On the recordFebruary 18, 2011
Mr. Speaker, listen to the people. Kindergarten teachers, not a group easily riled, are amongst 30,000 of their neighbors in Wisconsin at the State Capitol. The audacity of their demand? The ability to negotiate a living wage, safe working conditions, and a dignified retirement. These public servants make our society safe and functioning at an average wage of $30,000 a year. They did not cause the financial catastrophe in this country. That was the speculators and robber barons who received billions in TARP funds and then off-sourced it to avoid paying taxes. The folks in Wisconsin who are rallying teach our children to read. At a time of Astroturf rallies, I urge all my colleagues, listen to that sound coming like a warm spring breeze off the prairie. That's the sound of America's proud middle class that built this country, and they have found their voice. We would all be wise to listen to the people. ____________________
