racine county democratic party

2011-11-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

We're one year out from Election Day, and EMILY's List is already in full gear helping to elect women. EMILY's List needs your support right now to add new women's voices to our Democratic caucus and protect my pro-choice women colleagues up for re-election.

We need to reelect leaders like Debbie Stabenow, who insisted that maternity care be included in health care reform and is helping move Michigan's economy into the 21st century. If we can do that and elect new women to join us, we'll be able to fight like nobody's business to protect women's rights, strengthen families, and create a strong, vibrant economy.

Just imagine these incredible leaders in the Senate:

Tammy Baldwin, a standout progressive and fighter for women's health, who would continue making history as the first openly gay senator.

Shelley Berkley, a champion for seniors and veterans who's been called "the hardest-working woman in politics."

Mazie Hirono, a peerless advocate for early childhood education, making sure our kids can compete in the global economy.

Elizabeth Warren, architect of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and consumer advocate extraordinaire, fighting to protect families' pocketbooks.

We Need This Reminder!

2011-10-29T02:46:00.000-07:00

ATTITUDE

by: Charles Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

Elected Officials Visits to Racine

2011-10-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

Partially from the Racine Journal Times and partially from participation.

RACINE - Hours after U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan's listening session in Racine Friday, another member of Congress also gathered a crowd in Racine.

U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., who is running for U.S. Senate in 2012, was at Wilson's Coffee Shop, 3306 Washington Ave., at noon for a meet and greet. About 40 people stopped to listen to her talk about her plans for Wisconsin.

As part of her visit, the Democrat from Madison said tax cuts for the wealthy need to be repealed and spoke about preserving Social Security and Medicare.

Tammy Baldwin's personal story was very inspiring and we need more non-millionaires in Congress.

Val Speaks Out

2011-10-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

From Emily's 10/19/2011 Newsletter

EMILY's List candidate Val Demings has accomplished some amazing things: becoming Orlando's first woman Police Chief, and helping push the city's crime rate to a forty-year low. Just this week, Val lent her voice to the EMILY's List blog, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Her record on protecting women and families is as strong as they come, and we know she'll be an incredible advocate in Congress.

An Important Message from the Unions

2011-10-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

It’s clear that Walker’s tax breaks for rich CEOs and giveaways to corporations don’t create jobs and never will. We can’t afford to wait while he keeps giving money away with no timelines or deadlines for job creation.

We need a comprehensive strategy to put unemployed Americans back to work immediately. That would include:

 Investing in manufacturing

 Investing in improved Infrastructure

 Providing skills training

 Reforming Trade Agreements

 Providing aid to Local and State Governments

Fight back! Tell your legislators we need good-paying jobs, not more money for millionaires. Tell them it’s time to put money into creating jobs now.

When: Jobs Hearing with State Legislators
When: Monday, October 24th, 2011 - 7:00pm
Where: Roma Lodge 7130 Spring Street, Racine WI

Position Available

2011-10-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

We are seeking a few more paid Field Organizers. Please forward the attached job description to anyone who might be interested. Things are happening quickly, so please encourage your contacts to apply ASAP. We are hoping to have most of these positions filled by the end of this week. If you have any questions about the position, feel free to contact Jeremy Jansen at jeremyj@wisdems.org.

Click here for the job description.

Personsal Care Changes

2011-10-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability Organizations has heard from people that their Medicaid-covered personal care hours (not supportive home care) have decreased since the Department of Health Services (DHS) changed the interpretation of the Personal Care Screening Tool.

To measure the impact of this change, the Survival Coalition is conducting a survey to collect stories and experiences from across the state. Survey respondents will also have the opportunity to provide feedback regarding the proposed changes in travel reimbursement for personal care workers to and from an individual’s home.

If these changes will impact you or your family, please take a few moments to complete this short survey. Please complete the survey by Wednesday, October 19.

The survey is completely anonymous and does not ask for any information that could identify you or your family. If possible, please provide your city and zip code so the Survival Coalition can determine if any problems are statewide or concentrated in just in one area.

The overall survey results will be made public on the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities website (http://wi-bpdd.org/) and will also be provided to DHS administrators.

The Survival Coalition appreciates your help with this survey. Please forward this message to others who might want to respond. Thank you for your assistance.

For a list of proposed changes click here

Paul Ryan Listening Sessions

2011-10-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

Representative Paul Ryan will hold six listening sessions throughout our district starting October 20, 2011. This is a great opportunity to voice your opinions about the future of the Medicaid and Medicare programs, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income, and other issues that are important to you.

Listening session schedule:
Thursday, October 20
Muskego
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
High Tides Banquet Hall
17745 W. Janesville Road
Oak Creek
2:00 - 3:30 pm
Oak Creek Community Center
8580 South Howell Avenue

Friday, October 21
Racine
9:00 - 10:30 am
Cesar Chavez Auditorium
2221 Douglas Avenue

Friday, October 28
Janesville
9:00 - 10:30 am
Pontiac Convention Center
2809 North Pontiac Drive
Elkhorn
12:00 - 1:30 pm
Monte Carlo Room
720 North Wisconsin Street
Kenosha
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Gateway Technical College
Madrigrano Auditorium
3520 30th Avenue

WI Medicaid Town Hall Forum

2011-10-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

Town Hall Meeting on Medicaid - Friday, October 21 (Milwaukee)

The Department of Health Services (DHS) will hold a Town Hall Meeting in Milwaukee next Friday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. to hear from the public on its 39 proposals to save funding in Medicaid programs. DHS Secretary Dennis Smith and Deputy Secretary Kitty Rhoades will be present at the meeting.

The Town Hall Meeting will be held:
Friday, October 21, 2011
10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M
Wisconsin State Fair Park
Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center
Multi-Purpose Room
640 South 84th St.West Allis, WI 53214
(Use Gate 5 – directly off Hwy 94/84th Street)

DHS is also holding a Town Hall Meeting in Madison from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19.

Many of the 39 proposals will generate cost savings without impacting the services of consumers. A short summary of four proposals that cause concern is available on the DAWN website.

Each speaker will have up to three minutes to share their comments at this forum. Written testimony also can be shared at the meeting. Those unable to attend the Town Hall Meeting can provide comments on the DHS website.

People needing special accommodations to attend or participate in the meeting should notify DHS at 608-266-9622 (TTY 888-701-1250) on or before October 20, 2011.

For a list of the proposed changes click here

Nominations of Officers

2011-10-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Please plan on attending tonight's DPRC Meeting where nominations will be accepted for Officers and the Executive Board for a two year term.

When: 7:00P

Where: Labor Hall

1840 Sycamore Avenue

You are the Keeper of the Dream

2011-09-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

As reported in the JT, Pastor Evans of Greater Mount Eagle Church held a reception for Usha Gandhi Gokani from Bombay, India last night (9/22/11).

DPRC members Mike and Anne Frontier were instrumental in organizing this event. Thank You both!

Our county is in desperate need of inspiration and Mike and Anne helped in providing hope with this event.

I would like to add to the JT's account of the event: Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned for more than 20 years in two different countries and while imprisoned he learned to make sandals. Upon his release, he presented a pair of these sandals thanking those who imprisoned him because without imprisonment he would never have learned this art. Because he was such a great thinker he slept very little; most nights going to bed at 3A and waking by 5A. Only, occasionally would he be in bed by 12A.

I had an opportunity to speak with Mrs. Gokani and she is a truly delightful person. She said that she has been blessed with two sons and always wanted a daughter. Now that her sons are married her wish has come true. She is leaving Racine today and before returning to Bombay she will be flying to Canada to visit her son and his family. Her other son lives in Bombay with his family very near to her. She is a grandmother of four and when she spoke of them there was such pride in her voice. She spoke of how precious children are and how much her grandfather loved children, as well.

Mrs. Gokani was dressed in the traditional manner of Bombay, India and was wearing a handmade black scarf with very intricate beading and design. It was very beautiful.

The picture in the JT has a remarkable story behind it. Pastor Evans held up the plastic cover from the back for all to see and it looked to be at least 20+ years old, all yellowed and truly disposable to the non-artistic eye. The fixture was probably causing poor lighting at the NAACP office and it was going to be discarded.

Local artist James Moore must of had a vision and asked if he could have the old plastic light cover. This piece of plastic is the canvass upon which James painted this beautiful picture of Dr. King and his dream. It is truly an inspiring piece of art and I encourage all who read this to visit Greater Mount Eagle Church to view James' work.

There is a foundation called Gandhi King Foundation. It dedicates its' selve to Sarvodaya Social Order. "In order to receive a right you need to provide a duty. They are hoping that Racine and Kenosha County can form a chapter of this foundation

Artist, James Moore, Racine, WI

All Aboard

2011-09-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

You are invited to help paint the "Walker Recall Prop Train."

A train car was purchased to be used as a prop for the "Walker Recall."
It is located at 7517 60th Street, Kenosha, WI Glacier State Distribution.
Volunteers are needed to help paint next week. (Monday thru Thursday)
Their hours are 9am-2pm, however, other times may be arranged.

Their phone number is 262-657-0711

Voter ID

2011-09-20T22:13:00.000-07:00

The impact of Wisconsin's Law is among the toughest in the entire country and is one of 7 other states that require voters to show a photo ID. Wisconsin is unlike other states because people are permitted to vote if they have certain other documents. In 16 states, voters must show some proof of identity such as a utility bill that includes the voter's name and address.

The most discriminitive provision in the new law is the fact that they are encouraging new residents to lie or making people plan a move around an election day. A voter is required to reside in their ward or district at least 28 days before the election. The past requirement was 10 days.

Wisconsin voters will no longer be able to vote the day before an election. In person absentee ballots must be filed by 5:00P the Friday before the election.

People need to start spreading the word now that if you want to be a voter in Wisconsin they need to read the new law.

