Tears, Tears And More Tears!

For results of 300 Follower Give Away scroll to end of post. 

Photo taken from this Source

I don't usually address politics or current affairs on Inkpots n' Quills.  But for the past few weeks my life has been overtaken by politics. Every time I came to the page, pen was determined to address my political agnst.  The result, I posted/wrote nothing at all.  That is not working for me.  Sorry!  I hope I do not offend, no offense is intended or meant.

You see, I am one of those villainous State Workers in Wisconsin.  I am not going to go into the financial ramifications of Walker's Budget Bill.  All working and unemployed middle class people are hurting financially.  But Walker's original Budget Bill deprives my classification of medical insurance and retirement benefits. What have Republican politicians against healthy citizens?   He (Walker) supposedly rescinded that portion of his bill, but can I or anyone else believe him.  Recent events makes me think not.

This appalled State Worker of Wisconsin is not a  union member.  My classification did not afford me the choice of union membership, much to my disappointment.  But let me tell you after the shenanigans at Madison's Capital building on Wednesday night, restrictions or no, Thursday saw me seeking out a union to join and if that is still not possible I will contribute to one.  I am sickened by Walker's blatant Union busting tactics cloaked in the guise of budget.

According to Scott Walker, there are the haves and the have nots and State workers, the likes of me fall into his "haves" category.  Imagine my shock as I mulled over this stunning revelation.

"Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it."

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Japan has been hit by a massive 8.9  Earthquake followed by devastating Tsunami waves and the aftershocks continue. The death toll numbers increase with each news sound bite.   As I type the Tsunami waves heads for Hawaii.   The Americas are bracing for its arrival.   Low lying Chile is also in its path.  My heart and my prayers go out to all who have been ravaged by this cataclysm and all those bracing for it. 

Is there anything we in the blogsphere can do?  Are there any bloggers out there affected by this disaster? 
Is there anything we as a community or I as an individual can do? 

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I hate to finish on this sad note so I will direct you over to Talli Roland's.  It is the last day of her Big Book Giveaway marking Publication Week of her book, "The Hating Game"  Congratulations to all the wonderful winners.  Great Giveaway Tallie and a big *bualadh bos*!

And now to Winners of my 300 Follower Give Away.  I didn't have any cute little nieces and nephews to draw the names this time.  But I found this wonderful site called "The Hat." Find the download for this program here .  I had such a great time shuffling and shuffling.  Such laughing I had.  Yes my life is that sad!!! LOL.

Anyway this is how the names came out:
1.  Shallee @ Shallee McArthur
2. Margo Benson @ Margo Benson
3. Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
4. Niamh @ Words A Day

And Mr. 300 is Nick Thomas @ Along These Lines.

There are three signed copies of Talli Roland's "The Hating Game" and two Amazon Gift Cards to be allotted. Please let me know your preference by email or in the comments.  (ormondann at gmail dot com)  First Come etc. etc. 

I wish I could give all the wonderful followers of Inkpots n' Quills a token of my appreciation.  But this Wisconsin State Worker must live in reality.  So, all I can offer my lovely blog supporters is a *Huge, Gigantic, Foot Stomping Bualadh Bos*