"Thank 'Em (Unions and Teachers) - Wisconsin Labor Movement, Feb. 2011

Governor Scott Walker wants to do some union busting under the guise of a "budget initiative". Tens of thousands have been protesting at the state capitol all week. A large number of the protesters are teachers, fighting for their (and other public employees) rights to collectively bargain. The people can't stand for government's attempts at stripping employees rights, public or private. An attack on any workers is an attack on all workers.

Song written and performed by John Statz (http://www.johnstatz.com) on Feb. 16, 2011

Photots contributed by Joe Briggs, Lana Albright, Dusty Karls, and others.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Wisconsin
• labor movement
• unions
• labor unions
• organized labor
• demonstration
• protest
• Scott Walker
• John Statz
• teachers
• education

[NomaFS]

People who fail to learn from their histories are doomed to repeat them. And some of the politicians are depending on those short memories. Thanks for this song. Some people need to be reminded.

[oldpetebooking]

@CongressionalNuts being the "jerk" who sang this song, I really fail to understand your point about it being divisive? It is simply a song about recognizing what unions and teachers have given us. It is a song about support, not attacking anyone, other than the fictional Joe character. I'm sorry I attacked him. And I'm sorry I used profanity and it hurt your virgin ears.

[NomaFS]

@wtfjaftw It's the way you choose to attack. Have your opinion. Even call for a debate. But don't call me names. It's childish. With respect is the only way to communicate. Ultimately, it's all just your opinion and my opinion, and none of it matters because the system is doing what it wants right now anyway. This is my last reply. Just try to treat others as you would have them treat you and see if the veins in your neck stand down a little more nicely.

[NomaFS]

Wow. You called me a name. Big surprise.

[SelfAccountable]

F Unions. F Democrats. F Liberalism.

[GranolaGirl116]

Just saw your video on public domain protest songs! Great song! I would love to comment more but I gotta gas up the BMW with baby seal tears (Mom was a teacher so I am living laaaaaarge) and laugh at all you miserable poor people from my castle. The castle is just a rental though, once I graduate in May with my BSW I'll be able to buy my own on the 26k i'll be making as a social worker. Be jealous, be very jealous. Of course I didn't go into this field to make money, just like my mom didn't.

[1979dave1979]

@ all the people who like badmouthing teachers and spreading the hate from the right.....grow a brain and for once try and think on your own. im so tired od all you rightwing dumbfucks claiming to have all the answers..you were the ones supporting everything bush and the neocons did. we r in the financial mess from the damm Republicans. sit down and let the democrats balance the budget once again.

[CongressionalNuts]

@grumblekin

I would thank a teacher for showing the general public that they are "money grubbers", not the professionals they should be. Teachers should be "professionals" that do not need unions to take their money and do nothing for the children the teachers are supposed to serve.

[dansablack]

SteelInfrino, It is clear that you really NEED the teachers that he talks about, as you must have had one of those low paid ones. Your spelling really SUCKS!!

[ABevs1]

@steelinfrino Yup let's see how little we can pay people to teach our kids. That will definitely give an incentive for people to become teachers. Our priorities and values in this country are so screwed up. We give tons of tax cuts for the rich and let corporations dodge taxes and give subsidies to oil companies etc. and take money away from the poor and disabled and hard working and people who educate our kids. This disdain for teachers from the right is ridiculous and sickens me.

[Bekki369]

HELL YES... thank you for this song....