Bloggers For Peace Flotilla Arrives In Madison…SITUATION TENSE …Update: Thousands of Walker Supporters Are Here!

This is an update from Jim. He’s on the ground and in the thick of things. He will be phoning in updates throughout the day.

There were thousands of tea party patriots at the Wisconsin capitol today. The protesters filled the yard from the street all the way up to the capitol.

Thousands of people are at the capitol today. Impossible to tell who the friendlies are right now.

The unions are out in force! The Barack Obama organizers are waiting for us. I can hear the crowd from blocks away.
Kerry Pickett called- “Leftist Organizers are begging union supporters not to confront opponents.”

Stay tuned for updates.

UPDATE: Thousands of Walker’s supporters. Massive crowd. Chanting “Go Scott Go!” and “Pass The Bill!”

The pro-union protest ended at noon but thousands of union backers are still hanging around.

UPDATE: Inside the Capitol Building the pro-union groups are chanting. It’s deafening. I had to go to a back room to phone in this update.

Jim e-mailed these pictures taken with a cold cell phone from the rally:

These were taken from behind the stage.

Herman Cain, Andrew Breitbart, Joe the Plumber, Jim Hoft, Ned Ryan, Brad Thor and several others spoke to the pro-Scott Walker crowd.

The Wisconsin Republicans are standing firm. Wisconsin Senate GOP Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald: The Bill limiting collective bargaining is not negotiable; it will pass as is.

UPDATE: THOUSANDS of Tea Partiers are rallying on the Capitol grounds. The union supporters are marching around the Capitol grounds in a circle on the street. The union supporters do not have a permit to be on the Capitol grounds. They haven’t had one all week! The police are keeping the two groups apart.

UPDATE: Jim is down on street, banging on drums, circling the Capitol building. He’s marching amid the union members.

UPDATE: Doctors have set up a booth to sign scripts for work absences.

#1 February 19, 2011 at 11:32 am
MarineMom commented:

Please stay safe! My prayers go out to all of you that are brave enough to go up against Obama’s union folks. America stands behind you!!!!
#2 February 19, 2011 at 11:35 am
Derak commented:

Kerry Pickett called- “Leftist Organizers are begging union supporters not to confront opponents.”
_________
Good luck with that. It is not only their history, it is their very nature. Cameras rolling.
Stand firm, Tea Party. Turn the other cheek, but get the full shot on tape.
#3 February 19, 2011 at 11:38 am
Paula Moore commented:

Thank you for being there and thank you again for keeping us informed. I’m sending prayers to all you TRUTHTELLERS!
#4 February 19, 2011 at 11:38 am
Blue Collar Todd commented:

Be careful, the Left considers you a “teahadist”.

http://www.bluecollarphilosophy.com/2011/02/are-you-a-teahadist-hate-speech-from-the-daily-kos.html
#5 February 19, 2011 at 11:43 am
Oh Noes! commented:

Thanks Jim for the call to duty, may all of the good people of Wis. show up in support of Gov. Walker.

God Bless.
#6 February 19, 2011 at 11:44 am
slick commented:

Thoughts and prayers are with all the patriots today. Keep those cameras rolling!!
#7 February 19, 2011 at 11:45 am
Mad Hatter commented:

Be careful in little Moscow.
#8 February 19, 2011 at 11:47 am
Nostradamus commented:

Fire the teachers who refuse to go back to work. (A-La Reagan and the Air Traffic Controllers).

And de-fund “The Fleebaggers.”

They took an oath to serve their State, not to flee in disgrace.

No taxation without representation? What do you call this absurd move?
#9 February 19, 2011 at 11:48 am
Katherine L. commented:

well Jim just stay on the phone. minute by minute. take videos. post them all. i don’t know why but i feel like this moment is so important. gov. walker is so clearly in the right and the dems/ofa/teachers are so clearly in the wrong. it is an almost cinematic or greek play point of fate. will right prevail? will wrong once again rear its ugliest head? well the alternative media successfully override the MSM voices with on the ground reports.

this moment is historic. i feel it. i just wish i was there. if things cannot be put right in wisconsin one this clearly defined point of law where our democratic process and constitutional republic will hold and hold on the side of taxation with representation where the taxpayers rights trumps the rights of the unionized public sector who have voted themselves above the law looting of the treasure from the public purse or it will not. forget the superbowl. forget the fate of iraq and iran. forget israel and its plight in the middle east. this is the battlefield. this is spartacus up against the beast of evil and greed on the battlefield of freedom. governor walker is the man upon whom the fate of US rests. if right cannot conquer in this moment, with all the stars of our forefathers, our freedoms and our faith in one another as americans aligned on its side then our country is lost. this will either break the will of the unions/ communists/ socialists/progressives/tax eaters or it will break the will of the still sane, still playing by the rules tax paying americans. i know this in my heart. this is an momentously important day of the week of fate to come. over dramatic? no. this is true.
#10 February 19, 2011 at 11:54 am
Paul Gaffron commented:

I live in WI. Walker promised this last summer during the campaign. Dumass Doyle and the Dems spent this state into insolvency. Now the unions are shocked??? Stand by your words, Gov. Walker. State motto here is “Forward”. And our selfish state Dems go hide in Illinois. That is real representative government. Ideology over the people= liberal class warfare. Stay strong, Governor.
#11 February 19, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Ditto commented:

Katherine..
Wondeful post. Just wonderful. And so very true.

