Springsteen introduces and carries the song with humor and even an Obama impression. Everyone around me seemed to really enjoy this part of the rally. It's a great song to sing while you canvass your area to Get Out the Vote!
"Election sealed!"
Showing posts with label video. Show all posts
Showing posts with label video. Show all posts
Monday, November 5, 2012
The Boss: Forward and Away We Go!
This morning in Madison, Bruce Springsteen performs the "campaign song" for Barack Obama's re-election during this morning's rally at the State Capitol. An estimated 20,000 people attended, and we're all going to get 5 other people to the polls.
Springsteen introduces and carries the song with humor and even an Obama impression. Everyone around me seemed to really enjoy this part of the rally. It's a great song to sing while you canvass your area to Get Out the Vote!
"Election sealed!"
Springsteen introduces and carries the song with humor and even an Obama impression. Everyone around me seemed to really enjoy this part of the rally. It's a great song to sing while you canvass your area to Get Out the Vote!
"Election sealed!"
Monday, June 11, 2012
Right-to-Work May Really Be Coming to Wisconsin
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's outright refusal to deny Tom Barrett's accusation that Walker would sign Right-to-Work legislation in the debates has made many people believe that Walker plans to make Wisconsin a Right-to-Work state, even though he says he has no "interest." Last year, Walker was asked point blank how he would make Wisconsin a Right-to-Work state by Diane Hendricks, Walker's biggest donor and who also pays $0 state taxes. Walker replied that he would "divide and conquer" starting with the public workers. Then, less than a month later, he "dropped the bomb," stripping public workers of their right to collectively bargain. There's only one thing left to do in Walker's plan to strip the rights of everyone through Right-to-Work.
Now, the Journal Sentinel has already begun priming the public by doing a PolitiFact on what should be an irrelevant statement about Right-to-Work, and they put it on their front page. Jeff Fitzgerald, a rights stripper, said that Minnesota was a Right-to-Work state, but PolitiFact corrected him. Honestly, if Right-to-Work isn't coming to Wisconsin, why should we be concerned with such a tangential lie, especially one so little publicized and so easily looked up? The Republicans lie all of the time, and that's the lie PolitiFact decided to cover?
There are far more critical and convoluted lies that PolitiFact should be addressing. Instead, by addressing the Right-to-Work lie about Minnesota, the Journal Sentinel was able to begin framing the debate on Right-to-Work. The real lie in the interview that PolitiFact should be correcting is that stripping public workers of collective bargaining rights was "a middle ground," which they repeat with no statements addressing the truthfulness. Through the PolitiFact, the Journal Sentinel is promoting the idea that stripping the rights of public workers was "middle ground," and therefore prepping the public for Right-to-Work, which is just to the right of that "middle ground," not far-right hillbilly feed where it really is.
Republicans, Right-to-Work is regulation! Not only that it regulates individual rights.
Now, the Journal Sentinel has already begun priming the public by doing a PolitiFact on what should be an irrelevant statement about Right-to-Work, and they put it on their front page. Jeff Fitzgerald, a rights stripper, said that Minnesota was a Right-to-Work state, but PolitiFact corrected him. Honestly, if Right-to-Work isn't coming to Wisconsin, why should we be concerned with such a tangential lie, especially one so little publicized and so easily looked up? The Republicans lie all of the time, and that's the lie PolitiFact decided to cover?
There are far more critical and convoluted lies that PolitiFact should be addressing. Instead, by addressing the Right-to-Work lie about Minnesota, the Journal Sentinel was able to begin framing the debate on Right-to-Work. The real lie in the interview that PolitiFact should be correcting is that stripping public workers of collective bargaining rights was "a middle ground," which they repeat with no statements addressing the truthfulness. Through the PolitiFact, the Journal Sentinel is promoting the idea that stripping the rights of public workers was "middle ground," and therefore prepping the public for Right-to-Work, which is just to the right of that "middle ground," not far-right hillbilly feed where it really is.
Republicans, Right-to-Work is regulation! Not only that it regulates individual rights.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Wisconsin: Scott Walker's "Laboratory for Conservative Ideas"
What's next for Wisconsin now that Scott Walker survived his recall election?
Out-of-state corporate and rich donors own Scott Walker now that they gave him ~66% of his $30.5 million to hoodwink the state, not to mention the more than $16 million spent by outside pro-Walker groups. And these numbers are likely to increase as the final tallies are made. Even though Walker lost his party's control of the State Senate and didn't gain many votes for his rights stripping and unlimited campaign financing, receiving nearly the same percentage of votes as he did in 2010, we know Walker will act like he got a mandate.
We should be proud of what we were able to accomplish against such odds. Walker didn't receive the mandate that he wanted with all of his money, and by losing a majority in the State Senate with recalls this past year, we were able to slow Walker's reddening of Wisconsin. However, Walker won't stop now.
Dan Bice from the Journal Sentinel told Rachel Maddow on MSNBC after the election that Walker will make "Wisconsin, as he has already, a laboratory for conservative ideas." This is what Walker wants to do, and what his corporate and super rich donors like Diane Hendricks (who pays $0 state taxes) want him to do. And now, Walker is owned by these few and has little to fear from Wisconsin.
Now that Walker has significantly reduced the unions, there'll be far less funding for any progressive candidates. This was the far-right's goal, as explained by Scott Fitzgerald last year. Unions are the only special interests that share the same interests as large swaths of people, because they're democratic organizations. Unions are just groups of people working together for their collective interest. Businesses are controlled by an individual or very small group of people but with the finances of far more. The interests of business often don't align with the overall interest of a community, but unions, being part of the community, often have interests aligned with the community.
The unions have far less funding just a year after Walker stripped their rights, and they'll have even less now that their rights won't be restored any time soon. They couldn't come close to competing with Walker's corporate money in the recall election, even though their existence depended upon it. This means unions, the only significant source of money for Democrats, won't be able to provide funding for Democrats to compete with Republicans in Wisconsin. Republicans will forever have the money advantage as long as the Democrats support union rights and the Republicans don't.
