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Friday, March 11, 2011

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   He (Walker) supposedly rescinded that portion of his bill, but can I or anyone else believe him.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."


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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? 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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*

43 comments:

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Omigosh I did not know about the earthquake in Japan! Now I've got to get online and read about it. I have friends over there. Tsunamis are almost scarier than earthquakes to me.

Jules said...

Well my heavens... gift card please I can buy more books that way :)

But why I really came was to say "Give 'em hell" on the politics, if anyone answers you on how we can help please drop me a comment so I can assist.
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Brigid O'Connor said...

Ann, first of all, that is annyoying about your work situation, but like to see your fighting spirit.
My little one was home with a cold today so we watched the Japan story in all its horror unfold.
The only thing I could suggest is to set up some kind of linky link system where us writer/bloggers could write a post on some theme and find a legitimate online donation system to make contributions, maybe Red Cross, they are the charity the Pakistan books profits went to.

Congrats on all your winners!!

Ann said...

Hi Karen, I hope your friends are all safe. Will be anxious to hear.

Hi Jules, Thank you for your encouraging words. And the Gift Card it is. Will keep you posted on any plans.

Hi Brigid, Sorry to hear your little one is feeling under the weather. Your suggestion sounds wonderful....Maybe a few of us could put our heads together???

Theresa Milstein said...

I don't blame you for being demoralized over Wisconsin.

And the earthquake and tsunami in Japan - there are no words.

Congratulations to the winners. I'm sure you'll enjoy the book as much as I did.

Ann said...

Hi Theresa, The world isn't half settled.

Jules said...

Ann,
I came back because I just knew I was a heel and I was. I never THANKED YOU, my momma would smack me silly. So thank you. :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Ann said...

You have one of those mother's too! You are so very welcome!

Catherine said...

Ann COngrats on your 300 followers - I'm just a tad green with envy ;-) but I guess I don't really engage enough with challenges and crusades to engender a snowball effect like the last time I got a rush of them around Sept! So I better build a bridge and get over it!
Isn't the tsunami dreadful? I have been watching with horror as I see the cars and buses swept up like dinky toys in the slow relentless lava-like flow of water. God help them, it's going to be a high toll before it's over.
And finally I have ranted over on Facebook to you about the Union -busting measures in Wisconsin and read the articles. It is disgusting and probably illegal under UN Human rights. So don't worry, join a Union for your public sector level - I can't imagine not having the security blanket of a Union against unscrupulous employers - that's why I'm a rep and have to stick my head above the parapet at times for colleagues. The right is a misnomer as they don't want workers to have any rights! I like the quote from the Aussie guy about workers and slaves only distinguishable by the right to strike or withdraw labour.
Anyway, I'll watch the space!
Catherine

Zan Marie said...

As a retired teacher in a right to work state with only a "professional association", I have been in the cuts many time. My prayers and thoughts with you all.

Japan is riping my heart out. Prayers for all the missing and grieved.

Shallee said...

I'm sorry about your politic problems; it's got to be hard when you're in the middle of it. And the Japan earthquake is so devastating.

I'm excited to be one of the winners! I'd love a gift card, but if they're gone, I'd love a copy of The Hating Game as well! Thanks so much.

Old Kitty said...

The news about union busting in Wisconsin is disgraceful!!! :-( Stay together people and get your collective bargaining back!!! Darn it!!! I'll stop there because I'll get angry!!

The news of the tsunami hitting Japan is just awful - awful. :-( I guess there is always the Red Cross to donate to?

Great stuff with your 300+ and growing followers giveaway!! Yay to all the winners!!! Take care
x

A said...

Oh Karen, I hope your friends are OK!

Abby Minard said...

Ugh, I really hope things work out for you guys. What a disgrace! Congrats to all the winners of your giveaway, and congrats for reaching 300!

The Words Crafter said...

Congratulations to all the winners!

I have a pretty cynical view of politics and I hate that you've been so affected by it. I hope you can find a solution!

Regina said...

The devastation in Japan was so heart wrenching to hear and see today on the news. Just horrid. My heart and prayers go out to all of those involved.

I also think what everyone did for Talli was a wonderful thing. I can't wait to get my hands on her book. And congrats on your following, all so wonderful.

Danette said...

Hi Ann, I am a strong union supporter and appreciate that you are speaking up! When I worked for the schools I belonged to the union but don't now because as city workers we don't have the ability to form a union. I too wish I could as the city here is talking about cutting back our pensions and there should be union to speak up for us. Alas...

The really sad part is that the average worker doesn't understand that their fate rests with the unions- as the unions have fought for workers rights, the average worker's situation has improved in general. Unfortunately, the idea is to make private employee resent union workers rather appreciate how they have fought for (and won!) the rights of workers everywhere.

As for the day's tragic events... who can help but weep for the people of Japan. Nothing but sorrow continues to flow from that direction. Nature has so many events to throw at us that can devastate us-- I wonder that we continue to kid ourselves that we can play around with our climate as though it were just a thermostat on the living room wall.

Thanks for thoughtful post today!!!

Mary said...

Hi Ann, sorry to hear about the union business. Most frustrating and painful for you I imagine.

The recent Japanese earthquake is so terrible. My heart goes out to the people of Japan. Thoughts and prayers are being sent as I write and certainly if there is anything else we can do together ...I'm listening. Nature has it's own way of reminding us how precious life is.

niamh said...

