protest at the capitol

Today we braved the crowds, and went to check out the protest at the capitol. We had to walk at least a mile to get there, because the 25,000 other protestors were using most of the parking spaces.


Inside the capitol rotunda, it is packed. All 3 levels are filled with people. Everyone is polite. I had to chase my kids through a very dense group, and everyone gave way, I am so impressed with how gracious everyone was- I guess since they are 75% teachers, they nice as a rule.

Here we are with some of the best teachers from our school, some of these people had been at the capitol 10 or 12 hours a day, for three days, picketing against Gov. Scott Walker's Budget Repair bill.

This bill would, among other things, take away the right of public employees to engage in collective bargaining. Pretty much, it would outlaw unions. It also cuts funding of lots of arts and music in the schools, cuts finding to special education, and lots of other things. The budget needs to be repaired, but this is not the way to do it.

Maddie colored her sign herself. Martin used a sign from one of his teachers.

Reed was pretty happy watching the crowds. There were lots of drummers, musicians, and chanting. There was even some singing- public singing is a rare thing these days! It was fun to do; and really brought us to a correct mindset.

Maddie was in the background for a CNN broadcast!!
(middle front; red pants)

There were lots of people protesting different elements of the budget repair bill. This couple is protesting cuts to special education funding.


As fun as visiting the protest was, it is real work for the teachers and union employees who are picketing 24 hours a day. These are real public employees who are looking to protect their own rights. This is a serious issue, and I hope that some of our republican wisconsinites will reconsider their position on this bill.