Camp Wellstone

2011-09-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

What: Camp Wellstone
When: October 21-23, 2011
Where: Eau Claire Labor Temple
2233 Birch Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703

Camp Wellstone is an intensive and energizing training program that is open to anyone interested in gaining practical skills in progressive political action. Over 16,000 people have graduated from the camps since they began in 2003, and we have held camps in 39 states to date.

This 2.5 day training, running from 3-9pm Friday, 9am-6pm Saturday, and 9am-3:30pm Sunday, combines lectures from highly experienced trainers, stimulating exercises, and interactive simulations. We're counting on you to organize around issues that matter, help build campaigns for the future, and elect progressive candidates to office.

During the camp, participants divide into three tracks:

Electoral Campaigns: Tools and Tactics for Success
Citizen Activism: Grassroots Advocacy and Organizing
Being a Candidate: How to Run and Win a Progressive Campaign

Each track has a distinctive curriculum taught by some of the nation's leading experts in grassroots politics and organizing. In each track, we draw from Paul and Sheila Wellstone's distinctive and innovative approach to politics - something we call the Wellstone Triangle. The three elements of the triangle are: progressive public policy, which lays out an agenda for action; grassroots community organizing, which builds a constituency to fight for change; and grassroots electoral politics, which provides tools for influencing and holding decision-makers accountable.

To get more information and registration details please contact Jen Haut-Prokop at 651.414.6037 or jennifer@wellstone.org.

Freedom of Speech

2011-09-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

Editorial by Penny Sharp

Freedom of Speech is a wonderful liberty that we are all afforded by the Constitution of the United States of America.

I recently came across a couple of You Tube videos that reminded me how passionate people can become when they feel that their government and/or a person in government has let them down.

We have many citizens in Racine County who are college age and older that feel as though they deserve to be heard by those who make decisions in Madison for the entire State of Wisconsin.

If you want to make an appointment with an elected official to discuss a specific issue then you should be allowed to do so. They all have office hours.

I have written to my assembly person on many occasions without receiving a response, but when an appointment was requested he met with me to discuss my concerns. I did not hassle the guy, stalk him with a video camera, or yell to him walking down the street or in public places to set-up the appointment.

I knew there was little chance that we would agree on any of my concerns, but my point is he knew our conversation would not be confrontational.

Stalking an elected official is either going to get you arrested or a restraining order served on you. What benefits will these actions have for organizizing a movement?

The two men who produced the video below are getting the wrong kind of attention and need to understand they will need numbers now. When they have 100 people behind them at the door of an elected official; they will probably be seen immediately; if they come prepared to discuss concerns in a non-controversial manner. These guys blew it just by the way they forced themselves upon him. After watching this video I am unsure what they were expecting to accomplish. You judge for yourselves.

Baldwin for US Senate

2011-09-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

Stand with Tammy Baldwin

A fearless fighter for working families. A champion for choice. A trailblazing progressive ready to bring her record of results to the Senate.

She shocked the pundits when she beat the odds to win her seat in Congress in 1998 — becoming the first openly gay person to join the House of Representatives and the first woman to represent Wisconsin.

Since then, she’s built a strong progressive record — supporting health care for all when others backed down, standing tall for equality when others fell short, and defending a woman’s right to choose from right-wing radicals at every turn.

Now Tammy has a chance become the first female Senator in Wisconsin history — and the first openly gay Senator in American history. But the special interests she’s taken on throughout her career are preparing a new round of nasty attacks — on what she’s done, on what she believes, even on who she is — and she needs all of us standing with her from the start.

We can’t afford to miss this opportunity to send this trailblazer to the Senate. 12,085 are standing with her – will you?

Sign into Facebook so that you can become a supporter too click here

Annual Senior Power Lunch

2011-09-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

The DPRC will be placing an ad in the program. Tickets are $75 each for more info call Marilyn Nemeth at 886-2436

November Elections

2011-09-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

At the September membership meeting, the following members were elected to serve a two year term on the Nominations Committee: Rachel Trobaugh, Bob Henzl, Marcel Dandeneau, Craig Oliver, and Ron Thomas. Thank you for volunteering for this vital role in our party!

Nominations for all elected positions are being accepted and you may send them to Rachel at bobnrach4u@wi.rr.com

The slate of candidates will be presented to the membership at the October 10th meeting to be held at Union Hall, 1840 Sycamore Avenue at 7:00P. Nominations will also be accepted off the floor at this meeting.

Representatives Barca and Turner will be attending the October Membership Meeting.

Labor Fest 2011

2011-09-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

On Monday, September 5th Racine Area Festivals, Inc. will once again be hosting Labor Fest. Event will be held at Franksville Park on Hwys K & H from Noon to 5P.

You are asked to bring non-perishable food items to receive free food, beer, soda, and water. Food items will be donated to the Racine Area Food Bank.

All union members, retired union members, and their families are invited.

A special award has been created for the Senate "14." Other awards include: Labor Person of the Year, Mr and Mrs Solidarity, and Retiree of the Year.

A USA Made Car and Bike Show will be onsight for your viewing pleasure. Don't forget to vote for your favorite. There are 3 trophies and the winners are decided by those who attend and vote.

Humor in Politics?

2011-08-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

Moveon.org is searching the internet daily for humor to add to our daily dose of politics.

This particular You Tube happens to be from the AFL-CIO website.

Remember to laugh out loud - it will make you feel alot better!

2011-07-22T00:26:00.000-07:00

My Fellow American...No Not Nixon!

2011-07-14T01:14:00.000-07:00

My Fellow American is a documentary created by UPF Productions. The award winning Unity Productions has been using social media as an educational tool since 1999 to awaken an awareness of the underdiscussed subject of Muslims and how different faiths and cultures can cohabit in America peacefully side by side.

This documentary hopes to expose Americans to the more complex issues of being a Muslim in America and to breakdown stereotypical beliefs that Muslims are terrorists and victims.

There are 1.4 billion Muslims worldwide, "Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think" is a documentary that demonstrates how news organizations focus on a small fraction of Muslims who are considered militants. This maybe a contributory factor in how Muslims are perceived by non-Muslims.

WELS Truth provides "Truth in Love to Muslims." Their website provides information to Christians about Islam. WELS Truth was started in 2004 here in Wisconsin.

July General Membership Meeting

2011-07-06T22:11:00.000-07:00

Membership Meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 11th at 7:00P
1840 Sycamore Avenue, Racine, WI 53403

Good News or Maybe Not!

2011-06-22T23:03:00.000-07:00

There will not be a democratic primary in Kenosha on July 16th. The republicans are forcing a primary. County Board Vice-Chair Fred Ekornaas, former two-term democratic sheriff, and Attorney Jonathan Steitz who works for a Chicago law firm will duke it out on July 16th.

Mr. Ekornaas is the "Poster Child" for collective bargaining. He doesn't send his retirement check back every month, does he? The same retirement check that he earned as a "Union Member." He uses the Senate 14 for his decision to run as a republican. He only became a democrat to win an election. Racine County's own McReynolds did the same thing - he only became a republican to win an election. They are both party fakes.

Little is known regarding Attorney Jonathan Steitz's political agenda other than the fact that he is using this recall election to garner name recognition for future use. The same year he declared Wisconsin home he was issued a civil warrant. He believes that living in the area for 7 years equals a firm grounding in the community. In his press release he states, "I look forward to a vigorous campaign focused on the issues that the people of the 22nd District are concerned about.” In the same press release he then states, "I intend for my campaign to be a referendum on Bob Wirch’s service. Does this sound like an issues based campaign?

Racine County Fair 2011

2011-06-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

Once again, DPRC will be having a tent at the fair.
The fair begins on July 27th and runs through Sunday.
Would you like to help? Do you have any ideas?

DPRC Member Creates a Blogspot

2011-06-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

There is a new blog in town for recalls

You Much Watch This!

2011-06-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

http://youtu.be/rcVrl0SBVpE

Fighting Bob La Follette

2011-06-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

2010 DPRC Banquet

Some of you may remember that at the Banquet my family and I presented an original charcoal drawing of "Fighting Bob" to Ed Garvey for speaking at our dinner.

It is at times like these that we have got to remember what "Fighting Bob" taught us all. The Progressive Movement stops if we are not engaged in the process. He didn't change the electoral process overnight, but he didn't give up!

"Fighting Bob" gave us open primaries not to be abused in the manner that republicans are threatening, with their so called "fake candidates" just to cause a primary and confusion.

Almost everyone in the country who has a radio or television has heard how Wisconsin is leading the charge for the rest of the country. We cannot let our country and fellow Americans down.

Yes; we were thrown a curve ball, but all this will do is make us stronger and create a tighter bond. The firefighters in Wisconsin have pledged to spend their political dollars on all the recalls. Not because they are affected today, but they know their day is coming. The firefighters have been there for the other public union employees since the beginning. There are Teamsters, IBEW, Cement Masons, Steel, Building Trades, Plumbers, Farmers, and a wealth of others who are indirectly affected by "Walker's Actions" who have been there for the teachers, public workers, and state workers, alike.

They built Walkerville and they don't plan on going home soon. So please join them as soon as you can to protest silently your distain with the "Walker minions."

Membership Meeting

2011-06-13T06:34:00.000-07:00

Tonight at 7:00P Union Hall 1840 Sycamore Avenue in Racine, WI 53403

E-Mails Released

2011-06-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

You can read Ms. Palin's e-mails at Mother Jones.

2011-06-13T00:44:00.001-07:00

Letter from State Chair

2011-06-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

As all of you are aware the Republican Party has decided to recruit Republicans to run as Democrats in the upcoming recall primaries. This has prompted concern on both the state and county level about what assistance the party can provide a candidate if they are involved in a partisan primary.