I think you are exactly right.
#13 February 19, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Adrienne Ottenbreit commented:

Stand strong Gov. Walker, we support you!!!!!
#14 February 19, 2011 at 12:15 pm
listingstarboard commented:

The Washington Times reports that 29.4% of Milwaukee public school teachers send their OWN kids to PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
#16 February 19, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Espresso Logic - The 6th Sense commented:

Milwaukee schools are spendiing over $16,000 per student. How’s that for an “investment”?
#17 February 19, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Ditto commented:

Extra police brought in…
Update: 500 officers on duty in Madison, Wis., as crowds flow into Capitol for protests on budget-repair bill http://bit.ly/gzUstF
#18 February 19, 2011 at 12:27 pm
RickS commented:

Be very careful. You are dealing with Democrats, who will resort to violence at drop of a hat knowing no one in the MFM will call them on it.
#20 February 19, 2011 at 12:34 pm
Ginger commented:

Thanks Lady Liberty!
#21 February 19, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Carol-Christian Soldier commented:

be watchful-
I have learned the hard way-the Lone Wolf gets picked off-
so-surround yourself w/ friends – and watch each others’ backs-
C-CS
#22 February 19, 2011 at 12:41 pm
woofguy commented:

This makes me feel great! Keep it up Tea Party!
#24 February 19, 2011 at 12:44 pm
doc commented:

Do you have a link for that listingstarboard? MPS has what is called a resident requirement, it’s an insidious little union thing that other’s are trying to clean up, but I’m not finding that in the Washington Times anywhere.
#25 February 19, 2011 at 12:47 pm
decentAmerican commented:

God speed friends…..history will show that you patriots are heroes, to push back on these ANTI WORK terrorists, who pray to their Obama-idol and are blissfully unaware of how incredibly stupid they are. God will keep heroes safe.

Obama and his thug minions are all directly responsible for this travesty. If something, God forbid, happens to Walker, the DemoKKKrats have blood on their hands, and should all be prosecute for inciting violence. Savages, all of them. Stay classy, libs.
#26 February 19, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Theadora commented:

Agree with Katherine L.

This is indeed historic and very important to our nation!
#27 February 19, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Valerie commented:

“Thousands of people are at the capitol today. Impossible to tell who the friendlies are right now.”

bingo. And the only way to tell who started an altercation is to catch them on film, and identify them later.
#28 February 19, 2011 at 12:55 pm
maraz commented:

One way to tell the unfriendlies might be the red shirts… I’ve noticed in all the footage on the news channels… the Lefties are all wearing some red communist-like T-shirts.
#31 February 19, 2011 at 1:06 pm
WiscoDave commented:

@doc
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/sep/22/20040922-122847-5968r/?page=2
regarding residency
http://www.journaltimes.com/news/local/article_6e089d3c-693b-514a-bd33-4ec4c8cc5b66.html
#32 February 19, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Militant Conservative commented:

Wish I was close enough to provide some security. Wisconsin has no conceal carry law but they do allow open carry for residents. HANDGUNLAW.us

God speed and god bless America.

powder is dry
#33 February 19, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Vicki Shroyer commented:

We support Gov Walker and pray for all to be safe. Many of us in West Texas wish we could be there today to stand with you. Love Wisconsin.Twiter -LadyLiberty24
#35 February 19, 2011 at 1:14 pm
janetoo commented:

I can’t see the pics – is there something wrong? GO JIM! WE WISH WE COULD BE THERE!
#36 February 19, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Rock commented:

Of course the thugs for hire are told no confrontation with Walker supporters. Confrontations are off message if your claim the huge crowd’s are pro union only.
#37 February 19, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Kate commented:

Yeah….what janetoo said.
#38 February 19, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Insufficiently Sensitive commented:

Taking a gun to a mob-vs-mob demonstration is just the dumbest thing that could be done, outside of chain mail and swords. Use your brilliant oratory.
#39 February 19, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Norman Rogers commented:

Those dad-gum liberals are tampering with the image hosting site–I cannot see the images posted here.

Some liberal at Flickr or Photobucket or wherever is intentionally screwing around with things.
#40 February 19, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Joe College commented:

“Leftist Organizers are begging union supporters not to confront opponents.”

I don’t believe that. That’s not Obama’s style. I think he wants a riot so he can step in in a week or two and have “both sides” at the White House for a pressure and photo session. You know, for his numbers.
#41 February 19, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Sandy commented:

May God be with Gov Walker and the Tea Party Protestors. They are on the right side of history. Obama is the most divisive President since the Civil War. Only when we elect a new President can the nation come together again.
#42 February 19, 2011 at 1:27 pm
Sandy commented:

As a Senior I worry about losing my Social Security but I fear losing my freedom more.
#43 February 19, 2011 at 1:29 pm
Ditto commented:

With the mob mentality of these union thugs, the only way to protect both “the crazies” and the Tea Party may be to have open carry! Nothing scares a liberal more than an armed citizen, legally armed, fully protected by both the state and American Constitution.

The police can not do it all. There is a reason it is legal, and that is self preservation from thugs.
#44 February 19, 2011 at 1:31 pm
Sandy commented:

Jim, please describe the new pictures because most of us can’t see them on our computers. Thank you for being there my friend.
#45 February 19, 2011 at 1:31 pm
no2liberals commented:

I hope Jim doesn’t hang around with the “fleabags” for too long. I’m sure some goon from Media Matters is monitoring this site and is probably already on the phone with a member of their cabal, texting a photo of Jim.
#46 February 19, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Ditto commented:

If they dont quit spending all of our money on nonsense such as PBS and Planned Parenthood, ACLU and ALL depts in Washington DC we wont have any SS.

I love how the left calls SS that we have to pay into all of our working lives, an entitlement. Yet they never mention the real entitlements, like welfare, food stamps, govt paid cell phones and motorized wheel chairs, etc..
#47 February 19, 2011 at 1:33 pm
squeaky commented:

“Leftist Organizers are begging union supporters not to confront opponents.” their lips say no no while their eyes say yes yes…..the message is garbled just enough to give them wiggle room – as in being a matter of what you claim you said vs what they claim to have heard. an air of plausuble deniability….
#48 February 19, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Donald Douglas commented:

Linked: ‘Majority of Americans Against Public Employee Unions’.
#49 February 19, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Ditto commented:

Oh and I forgot!! Most importantly!! Government paid penis pumps and Viagra! Now thats a completely erect entitlement!
#50 February 19, 2011 at 1:34 pm
squeaky commented:

plausuble = plausible
#51 February 19, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Lady Liberty commented:

I can see the pictures. I must have made a mistake transferring them from e-mail. Sorry guys. Bear with me. I’ll figure it out.

