaurant, buying cars at your dealership, shopping at your store, pay them.

15. Fringe benefits are not “free.” They are part of the compensation package that teachers receive. Articles criticizing teachers’ salaries frequently refer to them as free: “Teachers receive free health care,” etc. These benefits are part of a total compensation package. If an employer can purchase an insurance plan for $10,000 that would cost me $20,000—or which I could not buy at all on the non-existent “open market” for insurance—then I am better off taking the insurance in lieu of a higher salary.

16. Articles criticizing teachers salaries usually compare teachers with master’s degrees and years of experience (and include their total compensation package) to the “average worker” who does not have a bachelor’s nor the same years of experience. Comparing apples to apples, teachers are slightly underpaid.

17. Teachers buy supplies with their own money. Some of my elementary school teachers bought Christmas presents for every poor child in class every year.

18. Parents are required by law to send their children to school or to register as a home school. We cannot require our schools by law to provide a service and then under-fund them and the people who provide that service.

19. Did you educate your own children? If you think you can do a better job, do it. Go head. Walk the walk. And, while you are at it, please teach a Sunday School class and be a Big Brother or Big Sister. Were you at the PTO meetings? I didn’t see you. Teachers carry a heavy responsibility for your children's future.

20. Teachers change children’s lives. Teaching can be a spiritual calling. Teachers hold the hearts of our children in their hands. They are responsible for the emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being of our children. They can change the future. They should make at least as much as our politicians.

My dear Education Grinches, if you hate public education so much, withdraw your children today! Today, I say! How can you possibly keep up your military and police state with such a woefully uneducated population! It is frightening! What if your children cannot read the directions on their new handgun box because their teacher who cannot make it in the REAL WORLD didn't teach them well! Get them out of our horrible public schools and teach them yourselves! :>)

Another possibility is that we cherish public education more! Join the PTO! Raise teachers' salaries! Send your children to school every day! Do their homework with them! Don't let your children be bullies--or be bullied! Make them respect their teachers! Teacher your children to read BEFORE they go to school! GASP! GARGLE! Why, we could all teach our children etiquette! OK, now I'm getting carried away...Breathe, Vivian, breathe...

I love you. I really, really do. But, if you want an educated population...well...you have to educate your population. And, nothing in life is free.

Your friend,

Vivian

In memory: Wilma Detherage Creekmore. My mother taught school and was a librarian for 30 years in rural Eastern Kentucky. We thought she was a rocket scientist—and so did everyone else. As a child, I could not have imagined a day when people despised teachers. People treated us like we were the children of “Brad & Angelina!” She began teaching at 18 years of age (after WWII with an emergency teacher certificate and 2 years of college) in one and two room schools up “hollers” where the school district had contracts with neighbors to board her when it snowed. She taught in schools that had coal stoves. She taught in schools that had 16 year old six feet tall delinquents in 8th grade. She was never afraid. They, and we, were afraid of her! She graded papers at night, bought her own supplies, and took our clothes to her students. She finished a bachelor’s and a master’s degree after having 2 children. She was the role model of an independent career woman. She fought to unionize the schools—but lost that battle. She fought for sex education in the schools—and won that battle. She always fought for increased funding.

Billie Jo Spears - Mr. Walker It's All Over - Lyrics Update Contest

2011-12-17T13:06:00.000-06:00

Introducing Defend Wisconsin News Round Up Billie Jo Spears - Mr. Walker It's All Over - Lyrics Update Contest. Submit your entries and the people will determine the winner by voting at

www.DefendWisconsin.blogspot.com!

Here are the original lyrics:

I left Garden City Kansas
with a ticket and a yen to see New York.
I typed eighty words a minute
so your corporation let me go to work.
I fetched paperclips and coffee
even help you dodge your domineering wife.
Mr. Walker it's all over…
I don't like the New York secretary's life!

In this building there's a crowd of guys
with old familiar thoughts upon their minds.
That's a lot of hands a reaching out to
grab the things that I consider mine!
And the president pursues me
even though he's old and hair a turnin' white.
Mr. Walker it's all over…
I don't like the New York secretary's life!

There's a flat in Greenwich Village
that I took because the subway wasn't far,
But a trumpet player's upstairs
and below me there's a jumping all night bar.
And to frost a bitter cake
I have to share the place with bugs and big ol' mice!
Mr. Walker it's all over…
I don't like the New York secretary's life!

