From Madison to the Driftless You Tube.mov

"It's not about politics or policy, it's about people." Mark Taylor, Round River Institute

Wisconsin has been shaken by the grinding confrontation between Republican and Democratic leaders over Gov. Scott Walker's proposals to address the state's budget issues. From collective bargaining for state employees to funding of state health care and educational programs the governor has proposed a radical de-funding and reorganization of state government and programs that would turn many state programs -- and even some public property -- over to private corporations.

In the midst of all the speeches and legislative maneuvering it is easy to forget that such changes have dramatic -- even devastating -- impacts on real people in real places, like the rural landscape of Viola, in Vernon County, Wisconsin.
For more information contact Mark Taylor mark@round-river2000.com

Here we can find one family that will be heavily -- perhaps even devastingly impacted by what occurs in Madison in the coming months.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• foster care
• small business
• special education

[ecklunddavid]

@maxnav12 It is theft because it is not voluntary, and thus de facto not representative. As in, if you choose not to pay it you are kidnapped ("arrested") and imprisoned. If you defend yourself against this aggression, you may be shot. Government IS monopoly on the 'right' of aggressive violence. (Corporations are legal fictions: the source of their 'right' to evil is the state! -Like being a friend of the mob.) Why have violent criminals take care of our neighbors? We (you and I) can do better!

[maxnav12]

@ecklunddavid How is it theft? You have a representative in government. No? Taxation with representation. We need tax dollars to make our government run!

[JustAskMe2010]

This is many people's story in Wisconsin. The people HAVE given and given........It's time now that the big companies can pay their fair share!! We can't get any less incomes in MANY cases! Stop helping the rich get richer!!!! 

[ecklunddavid]

This kind of creativity humanizes the debate! )) However, the ends of compassion do not justify the means of violence. Forced taxation is theft, and two wrongs don't make a right. The message of compassion in this little jewel would shine brighter without that ethical blemish. While I absolutely disagree in terms of political philosophy, I absolutely agree with the means artfully used to "bring home" the message of compassion. The non-aggression principle cannot embrace welfare through theft.

[davidkbanner]

Mark...a brilliant job! This video really tells the story of the REAL impact of this horrendous budget from Walker and his ilk...they don't really get it, I feel....so kudos to you,Mark, for your passionate defense of people's rights and their needs for compassionate care.

Dr. David Banner

[phliparoonie]

Powerful. Are these not "The People" the framers of our Constitution had in mind for our government to be Of, By and For? Thank you for being good and decent people.

[astrobead7]

Very moving & well done. I know the Ohlers & they are good people trying their best to make a difference in our society. I'm with you & you're in my prayers. We MUST redeem our political system in our great state for folks like them & their foster kids!