The only other large source of funding for politicians besides unions are businesses and the rich. Democrats will have to choose one of two things: small people-funded campaigns or get funding from businesses and the rich as well. We saw from the recall election that small people-funded campaigns aren't easy. So, many Democrats will begin seeking more support from corporations or perpetually lose. We've basically ensured the corporate control of our government.
So, what might our new out-of-state-controlled laboratory of far-right ideas cook up?
Walker refused to say if he would sign Right-to-Work legislation in the final debate when Tom Barrett guaranteed that he would. Diane Hendricks, Walker's biggest donor, asked for it last year on video, and Walker replied with his plan to divide-and-conquer beginning with the rights of public workers. Therefore, we can only conclude that this Tea Party wish is high on his list, even though he didn't campaign on it. Wisconsin can say good-bye to good paying jobs, and say hello to your new corporate dictators.
Right-to-Work would nearly ensure Walker's reelection in 2014 by gutting all significant funding for a Democratic challenger. It would almost certainly give Walker control of the entire legislature as well.
Wisconsin is still suffering from a budget deficit. Just like Right-to-Work, Walker has refused to deny that he would sign legislation like Michigan's financial martial law. It wouldn't be beyond Walker to spin another crisis requiring "bold" action like that law.
Walker hired a deer czar who's primary accomplishments involve privatizing deer hunting. A new private deer hunting industry would be a great way for Walker to push his far-right ideals and repay his rich donors. Get ready to pay hundreds if not thousands to hunt. It's what you voted for, even if Walker didn't say he would do it. That's the way Walker operates. While not nearly as likely as Right-to-Work, it's far from an impossibility.
Walker will surely continue to reduce funding to public education in pursuit of privatization. Expect up to a 30% slash in teacher base pay, something Walker can do without any new legislation. Walker has shown he takes the easy way out, and he won't seek legislation through the now Democratically-controlled State Senate to fix the budget this year.
With the continued bleeding of jobs, Walker may try to "stimulate" the economy again by giving more tax breaks to corporations and increasing our taxes by reducing tax cuts/credits or increasing government fees.
The only thing standing in Walker's way is the Democratic majority in the State Senate, and that may not be easy to hold without any significant source of money. The middle class doesn't stand a chance against the rich in a war with money.
Unfortunately, it seems our only way to stop the corporate takeover of our government is to pass an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that negates the Citizens United ruling. People clearly don't realize when they are voting for politicians primarily supported by out-of-state interests, probably because those interests are able to frame the debate. We *could* get behind a few nationwide PACs setup to compete with corporate donations, especially if people donate what they were paying in union dues to the PACs. It's simply very difficult for candidates primarily supported by middle class grassroots to compete with candidates primarily supported by big business and the rich.
Out-of-state corporate and rich donors own Scott Walker now that they gave him ~66% of his $30.5 million to hoodwink the state, not to mention the more than $16 million spent by outside pro-Walker groups. And these numbers are likely to increase as the final tallies are made. Even though Walker lost his party's control of the State Senate and didn't gain many votes for his rights stripping and unlimited campaign financing, receiving nearly the same percentage of votes as he did in 2010, we know Walker will act like he got a mandate.
We should be proud of what we were able to accomplish against such odds. Walker didn't receive the mandate that he wanted with all of his money, and by losing a majority in the State Senate with recalls this past year, we were able to slow Walker's reddening of Wisconsin. However, Walker won't stop now.
Dan Bice from the Journal Sentinel told Rachel Maddow on MSNBC after the election that Walker will make "Wisconsin, as he has already, a laboratory for conservative ideas." This is what Walker wants to do, and what his corporate and super rich donors like Diane Hendricks (who pays $0 state taxes) want him to do. And now, Walker is owned by these few and has little to fear from Wisconsin.
Now that Walker has significantly reduced the unions, there'll be far less funding for any progressive candidates. This was the far-right's goal, as explained by Scott Fitzgerald last year. Unions are the only special interests that share the same interests as large swaths of people, because they're democratic organizations. Unions are just groups of people working together for their collective interest. Businesses are controlled by an individual or very small group of people but with the finances of far more. The interests of business often don't align with the overall interest of a community, but unions, being part of the community, often have interests aligned with the community.
The unions have far less funding just a year after Walker stripped their rights, and they'll have even less now that their rights won't be restored any time soon. They couldn't come close to competing with Walker's corporate money in the recall election, even though their existence depended upon it. This means unions, the only significant source of money for Democrats, won't be able to provide funding for Democrats to compete with Republicans in Wisconsin. Republicans will forever have the money advantage as long as the Democrats support union rights and the Republicans don't.
The only other large source of funding for politicians besides unions are businesses and the rich. Democrats will have to choose one of two things: small people-funded campaigns or get funding from businesses and the rich as well. We saw from the recall election that small people-funded campaigns aren't easy. So, many Democrats will begin seeking more support from corporations or perpetually lose. We've basically ensured the corporate control of our government.
So, what might our new out-of-state-controlled laboratory of far-right ideas cook up?
Walker refused to say if he would sign Right-to-Work legislation in the final debate when Tom Barrett guaranteed that he would. Diane Hendricks, Walker's biggest donor, asked for it last year on video, and Walker replied with his plan to divide-and-conquer beginning with the rights of public workers. Therefore, we can only conclude that this Tea Party wish is high on his list, even though he didn't campaign on it. Wisconsin can say good-bye to good paying jobs, and say hello to your new corporate dictators.
Right-to-Work would nearly ensure Walker's reelection in 2014 by gutting all significant funding for a Democratic challenger. It would almost certainly give Walker control of the entire legislature as well.
Wisconsin is still suffering from a budget deficit. Just like Right-to-Work, Walker has refused to deny that he would sign legislation like Michigan's financial martial law. It wouldn't be beyond Walker to spin another crisis requiring "bold" action like that law.
Walker hired a deer czar who's primary accomplishments involve privatizing deer hunting. A new private deer hunting industry would be a great way for Walker to push his far-right ideals and repay his rich donors. Get ready to pay hundreds if not thousands to hunt. It's what you voted for, even if Walker didn't say he would do it. That's the way Walker operates. While not nearly as likely as Right-to-Work, it's far from an impossibility.
