1,298,301

10,000 VOLUNTEERS. 1,298,301 SIGNATURES 6,500 PARADE PARTICIPANTS

To the chants of "We Are Ohio", "This Is What Democracy Looks Like", "1 Million Strong" and "Do You Hear Us Now?", 6,5000 committed Ohioans marched the .70 mile from COSI to the Secretary of State's office to deliver a trailer load of petitions to Repeal Senate Bill 5 and place the referendum on the ballot for the November 8, 2011 election. A resounding cheer erupted at the announcement that we had achieved 1,298,301 signatures which is the result of the work of 10,000 volunteers.

Escorted by the Columbus Police Department, with Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman marching in front of the "We Are Ohio" banner, I was located directly behind the banner-carriers and in front of the bagpipers, followed by the tractor trailer. As I turned around I was impressed by the number of people participating. The camaraderie, spirit and verve were contagious. After the parade we adjourned to Columbus Commons for a barbeque, entertainment and more communion. It was thrilling to meet people face-to-face whom we have only known as Facebook friends and fellow supporters of the cause.

NOW the real battle begins. The Koch Brothers, Dick Armey, Karl Rove, Grover Norquist and other big-money cronies of Kasich will continue to pour money into Ohio to defeat the referendum. We cannot allow that to happen. The enthusiastic participation needed to achieve the goal of collecting 1 million signatures must be doubled to achieve the mission of winning in November.

WE ARE OHIO!