Category Archives: Sen. Lena Taylor

HOOD WINKED! In the hood, more and more people are starting to see 2+2 DO NOT = 4.

Posted by Wonder Woman on

HOOD WINKED!

In the hood, more and more people are starting to understand or realize 2+2 DO NOT = 4.

People are waking up to understand that supporting rich union white men means less and less WE get in government benefits and discretionary spending for those of us needing government assistance just to get by these days. Yes this means you, you waiting on Vliet to get your Quest and BadgerCare. I’m talking to those of you who are waiting to get scholarships and aid for school, daycare, and medicine. Those of us holding our breath to see what kinds of co-pays we will be assessed for BadgerCare after this mess is over with. Make sure you understand what is really at stake before you go out there and keep supporting that tired old mantra about Republicans and who is against us. It is going to cost us big time if we keep supporting those who do not support us! Who else do you think they will pick on if we don’t stand one good time and voice our objections to this new union master?

Surprisingly I hear this more and more and I think people are getting it!! We are either for rich white men getting more money and keeping their billions, or we are united in a joint effort and alliance to support this Republican governor for the good of our own cause….US!

Located in the heart of the Inner City of Milwaukee Wisconsin is the JUSTUS League Headquarters and right there is where I sit in my fortress of solitude and ponder over this mess of an urban dwelling that used to be so vibrant and full of life. I can only think what one thing remains constant.

The DEMOCRAT Party’s Choke hold On the Black Community!

Blacks move in and out, other races move out, jobs gone, drugs, crime, and disease back and festering to higher levels than ever before. The only thing that remains the same is our love for Democrats and everything they tell us to support. I have already embraced a different path and if not for those of us who call out this relationship gone bad, some people would just be happy with the same old, same old. I may not be any more right than the next person, but I see the devil in ALL his forms and this is not what the hell Democracy looks like when I walk down North Avenue.

Lena and Spencer talk, run, and they hide, but at the end of the day we all see the same thing. The hood is still the same as it ever was. They have made little if any impact, they throw us a bone every once in a while to make sure their Couriers, Journals, and Times keep their names visible but what do they really do for YOU?

They keep telling us “it’s the rich business wealthy, evil corporations” and those types raping our communities and taking our opportunities and jobs. Don’t you get tired of hearing the same ish over and over again? When will they own some of this problem and stop getting paid off the backs of blacks?

But WE need to call out the real demons if we’re ever going to get somewhere. I see the real criminals being OUR black representatives first and foremost! Another criminal of the black community is the talking head at the main “news” paper that seems to never do too much here in the city for our young black boys or writers, but sure knows how to stay paid. The other criminals are those black “blue blood” families and bougie negros who want to seem like us (when convenient), but are in bed with the devil himself. Those are the leaders of the attack and rape on black Milwaukee and black everybody! 

Ask yourself this question, they had it their way in this state for almost 2 decades and what did they accomplish? What good did you see from this state in its 2 decades of Democracy? Or will you let them off the hook by blaming GWB and other Republicans? The easy marks!

Let’s break it down shall we?

  • Increased costs for insurance for those of us driving. Thanks black representatives!
  • Payday loan scandals that directly hurt US because who else needs a loan. Thanks black representatives!
  • Lena, Spencer, Tamara are all union funded and branded. They also accept PayDay loan money and love a little something, something from the Arabs as well. Did you really think those corner stores and gas stations just opened up over night without some help? As much as Willie Hines worked to try and keep them at bay, his counterparts in the state worked equally as hard to make it easier for them to open up shop and avoid taxes OUR businesses must pay to do the same business.
  • Finger printing by police at random stops to place US in their databases to be called up when they need to pin something on US. Thanks black representatives!
  • Millions of dollars funneled to Cadillac pensions of white men running unions at the cost of our kids educations and futures.

So I say all this to start a discussion about what is OUR reality and what we expect and how do we use this next election to get what we need to not just maintain but to say ENOUGH!