Walker will surely continue to reduce funding to public education in pursuit of privatization. Expect up to a 30% slash in teacher base pay, something Walker can do without any new legislation. Walker has shown he takes the easy way out, and he won't seek legislation through the now Democratically-controlled State Senate to fix the budget this year.
With the continued bleeding of jobs, Walker may try to "stimulate" the economy again by giving more tax breaks to corporations and increasing our taxes by reducing tax cuts/credits or increasing government fees.
The only thing standing in Walker's way is the Democratic majority in the State Senate, and that may not be easy to hold without any significant source of money. The middle class doesn't stand a chance against the rich in a war with money.
Unfortunately, it seems our only way to stop the corporate takeover of our government is to pass an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that negates the Citizens United ruling. People clearly don't realize when they are voting for politicians primarily supported by out-of-state interests, probably because those interests are able to frame the debate. We *could* get behind a few nationwide PACs setup to compete with corporate donations, especially if people donate what they were paying in union dues to the PACs. It's simply very difficult for candidates primarily supported by middle class grassroots to compete with candidates primarily supported by big business and the rich.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Scott Walker Wants You to Forget, We Must Never Forget
You must see these two wonderful motivating videos by We Are Wisconsin.
Scott Walker divided us like never before, and he wants us to forget what he did to end up in this recall.
All our work.
All our effort.
It comes down to one day.
Tom Barrett will unite Wisconsin again.
But Scott Walker says you won't vote. He thinks you'll stay home.
Wisconsin needs you like it's never needed you before.
Vote for your economic interests and your neighbors'. Vote for Tom Barrett on June 5th.
Scott Walker divided us like never before, and he wants us to forget what he did to end up in this recall.
All our work.
All our effort.
It comes down to one day.
Tom Barrett will unite Wisconsin again.
But Scott Walker says you won't vote. He thinks you'll stay home.
Wisconsin needs you like it's never needed you before.
Vote for your economic interests and your neighbors'. Vote for Tom Barrett on June 5th.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Remember. Recall. Replace.
Remember that energy we had during the massive protests last year? This ad from the Progressive Change Campaign Committee is a great reminder. We need to harness that energy now in order to actually remove Scott Walker from office on June 5th. Tell your family and friends why you stand with Wisconsin women, teachers, middle class, children, poor, minorities, LGBT, and the elderly instead of Walker and his few greedy financial supporters.
Outside of Madison, we really need more "We Stand With Wisconsin" yard signs, because, particularly in the Fox Valley, it's hard to find Wisconsin supporters in the sea of "Stand with Crooks" yard signs. I'm making my own this weekend that says "We Stand With Wisconsin women, teachers, middle class, children, poor, minorities, LGBT, elderly"
We really do stand with Wisconsin while everyone else stands for rich white male supremacy, and we need to make sure everyone in Wisconsin knows it!
Early voting starts Monday!
Outside of Madison, we really need more "We Stand With Wisconsin" yard signs, because, particularly in the Fox Valley, it's hard to find Wisconsin supporters in the sea of "Stand with Crooks" yard signs. I'm making my own this weekend that says "We Stand With Wisconsin women, teachers, middle class, children, poor, minorities, LGBT, elderly"
We really do stand with Wisconsin while everyone else stands for rich white male supremacy, and we need to make sure everyone in Wisconsin knows it!
Early voting starts Monday!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Scott Fitzgerald Reveals That Corporations Wrote Mining Bill
A friend of mine pointed me to this video of Scott Fitzgerald talking about "when the corporations started building that bill," referring to the mining bill AB 426, which the Republican leadership held steadfast to instead of passing the bipartisan Wisconsin Way Mining Reform Act. The clip takes place during Fitzgerald's press conference after the Senate failed to pass their industry-written bill.
The entire video is here
The Republican leadership say they're against government regulation, but when it comes to women's bodies, the Republicans in Wisconsin want more government regulation. They're pushing several bills in the Assembly today. I guess it all depends upon who's lining their pockets.
The entire video is here
The Republican leadership say they're against government regulation, but when it comes to women's bodies, the Republicans in Wisconsin want more government regulation. They're pushing several bills in the Assembly today. I guess it all depends upon who's lining their pockets.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Scott Walker Campaigned On Negotiating With Unions
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says that he campaigned on stripping collective bargaining rights from our public employees, but no one has ever been able to corroborate that with audio, video or otherwise. Now, we have recently released video of Walker telling the Oshkosh Northwestern a week before his election that "you still have to negotiate" through collective bargaining.
Thanks to Jud Lounsbury at UppityWis for pointing the video out and editing it for consumption.
So, when did Walker campaign on stripping collective bargaining rights? Did he change his mind in less than a week?
If he felt he could negotiate with the unions, why didn't he ever try?
This just adds to the lies Walker spewed last spring, including that stripping the rights saved money.
Editorial Board member: Before, we were talking about state employees contributing to their plan, paying their share of the pension plan. Collective bargaining come into that?
Walker: Yep
Editorial Board member: How do you get that negotiated and accepted by the state employee unions?
Walker: You still have to negotiate it. I did that at the county as well.
Thanks to Jud Lounsbury at UppityWis for pointing the video out and editing it for consumption.
So, when did Walker campaign on stripping collective bargaining rights? Did he change his mind in less than a week?
If he felt he could negotiate with the unions, why didn't he ever try?
This just adds to the lies Walker spewed last spring, including that stripping the rights saved money.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Will Walker Resign Over Walkergate?
There are some rumors and blog posts saying Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker may resign very soon due to his involvement in the FBI's John Doe investigation otherwise known as Walkergate. The thought is that the investigation is inevitably leading right to Walker (Walker is "John Doe"), and apparently there are "sources of sources" that have heard Walker may be arrested as early as this week. The arrest would then put immense pressure on Walker to resign.
72% of Wisconsinites are aware of the investigation. So for those of you who don't know about Walkergate, or just want to learn more, check out Walkergate.info which (much like Watergate.info) details all of the people, charges, convictions and nearly everything in between.
Will Walker be arrested this week or sometime before the recall election? Will he resign before we ever get a chance to recall him? Blue Cheddar examines what would happen.