Your sweetheart in personnel said
I should give her written notice like the rest.
So I wrote goodbye with my brightest lipstick
right across her big expensive desk!
You'd better call the Times and tell 'em
put your wanted ad right back in classified.
Mr. Walker it's all over…
I don't like the New York secretary's life!

There's a Greyhound at the station
and a Mom at home with open arms for me.
Garden City's looking better every minute
now since I have learned to see!
And the boy next door don't know it,
but come June he's gonna gain himself a wife.
Mr. Walker it's all over…
I don't like the New York secretary's life!
Mr. Walker it's all over…
I don't like the New York secretary's life!
Mr. Walker it's all over…
I don't like the New York secretary's life!

20 Reasons Why Wisconsin Teachers Deserve Good Pay and Generous Benefits

2011-12-17T12:59:00.000-06:00

Vivian asked me this morning to give her 20 reasons why I feel Wisconsin teachers (and teachers in general) should get good pay and generous benefits. Knowing Vivian for the reasonable person that she is, I knew that she wouldn't ask me for anything I couldn't provide, and so I gladly obliged. Here, in no particular order are the 20 reasons why Wisconsin teachers deserve good pay and generous benefits.

1. Teaching is a hard job.

2. It carries a lot of responsibility

3. It requires substantial education

4. It promotes Wisconsin quality of life

5. It helps us create a better future

6. It creates a better democracy with voters who understand that learning about candidates is important

7. Our children matter

8. Teachers are an important part of our middle class

9. If we demand accountability, we need to provide an appropriate reward

10. Wisconsin Idea

11. All people should have the ability to be paid well and receive generous benefits for good work.

12 If we want good schools, we need to compensate professionals who work there appropriately

13. Quality education helps us compete in the global market place

14. In a small community, which many in Wisconsin are, teachers carry a place of special importance.

15. We want good smart people to want to become teachers.

16. High quality education has been historically a Wisconsin value

17. Generous compensation allows more teachers to engage in other efforts, including volunteering to help their community.

18. Education as an industry, is a powerful economic engine that helps our communities

19. Generous compensation encourages more quality teachers to stay in teaching

20. Forward.

Thursday - Friday Protest News Round Up

2011-12-16T10:42:00.000-06:00

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Dear Republican Christian Gentlemen

No Wisconsin Recall Fatigue as Signatures Surge Against Walker - Businessweek

Scott Walker's Next Target: Cancer Screenings for Women

Don’t Mess With Wisconsin

With half the money coming from out of state, Walker far outraising recall organizers

Jailed Realtor had requested secret immunity in John Doe probe - JSOnline

Report: Wisconsin has lost out on $1.3 billion in federal money

Why Scott Walker killed wind energy jobs in Wisconsin | Wisconsin Gaze | Wisconsin Gazette - Lesbian

Walker pardons 'Charlotte the Deer'

Citizen Action of Wisconsin | Battleground Wisconsin Podcast | Battleground Wisconsin Podcast

Scott Fitzgerald recall moving forward

One Wisconsin Now: Email - Half of Walker's $5 Million Take Comes From Out of Wisconsin

The BRAD BLOG : WI Man Charged With Multiple Felonies for Defacing 'Recall Walker' Petitions

Wisconsin's Recall-New Governor Candidate Emerging

Recall process has multiple checks and balances - BizTimes

Fox Falsely Claims ‘Mickey Mouse’ And ‘Adolf Hitler’ Are On Scott Walker Recall Petition (VIDEO)

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Waukesha Republican goes out of control in public. Recall Walker!

Justice Gableman not charged legal fees in ethics case - JSOnline

Affordable Care Act Enables Health Care Coverage for 28,000 Wisconsin Residents

Here's the lawsuit brought against the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. Scott Walker just wants to make sure that by the time he is recalled, NOBODY likes him.
http://media.jsonline.com/documents/walkersuit.pdf
Reality Check: Walker Ad Inaccurately Portrays School District's Budget Situation

‘Total Recall’ day is Saturday

Help us out

Wis. GOP Files Lawsuit Against Election Officials Over Recall Process

Monologues of Dissent

Walker, Fitzgerald Attempt Smokescreens While Recall Succeeds and Job Creation Fails

