Thousands Rally in Response to Supreme Court Decision and to call Attention to Budget

Tuesday afternoon, thousands of Wisconsinites rallied against the Republicans’ renewed attempt to steamroll Wisconsin families with their extreme budget proposals and in reaction to the Supreme Courts decision to overturn a permanent injunction agaisnt the bill stripping public employees of their union rights.

Thousands marched on the Capitol throughout the afternoon and stood together for an early evening rally.  After students, teachers, parents and union members addressed the crowd, thousands joined hands in a circle around the Capitol while singing "We Shall Overcome."

Energy was high as people geared up to take back the Senate with recall campaigns this summer.  It has become clear that this is a necessary step in order to stop the harm done to Wisconsin communities by the GOP agenda.

“122 days ago Scott Walker declared war on the middle class and while they may have won this battle, we are here today to remind them that we will win the war,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “From day one, Republicans have thumbed their noses at the process and at the Wisconsin people by ramming their extreme agenda through the legislature using any means necessary.”

Ralliers are appalled by Walker’s extreme choices, his addiction to corporate interests and his insistence on putting the wealthy ahead of the working.  Walker counted on a complacent, sleeping electorate – but the people of Wisconsin have showed him that they will fight for their rights – their right to a union, their right to fair government, and their right to democracy.

This budget calls for the deepest cuts to Wisconsin schools, healthcare and communities in the history of Wisconsin; all while raising taxes on seniors and working families by $70 million and lavishing an estimated $300 million in corporate giveaways.

In their attempt to steamroll education, healthcare, and funding for seniors programs, Republicans have alienated countless Wisconsin families. Now, more than ever, Wisconsinites are determined to take back the Senate to stop Scott Walker from doing further damage to our state. We will not stop until we win back our government, our state and our democracy.

 

For more photos of the rally click here.

Comments

[Rose Gardener]

I was at the rally. Yesterday was a hard day for WI (and for the nation). If Walker and his allies get away with this in WI - other extremist governors will become even more brazin in their attacks.

The recalls are important - they are our best line of defense.

But.. the extremists have a national agenda. What we are experiencing in WI is just part of a coordinated national attack. And... long-term... the most legitimate response is for WE the PEOPLE to rise up en masse, nationwide. That is why I started this petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/WeThePeople/

For one day - let us speak with one voice - in Solidarity - across the nation - so loudly we can't be ignored. Use Labor Day 2011 to rise up en masse all over America & demand an end to Corp Welfare, corp tax loopholes and top 2% Bush tax cuts. Sign this petition; then "like" our facebook page to stay updated.

What does your group plan on doing for Labor Day 2011? Whatever it is... where ever it is.... join the movement and make it about these core issues: Ending Corp Welfare & corporate tax loopholes and rescinding the top 2% Bush tax cuts. For one day - let us speak with one voice - en masse - across the nation - so loudly we can't be ignored.

[JenL]

our best line of defense is election integrity - hand counted paper ballots on election night. Our elections are not safe and its very possible that Walker and the others weren't truly elected...the recalls won't matter if our elections aren't safe