Friday, June 17, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
police attack on 2 reporters in Madison today
Sunday, May 22, 2011
obtaining your right to vote in wisconsin
Any Wisconsin resident who does not hold a valid photo license from Wisconsin or another jurisdiction may request a photo ID. There is no age limit to apply for an ID card. When applying, it will be necessary to provide:
- Proof of name and date of birth, for example, a certified U.S. birth certificate, valid passport or certificate of naturalization.
- Proof of identity (usually a document with a signature or photo).
- Proof of Wisconsin residency.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, legal permanent resident status, legal conditional resident status or legal temporary visitor status.
- Your social security number.
More about Wisconsin ID cards:
- Cost for original or renewal of Wisconsin ID cards. Original ID cards are mailed to applicants 18 years old or older.
- Cost for duplicate ID cards.
- ID cards can be obtained at any DMV Service Center. DMV service centers accept cash or checks only.
If you have questions:
- E-mail: driverrecords.dmv@dot.wi.gov
- Call: (608) 266-2353
Thursday, May 19, 2011
a corrupt media
Awake or Asleep?
The awakening began in WI when the GOP tried to ram a budget bill through while workers were sleeping that would take away their voices and rights to collectively bargain. Now in a time when “savings” is the ultimate goal; our governor is spending unprecedented amounts of money to silence our voices, suppress our vote, and extinguish our basic rights. Walker has called for an illegal police takeover of our capital and turned democracy into a joke. The corporations that want to abuse our state for profit have filled the television and airways with lies. This attack of our environment, culture, and human rights has torn away at the foundation and core of Wisconsin values. It is time to look back into history and see the patterns and methods that are being used to destroy us; this is fast becoming fascism. This is not ye ole republican party and a vote for these GOP extremists is a vote against civility, fairness and country. The parties broader agenda has put fear into generations of people, created a landscape of hate towards differences and made a bleak and soulless society mainstream. Our home is being hijacked by a “for profit” regime that does not give a damn about Wisconsin or America beyond that. There is a progressive vision for the future that relies on the utilization of resources to build a sustainable future now! In their final attempt to capitalize on tired profit schemes, these criminals will help place America in the shadows. The GOP has gone mad with power and now the only goal is to win, seek and destroy. The same people that are hit by their fear mongering, hear hope in their rhetoric. It is a war.
Monday, May 16, 2011
new documentary about our movement
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sarah Palin gets a warm Wisconsin welcome 4.16.11
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sunday's Letter #7: Election Anxiety
ELECTION ANXIETY:
A phrase I arrived at this morning to explain the feeling of helpless unknowing we feel before we head to the polls. We want to have faith that our vote will be fairly counted and our reasons for voting will manifest into reality. However, the past few decades have left suspicion and anxiety in the hearts of many. The lies, false hopes, out of control campaign financing, robocalls and political warfare make us all exhausted.
MEMORIES:
George Bush barely won the presidency in 2000 after the recount efforts in Florida, which to this day remain unfinished, unclear and suspect.
In 2004, controversies and concerns of irregularities emerged during and after the vote. The winner was not determined until the following day, when Kerry decided not to dispute Bush's win in the state of Ohio.
Obama vs. McCain 2008; Election night, NYC. electoral vote counter in Rockefeller Center
Two years later, in the 2010 midterm-elections, voters flip-flop, influenced greatly by new campaign $ from corporations. New funding strategy deemed legal by Supreme Court case; Citizens United V. Federal Election Commission.
Today we are here; In a country completely sold out. With a Republican majority who's noble founding values have been hijacked by corporate interests and tea party extremists.ELECTION NIGHT/ONE VOICE:
In 2004, while living in New York City I encountered this election anxiety in a unique way. I was working in a shop window dressing mannequins across the street from Rockefeller Center on the eve of the vote for Bush vs. Kerry. I had voted earlier that afternoon in a grade school cafeteria in Brooklyn. The war was raging and fear in our nation was a code red, I felt my vote mattered; I took a last look at my ballot and dropped it into the abyss of the ballot box. I never really felt as desperate for my voice to be heard, I was fed up with the direction our country had chosen after 9/11 and I wanted Bush to be stopped.