LL
#52 February 19, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Unlikely Hospitalist commented:

Have you seen anyone handing out medical excuse notes today. There is a report from the MacIver institute making this claim. They even have the name and medical license number as well as the note itself. Claiming they are handing them out like flyers.

http://punditpress.blogspot.com/2011/02/breaking-doctors-notes-being-handed-out.html

http://maciverinstitute.com/
#53 February 19, 2011 at 1:45 pm
john commented:

The URLs to the pictures we can’t see reference hotmail’s server. So, unless you want to give us your hotmail login, you will need to post the pictures on a public server for us to see them. – Thanks for all your great coverage.
#54 February 19, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Dr B commented:

Look at the violent tweets from these protesters: http://twitter.com/Santilli_isms

“Dear Tea Party Pukes: You’ve awakened a giant…IMO I’d stay home if I were you; unless you’re bullet proof”

The union leaders need to do a better job controlling the protesters’ talking points!

http://www.fox6now.com/news/sns-ap-mn–wisconsinbudget-unions-protesttraining,0,4528389.story

“… were instructed by union members in advance of the arrival of Tea Party activists. Terrell says demonstrators were taught how to remain calm during confrontations and respond to Tea Party activists with specific talking points. He says union supporters were also told to pay attention to their posture and expressions so their demonstrations can’t be construed as violent.”
#55 February 19, 2011 at 1:56 pm
daryl commented:

Heeeeeeuuuuuurrrrrrs Jimmmmy Hoft!!!!!!

Breitbart.tv » *Live Stream* Protests Continue in Wisconsin; Pro-Budget Cut Forces Joining the Fray

http://www.breitbart.tv/live-stream-protests-continue-in-wisconsin-pro-budget-cut-forces-joining-the-fray/
#56 February 19, 2011 at 1:57 pm
ogee commented:

The pics aren’t showing up. The marxists are using this to collect money for obammy’s campaign. Ignore them. They are paid obots and their employer is obammy’s and the DNC’s ‘Organizing for America’ (sic)

They intend to do this in every state. They are inciting riots in return for a paycheck. That is not the voice of democracy/republic. That’s a bribe.

Marxists RENT-A-MOB
#57 February 19, 2011 at 1:58 pm
GrayRider commented:

You are a Patriot, Mr. Jim! As well as are all your cohorts and all those there in support of
Gov. Walker.
#58 February 19, 2011 at 1:58 pm
ogee commented:

HINT; UPLOAD PICS FROM THE BACKEND OF THIS SITE.
#59 February 19, 2011 at 2:10 pm
PP commented:

Jesus Christ. Every link I click on here has a lie about Wisconsin. Obama organizers? I was at the first protest. It was put together by UW students. Obama didn’t even say anything about the situation until the end of Tuesday, when 15,000 people had already been at the rallies and the testimonies to the joint finance committee had gone until 3am with over 90% of the testimonies being against the bill. Funny how we never got the memo from President Obama.

I seriously cannot believe that you need to resort to bald faced lies. Can’t you argue your position while telling the truth? Isn’t that compelling enough?
#60 February 19, 2011 at 2:10 pm
Deanna commented:

“Doctors have set up a booth to sign scripts for work absences.”

We need pictured of this!
#61 February 19, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Andrew commented:

Doctors have set up a booth to write “I was sick notes”?

Good thing there is lots of video.
#62 February 19, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Fionnagh commented:

“Doctors have set up a booth to sign scripts for work absences.”

Translation: those doctors are knowingly falsifying medical records. And of course they will never be prosecuted. Hope every last one of ‘em goes out of business – before having paid off their student loans.
#63 February 19, 2011 at 2:15 pm
ogee commented:

Check out the comment from Michelle Bachmann.

Well, it’s a dereliction of duty on behalf of the Democrat state senators in Wisconsin,” Bachmann said. “There was an election in 2010. The people spoke clearly in Wisconsin. They elected a new senator, Ron Johnson to replace Russ Feingold, a new governor, Scott Walker. And then they elected Republicans to run both the House and the Senate. This was a change election in Wisconsin. People wanted to get their fiscal house in order. That’s exactly what Gov. Walker and the House and Senate are trying to do, and now the Democrats are trying to thwart the will of the people by leaving the state? This is outrageous. and, plus, we have the president of the United States also weighing in with his campaign organization busing 25,000 protesters into Madison? It’s outrageous.”

Fire the dems that fled. Fire them now!

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2011/02/18/michele-bachmann-weighs-in-on-wisconsin-teacher-sick-out-strike-its-a-dereliction-of-duty/#ixzz1ERBn5Fmk
#64 February 19, 2011 at 2:18 pm
GrayRider commented:

What is #58 PP babbling about???
#65 February 19, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Fionnagh commented:

PP, sorry to take the wind out of your sails, but you’re not the driving force behind this. The Dem party could care less about you and other students. The Dem machine is capitalizing on the situation. May I suggest you to go to your closest soon-to-be-out-of-business Borders and grab a copy of Alinsky’s classic text, Rules for Radicals?
#66 February 19, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Fionnagh commented:

#63 – PP doesn’t like the fact that the Dem machine is getting credit for the protest.
#67 February 19, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Moonbat_One commented:

Both sides seem to be predominately white. Where is the diversity?
#68 February 19, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Unlikely Hospitalist commented:

Two pictures added….
#69 February 19, 2011 at 2:24 pm
SurferDoc commented:

Get the names of those doctors and file a license complaint. What they are doing is illegal.
#70 February 19, 2011 at 2:24 pm
ogee commented:

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi came out strongly in support of Wisconsin teachers and students who are protesting Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to balance the budget.
#71 February 19, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Gwillie commented:

THis just came into my inbox from ANSWER

This eyewitness report was sent today by activists at the center of the labor demonstrations in Madison, Wis.

Today is the without a doubt the biggest day of demonstrations yet since workers and students took to the streets a week ago to protest Gov. Scott Walker’s assault on the public sector’s collective bargaining rights.

The streets were filled with chants of “Kill the Bill!” as tens of thousands of people flooded the streets of downtown Madison. Virtually every union from not only the public but also the private sector is present at the demonstration; among them the SEIU, AFSCME, UAW, IBEW, Teamsters, iron workers, plumbers, firefighters, various teachers unions and many more. High school and college students have come out in large numbers to support the workers’ struggle.

The State Capitol has been completely taken over. Students have been occupying the building around the clock and workers have returned each day to press their demands. Security and police have been largely standing aside while workers and students direct protesters coming in and out of the building. All four floors of the rotunda are presently packed with demonstrators. Banners and signs supporting the workers are hanging throughout the building. A morning rally on the steps of the capitol was followed by a march around the building.

A strong sentiment of solidarity has been forged between the community, students and workers from various unions. Placards with messages such as “United we bargain, divided we beg” and “Ironworkers support teachers” are seen everywhere. Handwritten signs in support of the workers covered the windows of restaurants, cafes and other small businesses around the capitol. A plane flew overhead with a banner stating, “We support working families.” Similar messages of solidarity were seen all around.

The Tea Party, which had scheduled for today its first “big rally” in support of Walker and his legislative assault on labor, mustered only enough support for a minuscule demonstration that was completely dwarfed by the mass presence of labor and its supporters.

The resilience and fighting spirit of the workers have been an inspiration to all who have come out, and given a real-life lesson on the power of organization. Spirits are high in Madison. The fight is not yet over.
#73 February 19, 2011 at 2:28 pm
ogee commented:

The Democratic National Committee’s Organizing for America arm — the remnant of the 2008 Obama campaign — is playing an active role in organizing protests against Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s attempt to balance the budget.

House Speaker John Boehner called on Obama to pull OfA out of the effort:

“I’m disappointed that instead of providing similar leadership from the White House, the president has chosen to attack leaders such as Gov. Walker, who are listening to the people and confronting problems that have been neglected for years at the expense of jobs and economic growth,” Boehner said in a statement. “I urge the president to order the DNC to suspend these tactics.”

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0211/DNC_playing_role_in_Wisconsin_protests.html?showall
#75 February 19, 2011 at 2:32 pm
ogee commented:

I see the Union sympathizers are out in all their glory? Did you get an email from Organizing for America? The Union members have two choices – pay a small percentage of their health insurance and own retirement account OR he lays off enough Union workers to balance the budget. The teet has dried up, time to help pay your own way like the rest of us. You can’t get blood out of a turnip and Wisconsin is now a turnip.
#76 February 19, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Lady Liberty commented:

Gwillie,

We have our own eyewitness on the ground. His name is Jim Hoft. He says there are thousands of Tea Party activists and Gov. Walker supporters there.

Guess who I believe?

LL
#77 February 19, 2011 at 2:41 pm
mark commented:

This is exactly why Gov’t unions should be banned. The complete and deliberate shutdown of education and other services, under the banner of negotiations is not negotiation, it’s blackmail. Do as I want or else. Any important service, like education, should be decentralized and de-risked so that there is no single point of failure. First, approve and implement school vouchers immediately. Second, pass a law making it illegal for unions to deduct from workers paychecks. Require workers to write a separate check to their unions. Of course WI is going a step further and that’s a good thing.

As for non-critical services, cut them completely. Only critical services, given the budget disasters nationwide, should continue. Cut everything else.
#78 February 19, 2011 at 2:41 pm
decentAmerican commented:

#58 PP…..are you truly that ignorant to not realize that your Obama-idol and the DNC is not involved in this? maybe they didn’t start it, but they are actively involved with the OFA, and even paying for bussing union members in from other states. Your denial of this is both humerous as well as scary, that your love for him is so boundless that you fail to see the truth.

but onto more appalling issues:

“doctors set up booths to sign medical excuses”……ARE YOU FREAKIN SERIOUS???? Is this what it has come to? Doctors have signed an oath of integrity and honesty, and this constitutes FRAUD. And if these notes lead to paid sick leave for these lazy asses, then that is FRAUD ON THE TAXPAYERS and government.

Please please please, take pictures, get their medical license numbers, and throw these fraudulent docs in jail!

Do you need any more evidence that Liberalism is a disease? to risk ones own career not for freedom, but for UNIONS???????? I remind the liberal wackos again that what the Governor is asking is for is actually better than what most in the private sector get, and certainly better than teachers in other states.

HATE. INTOLERANCE. RACISM. DEMOKKKRATS.

Stay classy, libbo nutjobs.
#79 February 19, 2011 at 2:42 pm
David Jay commented:

“High school and college students have come out in large numbers to support the workers’ struggle.’

It’s hilarious how the left are trying to paint this as some kind of worker’s revolution when it’s actually all about the pampered unions having to accept the same rules as the rest of us. This is nothing to do with a “worker’s struggle” – this is all about union fat cats telling the rest of us to pay more tax while they enjoy benefits we can only dream about. Call this what it really is – a collective tamtrum from spoiled kids about to have some of their precious privileges taken away.
#80 February 19, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Betsy Ross commented:

Wow. Can doctors falsefy a patients medical record? Is that even legal?
#81 February 19, 2011 at 2:42 pm
bg commented:

++

God Bless Pro-America/ns!!

