You told us that “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” I know you meant the nation’s splitting into two, Union and Confederate, fighting brother against brother. Unfortunately, your statement would be apt today in my home state – Wisconsin.

Dear State Senator Ellis,

Do you remember your offhand, spontaneous, condescending statement from last Monday night? No, not the one making all the media where you called a local high school a “sewer”. I’m talking about when you told my friend and professional colleague that if she didn’t like teaching, she should get another job. She informed you in no uncertain terms that we, the dozens of teachers in attendance, love teaching. We hate what you’ve done to teachers.

Dear Soon-to-be-Former Governor Walker,

We love our jobs; we hate how you treat our profession. We used to be public employees, dedicating to educating today’s children, tomorrow’s workforce. Under your rule (reign? You seem to feel all-powerful and kingly), we’ve been changed from public servants to public enemies.

Dear voters;

Bring photo ID to the polls, and be prepared for long lines. Your vote counts! Let’s get this state back to its progressive tradition. Let’s elect leaders who lead by example, not by force.

Let’s elect legislators who lead not by dividing, but by uniting.