Pubdate: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 Source: Capital Times, The (WI) Section: Lifestyle, Page 4D Copyright: 2005 The Capital Times Contact: http://www.captimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/73 Author: Barbara Quirk PEOPLE'S LEGISLATURE CAN TURN STATE AROUND Hope was reborn in Madison last Tuesday. For the first time in a long time, I honestly believe that a statewide movement to take back our government is more than a pipe dream. The People's Legislature convened its first meeting with representation from all of the major political interests in Wisconsin, along with people from all over the state. They came together - some 1,100 strong - out of frustration with what has become of the political process in this state, which was once acclaimed for its clean government but has degenerated into a "pay to play operation." People gathered as a group of "politically homeless" individuals, who still believe that in diversity and numbers, change can happen. A number of things occurred this day. First, the meetings were able to stay on focus. Not that every individual in the crowded room did not have his or her own issues, but the skillful leadership of Ed Garvey, former gubernatorial candidate, and the rest of the steering committee kept our attention on the larger picture. Gay marriage, the legalization of medical marijuana, universal health care, racism and other problem areas were acknowledged as legitimate areas of concern, but it was also soon agreed that without changes in the process, nothing else would be addressed in a non-biased way. Speaker after speaker talked about preserving the "soul of democracy." Nino Amato, longtime public servant and current president of the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group, spoke passionately about how free and responsible government cannot exist when the campaigns are so corrupted by corporate contributions. I even found myself applauding Ed Thompson, also a former gubernatorial candidate and current head of the Libertarian Party. "Many people are not aware that the current Wisconsin Legislature does not represent the people," Thompson said, in his rousing fashion. He used the term "Republicrats," calling for smaller government in the lives of the people. "Democracy should not be used to diminish people's personal lives," Thompson said. He spoke to the need to educate the public on the state of the political theft of our state government. Paul Linzmeyer, a businessman from Green Bay, spoke of a dream in which individual citizens can take back our state - with a wide initiative that includes urban and rural. "We need to fix the process." Mike McCabe of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign addressed the morality of 600,000 Wisconsinites who are without health insurance and the unemployment rate of African-American men in Milwaukee reaching 59 percent. He spoke of the obscene amounts of special interest money received by our elected officials and how that money is tied to voting records. * For me, what took this day beyond rhetoric about all that is wrong with Wisconsin - as well as the nation - was listening to people who are knowledgeable and respected speaking about democracy in a way that was almost sacred. Former Sen. Stan Gruszynski from Marinette was eloquent and inspiring as he spoke of the preservation of democracy being our gift to ourselves. "Our children's future depends on us," Gruszynski said. What will come of this beginning? In order to clean up our corrupt state government, this diverse group of concerned citizens agreed on the following: Comprehensive campaign finance reform must be the cornerstone of a new way of doing things. This includes public financing of election campaigns and a ban on corporate contributions. A politically independent, combined state ethics and election board that will enforce the law. Nonpartisan legislative redistricting modeled after a system used in Iowa. Preservation of local control to prevent arbitrary, centralized budget limits on local units of government. More rigorous ethical standards by all people in government. More openness and more citizen input in how laws are debated. How is all of this going to take place? There are plans to develop regional networks of the People's Legislature to educate others and work on strategies to accomplish the goals. Is it perfect? No, but it is empowering and encompasses all of the political wings in a common purpose. What is it they say? Just like the fragile snowflake, when enough of us stick together we can paralyze the whole state - and who knows, perhaps beyond. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth