On a warm spring like Saturday morning, punctuated with a cold Colorado wind, my husband and I headed down to Denver for the "Support the Wisconsin Workers" Demonstration. All our neighbors were out with their children enjoying the weather, and the bus stop was busy. The Bus - standing room only- was a mix of elder, students, and in-betweens many wearing red and white, the University of Wisconsin colors, and going to the demonstration.
Of course being the post modern people that we are, electronic devises were in use. Why "waste" a moment. Being connected electronically seemed to be the norm. Yet I was happy to see that folks were finally coming out to connect in person with their fellow citizen.
We got to Denver quickly, and took the Mall shuttle to the end of the line. Walking the last block to the Capital I could hear the roar of a crowd. The lawn and steps of the Colorado Capital Building was covered with over 3,00 people. Lots of police were present, but they hugged the back of the crowd, and the streets.
We moved to the center of the crowd. I really couldn't see the speakers most of whom seemed seemed to be young. The organizer, who said she pulled the event together in three days was in her 20's.
All the speaker were into short speeches. What was said was pertinent, and good. Support for the people in Madison, the sleeping power of organized labor, the responsibility of the Republicans for the present financial crisis, and the contrast between the pay of corporate and public service workers.
One Public Service Labor Representative stated that the mean income of public sector workers was $45,000/year, and the average retirement pay was $19,000 per year. As a life long public servant, I can testify that getting rich is not possible in this type of work, nor is it a goal of the workers.
One older speaker, who was 80+ year old spoke of the contrast between his life and his father's life. He spoke of how much better his life was then his Dad's. He credit this difference to the labor movement, which he added had enabled his to support his family. His concerns were with the current attacks on retired workers with cuts in pensions, increased costs, and the manipulation of medical insurance.
Another speaker very movingly pointed out that labor is sacred. We give our life energies to our work, and our efforts are a sacred gift. This labor, organized by unions, is what has built our country. Be clear the bankers, politicians and financial types, did not build our streets, buildings, libraries, or schools. People, and their labor built our nation. We need to once again work to rebuild our country. I am a fan of a high speed rail system. This cannot be built without labor. This labor should be organized so that a living wage can be earned.
The last speaker was an economist, who spoke of the unjustness of our present economic system. He pointed out that democracy is about people not corporations.
Many people stayed on the Capital lawn after the speeches were over to chant about empowering the people, and supporting the demonstrators in Wisconsin. There were many signs supporting teachers, and labor, calling for the end of the Wars, and pointing out that the basis of democracy is listening to and representing the citizenry not representing the small group of the very rich.
We headed down the 16th Street Mall with a march of about 100 people in support of Planned Parenthood. The response from the people in cafes lining the street was mixed. Many clapped and cheered as we passed, especially liking the chant of Woman's Rights are Human Rights. Others just look puzzled, definitely experiencing a disconnect from what was happening around them. One street musician saluted us by playing the Battle Hymn of the Republic on his silver flute. He was cheered by the marchers.
The demonstration and march was peaceful and for me emotional. It has been decades since I walked the streets for a cause. I hope this is the beginning of a movement that empowers all of us. We have given our power to our government, and our government has decided to not serve us. It is time to size the moment and let our government know that we are here. Remember that the People have the Power.
Of course being the post modern people that we are, electronic devises were in use. Why "waste" a moment. Being connected electronically seemed to be the norm. Yet I was happy to see that folks were finally coming out to connect in person with their fellow citizen.
We got to Denver quickly, and took the Mall shuttle to the end of the line. Walking the last block to the Capital I could hear the roar of a crowd. The lawn and steps of the Colorado Capital Building was covered with over 3,00 people. Lots of police were present, but they hugged the back of the crowd, and the streets.
We moved to the center of the crowd. I really couldn't see the speakers most of whom seemed seemed to be young. The organizer, who said she pulled the event together in three days was in her 20's.
All the speaker were into short speeches. What was said was pertinent, and good. Support for the people in Madison, the sleeping power of organized labor, the responsibility of the Republicans for the present financial crisis, and the contrast between the pay of corporate and public service workers.
One Public Service Labor Representative stated that the mean income of public sector workers was $45,000/year, and the average retirement pay was $19,000 per year. As a life long public servant, I can testify that getting rich is not possible in this type of work, nor is it a goal of the workers.
One older speaker, who was 80+ year old spoke of the contrast between his life and his father's life. He spoke of how much better his life was then his Dad's. He credit this difference to the labor movement, which he added had enabled his to support his family. His concerns were with the current attacks on retired workers with cuts in pensions, increased costs, and the manipulation of medical insurance.
Another speaker very movingly pointed out that labor is sacred. We give our life energies to our work, and our efforts are a sacred gift. This labor, organized by unions, is what has built our country. Be clear the bankers, politicians and financial types, did not build our streets, buildings, libraries, or schools. People, and their labor built our nation. We need to once again work to rebuild our country. I am a fan of a high speed rail system. This cannot be built without labor. This labor should be organized so that a living wage can be earned.
The last speaker was an economist, who spoke of the unjustness of our present economic system. He pointed out that democracy is about people not corporations.
Many people stayed on the Capital lawn after the speeches were over to chant about empowering the people, and supporting the demonstrators in Wisconsin. There were many signs supporting teachers, and labor, calling for the end of the Wars, and pointing out that the basis of democracy is listening to and representing the citizenry not representing the small group of the very rich.
We headed down the 16th Street Mall with a march of about 100 people in support of Planned Parenthood. The response from the people in cafes lining the street was mixed. Many clapped and cheered as we passed, especially liking the chant of Woman's Rights are Human Rights. Others just look puzzled, definitely experiencing a disconnect from what was happening around them. One street musician saluted us by playing the Battle Hymn of the Republic on his silver flute. He was cheered by the marchers.
The demonstration and march was peaceful and for me emotional. It has been decades since I walked the streets for a cause. I hope this is the beginning of a movement that empowers all of us. We have given our power to our government, and our government has decided to not serve us. It is time to size the moment and let our government know that we are here. Remember that the People have the Power.
Hey Leah,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you guys took action, would have been nice to be there.
-Dave