==
#82 February 19, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Deanna commented:

PP commented:
Jesus Christ. Every link I click on here has a lie about Wisconsin. Obama organizers? I was at the first protest. It was put together by UW students. Obama didn’t even say anything about the situation until the end of Tuesday, when 15,000 people had already been at the rallies and the testimonies to the joint finance committee had gone until 3am with over 90% of the testimonies being against the bill. Funny how we never got the memo from President Obama.

I seriously cannot believe that you need to resort to bald faced lies. Can’t you argue your position while telling the truth? Isn’t that compelling enough?

================================================================
Actually you’re either ignorant or a liar. This was put together by a call from the head ot the Wisconsin NEA. It was picked up by other unions and then OFA. If this was simply a student protest why are the Teamsters there? There are no lies posted here. We can all show articles and pics to prove our points. Can you? Oh, and please do not take the Lord’s name in vain.
#84 February 19, 2011 at 2:51 pm
SurferDoc commented:

A Doctor can’t write an excuse for someone he has not examined. It is a violation that the licensing agency is obliged by law to investigate.
#85 February 19, 2011 at 2:54 pm
nerdygirl commented:

“UPDATE: Doctors have set up a booth to sign scripts for work absences.”

Again, they are teaching their students that it is okay to lie and cheat. Disgusting. And this isn’t going to bother liberals at all.
#86 February 19, 2011 at 2:55 pm
nerdygirl commented:

Also, maybe these doctors should be investigated for medicare and medicaid fraud, since they are so comfortable with fraud.
#87 February 19, 2011 at 2:55 pm
LilyBart commented:

Perhaps someone should be taking pictures of the doctors writing scrips
#88 February 19, 2011 at 2:57 pm
ogee commented:

It’s Battle of the Protest Bands in Madison today, with thousands of Tea Party activists standing with GOP Gov. Scott Walker on the state capitol grounds. (American Majority organized the pro-taxpayer event.

See Maulkins pics. Awesome. tears of joy!
#89 February 19, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Unlikely Hospitalist commented:

Video Added~ Doctors handing out sick notes.

http://punditpress.blogspot.com/2011/02/breaking-doctors-notes-being-handed-out.html
#90 February 19, 2011 at 2:59 pm
boballab commented:

Hey PP at 58! Hate to rain on your ill informed parade but why don’t you wander on over to Organizing for America’s website, you know the website for the PAC set up by then candidate Obama.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/maryhough/gGMblC

But just in case you are incapable of figuring out how to use a link here is some quotes for you:

Organizing for America is mobilizing on the ground in Wisconsin to defend the rights of public employees from an attempt by the governor to take away their right to organize.

From nurses to police officers, public sector workers and OFA volunteers have been protesting against proposed legislation

Or how about the DNC, you know the party the President took the lead of?

http://www.democrats.org/news/blog/fight_for_our_state_workers?source=DHL

The local Democratic Party and Organizing for America are mobilizing on the ground to push back against a Republican proposal

But hey if you can’t trust the Ones own site or his party’s, how about that MSM powerhouse ABC News?

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/president-obama-national-democrats-mobilize-state-employee-protests/story?id=12949812

Obama, National Democrats Help Mobilize State Budget Protests

Organizing for America, Obama’s campaign arm now under the umbrella of the DNC, has been mobilizing union members and supporters to rally against a proposed Wisconsin budget measure that would strip workers of collective bargaining rights and force them to contribute more for benefits.

Leaders have initiated phone banks and on-the-ground canvassing, and relied on a social media blitz on Facebook and Twitter to build turnout.

Or How about Slate?
http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/weigel/archive/2011/02/17/organizing-for-america-versus-scott-walker-john-kasich-etc.aspx

Or HuffPo:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/17/dnc-expands-mobilization-protests-ohio-indiana_n_824743.html

Or Politico:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0211/DNC_playing_role_in_Wisconsin_protests.html?showall

OfA Wisconsin’s field efforts include filling buses and building turnout for the rallies this week in Madison, organizing 15 rapid response phone banks urging supporters to call their state legislators, and working on planning and producing rallies, a Democratic Party official in Washington said.

Yep the people here at Gateway Pundit made it all up.

Folks this is what happens when teachers are in it for their Cadillac benefits package and not helping the youth of our nation learn and develop critical thinking skills, they can’t even figure out how to use Google. How can they compete against the rest of the world if they have this much trouble figuring out the internet?
#91 February 19, 2011 at 3:00 pm
SandyfromChesterfield commented:

FOX is airing a live feed. You can hear the pro-union demonstrators yell at the FOX truck. “This is what democracy looks like” and “FOX go home”. Isn’t that a little ironic? Can’t give some of the other comments because then my post would be removed!
#92 February 19, 2011 at 3:01 pm
SurferDoc commented:

The doctor’s name is shown at Malkin’s site. A few dozen complaints to the Wisconsin Board of Medical Examiners might be nice. Bet they have a hotline, too.
#93 February 19, 2011 at 3:04 pm
mark commented:

#78 David Jay—you’re right. They are trying to make it appear that it’s a student-led protest. Students are pawns.

