Sunday, March 13, 2011

KOCH OUT PM | www.kochwatch.org #wiunion #recall8 #p2

Wisconsin Farmers' Tractor Rally for Workers' Rights | www.kochwatch.org

Wisconsin Farmers' Tractor Rally for Workers' Rights PART 1 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: read more

Great Photo Gallery of Madison Protest 75 photos posted in this collection. Click Here to see the full gallery.

NYT: For Wisconsin Lawmakers, a Hero’s Homecoming *March 12, 2011-* They are the unlikeliest of folk heroes. But this group of once-obscure lawmakers — a dairy farmer, a lawyer and a woman who is seven months pregnant, among others — that fled this capital nearly a month ago, returned Saturday to ...

Duluth News Tribune: Wis. governor greeted at Washburn fundraiser by thousands of protesters *March 13, 2011-* Wisconsin’s protracted family fight over the budget and public employee unions moved to this Bayfield County town Saturday evening, as embattled Gov. Scott Walker spoke at an invitation-only event and was greeted by at least 2,000 ...

CNN: Democratic senators greeted by cheering crowds in Wisconsin *March 13, 2011-* Democratic state senators who fled Wisconsin to protest the governor's bid to curb the bargaining rights of public workers were greeted Saturday by cheering crowds and vowed to continue the fight. "People think that this is a picnic ...

Dayton Business Journal: Poll: Strong opposition of collective bargaining bills *March 13, 2011-* Ohio's controversial bill to weaken collective bargaining rights for public workers in the state is opposed by more than 9 out of 10 people in a new online poll. The results come the same weekend as tens of thousands of pro-union ...

Things We Had When New York Was A Union Town *-Blogged by Mark Naison on Blogspot/ New Black Man* *March 12, 2011-* With collective bargaining rights having just been eliminated in Wisconsin by legislative fiat, and with more states poised to do the same; with union teachers everywhere being ...

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Democratic senators return to Madison to tell crowd fight isn't over *March 12, 2011-* Unbowed and unrepentant, 14 Democratic state senators returned to the Capitol on Saturday and received a tumultuous welcome from tens of thousands of pro-labor demonstrators. Despite last week's passage of Gov. Scott Walker's ...

Tony Schultz Wisconsin Farmer Rally WATCH ON YOUTUBE:

Huffington Post: Did They Die in Vain? *-Op-Ed by Alan Grayson* *March 12, 2011-* On May 4, 1886, in Haymarket Square in Chicago, the public rallied peacefully in support of 40,000 workers in Chicago who had gone on strike, to win the right to organize. The police attacked, and eight ...

Mike Malloy: Michigan Inc. WATCH ON YOUTUBE:

The Hill: Share the sacrifice *March 8, 2011-* In a piece in last week’s edition of The Nation titled “Why Washington doesn’t care about jobs,” Christopher Hayes points out that D.C. is doing much better than the rest of the country economically, which is a significant ...

RAW Story: Mass protest against Republican cuts to services, union rights *March 12, 2011-* Farmers on tractors joined a massive crowd surrounding Wisconsin's capitol Saturday to protest Republican moves to undermine unions and slash government services in a battle spreading across the United States. Cheers and bells rang ...

Thank You Wisconsin 14! WATCH ON YOUTUBE:

'The Wisconsin 14' return home WATCH ON YOUTUBE:

RAW Story: WI Repub lives outside district with mistress, says wife *March 13, 2011-* Protesters who marched at the home of Wisconsin state senator Randy Hopper (R-Fond du Lac) were met with something of a surprise on Saturday. Mrs. Hopper appeared at the door and informed them that Sen. Hopper was no longer in ...

Truthout: Assault on Collective Bargaining Illegal, Says International Labor Rights Group *March 13, 2011-* The International Commission for Labor Rights (ICLR) sent a notice to the Wisconsin Legislature, explaining that its attempt to strip collective bargaining rights from public workers is illegal. Anyone who has watched the events ...

Solidarity forever! San Diego and the quisling teacher union leaders | Dailycensored.com

Solidarity forever! San Diego and the quisling teacher union leaders

Written by Danny WeilEducationMar 13, 2011

0digg

By Emily Alper t March 11, 2011

The biggest surprise at the school board meeting Thursday night was that board President Richard Barrera — a labor organizer long seen as a union ally on the school board — ended up voting to warn teachers of layoffs.

