Fight on, Wisconsin!

(Thanks, Robert, for the image.)

It's difficult to know who is winning the vital fight that is occurring, right this minute, in the Great State of Wisconsin.

Some media reports indicate that the "Wisconsin Fourteen," those Democrats in the state senate who have fled the state to deny a quorum (and thus, block passage of Governor Walker's regressive and cruel state budget) are wavering in their resolve.  Rumors abound that they are working to cut a deal.  And, honestly, who can blame them?  They've been away from their homes for two weeks now.  They have spouses and families. 

On the other hand, Governor Walker's intransigence doesn't seem to be playing well with public sympathies.  Polls consistently show that the American public is sympathetic to the cause of the protesters.  (You can read about one such poll here.)  And you'll notice that there are no prominent national Republicans flying in to Madison for photo shoots with the young governor.  Walker is out there on a limb, all by himself.  And, whaddya know?  None of his right-wing buddies are backing him up.  Where is Mike Huckabee?  Newt Gingrich?  Sarah Palin?  

(Of course, President Obama hasn't been exactly courageous in his support of the union.  But let's put that aside for now...) 

Says it all, don't it?

Take a look at this graphic.  It clearly shows that there is a direct correlation between the decline in union membership and a fall in the share of national income that goes to the middle class.  You can read more here.  And don't forget that unions are responsible for the 40 hour work-week, child labor laws, maternity leave, paid holidays and just about every other benefit you now enjoy at the expense of the bourgeoisie.

Who are these Wisconsin protesters?  Take a look and see...



The protesters who are even now on the front lines need to know that there are others all across this country (indeed, the world!) who stand with them.  If you're so inclined, Ian's Pizza in Madison, Wisconsin, will accept orders and deliver pizzas to the protesters who are occupying the Wisconsin state house.  You can view their web page here.  Their phone number is 608.257.9248.

People, unless you're one of the top 2% of income earners in these United States, this fight is your fight.  It's our fight.  Do you hear the people sing?

Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!

Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free!

Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!

Will you give all you can give
So that our banner may advance
Some will fall and some will live
Will you stand up and take your chance?
The blood of the martyrs
Will water the meadows of France!

Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!

--Les Misérables

Fight on, Wisconsin!