And students. Listen and listen carefully. You are being played. If you choose the side of union socialism your doom will be sealed. Really? Yes. Teenage unemployment in the US is at roughly 27%. The unemployment rate for those under 25 is roughly 19%. If the economy continues on its track, you will never get jobs to pay back your student loans. You will live with your unemployed parents forever. Are those rates high? Well consider the riots going on now in the Middle East. One of the prime drivers fueling those crowds is the youth unemployment rates in the Middle East. What are they? Between 20-30%, depending on the country. The US is 19%. Algeria is 20%. Egypt is 25%. Did you cast your vote for “Change.” There is little time to learn and make adjustments now. Time to grow up and grow up fast.
#94 February 19, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Granny commented:

http://punditpress.blogspot.com/2011/02/breaking-doctors-notes-being-handed-out.html

Has been updated with pictures of the “Doctor” in his lab coat and a copy of the “excuse note” that includes his name and Wisconsin License # (soon to be suspended I would expect)
#95 February 19, 2011 at 3:05 pm
squeaky commented:

#70 February 19, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Gwillie commented:
THis just came into my inbox from ANSWER
from this crew???????
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.N.S.W.E.R.
#96 February 19, 2011 at 3:13 pm
ogee commented:

Tea Partiers have poured in from around the state of Wisconsin outnumbering the amount of bussed in nationwide union-thug protestors.

There are vids of the docs giving out ‘sick’ slips. Fire them all! They could get replacement teachers in a heart beat. They make 90k/yr. I’m sure there will be no trouble filling these spots.
#97 February 19, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Ella commented:

#88 – Unlikely Hospitalist thanks for the video.

Folks, let’s identify these doctors and plaster their names all over the internet. More importantly, let us inform Governor Walker’s administration so they can take the appropriate measures to punish these doctors as well as the teachers. Also inform the State Medical Board. Surely someone recognizes who these “doctors” are?
#98 February 19, 2011 at 3:20 pm
mcc commented:

PP is a typical school kid: naive and well-indoctrinated. The kind that’s produced by lefty instructors. It’s no surprise they show up in support of the insanity.

He’s what you think of — and cringe — when Barry says he wants every kid with a college degree. You know he’s their goal — exactly what Ayers has been working toward for decades.

Just look at what’s teaching in our public schools today. Will at least one step up and express a measure of maturity by pointing out the absolute selfishness of their demands and actions? What awful, awful role models!

I haven’t seen one I’d want anywhere near my kids.
#99 February 19, 2011 at 3:21 pm
Robert L. Mayo commented:

Someone needs to get an excuse slip from those doctors, then take it to the licensing board as proof of fraud to yank their licenses.
#100 February 19, 2011 at 3:23 pm
archtop commented:

If students call in “sick” when they really aren’t, they send the truant officer to their house…

When union teachers call in sick when they really aren’t, they are called “heroes”…

This is a demonstration of modern liberal ~~hypocrisy~~ morality…

PS: If I were the students, I would call in sick for the rest of the year until specific demands were met (like no tests, free junk food, soda, and cigarettes). They could reference the bold and audacious examples of the 14 Dem state senators and their righteous teachers…
#101 February 19, 2011 at 3:24 pm
ogee commented:

America is watching and even the most liberal are saying they support the Gov. Everyone knows how unions have dumbed down the kids and parents nationwide are not liking it one bit.
#102 February 19, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Ella commented:

Understand from Michelle Malkin’s site that one of the doctors is James Shropshire, an associate professor at the Wisconsin School of Medicine. …..

Anyone else recognize other doctors?
#103 February 19, 2011 at 3:26 pm
Conservative Ken commented:

Everyone who said to photograph the Doctors writing sick notes get 100,000 cool points!

I would love it if Jim waltzes right up to the Doctor’s booth and gets one signed by the snake oil Doc, reports it and gets the license taken away.

Stay safe and keep your head up there.
#104 February 19, 2011 at 3:27 pm
Mad Hatter commented:

Hey folks,

I’ve emailed this to everyone on my email list, let’s get the ball rolling on this and inform the public what the Alinsky Media is covering up. This is fraud running amok and they’re laughing about it.

http://maciverinstitute.com/2011/02/fake-doctors-notes-being-handed-out-at-wisconsin-gov-union-rally/
#105 February 19, 2011 at 3:28 pm
ogee commented:

Here’s your answer Squeaky: no pun intended

“at the time of ANSWER’s founding, are current members of the Party for Socialism”
#106 February 19, 2011 at 3:35 pm
ogee commented:

They (obama and his union thugs) plan on doing it in every state. For real. Not rumor. Got that from kos….I do not go there.

See vids of the doctors signing phone ‘sick’ slips.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjFbMDp5Pg8

NEW word from JIM…upstream. The kids are going crazy. Imagine that! They can’t even vote yet.
Let’s see: they each get 10/hour from DNC and OFA to protest. That’s a decent paycheck for them this week.
#107 February 19, 2011 at 3:36 pm
shibumi commented:

@ #83, #92 and #97

Thanks for clearing the doctor issue up. I thought something illegal was going on. I hope someone in Wisconsin blows the whistle on the doctors who are a falsifying notes.
#108 February 19, 2011 at 3:36 pm
mg4us commented:

Get the names and licenses of those doctors. .it is fraud and malpractice as well as dishonest and falsifying records. . .

Hope the Governor gets the State AG to investigate . . not only the doctors but any “state paid employee” for committing fraud.

Those should not only be grounds for dismissal but how about a hefty fine say $1500? and those doctors need to have their license revoked. . .as well as pay an ever bigger fine. . .
#109 February 19, 2011 at 3:37 pm
aprilnovember811 commented:

The teachers need to be fired. Isn’t this an illegal strike? I’m sure the National Guard has trained teachers until replacements can be found. It’s unbelievable that former Governor of VA Tim Kaine is working with Obama to usurp a Governor of another state.
#110 February 19, 2011 at 3:38 pm
mg4us commented:

One m,ore thing. . .to keep rule of law, Dishonest and fraudulent people need to be prosecuted or else laws and rules don’t matter.

Gov Walker. .go get em. . .us honest Americans are with you.
#111 February 19, 2011 at 3:38 pm
Pagar commented:

““High school and college students have come out in large numbers to support the workers’ struggle.’”

Is this some kind of joke? The anti American leftists have so called teachers that lie about why they are not at work.