Barrera himself told the crowd of teachers, counselors, nurses and other workers who packed the auditorium: “I am going to violate your trust in me tonight. I’m going to vote for the superintendent’s recommendations. Doing so goes against everything that I believe in.”

Teachers shouted, “So don’t do it!” Barrera continued: “I don’t think doing this is right. I don’t think doing this is smart.” And he believes the school district will end up canceling most or all of them anyway.

But school district staff warned that if San Diego Unified did not prepare for layoffs, the County Office of Education, which vets its budget plans, could stop them from borrowing money to pay its bills. That was what swayed

Why the battle in Wisconsin is about more than unions – and why we must continue to fight | Defend Wisconsin #wiunion

Why the battle in Wisconsin is about more than unions – and why we must continue to fight | Defend Wisconsin

Why the battle in Wisconsin is about more than unions – and why we must continue to fight

by kmatt

Wisconsin Death Trip

By MICHAEL HUDSON and JEFFREY SOMMERS

…
A peek into Governor Walker’s so-called “budget repair bill” reveals a shop of horrors that is just the opposite of actually repairing the budget. Among the items listed in the bill until Wednesday night were selloffs of state power generation facilities – in no-bid contracts notoriously prone to insider dealing.
The 37 facilities he wants to sell off that produce heating and cooling at low cost to the state’s universities and prisons. Walker’s budget repair bill would have unloaded them at a low price, presumably to campaign contributors such as Koch Industries – and then stick the bill for producing this power at higher rates to Wisconsin taxpayers in perpetuity. (And this is all being sold as a “taxpayer relief” plan!) Invariably, this will make its way into new legislation once attention is diverted from the current controversy.
The budget bill also plans to tear down the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). This is not New

Schools Matter: One more time: It's poverty

One more time: It's poverty

by skrashen

The problem is poverty: Response to a Thomas Donlan Barron's online editorial, In Search of Excellence,

Not submitted to Barron's or to the Barron's website, which are only open to Barron's subscribers.

Stephen Krashen

Article at: http://online.barrons.com/article/SB50001424052970203954104576192920446679248.html?mod=BOL_twm_fs

Thomas Donlan thinks that we need a national education system." As evidence, he notes that American students are only "mid-range" on international tests, and that some states do better than others.

Wrong. The problem is poverty and the solution, until we achieve full employment, is to protect children against the effects of poverty.

Our international test scores are mid-range only because we have so much poverty: The US has over 20 percent

SACRAMENTO PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE: Two Weeks In Madison: A Tribute #wiunion #recall8 #p2

SACRAMENTO PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE: Two Weeks In Madison: A Tribute

Two Weeks In Madison: A Tribute

by Duane Campbell

Revolt: Obama escalates Bush policies of Orwellian unlawful wars, economic looting | Dailycensored.com

Revolt: Obama escalates Bush policies of Orwellian unlawful wars, economic looting

by Carl_Herman

Source: Carl Herman, Examiner.com Lifting the Veil is a two-hour film that documents how the Obama Administration is continuing and escalating the policies of the Bush Administration in the unlawful areas of US wars and economic fraud. These policies are easily shown as Orwellian unlawful, as I explain and document here. The American response will be [...]

the Grand Paradox

by Ken_Sayers

AFP While discussing the uprising that was taking place in Bahrain, its crown prince had this interesting comment, “…at the end of the day we all are going to have to live in the same country together and talk to one another.” That is something we should pay attention to here in this country. I [...]

Republicans Introduce Legistation to Weaken K12 Public Schools in Wisconsin | Defend Wisconsin #wiunion #recall8 #p2

Republicans Introduce Legistation to Weaken K12 Public Schools in Wisconsin | Defend Wisconsin

Republicans Introduce Legistation to Weaken K12 Public Schools in Wisconsin

by jillhopke

Republican state senators have introduced two bills, which would weaken public schools in Wisconsin.

Senate Bill 20

Download the text of the proposed legislation here.

Authorizes the City of Milwaukee to sell city-owned property used for school purposes.

By Senators Darling, Lazich, Carpenter and Grothman; cosponsored by Representatives Honadel, Fields, Pridemore, Berceau, Thiesfeldt, Strachota, Bies, Rivard and Marklein.

