via thedailypage.com
Bill Lueders on Saturday 03/05/2011 3:53 pm,

By now, it’s unlikely that anyone besides Scott Walker would dispute
that the protests at the Wisconsin state Capitol have energized the
labor movement, as well as citizens throughout the state and nation.

What became clear during raconteur Michael Moore’s 30-minute talk this
afternoon is that these events have also radicalized the public, in
ways no one anticipated and those in power should perhaps fear.
Between a performance by Michelle Shocked and Congresswoman Tammy
Baldwin telling the audience that “this is the fight of our lives,”
Moore delivered a rousing speech full of invective toward the ruling
class. There was nothing surprising about that. What was surprising is
that his speech was received, seemingly from every quarter of the
crowd — estimated from the podium at 50,000 and by police as “tens of
thousands” — with thunderous applause.

Moore began by showering praise on the “Wisconsin 14″ — the state
senators who have fled to Illinois rather than let Walker’s assault on
collective bargaining rights be passed.

“This kind of resolve we’re used to seeing on the other side,” said
Moore, referring to Republicans. “They only need one of them [to cave]
and they won’t do it. And they’re Democrats!”

Moore then launched into a critique not just of Scott Walker but of
contemporary American capitalism. Again the response was enthusiastic
– more than I would have thought possible for his thoroughly radical
message. (I once introduced Michael Moore at an overflow event at the
UW-Madison. But it was nothing like this.)

“America is not broke,” declared Moore, playing off of Walker’s
incessant refrain that Wisconsin “is broke” — except, of course, when
it comes to givebacks to businesses and the rich. “The country is
awash in cash,” Moore assured everyone. “It’s just not in your hands.”
He identified what he said were the world’s three biggest lies: 1)
Wisconsin is broke; 2) there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq;
3) the Packers need Favre in order to win the Super Bowl.

Applause and cheers, from tens of thousands.

Moore talked about the nation’s growing economic disparities, saying
the total amount of wealth held by the nation’s 400 richest
individuals is equal to the assets of 155 million Americans on the
other end of the spectrum. He said people don’t like to admit what has
happened in America in recent years but that it is time to face facts:
“We have indeed surrendered our precious democracy to the wealthy
elites.”

Boos and catcalls, from tens of thousands.

Moore charged that ‘the very people who don’t pay taxes crashed our
economic system,” referring to the economic collapse of late 2008. He
said these wealthy few manipulated things to their advantage and
everybody else’s detriment, by threatening to crash the economy unless
the taxpayers came along to bail them out. He describes the nation’s
meek response: “Take our money. We don’t care. We’ll even print more
for you!”

Afterward, he said, the fat cats were writing huge bonuses to
themselves and laughing about “how perfectly they had played a nation
of suckers.”

Boos and catcalls, from tens of thousands.

Moore continued, “But there was no revolt — UNTIL NOW!” Applause and
cheers, from tens of thousands.

“I am so proud of you,” Moore said, Tammy Baldwin by his side. “You
have awakened a sleeping giant known as the working people of the
United States of America! Your message has inspired people in all 50
states, and that message is: ‘We have had it!’”

He added, mischievously, “We are all Wisconsinites now.” Chuckles from
tens of thousands.

The crowd at one point picked up his chant: “The United States of
America!” Moore ran with it. “Thank you, Wisconsin. Right now is our
last best chance to grab what is left of America. One thing is
certain: Madison is only the beginning!”

There was more from Moore. “The rich have overplayed their hand.” They
aren’t content to just ship jobs overseas. Now they want to strip
school teachers of their dignity. The rich want to “demean and
dehumanize” the working class. The media are flummoxed over what is
occurring, unable to get the story right. (Um, Michael, maybe you
ought to check out TheDailyPage.com.)

He wrapped up on a high note. “Madison, you are not alone. America
thanks you! Don’t give up. Please, don’t give up.”

Applause and cheers from tens of thousands, none of whom had any
intention of giving up anytime soon.