Politics & Government

Jesse Jackson Says He Won't Leave Until Workers' Voices are Heard

Jackson visits the Capitol and offers prayer to state Assembly.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson led Thursday's session of the state Assembly with a prayer in which Democrats and Republicans reached across the aisle and joined hands.

But that's not the only reason he was in Madison. He also said he was there to defend workers' rights.

"I’m astonished at how we’re using teachers as scapegoats for crises," Jackson said during an impromptu press conference before the Assembly voted to approve the controversial bill that eliminates most collective bargaining rights for public employees.

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But he doesn't plan to leave until changes are made.

"We will stay until the voices of people are heard," he said. "For the wealthy there is no roof, for the poor there is no floor, and the middle class is sinking."

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"This government has a mindset, and that mindset is that workers are the problem. (Gov. Scott Walker) does not see the role of workers, even democratic protests," Jackson added. "Part of what makes America great is the right to fight for the right."


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