From: Carolyn Kaiser
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 9:00 PM
To: Marty Beil; Jana Weaver
Subject: Chippewa Valley to Washington DC
Marty, Jana and the Northwest WI:
Marty, thanks for the photos of DC earlier today. Phil Swanhorst, of Amalgamated Transit Union was part of that group!!! He is the legislator/ political coordinator of his union, very active in the Greater West Central Area Labor Council and a bus driver for the city of Eau Claire.
Phil was invited to Washington DC this year as in previous years in representing his union. Today is their ‘last’ day in D.C., historically that means a nice reception. They were asked if they would like to forego the reception and participate in the March for Justice—they did Solidarity in seconds. It was great to hear Phil’s voice and I’ll try to give you a little insight and summary. When he returns we’ll hear the real story.
The group walked about one mile to the White House. They closed down streets, three blocks at a time; police w/ bullhorns were saying ‘clear the streets’ People just keep on walking. The support they rec’d from the people waiting in their vehicles, on the balconies, and out the window was never ending. The police were nice and helpful. The people waiting in their vehicles—all waved, honked, and cheered. There were firefighters there from Madison, WI.
At one building – BJR Lobby Firm there was group on a balcony about 4-5 floors up who were flipping the finger. When the protesters saw this – they knew the shame.... About 20 Cops went into the building--- soon the bad behavior stopped and no more to be seen. The cheering/ signs of victory were wide spread. There were many drums, Walker took the drums out of the Capitol, people made sure they were letting WI legislators hear them in DC.
When they were at the White House a light came on for about 15 minutes on second floor. The Locals shared that means that ‘protesters’ were noticed. They also thought that President Obama was home today. Needless to say, they are anxious for the evening news in D.C.
Carolyn Kaiser, AFSCME Council 24
Northwest Field Representative
715-874-4544 (O)
715-874-4543 (F)
ckaiser@wseu-24.org
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