Democrat politicians that don’t even bother to lie about why they are not at work. They just run off to some other state.

Now the leftists have come up with doctors that don’t do the examinations required of them to write out excuses.

3 leftist groups that supposedly are workers, aren’t. Sounds just like what everyone expects from union members, liars.
#112 February 19, 2011 at 3:46 pm
mg4us commented:

Hey Gov. Walker. . I agree with #107 and others calling for teachers to be fired. .

Need a solution???. . subcontract work to independent educational companies . . .

Even hire from abroad. . . say like an education company from China

http://www.gedu.org/english/

Of course they will focus on teaching the basics like reading, writing and arithmetic. . . and perhaps science and engineering

Maybe that is why Chinese students excel in worldwide rankings in science and math. . .

Just a thought!!!
#113 February 19, 2011 at 3:51 pm
Jhn1 commented:

“UPDATE: Doctors have set up a booth to sign scripts for work absences.”
At some point, isn’t the doctor signing such committing malpractice?
Get someone in there and see how little there is to get a script, and how many doctors are in there and how quickly they process them, and get the state medical board to evaluate if those doctors could have made that many non-fraudulent evaluations in that time frame.

If not, then go after those doctor’s medical licenses.
No overlooking illegal actions in support of political agendas.
#114 February 19, 2011 at 3:52 pm
Rock commented:

But didn’t WTF say everyone should have a little skin in the game, I did not hear any qualifiers exempting union thugs.

So we see another face of the Socialist scum and their view of acceptable behavior. Corrupt doctors passing out bogus sick slips, presidential campaign forces interfering in state government, a president doing the same, state media twisting and misreporting the news, news networks that are not owed by government forces are intimidated by hired single digit thugs, and calls for civility only applies to the opposition, and not pro thug forces. Yea I’m real impressed with the filth that occupies the White House, not.
#115 February 19, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Andreas K. commented:

“High school and college students have come out in large numbers to support the workers’ struggle.”

If they’d study as hard as they’re protesting against/for things they don’t understand they wouldn’t have to worry about future jobs or anything. But wait. That would support the idea that achieving something with hard work is a good thing. Now we can’t have that, right?

Unions are dead. They have outlived their purpose. No some say?

In Germany, a few years ago, the union of the garbage disposal units in a town went on strike because the city wanted its workers to work 40 hours per week, instead of the current 38 hours. In Austria, teachers went on strike because the education ministry wanted them to spend 2 more hours in classroom per week. That strike was promptly supported by their students (who really just wanted the day off.) In some Italian cities strikes of public service workers are common. I only say southern Italy and garbage disposal. Thanks to the unions tons of garbage are then left in the streets, turning into a significant health hazard.

But hey, all for the “greater good”, eh? All for “class warfare”, right?

Unions are dead and useless. They’ve outlived their purpose.
#116 February 19, 2011 at 3:55 pm
tarpon commented:

Jim, Andrew, thanks for all you do.

Good show tea party … Show the colors. We will not allow union thuggery anymore.
#118 February 19, 2011 at 3:59 pm
wanumba commented:

#86 February 19, 2011 at 2:55 pm
nerdygirl commented:
Also, maybe these doctors should be investigated for medicare and medicaid fraud, since they are so comfortable with fraud.
……….

Very good point! The way they are behaving, this can’t be their first fraud, they must have a history. They should be audited for any patterns of fraud. Of course, they could be lying that they are doctors with an expectation that no one will verify. More fraud upon fraud.

Calling in sick was a biiiig mistake. They could have taken leave or leave without pay, but to claim sick in order to participate in union politicking is fraud. Anyone ELSE caught out like that would be FIRED.

Other parents are working and their kids are unexpectedly at home thanks to a bunch of greedy, overpaid liars who are brazenly manufacturing MORE lies. It’s amazing the AWOL teachers don’t perceive any problems arising from this arrogance.
#119 February 19, 2011 at 4:02 pm
Mad Hatter commented:

4pm Central,

Fox is reporting on the Doctors passing out fake notes. Thank God for Fox.
#120 February 19, 2011 at 4:02 pm
Ron commented:

I think the best thing is to widely document the lefties and the doctors enabling them as much as any Walker supporters and right-leaning individuals can. Photos – groups they’re aligned with and any other identifying information. They’ve had no problem doing it to anyone on the right who came into the middle of their protests for nearly the last decade and they have no expectation of privacy in a public demonstration. Expose them, embarrass them. Dare i say it — weaken their whole fake ‘grassroot’ movements and open them to a new level of overwhelmingly vocal criticism from the American public and media.
#121 February 19, 2011 at 4:05 pm
ANNAMARY commented:

Please take a picture of all the Doctors who are signing these fraudulent excuses. And then send them to the Medical Board, besides posting their pictures for all to see.
#122 February 19, 2011 at 4:09 pm
Mad Hatter commented:

CNN is reporting on the Madison protests, and surprise, surprise, they said nothing about the Quakes handing out fake notes.

The Alinsky Media in cover up mode. What a shocker.
#124 February 19, 2011 at 4:13 pm
ogee commented:

The filth that occupies the oval office has intentions of doing this in every state and to take over the tech companies.. as in nationalize them by ~~by forcing them to take~~ giving them money they don’t need.
#125 February 19, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Nanna1 commented:

A few minutes ago on Fox, American’s Newsroom, they showed two Tea Partiers that had gotten tow doctors excuses from these doctors that are handing them out. They said they asked no questions. And that they had been giving them out all day.
#126 February 19, 2011 at 4:15 pm
ogee commented:

Alinsky tactic = class warfare= obammy
#127 February 19, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Nanna1 commented:

two doctors not tow… jeez
#128 February 19, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Rock commented:

Mad Hatter

I think your expectations of the Communist News Network may be set to high.
#129 February 19, 2011 at 4:18 pm
ogee commented:

Alinsky tactic = Unions to help obammy be rid of the constitution and take over the government: as in TYRANNY.
#130 February 19, 2011 at 4:22 pm
Mad Hatter commented:

Rock,

Not at all, I know their tactics, they just verified it.
#131 February 19, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Rock commented:

Mad Hatter

I suspected as much, I just like calling them Commies.
#132 February 19, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Mad Hatter commented:

Rock,

Gotcha. We have to call them as we see them.
#133 February 19, 2011 at 4:55 pm
Agent Rose commented:

TEA PARTIES, SCOTT WALKER, REPUBLICANS IN WISCONSIN:

We are with you in thoughts and prayers!