As such the Executive Committee of the DPW will be putting forth a motion for an email vote to the full Admin Committee no later than Sunday or Monday to endorse the slate of the real Democrats that are running. This will prevent both any individual county and the state party from being in violation of our constitutions for supporting one Democrat over another in a primary.

There is precedent for this as the Milwaukee County Party has had to deal with a fake Democrat as Sheriff and they endorsed his primary opponent. Additionally the admin committee endorsed Tom Barrett for Governor after it became apparent no other serious Democrats would challenge him for the nomination last year.

It is an extraordinary situation that would compel us to endorse in a primary and I consider this situation as warranting such action.

Another One Bites the Dust!

2011-05-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

They just keep on trying but time again they are coming up short.

With less than half the signatures they needed, another recall effort has fizzled against a Democrat who stood up for Wisconsin workers.

This time, it was a challenge to Senator Julie Lassa. She was part of the Fab 14 Democratic Senators who left the state briefly to slow Scott Walker’s train to bust unions.

In all, Walker allies came up with far less than half the signatures that worker advocates collected against six Republican Senators who voted for Walkers assault on workers.

It’s just another example of the huge gap in momentum we have on our side.

Wisconsin citizens are seething about the extremism and overreaching by Walker and his allies.

Saturday saw yet another massive rally in Madison to oppose Walker’s agenda.

Just last week Republicans coughed up an Assembly seat they had held by a large margin for nearly two decades – because of opposition to the Walker agenda.

Be part of the Virtual Lobby Day this Thursday, May 19th.

Watch for an email this Thursday that will make it easy for you to connect with your legislators and add your emails to the mountain of opposition we are building together.

Despite ample evidence to the contrary, our opponents keep thinking that we will simply lose heart and give up. Obviously, we aren’t going away and we need to make sure they know it.

Thank you for helping my family and all hard working families in Wisconsin stand up against unnecessary union busting. Unions have had a place in the American workforce for decades and you are proving that they are just as important today as the day they were first organized.

Americans Love-Hate Relationship With Oil

2011-05-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

Herb Kohl has been a tremendous advocate for everyone in Wisconsin. From training programs for displaced workers after the Janesville GM plant closed to improving school breakfast programs for our children he has worked tremendously hard for Wisconsin.

Over the past month many of you have probably been reading about Kohl's NOPEC Act which promises to prevent OPEC from manipulating production that causes Americans to pay more at the pump.

This is a little history lesson on OPEC that probably many of us need a refresher on.

OPEC's mission has not changed since it was formed in 1960.

The mission statement of the organization is "to coordinate & unify the petroleum policies of member countries & ensure the stabilization of oil markets in order to secure an efficient, economic & regular supply of petroleum to consumers, a steady income to producers & a fair return on capital to those investing in the petroleum industry". OPEC

One of the founding 5 countries of OPEC was Venezuela. Many know that President Chavez of Venezuela is not a friend to the United States and in the 90's he took controlling interests in many British, Canadian, and American oil companies by nationalizing the oil industry by forcing these foreign oil companies with assets in Venezuela to share 60% of their profits. Here is a small list of companies who were doing business in Venezuela Exxon Mobil, Conoco Phillips, Royal Dutch Shell, BP Oil, Repsol, Statoil, and Chevrontexaco. Many of these companies left Venezuela including Exxon Mobil, Chevrontexaco, and Petro-Canada because the stakes became too high.

After reading this "How is the OPEC cartel any different than a drug cartel?" The buyer of its' products is under no consideration. It is all about pure profit. If our American companies are paying 60% of their profits to President Chavez of course we, the consumers, are going to have to make up the difference.

The United States had one chance to even the playing field and it was during our formal occupation of Iraq thru the Coalition Provisional Authority. (The US was a member of OPEC during this occupation) The President, at that time, promised the American people prosperity thru oil in exchange for mortgaging our country all in the pursuit of weapons of mass destruction.

The American People can drive the price of oil down without the government's help.

1. Sell all of your oil shares now. Look at your 401K portfolios and get out of oil.

2. Only drive one of your three cars, carpool, ride the bus or a bicycle, and limit your fuel consumption.

OPEC will get it and they will drop a barrel of oil down to $80.00 and a gallon of gas will cost around $2.89 again. If you like paying $4.09 a gallon wait for the government to fix your problems.

Why is July 12th Important?

2011-05-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

This is the day that the GAB (Government Accountability Board) has set aside for most of the recall elections in Wisconsin.

Forward Foners go to this link

The momentum is building and with your help, Democrats will be successful and can take back the Senate.

Fraudulent Signature on Petition

2011-04-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

Amazing what people will do to win......

In an effort to recall State Senator Bob Wirch (D-Kenosha) the republicans allowed a person's name to be included on their petition who passed away 20 years ago.

The person is none other than Bill Pocan whose son is Representative Mark Pocan (D-Madison).

Please don't let the Republicans get away with this outrageous tactic. Go to: www.wisdems.org/takingbackwisconsin to sign up to help spread the word today at the Thunda Round the Rotunda Rally. We will be meeting at the Democratic Party Office at 110 King Street in Madison at 2:00pm.

Be Prepared to Stand in Line

2011-04-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

Gov. Walker’s proposed 2011-13 state budget caps new enrollments for all
of Wisconsin’s major long term care programs for children and adults with
disabilities and older adults. People currently getting services will
still receive them. Nursing home care is exempt from the cap.

For example, counties with Family Care and IRIS would not be able to add
new people to the programs unless a current participant dies or leaves.
Students leaving high school would transition to a waiting list. Waiting
lists for community programs will grow across the state.

The Legislative Audit Bureau released a report on Family Care that
confirms the program has increased access to services that enable people
with disabilities and older adults to maintain their independence and
remain in their own homes. Disability advocates fear that once the cap is
in place, the only option for people with long term support needs in
crisis will be institutional care such as nursing homes.

Disability advocates are circulating a petition to legislators asking
them to Keep the Community Promise and lift the caps on long term care
programs.

The Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities supports
expanding the Family Care, IRIS and Family Care Partnership programs
statewide by the end of the next budget and strongly opposes the cap on
enrollment. If you have an opinion, now is the time to take action:

E-mail your comments to the Joint Finance Committee at
budgetcomments@legis.wisconsin.gov. Please be sure to include your name
and address.

• Contact your own state representative and state senator with your
comments. If you don’t know who they are go to
http://www.dawninfo.org/advocacy/legislature.cfm to find out.

• Consider adding your name to the petition to legislators asking them
to Keep the Community Promise and lift the caps. To view the petition and
sign it go to http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/keepthecommunitypromise/
The deadline to sign the petition is May 10.

• Send your own story about being on the waiting list or enrolled in
Family Care, IRIS, or the Children’s Long Term Support waiver to Chris
Thomas-Cramer at Christine.ThomasCramer@Wisconsin.gov. Please contact
Chris at the same address if you have any questions.

There is still time to make your opinions heard on the state budget!

Ryan Being Painted as a Contender Against Obama

2011-04-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 24, 2011
McClatchy Report

"There’s nothing serious about a plan that claims to reduce the deficit by spending a trillion dollars on tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. And I don't think there’s anything courageous about asking for sacrifice from those who can least afford it and don’t have any clout on Capitol Hill. That's not a vision of the America I know."

Ryan said he was stunned.

"When the president reached out to ask us to attend his speech, we were expecting an olive branch," he said afterwards. "Instead, his speech was excessively partisan, dramatically inaccurate, and hopelessly inadequate to address our fiscal crisis. What we heard today was not fiscal leadership from our commander-in-chief; we heard a political broadside from our campaigner-in-chief."

The next day, Obama ripped Ryan while speaking to campaign contributors in Chicago, in what he thought was an off-the-record session.

"When Paul Ryan says his priority is to make sure, you know, he’s just being America’s accountant …,” Obama said in remarks taped through an open microphone by CBS reporter Mark Knoller, "this is the same guy that voted for two wars that were unpaid for, voted for the Bush tax cuts that were unpaid for, voted for the prescription drug bill that cost as much as my health care bill — but wasn’t paid for. So it’s not on the level. And we’ve got to keep on, you know, keep on shining a light on that.”

Then last week in California, Obama reacted almost with anger when asked to respond to pundits who credit Ryan with being bold and courageous in making the first detailed proposal to cut deficits.

"The Republican budget that was put forward I would say is fairly radical. I wouldn’t call it particularly courageous," Obama said. "I do think Mr. Ryan is sincere. I think he’s a patriot. I think he wants to solve a real problem, which is our long-term deficit. But I think that what he and the other Republicans in the House of Representatives also want to do is change our social compact in a pretty fundamental way."

Polls suggest that Obama may have the upper hand. A McClatchy-Marist poll last week, for example, found that voters by 2-1 support raising taxes on the wealthy, and by 4-1 they also don’t want to cut Medicare.

Obama wants to raise income and other taxes on incomes above $200,000. He also wants to raise Social Security taxes on income above 106,800.

Ryan proposes to slash top income tax rates on high incomes from 35 percent to 25 percent, but also would eliminate some unspecified deductions and loopholes.

Republicans concede that it was politically risky for Ryan to propose a detailed plan to curb deficits. But they think voters will reward him for stepping up to the problem, and that Obama will pay a price for appearing more partisan than serious.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

2011-04-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

Your action NOW can make the difference because the Wisconsin Legislature is currently considering the National Popular Vote bill to reform the Electoral College. Under the National Popular Vote bill, the presidential candidate who gets the most popular votes in all 50 states and DC will become President.

Because electoral votes are currently awarded to the candidate who gets the most popular votes inside each separate state, the second-place candidate has won the Presidency in 4 of our nation's 56 presidential elections. This is a 1 in 14 failure rate.

