Why We Walk film screened for legislators.There is really no justice that can be done from what is to follow that can describe today’s events. The pictures and the words can convey a powerful story, but being in that room today with such passionate, committed souls and feeding off of their collective energy…We were there…alive.
Democracy certainly does exist in Vermont. I believe even the most hardened cynic of government and politics was moved as we proclaimed our desire to shed the toxic asset burdening the communities surrounding Vermont Yankee and legislators responded to our concerns and vision.
170 people bundled in thermals braved the frigid, but thankfully calm morning to complete the final six miles from Barre to the Statehouse steps (It was -1° when I walked out the door). School children, parents, teachers, business owners, builders, artists and social workers marched in solidarity to carry the message to legislators that Vermonters are ready to move beyond Entergy Vermont Yankee and the Enexus mess being hoisted upon us. Walkers arrived at the statehouse just after Noon, poised and excited about the day’s events. The mood was reminiscent of a large neighborhood block party, where friends and family commiserate and celebrate. A small cadre of TV cameras and photographers created a thin wall between the two sections of walkers sandwiched together, as the room seemed to swell. As the clock approached 12:30, a steady stream of curious legislators, lobbyist and supporters poured in to the Cedar Creek Rom of the statehouse.
Due to a last-minute call by Gov. Douglas announcing a bill signing (conveniently set for the same time?) participants and onlookers anxiously waited. As word got to us that Senator Shumlin and Shap Smith were in route, Betsy Williams took the mic. While the bulging crowd and cameras towered over her, Betsy’s words soared…and as soon as she began her introduction, you could feel the full force of the thousands of voices she carried with her. After a brief welcome, Betsy provided the framework for our announcement: Democracy is alive in Vermont, and as we made our way through community after community, it became abundantly clear that Vermonters want their democratically elected officials to end the toxic reign of Vermont Yankee. With a colossal print of the “Retire Vermont Yankee” petition to her right, Betsy proceeded to proclaim its contents. This was the first time I had heard it read aloud in its final form and instantly felt awash with a bizarre blend of jubilation, glee and calm. Walkers and supporters cheered, wildly at numerous points. Truthfully, as we approached 20 minutes, I became slightly anxious, as Senator Peter Shumlin and Representative Shap Smith were still in queue to speak. But that was fleeting. Betsy closed with: “No discount electricity rate that Entergy may offer Vermonters can justify failing to take advantage of this opportunity. It is simply the right thing to do. Future generations will thank you for doing it,” and with that, presented Peter and Shap each with a petition, signed by 1,656 individuals.
Senator Shumlin then took the stage. At that point, the crowd had inflated to beyond the petite-sized door towards the cafeteria and I was pushed to the outer limits of the scene. No matter, the vibes permeated the entire statehouse. Let me just say that Senator Shumlin went out on a political limb, if you will, for Vermont, his constituents, supporters as well as the people of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The crowd erupted as he unequivocally proclaimed his desire to see Vermont Yankee retired. He then took the next few minutes to detail and articulately argue the plethora of reasons why Vermont Yankee and the Enexus/Entergy scheme is a bad deal for Vermont. If the point-by-point reading of the petition wasn’t enough, Senator Shumlin detailed the germane issues currently before the legislature and on the front pages of every news outlet in VT, including recent findings of tritiated water, a woefully underfunded decommissioning fund and the preposterous corporate trickery known to us as Enexus. As the press conference concluded, Bob suggested to Senator Shumlin he might want to think about running for governor. The Senator agreed.
Speaker Shap Smith remarked about the arduous task set before the legislature regarding the looming vote. He concluded his comments with "I'm the father of an 8-year-old and a 4-year-old, and I don't want them asking me, 'dad when you had the opportunity why didn't you make them pay up and why are we paying for it now'?" Well said Speaker.
As the camera crews picked up and the legislators dispersed, the walkers, supporters and remaining curious folk were left in an ecstatic daze. This isn’t an everyday occurrence for most of us. The thrill and deep sense of purpose and accomplishment lifted us all. The walkers proceeded to grab a bite in the university common-like cafeteria. Organizers took a few minutes to catch our bearings and then began to prepare for the afternoon “legislative meet & greet” planned between 3:00-4:00pm. As 3:00 approached and I was scurrying to tweak the sound, the cafeteria filled with walkers, supporters and a drizzle of legislators. The Windham County delegation gets big props for shuffling their schedules and being true champions, encouraging other legislators to join us. Senator Jeanette White mentioned to me she even announced it on the floor of the senate yesterday. Audrey Garfield welcomed folks and shared her poignant reflections and the significance of today’s and proceeding day's events. She then introduced Chris Martin, Nancy Braus and Clara as they each shared their stories about the 126-mile trek in the name of democracy and acting on behalf of future generations. The three added a humbling element to the day’s events and provided a raw glimpse into the answer ‘why we walk?’ We then screened a short film, projecting the numerous voices and faces of people walking to close VY. It concluded with an urgent request that legislators vote “no” to the continued operation of Vermont Yankee. The sing-a-long was a spunky touch I thought, but possibly a touch too ‘gentle’ for the legislators. Audrey eloquently concluded the program and invited legislators in attendance to converse with walkers. The next hour was spent mingling, sharing stories and articulating to legislators our desire, and nearly everyone we met along the way, to stop the continued operation of VY.
All told my friends, a sincerely monumental day and something we should all be tremendously proud of…not to mention fortunate that we still have the ability to directly participate in the democratic process. But the work is far from over. As we awake on Thursday, the challenge to trump the Entergy/Enexus media-machine intensifies. As Deb Katz (Executive Director of the Citizens Awareness Network) responds to the question “what can we do?” We need “every Who in Whoville” to step up and act. We can be proud today, but tomorrow we must activate with the kind of vigor and unflinching passion I know we are capable of. Click Here to go to our Action Center or call me to plug in to our ongoing efforts to close VY this legislative session.
Thank you for everyone’s truly inspiring support. Each aspect of the walk could not have been possible without the support and unwavering dedication of the people. I will post the flood of news reports on today’s events at the very bottom of this post and they come in. Is everyone as tickled as I am when the “I Am VY” web-ad pops up when clicking on web articles? Ohhh, that Entergy/Enexus!
Click Here for the full album of photos. Thank you David Shaw, Cate Woolner and all the walkers for the beautiful photographs to complete our story!
See you on the streets! One way or another.
Cheers!
Chad Simmons
802.377.7403
PS: I would be remised to not mention, that while today was a powerful day for us all, we were all deeply saddened to see the news reports come out of Haiti about the devastating earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti.
News 'Clippings':
I regret could "only" do 45 miles of the walk (days 2-4) and was unable to be there at the statehouse. Congratulations to the folks who went the whole way! As the news of what we did spreads, it will inspire many to take action, I'm sure. After I came home I was interviewed on a CT radio show; there were call-ins afterwards from people in that state with their own stories. Later that day we received the dreadful news of the earthquake in Haiti. We are all connected and we can find the heart and energy to support our neighbors, whether just across the river or a bit of ocean.....
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