…all eyes are turning back to Wisconsin…
The then newly elected Wisconsin governor, Scott Walker reportedly used his first months in office to punish political opponents, pass tax breaks for the rich, and attack the middle class.These actions lead the citizens of Wisconsin to launch efforts to recall Governor Walker.
The recall of the controversial Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker, is drawing near. As Rebuild the Dream reminded us, “all eyes are turning back to Wisconsin”. In less than three weeks, people vote whether to recall the infamous Governor Scott Walker. This political showdown should be of importance to all Americans. It will define what is politically acceptable throughout the country, and will set the tone for the 2012 presidential election in November.
This Saturday, thousands of people gathered in Milwaukee for a political rally. On stage at the event were inspiring speakers, musicians and artists. Van Jones, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, indie soul songstress Grace Weber, comedian Lee Camp, and more amazing, local artists, musicians, poets, and community leaders. Hip-hop artist Jasiri X debuted “You’re Fired,” a new song dedicated to Governor Walker.
The purpose of the event was to bring people together to recall Walker, refund Wisconsin, and rebuild the dream. Rebuild the Dream live streamed the entire event on Saturday afternoon. People not familiar with efforts to recall the controversial governor of Walker may ask, what has Wisconsin experienced under the “leadership” of Governor Walker?
Walker’s Impact on 99% of Wisconsinites
Since last year, Governor Walker cut a staggering $1.6 billion from K-12 schools, the biggest public education cuts in the country. Walker has also gutted public higher education, healthcare for low-income and working families, and collective bargaining rights for teachers, firefighters and cops.
Governor Walker’s Handouts to the 1%
Walker handed out $2.3 billion in tax cuts for corporations and the super-wealthy, while he increased taxes for working families and seniors by taking away earned-income and homestead tax credits. As a result, it has been reported that state’s economy is reeling. In the last year, Wisconsin lost approximately twenty three thousand nine hundred dollars (23,900) jobs making it fifty first (51st) in the nation in job losses.
On Walker watch as Wisconsin’s governor, the worst of the 1% have had their way. And the 99% are fighting back in Wisconsin. Wisconsin has shown a riveting force of people power since early 2011. And now Walker could lose his job. This recent political rally held in Wisconsin shows Governor Walker in these final weeks leading up to the recall elections on June 5 that working families in Wisconsin and across the country are more united than ever and ready to stand against the extreme policies that are leading our country in the wrong direction.
In response to Governor Walker’s actions, Wisconsinites came together to nominate Tom Barrett as their Democratic candidate for governor in the recall election. It has been reported that Scott Walker has amassed a war chest of over twenty-five (25 )million dollars – on top of the backing from his special interest allies – meaning Walker is ready and able to launch a barrage of false attack ads on Tom Barrett his democratic opponent. With that said, keep your eyes on Wisconsin. As previously stated, it will define what is politically acceptable throughout the country, and will set the tone for the 2012 presidential election in November.
Like the event held on Saturday, Rebuild the Dream is reportedly organizing a series of “Revival” events around the country. Rebuild Wisconsin is their biggest one yet. At each Revival, Rebuild the Dream partner with local groups to inspire, connect, and mobilize people around a key local or state issue. For further information on upcoming Rebuild the Dream efforts, please visit the Rebuild the Dream website.
Source(s): Rebuild the Dream
Photo Credit: Microsoft Clip Art
Feed Those In Need
For many Americans, one constant in the holiday season is food. We have food at parties, food at the office, and at social events. During this time of the year, food is often so abundant that one of the common complaints that is heard from people is how much weight they have gained. We’ve all heard it.
It is important that we try and remember that many in our country will have limited or no food at this time of the year. And that this time is just like most other times in their lives- one of hunger and need. This is real hunger, not the growling stomach that you may experience between meals. This is the type of hunger where parents worry if they or their children will eat at all that day, or if what they can afford will be enough. It’s the kind of hunger that negatively impacts health.
According to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture state-by-state report on national “food insecurity,” a term that means hunger or susceptibility to it, paints a bleak picture. During the recent recession, many U.S. households suffered job losses, declining incomes, home foreclosures, and diminished net worth. Food security means having dependable access to enough food for active, healthy living-is vulnerable to these financial challenges. In 2009, 14.7 percent of U.S. households (17.4 million) were food insecure, meaning that at some time during the year, they had difficulty providing enough food for all members of their family due to insufficient resources. Although essentially unchanged from 2008 (14.6 percent), food insecurity remains at the highest level observed since food security surveys were initiated in 1995.
According to the national news, food pantries across the country have experienced record high levels of requests for assistance. As a volunteer at a local poverty program that provides food assistance, I have seen the record level requests for assistance first hand. As a result, the food pantry shelves were nearly bare. These feeding agencies can’t do it alone. As you prepare for holiday celebrations, please keep in mind those who are most in need in our communities and donate to a nonprofit agency serving the most vulnerable members of our society. With an equal amount of conscience, mind, heart, and collective action –we can improve the human condition.
Sources: United States Department of Agriculture/Economic Research Service, Household Food Security in the United States, 2008 and 2009; Cook, John. Feeding America. Child Food Insecurity in the United States: 2006-2008; http://www.share.org; http://www.feedamerica.org; and Food Research and Action Center.
Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art
