Wisconsin: a personal learning opportunity

I'm not one to bring my political beliefs into many aspects of my life, but tonight I ask you to please take a look at what is happening in my home state. The current Republican Governor, Scott Walker, is trying to take away nearly all rights of state employees who are in unions, including teachers, nurses, steam fitters, etc.

There has been a lot of misinformation in the media and even more from the Governor, himself, about why these budget cuts are necessary. The truth is, that these cuts are supposedly necessary to reduce the state budget deficit that is only as high as it is because of measures he pushed through within the first few weeks he was in office as governor, including tax cuts.

Much of what is being said in the media is difficult for me to hear. It is a personal attack. I was born and raised in Wisconsin. Both of my parents taught in public high schools and to hear the cruel message in the media that the crowd that has gathered on the steps of the capitol is close to violence?! That is outrageous. What's further insulting is hearing media reporters on both ends of the spectrum insult high school students in Wisconsin who are out in the rally supporting their teachers. These students are being accused of not understanding what is going on, of being ignorant and just blindly following their teachers to a rally. That is insulting. Wisconsin high school students are not stupid.

But as frustrating to me as this situation is, and the misinformation that is being presented in the media and from our supposedly reliable representatives, I see this as a learning opportunity for students on this campus. I think some of the technology that we've already utilized in the class could facilitate discussion on this topic. Is what the governor of WI proposing legal? Is it logical? What are the potential consequences should this bill be passed? How will this effect students, communities and public safety in Wisconsin?

I think having students read blogs, view youtube videos and analyze pictures taken at the rallies is a great way to understand the crisis occurring in Wisconsin. Schools were closed for the second straight day in Madison today (the capitol city). Teachers can be followed publicly on Twitter. I think it is just as important that students understand the other side as well. Students can follow Republican representatives on Twitter or in blogs. Additionally, bringing in political analysts from the UGA campus, could further add to the discussion-potentially utilizing video conferencing if necessary, to speak with social analysts from the University of Wisconsin (in Madison). This is a tremendous learning opportunity for our students and this about our country, our freedoms, and having the right to stand up for what we as citizens believe to be our rights.

And here you thought I couldn't bring this back to our class topics!

This hits really close to home for me. I'm not asking you to agree with me. I'm just hoping that you'll take a closer look at what is happening in Wisconsin, and I've come to learn, Ohio as well. If you have the opportunity to discuss social issues in your classes, please consider finding a way to talk about this. This story is not going to end for a while, and it has deep, personal meaning for me and my family. I have talked to friends who are affected by this and some of these stories, hearing what is happening in the rallies, it really gets to me. It's hard not to be emotional. It's frightening. My heart goes out to my family and friends whose careers will be greatly affected should this bill be passed, and more so the people of Wisconsin who may not realize just how greatly their lives or their children's lives could be impacted by the passing of this bill.

Thank you for your time.