Ah the question, "to recall or not to recall?"

Well, perhaps that's not quite the question, but the question is definitely out there about what impact will the recall elections have.  There are those who are pushing that everyone put their time into these efforts and those asking why.  Well, here's one way to look at the recalls and how they fit into the longer term for the movement.

The recalls will change some representation for the state.  Some of those elected will do very good things for the people of Wisconsin.  Will they fix the entire budget mess or revoke all  the changes recently made that have meant losses in many parts of our lives?  Probably not, but they will do some good.  Ultimately, it is the whole system that has failed.  The two party system that is run by big money doesn't work any more.  But, that's not a reason to fail to be engaged in it.  In order for the current system to change we have three basic options.  1. We can leap into a revolution.  For many reasons, that's not a good idea and would probably fail miserably.  We can work from inside the system.  Probably a better idea since it would mean some steps forward, but it wouldn't get us where we want to go either.  3.  We can work from the inside and the outside of the system.  This, I think, is our best chance.

It's taken decades so far to change our political system.  We've made some good strides locally, on the state level, and nationally.  But, it's going to take decades more.  However, without our work on the inside of the system, it would only become more corrupt, more a tool of the rich, more a puppet of corporations.  Working from inside is like stemming the blood flow from a major wound.  It doesn't heal the wound, but it is necessary for life to continue. 

While those working in that which is more readily defined as political are busy pushing change from the inside and setting the stage for a new way for politics to work.  Others must be working on the outside supporting that work by separating the people from the corporate.  These folks working on the outside are the ones who will, in fact already are, farming sustainably, developing cooperatives, taking nonviolent direct action to stop the destruction of our environment and communities, teaching our kids other ways to be, making sure that people are fed, clothed, housed, and cared for, and doing so much more.

Many of us will have a foot in both worlds, working in and on the political system and working on the alternatives outside of it.   This is good.  We all have a place to be.  We all have a role to play.  In order for our movement to prosper we must recognize that we have many roles.  We must care for each other and respect that we each have a different something to contribute and all of it is important.

Thank you all for what you give to