Senate Bill 22

Download the text of the proposed legislation here.

Creates a 9-person authorizing board for charter schools: 3 appointed by the governor, 3 by the senate majority leader, and 3 by the speaker of the assembly. This limits legislative oversight and allows

That Was Quick « Student Activism

That Was Quick

by Angus Johnston

Well, this is wacky.

Aaron Porter, president of Britain’s National Union of Students, announced a few weeks back that he would not be running for a second term at the head of NUS, as is customary. Porter’s announcement came after months of criticism of his timid leadership of the organization.

With student fees at British universities skyrocketing, UK students have risen up in a dramatic series of protests and occupations, but Porter has distanced himself from the most aggressive tactics, and his criticisms of direct action have at times overshadowed his defenses of students’ rights.

The National Union of Students is a large and influential body in Britain, but it has long been charged with

Wisconsin Farmers Flood Madison – Tractor Parade March 12 | Defend Wisconsin #wiunion #recall8 #p2

Wisconsin Farmers Flood Madison – Tractor Parade March 12 | Defend Wisconsin

Wisconsin Farmers Flood Madison – Tractor Parade March 12

by jillhopke

More union members and concerned Wisconsin residents turned out than ever to oppose Gov. Walker’s stripping of public employee collective bargaining rights on Saturday, March 12. They were joined by farmers from throughout Wisconsin with a parade of 50 tractors. The Madison Police estimated the crowd at between 85,000 and 100,000.

Produced by Brian Forrest.

Schools Matter: Hungry and Sleepless Children Can't Learn

Hungry and Sleepless Children Can't Learn

by Jim Horn

Below is the segment on homeless and impoverished schoolchildren from last week's 60 Minutes. Just over 13 minutes--please watch it.

Meanwhile, Arne Duncan does nothing, nilch, zero, to help these kids. Do you think that Duncan's Microsoft geniuses who are destroying our public schools can come up a few dollars to provide bedtime snacks to make sure that these homeless kids don't have to lie awake aching with hunger in a cheap motel room that they share with their families? Do you think that Duncan and the testing companies care enough to make a plan for this most basic of need of 25 percent of our children?

Why is Nicholas Kristof Bashing Teachers’ Unions? | Firedoglake

Why is Nicholas Kristof Bashing Teachers’ Unions?

by Blue Texan

by the Aspen Institute

Nicholas Kristof makes an interesting point about teacher pay in today’s New York Times.

In 1970, in New York City, a newly minted teacher at a public school earned about $2,000 less in salary than a starting lawyer at a prominent law firm. These days the lawyer takes home, including bonus, $115,000 more than the teacher, the McKinsey study found.

But then, as is Kristof’s habit, he feels the need to “balance” this plea for higher teacher pay with some rather shallow union bashing.

Look, I’m not a fan of teachers’ unions. They used their clout to gain job security more than pay, thus making the field safe for low achievers. Teaching work rules are often inflexible, benefits

DemocracyForAmerica.com » Netroots Nation Scholarships » teacherken

Scholarship Application Public Information

teacherken

Name:	teacherken
Location:	Arlington, VA
longtime member of Dkos. Teacher/blogger/activist/writer Sr citizen Quaker - desperately wanting to be with my blog friends again
Add your support

The blogs I use most are

Education Policy Blog
Dirties Hippies

A little about me

I am a teacher. I write regularly about education, but also about human rights, the environment, education,, music and whatever else may catch my attention. I believe it is still possible to save this country from those whose greed and selfishness are destroying it. I act as if we can still make difference even in the face of news that could drive us to despair. Volunteer @ free dental clinics in Appalachia. Trying to make a difference with what is left of my life.

I would describe myself as a

blogger

Why I deserve a Netroots Nation Scholarship

As a teacher my pay has been cut by $8,800 this year. I cannot afford to come on my own. I attended 2006-09, running panels at the first 3 events. I Been a member of Daily Kos since late 2003 - UID 4334 - and m a regular participant in community diaries like Brothers & Sisters and the Feeding America blogathons. I believe I bring something of value to the events, even when not on a panel. I would like to come. I cannot come without help. Whether that means I deserve a scholarship is not for me to say. I thought I should try, as it is the only way I can afford it.

