Washington Stands with Wisconsin -- DIAL-UP Warning!

[Generic Other]

Olympia Washington Noon Rally

When I arrived, 200 Teabaggers had stationed themselves on the steps of the Statehouse. They had been bussed in. The Unions, however, scared them off. The media underestimate numbers, but they say 2500 showed up. Here are a few of those in attendance. I must admit, I was overwhelmed by the muscle and might of the men and women I saw. Young and old. Marching, chanting, and discovering our power. UNION SOLIDARITY. At one time, the Olympia Fire Department had to respond to an emergency as someone slipped on the ice. Oh did I mention it was 26 F and 6 inches of snow on the ground? A reminder of why public employees are valuable.

As one of the AFT members at the rally, I came expecting to see a bunch of pale out-of-shape teachers. I was blown away by ironworkers, electricians, state ferry workers, police, firefighters, nurses, engineers, machinists. Every state union worker was represented today! Politicians came out and joined us from their offices. Kids. Seniors. Veterans. This is what Democracy looks like. This is what Washington State thinks of Governor Walker's treatment of Wisconsin workers. We stand with them. Don't push us!!






International Association of Fire Fighters



Socialists









Sheet Metal Workers





American federation of Teachers



























Operating Engineers



Electrical Union











ILWU









Inland Maritime Union



SEIU



IFCW











Machinists





Ironworkers kick Ass!



















Correctional Officers Union

[tabatha]

1. Union workers can all spell!

Wow, what a great selection of signs.

Loved the "We are all anonymous cheese heads"

[Shiver]

2. Wow... all those cheeseheads...

I.. I have something in my eye, excuse me...

[JohnnyRingo]

27. Thank you for posting

It makes my heart soar to see the unity.

oops... I meant to reply to the OP.

[MsPithy]

45. I know! I'm surprised there are that many cheese hats in the entire state of WA!

I don't belong to a union and I haven't been to a protest rally since Viet Nam, but I went to Olympia because I like having weekends off. I like the 8 hour work day, I like that my daughter went to school and not the sweatshop. How can we have a middle class in this country without unions?

[Divernan]

56. My favorite sign: "Ich bin ein Cheesehead!"

[Ellipsis]

3. Wowness thank you for posting.

[WildEyedLiberal]

4. I love the guy with the Oregon Trail sign and the Fallout hoodie

:rofl:

Those are great pics. It gives me hope to see so many standing in solidarity with the Wisconsin patriots.

[Generic Other]

74. Guess he was referring to agencies that provide us clean healthy water and other resources

They keep us safe from harm. Otherwise, we'd be drinking out of mudpuddles.

[gateley]

5. K&R! Thank you!! Were you there?? I'm SO PROUD of my fellow Washingtonians! nt

[Generic Other]

6. YES!!! I have been uploading my pics all afternoon!

I was crying today I was so proud of us all!

[gateley]

41. B1 in the Sunday Times - just glanced on my way to work and I saw the words

"thousands" and that we outnumbered them. Will read it when I get home.

Again, thanks for the pics, and thanks for participating! I'm so proud of YOU! :patriot: :pals:

[Lastactiongyro]

32. Hi My first post! Great signs!

I don't think it has sunk into teabagger/Republican consciousness that they have a revolution on their hands.

[gateley]

42. And a worthy first post it is!

Totally agree -- they've been able to mow us down with money, but that's not working any more. They don't realize what they're in for.

And welcome to DU, Lastactiongyro! :hi:

[Generic Other]

73. Welcome to DU

Glad to see you here! aND YES. tHEY WOKE THE GIANT.

[suffragette]

7. Nicely done!

K&R

[Tx4obama]

8. I wish I could K&R this 1,000 times! n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. Great photos

and I suspect this is really scaring even the baggers that showed up. We suspect we had one...

Think about it. WE ARE THE MAJORITY and them liberals are not... cognitive dissonance moment when they see this

http://nadinbrzezinski.posterous.com/today-in-san-diego

Good photos of all we took are at the bottom

[madamesilverspurs]

10. Spectacular!

[inna]

11. Wow! Thank you, thank you! For some reason, I found this one just striking:

Wow. Maybe not all is lost, after all.

Solidarity.

[inna]

50. "Organized November 28, 1891" - Holy shit, that just blows me away.

I don't think Scott-fucking-Walker had any idea what kind of "sleeping giant" he has awakened, metaphorically speaking.

[vincenzoesq]

59. Pale, out of shape teachers?

Hey, I like the pictures and everything else, but haven't we had enough teacher bashing? I am neither pale nor out of shape, and I'll be rallying in our state capital with my colleagues.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

64. You replied to the wrong person.

And it appears that the OP, as an AFT member, was using self-deprecating humor, which can be quite effective.