They say people support them but if we look, there are more of us coming out to show some concern for our own way of life. What about you? Did you notice that Lena spent more time on getting Alberta Darling recalled than on your needs, finding jobs, and helping the truly poor? Does it concern you that she and our other black elected get big money to keep us “in line?” Are we sheep and they are our herders or are we going to back it up and flip the script to show them the muscle we have in this community.

Now I am not saying Republicans got it right all the time, but on this one issue, for this brief moment, we need to rise up and be counted. We need to say to hell with the Democrats this one time and start a new trend and take back both parties (possibly add a new party) and remind them who the hell is in charge and whose money counts in the end.

Family, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

April 5th I am asking for your voice and your vote. Do not sit by idly and let them get away with the biggest lynching of all time on OUR poor. Will you join me? Will you send them a mandate that unions have their fair share and it is time we gets ours too!

Peace Family,

WW

 

Analysis shows emails to Walker favored budget repair bill

 

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_ca97c286-fe25-5074-8cb0-5f9a2c240df8.html

Gov. Scott Walker was right: The angry crowds in Madison didn’t tell the whole story of how Wisconsinites felt.

In the week after Walker announced his plan to dramatically curtail public employees’ collective bargaining rights in the state budget repair bill, a wide majority of the emails to him expressed support, an analysis of those emails indicates.

They ALL know the only force to be reckoned with, the true silent, majority is the working poor and poor. We get dumped on, just because, by both parties because we are somehow content with the scraps we are given. I am not content to let the rich get richer.

While You’re Waiting for Superman, Wonder Woman Is Already Here!

Posted by Wonder Woman on

While You’re Waiting for Superman Wonder Woman Is Already Here!

I have heard the complaints from those opposed to Governor Walker’s budget and I have listened, putting aside my own personal biases and Conservatism to try and get a handle on what we are dealing with as far as the schools go.

First  it is important to note that while many consider the “fleeing 14” heroes, it is also important for you to know that they are allowing time for the school districts to put into place new contracts with the unions. These new contracts and negotiations are 16 months overdue and counting. Remember these teachers in many districts have been working without contracts for over a year. Why then did they wait? Was it that the unions thought Barrett would be the man and they could get even more concessions then they have now? Was it that they thought they had some leverage over the state and would bargain for more wasteful spending? Why didn’t their guy Doyle, get these negotiations finished in 16 months? Many questions and only speculation as to why!

Also one other thing to note is that if you ever wonder why they are really gone, check on Ballotpedia to find out who is “outsourcing” their campaigns and true intentions. Meaning who is pulling everyone’s strings!

http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

We all agree we want to see our kids get ahead but the main sticking point is the wasteful spending in the districts and the notion that the unions run the show not the taxpayers. It is a simple concept, not one student should go without out if our districts would be fiscally responsible and not beholden to unions. With all the money we have spent for public education, we are still seeing little progress and even more waste and abuse of tax money. When people recommend merit-based pay or vestment (a secured position) based on achievement, the unions run away from these things. Why do they keep fighting for the rights of bad employees, wasteful boards, and downright criminals? Why do they not embrace forward thinking programs regarding the competency of their teachers, secretaries, and all public education workers? Or for that matter fight for programs that are educating our kids effectively before fighting for Viagra?

 

Case I: Waste on Your Watch

In Green Bay there is such a thing called the “Emeritus” Program that allows teachers to only work 10 days into their year and get even more payouts. This is a travesty of justice and an outright crime against taxpayers but yet a collectively bargained agreement.

Green Bay’s “Emeritus” Program

From Try 2 Focus / Brad Van Lanen

http://brvanlanen.wordpress.com/2011/03/06/green-bays-emeritus-program/

 

The Emeritus Program gives one full year’s salary paid over three years. That is in addition to pension benefits. The Emeritus Program is something that has been negotiated into the teachers’ contract through collective bargaining.

Note that over the next three years teachers would have to provide only 10 days of service to the district to receive the equivalent of one year’s salary.

