Dear Fellow American:

What follows are some reasons for why we should all be “extremely alarmed” by the continuous series of “made for television tactics” we see coming out of Wisconsin. It is my honest belief that Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and others with similar recent executive decisions, represent but the early stages of the Republican Party’s incubator decisions for robbing us all of our democratic values. What we are witnessing in Wisconsin and Ohio conjures up Nazi-like images to me.

That one extremely lame and impaired looking (the eyes) early term Republican Governor would introduce sweeping legislation that reverses years and years of American work history is no laughing matter. As it is, labor laws are extremely weighted in favor of the employer/corporation. The recent BP oil disaster, the coal mine explosions of 2010 and countless other recent hazardous work incidents are examples of what is possible when companies/major industries are left to their own vices.

If you believe Wisconsin is an anomaly then I ask that you think again. What we are witnessing across the country is not new, but represents Nazi-like Republican tactics that have long existed. Earlier examples included all out racism with discrimination where others who didn’t hold their values were denied their rights. Recent examples include the recurrent and frequent attacks against a democratically elected President who doesn’t conform 100% to strict Republican doctrine. These attacks against our President, which favor “shock and awe” theatrics and which is perpetuated by Fox Noise– aka the “mouth-piece” of the Republican Party, are all part of a well orchestrated campaign by the GOP to delegitimize the President.

Let me be crystal clear, Wisconsin represents the unraveling of our democracy, as one very pathetic governor seeks to thwart democracy. This is how it usually plays out:
at first there is the denial of your rights under the constitution, next there is coercion as we are witnessing in Wisconsin, and the final step or the point of no return is the loss of freedom of choice/ loss of democracy. Pay close attention and you will realize that this in fact what we are witnessing concerning Wisconsin and other Republican ruled states. Additionally, wasn’t one of the primary reasons we depleted our treasury and waged war against Sadam Hussein: to defend or “fight for freedom” and to bring democracy to the Iraqis. If this governor of Wisconsin prevails, we will very soon become like the citizens of Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and countless other non-democratic countries whose citizens American and the United Nation’s have fought to protect against government oppression.

I ask that you awaken from your slumber my friend and join the fight for democracy. You and your children will be glad you did.

Regards,
Grace

[...] something about stephanierobinsonspeaks[...]…

While I support the subject of your commentary, I must disagree with some its content. In my opinion and observation, childhood obesity has almost nothing to do with the school nutrition system. Lets start with the simple math; if a child eats 3 meals per day for 365 days that’s a total of 1095 meals per year. In my school district there are only 173 school days and they only serve breakfast and lunch (2 meals at 173 = 346 meals) 346 is only 32% of the total (standard possible)consumption of meals. Furthermore, most schools have healthy alternatives to the pizza/burger/nuggets. But what are the school nutritionists to do if a child’s only interaction with a vegatable is limited to the carrots and celery that comes with an order of hot wings. Also, how can the school nutrition system be at any kind of fault when there are children entering into the system (Pre-K and Kindergarden) that are already obese, have type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure or cholesterol. I do agree that there needs to be more physical activity in schools (ie: recess, phys. ed.). However, as is the case when we discuss the issues of our children, PARENTS must take responsibility for what’s happening.

Thanks for avoiding comment for as long as you did, and for making constructive suggestions about women being involved with developing strategic leadership as well as support. I always remember the story that Dr. King had mentioned his dream to others before making his historic speech in Washington, D.C., and as the story goes he had not initially planned to include it in the speech. But one of the people who he shared his dream with was Mahalia Jackson.

As you know, any of the women — particularly African Americans — who held leadership positions during the 19th and 20th centuries did so against constant resistance from chauvinist men. This was certainly true in the civil rights movement. Yet as she listened to Martin speak at the Lincoln Memorial, when the right moment came Mahalia was heard to urge Martin: “Tell them about the dream, Martin.”

Bam! The timely, concise, fearless, encouraging leadership of a great woman standing behind a great man — even if it wasn’t “her” man — shook the ground and is still shaking it years later.

Ok, where did I get that story? Frankly, I’m not sure anymore. Mrs. King may have told the story, or Tavis at State of the Black Union when it was here in Atlanta, or it may have been Bernice, Jesse Jackson, Andy Young or Rev. Lowry. Whoever I heard tell it, I’m sure they all have heard it as well, if that helps. But it speaks to your point.

But also, I’ll mention that I did not care for how Jeff Johnson addressed this issue on TJMS. He actually concluded with asking Tavis and Al to give him a call, so he could help resolve things. At best an uninformed approach, and at worst insincere. Either way, a waste of airtime.

Be well,
Carlton in Marietta Where it’s Betta