Campaign reports show Walker far outraising recall organizers

Despite Dems recall signatures, Walker says he's focused on jobs - TODAY'S TMJ4

Senator Johnson votes against Congressional insider trading ban

Miles Kristan
We need everyone to the capitol tomorrow and monday by noon to show
Walker and the capitol police that freedom of speech is not
and will never be something we need to pay for
(PLEASE POST, REPOST, TWEET AND TEXT YOUR FRIENDS )
WI Protests--Solidarity Sing Along 12/15/2011

Bill would criminalize signing multiple petitions

Sly In The Morning: Lori Compas: Fitzgerald's worst recall nightmare

Solidarity Sing-Along to test new Wisconsin Capitol access rules and not apply for permit - Isthmus.

State lost 11,700 private-sector jobs in November - JSOnline

A half-million to Recall Scott Walker

Have Recall Walker Organizers Hit Their Goal?

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker to Visit Hudson for Uline Groundbreaking

Paul Ryan Convinces Ron Wyden To Support Greater Privatization Of Medicare

Assembly leader wants to replace state elections agency - JSOnline

Scott Walker Recall: Democrats Collect More Than A Half-Million Signatures In One Month

United Wisconsin: More than half-a-million signatures to recall Scott Walker collected in first 28 d

Spencer Black: It’s clear Walker dances to fossil fuels tune

In Dem poll, the case for challenging Paul Ryan

New Dog Democrat: Enough Signatures Gathered, Walker To Be Recalled!

The strange ballad of Segway Jeremy

Over 540,000 Signatures Collected, This Time For Real!

Daily Kos: Around Wisconsin: Rumors, Pictures and Announcement Tomorrow

The 40 Best Protest Signs Of 2011

Attorney General Eric Holder Says He’s Ready to Protect Voters - COLORLINES

Report: Wisconsin has lost out on $1.3 billion in federal money

"Waukesha County clerk says she's been exonerated " by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters summary of LRB 3520 - Thank you WLCV | The Water's Edge

Doe Season Still Open - Walker Contributer Jailed

PA GOPer Admits There’s No Evidence That Voter ID Laws Are Needed, But He’s Ramming One Through Anyw

Wisconsin Campaign Law Falls To Citizens United

TOTAL RECALL in Waukesha County

From Wisconsin to Wall Street, an Economic Reckoning

Scott Walker To Deliver Big Speech At CPAC

U.S. Appeals Court strikes down part of state election law - JSOnline

Abortion bill to get hearing on Tuesday - JSOnline

What The Justice Department Can Actually Do About Voter ID Laws

the passionate democrat: Walker's DOA Attempts to Sell the Constitution

Madison Cop Signing Walker Recall Petition in Rotunda 11/19/11

EXCLUSIVE: Letter from Walker

Cognitive Dissidence

RECRAWL WALKER! A United Wisconsin pub crawl! at Bay View Brew Haus, Milwaukee on Do414

John Nichols: Attempt to recall Sen. Jauch a fool’s mission

GAB will seek more time to review any recall petitions that are filed - JSOnline

Q&A: Solidarity Singers director says 'we're there to petition our government'

Meeting warns of right-to-work

ACLU Files Lawsuit Challenging Wisconsin’s Unconstitutional Voter ID Law

Gov. Scott Walker says average property tax payer will save $700 under 2011-’13 state budget

First arrest made in John Doe investigation - JSOnline

ACLU Sues Scott Walker Over Wisconsin’s Voter ID Law

Waukesha Republican goes out of control in public. Recall Walker!

Walker Recall Intimidation Caught On Video

Walker to be keynote speaker for Conservative Political Action Conference

Assembly Leader Jeff Fitzgerald abruptly ends press conference for Gogebic Taconite mining project -

Milwaukee Legislators Succeed in Increasing Property Tax Accountability, Transparency

Kelda Files Open Records Request for Walker Communications with Mining Industry

Rep. Barca, Sen. Miller will introduce bill to reverse Gov. Walker’s policy that tramples on the First Amendment

Cognitive Dissidence: Scott Walker's Magic Card Trick

Stand With Walker Fundraiser for the RPECC

"Union Busting Language" Forces Strike In Wisconsin

A Year of Progress for Wisconsin's Job Climate

Walker Ad Shows New Slogan: ‘Laying The Foundation For Wisconsin’s Success’

Angry voice mail among man's calls to recall signers

Dear GOP - F#@K You!