Back to me…

Many opponents say that Walker’s Budget Repair will only hurt students and trounce on their budgets and programs that help our kids achieve. Where’s the big achievement, is my first question? Secondly, their account of “harm to students” is proportionally way off base. These budgets are now being negotiated prior to the repair bill’s passing or its failing. They are salvaging the ridiculously unfair benefit and pension packages that we are trying to recover from. These new budgets could have waited until a new governor was in place (as is the custom), or the bill was in place, or could have considered that this state is paying way too much in benefits and pensions and realigned themselves without force showing fiscal constraint and good stewardship of tax monies.

One must wonder what kind of people would rather keep the status quo of gross overspending with little oversight and not consider that spending needs to start in the classroom first and foremost. If you look at just MPS, they could save millions in costs and reductions if they would negotiate fairly, realizing that the taxpayer is the employer not the WEAC or MTEA.

Case II: Is Anybody Home?

MPS holds the deed to 27 school properties that could be sold or better yet used. They do have several charter schools renting space in non MPS buildings. Worse yet, they are paying rent to (dare I say) Christian entities!!!

MPS pays PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF MILWAUKEE $12,502.46 per month ($426,672.26 over the past three years) to house Kilmer South High School, an alternative school that only has about 350 students.

Do also keep in mind that the district is reporting massive amounts of population decline in the past 3 years, so I guess they don’t really need those buildings anytime soon.

Some of this property has been sought after with relentless vigor and lots of money being thrown on the table because it is considered prime land or real estate. Yet our superintendent refuses to sell these vacant buildings, sighting that he wants to hold on to the property because they may need it one day. We are talking about buildings that are beyond repair, have atmospheres that are not conducive to current learning trends, and do not take into account that we are trying to eliminate bussing and eventually returning back to neighborhood schools. Not to mention that we are employing and paying for maintenance staff to keep these buildings up to code.

A report from James Causey about the MPS Vacancies:

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/112890204.html

 

Case III: Abuse, Fraud, and Accountability from MPS to MATC

Another problem of MPS, MATC, and school districts throughout the state has been the continued mismanagement of funds. No person has been jailed or even penalized for these countless acts of fraud. MPS’s former superintendent laughed off the “staplergate” controversy and said they would look into it. Yet no one has been held accountable unless you count the poor taxpayers who keep unwilling and unknowingly fund these crimes.

The Milwaukee Public Schools system spends $3,287,671.23 of your tax dollars every day, 365 days a year.

Here is an example of where Title I / Reading Initiative spending is going:

Wisconsin Interest reviewed scores of MPS educational plans and a portion of a database of more than 400,000 MPS invoice descriptions obtained by a watchdog group, Citizens for Responsible Government.

  • Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School spent more than $680, including $550 on tickets and $57 on Bradley Center food – on a Bucks Family Night.
  • Community High School spent $742 for a field trip to the AMF Bowlero Lanes bowling alley.
  • John Burroughs Middle School paid $4,761 to a vendor described as the Funny Business Agency Inc. for “carnival set-up and services.”
  • Cass Street School spent $960 with an outfit called Fun Services.
  • H.W. Longfellow Elementary spent $528 on a trip to Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park in Wisconsin Dells.
  • More than $470 in Title I funds were used by Dr. George Washington Carver Academy of Mathematics and Science for a trip to a roller skating and fun center.

The accuracy of the database isn’t disputed by Roseann St. Aubin, the MPS director of communications and public affairs.

http://www.crgnetwork.com/

So what do these activities have to do with reading you ask?

And even more abuse of taxpayer dollars…Remember when…

  • Bradley Tech High School spent $1197.94 on pool supplies from LENNYS POOL SERVICE INC. Interesting to note that off hand this seems like a fair expense but with one exception. TECH HAS NO POOL!!!!

Here is a quote from that report:

Students at Bradley Tech gave their school the poorest rating with 70% of students stating that facilities were either fair or poor. This is particularly upsetting because Bradley Tech is less than three years old, yet it was built without an auditorium, athletic field, swimming pool, running track, or band/music room. What’s worse is that Tech was built without walls separating the classrooms and the hallway, making it difficult for students to learn.