72% of Wisconsinites are aware of the investigation. So for those of you who don't know about Walkergate, or just want to learn more, check out Walkergate.info which (much like Watergate.info) details all of the people, charges, convictions and nearly everything in between.
Will Walker be arrested this week or sometime before the recall election? Will he resign before we ever get a chance to recall him? Blue Cheddar examines what would happen.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
WI Rep. Joel Kleefisch Caught Voting Illegally
Wisconsin Rep. Joel Kleefisch has been caught on video committing voter fraud, voting in someone else's name. In the video below, you see Kleefisch recording votes for absent members on their machines during Tuesday's session.
Notice how he glares down the videographer after noticing he was caught. What a creep!
According to Assembly Rules, "only the members present in the assembly chamber may vote."
WTMJ asked Kleefisch whether he broke a rule, and he responded, "It depends upon how you interpret the rule."
Kleefisch is referring to the Assembly's definition of the chamber which states, "Assembly chamber: The entire area west of the easternmost doors of the assembly, including the visitor's galleries, lobbies, offices of the speaker, majority leader, and minority leader, and hallways."
If you interpret the rule as applying to only the chamber room, Kleefisch would admit he was in violation of Assembly rules. If you interpret the rule as applying to the Assembly's definition of chamber, then Kleefisch says he was within the rules.
However, Kleefisch is trying to distract us from the core issue with his behavior. The issue isn't whether or not someone is in the chamber. The issue is that Kleefisch is voting in someone else's name. That's voter fraud!
Kleefisch was so worried about voter fraud that he voted for the Voter Suppression Law last year. Apparently, Kleefisch feels voter fraud applies to everyone but him. However, the comparison is somewhat mute. We all know the Voter Suppression Law wasn't passed to prevent voter fraud, because it doesn't stop any case of voter fraud Wisconsin has seen, but it does prevent many poor, elderly and minorities from voting. In fact, the Advancement Project sued Wisconsin today over the discriminating law. Kleefisch doesn't give a crap about voter fraud, and he has no problem committing it himself.
Psychologists have a name for this type of behavior, projection. If there's anyone who's been messing around with votes and elections it's been the Republicans, and since they do it, they assume other people must be, too.
Governor Scott Walker used to think this behavior was unacceptable when he worked in the Assembly. Walker wanted to change the rule so that only actively participating members may vote. "Change the rule to apply to people we are talking about who aren't in the chamber and aren't aware of what is going on," Walker once said.
What does Walker think of his Lt. Governor's husband voting in someone else's name?
Notice how he glares down the videographer after noticing he was caught. What a creep!
According to Assembly Rules, "only the members present in the assembly chamber may vote."
WTMJ asked Kleefisch whether he broke a rule, and he responded, "It depends upon how you interpret the rule."
Kleefisch is referring to the Assembly's definition of the chamber which states, "Assembly chamber: The entire area west of the easternmost doors of the assembly, including the visitor's galleries, lobbies, offices of the speaker, majority leader, and minority leader, and hallways."
If you interpret the rule as applying to only the chamber room, Kleefisch would admit he was in violation of Assembly rules. If you interpret the rule as applying to the Assembly's definition of chamber, then Kleefisch says he was within the rules.
However, Kleefisch is trying to distract us from the core issue with his behavior. The issue isn't whether or not someone is in the chamber. The issue is that Kleefisch is voting in someone else's name. That's voter fraud!
Kleefisch was so worried about voter fraud that he voted for the Voter Suppression Law last year. Apparently, Kleefisch feels voter fraud applies to everyone but him. However, the comparison is somewhat mute. We all know the Voter Suppression Law wasn't passed to prevent voter fraud, because it doesn't stop any case of voter fraud Wisconsin has seen, but it does prevent many poor, elderly and minorities from voting. In fact, the Advancement Project sued Wisconsin today over the discriminating law. Kleefisch doesn't give a crap about voter fraud, and he has no problem committing it himself.
Psychologists have a name for this type of behavior, projection. If there's anyone who's been messing around with votes and elections it's been the Republicans, and since they do it, they assume other people must be, too.
Governor Scott Walker used to think this behavior was unacceptable when he worked in the Assembly. Walker wanted to change the rule so that only actively participating members may vote. "Change the rule to apply to people we are talking about who aren't in the chamber and aren't aware of what is going on," Walker once said.
What does Walker think of his Lt. Governor's husband voting in someone else's name?
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Wisconsin Rights Protesters Featured in Super Bowl Ad
We made it to the Super Bowl! Well, not really, but Wisconsinites standing up for their rights did. Chrysler's "It's Halftime in America" Super Bowl 46 commercial features a short clip of protesters outside the State Capitol in Madison. The commercial aired during the game's halftime.
At about 50 seconds in, there's a clip of protesters outside the Capitol from the Spring 2011 protests against Governor Scott Walker's rights-stripping bill.
Here's the video of the ad with the venerable actor and director Clint Eastwood
If you're unsure, here's a screenshot of the video with the Hans Christian Heg statue on the right side.
You can see the same statue in this daytime photo from Flickr user courthouselover
"...and our second half is about to begin. All that matters now is looking ahead and finding a way forward." Public workers were trying to negotiate to move Wisconsin forward in 2011, but Walker just wanted to divide us and dismantle the unions. We're just ramping up, and once we get rid of Walker and his uncompromising cronies, we can get Wisconsin moving forward again. They are clearly impeding our progress and refuse to work together.
Update (10:35pm): To the talk of whether or not the protest signs in the clip are "Photoshopped," it looks to be the case. I don't recognize any of the "readable" signs, particularly the repeated signs. However, there's a sign in the far back left with red hearts that looks like it could be a familiar teachers union sign. I don't blame Chrysler, they're not trying to take one side or the other in their message. They're asking us to come together.
The meaning of the Chrysler commercial, IMNSHO, is that we need to come together, and we have come together before, to get America "back in the game," just like the people of the big car companies in Detroit did. We have to come together to start moving real solutions forward. No more holding up debate for partisan gain and ignorance of facts and reasoning. The only thing that matters is getting it right, it's time we all start working together. "Because that's what we do."