The Koch Brothers, ALEC and the Savage Assault on Democracy | The Nation

PolitiFact | Inside the Walker tax debate: Was budget an increase or a cut?

Wisconsin Senator: If You Are Still Earning Minimum Wage, You're a Bad Worker

The Capitol is not Walker’s private palace

9200!

No Joke: Scott Walker "Speaks in Tongues" at His Fringe Church

Wisconsin Senator: If You Are Still Earning Minimum Wage, You're a Bad Worker

Walker Announces Tax Credits to Assist Company That Hopes to Create “at least 3 new jobs”

Protesters shut out of meeting with Ryan in Washington

Waukesha County man uses TV video to contact, challenge recall signers

The ALEC-Koch pipeline to Wisconsin Legislators and the Mining Bill

Analysis: Brokaw mill closure will bring loss of $27 million from economy and 1,100 jobs in region

My Plea to Russ Feingold by Tom T. C.

Sometimes You Just Smile

Thousands Stand in Solidarity with Machinsts at Manitowoc Cranes - Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

Daily Kos: Operation Burn Notice: BIG, BIG, BIG UPDATE!

Recall Walker Organizers May Keep Number Of Signatures Gathered Quiet

Unhinged, I Tell You… They’re Coming Unhinged! | Blogging Blue - Blogging Liberally in the Badger St

"Nativity scene up in Capitol; Atheist group upset" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

The Political Environment: Walker-Led Wisconsin Dead Last In Federal Bank Economic Ranking

Monologues of Dissent: Leading (and Listening) by Example: A lesson for Scott Walker

Your opinions - JSOnline

Scott Walker stealthily attends ATR holiday party | The Examiner | Yeas & Nays | Washington Examiner

The de facto poll tax of 2011

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Feingold answers questions about Gov. Walker, running for office and private life - TODAY'S TMJ4

Person of the Year 2011 - TIME

"Does Walker have any hopes of creating 250,000 jobs?" by Opinion Matters -- GazetteXtra

Some Progressive Ideas from George Lakoff

2011-12-11T22:17:00.005-06:00

As the Recall of Governor Walker Continues....Keep in mind that there Progressive is not a bad word...Teddy Roosevelt was one of the founders and Fighting Bob La Follette sought clean government as well. That is part of it. Words Matter and getting an understanding of the multi-faceted Occupy Movement is another....Keep the Faith....Keep getting those signatures. Then when the time is right court those who seek to lead and heal the movement further. We have many any allow those who seek Walker's Position an ear....We need someone who can rally the most liberal-left libertarian, and moderates of all parties to unite and smack done this mean spirited Far Right Radical Republican Bunch and then heal this Great Progressive State with Moderates that understand economic populism, social responsibility and Forward Thinking. We can't get it all in one swoop as much as we would all like....Recall, Heal, and then Move Forward!

http://georgelakoff.com/2011/12/11/words-that-dont-work/

http://georgelakoff.com/2011/12/11/how-to-frame-yourself-a-framing-memo-for-occupy-wall-street/

Dear Republican Christian Gentlemen

2011-12-10T00:38:00.003-06:00

Dear Republican Gentlemen--Who Cherish Family Values Put Women on Pedestals & Are Role Models for America’s Young Children. Whew!

[To Clarify: I don’t mean are attracted to young children, but are ROLE MODELS for young children.]

Where in the blue blazing heck are you? I have searched high and low. I want to love you--I really, really do. So do a lot of women--Mrs. Cain and a couple of former Mrs.Gingriches, for example. But, we can’t find you! Soon, Republican women are going to be going on Liberal dating sites “...looking for dirty hippy union thug who is loyal and faithful.”

I keep hearing about you: Republican friends tell me there are these “gentlemen and scholars” who treat women with the utmost respect. I hear tales of true gentlemen who earn the bacon, read Bible stories to their children, take their wives out on date night, go with their families to church, never drink or curse (or commit adultry--over & over--for years on end out of excessive patriotism or generosity all the while “finding themselves” and...oh, for God’s sake), follow the “happy wife, happy life” philosophy of marriage, and are not in any closet! Honestly. These are all right wing Republican men who served in the military and in spite of having seen shore leave in every cesspool on 4 continents, were virgins when they got married. Really. I heard it so it must be true.