As some folks on this board like to say, "Lighten up, Francis."

[Generic Other]

71. ha! Sorry! I was referring to myself and my friends!

It was so obvious as I moved around the crowd that we union folks come in all shapes and sizes. The indoor workers were thin and pale, the firefighters were tall and muscular, the iron workers were huge up close. I felt protected and safe in that group. No one was gonna union bash us with that kind of muscle.

I have been to protests before. Teachers, anti-war demonstrations. This one was different is what I was trying to say. I would never bash teachers intentionally. I am just saying we don't work outside in hardhats.

No offense meant!

[madmax]

12. No words. K&R

[Generic Other]

13. LINKS To All the other Rally pics DUers posted today...

Madison, Wisconsin
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=515724&mesg_id=515724
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x518965
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x519014
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x519572
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x516525
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x518490
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517096
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517616
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x518957
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x518061

Olympia, Washington
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x519709
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x519572

Albany, New York
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x518676

Alaska
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x518951

Chicago, Illinois
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x515184
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x515708
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517893

Denver, Colorado
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x518143
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517468
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517713
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517141

Atlanta, Georgia
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x516126

Omaha, Nebraska
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x519297

Austin, Texas
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517071
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x518224

Topeka, Kansas
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517974

Providence, Rhode Island
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x516231
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x515968


Tallahassee, Florida
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x518173

St Paul, Minnesota
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x516689
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517019

Lansing, Michigan
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517979

West Virgina
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x518514

Sacramento, California
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517212

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517842

Bangor, Maine
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517618

Jefferson, Missouri
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517841

Springfield, Illinois
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517873

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517205
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x517183

Indianapolis, Indiana
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x514970
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x516424

NH, ME, VT
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x516424

Around the Country
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x519261
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x515119
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x518033

[Little Star]

30. Thanks for putting this list together Generic Other! Would you...

consider making it into it's own OP? It may not get seen hidden inside this thread.

[onestepforward]

33. Thanks for this!

I try to see them all but I still miss a few. Now I won't! :)

[Generic Other]

46. another link

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x519979

[rucky]

52. eh, they were all bussed in from other states

:evilgrin:

[mfcorey1]

14. Much larger than any tea party rally that has ever taken place. We should encourage Current TV to

take up the battle and let that become the center for news. Good idea to float to Keith. I can't wait until his debut there. All of the MSM's have given us their collective butts to kiss and we won't forget.

[upi402]

15. There were even more INSIDE the rotunda!

We drove 150 miles to freeze our feet off and could not have been happier! We have a tiny idea how others, like those in WI, have sacrificed and suffered by doing this small action.

Great pics, thanks!

[slay]

16. Now that's a worthwhile dial-up warning - and awesome pics too!

:toast:

[eridani]

17. Excellent! n/t

[Imagevision]

18. This is truly beautiful it's like the 60's without getting your head bashed in, where have

all the flowers gone? It appears their in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio so far... :) YES!

[oldlib]

19. Excellent Photos.

I should have been at a solidarity rally. I wasted my day attempting to see some TV coverage of the rallies across the country. The main screen media, once again, ignored progressive demonstrations, and like MSNBC showed lockup to the masses. Your pictures demonstrates that real and beautiful people respect the need for Democracy in this country.

[upi402]

20. The media is AWOL

There needs to be an alternative to that vacancy.

[oldlib]

35. HLN news channel

briefly, showed the Olympia demonstration this morning. They did, unfortunately, also show the vastly out numbered Tea Party group.

[upi402]

51. The waiting area of AFSCME had more people than the Teaparty did in total

It was a joke. And the "meida" gives that astro turf gang soooo much airtime - and keeps our struggle hidden. I sure hope nobody tries to move on their stations to force attention to the issues.

[Matariki]

21. THANK YOU for being there!

I so wanted to go today and couldn't get anyone to go with me. I'm really glad to see there was a good crowd and I'm so grateful to you and all the people who made it down to Olympia.

[Generic Other]

22. Just a few more...Washington State Union Solidarity!!

[upi402]

23. Thanks for posting your pics

We brought a camera but by the time we drove all that way...well - we were focused on a restroom when we got there and forgot to bring it along... LOL
Did you go inside the rotunda? It was full and reminded me of WI pics.

[Generic Other]

24. I was freezing and hungry by then!

I wish I had gone in! Darn.

[upi402]

49. We were surprised to see it wah full - all 4 levels!

A kind woman snuk us in the side door. We did the same a couple of times. I wanted to tell evrybody but there was a guy at the top of the stairs outside yelling something....