The states have the constitutional authority to change the method of awarding electoral votes so as to establish a national popular vote for President. The National Popular Vote bill has already been enacted into law by Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington state, and the District of Columbia. The bill has been approved by at least one legislative house in another 15 states.

Recently, entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Golisano announced his role as national spokesperson for the National Popular Vote. Tom Golisano is the founder and chairman of Paychex, the second largest payroll processor in the United States. He founded the B. Thomas Golisano foundation, which has donated tens of millions of dollars to charitable causes over the last 26 years.

In New York, the National Popular Vote bill recently passed the New York Senate 52-7.

In California, California Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair Jerry Hill joined Republican Caucus Chair Brian Nestande in sponsoring the bill.

In Oklahoma, the Senate Rules Committee recently approved the National Popular Vote bill by an 11-3 vote, with Republicans favoring it 6-3 and Democrats favoring it 5-0. However, the bill was not taken up by the full Senate.

In Connecticut, the bill was recently approved by a 10-5 bipartisan vote by the Government, Administration, and Elections Committee.

The bill has been endorsed by 2,011 state legislators around the country.

The National Popular Vote bill is endorsed by Common Cause, FairVote, League of Women Voters, Sierra Club, NAACP, National Black Caucus of State Legislators, ACLU, the National Latino Congreso, Asian American Action Fund, DEMOS, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Public Citizen, U.S. PIRG, the Brennan Center for Justice, and Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund. The bill has been endorsed by newspapers such as The New York Times, Boston Globe, Chicago Sun-Times, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Hartford Courant, Sacramento Bee, and many more.

As the Sarasota Florida Herald Tribune said: "The most compelling and practical alternative is promoted by a bipartisan group called National Popular Vote. The NPV proposal calls for legislatures to pass bills committing their state's electoral votes to the candidate who receives the most popular votes nationwide; the bill would take effect only when enacted by states that together have enough electoral votes to elect a president."

Learn more here

Forum at Carthage College, Monday, April 18th

2011-04-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

Please join Senator Bob Wirch, Representative Peter Barca and others on Monday, April 18th to discuss issues including Voter ID, the Future of Wisconsin Elections, and how using public money is working for Supreme Court races.

Meet in Jockey Room B at Carthage College from 6:30P to 8:00P.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions and light refreshments will be served.

Presented by Common Cause of Wisconsin a not for profit organization devoted to election reform.

2011 Banquet Pictures

2011-03-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you Bonnie for sharing your photos

We Have To Ask, Is This What Walker Has Planned for Wisconsin Poor Next?

2011-03-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

St. Paul, MN – Minnesota Republicans are pushing legislation that would make it a crime for people on public assistance to have more $20 in cash in their pockets any given month. This represents a change from their initial proposal, which banned them from having any money at all.

LINK

Upcoming Labor Events

2011-03-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

21st Senate District (Justin Geiger 414-745-4177)

Wednesday, 3/16/2011 - 4:00pm
M&I Bank Protest - 1 Main Street, Racine, WI
Friday, 3/18/11 4pm-6pm
Visibility Hwy 31 and Hwy 20 Racine, WI.

Open Records Complaint

2011-03-16T21:08:00.000-07:00

Dane Co. DA Ozanne: Files complaint for open meetings law violations
3/16/2011

After receiving verified complaints in relation to an open meetings law violation by a joint committee of the State Legislature last Wednesday, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne announced he has filed a complaint in the Dane County Circuit Court charging violations of the open meetings law in an effort to vindicate the interests of the public in ensuring governmental bodies at all levels adhere to all of the requirements of the open meetings law.

“Once this office received a verified complaint, which is needed by statute to give us jurisdiction, we began an investigation,” said District Attorney Ozanne. “Our investigation has found merit in the verified complaints, which allows us to commence this litigation. This litigation does not address the merits or the wisdom of the legislation.”

Has Governor Walker Lost the War?

2011-03-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

By Ricker Unger

Forbes

In what may be the result of one of the great political miscalculations of our time, Scott Walker’s popularity in his home state is fast going down the tubes.

A Rasmussen poll out today reveals that almost 60% of likely Wisconsin voters now disapprove of their aggressive governor’s performance, with 48% strongly disapproving.

While these numbers are clearly indicators of a strategy gone horribly wrong, there are some additional findings in the poll that I suspect deserve even greater attention.

It turns out that the state’s public school teachers are very popular with their fellow Badgers. With 77% of those polled holding a high opinion of their educators, it is not particularly surprising that only 32% among households with children in the public school system approve of the governor’s performance. Sixty-seven percent (67%) disapprove, including 54% who strongly disapprove.

Can anyone imagine a politician succeeding with numbers like this among people who have kids?

These numbers should be of great concern not only to Governor Walker but to governors everywhere who were planning to follow down the path of war with state employee unions. You can’t take on the state worker unions without taking on the teachers – and the teachers are more popular than Gov. Walker and his cohorts appear to realize.

The data should also weigh heavily on the minds of each and every Republican gearing up to run for president in 2012 as the actions of Governor Walker, Kasich and anyone else planning to enter this fight are bringing Christmas to the Obama re-election campaign as they return rank and file union members to where they once lived - the Democratic Party.

The defection of union members to the Republican Party has been an important part of the electoral math for successful GOP candidates for many years now and a real thorn in the side for the democrats.

Consider the re-election campaign of President George W. Bush where success came down to winning the vote in Northeastern Ohio.

I’m from Northeastern Ohio. I can tell you without hesitation that union flows through the blood of these people who spent so much of their lives in the steel mills (before they closed up) and are reminded each and every day of how well their union looked out for them. While a number of these people are retired and living on their pensions provided by their collective bargaining agreement, their kids – many of whom do not hold union jobs- remain very appreciative of what the unions did for mom and dad.

While this appreciation may not have prevented these people from siding politically with the social philosophy of George W. Bush – as they did- had Bush taken on the unions in his re-election bid, the outcome would likely have been very different.

These strong, emotional attachments to the unions persist in many of the rust belt states where so many key presidential battlegrounds can be found.

While Governor Walker may yet succeed in getting his budget repair bill through the legislative process and accomplish his goal of reducing collective bargaining to a shell of its former self, the larger battle appears to already be lost. And while Walker – still in the earliest stages of his term-may be able to recover over the next three and a half years, from a national perspective, I don’t know that Walker’s future makes any difference at all.

The damage has already been done.

Should Gov. Walker accomplish his goal, he will have stoked a level of union anger that I very much suspect will become a key driver in an Obama victory in 2012. He will also have prompted the nation’s unions to work together for a common objective– a feat that would have seemed impossible just one month ago.

If Walker loses his fight, he will have reminded the unions of the importance of fighting back against their enemies, reminding them of how life was for their forbearers who fought to establish the modern union movement. This will ignite the passion for battle while reminding those union folks who have been voting republican of the importance of sticking with the party that sticks with them.

Walker would have done well to take ‘yes’ for an answer when the unions agreed to his financial proposals. Given the procedural advantages in Ohio, where the GOP legislators could push through the anti-collective bargaining bill without the need for Democratic legislators, Walker should have backed down and allowed John Kasich to take the lead in the effort.

The Wisconsin governor’s desire to be at the forefront of his perceived GOP revolution may not only have doomed the anti-union effort, but it may forever label him as the man who gave the democrats the gift that keeps on giving – the return of the union rank and file into the arms of the Democratic Party.

Madison, WI

2011-03-06T04:28:00.000-08:00

'America Is NOT Broke': Michael Moore Speaks in Madison, WI -- March 5, 2011
- Watch more Politics Videos at Vodpod.

Michael Moore said, "All of America thanks you, thank you Wisconsin, unbelievable" when he joined the rally in Madison, on Saturday, March 5th. He came to deliver a speech called "America is not broke."

I'm Watching

2011-03-04T03:49:00.000-08:00

“He tapped me on the shoulder and told me that he’d be late to dinner because he was in Madison at the Capitol building,” Janice Hand is recounting an eerie dream she had last night. “Lenny was wearing the same clothes he wore to the McCain rally above where he protested against another Republican in the White House. You know, that green AFSCME teeshirt.” She characterized her conversation with her late husband as “classic Lenny.” “He told me that he bumped into Scott Walker at the Capitol, and then punched him in the nose. No one was around to see the altercation, so Lenny walked away without being arrested. ‘Otherwise,’ he said, ‘you would have had to bail me out of jail!’” It’s not like he hadn’t been there before on behalf of Labor.

Close your eyes for a minute and picture Lenny in full protest gear.

Can you see him? That’s right, you have to look up to see his face!! He’s wearing a baseball cap along with that green tee, and he’s stabbing a sign at the clouds above him.

Can you read it? It says, “Walker sucks. Impeach him!!” It’s all printed out over a picture of Walker with a Hitler mustache inked in over his upper lip. Lenny’s strong voice can be heard over the rest of the crowd.

Can you hear him? He’s chanting, “Unions are here to stay, Walker must go away!”

There’s a Tea Party group protesting right next to him, they keep pushing against him as though he wasn’t an immovable wall of intimidating flesh. Can you imagine what he’d do in return? He’d walk all over anyone with no apologies for a brother, just a cunning little smile and a glint in his eyes. By sheer determination, Lenny charges up the Capitol steps, breaking through the doors that had just minutes ago been locked against the protesters.

Can you see what’s he’s doing? Lenny’s waving his arms to the crowd, telling them to follow him into the rotunda where his chanting echoes throughout the dome. In minutes, it can be heard everywhere, even in the Governor’s chamber where, lo and behold, Scott Walker is cowering in the furthest corner. Oh, someone’s walking up to Lenny. Do you see him? That’s Bob Turner, one of his oldest friends … his brother in arms. He’s slapping Lenny’s back, congratulating him on his impeccable choice of signage. Now, Lenny’s whispering something in Bob’s ear.