These Christian Republican stalwarts distinguish themselves from the dirty stinky hippie socialists scum who don’t wear underwear or deodorant or have jobs and are to be seen sleeping on the Capitol floor, protesting with union thugs, and collecting RECALL WALKER signatures on every street corner by...by...hmm...Bathing? Wearing underwear? Wearing deodorant? And, otherwise being gentlemanly in manly sorts of ways while carrying concealed weapons...under their cummerbunds? Oh, and holding full-time well-paying jobs. Only Democrats ever get laid off or fired and have to collect unemployment. I have never understand how that works.

Anyway, I have heard about these gentlemen but I have not been seeing them around Janesville.

So, I went looking for the upstanding Republican Christian Gentlemen who are the great defenders of the Constitution, of Marriage, and of our Christian nation against all infidels--by standing on a street corner collecting recall Walker signatures as is my constitutional right.

I expected them to stop and bring me coffee and hot cocoa! Hot soup! Fish sandwiches! Hand warmers! I expected some to stop and ask solicitously, “Anything I can get you, ma’am. You look mighty cold!”

You should see and hear what I got!

So, here is what I learned. Either every Republican man in Janesville drives a white or black pickup truck and has a potty mouth or there are only two Republican men in Janesville--and they are not gentlemen! Holy kitty cats! Their language peeled the paint off one of my Recall Walker signs! The street light turned red in embarrassment.

I am an older, clean, deodorized, conventionally dressed, educated, well-spoken, polite, smiling, generous, hard working, tax paying, upstanding community member, mother, and faithful wife. I am retired. I don’t want or need a job. Oh, and I was standing with a 72 year old man--also retired who is too busy volunteering for his church to work even if he needed or wanted another job.

Tell that to Black & White Pickup Driving Republican “Gentlemen!”

What happened to loving the constitution & democracy! What happened to “What Would Jesus Do?” and keeping America a Christian nation? What happened to putting women on a pedestal? What happened to being role-models for our children? No wonder we are having a problem with bullying in schools.

In fact, I have a new theory. Republican “Gentlemen” are the single cause of bullying in schools! Hmmmm? In fact, after a day or two of standing on street corners, I suspect Republican Gentlemen are the cause of hunger in the third world, divorce everywhere (certainly in red states!) and acne in teenages. Sirs, get a grip and I don’t mean on your S&W!

And, why do Black & White Pickup Guys shout: “Why don’t you slackers get jobs?” Really? Is that the best you’ve got? You are reduced to shouting at elderly people on street corners on Sundays--to get jobs--and making vulgar hand (and arm--don’t want to forget the arm) gestures?

Why weren’t you working, BTW, instead of driving up and down the roads in big pickup trucks single-handedly destroying the environment? Why weren’t you helping your kids do homework, helping you dad put up storm gutters, or cleaning up the lawn for your ex-wife. Where was your wife? Don’t think I didn’t see her ducking under the dash.

Incidentally, are you hiring, Big Job Creator? How much are you paying? How many openings do you have? Are you aware of the unemployment rate in Rock County? Do you have some loaves & fishes to hand out?

Ladies & Gentle of the right, please don’t try to take the high road with me. Don’t talk to me about family values--I’ll give you Newt Gingrich and raise you a Cain. Don’t talk to me about hippies in the Capitol. I’ll give you a hippie in the Capitol and raise you 2 thugs in pick-up trucks shouting at senior citizens and women.

Was there ever a Right Wing Christian Gentleman? There was one in 1921--or so I heard. But, he ran away with a high school cheerleader and left his wife and kids.

I hate to be the one to tell you, but your mother did not love you. If she had, she would have taught you how to behave like a gentleman. Your behavior is ugly. Your wife and children are embarrassed. You don’t know the meaning of “agape.” You are a jealous lover of the constitution--you only love it when it applies to you. You haven’t been to church in 10 years--or, maybe you should get your hearing checked. My best advice to my daughter: “Marry a dirty hippie liberal atheist if you want to find compassion--and, a gentleman--in life.”

Hope I didn’t hurt your feelings! Take an anger management class. Meditate. It hasn't helped me, but...might help you!

