The ProgressiveCongress.org and the Congressional Progressive Caucus launched the Speakout for Good Jobs Tour in Minneapolis Saturday. They will hold Speakout events in 11 cities across the country. This is a major opportunity to build public awareness that leads to public pressure on DC to start doing the right thing for We, the People instead of They, the Wealthy Few. Text SPEAK to 228466 to get mobile updates about the Speakout for Good Jobs Tour.
The Launch Event
Saturday's event took place at the historic Wesley Church which was located next to the Minneapolis convention center where Netroots Nation was being held.
Darcy Burner, Executive Director of ProgressiveCongress.org kicked off the event.
Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chairs Raul Grijalva and Keith Ellison, with Rep. Jared Polis and former members Mary Jo Kilroy and Alan Grayson.
From notes:
Darcy Burner
In the DC bubble they come up with things like cut teachers, etc., to fix economy. We need to put the country to work for people who work for a living
Rep. Keith Ellison
Do you believe every person deserves a good job? Every one who works deserves a good job.
Do you believe we can use our strength in numbers to counter the corporate dollars? Text 228466 to sign the pledge for economic opportunity.
When are we going to make jobs the agenda? Prioritize jobs, put America to work. High-speed rail, fix bridges, one or two more teaching assistants in classrooms. Support a program to put America back to work.
There is not enough demand in the economy because not there is enough money because people don’t have jobs.
Restore that dream starting right now. Make jobs the agenda. Not Chinese wages on American soil, but a good American job with good American wages and benefits.
Rep. Raul Grajalva
The corporate right has cynical ways of dividing Americans. The consequence of that division is economic policies of the country have become warped and corrupted, shifted from the greater good of the many to the good of a few.
Hard working men and women deserve to work, to be able to take care of their families.
There are people in Congress that are standing with you and prepared to fight to the wall.
This is about jobs and with jobs comes the issue of rebuilding that dream and once again telling the American people it’s OK that is your American legacy and dream.
Rep. Polis
We’re going to be in your communities, so get grassroots groups out. This is an opportunity to let your voices ring.
Once the American people hear what is going on first hand, hear what they and you are going through, I think the answer is going to be clear in every congressional district.
This tour is about taking that message out, making sure we are organized. Sign the pledge. Denver next.
Mary Jo Kilroy
In Ohio fighting against sb 5. This is a fight to define our society, one of increasing disparities and instability or one where everyone has an opportunity to raise a family, have a home, send kids to college. The key is having a good paying job.
Alan Grayson
Ask Republicans what have you done for the middle class in America, and they can’t answer that.
They just say to cut taxes on rich and huge corps when people can’t see a doctor because they are sick.
You need a home, car, health coverage, pension plan and a job. Every one of those things Democrats want people to have and struggle mightlily for it. Every one of those Republicans don’t care. Don't have a job, they say go get one.
Some in the Democratic party spend a lot of time with lobbyists, got to admit it, but the rest work for the things that matter.
You have only three friends in life, God your momma and the Democratic party.
In the Q&A one Wal Mart employee said every employee carries 3 cards: Wal Mart associate card, discount card and a welfare card. (See the 2nd video.)
Events
These are what is scheduled so far, go to the site to sign up for more info:
- June 27: Detroit, MI 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Historic King Solomon Baptist Church 6100 14th Street, Detroit, MI 48208
- June 28: Milwaukee, WI 6p.m. – 8 p.m. Vincent High School 7501 N Granville Rd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- June 30: New York City, NY 6p.m. -8 p.m. Hostos Community College, 500 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY, 10451
- July 16: Miami, FL Location information coming soon
- July 18: Pittsburgh, PA 6p.m. – 8p.m. The Kinsley Association 645 Frankstown Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15206
- July 19: Philadephia, PA Location information coming soon
- July 20: Boston, MA Location information coming soon
- July 21: Houston, TX Location information coming soon
- July 22: Portland, OR Location information coming soon
- July 23: Seattle, WA 12p.m. – 2p.m. The Brockey Conference Center at the South Seattle Community College, 6000 16th Ave. SW , Seattle, WA 98106-1499
- August 16: Oakland, CA
See Also
Firedoglake, The Return of Economic Justice to the Progressive Agenda
The Nation: Instead of Dancing With the Austerity Devil, Keith Ellison Wants Democrats to Campaign for Jobs
Daily Kos: Announcing the Speakout for Good Jobs Now! Rebuild the American Dream Tour
