What a week in Wisconsin!

I must interrupt my normal train of thought on this blog to discuss what's been happening this week in Wisconsin. A few days after my last post, our new Republican governor, Scott Walker, unveiled his plan to eliminate collective bargaining rights for nearly all public employees - including teachers. He tried to have this new legislation pushed through the Senate and Assembly in two days time. Massive protests at the capitol here in Madison have ensued, and the Democratic senators had no choice but to flee the state in order not to have a quorum present for voting. The number of protesters has grown daily, beginning with some 10,000 and reaching 70,000 6 days later. All public employee unions have gone on record with Walker stating they will not oppose the cut in health insurance and pension benefits also proposed (our family will begin losing $400/month as soon as this takes effect, as my husband works for the state), but he still flatly refuses to negotiate ANYTHING about killing collective bargaining rights as well. No one knows how this will all end, but now all the country is watching and waiting...
So, in the schools this week, it has been extremely depressing. People are worried about their money and their jobs, yes, but more so, teachers are worried about not having any kind of voice in their schools. They're worried about enormous class sizes, cuts in useful programs, cuts in support positions that directly benefit kids. And even though many have been to the capitol and participated in what has been described as an amazingly energizing, supportive environment, when they're at the schools, there are tears in their eyes on and off through the day.
So, it's pretty obvious which side of the debate I fall on politically. On a personal level, my feelings are just as strong. I've taught in an environment where there is no money, no support, huge classes. It was awful. The thought of doing so again makes me want to run away screaming. The stress was enormous. I don't think it's something I could do and be a good mom.
Further, one of the things I hated about teaching was the feeling that teachers were always being shat upon in one way, or in ten others. And this new legislation is unarguably the biggest load of shit being dumped yet. Why would I want to re-join a profession where people are treated in such a way?!?
And yet, it's what I am trained for, it's what I am sinking $5000 into to be trained better for even as I write this. And I need a job. So what am I supposed to do? What are we all supposed to do?
And worst of all, if this legislation can pass, and most assume it will, what's next? I know Walker's gone on record saying he'll support legislation like Arizona has against latinos. Not only is he going after my school, he'd like to go after the kids in my classes!
Madre de Dios.