Your friend,

Vivian

Saturday - Thursday Protest News Round Up

2011-12-08T01:37:00.000-06:00

Yuri Rashkin for State Assembly - Yuri Listens

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: Flush the Governor / Recall Walker product idea

Defend Wisconsin News Round Up: RECALL hat silent auction!! All proceeds will go to United Wisconsi

Meet Scott Walker, Sultan of Wisconsin | MichaelMoore.com

Stand With Striking Machinists at Manitowoc Cranes

Gov. Walker launches 3rd TV ad as recall campaign heats up

Re: New and Improved Method for Silencing Dissenting Voices by RoseGardener » Wed Dec 07, 2011 11

Wisconsin Senator Robert La Follette condemns corporate interference in government... in 1924

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign - A Year Like No Other

Workers of Wisconsin Christmas Party

Walker appointee says workplace harassment of gays is legal | Milwaukee Gaze | Wisconsin Gazette - L

Officials mum on handling violations of new Capitol access rules - JSOnline

Governor has kept his promises - JSOnline

Sen. Taylor: Unveils plan creating

Scott Walker Recall: Mark Miller, Wisconsin Senate Minority Leader, Sees Legislative Gridlock Ahead

Worst Persons: David Crocker, Newt Gingrich and Scott Walker - Countdown with Keith Olbermann //

Arrests in Connection with Recall Effort in Wisconsin

Path to Prosperity

That Fascist Bastard Scott Walker

WI GOP Friend And Sarah Palin-Loving Cop, Assaults And Injures 11 Yr Old Girl

scott walker fascist bastard - Google Search

Walker has not been honest - JSOnline

Emma's Arm

Rebecca Klownfisch

Madison Activist Tour

Legislature’s Website Deliberately Giving Wrong Answers on “Who Represents Me?”

Nobody Buys Today’s DOA Disinformation at Wisconsin Capitol

Has Walker Delivered More Jobs?

Waukesha County Reports Election Results First

The Group Behind the Republican Takeover

Keith Olbermann Tears ‘Fascist Bastard’ Scott Walker A New One

Wisconsin can’t afford three more years of Scott Walker

National Exposure only adds to Operation Burn Notice hubris

State, counties spread misinformation, may discourage many from getting voter IDs

Governor Walker In Wausau For Bill Signing

Federal Court Rules Videotaping Police Is A First Amendment Right

Operation Boardwalk Details Revealed | Autonomous Solidarity Organization

ASO Clarifies DOA's New Rules on WORT | Autonomous Solidarity Organization

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On Politics: Walker administration slammed over new Capitol permit policy

Biz Beat: Wis lags neighboring states in 12-month job growth

Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Kleefisch attacks collective bargaining in new ad | The Raw Story

Checking And Double Checking Recall Petitions

Democurmudgeon: Walker's Cuts to Education Hurting Special Education Students Hard.

Walker Claims Recall Petition Circulators Are Being Paid

http://wispolitics.com/1006/DOA_letter_pdf.pdf

Weekly Notes from the Brown County Dems

A disturbing trend emerges as Walker quietly undermines landmark nondiscrimination laws

New Facebook Abuse and GOP Attack Tactic

Scott Walker’s New Policy May Result In Protesters Being Charged For The Pepper Spray Used Against T

Illinois 30,000 Jobs - Wisconsin -9700 Jobs - Way to Go Walker

State, counties spread misinformation, may discourage many from getting voter IDs

New Tool Lets Families Calculate How Much Money Middle Class Tax Cut Would Put In Their Pocket

What Price Protest? : Marquette University Law School Faculty Blog

Wis. To Require Permits For Protests In Capitol : NPR

Senator Taylor Speaks Out Against Right-Wing Accusations

Monologues of Dissent: Educators and Walker Collaborate Toward his Recall

Wis. ACLU, State Legislator, Activists Challenge Walker’s Rule Restricting Free Speech in Capitol

Corruption From the Top Down? - Walkers Reason

Fond du Lac Dems Holiday Brunch Sunday, December 11Th

Map

Sly In The Morning: Solidarity Singers Leader Chris Reeder

Sly In The Morning: John Nichols: Singers, Spectrum, Cain, Koch

Voter Caging Group Starts Website

Madison360: Scott Walker's new narrative is just as phony as the old one

State DOJ plans to reduce sex assault victim grants by 42.5 percent

"GOVERNOR - GO FOR IT, TIM! What about a bi-partisan TICKET with Dale Schultz?" by We the People -

Scott Walker Recall Effort - In Wisconsin, a Recall Effort Belies a Progressive Comeback, by Charles

Angela Smillie for Janesville City Council

Nine Reasons Not to Believe Scott Walker

Cullen says he would run for governor in recall election -- GazetteXtra

Sam Liebert's Blog: Tim Cullen for Governor

Cathy Myers for County Supervisor, District 24

Walker Recall in Full Swing!!