And more waste:

  • MPS has spent $27,144.00 to purchase… iPod’s
  • MPS has paid $72,682.22 to The Daily Reporter, for school marketing advertisements. This is just one media outlet; MPS spends hundreds of thousands of your tax dollars per year on advertising.
  • MPS pays PRIVATE INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF MILWAUKEE $12,502.46 per month ($426,672.26 over the past three years) to house Kilmer South High School, an alternative school that only has about 350 students.
  • Taxpayers have paid $503,722.57 in union dues to AFSCME LOCAL 1053 for Milwaukee Educational Secretaries. Aren’t union dues usually paid by the employee?
  • MPS has paid Yogafit $13,257 for yoga mats and training DVD’s
  • MPS has spent $1,621,525.37 with the Florida based Intelistaff for temporary staffing needs. $1.6 million Milwaukee tax dollars to a Florida based company, but they haven’t spend a dime with the Milwaukee
  • MPS schools have spent $126,482.60 at the Oriental Trading Company. Some of the items they purchased (a random search of the 2,000 orders): Mardi Gras Beads, ROCK-SHAPED BALLS, Foam Snowman Doorknob Hangers
  • MPS has spent $54,438.86 at the CORK N CLEAVER restaurant for things like In-service meetings

http://badgerblogger.com/?p=9004

Get the point? This is just one school district and I could log the abuse of tax money for days and probably even years.

MATC here’s your fair share of abuse and misconduct:

MATC tuition Should be in line with that at UW system and duplicate programs eliminated

http://www.crgnetwork.com/matc3.asp

MATC OKs contract that preserves no-cost pensions

http://www.jsonline.mobi/more/news/milwaukee/116370714.htm?page=9

In a final word, people wonder why there is outrage and why our kids are not succeeding in these pirate environments where lying and cheating are the norm and good teachers are stifled by the noise of common sense.

People look to School Choice because they educate kids at $6000 while MPS charges $12,000.

Bottom line, schools are not going to work if we allow this incompetence to keep growing. They prove every single day that they have enough money but could care less if it is used on the future of our children correctly. So their outrage and ours would be better understood by those who make it impossible for us to move forward. The districts and the union administrations, and bad members are to blame. If you are a good employee, Wonder Woman wants you to know I see you. You are our only hope for survival. You always have been. Those of you who spend your own money, give of your personal time, write letters to your boards and the community and loose your jobs because you are fighting for our kids, we love you! Keep teaching and reaching and calling out injustice!

Peace Family,

WW

 

This is Not Your Parents Union Anymore!

Posted by Wonder Woman on

This is Not Your Parents Union Anymore!

The New Union Cartels.

For the past few weeks our state has been engaged in a debate over unions and their right to Collectively Bargain and for fair concessions that will keep Wisconsin “open for business.”

A few things struck me as I talked and debated with people from both sides. One thing that was obvious is that there is a large number of people that still think unions are the same organizations they once were fifty years ago when they took hold in our state. In those first years, unions did stand for equality and fairness in the workplace. They championed the middle class worker and voiced opposition to unfair work environments and wages. They offered protection for those who had no other recourse when injustice reared its ugly head.

But fast- forward to 2011, and see what unions have become. They are equal to the fat cat Wall Street tycoons using Collective Bargaining to hold states hostage with unfair demands, moving the pendulum of politics to their side with big money and bullying tactics rival to the DNR and RNC respectively. They own the very health insurance companies that we pay into. Yes United Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, and WEA Trust. They are an integral part of the national problem of healthcare gone wrong. Yet your tax dollars fully fund WEA and you can guess what their invoices for medical services look like. If you thought St. Luke’s, Columbia, or Wheaton Franciscan were taxing for aspirin, WEA triple’s the cost and passes the expense on to you, the unknowing taxpayer.

