Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Running the gauntlet...(AFP Taxpayer Rally)

Yes, I went to today's taxpayer rally hosted by Americans for Prosperity. It was an event that was well organized and truly a great event.

This taxpayer rally was an unprecedented event being held in Madison. For the first time ever, taxpayers of Wisconsin took off of work and headed to the capital of Wisconsin and stood on the steps of the capital and declared that "We have had enough!" It was long past due.

The state workers and the unions were out in full force. We had originally been told that the unions would outnumber us by a 4 t0 1 margin. In reality, they actually only outnumbered us in a 2 to 1 margin.

One was clearly evident, they believe that they are entitled. Anyone challenging them on their entitlement was cursed at, screamed at and insulted. I have never seen a group of people so filled with hatred for those that provide them with a paycheck. Never.

But, I don't really want to talk about that now.

Something happened today that was truly amazing. The taxpayers of Wisconsin were represented not only on the front steps of the capital, but in the media also. I happened to catch three of the four major networks reporting on this event on the 6pm news tonight. In every single one of these reports both sides were represented. Not just the union side, but the chants of "no new taxes" were blasted throughout the state in every single major media market in the state of Wisconsin.

This is unprecedented. Rarely, if ever, is the taxpayer's voice heard. Today it was, and the media reported on it.

There is a huge lesson to be learned here.

Unless we, at the grassroots level, are willing to show up, then the voices of the taxpayers will rarely be heard. Talk radio is not enough. Blogs are not enough. These are wonderful things that help advance the causes we believe in, but more is needed.

Many Wisconsinites sit back and complain that their government is not listening to them. Sometimes I wonder also.

The questions I have is- are we talking to our government? Are we communicating with them? Are you emailing them, calling them or writing them?

Yes, a very valuable lesson should have been learned today. We have got to be willing to show up, if we want to have our voices heard. Even if it means that we have to run through a gauntlet of angry people that outnumber us 2 to 1.

Today, 400 people or so, ran through a gauntlet of angry people who feel entitled to our money, and we took a stand.

The moment every single major media market reported on this story, the taxpayer's voices were heard.

The taxpayers of Wisconsin have been the silent, jilted majority for way too long.

We will be silent no longer.

Thank you to Americans for Prosperity for hosting this event. Without their organization, the taxpayers voices would have never been heard today.

Also, thank you to our legislators who run the gauntlet every single day, and still they stand up for the taxpayers. Apparently, these same union people are at the capital on a regular basis, screaming and cursing at the Republicans. It takes an immense amount of courage to continue to fight for the taxpayers, when they are taking the abuse on a daily basis.

More later. Yes- I had a union member with a green shirt standing two inches from my face screaming at me. I'll tell you about it and our speakers later.

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