Can you hear what he’s saying? Right, Lenny’s outlining the steps to the Robin Vos recall that’s just the first Republican to be taken out of office. Yep, Lenny’s confirming that the Vos recall is practice for the bigger one … the Walker recall.

That’s when my friend opened her sleepy eyes and saw just a wisp of air movement and heard the faint remnants of Lenny’s last words. "I’m watching. Keep up the good work! I love you all!”

Rally in Union Grove

2011-02-28T12:54:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday 3-2-11 we will be holding a joint union meeting at the Legion hall in Union Grove. The meeting will start at 3:30 and there will be speakers to let people know what is going on and what we need to do. There will be flyers sent to the buildings asap. I need all of you to start telling the members about this change. We will hold our exec. board meeting at the office like normal. All other membership meetings are canceled for this month. Again this will be a joint meeting and other locals will be invited. After the meeting we will march peaceful protest down main street in Union Grove. Bring your signs and dress appropriate for the weather. Paul Krien

More than 100,000 Rally in Wisconsin

2011-02-28T12:47:00.000-08:00

On a snowy Wisconsin Saturday over 100,000 union members, working families, community members, faith leaders, activist groups and concerned citizens gathered in Madison to tell Gov. Walker to stop the attacks on the middle class and kill the bill.

Despite the weather, today’s rally was the biggest in the 13 days of protests. The people of Wisconsin will continue to fight for their rights. It is time for our elected officials to show leadership, come to the table and move Wisconsin forward.

Wisconsin’s teachers, nurses, snow plow drivers, and other public employees have agreed to Walker’s pension and health care concessions, which he said would solve the budget challenge. The Governor’s continued attacks on our state’s working families harm us all. It is now up to the Governor to be reasonable and listen to his constituents.

The whole nation has taken notice of what we are doing in Wisconsin. Today solidarity rallies were held in all 50 states, as America stands with Wisconsin.

What’s happened in our state has made the whole labor movement stronger. None of this would have been possible without the support, dedication and solidarity of both union members and non-union members who understand more than they have in a long time just how much we’re all in this together.

Racine Labor Needs Your Help

2011-02-27T11:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend,

Senator Van Wanggaard has a decision to make.

Will Wanggaard support Governor Walker's effort to gut collective bargaining rights? Or will he do his job and stand up for the hard-working families of Racine County?

Boiled down, the decision is simple - will he choose 'Walker or Workers'?

We're taking to the streets this week to force Senator Wanggaard to make a decision - going door-to-door in his own neighborhood and distributing 'Walker or Workers' yard signs to highlight just what's at stake.

We need your help to hold Van Wanggaard accountable, so please sign up for one or more yard sign canvass shifts today. Details are included below.

======================================================

'Walker or Workers' Door-to-Door Canvass at the Racine Labor Hall 1840 Sycamore Avenue (across from Skatetown)

Sunday, Feb 27: 12pm to 5pm *Kick-off yard sign canvass*

Monday, Feb 28: 3pm to 5:30pm

Tuesday, March 1: 3pm to 5:30pm

Wednesday, March 2: 3pm to 5:30pm

Thursday, March 3: 3pm to 5:30pm

=======================================================

To sign up or receive additional information, call (262) 770-5098 or email RacineLabor@gmail.com.
Even an hour will make a huge difference. With your help, we can stop this bill and save collective bargaining rights for Wisconsin families.

In Solidarity,
Jason Stephany
Josh Stephany

Whose Plane is it?

2011-02-26T23:04:00.000-08:00

If the state of Wiscsonsin was truly having any financial problems would you predict that your Governor would drive up in a personal jet in Kenosha? Sell the jet and the mansion. You went for a ride and slept in the beds, now sell them.
Maybe someday the state will be prospering again and it will be able to afford these luxuries; the worker's deserve a governor who is willing to lead by example "Sell the Plane" and "Sell the Mansion."

1977 Teacher's Strike

2011-02-26T22:16:00.000-08:00

This is a picture on the JT from the 1977 Teacher's Strike, which lasted nearly 2 months. According to the articles on the JT now RUSD Board Member and Alderman Dennis Wiser was a Math teacher who picketed.

Thank goodness that this can't happen here

2011-02-25T05:33:00.000-08:00

In Providence, Rhode Island Mayor Taveras sent nearly 2,000 teachers notices of potential layoffs for the 2011-2012 school year. Read the whole story here.

In Racine we have a Democratic Mayor, who does not have authority over the School District. In Racine, the School Board along with the District Administrator run the school system.

Banquet Announcement

2011-02-25T04:56:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, March 6, 2010 the Democratic Party of Racine County will be hosting our Annual Awards Banquet at the Summit. Please contact Bonnie Greasby for ticket information via e-mail at greasbyaft@yahoo.com

Gwen Moore on "The View"

2011-02-24T04:52:00.000-08:00

Watch Gwen Moore today on "The View" at 10A today on WISN 12. She is slated to discuss "Women's Health."

It's the Inequality, Stupid

2011-02-24T04:44:00.000-08:00

Mother Jones
has 11 charts posted showing what's wrong with America.This is everything the republicans do not want Americans to know. Spread the word to everyone you know that the middle class is barely treading water.

Top Cop Speaks

2011-02-24T00:35:00.000-08:00

Schmaling, who has received some criticism over directing deputies not to comply with the new law, said he believes any mandate that puts deputies or the community in an unsafe situation needs to be repealed.

As the sun sets on the Senate's vote to repeal racial profiling law we are reminded how important it is to vote.

The Sheriff broke the law by making a personal judgement call. What is the NAACP's position?

What did we expect? Walker admitted during his phone call with Ian Murphy that they would start voting on important democratic issues to lure them back into the state. Even if the "14" would have been on the floor for the vote, it would have passed. Next up is Voter ID. BEWARE - this will disinfranchise Americans. Just because other states do it - doesn't make it right.

Racine Firefighter Mike DeGarmo

2011-02-23T06:06:00.000-08:00

Support our 14 Senators

2011-02-22T22:16:00.000-08:00

There is a petition available online asking for everyone in Wisconsin and across the country to sign in support of our 14 Senators in Wisconsin and for all. hardworking American Union Workers. This is one site that is not asking for a donation. Just complete the petition. Thank you for your support of the American ideology.

Celebration in Milwaukee

2011-02-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

Please join hosts Rep. Gwen Moore (invited), Stephanie Findley and Martha Love with special guests Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Chris Abele, candidate for Milwaukee County Executive on Thursday, February 24th at 5:30 at Savoy's in Milwaukee as we celebrate Black History Month. We are excited to announce that we will be honoring the following individuals for their leadership and commitment to democratic values:

Milwaukee Common Council President Willie Hines

Representative Tamara Grigsby

Terrell Martin

Suggested contribution is $30. Please visit to contribute and RSVP today!

Details:

Thursday, February 24th, 5:30-8pm
Savoy's, 2901 North 5th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212

Upcoming Events for Community

2011-02-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 21, 2011
3:30-5:30P
Town Hall Meeting
2100 Layard Avenue
Racine, WI 53404

Tuesday, February 22, 2011
6:30P - ?
Pastoral Forum
New Omega Baptist Church
5731 Northwestern Avenue
Racine, WI 53406

Madison Bus Schedule

2011-02-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 21, 2011
Bus Leaves Park and Ride at 7:00A
Hwy 11 Park and Ride

Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Bus Leaves Park and Ride at 7:00A
Hwy 11 Park and Ride

These buses are paid for by AFSCME

Charles Woodson says he backs organized labor

2011-02-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

Feb. 20, 2011 10:17 a.m.
By Don Walker at Milwaukee Journal

Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers says he's with working families in Wisconsin.

In a statement released Sunday morning by the National Football League Players Association, Woodson said he was "proud when many of my current and former teammates announced their support for the working families fighting for their rights in Wisconsin. Today I am honored to join with them.

"Thousands of dedicated Wisconsin public workers provide vital services for Wisconsin citizens. They are the teachers, nurses and child care workers who take care of us and our families. These hard working people are under an unprecedented attack to take away their basic rights to have a voice and collectively bargain at work."

Woodson did not name Gov. Scott Walker, whose budget-repair bill would strip collective bargaining rights from members of public employee unions.

Woodson is one of the Packers' elected representatives to the NFLPA. Woodson said it was an honor to be a part of Green Bay and Wisconsin. "I am also honored as a member of the NFL Players Association to stand together with working families of Wisconsin and organized labor in their fight against this attempt to hurt them by targeting unions. I hope those leading the attack will sit down with Wisconsin's public workers and discuss the problems Wisconsin faces, so that together they can truly move Wisconsin forward."

Aaron Rodgers, who is also a NFLPA representative, has not made a statement on the controversy.

Union Members Weigh In on Collective Bargaining

2011-02-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

Over at the JT there are videos of what union member's think of Governor Walker's attack on hardworking families in Wisconsin. In 1959, Wisconsin became the first state to adopt "Collective Bargaining."

Wisconsin by far is not the most liberal state in the union with regards to worker's rights. It doesn't matter if you are a union member or not in California they pay everyone who works over 8 hours in a day time and a half; full-time and part-time employees enjoy these same benefits. Also in California, if you work a holiday, union or non-union, workers are paid double time.

Even the Green Bay Packers are weighing in on the fundamental rights of workers to negotiate wages.

Thunder Struck Madison Today

2011-02-15T17:34:00.000-08:00

Fellow Democrats:

Today, I went to our Capitol and saw something more magnificent than the gilded bronze or the carved marble there.

I saw average Wisconsinites standing up. I saw the rebirth of a movement.

Nurses from Burnett County. Snowplow drivers from Shawano. Ironworkers from Waukesha. Firefighters from Madison. Union and non-union alike, from big cities like Milwaukee and Appleton, and small cities like Siren and Belmont.