One of many owned and operated union businesses, WEA Trust is an insurance company established by Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC). WEA Trust has grown very fat on public dollars, with a net worth of $316 million and a team of 12 administrators all receiving compensation packages worth six figures per year.

The unions of today pump millions of our tax dollars into campaign funds each year and poison the very fabric of our moral fiber by tainting our elected government and political parties, influencing and misinforming voters, and using bullying tactics equal to “The Godfather” Vito Corleone for Cadillac compensations and benefits for themselves as well and subsequently for their workers. Ask yourselves, how can they afford to reserve hotel rooms and banquet halls, providing computer access and bringing in people from all around the country to harass elected officials and influence the media outlets? Think of the money they must be paying, your money they are paying, to do this ongoing with no end in sight. This is not the union that stands with the working man anymore; they have become fraudulent, exploitive sheep headers leading us all off a cliff, a point of no return. We must rein them in and remind them for who and what they stand if their union members will not.

They can no longer be just seen for what they used to do, fighting for the injustices of innocent union members, standing for equal pay, and such trivial issues. We must begin to see the ugliness of what they actually do as well. Yes there is some good still there, but as with any unattended child, they have regressed into a monster of a villain, hoodwinking many into thinking they are still the innocent virgin at the prom. I assure they are not that anymore! Look how they are willing to sell out 7500 jobs, leaving these unlucky union members unemployed, laid off, or worse, fired. We simply cannot afford to fund the long standing reality that government jobs are superior to the private sector. There should be no “reward” or incentive for one servant’s labor over another. We should all be equally valued workers giving our best. And those who do not serve well should not be protected by a union shill just because. We need to see results for benefits, pay to play if you will!

Most people do not realize the “contributions” unions make in campaign donations, well into the hundreds of millions. People certainly do not realize that unions own some of our elected government. They are not our parents union anymore as they have shown in actions and deeds that they are as corrupt as any corporation or big business enterprise or mogul. Some of our elected have sold their souls to the unions and can no longer represent us fairly and equally, thus debauching the democratic process.

Franklin D Roosevelt, the “New Deal” Democratic president warned against the unholy matrimony of unions and government. In a letter dated July 14, 1937, he stated:

“The desire of Government employees for fair and adequate pay, reasonable hours of work, safe and suitable working conditions, development of opportunities for advancement, facilities for fair and impartial consideration and review of grievances, and other objectives of a proper employee relations policy, is basically no different from that of employees in private industry. Organization on their part to present their views on such matters is both natural and logical, but meticulous attention should be paid to the special relationships and obligations of public servants to the public itself and to the Government.”

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=15445

This singular issue of government and union relationships compelled the federal government not to allow Collective Bargaining to this day. They knew full well how this relationship would destroy democracy and so it has. States all over the country (24 to be exact with more on states jumping on the bandwagon), do not have Collective Bargaining and have replaced this “bargaining” with equal opportunity resources that continue to champion the rights of our government employees while sharing concern for the taxpayers they represent. Wisconsin and Walker need to make the case to the workers and to taxpayers that we DO INDEED have in place, fail safes to prevent bad work environments and comprehensive salary/wage and benefit packages. We do have several entities that mirror each other in protecting all workers public and private. I might add in this day and age of living viral, all it takes is a push of the button, and you are YouTube’s next sensation with a legal firm and millions on the way! Liken to winning the lottery really.

In my opinion, Walker is correct to deal with this issue right off the bat. He was given a clear mandate by the majority of this state in November. We as a state need to decide do we really want to cut spending and move forward or do we want to give unions and big business more power and more influence over our tax dollars. Unions do not loose sleep at night watching states fall in to the peril of bankruptcy. Hence California!! Instead they enjoy buying into failed corporations like what we saw in the UAW vs. GM debacle. They kissed their workers goodbye and became members of GM without a blink of the eye!