While at work that evening, I felt as if everyone in Manhattan was holding their breath, an uncomfortable calm and anxious buzz filled the midnight air. The election was too close to call as people headed to sleep, I however was working until dawn. I watched the ominous red and blue banners slide up the side of Rockefeller Center as states were called one by one. Red banner sliding past blue, a pause, and then red banner sliding past blue again. I wanted to run out into the street and cry and yell, but all I could do is excuse myself for a cigarette break. I smoked two in a matter of minutes, there was sweat on my palms and the cool breeze was making me feel sick; I did not like the feeling. At 4am it was clear Bush had won a second term.
At dawn, I began my journey home to Brooklyn as people woke to face the day. The faces were still, voices were tempered and hearts were broken. It seemed to be the second worst experience in New York City since the towers fell, people were shocked. It goes without saying that NY had their interests on Kerry, well not the folks on Wall Street, but that is a different story. The pit in my stomach took days to unravel, life went on and apathy set in.
THIS WEEK:
On Tuesday April 5th, 2011, Wisconsinites will vote again, in hopes we can start to reverse the takeover of our state. We do not want to trade civility and greatness for greed and self-interest in WI. Let us all stand up Tuesday for justice and begin to plant healing seeds in our broken state. In perhaps the largest bout of election anxiety I have ever felt; FORWARD!
Zombie Protest
Scott Walker has been running WI like a bar fight, Corporations VS. People. Wisconsinites have been in the streets for over 7 weeks fighting for Human Rights, Decency, Democracy and America's dying Middle Class. With a cold winter of protests now leaning towards spring, clever concepts and creativity grow. The "Zombie Protest" 4/2/2011 is one way to keep us laughing. Since brainless power has taken rule, zombies rush about in search of brains. Sadly brains are hard to come by these days. Rise Up!
black and white photos from: Pete Olsen
www.peteolsenphotography.com
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Laws that are illegal to make, We will break!
Video from afternoon 3/29/2011. Some footage of our "Hand in Hand Tee-Shirt Protest". The singing people of the noon hour and other protesters.
video provided by: WEACtv
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
FREEDOM OF SPEECH, RISE UP! (articles and video) Protest 3/29/2011
Photo: Craig Grabhorn
photo: Timothy Hughes
Photo: Amber Solow
Fighting Bob! Rise Up! Link to article:
New round of Wisconsin Capitol protests target sign and location rules - Isthmus | The Daily Page
Above: Mellisa Sargent Rises Up. View video of her children standing up for their rights. This is one reason Craig and I organized this T-protest, to speak up against the abuse of our freedom of speech happening in WI State Capitol. We will not be silenced!another interpretation of our fight from BrokenHeartRevolt, R.I. Bott
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday's Letter #6: No Silence in the Streets
MORE THAN a 100,000 people are expected to march to Hyde Park in London today in the biggest protest yet against the British government’s £80 billion (€91 billion) spending cuts, organized by the British Trades Union Congress. - The Irish Times 3/26/2011
Union leaders and police said over 250,000 people joined the biggest rally in the capital since protests against war in Iraq in 2003. -Reuters 3/26/2011
A protester in protective mask holds a placard during an anti nuclear rally in Tokyo on Sunday. The placard's message reads "Don't spread radioactive substances."- Japan Today 3/26/2011
Tens of thousands of people on Saturday turned out in Germany's largest cities to protest the use of nuclear power in the wake of Japan's Fukushima reactor disaster, police and organizers said. -Associated Press 3/26/2011
Solidarity rally in Los Angeles for workers rights and human rights
Madison, Wisconsin. ONE MORE DAY! 3/26/2011, Day 41
Today, I cannot easily find one honest and detailed news bit on any of these peaceful historical events. Media focused it's attention on youth groups who did property damage in central London, misleading and conflicting reports about the nuclear crisis in Japan and the war in Libya (however I don't believe they are calling it a war).
A few news outlets still hold onto the threads of truth, but after reading the slivered down journalism coming out of Wisconsin and the world, I really can only 100% rely on reports from the ground. Since I cannot be in London, Japan, Libya, Germany and Cali today; I sit at my desk frustrated and angered that my ongoing quest for truth is getting harder and harder. I am however thrilled to know the consciousness of the people in this world is gaining strength this weekend. Regardless of what the power mongers want us to see and fear, WE ARE RISING!
We will not be supported by our mainstream media, industry or corrupt governments. But we will continue to create massive grassroots networks of information and leadership for our future. There is nothing left in this world economy that leaves everyone behind. IN THIS DARKNESS WE WILL CONTINUE TO UNITE AND WE WILL PREVAIL.