What first inspired me to get involved

in Dec '56 at age 10 family went to Miami Beach for the holiday and I saw segregation up close for the first time. That made me a committed liberal and a political activist.

As for blogging, began by participating in edu
cation list serves almost 2 decades ago. Was regular partic in Dean blog during 2003. Over T;giving wkend volunteered for Dean in NH and someone introduced me to Daily Kos. Been there ever since.

How I've gotten others involved

Have written about free dental/medical clinics at which I have volunteered and inspired others also to volunteer. in 2006 wrote extensively about Jim Webb's campaign and got people to support - time as well as money. More recently was the first to blog about the threat to Raul Grijalva's reelection, at a time when most people took it for granted. Would like to think that played some role in helping him raise money and in getting others also to help him. Just a few examples.

The diary I am most proud of

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/07/24/556104/-I-am-so-tempted-to-violate-copyright

Why I think participation in the blogosphere is important

It is a way of connecting/sharing/participating/supporting/communicating/organizing

More about my involvement with DFA and local work

I am not currently an active DFA member. I was in the past. I volunteer as the union leader for my building, which this year takes immense amounts of time.

More about my volunteer work

Not involved in a campaign right now. In recent years have done a variety of things for campaigns in Virginia - policy work, phone calls, normal office work, working polls, staffing lit tables - as well writing online on their behalf. Among those were Webb for Senate, Perriello for Congress, Deeds for Virginia Governor, Chap Petersen for State Senate, O'Leary for Treasurer. At a nationl level serve as a resource on education for several dozen Democratic office holders and candidates for federal office. I am active member of my local chapter of the National Education Association, serving as lead building representative for more than 100 teachers, as well as representing the 8000+ members on a task force with key people in central administration.

My Twitter manifesto on online activism

blogging informs & connects people, communicates impt info, helps raise $$ - online activism helps focus offline activism

My suggested bumper sticker slogan

Teachers open doors to the possible

My idea for a cool new online action

Don't have anything "wild and crazy" - try to inform people about issues and suggest ways they can help - free dental/medical clinics - volunteering, donating, helping get one in your area

Assemblymember Mariko Yamada Responds to Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami (32)

Assemblymember Mariko Yamada Responds to Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami

by Mariko Yamada on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 11:42am

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) issued the following statement today in response to the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan late Thursday night and the resulting tsunami.

“We are witnessing the worst earthquake in Japan’s history. I commend the Japanese people for their outstanding levels of preparedness and coordinated efforts to respond to this emergency. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those affected by this tragedy, especially those here in northern California.

“This disaster is a stark reminder of our own vulnerabilities, especially in the Delta region. Even with well-coordinated government preparedness, a person may be on their own for the first 72 hours of a crisis. I urge all Californians to take a few moments today to discuss an emergency preparedness plan with their loved ones. A few minutes today could save lives tomorrow.”

3 THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO BE PREPARED:

1. GET A KIT

Prepare a kit that you can take should you need to evacuate. Check your kit at scheduled intervals for expired supplies. Your kit should be lightweight (without food and water), portable and should contain non-perishable food and water for three days, a first aid kit, and copies of important documents.

Click here for a downloadable complete "Disaster Preparedness Kit" checklist: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/issues/disaster/PDF/Assembly_EmergencyKit.pdf

2. MAKE A PLAN

Identify responsibilities for each member of your household.

In case you are separated from your loved ones during an emergency, choose two places to meet - right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, and a second location outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Practice evacuation from your home and the route you will travel to escape the emergency.

3. BE INFORMED

Gather contact information for individuals, medical providers, fire department, poison control, police, local office of emergency services, and home and medical insurance.

Teach your children how to call 9-1-1 and who to contact in the event of an emergency.

Know CPR - it could save a life.

For more information on disaster preparedness, please visit Assemblymember Yamada’s website or contact the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Local Red Cross chapters can be reached at (530) 662-4669 (Yolo County) or (415) 427-8000 (Bay Area).

U.S. citizens currently in Japan may be difficult to reach by conventional means at this time. Where internet and telephone services are not available, it may be possible to contact people using SMS (Cell text message) or other forms of social media such as Twitter and Facebook. U.S. citizens looking for more information may contact the Department of State at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov or call 1-888-407-4747.

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