[deacon]

25. Great job! End the war on the middle class! n/t

[Le Taz Hot]

26. "Ich Bin Ein Cheesehead"

LOL! Great signs. Thanks for posting.

[Solly Mack]

28. K&R

[me b zola]

29. K&R

:applause:

[malaise]

31. Absolutely fabulous

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iAIM02kv0g&feature=related
Which side are you on boys (and girls)?



Solidarity Forever!!

[dotymed]

34. This is great.

I realize that Unions are now fighting for their lives.
I just wish I saw some signs about EXPANDING Unions and bringing the poor into the middle class.

[Phentex]

36. Excellent! I had to laugh at...

"the othars" :rofl:

[Major Hogwash]

37. Great pictures!!!!

Took awhile to download them, but it was worth it.

[LAGC]

38. Beautiful.

Thanks for posting! :hi:

[PearliePoo2]

39. So, so PROUD of my UNION Brothers and Sisters!

Darn...hard to see these photos...they're a little blurry.
Whatever got caught in my throat...is now in my eyes.

:thumbsup:

:dem:

:kick:

:applause:

:patriot:

[intheflow]

40. K&R for Seattle's Best!

Love the Jonestown sign!

[russspeakeasy]

43. Wow ! Wow! Wow! Thanks >

[rasputin1952]

44. I recognize many of the Unions and other entities in the pics...

having been a Shop Steward and Negotiator for SEIU Local 6, (Seattle), years ago. I can feel right at home with my brothers and sisters in WA. I also know and support Veterans for Peace

It warms my heart to see these people standing up for the Rights of every American Citizen. The GOP and Teabaggers be damned, they are not representatives of the People, they are slugs that don't even understand that WE are people that work and pay for the things we rely on as Citizens. We detest dictatorial governments, and there is no, nor was there ever, a "mandate" for the new "Gentry" to create massive social change...especially when these clowns ran on job creation, something they jettisoned immediately when "elected".

Walker started this "war", but the People will come away with a clear victory, even sweeter that those that are protesting and winning, are doing it peacefully and with great dignity!

[stevedeshazer]

47. Thank you to labor-supporting Washingtonians. We've got your back here in Oregon.

:hi:

[w8liftinglady]

48. you guys are AWESOME! way to go..and great pictures!

[Kadie]

53. Great photos!

:hi:

[AzDar]

54. Love, love, LOVE!

:yourock:

[Poboy]

55. Recommend!

[luv_mykatz]

57. Love and thanks from another Oregonian.

:loveya:

The pics are all great. I particularly liked the one that says Peace on Earth, Good Will to All Women and Men. Seems like this gent has figured it out. The Rethuglicans seem to tag certain groups each year for attack. This year the attacked groups are women and working people. :cry: :grr:

Thank you Washingtonians, for supporting Wisconsin, and working people everywhere! :grouphug:

Now, may we all wake up, realize our common enemy, and start working together. SOLIDARITY! :bounce: :toast: :kick: :yourock:

[upi402]

60. Did Portland have a rally? n/t

[DeSwiss]

58. YES!!!

K&R

[barbtries]

61. everyone does better

when everyone does better - i love that! thank you for showing up and for sharing on DU

[PSUDem]

62. My Brother is in that crowd.

He is holding one of the signs. He is a teacher in Washington.

[Generic Other]

75. Yay! What an amazing crowd.

It struck me that day that that was what democracy looked like!

[spicegal]

63. Love it.

Great signs. Looks like Walker may have ignited a re-birth of the labor movement and awakened a sleeping giant, the middle class, who are mad as hell and refuse to take it anymore. Let's hope so.

[lillypaddle]

65. Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!

What a beautiful sight! I love it!

[WorseBeforeBetter]

66. "Mispeld for the othars."

I love that guy! Looks like a great group of people. Thanks for posting, and for assembling the list up-thread.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

67. Thanks for posting these!

:kick:

[MrMickeysMom]

68. Holy cow... Here's how we should ALL walk...

[ismnotwasm]

69. Absolutely incredible

Thank you so much for posting!!!!

[padruig]

70. Unions Unite in Solidarity

I come from a long labor history family here in Washington State. My parents became adults during the Great Republican Depression and from that were life long FDR Democrats and Union members.

I've worked a good part of my life with Unions and Union Members and to a one they represent the solidarity of both the middle class and the working man and woman.

Seeing this rally with its tremendous turn-out of Unions of all stripes and types reminded me of when my father would speak about the Great Seattle Strike of 1919.

Bravo! Bravo!

[Generic Other]

72. Welcome to DU

It is so good to hear from those who know our history! Thanks for posting.