Today, Day 14 of the protests in Madison, had a new wrinkle. It seems the Republicans (in power) decided they had had enough of the homegrown democracy that had taken up residence in the Capitol. So they changed the rules to keep We The People out. Today the Capitol building was to be closed - and locked - at 4:00. All protesters were to be rousted.
As you can imagine, We The People were annoyed by that. Fortunately for all involved, this is a PEACEFUL protest.
There was much chanting and yelling, but no throwing of bricks or otherwise abusing the police. I did choose to mention to some out of town cops barring entrance to my seat of government that, "I'm just following orders seldom plays well in history. Abu Graib?" I was not malicious or angry with the officer, just reminding him that he was following orders that prevented peaceful protest in a government building that reflects what is supposed to be the seat of government of the people, by the people, and for the people. He had the grace to look a bit distressed.
Fortunately, the press was around. There were folks from Fox Lies - and the protesters cut them no slack, including me - but also this nice chap from the Washington Times.
As the Fox camera man walked below my vantage point (up on a plinth) I crouched down and said quietly, "Tell the truth." He meebled about how he had no control. I replied, "You choose where you work." He jolted as though I had shocked him. Good. I hope he thinks about the disparity between what he witnesses with his own eyes and ears and what his employer chooses to broadcast. ‘When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.' (Edmund Burke)
As those occupying the Capitol were escorted out - peacefully - they were greated by the crowd outside as rock stars. You can see what a batch of hardened rabble-rousers they are in this photograph.
As has become my habit, there are more photos for you to view in a SLIDE SHOW. Today's photos are up front.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one
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Thank you Nataraj! Please update when you know the details on how many people ended up staying and how many police joined them!
ReplyDeleteSounds like Round 1 of the Capitol Closing debate ultimately went to the protesters, in the tenth round, by decision. "Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs decided to keep the building open, a decision he said he made in consultation with his policy team. He did not consult with Governor Scott Walker, he said." (via Isthmus)
ReplyDelete"After 4 p.m., most of the protesters were on the second level, where they were told to go if they planned on getting arrested. Many danced and chanted, as they have all week. A long standoff seemed likely."
and former, and possibly future, mayor Paul Soglin said,
“What I find even more curious is why Scott Walker would try to escalate by closing the building,” Soglin said. “There’s no upside for him.”
The protesters included police and fire fighters.
A former Dane County prosecutor, remaining inside, said,
“I think this is crucial for Wisconsin and America. I don’t think the police want us out of here.”
At about 7 p.m., an announcement was made that the Capitol would remain open for the night, and the protestors could stay. Cheers erupted. But after that, the crowd began to thin out. While they wanted the power to stay in the Capitol all night, many of them prefer their beds to a marble floor.