We Protested in Madison
Here is a quick note from the field from Judy Halseth, a friend of mine in the Bach Festival. More of us will be going to Madison in the near future. Mark Miller
A chance of a lifetime—to join the protesters inside the Wisconsin State Capitol on Friday, February 25. A very impressive experience, to see the creative signs protesting Governor Scott Walker’s assault on collective bargaining rights for some 170,000 public employees. To watch the teachers and other union workers parade through the rotunda, and to hear the chants, speeches, and singing—“Solidarity Forever.” A chance of a lifetime, to be with residents of Wisconsin fighting for labor rights.
The “climate” inside the Capitol felt respectful and safe. Law enforcement officers were visible in the balconies, keeping an eye on the proceedings. Food tables and bottled water were accessible. Rolled-up sleeping bags in the hallways were reminders of the 24-hour vigil for some committed activists.
Our family group included Herb Gross, Portage, Judith Halseth, Paw Paw, and Herb’s daughter Gail, Reedsburg, WI. Herb’s granddaughter Bonnie, a University of Wisconsin-Madison freshman, had joined the protest on several previous days, including an overnight stay in the Capitol.
Herb’s handmade sign read “PEOPLE POWER=COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.” Wisconsin residents believing in “People Power” are turning out in full force, and we are proud, as Michigan residents, to support their efforts to protest Governor Walker’s plan to end collective bargaining for public employees.
Judith H. Halseth, Ed.D.
The “climate” inside the Capitol felt respectful and safe. Law enforcement officers were visible in the balconies, keeping an eye on the proceedings. Food tables and bottled water were accessible. Rolled-up sleeping bags in the hallways were reminders of the 24-hour vigil for some committed activists.
Our family group included Herb Gross, Portage, Judith Halseth, Paw Paw, and Herb’s daughter Gail, Reedsburg, WI. Herb’s granddaughter Bonnie, a University of Wisconsin-Madison freshman, had joined the protest on several previous days, including an overnight stay in the Capitol.
Herb’s handmade sign read “PEOPLE POWER=COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.” Wisconsin residents believing in “People Power” are turning out in full force, and we are proud, as Michigan residents, to support their efforts to protest Governor Walker’s plan to end collective bargaining for public employees.
Judith H. Halseth, Ed.D.