Update: John Nichols confirms that the protest signs have been edited in the Chrysler ad, and Blogging Blue has screenshots for comparison. Again, I don't impune Chrysler for doing that, because our message wasn't their message. Clearly, they're proudly promoting the success they've had by coming together with employees on tough decisions, but the more partisan their ad appears, the less impact it will make on an integral portion of the population. Chrysler didn't want everyone to associate the clip with the specific problems here in Wisconsin, as Nichols points out, they went so far as to remove the engraving on Heg's statue. They weren't promoting any specific policy, just the idea that we've had some trouble and deeply-divided disagreements, and now it's time to get back to working together to solve our problems. That's the American way.
Don't make Chrysler wish they just used some stock protest clip from the '60s. We all know it's us, and it's not Chrysler's job to get political. More people should be standing up and demanding that we work together, which is what Chrysler did with their ad and we did during the 2011 protests.
Just bask in the knowledge of the impact we made to motivate someone to even consider putting a clip in their Super Bowl ad, and let's get back to solving problems.
At about 50 seconds in, there's a clip of protesters outside the Capitol from the Spring 2011 protests against Governor Scott Walker's rights-stripping bill.
Here's the video of the ad with the venerable actor and director Clint Eastwood
If you're unsure, here's a screenshot of the video with the Hans Christian Heg statue on the right side.
You can see the same statue in this daytime photo from Flickr user courthouselover
"...and our second half is about to begin. All that matters now is looking ahead and finding a way forward." Public workers were trying to negotiate to move Wisconsin forward in 2011, but Walker just wanted to divide us and dismantle the unions. We're just ramping up, and once we get rid of Walker and his uncompromising cronies, we can get Wisconsin moving forward again. They are clearly impeding our progress and refuse to work together.
Update (10:35pm): To the talk of whether or not the protest signs in the clip are "Photoshopped," it looks to be the case. I don't recognize any of the "readable" signs, particularly the repeated signs. However, there's a sign in the far back left with red hearts that looks like it could be a familiar teachers union sign. I don't blame Chrysler, they're not trying to take one side or the other in their message. They're asking us to come together.
The meaning of the Chrysler commercial, IMNSHO, is that we need to come together, and we have come together before, to get America "back in the game," just like the people of the big car companies in Detroit did. We have to come together to start moving real solutions forward. No more holding up debate for partisan gain and ignorance of facts and reasoning. The only thing that matters is getting it right, it's time we all start working together. "Because that's what we do."
"...But after those trials, we all rallied around what was right and acted as one.
Because that's what we do. We find a way through tough times, and if we can't find a way, then we'll make one.
All that matters now is what's ahead. How do we come from behind? How do we come together, and how do we win?
Detroit's showing us it can be done, and what's true about them is true about all of us.
This country can't be knocked out with one punch. We get right back up again. And when we do, the world's gonna here the roar of our engines!
Ya, it's halftime America, and our second half's about to begin."
Update: John Nichols confirms that the protest signs have been edited in the Chrysler ad, and Blogging Blue has screenshots for comparison. Again, I don't impune Chrysler for doing that, because our message wasn't their message. Clearly, they're proudly promoting the success they've had by coming together with employees on tough decisions, but the more partisan their ad appears, the less impact it will make on an integral portion of the population. Chrysler didn't want everyone to associate the clip with the specific problems here in Wisconsin, as Nichols points out, they went so far as to remove the engraving on Heg's statue. They weren't promoting any specific policy, just the idea that we've had some trouble and deeply-divided disagreements, and now it's time to get back to working together to solve our problems. That's the American way.
Don't make Chrysler wish they just used some stock protest clip from the '60s. We all know it's us, and it's not Chrysler's job to get political. More people should be standing up and demanding that we work together, which is what Chrysler did with their ad and we did during the 2011 protests.
Just bask in the knowledge of the impact we made to motivate someone to even consider putting a clip in their Super Bowl ad, and let's get back to solving problems.
It's Halftime in America
"...and our second half is about to begin. All that matters now is looking ahead and finding a way forward."
This has to be the best Super Bowl 46 commercial. It aired during halftime and features Clint Eastwood talking about America coming back, just like Detroit has come back. Everyone came together, workers, shareholders, and creditors, and now GM and Chrysler are back from the brink. To the benefit of us all.
At about 50 seconds in, there's a clip of protesters outside the Wisconsin State Capitol from the Spring 2011 protests against Governor Scott Walker's rights-stripping bill. (more info)
This has to be the best Super Bowl 46 commercial. It aired during halftime and features Clint Eastwood talking about America coming back, just like Detroit has come back. Everyone came together, workers, shareholders, and creditors, and now GM and Chrysler are back from the brink. To the benefit of us all.
At about 50 seconds in, there's a clip of protesters outside the Wisconsin State Capitol from the Spring 2011 protests against Governor Scott Walker's rights-stripping bill. (more info)
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Definition of a Super PAC
Super PAC: a frothy mix of lube and campaign funding that is sometimes the byproduct of politics.
You hear the term thrown around a lot, Super PAC or SuperPAC. But many people ask what is a Super PAC? A great visionary in Super PAC development, Stephen Colbert, provided this simple definition. He gave us this definition during his television program, The Colbert Report, on Thursday. A Super PAC is a frothy mix of lube and campaign funding that is sometimes the byproduct of politics.
If you want to help change this, support the DISCLOSE Act.
In case you're interested, here's the real definition on Wikipedia.
You hear the term thrown around a lot, Super PAC or SuperPAC. But many people ask what is a Super PAC? A great visionary in Super PAC development, Stephen Colbert, provided this simple definition. He gave us this definition during his television program, The Colbert Report, on Thursday. A Super PAC is a frothy mix of lube and campaign funding that is sometimes the byproduct of politics.
If you want to help change this, support the DISCLOSE Act.
In case you're interested, here's the real definition on Wikipedia.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Congressman Sean Duffy Loses Cool and Disrespects His Constituents
U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy, the former MTV Real World star from Wisconsin, held a town hall last week Tuesday, April 19 in Shell Lake to promote Paul Ryan's radical budget proposal. Democurmudgeon and others have posted videos from the town hall, but I wanted to highlight one unbelievable event. At the end of this video Duffy scolds a constituent, "Let me tell you. When you have your town hall, you can stand up and give your presentation."