All of them unified with one voice against Scott Walker's big-government power grab that's going on right now that threatens not merely public employees, not only members of the union movement that have made Wisconsin great, but every single person in this state.

Today and tomorrow, individuals and groups from all around the state are converging on the Capitol in an awakening that has rarely been seen in our state as Walker's overreach is being ramrodded through a lockstep Legislature.

Walker has shown political cowardice by using a budget bill to make radical policy, in this case ending seven decades of collective bargaining by public employees and using a divisive campaign against the nurses and lunch ladies, teachers and corrections guards that are our friends and neighbors.

I believe that what I saw today is just the beginning of a movement that will help stop Scott Walker's extreme and partisan efforts to roll back protections for the middle class and to stunt Wisconsin's modern economy.

The Democratic Party of Wisconsin will need your help to grow this movement. If you haven't already, please renew your membership. And if you can, please get one person to join the Party.

What I saw today gave me great hope, and it should give you great hope, too.

Sincerely,

Mike Tate
Chair
Democratic Party of Wisconsin

It is time to vote

2011-02-13T20:25:00.000-08:00

On Channel 12 out of Milwaukee they are currently running a poll:

Do you think that taking away collective bargaining rights from state union workers is the best way to fix the budget deficit?

Choice Votes Percentage of 6,561 Votes

Yes 656 10%

No 5,727 87%

Maybe 65 1%

I don't know enough about it. 113 2%

Thank you for taking this survey.

WI AFL CIO TV Ad

2011-02-13T17:22:00.000-08:00

Letter To DPRC Members From Scott Sharp

2011-02-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

This is a copy of a letter sent out last night by Scott Sharp, 1st Vice Chair of The Democratic Party of Racine.

To all Members of the Democratic Party of Racine County:

The attached Walker Budget is painful to read. It is 144 pages long. I have read the document in its' entirety and would like to give you the highlights:

This budget proposes to strip collective bargaining rights
Reduce wage increases down to the CPI (Consumer Price Index)
Freeze wages until next contracts are settled
All employees covered under WRS (Wisconsin Retirement System) would start contributing a mandatory amount of 5.8% of their wages starting on April 1st, or the first day of a new contract
All employees covered under the State's Health Insurance would be required to pay 12.6% toward their health insurance premium
Bargaining items that would also be removed are: just cause protection from discipline and discharge, hours and shifts worked, tuition reimbursement, life insurance, vacation and personal leave days
Employers would be prohibited from collecting union dues and those who are covered under collective bargaining would not be required to pay dues. Unions would be required to represent all employees equally without collection of dues

We have many people in our party with a union affiliation either from a parent, siblings, and/or ancestors. You have always been the back-bone of the Democratic Party. Whether you have retired or are actively working you know what Unions have done for all worker's rights in the United States. We created the forty-hour work week, vacation time, sick time, health insurance coverage, worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, overtime, and many more benefits that non-union employees share in their workplaces today.

Just this past year, then Senator John Lehman introduced legislation, which passed, that all public schools need to teach their students the History of Labor Unions in the United States as part of their regular curriculum. Wisconsin has always been a leader in "Worker's Rights" starting in 1911, WI was the first state to pass worker's compensation and then again in 1932, to enact unemployment compensation. AFSCME was founded in Wisconsin in 1936 and in 1959 Wisconsin was one of the first states to inact collective bargaining.

I would like to thank each of you for your past, present, and future support of the men and women of AFSCME and all union members in the State of Wisconsin.

Scott Sharp
1st Vice-Chair, DPRC
President, AFSCME Local 67

General Membership Meeting

2011-02-10T03:33:00.000-08:00

On Monday, February 14th, yes it's Valentine's Day, the Democratic Party of Racine County will welcome the State Chair, Mike Tate, Eric Marcus Mayoral Candidate, and several Aldermanic Candidates at the next General Membership Meeting.

The meeting is free and begins at 7:00P.

D.C. Bound for the Barretts

2011-02-03T18:35:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, Milwaukee's Mayor Tom Barrett accepted an invitation for himself and son to watch the Superbowl at the White House with President and First Lady Obama.

"It's an incredibly kind gesture, and I really do appreciate the president and first lady thinking of me and my son," Barrett said. "The fact that I will be watching the Packers win the Super Bowl with the Bear’s 'fan-in-chief' is particularly satisfying. This is a great honor and will be a lasting memory for Tommy and me."

Klements and Usinger sausage will be going with the Mayor and son Tommy as a gift to the hosts. Congratulations, Tom, watching the game in the theater will be an experience of a lifetime just like seeing the Packers playing in the Superbowl.

A Message from Our First Lady

2011-02-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to make sure you are the first to hear some very exciting news. Charlotte, North Carolina, will host the 46th Democratic National Convention in 2012.

Charlotte is a city marked by its southern charm, warm hospitality, and an "up by the bootstraps" mentality that has propelled the city forward as one of the fastest-growing in the South. Vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunity, the Queen City is home to innovative, hardworking folks with big hearts and open minds. And of course, great barbecue.

Barack and I spent a lot of time in North Carolina during the campaign -- from the Atlantic Coast to the Research Triangle to the Smoky Mountains and everywhere in between. Barack enjoyed Asheville so much when he spent several days preparing for the second Presidential debate that our family vacationed there in 2009.

And my very first trip outside of Washington as First Lady was to Fort Bragg, where I started my effort to do all we can to help our heroic military families.

All the contending cities were places that Barack and I have grown to know and love, so it was a hard choice. But we are thrilled to be bringing the convention to Charlotte.

We hope many of you can join us in Charlotte the week of September 3rd, 2012. But if you can't, we intend to bring the spirit of the convention -- as well as actual, related events to your community and even your own backyard.

More than anything else, we want this to be a grassroots convention for the people. We will finance this convention differently than it's been done in the past, and we will make sure everyone feels closely tied in to what is happening in Charlotte. This will be a different convention, for a different time.

To help us make sure this is a grassroots convention -- The People's Convention -- we need to hear from you. We want to know what you'd like to see at next year's convention, how and where you plan on watching it -- and the very best way we can engage your friends and neighbors.

I can't believe it has been more than two years since my brother Craig introduced me at the 2008 Convention in Denver. It truly feels like it was yesterday.

As I looked out at a sea of thousands of supporters that night, I spoke about my husband -- the man whom this country would go on to elect as the 44th President of the United States. I spoke about his fundamental belief -- a conviction at the very core of his life's work -- that each of us has something to contribute to the spirit of our nation.

That's also the belief at the core of The People's Convention. That the table we sit at together ought to be big enough for everyone. That the thread that binds us -- a belief in the promise of this country -- is strong enough to sustain us through good times and bad.

Barack talked at the State of the Union of his vision for how America can win the future. That must be the focus now, and I know so many of you will help talk about our plans with your neighbors -- that through innovation, education, reform, and responsibility we can make sure America realizes this vision.

But, conventions take time to plan, so please help us make sure that your thoughts and your ideas will ring all the way to Charlotte. Get started now:

Looking forward to sharing this together,

Michelle

An Appropriate Post For Today and Everyday

2011-02-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Today as the snow falls and we prepare for the upcoming blizzard, many people will expect and know that we will get through the blizzard conditions for many reasons. Many people stayed home today and are preparing to go home early as I write, our office included.

I just want to remind you all and say thank you to those who will help us out today; Our mail has already been delivered and the deliveries will continue; the streets are being salted and plowed; fire, police and emergency management and kicked into gear; the Deputy Sheriffs have been assisting in emergencies on our roadways, and many other public servants and officials are doing all we expect them to do. The airport might have delays but it will get plowed and flights will get out.

Our children are being sent home and their teachers and Principals and the MPS administration will do their best to make sure they are home safe. And I am certain there are a host of others who are working very hard to make sure that we get through yet another snow emergency, these are services provided by public sector workers. Many will not ever know that they are appreciated or even thought of today.

This is why I am a taxpayer in the state of Wisconsin and proud of it. I know and expect certain things will just happen and they will. So when you think about the services you receive and the ones you take for granted, like that nasty garbage you tossed and didn’t want to touch anymore, thank a public sector worker, for doing your dirty work! They are worth every dime we pay for them and more.

Sheila D. Cochran

Secretary Treasurer/Chief Operating Officer

633 South Hawley Road, Suite 110

Milwaukee, WI 53214

A Day of Transformation

2011-01-27T23:06:00.001-08:00

From Investopedia

2011-01-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

This is a great article on how we are taxed to death in this country. WARNING do not read on an empty stomach!

Kay Collins Letter to the Editor.

2011-01-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

Study hall next?

Will Congress need a study hall period next?

New members of Congress have produced another theatrical extravaganza - passing a protest bill to repeal the new health care laws, a bill that has no chance of passing the Senate nor the President's desk.

How much money, resources and time was wasted on the first theatrical production, a quasi-symbolic reading of the U.S. Constitution on the House floor? All of the new members should have comprehensively studied and thoroughly learned that document before they ran for Congress in the first place.

That reading was a first because in the previous 111 Congresses the Representatives were expected to have done their homework and been well versed in the Constitution before being seated.

Their first constitutional class, sponsored by Rep. Bachmann, R-Minn., a tax attorney, was scheduled for one hour before their first vote ... talk about last minute cramming. What next? Study hall periods?

Maybe they need to add remedial classes in government 101, economics and time management?

It's time these drama majors put away the prom-like tears and taffeta and get to real work like the grown-up professionals they promised to be.

Kay Collins-Schulz

Waterford

38 Years Ago

2011-01-23T11:07:00.000-08:00

An historic decision was made by the U.S. Supreme Court. January 22nd was the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

Many in our society cannot identify with thousands of our sisters who received substandard healthcare in back alley butcher shops, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.

