Republicans in Congress are holding the middle class hostage—proposing a federal budget that would would cut 700,000 to 1 million jobs from our communities and slash funding to support preschool and college students, pregnant women, unemployed workers, and much more. This isn't a budget, it's a slap in the face to the public workers, services, and institutions making the American Dream possible. We have until the March 18 budget deadline to push Congress in another direction.
So after work on Tuesday, March 15, we're mobilizing Defend the Dream events in all 50 states at our schools, libraries, fire stations, hospitals, and parks to stand up against Republican attacks. If we can mobilize thousands of people again for a national day of action before the March 18 deadline, we'll give progressive fighters in Congress a better chance to stave off cuts and pass a budget that invests in the Dream. We'll show our support for the public workers, services, and institutions making a difference in our lives—but we'll also make sure that Congress knows we'll hold them accountable for their vote.
Those in Anchorage or the Mat-Su Valley can meet in the following location:
15 Mar 2011, 5:30 PM Speak Up and Speak Out
Train Park in Palmer
30 registered participant(s) (450 maximum)
S. Alaska St and Evergreen Ave
Palmer, AK 99645
Directions: Downtown Palmer near the Train Depot
Hosted by talyne corlyn-belka
Description We must speak up and let others know they are alone in being a progressive. Join us to speak out against taking money from our firefighters, schools and public employees as we circle the block from the library to the borough building and back
Sadly I will not be able to get there today, but if any of my Alaskan friends are able to make it they should certainly do so. If we do not speak up now we will have only ourselves to blame when the American dream is replaced with a national nightmare.
The one in Juneau is planned for 5:30 PM on the Capitol steps. Last time I checked there were just over 20 some people registered but I am hoping a lot more show up.
ReplyDeleteI realize there wasn't a lot of time to organize given the March 18th deadline, but we only found out about this this evening (after 5 p.m. here now).
ReplyDeleteGosh, I wish we'd heard about it earlier. I bet there would be huge turnouts if the news had been spread earlier. Darn it.
Maybe they have an online sign-up to email or sign petitions for the rest of us. If you hear of anything like that, please post. Thanks.
Thanks Gryphen. And that's not all:
ReplyDeleteBudget would make state's labor-management mediator a political appointee
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_367609ba-4e96-11e0-b8af-001cc4c03286.html
Walker's power grab has no limits. Read the comments. Walker and Fitzgerald are out of control. I wouldn't be surprised if Rachel covered this tonight.
@ Anonymous 2:14 PM
ReplyDeleteMoveon.org sent me an email about this set of events about a week ago I think. The AFL-CIO group We Are One is currently organizing events for April 4th. Maybe you could make that one if there is an event near you. Here is the web address and they also have a facebook page if you are interested.
http://www.we-r-1.org/
Chris Hedges' insightful view is very timely:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.opednews.com/articles/Power-Concedes-Nothing-Wit-by-Chris-Hedges-110314-31.html
Did Palin speak in India? I have not heard a word about it.
ReplyDeleteLOL -- It doesn't help the cause if the people putting on the event don't advertise it with a bit of finesse.
ReplyDelete"Description We must speak up and let others know they are alone in being a progressive."
Really, no one else in the area is a progressive? Each one is alone? If they're alone, don't they already know it?
Where is the one in Anchorage taking place and on what date?
ReplyDeleteWell, it's 10:30 pm and I'm just reading this. I think Move-On needs to allow a little more lead time for stuff like this.
ReplyDeleteAs for sending a message to progressives in Congress my first comment is what progressives? And second is that they wouldn't do anything anyway. Except roll over and whine don't hit me don't hit me.
Except maybe Al Franken. But one person can't do that much.
We've been sold out to the highest bidder long ago. It's all for show and any impression that we can take this country back is a sham.
Sorry, but that's how I feel.
The rich own this country. They buy votes. They control elections. We can't get enough people together to vote as a block to do anything about it. The rich control the media and can brainwash enough of the easily influenced to vote against their own best interests.
How do I know?
The attacks on unions and specifically teachers. Unions protect the working people against the rich and corporations. That is why they've been systematically vilified and dismantled in the private and now the public sector. And teachers are the most dangerous. They are educated, not easily swayed by propaganda and they educate our youth. A dumbed down population is essential and teachers are a threat to that. Teachers will also fight to protect their students and the constitution. They work for lousy pay, lousy working conditions and give of their own time and money, all without thanks or recognition. Teachers are fighters. They are a threat.
When they have been eliminated or their profession damaged beyond redemption in the public eye, that is the end.
Fascist state. Amerikan style.
Sorry, dude, I tried to establish 99503 as a location. No returns. WTF. nem
ReplyDeleteLast year, the economic crises was blamed on Wall Street and the investment bankers.
ReplyDeleteNow, the blame is on school teachers and snow plow drivers.
What's up with that?