The constituent was polite and asked a very relevant question about what Duffy is doing to prevent fraud and abuse in Medicare. Duffy has no excuse for such a response.
Republican politicians don't care about you. Recall the Republican 8.
The constituent was polite and asked a very relevant question about what Duffy is doing to prevent fraud and abuse in Medicare. Duffy has no excuse for such a response.
Republican politicians don't care about you. Recall the Republican 8.
Friday, April 22, 2011
STEALING AMERICA: Vote by Vote - Very Informative Documentary on Real Election System Issues
This week I learned of a very relevant, informative and entertaining documentary from 2008 that highlights many of the prominent issues with our modern election systems. I wanted to watch it before recommending it, but now that I have, I highly recommend this film, especially during this time when our knowledge can make a real difference. It's free to watch online. So why not make plans to watch the movie during the ugly weather this weekend, or watch it now. From the film, "It's time to wake up. What you stand to lose is everything."
The film has extraordinary reviews from many.
Some of the issues the documentary discusses are:
Some of the unresolved issues with computer election systems discussed:
The film then discusses many of the various anomalies with elections in the last decade and the need for hand recounts and paper trails. I believe that by law in Wisconsin all of our machines require a paper trail, but I'm not sure that the Optech Eagle (the machines that we lack memory for) does.
Election officials and computer security professionals are some of the experts whose testimony (some under oath) is included in the film.
There's clips from The Daily Show, and even a clip from Keith Olbermann. So progressives should find Stealing America even more entertaining.
The film contains some speculation, particularly with regard to the 2004 election, but the issues are real. The reason the speculation continues is because we don't get our relevant questions answered and the issues persist.
Here's the trailer:
Don't stop there. You can watch the film in its entirety for free at http://www.stealingamericathemovie.org/.
The more we know now, the better chance we have of actually fixing these issues for future elections. Some of these issues won't apply to us or everyone in Wisconsin, but most of them do.
I want to thank the film's producer Dorothy Fadiman for putting together such an informative documentary, making it available for free, and bringing it to my attention.
A world-renowned security expert, Bruce Schneier, has also written quite extensively on the issues with computer election systems. If you want more information, you will find his essays and op-eds on the subject very informative.
The film has extraordinary reviews from many.
Some of the issues the documentary discusses are:
- Long lines
- Reporting irregularities
- Laws that are used to "rig elections"
- Silence of mainstream media on issues, leaving bloggers digging for information
- Voter disenfranchisement
Some of the unresolved issues with computer election systems discussed:
- Errors inherit in computers and software, vote totals will nearly never match the true count exactly
- Vote switching
- Secrecy by system producers
- Ease of changing vote counts without detection
- How computers make changing large amounts of votes much easier than changing large amounts of paper ballots
The film then discusses many of the various anomalies with elections in the last decade and the need for hand recounts and paper trails. I believe that by law in Wisconsin all of our machines require a paper trail, but I'm not sure that the Optech Eagle (the machines that we lack memory for) does.
Election officials and computer security professionals are some of the experts whose testimony (some under oath) is included in the film.
There's clips from The Daily Show, and even a clip from Keith Olbermann. So progressives should find Stealing America even more entertaining.
The film contains some speculation, particularly with regard to the 2004 election, but the issues are real. The reason the speculation continues is because we don't get our relevant questions answered and the issues persist.
Here's the trailer:
Don't stop there. You can watch the film in its entirety for free at http://www.stealingamericathemovie.org/.
The more we know now, the better chance we have of actually fixing these issues for future elections. Some of these issues won't apply to us or everyone in Wisconsin, but most of them do.
I want to thank the film's producer Dorothy Fadiman for putting together such an informative documentary, making it available for free, and bringing it to my attention.
A world-renowned security expert, Bruce Schneier, has also written quite extensively on the issues with computer election systems. If you want more information, you will find his essays and op-eds on the subject very informative.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
"Wisconsin Is Just The Beginning"
Wisconsin's been all over the national news, whether it's the recalls of the Republican 8, the controversial Supreme Court election, or Paul Ryan's budget plan. I think all of this focus on Wisconsin is helping us move Forward past the ridiculous plans of Scott Walker and the Republicans, and it's also helping to spread Wisconsin values across the nation. Some of these national news shows have been doing great reporting on Wisconsin, and I'd like to share with you some very interesting and informative reports from Wednesday evening.
The Rachel Maddow Show ran two segments on Wisconsin. In the first, Rachel discussed the latest news on the Supreme Court election and summarized its ramifications. She ended the segment saying, "the Democrats in that state are turning political outrage in their state into political outcomes in their state."
In the second segment, Rachel discussed how the momentum in Wisconsin is gaining and spreading beyond our borders. Rachel showed a very informative map of Wisconsin indicating all of the counties that voted more for Kloppenburg than they did for Walker just a few months ago. There was very little momentum gained by the Republican-backed Prosser, and almost every county in Wisconsin voted more for Kloppenburg than they had for Walker. In fact, the districts that swung against Walker include all of the districts of the four Republican 8 expecting a recall election. This is significant, but elections and particularly a small election like this one are not good indicators of overall state mood.
Rachel's interviewee, Dante Chinni from Patchwork Nation, said Wisconsin contains many "service worker centers." Chinni defines these places as having lots of good jobs in the public sector with fewer in the private. He said he thinks the momentum is coming from the attacks on those jobs by politicians, particularly collective bargaining. Chinni said, "Wisconsin is just the beginning." They called it the "Wisconsin Effect" and said that Republicans are very afraid. In Wisconsin, we've been calling the "Wisconsin Effect" the Wisconsin Wave.
Later, Ed Schultz showed the most footage from Paul Ryan's town hall on his The Ed Show on MSNBC. Ed shows a very great question from a resident, Ryan's response and the reaction from the crowd. Ryan got "smacked down" by the residents for giving tax cuts to the rich while asking others to pay more.
