Wisconsin: Tickets for Volunteers

As we all know, the United States is under the weight of an incredible debt. As with any budget that faces a deficit, expenses need to either be cut, or new income needs to be earned. We, along with the people of Wisconsin, believe that there are basic needs of US Citizens that should not be cut. We believe it is never acceptable to cut education, especially when hundreds of billions of dollars a year are being paid to the wealthiest corporations and individuals in the form of Bush tax cuts.

In a true Democracy, the will of the people should be served as highest priority, not the will of the wealthiest elite. Any politician who threatens the well being of the public in an effort to protect private profits for Wall Street and the corporate elite is working against Democracy and should be stopped.

This issue has come to a head in Wisconsin, where Governor Scott Walker has proposed spending cuts in his new “deficit solution budget” in areas like education that affect the well being of citizens. He proposed a $750 million reduction in equalization aid, along with $250 million decrease in higher education aid for the public universities of Wisconsin, which is to be absorbed by the schools reducing administrative processes and a substantial reduction in teacher’s benefits partially achieved by stripping teacher’s unions of their collective bargaining rights. Walker has also proposed the complete demolition of programs like the mandatory recycling and waste reduction that are currently in effect.

Yet, as the people of Wisconsin have said: The solution to any level of deficit is not to reduce or eliminate crucial state programs that exist to provide the basic needs of U.S. citizens (in this case: Education).

Amidst all of this, Governor Walker and state Republicans disingenuoisly claim that their intention is to create a more sustainable working economy for the state.

What is maddening about the situation is that beneath their words lies an undeniable truth: They choose to cut education instead of other budget expenses (like tax cuts to the rich/corporations or funding wars abroad.) Simply put, they are catering to the financial elite at the expense of education.

That is really the crux of the issue in Wisconsin. Members of government prioritize cutting taxes to the wealthiest 1% of Americans at the expense of education. For all that has been lost in the past years due to ex-President Bush having granted tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans, if we repeal Bush’s tax cuts now WE WILL SAVE $750 BILLION DOLLARS (source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities) over ten years. Not to mention the corrupt corporations and all of their loopholes, bailouts, bonuses, etc. Supporting the choice to cut funding to education instead of fighting to repeal the extremely unjust Bush Tax Cuts, closing corporate loopholes, and negotiating with ALL of the elected representatives in Wisconsin to find a healthy solution is sad and revealing of where true allegiances lie.

We agree that this situation is incredibly difficult, and complex, and that there is no quick answer that will be “right” for everyone. We also maintain the importance of focusing on an issue without choosing sides politically. This is not a political issue, as much as a humanitarian one: How to fairly spend tax money, how to strengthen education in America, how to support citizens of Wisconsin. However, it is essential that many voices be heard on this issue, and we at Bassnectar.net value education for the future over continuing Bush era tax cuts for the rich and fighting pointless wars abroad.

In support of this, Bassnectar is offering 100 free tickets to our Madison event on 4/8 to 100 people who volunteer time and energy to help fight the unfair and unjust attack on education in Wisconsin. In addition we will be donating our 1 dollar per head from this event directly towards campaigns that bring awareness to the issue. Viva La Educación!

FREE WISCO TIX FOR VOLUNTEERS

****TICKET SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED***

Here is how it works:

1) Take action, either physically or online. Support the efforts of the people to raise awareness about this important issue. Document what you do, with photos, video, or even screen shots if you choose to spread the word online. (Protesting in person is important, but in some cases it is important to add counter balance online; wherever the talking heads are trying to cloud the issue, REMIND PEOPLE THIS IS ABOUT DEFENDING EDUCATION, AND DEFENDING OUR NATIONAL FUTURE. EDUCATION MUST ONLY BE STRENGTHENED, NOT DEFUNDED. Watch THIS for inspiration.)

2) Send us your pictures and the story of your experience to action(at)bassnectar(dot)net with your name as it appears on your ID in the email. Include helpful thoughts and links on the topic. Document what you have done online to help spread the word constructively. Notify us of any progress or any organizations that deserve support.

You will receive an email confirmation with details on picking up your ticket if you are a recipient.

All photos provided will be posted to a gallery at the bottom of this message.

All of this has to be done by March 21st for our purposes, but please continue the struggle. Obviously this is about supporting education in Wisconsin, *AND* in all other states. This is not about a party. The party is just a cherry on top.

Also, as mentioned above, we will also be donating a dollar per 4/8 event ticket sold to www.wearewisconsin.org. Details TBA. Please recommend organizations you feel deserve support.

The future is in your hands, Bass Heads.

HERE IS A 7 STEP SUGGESTED COURSE OF ACTION FROM OUR ALLIES @ ATC:

WISCO VOLUNTEER Actions:

1. Go to the Rally on Saturday to show your support & learn how you can volunteer. There will be action centers around the plaza where folks can find out how to get involved in various actions in their own communities. For more info click HERE.
2. Sign the petition in support of public service HERE.
3. Move your money: Many people are moving their money–no matter how little they have– from accounts at a bank that funded Governor Walker’s campaign. If your money is at M & I, close your account and move it to another bank (particularly a community banks… HERE is a list of them) See THIS for more on M & I.
4. National Day of Action March 15: Organizing in your community to defend against similar budget cuts of public service, education and other critical services in the federal budget. The federal government will approve our budget on March 18th. Go HERE to find the closest event.
5. Volunteer to recall the officials that passed this law HERE.
6. Organize a creative solidarity activity of your own on April 4th HERE.
7. Ask your friends to do these things too.

THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME!

L

***Update from Lia***

Thank you all for reaching out with your pictures and stories! This was such an inspiring project to be involved in, and it was so motivating to see so many fans passionate about the world around them.
Submissions for tickets are now closed, but stay tuned because we’ll definitely be doing more things like this in the future!
Also, check out this really great article on the history of the issues coming to a head in Wisconsin.
The struggle continues and is expanding to other states. These are rough times we will all be touched by, and we encourage everyone to stay vigilant and vocal.



Alexander Jordan


Alexander Jordan


Alexander Jordan


Alexander Jordan


Alexander Jordan


Alexander Jordan


Daniel Crawford


Daniel Crawford


Chris Degnan


Chris Degnan


Alyssa Looser


Alyssa Looser


Alyssa Looser


David Hoon


Josh Mittness


Josh Mittness


Mike Poland


Mike Poland


Olivia Wick-Bander


Olivia Wick-Bander


Tyson Williams


Tyson Williams


Tyson Williams


Tyson Williams


Anne Woodworth & Friends


Anne Woodworth & Friends


Meghan Zibrowski

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