Don’t back down. We have your back!
#134 February 19, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Agent Rose commented:

21. ILLEGAL IN WISCONSIN

a) Doctors write fake illness reports

http://biggovernment.com/publius/2011/02/19/doctors-helping-unions-lie-about-being-sick/

b) strike by teachers is illegal

c) Unions do not have permit to be on capitol grounds

The union supporters do not have a permit to be on the Capitol grounds. They haven’t had one all week! The police are keeping the two groups apart.

d) absence of Democrats is illegal
http://gatewaypundit.rightnetwork.com/2011/02/bloggers-for-peace-flotilla-arrived-in-madison-situation-tense/
#135 February 19, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Edouard commented:

Uh-huh, uh-huh.

LYING doctors writing phony get-out-of-school free slips for LYING schoolteachers so that they can LIE to their supervisors and cheat Wisconsin taxpayers.

Ethics? We don’t need no stinkin’

Good grief, that makes ME sick.

Talk about building up bad karma. I foresee an immense backlash against this vast, out-in-the-open fraud.
#136 February 19, 2011 at 5:18 pm
MAJ Mike commented:

Its 5 pm (CST) and Fox News has video of “doctors” handing out sick slips.
#137 February 19, 2011 at 5:28 pm
kay commented:

i’m shocked SHOCKED i tell you that nobody went through the governmental hassle (process) of getting a permit to demonstrate. Where are the police to round up these rapscallions? – oh, yeah, they are in with the demonstrators showing “unity”.
#140 February 19, 2011 at 6:03 pm
PHOTOS & VIDEOS OF TEA PARTY RALLY commented:

WISCONSIN PRO-WALKER RALLY: PHOTOS & VIDEOS
http://factreal.wordpress.com/2011/02/19/wisconsin-tea-party-rally-to-support-scott-walker-today/
#141 February 19, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Abe commented:

Well let’s recap the situation; The average compensation package of a Milwaukee teacher is $100,000. they play hooky and then expect to get paid for a day of protest with a “Doctor’s Excuse”. Fourteen of Wisconsin’s’ legislators play hooky and expect to get sympathy and pay for their cowardly action.
This is quite an example for “The Children”, they’re so concerned about. You get rewarded for not doing your job. What an embarrassment, they teach our kids to act like spoiled brats and that’s how you’re supposed to get your way.
Well the money’s gone and the tough decisions have to be made now.
Send in the adults. My hat’s off to you, Scott Walker and Wisconsin’s Senators! Show the way to financial responsibility. We can’t play hooky any more.
#142 February 19, 2011 at 6:36 pm
dwd commented:

If true, those doctors should have their licenses revoked. Hope Jim got notes from all of the docs so we know what unethical doctors are writing “sick notes” for people faking sick to attend a rally. Submit that to their licensing board and professional associations, and publish their names on the blog.
#143 February 19, 2011 at 6:38 pm
KR commented:

Are these doctors really medical doctors, and are they signing their real names on the slips?
It is going to look odd to have so many teachers getting permission slips with the same name on most of them.

But then we can see that these are not the brightest of the bunch.
#144 February 19, 2011 at 7:27 pm
money gets votes commented:

Look what the president did to one of our 57 states, ARIZONA, while our American ranchers are being slaughtered! Wilson sent in 75,000 troops–he sends 500 admin people then turns Arizona into the UN!!!!!! And now this??? Just think what he is going to pull in 2012….he is a thug–like the rest of the fleebaggers–
#145 February 19, 2011 at 8:45 pm
Militant Conservative commented:

keep it coming babe. You have no idea of the $hit storm your creating. Oh babe, the fallout is going to be a storm of revolutionary size, LOL

Some are ready some are not.

powder is dry
#150 February 22, 2011 at 12:06 am
regan commented:

What Conservatives Really Want
by George Lakoff
–Dedicated to the peaceful protestors in Wisconsin, February 19, 2011.

The central issue in our political life is not being discussed. At stake is the moral basis of American democracy.

The individual issues are all too real: assaults on unions, public employees, women’s rights, immigrants, the environment, health care, voting rights, food safety, pensions, prenatal care, science, public broadcasting, and on and on.

Budget deficits are a ruse, as we’ve seen in Wisconsin, where the governor turned a surplus into a deficit by providing corporate tax breaks, and then used the deficit as a ploy to break the unions, not just in Wisconsin, but seeking to be the first domino in a nationwide conservative movement.

Deficits can be addressed by raising revenue, plugging tax loopholes, putting people to work, and developing the economy long-term in all the ways the president has discussed. But deficits are not what really matters to conservatives.

Conservatives really want to change the basis of American life, to make America run according to the conservative moral worldview in all areas of life.

In the 2008 campaign, candidate Obama accurately described the basis of American democracy: Empathy — citizens caring for each other, both social and personal responsibility — acting on that care, and an ethic of excellence. From these, our freedoms and our way of life follow, as does the role of government: to protect and empower everyone equally. Protection includes safety, health, the environment, pensions and empowerment starts with education and infrastructure. No one can be free without these, and without a commitment to care and act on that care by one’s fellow citizens.

The conservative worldview rejects all of that.