This is what Democracy Looks Like

Hello Everyone, Wild Women, Mobilized Mamas, Grouchy Grandmas, Auntie Activists, Bad Girls, Feisty Felines and Wily Witches,
Can you tell I'm stoked? I spent most of the day yesterday in Madison, WI at what was the biggest, most unified, peaceful protest I've ever attended and I've been doing this since my parents dragged me along in a backpack to the Civil Rights Marches of the early 60's.
For once the mainstream media got a few things right, the attendance numbers, which tend to be greatly underreported, seemed fairly accurate at an estimate of at least 100,000 people. Probably even more relevant is the demographics of the group; in addition to the usual activists there were Police, Firefighters, representatives from every Union, parents, grandmas, kids, babies, dogs, people of all races, economic status, educational levels and career paths. And they all got along, clustered in small groups of conversation, offering each other food, water and help staying warm. The local businesses were very accommodating by allowing people to come inside and warm themselves or use the bathroom. The weather was quite cold and snowing, beautiful big fluffy flakes. Despite the freezing damp cold the atmosphere was energized, but completely peaceful. After two weeks of protests/peaceful assembly there have been no arrests, no serious incidents and the town is amazingly clean.
As I write this I'm clicking back and forth between writing and checking updates on twitter and facebook. I have contacts with people who are there in the Capitol tonight and it's both exciting and amazing to me how technology has evolved to the point that we can organize internationally and within minutes if not seconds. The transparency and real life stories that are overlooked (or repressed) by the mainstream media allow for citizens to make informed choices based on real life situations and consequences.
On a personal and professional level I can't tell you how encouraged and grateful I am for this. It is fulfilling my dream of bringing the voices of the "invisible" into the public sphere.
On a political and spiritual level, my mind is spinning with the implications of the Unity and Solidarity as we witness enormous changes and uprisings in support of Human Rights and Social Justice, not only here in Wisconsin and America, but in Egypt, Libya and worldwide. Perhaps we are in the sunrise of the Age of Aquarius.
Peace and Solidarity,
Jenny

© 2011 Nanakoosa’s Place, authored by Jennifer Hazard

Solidarity in Wisconsin

Unless you've been living on a deserted island or watching a 5 day marathon of tevo-ed American Idol, you've seen what's happening here in Wisconsin. Governor Walker has not only granted huge tax breaks to his wealthy cronies but is attacking the Public Employees Unions, going so far as to propose revoking collective bargaining rights. Another proposition included in his plan has received much less attention from the press, but is equally devastating to Wisconsin's families. Walker has proposed drastic cuts to Medicaid and is requesting stricter guidelines to determine eligibility for the program. Generally a family must earn within 200% of the Federal Poverty level to qualify for the State’s Medicaid, known as Badgercare. Part of Walker's proposal would limit eligibility to 130%. Walker would need to request a Federal waiver to impose this change, but appears to be confident it will be granted. Meanwhile other states are following suit, finding ways to justify waivers of the Federal Healthcare guidelines. The Feds have granted waivers in the past most, notably to the State of Arizona which has been widely criticized for their changes in healthcare policy. Since these changes have been implemented 2 people have died as the result of being determined to be ineligible for previously approved transplants. Approximately 90 pre-approved patients awaiting transplants are now being denied the life saving measures that had once offered hope for survival.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/News/arizona-transplant-deaths/story?id=12559369&page=1
Amidst the attempt at Union busting, the proposed cuts in healthcare and other public services the 117 million dollar tax cuts (actual total is uncertain) to the wealthy is a slap in the face, a kick in the teeth and well many distasteful analogies come to mind, I'm sure you can fill in your own.
The good news that has come of this fiasco is the incredible solidarity, support and unity that have been demonstrated not just by Wisconsinites, but from supporters all over the country and in other parts of the world. Protesters in Egypt, in the midst of their own struggle for Democracy and Freedom have sent words of encouragement and support... and pizza! According to several sources one business in particular has received over 2,500 worth of donations to buy pizza for protesters, some orders coming from as far as Cairo and Europe as well as other states here in the US.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/49888.html
Local Union hospital employees have also donated food and many Madison residents and business owners have opened their doors to provide shelter, food and warmth to the activists, many who have been stationed in Madison for days.
The protests are expected to continue for at least a few more days, beyond that it is difficult to predict what will happen. No matter what we Wisconsin residents are grateful and inspired by the support and solidarity from around the world. I encourage my readers to do anything, no matter how small a gesture may seem, to do whatever they are able to help our cause. This is after all, bigger than Wisconsin. Walker’s brand of political insanity spreads like a disease and other states are already working on similar proposals. On the Federal level anti abortion measures are going to restrict more than just abortion, but will also limit access to birth control and routine healthcare for Women all over the country.
The Intention for this blog and my germinating White Wave Consulting business is born of the principles of self advocacy, empowerment and social justice. Here is our chance to have a voice, to empower ourselves, others and to create real social change.
Please see my Facebook page for ongoing updates, links and ways you can help.
In Peace and Solidarity,
Jenny
© 2011 Nanakoosa’s Place, authored by Jennifer Hazard













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