World Peace Gong, India

After one of the largest demonstrations ever in Madison yesterday for labor rights the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper headlines today are a “House Divided”. The article features pictures and quotes from each side of the issue. The person supporting the people at the Capitol says the issue is “pure and simple, trying to bust the union.” The person against the protest says the “teacher union has gotten way too powerful. They expect a better salary and benefits than the people who pay them, which is taxpayers.” It is hard to think they are talking about the same issue.

The diverse positions reflect the two TV ad positions featured on local TV. One ad, supporting collective bargaining, features a fireman saying how state workers have agreed to reduced salary and benefits and the real issue is the right to collective bargaining for unions. The other one, supporting the Governor features a number of pictures of state workers and other working class people claiming the state workers are responsible for lost of jobs in Wisconsin. It does not mention the fact that state union workers had conceded to all financial cuts the Governor wants them to take, but will not surrender their hard earned rights of collective bargaining.

But now I am getting into the facts and the real issue: an attempt to break up the state unions. It is not the facts that matter but the perception of people. What I really see is a struggle between, “the powers that be”, elected State Republican politicians and business moguls, and the working people of Wisconsin. If the struggle was presented this way the people would win. So the ‘powers that be’ are using the true and tried tactic of “divide and conquer.” Using the media, like this morning newspaper headlines and the TV ad they purchased they are truly trying to divide middle and working class people, their power base, against each other.

Many, as seen in the State Capitol day after day, are not buying this divisive attempt and are saying in signs, words and actions “We are One”.

I am rooting for the “House United” but one cannot underestimate those promoting a “House Divided”.

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