Did we elect Walker to be a RINO (Republican In Name Only) or to get an ugly job done? Somebody has to get our state back on track! Do we want to leave our kids in debt or act like we are fiscally responsible? Do we want to continue living like there is money growing on an endless tree somewhere? I for one would like to see unions provide ballot voting by their union members for the union to exist. I would like to see an end to government unions financing politicians from any party, and I would like to see unions open up their books to show where all their money is spent and what they own. They need to be taxed like businesses if they want to operate like one. Their insurance and other companies need to adhere to the same laws that other businesses do. For too long we have kept the image of what unions used to be in our heads, because we don’t like what unions look like now. In order for this state and this nation to move forward we must face the demons that keep us oppressed. Government unions, not their members, have overstepped their bounds and must be treated as the money grubbing cartels that they have become, assaulting our very right to live and enjoy the same freedoms as they do.

And one last point if Walker was wrong, why is Mayor Tom Barrett suggesting the same concessions be made at the local level? Again proving Walker IS on to something here!

One little aside, AFSCME, one of the main unions outraged by the mess in Wisconsin gloats about how underpaid they are. Check out how miserably paid they really are:

Do union workers get higher wages?

Taken from the AFSCME Website!!

Yes. Workers who are union members earn 30 percent more than non-union workers. Union wages are even greater for women and people of color. Women and African Americans represented by unions earn over 33 percent more than their non-union counterparts. And Latino workers with the union advantage make over 46 percent more than those not represented by a union.

http://www.afscme.org/about/396.cfm

On Wisconsin!!

Peace Family,

WW

Unions VS The Common Good!

Posted by Little tortillas on

This short but succinct article sums it up rather well:

From the www.chicagotribune.com

Lost: The common good

7:36 PM CST, February 17, 2011

America’s labor movement can claim historic victories that have served the common good. Safer workplaces. Laws to protect children from workplace exploitation. The eight-hour workday. Those who are in unions can justifiably be proud of those and other accomplishments.

But how proud are they that the children of Madison, Wis., have missed school the last two days because so many of their teachers abandoned their classrooms and joined a mass demonstration? Joined a mass demonstration to intimidate the members of the Wisconsin Legislature, who are trying to close a $3 billion deficit they face over the next two years?

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has demanded that state workers contribute roughly 5.8 percent of their wages toward their retirement. He wants them to pay for 12 percent of their health-care premiums. Those modest employee contributions would be the envy of many workers in the private sector.

Walker wants government officials to have authority to reshape public-employee benefits without collective bargaining. Walker wouldn’t remove the right of unions to bargain for wages.

No, he is not seeking to eliminate unions, though you might get that impression from the heated rhetoric of the employees and even from President Barack Obama, who called this an “assault on unions.”

Walker is trying to give Wisconsin a reality check. In response, public workers have interrupted the Legislature. Madison and many neighboring public schools have closed because so many teachers called in sick and left to join the protest. Democratic lawmakers disappeared on Thursday to stall a vote on the budget measures. Apparently some of them fled to … Illinois.

Public sentiment is changing. There is a growing sense that public-sector unions are not battling for better, safer workplaces. They’re not battling unscrupulous employers. They’re battling … the common good.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie became an Internet sensation when he confronted a teacher in an argument caught on video. A recent Quinnipiac University survey in New Jersey showed that citizens overwhelmingly support layoffs and wage freezes for public employees to save the state government from fiscal disaster. The poll found 62 percent of New Jersey voters had a favorable view of teachers, but only 27 percent had a favorable view of the state’s largest teachers union.

Private-sector union membership has declined over the years, while public-sector unions have thrived. One reason: In the private sector, unions and management may argue but they have a common cause. They understand that if their company cannot compete, it will fold and no one will have a job. Look what happened to the U.S. auto industry.

Governments don’t operate under the constraints of market forces. They operate under political forces. Public unions play an inordinate role in the selection of management — witness the heavy union support for Gov. Pat Quinn’s election last year. In Illinois, labor and management, Republicans and Democrats, have been complicit over the years in overpromising wages and benefits. In negotiations, they essentially sit on the same side of the table: Public officials who generously compensate workers tend to reap votes, contributions and campaign work from those same employees and their unions.

