FROM MOVEON.ORG
Solidarity Rally- Save the American Dream
A nationwide day of protest in solidarity with the workers of Wisconsin and against tax breaks for corporations and cuts in vital programs for 98% of Americans
Today, Feb. 26 at noon over 600 Western North Carolinians gathered for a “family friendly” peaceful protest at the stage in Pack Square Park. They gathered at a solidarity rally organized by MoveOn Asheville because the American Dream is under fierce attack. Instead of creating jobs, Republicans are giving tax breaks to corporations and the very rich, and then cutting funding for education, police, emergency response and vital human services. The right to organize is on the chopping block. The American Dream is slipping out of reach for more and more Americans.
The steps needed to renew and redeem the American Dream are straightforward and simple and include: Increasing revenue for America's government sensibly by making Wall Street and the super-rich pay their fair share; reduce spending responsibly by cutting the real fat - like corporate welfare; protect the heart and soul of America - our teachers, nurses and first responders, guarantee the health, safety and success of our children and communities by leaving the muscle and bone of America's communities intact, maintain the American Way by treating employees with dignity and respecting their right to a seat at the bargaining table. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling to make ends meet, it doesn’t make sense to cut programs that working families depend on. Instead, we should invest in America by making corporations and millionaires pay their fair share, not by punishing working American workers.
This rally was one of hundreds taking place around the country at the same time for a nationwide day of protest in solidarity with the workers of Wisconsin. There were wonderful speeches by Dr. Errington Thompson local surgeon and blogger; Cecil Bothwell, Asheville City Council Member; Mark Case, Union member; Mike Blankenship one of a family of 5 generations of union members and Vicki Meath with Just Economics. There were over 36 National Partners including: MoveOn.org, Democracy for America, PCCC, Van Jones, US Action, True Majority, Color of Change, CREDO, Sierra Club, 350.org, National People's Action, Center for Community Change, Courage Campaign and Progressive Majority.
Participants heard rousing speeches about what unions have done for America like the 40-hour work week, the 8 hour day, child labor laws and more. They also learned, with a story created by Dr. Errington Thompson, how working families would live with if there had been no unions: no pensions, no health insurance and more. Finally, they heard solutions which included: putting their dollars to work by buying Union made American products, supporting local business as well as the need to elect local politicians who support workers and families. Read the full article
Solidarity Rally- Save the American Dream
A nationwide day of protest in solidarity with the workers of Wisconsin and against tax breaks for corporations and cuts in vital programs for 98% of Americans
Today, Feb. 26 at noon over 600 Western North Carolinians gathered for a “family friendly” peaceful protest at the stage in Pack Square Park. They gathered at a solidarity rally organized by MoveOn Asheville because the American Dream is under fierce attack. Instead of creating jobs, Republicans are giving tax breaks to corporations and the very rich, and then cutting funding for education, police, emergency response and vital human services. The right to organize is on the chopping block. The American Dream is slipping out of reach for more and more Americans.
The steps needed to renew and redeem the American Dream are straightforward and simple and include: Increasing revenue for America's government sensibly by making Wall Street and the super-rich pay their fair share; reduce spending responsibly by cutting the real fat - like corporate welfare; protect the heart and soul of America - our teachers, nurses and first responders, guarantee the health, safety and success of our children and communities by leaving the muscle and bone of America's communities intact, maintain the American Way by treating employees with dignity and respecting their right to a seat at the bargaining table. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling to make ends meet, it doesn’t make sense to cut programs that working families depend on. Instead, we should invest in America by making corporations and millionaires pay their fair share, not by punishing working American workers.
This rally was one of hundreds taking place around the country at the same time for a nationwide day of protest in solidarity with the workers of Wisconsin. There were wonderful speeches by Dr. Errington Thompson local surgeon and blogger; Cecil Bothwell, Asheville City Council Member; Mark Case, Union member; Mike Blankenship one of a family of 5 generations of union members and Vicki Meath with Just Economics. There were over 36 National Partners including: MoveOn.org, Democracy for America, PCCC, Van Jones, US Action, True Majority, Color of Change, CREDO, Sierra Club, 350.org, National People's Action, Center for Community Change, Courage Campaign and Progressive Majority.
Participants heard rousing speeches about what unions have done for America like the 40-hour work week, the 8 hour day, child labor laws and more. They also learned, with a story created by Dr. Errington Thompson, how working families would live with if there had been no unions: no pensions, no health insurance and more. Finally, they heard solutions which included: putting their dollars to work by buying Union made American products, supporting local business as well as the need to elect local politicians who support workers and families. Read the full article
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Hmmm, Moveon.org says 600 showed up, local web troll Tim Peck says "dozens." Who to believe?
By The Trolls Troll
02/27/2011
Me. I was there and saw no more than 300, plus or minus, and that includes the curious onlookers who were not a part of the event. Just saying...
Of course, "your mileage may vary" depending on one's "point of view."
By reasonable
02/28/2011
You can look at the photos and footage and see that there were many hundreds in the crowd. I was there and am so glad I had the opportunity to assemble with others who support the workers in Wisconsin, as well as workers across the nation who are the driving force in our country. The middle class is being gutted by politicians who put power and profit before the rights and liberties of America's citizens.
What would motivate a person like Tim Peck to try to spread blatant misinformation like that? That is baffling to me.
By WNC Amy
02/28/2011
I think that all totaled there were about a thousand men, women and children in attendance. The crowd became larger as the program progressed. We are making new history for the workers here and in this state. It is a new day dawning from October 2nd 1929 in Marion, North Carolina. There can be no social justice without economic justice, and it is furthered by the fidelity to the cause of all workers, which is simply fairness in the work place. "MARION 1929!"
By mike blankenship
02/28/2011
At least 500, by multiple estimates of attendees. (Some of whom counted blocks of bodies and estimated by extrapolation.)
By cecilbothwell
02/28/2011
Well one thing is for certain:
There was somewhere between 10 and 1,000 attendees.
Glad we could get this straightened out.
By SuckItMcGee
03/01/2011
Interesting how the left hates rich conservative puppet masters, but they love em some Soros. I guess as long as you like who's pulling your strings, its ok.
By JWTJr
03/04/2011