Wow. Last Saturday was amazing. Went up to Madison with Sam Borgos and Susie Smela for Fighting Bobfest, a yearly left-convention in honor of Robert M. "Fighting Bob" La Follette. I assumed everyone knew who he was, but very few people in my dorm (even the Wisconsin natives!) did, so here's a quick summary.
Most important Progressive leader of the late 19th-early 20th century, as governor of and then senator from Wisconsin. Successfully fought for women's suffrage, progressive taxation, state control of railroads, university influence in policy-making, the initiative, the recall, and referendum, and the abolition of child labor, as well as a host of union-friendly measures, aided by the oratorical and organizational skills of his brilliant wife, Belle. Later in his life, he led the opposition to our entry into World War I and, importantly for my current endeavors, bolted his party to run a left-wing third-party candidacy in 1924, winning over 15 percent of the vote, and carrying Wisconsin. He also enjoyed hairdressing.
This year's lineup of speakers was truly exceptional. I finally got to hear Tammy Baldwin speak, and it redoubled my enthusiasm for her. I wish she had a campaign of her own for which I could volunteer, but all Democratic operations are structured around the presidential election, meaning all activities, even those paid for by Baldwin's own campaign, treat her as an afterthought. This really isn't fair, as she has rather different views than the president, especially on foreign policy, and much more backbone when it comes to domestic. She's the first mainstream Democrat I've heard make tariffs a big issue, which is important both from economic and environmental standpoints. She hit her stride, and the crowd loved her. Spoke a lot about how proud she is of her grandparents, how hard they worked to raise her, and how much they cared about social justice. This of course made me think of Nanny, I wish she could have come with us.
The next speaker was Mahlon Mitchell, our last nominee for Lt. governor, and president of the Firefighters' Union. That man... I'm still breathless just thinking about it. Such a hardcore stance on behalf of the workers, who candidly addressed the sellouts of not only conservative Democrats like Barrett and Obama, but also the overly cautious union leadership which bears part of the blame for the American proletariat's lack of organization. He works a crowd better than any politician I've seen, especially an informed crowd. He also has a very amusing routine of "trying not to curse" but it always slips out to much merriment. He's also a damn fine-looking young man, and I can't think of anyone I'd rather see launch a long-term political career.
Gwen Moore (Milwaukee's congresswoman), spoke after the midday break (during which I got my well-annotated copy of Professor Nancy Unger's definitive La Follette biography signed!). She could work the crowd too, and offered the best voice on women's issues I've ever heard, and that's saying something! I think the best way to describe her is "warrior mother", so driven, so principled, and so overwhelmingly concerned for people. She went through a nicely consistent oration, describing the conservative attacks on students, workers, women, teachers, veterans, environmentalists, gays, the retired, ending each stanza with the question "Are you going to let them kick you out of our family?" She brought the house down, and I teared up more than a little.
Buddy Roemer spoke too, and while he's rather conservative on many social issues, he's a true populist on the power of business to corrupt society, and spoke very eloquently. Something about hearing social injustice excoriated in that Louisiana drawl... He's a real Kingfish. Long would be proud.
The day reached its saddest point with the speech of Greg Palast, an expat BBC journalist who's so awesome he has a hard time getting back into the country. He's best known for documenting how Republican caging operations routinely invalidate the ballots of nearly 20 percent of all black voters, giving Bush the presidency in 2004. His speaking style struck me as a combination of my own with that of the fictional Dr. House. Also, the man wears a fedora in 2012. Gotta give him credit for that.
Jill Stein and Bill McKibbon spoke too, but I didn't hear them, as I was canvassing the fairgrounds for Rocky Anderson. (got two more electors, and another today-the end is in sight!). Came away fired up and ready to go. I'm definitely going every chance I get over the next few years.
Solidarität
Kamerad Graham
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