The picture above is of Chris Smith (R-NJ) who ran his campaign on jobs and the economy. Now he has changed course and is attacking women. Is the economy fixed? He and others who won their seats in congress need to be held accountable for their platforms. Fix what you said was broken. His picture is here so that when you see him in the news you know what he is really doing in Washington and it is not working on jobs.

Cecile Richards, President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America has rededicated herself to protecting women's right to make their own personal and private medical care decisions.

We can ill afford to go backwards when so many lives were lost to achieve today's freedom of choice. Being mindful of what is and isn't being addressed in Washington with this new congress will be our responsibility.

Does the government have a right to make life and death healthcare decisions for all women in a blanket policy?

State of the Union Address

2011-01-23T08:27:00.001-08:00

Scheduled for Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 8:00P CST
You may also watch it live on the internet at WhiteHouse.gov/SOTU

We were waiting for this.....

2011-01-18T21:17:00.001-08:00

Wisconsin Attorney Van Hollen has been threatening to join other states in the lawsuit filed against the federal government repealing President Obama's Healthcare Reform.

Why can't we sue the State of Wisconsin since we are all required to carry car insurance?

Several members of the Democratic Party of Racine County were outside of Paul Ryan's office in Racine protesting his position on healthcare reform.

Do you recognize anyone?

Dan Drumel's Letter to the Editor.

2011-01-17T19:47:00.000-08:00

West end in need of help

I just renewed my driver's license. From Wind Lake I had a choice of offices to go to. They included a round trip of 65 miles going to Waukesha, a trip of 50 miles going to Racine, or a 45-mile trip going to Greendale.

Transportation in the west end is a big thing for seniors. Burlington has a shuttle bus to move senior citizens from their home to stores. How wide is Burlington? One or two miles? If they need a shuttle to get to Pick 'n Save, and/or Kmart, how are they going to make it to a motor vehicle department office to get a voter ID?

Being a Democrat, I really shouldn't say anything, seeing that the west-enders mostly vote Republican. Let those Republican voters be inconvenienced/disenfranchised. Us west-end Democrats will accept any help offered.

Dan Drumel

Wind Lake

Are You Ready for a Party?

2011-01-14T22:31:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, March 6, 2010 the Democratic Party of Racine County will be hosting our Annual Awards Banquet at the Summit. The final details are being planned this week and we will be sending out invitations and posting more information next week.

Please start thinking about who you would like to nominate for Democrat of the Year, The James Arena Award, and the Phyllis Dresen Award.

A blast will be sent to all members with nomination papers and instructions attached on Saturday, January 15, 2011.

Anniversaries of Great Speeches

2011-01-14T20:40:00.000-08:00

We are coming up on the anniversary, January 20, 1981, of Ronald Reagan's inauguration speech.

(As much as democats would like to forget the 80's in Democratic politics this speech exemplifies why democrats in Wisconsin are where they will be on January 20, 2010. We do not listen, we do not learn, and we surely keep trying to make history without a whole lot of success. These are pretty strong claims but November 2010 election results were predicted as far back as February 2009.)

This gentle man (two words) knew how to tell a story and he knew that by telling the same story in a hundred different ways that eventually his message would reach the masses. The same can be said for Barack Obama and it is this writer's belief that he studied Ronald Reagan and like Reagan he wasn't born with this gift but he honed a skill.

If we change the third paragraph of Reagan's text to the following:

I do think, however, that my faith in the American people and in what they could do had a special resonance in 2008. The republican party's leaders would never admit this, but the simple fact is that they had lost faith in the citizens and the future of our country. They couldn't see this, but the American people did, and they elected me, Barack Obama the forty-fourth president of the United States.

While reading this speech think about today in Wisconsin and about the American Dream and then read Barack Obama's inauguration speech from January 21, 2009. The eloquence of the english language remains alive and in both of these gentleman's words.

This week you will receive a survey from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin in the mail.

Our task is to answer and return the surveys and then hold all of our elected leaders accountable to develop a statewide message that will surge our fellow Wisconsinites into the forefront of action.

We will need to demand that no race is too small for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin's participation and when they support and endorse candidates at the local level they will see an insurgance of qualified democrats, across this great state, aspire for higher office.

From ‘Job Killing’ To ‘Death Panels,’ Republicans Have Numbed Us To The Imagery Of Their Rhetoric

2011-01-12T00:39:00.000-08:00

by Igor Volsky at Think Progress

Following Saturday’s tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, which led to the death of six people and the serious injury of 20 others, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) echoed the growing call for a more civil political discourse by challenging Republicans to change the name of their health care repeal legislation. “The bill, titled the ‘Repeal the Job Killing Health Care Law Act,’ was set to come up for a vote this week, but in the wake of Gabby’s shooting, it has been postponed at least until next week,” she wrote in a blog post on the Huffington Post :

Don’t get me wrong — I’m not suggesting that the name of that one piece of legislation somehow led to the horror of this weekend — but is it really necessary to put the word “killing” in the title of a major piece of legislation? I don’t think that word is in there by accident — my Republican friends know as well as anyone the power of words to send a message. But in this environment and at this moment in our nation’s history, it’s not the message we should be sending.

The GOP has relied on the phrase “job killing” to frame the repeal effort as an economic endeavor that will help create American jobs and sustain the economy, but conservatives probably didn’t give much thought to the implications of the word “killing,” having relied on the rhetoric of ‘life and death’ so frequently throughout the health care reform debate. In fact, if it wasn’t for Saturday’s shooting, few people would have seriously considered the real meaning of the GOP’s words. In the aftermath of “death panels,” suggestions that the law may “cost you your life“, kill more people , and abort babies, the Republicans have downright numbed us all to their frequent use of death imagery as a tool to ferment political opposition. A quick look through the past 18 months or so reveals a stunning array of messages warning Americans that the Democrats’ signature legislation would lead to death.

Please read the rest of the article at the source here.

Line-Up for Spring Elections/Primaries

2011-01-07T00:55:00.000-08:00

City of Racine Candidates Good Luck To All!
Mayor: $70,000 (estimated) salary; four-year term
Alderman: $6,900 annual salary; two-year term
Mayor
John Dickert (i)
151 Westminster Square
Alfonso Locke
1923 Mars Ave.
Eric Marcus
1520 College Ave.
1st District
Jeff Coe (i)
1044 Villa St.
O. Keith Fair
507 Sixth St.
3rd District
Michael Shields (i)
1850 13th St.
5th District
Melissa Kaprelian Becker
2050 LaSalle St.
Benn Mascaretti
1915 N. Main St.
Eric Mohr
2313 Schoop St.
7th District
Raymond DeHahn (i)
2706 Diane Ave.
9th District
Terrence McCarthy (i)
317 West Blvd.
Anthony DeCubellis
1644 Holmes Ave.
11th District
Greg Helding (i)
2001 Thurston Ave.
Gail Boydstun
3445 Southwood Drive
13th District
Kenneth Hamilton
3408 21st St.
James Morgenroth
1500 Monroe Ave.
Casey Ryan Rouse Sr.
1417 Oregon St.
15th District
Robert Mozol (i)
407 Jonathon Drive
Dennis Shaw
3935 Lighthouse Drive
Corey Szaryc
711 Melvin Ave

DPRC Membership Meeting January 10, 2011

2011-01-01T13:38:00.000-08:00

The public is welcome to join the Democratic Party of Racine County at their January 10th meeting at 7:00P.

Address is: 1840 Sycamore Avenue in Racine, Wisconsin

2010-12-27T18:01:00.000-08:00

Here is the scorecard how the Senate supports American Workers prior to the November election. We will compare the very same scorecard next year and see how they compare.

Take a look here

Former State Chair to Run

2010-12-16T23:08:00.000-08:00

It is expected that on Tuesday former State DPW Chair, Joe Wineke will announce his candidacy for Madison's County Exec position which will be opened due to Kathleen Falk leaving office in the middle of a four year term.

Wineke has political office experience in both state houses of assembly and senate with a combined 16 years between the two.

Joe currently works in the Office of State Employee Relations.

Hold Em Steady Peter

2010-12-13T23:15:00.000-08:00

WisPolitics: Barca, Vos talk state employee contracts on 'UpFront'
12/13/2010

Incoming Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca (left) says he'd be surprised if a series of controversial union contracts don't pass a lame-duck session of the Legislature that could occur this week.

He said the Joint Committee on Employment Relations will consider the contracts Tuesday and they could hit the floor for a vote as early as Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Republican state Rep. Robin Vos, who will co-chair the Joint Finance Committee next session, hopes some “discerning Democrats,” who hold the majority until early January, will respect the wishes of Republican Gov.-elect Scott Walker and hold off on passage to allow him flexibility in closing a $3.2 billion budget gap.

But he's not holding his breath, he said on Sunday's “UpFront with Mike Gousha,” a statewide TV newsmagazine produced in conjunction with WisPolitics.com.

“Their modus operandi has been pretty much standard from the beginning, to just hurry and rush this through,” Vos said.

The contracts would be retroactive to July 1, 2009 and end June 30, 2011.

Barca said contracts have historically passed with bipartisan support and pointed to concessions.

The two, who appeared separately on the show, also discussed Walker's comments that the state could decertify unions.

Barca said he was shocked to hear Walker bring up the possibility, saying it was never raised on the campaign trail.

“In Wisconsin we have a tradition of respecting collective bargaining, respecting workers, working together to solve problems,” Barca said. “So I don't believe this is in keeping with the Wisconsin tradition.”

While Vos said decertification is on the table as the state looks to reduce employment costs, he talked up “right-to-work” legislation, which would allow people to work in union workplaces without having to join a union.

Vos, who's proposed such legislation in the past, said his main priority is to balance the budget and help pass Walker's economic development agenda. Walker has said he wouldn't push for right-to-work legislation. Vos said he'd follow Walker's lead, it is “one of the tools that should be on the table.”