Many states — Illinois is not yet among them — are coming to the realization that that calculation has to undergone a wrenching change.

It might surprise the protesters in Madison to know that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt counseled against public-sector unions because “militant tactics have no place in the functions of any organization of government employees.” Even the late AFL-CIO President George Meany expressed reservations.

Something is happening. Something is changing. In Madison, we see public servants in mass protest to preserve a status quo that has pushed the state toward insolvency. This is not labor versus management. This is labor versus the common good.

Copyright © 2011, Chicago Tribune

Where is the Love for Ieshuh Griffin From our Black Sisters in the Government and in the Community?

Posted by Wonder Woman on

Sisters in Struggle or Sisters in Silence

Where is the love for Ieshuh Griffin from our black sisters in the government and in the community?

I was reminded of when Hillary Clinton ran for President recently. She mentioned in her exit speech that she had broken the glass ceiling that for too long has kept women from reaching higher heights, especially in politics. She was very right about that. Only Hillary and few others have the mental and physical fortitude to play with the big boys and come out with her head held high, pant suit intact, and respect gained for the women’s movement.

Now fast-forward to January 2011, Milwaukee Wisconsin, the Milwaukee County Executive’s Race and one stands alone. Bad enough it is only one female, but this sister really is standing alone except for those from within the community who have come to respect her and her message.

Suggested endorsements could come from Sen. Lena Taylor, Sen. Tamara Grigsby, Rep. Gwen Moore, County Board member Nikaya Harris, self-proclaimed community advocate Jerri Hamilton, Rep. Barbra Toles, and Rep. Elizabeth Coggs. Well Coggs gets a pass right? NO- in order for us to get ahead we have to get over our hurt feelings and shake hands and support.

I know Ms. Griffin does not seek these ladies support. She gets by on her brilliance and truth just fine! However, there is a larger message here, one being sent to all women who dare change the face of injustices and politics in Wisconsin no matter their ideology, or those who wish to be leaders in their respective fields. When do women, especially women of color, start getting away from politics and hate and start opening doors for the rest of us?

Shouldn’t they be held to a certain level of accountability from the communities they come from and represent? And if they don’t support other black women what repercussions does this have in our community? When do we start letting our black elected know they are hurting us and not helping us? Regardless if you support Ieshuh, there are other women out here seeking leadership positions, political offices, and judgeships, we need to support our sisters. Hell this isn’t the Housewives of Milwaukee or Bucks Wives, where it is okay to tear down weaves and run in little high-school-like cliques. This is a time where Milwaukee is OPEN FOR BUSINESS!! A new day and that means it is time for our sisters to give up a little piece of their power and share it with the rest of us. Break the glass ceiling!

Sure some can say some of these women are not deserving of public office as it stands, and those people would be right. Some of them have used namesake, privilege, connections, and political muscle as their mainstays. For too long, we have sat by and allowed it. Again Black apathy rears its ugly head. However we do have little black girls, “queens in training” and if they are to become the women of tomorrow, it is past time some of our black female leaders start acting like leaders and not like gate keepers. And yes whether it is fair or not, you are more than just a political figure, you are representing and owing to us! To whom much is given, much will be required! A personal appearance at a school for Black History Month or MLK Day to say some tired old speech is not enough anymore. Show by actions and deeds that you are more than a color. You are queens, we are united, there is a sisterhood, a positive one, and that you are mentors for our girls to aspire to be.

As Ieshuh Griffin and others like her begin to find their place in this community, wouldn’t it be nice if this closed little sorority open its doors and let us all in and extend a hand of support and sisterhood.

That’s just my two-cents and I may be wrong, but I think for my baby girl and all the little princesses, I for one would like to see us woman come together over something positive and not over some racial injustice. Just for once it would be nice to see some love coming from our current leaders to our up and coming leaders in training.

Peace Family,

WW