From Selma to Madison; We Stand with Wisconsin Workers and Families

This week in 1965, Governor Wallace unleashed dogs and fire hoses in Selma, steamrolling voting and democratic rights.

Last night the Republican members of the Wisconsin legislature, in concert with Governor Scott Walker, steamrolled the democratic rights of working families. There is a clear, straight line from Selma to Madison of 'states' rights' ideology that undermines the basic principles of democracy.

In the dark of night, the Wisconsin legislature's "action" to strip unions of their collective bargaining rights directly and clearly violates legislative open meeting laws -- it is illegal, improper and unethical. It is an affront to the people of Wisconsin. Extremist politicians have trampled on democracy and the state's tradition of free, open, and fair government. Recent polling indicates that 74% of Wisconsinites oppose these Republican moves.

The people of Wisconsin see through the desperate act of the Republican members of the Wisconsin legislature. Their outrage is expressing itself through protests and resistance. They will not let ideological extremists undermine 50 years of civil rights work. Recall petitions are already circulating to remove those legislators who have blatantly violated the democratic rules of the legislature and the will of the people.

Today, thousands are gathering in Madison, Milwaukee and other cities. These protests will undoubtedly escalate as the people turn their protest into power and rise up to take back their government. Rainbow PUSH Coalition supports theses actions and will be with the people of Wisconsin every step of the way.

 

Follow Rev. Jesse Jackson on Twitter: www.twitter.com/revjjackson

Comments

[free speech isnt free]

08:10 PM on 03/10/2011

Thank you Reverend for putting this in its proper perspective.

[Donkan]

06:14 PM on 03/10/2011

Rev. Jackson, thanks for your continued vigilance and support to folks like those in Selma and Wisconsin. I'm sure it helps to know that figures like you are willing to support them and keep their situation in the spotlight.

[DMohr]

06:09 PM on 03/10/2011

Rev. Jackson's parallels to Selma in 1965 and Madison in 2011 are incredibly moving. America has been through much worse before, and the people overcame. So have the American workers overcome before, and so will we again.

Side note to Scott Walker: When Ann Coulter is criticizing you on FOX News for having lost the media war and public opinion on the same day of your big "triumph" (i.e., illegal government act), you'd better know you've MESSED UP BIG TIME.

[LilyMaskew]

05:55 PM on 03/10/2011

Those tricky Republicans will change their turn after they're recalled from Wisconsin politics.