Ed interviewed the person from ThinkProgress who shot the video, Scott Keyes. Keyes gave a very informative account of Ryan's town halls. Laura Flanders said, "It's the super rich against everyone else," and Ed noted that it appeared Ryan supporters were at the meeting trying to tell him he's wrong. Keyes agreed and said he saw "a lot of anxiety there in the crowds." Later, Flanders said, "The seniors are not buying what Ryan is selling."
Then, in another segment, Ed continued his coverage of politics in Wisconsin. Ed said, "I'm not gonna get off of this story because I think fundamentally this is one of the biggest stories in America. This is change. This is change you can believe in."
Ed attacked Walker's statements that the recalls are being driven by Madison, and then interviewed Adam Green of the Progressive Change Committee. They discussed the recalls, the process, and possible ramifications. Then Green said there will be a really important conference call Thursday at 9:30am from Mike Tate, head of the Wisconsin Democrats, regarding the Republicans' efforts to collect recall signatures for Democrats. He said that Tate will be alleging "outright fraud."
It sounds like this conference at 9:30am will be interesting. I was wondering why the Republicans were holding off on their announcement, waiting until enough signatures were collected for three Democrats. Just didn't seem politically intelligent. Now it sounds like they may have been holding back because of nefarious actions.
The Rachel Maddow Show ran two segments on Wisconsin. In the first, Rachel discussed the latest news on the Supreme Court election and summarized its ramifications. She ended the segment saying, "the Democrats in that state are turning political outrage in their state into political outcomes in their state."
In the second segment, Rachel discussed how the momentum in Wisconsin is gaining and spreading beyond our borders. Rachel showed a very informative map of Wisconsin indicating all of the counties that voted more for Kloppenburg than they did for Walker just a few months ago. There was very little momentum gained by the Republican-backed Prosser, and almost every county in Wisconsin voted more for Kloppenburg than they had for Walker. In fact, the districts that swung against Walker include all of the districts of the four Republican 8 expecting a recall election. This is significant, but elections and particularly a small election like this one are not good indicators of overall state mood.
Rachel's interviewee, Dante Chinni from Patchwork Nation, said Wisconsin contains many "service worker centers." Chinni defines these places as having lots of good jobs in the public sector with fewer in the private. He said he thinks the momentum is coming from the attacks on those jobs by politicians, particularly collective bargaining. Chinni said, "Wisconsin is just the beginning." They called it the "Wisconsin Effect" and said that Republicans are very afraid. In Wisconsin, we've been calling the "Wisconsin Effect" the Wisconsin Wave.
Later, Ed Schultz showed the most footage from Paul Ryan's town hall on his The Ed Show on MSNBC. Ed shows a very great question from a resident, Ryan's response and the reaction from the crowd. Ryan got "smacked down" by the residents for giving tax cuts to the rich while asking others to pay more.
Ed interviewed the person from ThinkProgress who shot the video, Scott Keyes. Keyes gave a very informative account of Ryan's town halls. Laura Flanders said, "It's the super rich against everyone else," and Ed noted that it appeared Ryan supporters were at the meeting trying to tell him he's wrong. Keyes agreed and said he saw "a lot of anxiety there in the crowds." Later, Flanders said, "The seniors are not buying what Ryan is selling."
Then, in another segment, Ed continued his coverage of politics in Wisconsin. Ed said, "I'm not gonna get off of this story because I think fundamentally this is one of the biggest stories in America. This is change. This is change you can believe in."
Ed attacked Walker's statements that the recalls are being driven by Madison, and then interviewed Adam Green of the Progressive Change Committee. They discussed the recalls, the process, and possible ramifications. Then Green said there will be a really important conference call Thursday at 9:30am from Mike Tate, head of the Wisconsin Democrats, regarding the Republicans' efforts to collect recall signatures for Democrats. He said that Tate will be alleging "outright fraud."
It sounds like this conference at 9:30am will be interesting. I was wondering why the Republicans were holding off on their announcement, waiting until enough signatures were collected for three Democrats. Just didn't seem politically intelligent. Now it sounds like they may have been holding back because of nefarious actions.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Voter Distraction Bills Across The Nation
Just like the collective bargaining rights-stripping bill, bills similar to Wisconsin's Voter Distraction Bill (SB6) are being proposed all over the country in a coordinated effort. "The Interview" on the Rachel Maddow Show Tuesday evening had incoming DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz talking with Rachel about fake voter fraud claims and the many bills across the country similar to our Voter Distraction Bill.
These bills try to solve an almost non-existent issue, voter fraud, by requiring an ID to vote. Not only has voter fraud been shown to be a non-issue in Wisconsin but also in many other states as well. The only reason these bills are being proposed is to try to disenfranchise all voters, particularly new voters, and Schultz said it's a way to use the system to "rig elections."
Schultz and Rachel also discuss how bills such as the collective bargaining rights-stripping bill are another way to "rig elections" by reducing the amount of money going to Democratic candidates.
Why do we even have to register to vote once we become eligible?
On a slightly different note, John Nichols wrote in The CapTimes the best article I've read on the Tea Party Tax Day rally and said that the Tea Party supporters in Madison this weekend were outnumbered by a factor of about 5 to 1.
These bills try to solve an almost non-existent issue, voter fraud, by requiring an ID to vote. Not only has voter fraud been shown to be a non-issue in Wisconsin but also in many other states as well. The only reason these bills are being proposed is to try to disenfranchise all voters, particularly new voters, and Schultz said it's a way to use the system to "rig elections."
Schultz and Rachel also discuss how bills such as the collective bargaining rights-stripping bill are another way to "rig elections" by reducing the amount of money going to Democratic candidates.
Why do we even have to register to vote once we become eligible?
On a slightly different note, John Nichols wrote in The CapTimes the best article I've read on the Tea Party Tax Day rally and said that the Tea Party supporters in Madison this weekend were outnumbered by a factor of about 5 to 1.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tea Party Significantly Waning - Madison Not Only Evidence
Rachel Maddow did a great report Monday on the Tea Party tax day rallies across the country this past weekend, including Sarah Palin's visit to Madison. Madison was the host of the largest Tea Party rally in the country, but only because there were so many counter-protesters surrounding them. The rest of the Tea Party rallies attracted far fewer people. In fact, many places reported significantly less Tea Party supporters than in past years. Compare that with the many times that over 100,000 people came to the Capitol to protest Scott Walker, and it becomes easy to see where Wisconsin stands.