Abusing Open Records to Attack Academic Freedom
Abusing Open Records to Attack Academic Freedom
The Nation also making note of the GOP attack of this respected scholar:
Wisconsin GOP Seeks to Silence a Distinguished Dissenter. McCarthyism is Back. | The Nation
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Sunday's Letter #5: What Really Has Value?
When you step into the state capitol in Wisconsin you get the sense that it was built to honor and inspire the hearts of many. My heart often sinks into an admiration for the past when things were made well and art and design was a requirement for all, not a privilege for a few. I often wonder how a nation, so capable and creative has surrendered so viciously to greed and selfish aims. The collective acts and common goals to create public beauty and comfort are nearly extinct.
Everything today is about profit, we all suffer in the wake of this sad goal. The reality of a world for sale is more apparent than ever; a handful of people have us all locked into a system that no longer supports our values or goals. Frankly, I am sick of being spoon feed, tricked and seduced by a system that left me behind decades ago. This is why we must continue to rise up, to reach for our greatness and to restore value. The numbers that rule us have lost my respect, I am ready for a game change.
Those of you who have been fighting hard in Wisconsin know that it feels better when we are together. We can no longer fret about the acquisition of wealth for things we don't need. The system is rigged, and we will be fighting over scraps if we continue to buy in. We all have amazing skills and we can survive and live well by SUPPORTING SYSTEMS that SUPPORT US and OUR ENVIRONMENT. Scott Walker and and those who have sold out their values cannot see this strength, and this is why we will prevail and they will not.
Wisconsin State Capitol
Chicago Cultural Center
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sunday's Letter #4: Horror and Redemption
In one of the darkest power grabs in Wisconsin state history, collective bargaining rights of thousands of public employees were stolen. On Wednesday March 9th around 6:15 pm the crime was committed under an illegal capitol lock down, thousands of cries came through windows inside the chamber from the citizens outside. This issue of taking away people's voice helped mobilize millions across this country in a matter of days, these great rights started in WI decades before, and were carelessly eliminated in a few hours. The Republicans responsible for this malicious crime to silence the middle class will not be forgotten. To those responsible; we will hear no excuses, you will have no political redemption, you had your chance, you heard our cries and you did the unthinkable anyway! Your decision was weak, but the ramifications for your choice will be strong! Wisconsinites will RECALL YOU ALL! We will not forget your names and what you did this day when our people were ravaged for greed and personal gain. SHAME! FILTH!
REDEMPTION:
Critics said with bargaining rights off the table that our numbers would dwindle, teachers would retreat, people would forget. Of course they wished this, then the crimes could continue without the public being so hyper aware of the death of their own democracy. On Saturday March 12, 2011, our brave 14 Democratic Senators returned to Madison, WI, the crowds swelled to nearly 200,000 and we chanted words of gratitude to those who allowed us to educate, mobilize and fight for our rights! In just 28 days, REAL TRUTH about the ills of our democracy were riped open, people began to AWAKEN. The MOVEMENT had begun! and the words WE ARE WISCONSIN made many cry tears of joy. For this feels wonderful, things have felt bleak and unbalanced for decades while our rights have been sold under our noses. The time has come for the people; I see it in our faces, I hear it in our voices, and I feel it in our hearts. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Our numbers are unprecedented, our conviction is strong, and we know the fight does not end until we restore all that has been undone. FORWARD!
Rep. Kucinich (OH) gives AMAZING speech in Madison, WI 3/13/2011
Illegal underhanded vote to destroy collective bargaining rights
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Nick Nice - Reflections after 3 weeks of fighting for our rights...
So it's now been almost 3 weeks since our lives in Madison have been turned upside down and I needed to take a pause to reflect upon what's happening. It's hard to put into words exactly what's going on here but it sort of feels like we're in a war and at the best party of our lives at the exact same time. The connections and bonds that have been formed over the past few weeks will affect us for the rest of our lives. What started as simple outrage to a flawed bill, along with threats of calling in the National Guard on us, has rapidly evolved into a battle for Democracy and Human Rights. Once we had time to actually read the bill and see Walker's actions, the true intentions of this bill and Walker's intentions were made crystal clear. The media portrays it simply as a pro-union issue but those of us who live here, and especially those of us who are at the Capitol every day, know that it's actually an assault on our everyday lives. Obviously the union aspect of this is huge but it's SO much more than that. Many days that I'm at the Capitol it's apparent that most of the people there are just everyday average Wisconsinites who are fighting for their friends and family. Most of them have nothing to do with a union. It's ironic that Walker says the protesters are "a bunch of slobs" and "just a bunch of college students having a fun party". Because I've been disappointed that there's not that many students there and all the usual hippie protester types and influential people of Madison have been notably absent. Instead it's been people like myself, many stay at home moms, professionals taking sick days to be there & basically just average working Americans taking time off to express their constitutional rights.
We are in a battle for our future, our children's future and ultimately the future of this country. It's not even just about the survival of the Democratic party as it's been framed in some places. It's about fighting for good in the world, treating people with respect, education, public services and basic human rights. The fact that several of us (myself included) have received multiple death threats simply for fighting for our beliefs should tell you that the evil forces we're up against know what's at stake and they are afraid. It's almost like we're fighting a faceless enemy at times though since most of those threats come from people who don't live here. The media isn't covering this properly because ultimately we're also in a battle with the lies they've been feeding us for all of our lives. Sure there's an accurate story here and there but we are up against a VERY powerful propaganda machine and it takes a lot of time and effort to see through how the media manipulates the news. It's not just Fox, all the major networks do it. So what has become clear to me in all of this is that it's up to people like myself to report the news and what's really happening here.
The ironic thing to me is that we're not some crazy left wing militia but rather pragmatic middle of the road people who just want an actual Democracy, basic human rights, quality education and public services along with a truthful media. It's truly the battle for common sense if you think about it.
While sometimes I feel like I'm yelling 'the sky is falling!' and no one is listening, with each passing day it becomes apparent that something sinister is afoot here and if you care about this country you can no longer ignore it. I use the word Fascism and often get criticized for it, but if you look at what's going on here there are many of the characteristics of a Fascist movement. Those of us who know history can see the signs of what's happening and what the future will be like if we don't take a stand now. However we're not there yet so perhaps using the word Autocracy is more accurate. That being said we have to start thinking of this like a game of chess and be thinking a few moves ahead. While I can't go into full detail yet about Operation Esquire what I can say is what worked about it; We need to go into public situations that Republican leaders are in and attempt to stealthily document what's going on through photos, recordings, video, etc... The prank phone call illustrated that all the arguments in the world aren't nearly as powerful as hearing or seeing their misdeeds and broadcasting them to the world. And if we know one thing about corrupt politicians (of all parties) it's that they're brazen and will do foolish things in public. I'm quite confident that even the most ardent Walker supporters will ultimately see how evil and corrupt this man is and will eventually have a hard time supporting him. Of course not everyone will be convinced, even Nixon and Bush had their supporters after their lies were exposed. But through stealth operations along with legal challenges we might be able to bring this administration down before a recall is even necessary. We have to take action before it's too late, Wisconsin is literally being decimated with every passing day. We're losing UW professors, teachers, veteran public-sector workers and professionals from varied fields as many of them have already taken early retirements to be able to keep their benefits. Some are planning to move away from here. The brain-drain has already happened and the more it continues the quicker Wisconsin will be decimated and unable to recover from in our lifetime (or ever).
Situations with Walker are a bit different as I think we need to block his moves and make him feel unwelcome in public no matter where he goes. He is a rat that needs to feel trapped. He's so deluded into thinking that what he's doing is right that if the truth keeps getting shoved in his face he won't be able to ignore it anymore. He's obviously trying to anger us with his words, tweets and press conferences but we can easily be peacefully aggressive with him. No need to fall into the trap of being violent with him and would defeat all the goodwill that's been built up through our peaceful resistance.
That being said I'm confident we can win this battle. It won't be easy, I think many people thought it would all be over in a couple of weeks. We have to be strong, intelligent and always keep our sense of humor. For if we can't laugh in even the most difficult of situations Evil has already won. The fight for our future has literally been brought to our doorsteps, are you going to passively sit and take it or are you going to fight for your rights?
Storming the Capitol
Storming the Capitol from luciano M on Vimeo.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sunday's Letter #3: Expose the Truth
Through threats, and lies, and fear tactics Scott Walker has tried to beat us down. Forcing our families and friends to rally in the cold streets for 20 days... we do not weaken, we strengthen and we become more clever and organized by the day. We will not give up our beautiful land, our souls and our people to satisfy the GREED of a few! There is nothing left if we don't EXPOSE THE TRUTH!
other notes:
The brave WI 14 have continued to remain strong for all of us after being threatened and chopped by Walker's wicked schemes this week. This is the fight of our lifetime, the link to our collective power and our humanity! Thank the WI 14 for the opportunity to feel alive again, for giving us a fighting chance, thank them often. Their collective resolve has given us hope in a decade filled with lies and fear mongering. They have given us a chance now to RECALL the Republican Senators who have refused to listen to the people's cry, this is the next step!