Hi Ann, I liked that you got political, a better plan than keeping quiet anyday! Its terrible about Japan, horrific, if there is anything you come up with, I'd be on board. And finally thankyou (and The Hat) for my prize, I'm very happy, you've brightened up my fluey saturday!

Jan Morrison said...

Ann, never hold back on what is current - this is good stuff and your writing will be political - has to be. I have to vent my spleen from time to time or my writing gets constipated. And that is never good!
Jan Morrison

Tracy said...

Ann,
When I taught in Ohio I was a proud union worker. Unfortuantely, there are no unions in NC for teachers and there is a distinct disadvantage so I am all for unions protecting their workers.
I am so very sorry you and my Ohio friends are being shut down and villified; there is something so wrong with our world today and while it hurts deeply to dwell on those indignations, we can't help but notice the sad state of the world.
I too am so saddened by the devastation in Japan...These are the times I wonder if God is sweeping his arm across our nation and declaring, 'Do-over!'

Charlotte Rains Dixon said...

It is so easy to vilify unions and forget that they represent the beating heart of America's workforce. What is happening in Wisconsin--and to you--is shameful. Hope it works out okay for you.

And the earthquake, tsunami, and now problems with nuclear reactors in Japan are just awful. I'm glued to the news.

Lauri said...

Unions are valuable. Unions have fought for fair wages, and fair hours and safe working conditions.

Talli Roland said...

What's happening in Japan is dreadful. Tomorrow I'll be posting about 'Authors for Japan', which is being organised by Keris Stainton, a UK author.

Congrats to the winners and I do hope those who choose it enjoy my book!

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

I'm with you on the Wisconsin issue. It made me mad following the news. So, you are not alone.

And my prayers for the people of Japan.

Congratulations on your 300 (plus)... and thank for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comment-as always--

(((( hugs )))))

Doris

Margo Benson said...

Although I'm in the UK, I totally understand your political beef and believe it's fine to post it here so others can read about your experiences.

I'm chuffed to pieces to be a winner! I have Talli's book on Kindle but am not averse to the 'real thing' lol! Whichever is easier to manage from the US - thank you soooo much!!
margo.benson@yahoo.co.uk

Anny Cook said...

Three days later here...and the Japanese people are floundering under an increasing load. My prayers for all the people there, helpers, volunteers, citizens, and visitors.

Unions...we are retired. But our pensions depend on unions. And we daily wonder if our pensions will disappear.

hot girl said...

nice post.

J.L. Campbell said...

Those is government do well at wreaking havoc on the people they're supposed to be serving. We see it where I live all the time.

Congrats to the winners.

Can't imagine what the people are going through in Japans. I can only offer my prayers along with those of everybody else.

Karen Lange said...

Continuing to pray for the people of Japan. We have missionary friends there who live southwest of the affected area, and thankfully they are okay.

Thanks for stopping by my blog and following. It's nice to meet you!

Happy Monday,
Karen

Doralynn Kennedy said...

In your sitution, it's impossible to avoid politics. But I know what you mean. I avoid them too! They're like an open mineshaft. Best wishes!

Unknown said...

I don't live in the States so I'm not sure what's going on but I want to congratulate those who won and hope those affected by the earthquake are all right.

Along These Lines ... said...

May all your clovers be four-leafed!

Louise Wise said...

Fellow crusader dropping in to say hi. Am I the only one still making her rounds?

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

and now you are up to 310! nice one.

Manzanita said...

Ann,
I guess if I re-read your profile, I'd realize you work in Wisconsin. But I didn't connect it as I've been following the teachers problems there. It's nice to know of someone personally who is close to certain situations you are following. Keep posting on this subject because I am interested in ..... say, "Getting it straight from the horses mouth." You hear so much news media you don't know what to believe. Thanks.
Manzanita

Len Lambert said...

Hi Ann, the earthquake in Japan is so devastating, so scary, so worrying. My heart goes out to the whole of Japan and I am hoping that they pick up the pieces slowly. There are just no words to describe it.

Unknown said...

Ann,

I have many friends who are politically vocal, and they rarely make the connection to how things impact real people. Meaning, the are passionate because it's how THEY feel, and THEY believe, not because of the overall impact on society.

I think it's great that you're speaking up. It's the people who are genuinely impacted by these things that we need to hear from, not pundits, news people or politicians.

EJ

Rachael Harrie said...

It's awful what happened in Japan isn't it! A group of us have put together a kidlit auction (Write Hope), to raise money - something little we can do to help out.

Congrats on your 300 followers!

Hugs,

Rach

walk2write said...

There wouldn't be a need for unions if people would just treat each other with courtesy and kindness. Sadly, many people have forgotten what it's like to be human. The Japanese people obviously haven't forgotten. Stories of heroism, respect, and self-sacrifice in the days after the tragedy keep surfacing and giving me some hope.

Congrats on reaching such a lofty number of followers. You deserve it!

Julie Musil said...

I was also devastated about Japan. I still can't believe how horrible the earthquake was. I live in So Cal, so I've experienced some big shakers, but nothing like a 9.0. Awful.

B's Mom said...

They are trying to do the same thing over here in Michigan. My husband has a union job, it pays our bills and provides our health insurance. My heart goes out to everyone in your state. I feel their pain.

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