The Republicans want us to think that they're controlled by a mass of Tea Party supporters. This way they don't have to take responsibility for their ridiculous ideas and statements, but it looks like the number of people within the Tea Party is significantly dwindling (if it was ever that large). These Tea Party rallies are annual events that are planned long in advance, and there's nothing bigger for the Tea Party than tax day.
It's time for our Republicans to start listening to the people of Wisconsin, not the few in the Koch brothers-sponsored Tea Party!
Also, you may be interested to know that Prosser plans to "vigorously" prevent a recount, even though the campaign previously stated they were open to a recount. The results of the Supreme Court election clearly don't reflect the views of Wisconsin, and if we are to have open and transparent elections we must know exactly what happened in Waukesha County.
The Republicans want us to think that they're controlled by a mass of Tea Party supporters. This way they don't have to take responsibility for their ridiculous ideas and statements, but it looks like the number of people within the Tea Party is significantly dwindling (if it was ever that large). These Tea Party rallies are annual events that are planned long in advance, and there's nothing bigger for the Tea Party than tax day.
It's time for our Republicans to start listening to the people of Wisconsin, not the few in the Koch brothers-sponsored Tea Party!
Also, you may be interested to know that Prosser plans to "vigorously" prevent a recount, even though the campaign previously stated they were open to a recount. The results of the Supreme Court election clearly don't reflect the views of Wisconsin, and if we are to have open and transparent elections we must know exactly what happened in Waukesha County.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Mike Rowe: There's A War On Work
Here's a video from a couple of years ago that I think is just as relevant today. Mike Rowe, from Discovery's Dirty Jobs, talked about some very entertaining job-related stories and also about society's "war on work" as a TEDTalk.
A key bit from the talk,
A key bit from the talk,
"We’ve declared war on work, as a society, all of us. It’s a civil war. It’s a cold war, really. We didn’t set out to do it and we didn’t twist our mustache in some Machiavellian way, but we’ve done it. And we’ve waged this war on at least four fronts, certainly in Hollywood. The way we portray working people on TV, it’s laughable. If there’s a plumber, he’s 300 pounds and he’s got a giant buttcrack, admit it. You see him all the time. That’s what plumbers look like, right? We turn them into heroes, or we turn them into punchlines. That’s what TV does. We try hard on Dirty Jobs not to do that, which is why I do the work and I don’t cheat.
We’ve waged this war on Madison Avenue. So many of the commercials that come out there in the way of a message, what’s really being said? Life would be better if you could work a little less. If you didn’t have to work so hard. If you could get home a little earlier, if you could retire a little faster, if you could punch out a little sooner. It’s all in there, over and over, again and again.
Washington? I can’t even begin to talk about the deals and policies in place that affect the bottom-line reality of the available jobs ’cause I don’t really know. I just know that that’s a front in this war.
And right here, guys; Silicon Valley. How many people have an iPhone on ‘em right now? How many people have their Blackberries? We’re plugged in, we’re connected. I would never suggest for a second that something bad has come out of the tech revolution. Good grief, not to this crowd. But I would suggest that innovation without imitation is a complete waste of time. And nobody celebrates imitation the way Dirty Jobs guys know it has to be done. Your iPhone without those people making the same interface, the same circuitry, the same board over and over – all that, that’s what makes it equally as possible as the genius that goes inside of it."
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Story of Citizens United v. FEC
This is a great video that explains a little history of corporations and the Supreme Court case Citizens United v. FEC. More money was spent by independent groups during the 2010 elections than all of the other midterm elections since 1990 combined, with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce spending the most. This, at a time when 85% of Americans believe corporations have too much power in our democracy. We need to stop supporting politicians who primarily support the desires of corporations over individuals, and hopefully the precedent from the Citizens United case will be overturned sooner than later.
Here's an equally great, but much shorter, video on the same topic from Ben and Jerry of Ben and Jerry's Homemade, Inc.
Here's an equally great, but much shorter, video on the same topic from Ben and Jerry of Ben and Jerry's Homemade, Inc.
Monday, March 14, 2011
George Carlin Saw It Coming: "They Got The Politicians"
Now that we know collective bargaining rights for public employees don't affect the budget, and our governor would rather talk to rich campaign contributors than teachers, we're beginning to realize that Walker and the Republicans are just doing the bidding of their corporate donors that got them elected. The late George Carlin saw this coming and said it best in his 2005 American Dream skit,
Thanks to Bill Berry from The Cap Times for pointing this out.
There are some politicians who we've seen do care about us, and they are Senator Dale Schultz, the Wisconsin 14, and the rest of the Wisconsin Democrats, who all stood up for workers' rights and against out of state corporate interests like the Koch brothers and Americans for Prosperity.
Let's make sure politicians know that the jig is up. Recall the Republican 8, and vote for JoAnne Kloppenburg.
"...big, wealthy business interests...They got the politicians...They want more for themselves and less for everybody else. I'll tell you what they don't want. They don't want a population of citizens capable of critical thinking -- well-informed, well-educated people capable of critical thinking. That doesn't help them. That's against their interest. They want obedient workers, people who are just smart enough to run the machines and do the paperwork and just dumb enough to passively accept all these increasingly s***tier jobs with the lower pay, the longer hours, the reduced benefits, the end of overtime and the vanishing pension that disappears as soon as you come to collect it.Note: As this is George Carlin, there is some graphic language.
The game is rigged...Good, honest, hard working people, white collar, blue collar, doesn't matter what color shirt you have on, continue to elect these rich [politicians] who don't give a [hoot] about them. They don't care about you. That's what the owners count on."
Thanks to Bill Berry from The Cap Times for pointing this out.
There are some politicians who we've seen do care about us, and they are Senator Dale Schultz, the Wisconsin 14, and the rest of the Wisconsin Democrats, who all stood up for workers' rights and against out of state corporate interests like the Koch brothers and Americans for Prosperity.
Let's make sure politicians know that the jig is up. Recall the Republican 8, and vote for JoAnne Kloppenburg.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)