Barca said the public wouldn't support making Wisconsin a right-to-work state.

Watch the program here.

- By David Wise
WisPolitics.com

2010 Holiday Meet & Greet

2010-12-13T22:46:00.000-08:00

On December 13th the DPRC held its’ annual Holiday Meet and Greet. The Union Hall has never been decorated so nice. If these are Bonnie’s discards, stand in line. The food was great thanks to our Chair, Jeff. Thank you both for making this a nice evening.

We were surprised by a visit from the DPW Communication’s Director, Graeme Zielinski. He brought with him 3 very nice people – Nick, Emily and Beth. Nick Brehm is from Burlington. He has volunteered to follow Vos and Ryan on their future speaking engagements to record their foolish promises and unintelligent conversations so that these communications can be replayed for everyone to hear. Beth and Emily are volunteers for Mayor Dickert’s run for a four-year term as the Mayor of the City of Racine.

Graeme provided all of us with great information and we all probably left feeling a lot better than when we came because there is a plan to regain the seats that we just lost in November. Starting with people like Nick monitoring their blatant disregard for the voters of this state. How did the Democrats pull 63% of the vote in Walker’s own backyard? What did voters of Milwaukee know that the rest of the state failed to realize? They are going to find out shortly what the rest of us know and will be realizing their mistakes in the not too distant future.

We need to be ready for the attacks that have already begun namely abolishing unions, voter identification at the polls, and addressing issue by issue. At the same time this will spend down their political capital. The state party is in a good position where there are currently ten full-time employees on staff. After raising 5.5 million dollars during this past cycle, knocking on over a million doors, and making over a million phone calls the party and all of us know that we did not fail. All voters between the ages of 35 and 58 who are high school graduates failed Wisconsin. These are the same voters who were willing to elect a Secretary of State who has filed for bankruptcy and has outstanding felony charges pending. So these voters were not informed voters; they watched television.

We want to thank Graeme and Nick for attending this year’s Meet and Greet. You gave us a positive message that we could really use now and in the months to come. Forewarned is forearmed.

December DPRC Meeting

2010-11-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

It was decided by the members in November that the December Membership Meeting will be a "Meet and Greet." Please bring a dessert to pass. Refreshments will be available. We will start at 7:00P. Scott and Penny Sharp will be offering a gift card to "new" members who sign up during the "Meet and Greet." (This is a donation in kind to the DPRC)

We will not conduct business until our next meeting on Monday, January 10, 2011 since the Executive Board Meeting falls a day before the Christmas holidays.

So You Really Want to Help?

2010-11-27T13:17:00.001-08:00

During this past year the Democratic Party of WI has opened opportunities for everyone to participate by encouraging Caucus Membership.

The Caucus' were created to bring in people who want to work on issues and/or concerns that cannot always be addressed at their local party level.

In Racine County where we have the NAACP and the Urban League many people have felt unheard so we wanr ro welcome those members of our community to participate in the Black or Hispanic Caucus where their voices will be heard. Other opportunities include: The Women's Caucus, Veteran's Caucus, LGBT Caucus and The Rural Caucus.

It is time for everyone to have an avenue of opportunity. Where once the doors may have been closed they are now wide open waiting and welcoming you and your ideas for future prosperity.

Please contact a member of the DPRC Executive Board for more information how you may participate in any of the many Caucus' for as little as $10 per year. (Caucus participation is free with a yearly membership in the DPW)

Larry King Live on Monday, November 22nd

2010-11-21T22:56:00.000-08:00

Larry King will be interviewing the Sr. Bushes tonight. As always, Barbara says it like she sees it. She wants Sarah Palin to stay in Alaska and outside of the continental United States.

We know Barbara voted for McCain but what about Palin? Maybe King will ask her this question. This is an interview to DVR because commercials and Sr are a bore. Barbara has always been a hoot!

It's Official......

2010-11-19T19:32:00.000-08:00

During the fall election campaign the Democratic Party of Wisconsin raised over $5,000,000. This sounds like alot of money, right?

The Republicans raised almost $3,000,000 and won. They won with the help of the Supreme Court ruling declaring that a Corporation has rights to openly endorse, support, and buy an election.

There are plenty of Democratic Corporations that we need to start making connections with now preparing for the next round.

You are Cordially Invited.......

2010-11-12T05:11:00.000-08:00

Racine County has an opportunity to welcome Mike McCage. Mike has been a powerful "watchdog" prior to and since becoming the Executive Director of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign is a nonpartisan watchdog group that tracks the money in state politics, fights government corruption and works for reforms that make people matter more than money in politics.

During Mike's time with Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, he has led successful efforts to win passage and eventual implementation of the 1998 Citizen's Right to Know law which requires electronic voting equipment now used in Wisconsin to produce a verifiable paper record, the landmark 2007 Ethics Enforcement Reform law, the 2009 Impartial Justice Act establishing publicly financed state Supreme Court elections, and new campaign finance disclosure rules which were approved in 2010.

Mike Mcabe will speak on Wednesday, November 17, at 7:00PM.
Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church
625 College Avenue
Topic: "The Role of Money in Politics: Do Dollars Count More Than People?."

McCabe is sponsored by the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice (RCPJ).
Olympia Brown Church grants RCPJ the use of the building. Program is sponsored by RCPJ not Olympia Brown Church.

Mike was raised on his family's dairy farm in Clark County and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Madison, with degrees in Journalism and Political Science.

Redistricting is on its' way

2010-11-11T04:58:00.000-08:00

There is an article on the Express that gives one perspective on how Republicans across the country will try to set new boundaries. The question is, "Do people move into a district after asking who my representative will be or after they move?"

The Real Estate industry is one which the Democrats have fallen short in bidding their support when selling homes. As Democrats we should be lobbying this industry to insure that the purchaser of a home knows the political climate of their potentially "new" neighborhood.

When a Democrat lives in a Republican strong hold the political climb is a balancing act. A person tends to hide their political identity. Is this freedom of speech? Is this political bullying?

Renters, potential homeowners, and new condo owners beware!

Name A Reason

2010-11-10T20:26:00.001-08:00

why millionaires should pay their fairshare of taxes on this survey

DPW Post Election Survey

2010-11-08T20:57:00.000-08:00

Please consider taking this Post Election Survey

How Obama Saved Capitalism and Lost the Midterms

2010-11-08T01:31:00.000-08:00

This commentary is so thoughtful and explanatory we felt it should be posted here. Below are several snips. Originally found on The New York Times, The Opinion Pages here is the link to the entire article. Because of it's length we are only going to post a few snips that give you an idea of the whole article.
_______________________________________________________
November 2, 2010, 11:59 pm
By TIMOTHY EGAN

"The banking system was resuscitated by $700 billion in bailouts started by Bush (a fact unknown by a majority of Americans), and finished by Obama, with help from the Federal Reserve. It worked. The government is expected to break even on a risky bet to stabilize the global free market system. Had Obama followed the populist instincts of many in his party, the underpinnings of big capitalism could have collapsed. He did this without nationalizing banks, as other Democrats had urged."

{☼}

"Saving the American auto industry, which has been a huge drag on Obama’s political capital, is a monumental achievement that few appreciate, unless you live in Michigan. After getting their taxpayer lifeline from Obama, both General Motors and Chrysler are now making money by making cars. New plants are even scheduled to open. More than 1 million jobs would have disappeared had the domestic auto sector been liquidated."

{☼}

“An apology is due Barack Obama,” wrote The Economist, which had opposed the $86 billion auto bailout. As for Government Motors: after emerging from bankruptcy, it will go public with a new stock offering in just a few weeks, and the United States government, with its 60 percent share of common stock, stands to make a profit. Yes, an industry was saved, and the government will probably make money on the deal — one of Obama’s signature economic successes."
_____________________________________________________

Be sure to follow the above link to read the entire article.......it's an eye opener!

The Day After

2010-11-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

The candidates and volunteers have a day to finally rest. On this day, in Wisconsin history, we need not fear tomorrow because our Democratic candidates will be back whether choosing to run for the now vacant seek as Milwaukee County's Executive or in another Spring election capacity we will see them again and again.

Mayor Barrett has an important job to do in Milwaukee and will continue to seek opportunities that will help all citizens in Wisconsin.

In Racine County we lost a great Senator in John Lehman.

We will send seasoned Representative Robert Turner back to Madison who has previously served under Republican leadership for more than 14 years and Cory Mason who will serve his first term under complete Republican control.

This is the year we will long remember that corporations somehow became people and billions of dollars were spent on mid-term elections. Has any one person ever spent over $40 million dollars of their own money to run for Governor of California only to lose? That state is once again under Democratic control by their former Governor, Jerry Brown and California's Barbara Boxer will return to Washington.

Democrats held onto to the US Senate so all is not lost. Democrats need to pull themselves up by the bootstraps and start working on the spring elections. This election should motivate Democrats from all over the country to run for public office this spring.

Democrats are not the Party of Food Stamps. Democrats are the Party of Paychecks. Newt and all of his friends better be ready for the next election because Democrats have always been stronger than Republicans.

This is the day all of your hardwork pays off.....

2010-11-02T05:28:00.000-07:00

Please talk to everyone you see today and remind them to vote! Offer to drive them to their polling place. If you are unsure of where someone votes - the link is on our website - or go to the Racine County website.

Today, is OUR day. With the help of the voters in this Great State of Wisconsin we will wake up tomorrow still BLUE.

To Many Happy Tomorrows

2010-11-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Good Luck to all of our State's Democratic Candidates tomorrow!

Thank you to every volunteer in every corner of the state that have made it possible for our candidates to win tomorrow. Without your support our state would not remain Blue.

There are several places that you can watch the returns tomorrow night - spend one last night

together because it will be a Victory!