$853.98.
That was the receipt for coffee today from the Egedgerton Dunkin Donuts store in WI. We actually cleaned them out of Joe boxes. And they were happy to help, excited at the chance to partner with us to keep folks warm.
A small token, really, for the workers standing in the cold and standing up for the rights of public workers. Camped out on the corner of Carol and Mifflin, there has been a constant flow of people all day, grateful for a moment to wrap their hands around a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
“Oh! You are the people from Maine!” Person after person recognized the story of a small group of ladies who had picked up and traveled from Maine to Madison.
A little warmth goes a long way.
During the morning, I spoke on a couple of local radio shows and answered media calls from back home. Those were the easy calls.
At some point during the day, the Maine GOP decided I was a threat. They sent out an email, posted my phone number (207) 272-9182, btw, and encouraged Maine residents to call and demand I come home.
“Are you a constituent?”
“Oh, you’re not. Well I’m happy to hear from you, but you should know my constituents are squarely behind me in what I’m doing.”
Well, I’m a taxpayer.
“Yes, and as a taxpayer, you have a representative.”
You’re not working today.
“Well, the fact that you and I are having this conversation means that in fact, I am doing my job.”
You’re not in Augusta at the State House.
“We have a state shut down day today to save money on the budget.”
Oh. Well, I’m a taxpayer.
And the broken record begins to spin again.
I commend folks for taking the time to stand up for what they believe in – particularly calling a legislator they know nothing about, except that the Maine GOP now sees me as enemy number one.
Well, I’m honored. While they’re at it, perhaps they could clean out the skeletons in my closet. I’m sure there are a few hanging out in there somewhere.
It looks like I’ll have a cold welcome when I get back home from the GOP, but it’s really all worth it when Maine people are bringing a little bit of warmth to the very workers standing up for the rights of so many workers.
Time to unload a van full of coffee.
No sugar, please; I’m sweet enough as it is.
Please be sure to sign the Solidarity Letter
We are accepting donations to buy food, water, and coffee (It’s COLD there, too!) for our protesters.
solidaritywisconsin 
It is too bad you don’t have a clue, I wish their Governor well, time for these greedy unions to own up that their customers, ie taxpayers want to do business with open shops, not Union thuggery.
PS dont you have work to do in Maine, or are you going out there to give out Doctors notes like all the rest of the dishonest Liberal me first crowd!
I wonder Mike, do you feel the same when Tea Partiers protest?
You should be proud every time people stand up and fight for what they believe is right. That’s what it means to be an American.
Although, I’m amused by your “me first” comment… isn’t that what the point of demanding less taxes is? That you want yours? You first?
This is an amazing and inspiring thing that you are doing and I can’t wait for your next post. Blue collar Americans needs to stand in solidarity against these shameful attacks at public sector employee’s rights to collective bargaining. Whether or not a job is union represented, it benefits from the efforts of unions over the years to obtain fair and safe workplace standards. You go, “Representative Woman”!
You aren’t my representative, Rep. Russell (I’m from a neighboring community), but I think that what you did was wonderful. Thank you.