speed of life: People Have the Power - Forward in Wisconsin on June 5, 2012

Light On the Wisconsin State Capitol Building
photo by Gregg Chadwick

Yesterday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, President Bill Clinton brought his gravitas to the bitter struggle for control of the state's soul. Clinton noted that current Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker wants to divide and conquer the state for the benefit of the few while Tom Barrett, the Democratic candidate in June 5th's special election, "wants to work together to solve problems" in a spirit of cooperation not conflict. Clinton continued by saying that everywhere he travels - both nationally and globally - “creative cooperation” between political sides brings prosperity. Walker and his cronies do not want to work across the aisle.

Clinton said,"You need a budget from the next governor that deals with whatever the realities are but where there is shared responsibility and shared sacrifice, not winner take all. If you believe in a state budget that preserves investments in education and jobs and you want somebody that has actually created jobs…the only way it works, show up and vote for Tom Barrett."

Tom Barrett writes,"Scott Walker came into the governor's office promising to create 250,000 jobs, and to bring us together. Instead, he divided our state like never before and presided over a Wisconsin economy that last year lost more jobs than any state in the country.

He 'dropped the bomb,' as he said, and ended 50 years of labor peace and worker protections -- something he never said he'd do during the 2010 campaign. I know, because I was there. As governor, I will fight to restore collective bargaining rights, because it's the right thing to do, and it's necessary to heal Wisconsin.

And Gov. Walker gutted education, cut women's health, and diverted millions of dollars intended for Wisconsin victims of Wall Street foreclosure fraud to patch a hole in his budget.

In response to this unanticipated assault on Wisconsin values, the people united and fought back. Hundreds of thousands made their voices heard at the Capitol. The protests turned into a movement last summer, and two GOP state senators who rubberstamped Walker's agenda were recalled.

And nearly 1 million people from all across Wisconsin signed their name to trigger a recall election of Gov. Walker, hold him accountable, and restore our Wisconsin values.

We need to bring our state back. Wisconsin needs a governor who is focused on jobs, not ideology; a leader committed to bringing our state together and healing political wounds, not pitting people against each other and catering to the special interests.

This is the governor I will be for the people of Wisconsin."

Also yesterday, a group of musicians including Jackson Browne, Tom Morello, and Tim Mcllrath inspired a crowd of thousands at a Get Out the Vote event in Madison, Wisconsin. Jackson Browne's moving renditions of Little Steven's "I Am a Patriot" and Florence Reece's "Which Side Are You On" rallied the people of Wisconsin.

Tom Morello, Jackson Browne, Tim McIIrath, Brother Ali singing Patti Smith's "People Have the Power in Madison, Wisconsin on June 1, 2012 for a "Get Out The Vote" rally.

Jackson Browne Sings Florence Reece's Classic 1931 "Which Side Are You On" in Madison, Wisconsin on June 1, 2012 as part of the "Get Out The Vote" rally.

Jackson Browne Sings Little Steven's "I am a Patriot" in Madison, Wisconsin on June 1, 2012 as part of the "Get Out The Vote" rally.

Tim McIlrath performs Neil Young's OHIO in Madison, Wisconsin on June 1, 2012 as part of the "Get Out The Vote" rally.

Tom Morello breaks the news about Scott Walker becoming an official target of the John Doe investigation to the delight of thousands of Tom Barrett for Governor supporters.

Action by the Overpass Light Brigade

Forward! - Wisconsin State Flag Over the Wisconsin State Capitol Building
photo by Gregg Chadwick

Wisconsin State Senate Candidate Lori Compas writes,"Since November, Scott Fitzgerald has continually underestimated this movement. He said we couldn't collect the signatures, but WE proved him wrong. He said that people from outside the district are running this campaign, but from Lomira to Fort Atkinson, WE have proven him wrong. Now he claims that he has the support of the people in the 13th, and over the next 4 days WE have a chance to prove him wrong yet again.

Thank you to those who have already signed up to help in this important movement! For those who have not, please sign up for a shift to help get out the vote. We still cannot compete with his large out-of-state donors, but our ground came will take us from striking distance to victorious.

We have knocked on tens of thousands of doors and we have identified thousands of supporters. Now is the time to make sure they vote.

This race will be extremely close and any amount of time you have to give could mean the difference between Senator Scott Fitzgerald and FORMER Senator Scott Fitzgerald.

Thank you again for all of your support and thank you in advance for your help over the next 4 days."

On Wisconsin!

To my Wisconsin Friends and Family: On June 5th Please Vote for Tom Barrett for Governor and Lori Compas for State Senate!