Another civics lesson

Who would have thought...I'm now learning about recall elections.

There are efforts to recall 8 Senate Republicans ( and I believe 3 Democrats?)

I traveled to Fond Du Lac to go door to door...I have to admit I was nervous...this wouldn't be my first choice of how to spend a Sunday.

Here is what I learned...of those we talked to the majority did support a recall, were happy to sign and thanked us for coming to them.

There was confusion about what was going, some people didn't know that a recall was an option or how it worked, one person said..I can't make a difference ( but, of course, she can)

Memorable moments:
First house: an elderly couple that was excited because they thought I was there to recall Walker but happy to start with recalling Hopper.(a good start)

House 2: Elderly couple, he was hooked up to oxygen. He thanked me for coming since it is hard for him to get around.

An older women who said : I didn't expect this..things have gotten out of hand.
Although she was in her car on her way to work..she stopped to sign.

A young woman who said I'm Republican...this is really hard for me...they aren't voting for what I value. ( She actually took a form so she could register more people)

So all in all...a good day. We got 27 signatures. 27 people who's voices have now been hard and who are more engaged with the legislative process. Plus I had a great drive up...thanks Susan for driving.

The Good, The Bad, The Illegal

What will we become Wisconsin?

Saturday 2/26/2011 Largest Protest in Wisconsin's History

It was truly amazing to see so many people come together passionately and peacefully. This is what democracy looks like.

Sunday 2/27/2011
Gov. Walker closes the Capital...crowds gather outside asking to be let in. Everyone inside is told to leave. 600+ refuse to leave. Police defy orders and let them stay. Democracy triumphs.

Tuesday 3.1.2011 A Dark Day for Wisconsin.
This was a hard day for me...my stomach hurt...to see barricades, orange fencing and lines of police blocking entrance to the Capital. Citizens who came to peacefully protest were denied access to their Capital. It looked like a police state to me. Quite honestly it scared me,

When in your lifetime?

Do you get the opportunity to stand up for what you value?

This is about fairness and the democratic process.
This is about the power of the people vs the power of corporations.
This is about the ethics of leadership.

Wisconsin, this is about who we are as citizens and people.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5YehR_fYVU

Practicing civic engagement

The boys and I ( and three friends)went to the rally at the Capital at noon today. I was glad they were able to be there...to see what democracy looks like...to see what it means to participate, to stand up for what you believe in, to speak truth to power.

Not as hard as we thought

That is the consensus on the bucket in the shower routine.

For the past week, both Mark and I used a bucket to catch the water from the shower while we got the temperature "just right". We both thought this would be a hassle...and

...we were wrong.

It has been no big deal.

I don't think Nate and Ben are sold on the idea yet ...and Mark and I still need to make it a habit..but for now...the bucket stays.

Oh, we use the water to flush the toilet.

( Ya gotta love our Pepto Bismol pink tiles :)

What about Water?

Our February focus is water conservation. It is challenging because you only get a water bill twice a year...not enough feedback to help you make changes.

Here is what we have done:
1. In December ( when we could still buy new) we bought a low flow shower head. We had been putting this off..and now we can't figure out why..because we love it. This is conservation at it's best...we have cut down on our water use and we like it!
2. We realized that both of our toilets were leaking. Because of the buy nothing new challenge...Mark tried to fix them without a trip to the hardware store. He was successful on the upstairs toilet..still working on the down stairs ( this one may mean a purchase)
3. Still to do...this week we will try catching our extra shower water...
When you turn on the shower it takes a little while to get the temperature you want...all this water goes down the drain. This week we will try catching that water in a bucket and using it to flush the toilet (I know Dave Spitzer...a former Lincoln teacher...routinely catches and uses this water)

We have put off trying this because enthusiasm on the part of my family is at an all time low...but we have agreed to try it for one week...I'll let you know.

Traveling Green...or trying

I had a guilty moment over breakfast ( I'm staying at the Crown Plaza in Chicago for a work related training)

I did ask where their meat and eggs came from...and to her credit the waitress was honest....she had no idea.. So, I decided to not get the eggs ....but when my yogurt and berries arrived...I have to admit I felt guilty. (hard to say that fresh berries in the midwest was a sustainable choice :(

Fortunately, I know the research and guilt is not a motivating emotion...so moving on.

Two positives from the trip....

The Crown Plaza has a plain paper bag that they leave in your room for your recyclables...I love this! It is the first time I have seen it ( not that I stay in hotels that often)

And the training is at Catalyst Ranch which bills itself as the most eco-friendly training site in Chicago. The food is amazing and when I asked the staff where it was from...they knew and have made a very intentional effort to buy local. They recycle everything...and the decor ( as you can see from the photos) is Chic Garage Sale. It is a fun and funky place.