In just 24 hours, NYC supporters of Wisconsin workers organized a spirited Cheesehead Rally in Manhattan to launch the Cheddar Revolution nationwide. (Photo right by Charles Monaco. More photos and video.)

Around 100 activists gathered at 9 a.m. at the Time-Life Building, formerly CNN. We were welcomed by members of NYC's Finest Union, who privately thanked us for supporting public workers in Wisconsin.

After my brief welcoming remarks, Jonathan Tasini fired up the crowd with a speech about the importance of the struggle in Wisconsin, and its connection to the struggles of workers in New York and nationwide.

We invited other activists to step forward and make statements in support of Wisconsin workers. Then Tasini led us in spirited chants like "Kill the Bill!" "Hey Hey, Ho Ho, Scott Walker's Got to Go!" and "What's disgusting? Union busting!"

While we chanted, we crossed Sixth Avenue to rally in front of NBC for a few more speeches. Little did we know the Rachel Maddow Show was taking photos of us (right) from their offices way up above - hi Rachel!!

Then we crossed Sixth Avenue again to end our rally in front of FOX News. Justin from Wisconsin led us in singing the chorus of Woody Guthrie's "Union Maid":

Oh, you can't scare me, I'm sticking to the union,
I'm sticking to the union, I'm sticking to the union.
Oh, you can't scare me, I'm sticking to the union,
I'm sticking to the union 'til the day I die.

Bronx Assemblyman Jose Rivera spoke as a member of the Carpenter's Union about the burning of the Bronx in the 1980s by greedy landlords, and the rebuilding of the Bronx by determined citizens.

I was hoping Rupert Murdoch would come out to call us communists and yell "get off my lawn," but instead security staff watched from a polite distance.

The spirit was warm and enthusiastic. We had a great mix of grassroots activists, transplanted Wisconsinites, and union members. The people we passed gave us smiles and thumbs-up.

The workers and students of Wisconsin are leading the way with amazing grassroots organizing. But this isn't just a Wisconsin issue - the Tea Party is working just as hard to destroy unions in Ohio, Tennessee, New Jersey, Florida, and everywhere else their billionaire backers can buy elections.

It will take a nationwide movement to stop them - a Cheddar Revolution! So please organize your own Cheesehead Rally outside your local media or government office, spread the word through your social networks, and show your support for the workers of Wisconsin and all across America.

Solidarity forever!