the governor's budget repair bill is a hot topic, inciting heated debate, outcries of injutice, and international attention. the protest at the capitol building is continuing into it's 3rd week, and we are regular visitors and protesters. the crowds have been civil and respectful, clean and courteous. despite blogosphere rumors to the contrary, there is no graffiti on the building, destruction of the site, or unusual or disrespectful garbage. 70, 000 or more people gathered there for the past two weekends, but not one person has been arrested. the police have gone as far as to thank the protesters for their peaceful behavior. when a counter-protest was organized there was civil dialogue and debate--debate! think of it!--amongst the participants.
i have been amazed, impressed, and inspired. i have been a part of the democratic process this month, and it feels good.
unions of all kinds participated to stand in solidarity with one another, despite the fact that they are not public workers and are not directly affected by the changes proposed by the budget repair bill.
speaking of inspiring, check out these videos that uw madison student matt wisniewski made of video footage he shot of the protests, set to two of our favorite songs.
Wisconsin "Budget Repair Bill" Protest from Matt Wisniewski on Vimeo.
Wisconsin "Budget Repair Bill" Protest Pt 2 from Matt Wisniewski on Vimeo.
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