Another Awesome Day In Madison

It was another very good day yesterday, Tuesday, at the Wisconsin Capitol. The protests were well-organized, peaceful, and powerful. It was LOUD and CROWDED.

Catching the bus was a hassle because the bus driver said his orders were for earlier pickup than the AFSCME website's posted schedule. As I watched the bus breeze by in the opposite direction, I decided to try catching the bus from another pickup point about 40 miles west. I’m sure the bus breezed past that pickup point because the Park & Ride was unplowed, with no waiting riders (again, the driver was ahead of schedule, and didn't make his scheduled waiting layover at that stop. Later, on the return trip, some riders speculated that the bus driver was a subversive Republican).

Luckily, I met up with several other riders at that stop, and caught a ride to the Capitol with them. Then it was on to a day of protesting.

We started off marching around the Capitol building, then we entered, en masse to the first floor rotunda, where we were greeted with cheers, applause, and high-5’s. We continued on to the upper level galleries, where I stopped to watch other protesters below receive the same warm, raucous reception by the chanting, cheering crowd. The atmosphere was overwhelming. Strongly spirited and serious, but it was also carnival-like, with drummers, dancers and political costumes. Even Santa was there, proclaiming “Scotty has been naughty!”

Union flags and colorful signs with meaningful, succinct slogans (all that twittering paid off) draped the galleries: “Corporations Get Handouts, We Get Shutout” “FOX Says I’m Not Here!” “Don’t Stand Between A Badger And His Rights” “This Is A Republicans’ Wet Dream; Let’s Wake Them Up” and “Stewart/Colbert: We Came To Your Rally, Now You Come To Ours!” to mention only a few.

Then, the firefighters came in, most in their gear. They have been real leaders in this, and they received a rousing, royal welcome.

By about noon, I decided to munch lunch (kind Egyptians and other supporters had again sent pizza to sustain the protesters), and found a secluded 4th floor spot to sit. I nibbled while listening to the thunderous chant "Kill the Bill!" Protesters aimed to be heard by the representatives in the Assembly chambers.

Afterward, I searched out a bathroom (the Capitol is big and it's difficult to go from point A to point B if you're not accustomed). Done, I started down a stairway. About half way down, a marshal said in a commanding voice: "Please stay put. Stop!" OK, being a good sheeple, I stopped.

Suddenly, I was confronted with Rev. Jesse Jackson, accompanied by John Nichols of the Nation and Mahlon Mitchell, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, ascending the staircase. As they passed by, I simply said "Thank you for coming, Reverend Jackson!" That was the first of my three encounters with him; one more when he was being interviewed in an opposing staircase, and I somehow wound up 2 rows back from him as he prayed and spoke on the rotunda floor.

In typical Wisconsin style, a few milk crates provided the ersatz platform from which Rep. Tammy Baldwin spoke. She began by echoing one of the chants heard repeatedly in the rotunda: “This is what democracy looks like!” She observed that Gov. Walker was trying to end in 6 weeks the rich labor heritage that Wisconsinites had fought for and won over 6 decades. Rep. Baldwin declared that Wisconsin has become Ground Zero for workers’ rights. Noting that this was not about the budget (the unions have already offered, and the Governor has rejected, the financial concessions that he claims are necessary to balance the budget) she told the crowd that “You have to succeed!”

Another protest sign summed it up: “No Labor Justice, No Labor Peace!”

Thanks for sharing.

And, most of all, THANKS FOR BEING THERE -- for all of us who can only be with you in spirit.

he has been giving outstanding updates on the Ed Schultz radio show. Informative and rock solid riveting commentary. If you run into him again tell him America says he rocks!

No that phony Koch brothers bullshit.

:kick:

I am with you in spirit!

I love reports from the battle front.

:yourock:

This is what a real American looks like :)

:toast:

It's great to get first hand reports. Since I am in Thailand, we don't get TV news reports, so I'm passing all the news on to my friends who don't do internet.
:fistbump:

Can you estimate how big the crowd was today? Are there plans for weekend protests?

I'm no good at estimating crowd sizes, and didn't check with the police when I was there. All I can say is that the Capitol building was very crowded, with long lines to everything. The rotunda and multiple galleries were shoulder to shoulder. No jostling, and everyone was willing to let others to the front to watch the demonstration festivities. It was as if each one wanted to share and appreciate the event with others. All "we," no "me."

Union members marched behind their union banners, and there were enough to just about fill the four streets surrounding the Capitol.

AFSCME posted a schedule for Saturday shuttle buses. WEAC headlines that the "Next Large Rally Is Planned for Saturday" so that's as far as I know right now. I think the crowd was estimated at 70,000 for last Saturday's rally, and hopefully this Saturday will be even more.

Both of those sites have listings of rallies in communities throughout Wisconsin, too.

Obviously, events are moving quickly, and so subject to change.

and wishing you a smashing, roaring success! Your state has indeed become ground zero for everyone's right to oranized union representation. GO WISCONSIN!!!!!!!!:toast: :bounce: :kick: :loveya: :grouphug:

Thank you!


peace~

for standing strong and sharing
your story with us!

My friend Chris, an English professor is also there
fighting for workers rights.

Bless all of you!
You have support from all over the world
behind you, present company included.
:)

K&R