Storm the Capitol Shots 3/3/2011 by Eric Baillies:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ebaillies/5495551119/
Friday, March 4, 2011
This Is Our House (Madison, WI protest / workers solidary rally)
More beauty from the people after 19 days of protest wage on in Madison, WI. This is the fight for democracy and human rights! Stop the takeover of our country, ALL must STAND UP if we are going to continue to win. This is every one's fight now, the future is not clear...
4 Days of Walker's illegally Closed Capitol
Raw Video: 12 News Camera Captures Lawmaker Being Tackled By Police - Video - WISN Milwaukee
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Corporate takeover 101
There is so much more of course... but the Supreme Courts decision to allow corporations to act as people, was a final nail in our collective coffin. FIGHT ON!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Sunday's Letter #2: Chess Game, day 14
Monday, February 28, 2011
madison protest reaches highest numbers yet
photos by: Eric Baillies
photoset
wisconsin assembly vote - auction style
serf protest
photos by: Eric Bailliesphotoset
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday's Letter #1: Refusal to Negotiate. Day 7
First, BRAVO WISCONSIN! This week rises to the top of most incredible things I've witnessed in my lifetime. You will INSPIRE a broken nation.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald reaffirmed Saturday that Republicans have not been swayed by the quarter million pro-labor protesters who since Tuesday have filled the Capitol with their UNITY, SOLIDARITY and WILLINGNESS TO NEGOTIATE! "The bill is not negotiable," Fitzgerald said inside a heavily guarded Senate parlor at the Capitol. "The bill will pass as is."
By now it should be clear that Walker will choose to lead Wisconsin as a dictatorship. This is the beginning, now America it's OUR fight, negotiation has left the building, from sea to shining sea...
WI WILL NOT BACK DOWN! WE ARE UNITED, WE ARE STRONG
As days of protest continue, stay strong and focused, ask for support! Don't watch the media spin their lies; FORWARD! It is all happening right here, right now. Check your pulse... WE WILL PREVAIL!
Thank you beautiful, brave Wisconsin people from every walk of life, you humble me and I am so so proud!
Note to those who thought they voted for a Republican/or did not vote:
Now that I see the disdain and his agenda, I know Walker won with a great ad campaign financed by large corporations. People of WI were becoming complacent, we did not show up to vote. I saw several hundred people who voted for Walker at the rally yesterday and they are very Sorry. Forgive.
OK- we all screwed up, now get over here and join the fight for what is RIGHT.
TRANSPARENCY has never been so clear!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Representative Gordon Hintz on the "Budget repair bill"
Thank You!
Other amazing comments were made by Assembly Democrats, this tells a lot about what is happening here in WI and to our democracy in general.
Give Russ Feingold some Love! He is a wise man.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Friday the world knows and forces multiply
With the Democratic Senators gone until Walker talks to the people with respect....
the bill is stalled. Solidarity is clear.
A movement is born, the working class continue to fight back.
The state is becoming more united, Walker supporters are quiet today.
Firefighters' eye view: Taking the Capitol - Feb. 18th, 2011, Kill the B...
Firefighters in Solidarity!
and more noise........and then home after 3 hard days of fighting peacefully
"It is silent in my room and all I can hear is the roar of beautiful Wisconsin voices ringing in my ear"
Thursday....KILL THE BILL
Thursday it is all hands on deck.....more posters to create and distribute. Lots of noise, tensions high.....it's all happening so fast. More beautiful faces from all over the state! I have never felt so proud! Friends come to help and take amazing photos.
Thanks to our collective efforts , 100 copies sprayed in an alley in 30 min. Thanks to our sponsor Artist and Craftsman Supply and great helpers!
Passion! (captured by Eric Baillies)
We then find out the BILL IS STALLED because our 14 Democratic Senators escaped the capitol so our voices could be heard! Heart Throbbing Excitement! and a cigar.
Beautiful Wisconsinites! UNITE
Day 2 is a day of great inspiration
