ThePoliticalCat: February 2011

San Francisco Shows Solidarity with Wisconsin

Here is a collection of photos taken today at the San Francisco Rally in support of the Wisconsin protestors -- and union protesters everywhere.

I love that!

"Walker is a Koch addict"

If you're not sure what this sign is referring to, go here.

As you can see, we could have used a few more people. Next time, please join us.

Labels: Photos of rally, Rally in solidarity with Wisconsin

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Solidarity with Wisconsin Protesters

First they came for the teachers' union,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a teacher.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the software developers and sent their jobs elsewhere,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a software developer.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

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Not sure about unions? Sure you don't want a union? Read here -- very good article by San Francisco Chronicle columnist, Jon Carroll, about the importance of unions for every worker.

Analysis of the situation by Paul Krugman: Shock Doctrine, U.S.A

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I have a confession

They say confession is good for the soul, and I have one to make, even though I don't believe in the concept of a soul. But here goes.

I hate Republicans. Really, they are better referred to as Repuglicans, Rethuglicans, and even Republicons. I hate them. They are evil lying bastards. They are psychopaths. And I am not talking about the low information voter who has been manipulated into voting for Republicons. I am talking about the Repiglicans at the top, the various politicians in state and Federal government positions, or running think tanks, or even evil corporations who use their power to hurt the powerless while giving everything to the powerful. I hate them. I don't have it in my heart to love them because I can't love evil. I just can't bring myself to love them.

But there are politicians I do love, like Jackie Speier. She just constantly makes me proud and here is one more recent reason why.

But what to do about the evil Repiglican bastards? Peaceful protest. That is the way. It works. And when enough people wake up to what these bastards are doing to the country and protest like they are doing in Wisconsin, then we will have real change. I'm looking forward to that day. It just can't come soon enough!

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Wisconsin: How YOU Can Help

So, peeps, what the fuckety-fucking FUCK is going on in Wisconsin, huh? I turn my back for a few years, and this is what becomes of the world. Who EVER thought "Democracy is coming to the Middle-East in my lifetime"? Anybody? Anyone? Not me, for sure. But now a dictator-for-life has fled Tunisia (with a ton of gold, but still), and his fellow dictator-for-life has fled Egypt, and some other dictators-for-life are looking around nervously, wondering who's next. Jordan, Libya, Iran, Iraq, Saudi, Yemen, Algeria, Morocco, all aflame.

And now, Wisconsin.

So it turns out that creepazoid Scott Walker, purported Governor of Wisconsin, was elected thanks to two slimy oil billionaires who poured money into his pockets. People of Wisconsin! How could you let this happen?

In order to break the unions (a long-term goal of the Koch Bros. and the rightwing nutjob tools they have purchased), Walker declared that the state was having fiscal problems and needed to cut costs. Of course, he neglects to mention that while he's squalling about how awful the state's problems are, he just added a whole bunch of expensive tax cuts for the wealthy. Hmmm. Do I smell hypocrite?

Here's something you can do to help, even if you're not a citizen or resident of Wisconsin.

Update: And, if you actually have $$ to spare, throw a few towards keeping the protestors fed and warm right here.

If you are a citizen of Wisconsin, here's something you can do.

Wisconsin, you can recall these Republican buttfuckers that you handed your Legislature to. And clearly, you'd better do it fast, because your governor is willing to call the National Guard in to shoot you down, if necessary.

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Eat the Richest 1 %

Republicans would rather go after teachers and other public employees than have us look at the pay of Wall Street traders, private-equity managers, and heads of hedge funds -- many of whom wouldn't have their jobs today were it not for the giant taxpayer-supported bailout, and most of whose lending and investing practices were the proximate cause of the Great Depression to begin with.

Last year, America's top thirteen hedge-fund managers earned an average of $1 billion each. One of them took home $5 billion. Much of their income is taxed as capital gains -- at 15 percent -- due to a tax loophole that Republican members of Congress have steadfastly guarded.

If the earnings of those thirteen hedge-fund managers were taxed as ordinary income, the revenues generated would pay the salaries and benefits of 300,000 teachers. Who is more valuable to our society -- thirteen hedge-fund managers or 300,000 teachers? Let's make the question even simpler. Who is more valuable: One hedge fund manager or one teacher?

-- Robert Reich

Want to read more? Go here. Fantastic piece by Robert Reich.

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