Don't Think Cheating Isn't being Encouraged For The Recall of Walker? - CudahyNOW

History of Christmas Trees

Scott Walker Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 12-211

One Wisconsin Now says it’s legal to sign Walker recall petitions more than once

ALEC and Bill Gates, the Mask Comes Off

Veterans Affairs: Walker budget endangers trust fund

UPDATED: Man Arrested in Washington County for Defacing Recall Petitions | Blogging Blue - Blogging.

Gov. Walker: Encouraging Educator Effectiveness

Diary of A Mad Recall Petitioner

I hear that Wisconsin Right To Life got into a little trouble with the law. Isn’t that speciallll.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Was For Recalls Before He Was Against Them | The Nation

Monologues of Dissent: The cowardly "courage" of Scott Walker

How the Grinch Rescheduled Christmas

Emma delivers a holiday greeting to Governor Walker

John Nichols: Walker used to like recalls

Inside, at Night - Origins of an Uprising

West Bend man held for defacing petition, police say - JSOnline

The price of freedom comes due in Madison - JSOnline

Kids For Cash Judge Gets 28 Year Prison Sentence

Protest Group Says It Won't Get Capitol Permit

Scott Walker Blows Off School Children, Further Ignores First Amendment And Throws Ceremony To Honor

Voter ID becomes law of unintended consequences

The Capitol Police deck the halls...

Man arrested by West Bend Police on 2 Felony Counts of Defacing Recall Petitions in Washington Count

Wis. Gov. Scott Walker says the St. Norbert College poll has been repeatedly wrong

Monologues of Dissent: Your inferiority - it's not that complex

Sen. Tim Cullen considers recall run against Gov. Walker - JSOnline

Daily Kos: A new holiday songbook for the recall movement

Daily Kos: Recall Walker and Overpass Activism: We Really Do Need Whistles!

Part 1: Wisc. Recall opponents resort to threats, 'banana republic' tactics

On Politics: Capitol tree lighting draws protesters, signs

Democurmudgeon: Walker thugs Shred Recall Petitions, Walker Administration Shreds Constitution to pr

Oh Holiday Tree, Oh Holiday Treeee... 12/02/11

Republicans withdraw redistricting lawsuit with state Supreme Court - JSOnline

"Cullen wants to run for governor" by Latest News -- GazetteXtra

Veterans Affairs: Walker budget endangers trust fund

Recall Walker Video

Walker vows to crush 'union bosses' - MJ Lee

Walker lights Christmas tree among protesters

MADISON: Capitol protesters on the hook for security costs

Despite A 0.0002 Percent Rate Of Voter Fraud, Reince Priebus Claims Wisconsin Is ‘Riddled With Voter

Walker Makes Like a Tree and Gets Outta Here | Defend Wisconsin

Scott Walker Wants to Charge for 1st Amendment Rights

Immunity sought for another person in probe of Walker aides - JSOnline

The Wisconsin Lie Exposed - Taxpayers Actually Contribute Nothing To Public Employee Pensions - Forb

Watertown Recall: Watertown Recall of Gov. Walker and Friends

Protesters vow to ignore new Capitol rules

Breaking – Immunity for another person sought in Walker John Doe Investigation

Spontaneous Sing-a-Long for Recall Walker at the Capitol

Walker intends to charge citizens fee to protest | The Raw Story

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker braces for recall effort - Political Hotsheet - CBS News

Wis. Gov. Walker: Wisconsin Residents 'Sick of' Strong-Arm Union Tactics

Wisconsin joins top governors' races - David Catanese

Walker administration alters protest permit requirements - JSOnline

Biz Beat: Wisconsin & Southern buyer calls Koch its largest customer