Wisconistan
March 1, 2011 12:14 PM   Subscribe

Wisconsin has had some record breaking protests in the past week, with hundreds occupying the capitol building full time, even setting up a small village, with support provided from around the world. Some even got married.

The Wisconsin State constitution guarantees access to the Capitol during any legislative session. (Article I, §4 - ANNOT.)

However, this past weekend the Governor's office has declared the Capitol building off limits, except for "official business" which does not include petitioning the government for a redress of grievances. This morning the Department of Administration was ordered to allow access to the capitol, however they have yet to comply. Some might say the Governor is using this time to pack the capitol with supporters. Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney asserts that his deputies will not be used as "Palace Guards".

A hearing is set for 2:15 this afternoon.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt (703 comments total) 29 users marked this as a favorite
 


Which is right now, right? Is there a live stream somewhere?
posted by cashman at 12:18 PM on March 1, 2011


There is a live blog here from the Madison Alt Weekly "The Isthmus"
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 12:19 PM on March 1, 2011


That wedding is so sweet! On Wisconsin!

Continuous coverage from Isthmus: http://www.thedailypage.com/walker/index.php

Same from WORT-FM, which has live streaming. (They are also having a pledge drive! I gave $44 last night!): http://www.wort-fm.org/
posted by spinifex23 at 12:20 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


Previously on WI protests 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
posted by zennie at 12:23 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]





The Budget summary is available.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 12:40 PM on March 1, 2011


From what I've seen of the budget so far, not only does it cut funding to poor school districts, it then restricts their ability to make up for these cuts by limiting the ability to raise property taxes.
posted by drezdn at 12:42 PM on March 1, 2011



It also call for Charter school teachers to no longer be licensed by the Department of Education, but to merely possess a bachelors degree.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 12:43 PM on March 1, 2011 [3 favorites]


Good piece at the Awl about the way the mainstream media are too cowardly to report on this huge story.

(and thanks Mefites for continuing to post updates without people whining about there already being a thread or two).
posted by emjaybee at 12:44 PM on March 1, 2011 [11 favorites]


According to @edcetera, protesters are now being removed from the capitol by force, with no one being allowed to take their place.
posted by drezdn at 12:47 PM on March 1, 2011


I am not sorry for my "whining" about that point. :-/
posted by zennie at 12:47 PM on March 1, 2011




Also, re post title: we prefer "Curdistan."
posted by escabeche at 12:50 PM on March 1, 2011 [17 favorites]


Mad_city_mom is inside the capitol.
posted by drezdn at 12:53 PM on March 1, 2011


Mod note: Couple comments removed, please do not engage in OKAY BUT LET'S TALK ABOUT THIS OTHER ISSUE INSTEAD firestorm derails.
posted by cortex (staff) at 12:54 PM on March 1, 2011 [3 favorites]


For anybody wondering if the marriage was real and not a stunt (like some people on Facebook yesterday): yep, it's real. The photographer was my friend Becca Dilley, an awesome Minneapolis-based photographer who is also half of the team behind The Master Cheesemakers of CurdistanWisconsin.

Blessed, indeed!
posted by Madamina at 12:55 PM on March 1, 2011




I think @searchcommittee's list of #walkerville tweeps is worth repeating here.
posted by thebestsophist at 12:57 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


When asked by assist AG if he has heard people shouting, Beil says he'd heard expression of 1st Amend rights. Overflow room applauds.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 1:07 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


Koch executives vow to 'continue to fight' in Wisconsin

and this article claims up to 1.1 WI citizens stand ready to sign the recall petition when it comes due.

Dude's clock is ticking. T -10 months.
posted by edgeways at 1:07 PM on March 1, 2011 [3 favorites]


THERE IS but one thing those conservatives can fully understand: economic pressure to show them what their move will cost the state.

What takes place there will take place in at least 5 other states.

What do they understans?
A HUGE PETITION, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, LETTERS, EMAILS---

NO VACATIONS OR MONEY SPENT IN ANY STATE THAT DOES AWAY WITH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IN THE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SECTOR.
posted by Postroad at 1:08 PM on March 1, 2011 [5 favorites]


er... 1.1 million, sheesh
posted by edgeways at 1:09 PM on March 1, 2011




Picture of the underground tunnel.

Who are the suits? They look like hired Mafia muscle.

Also, really dumb question, but if Walker is violating the state constitution by restricting access to the Capitol, can't they impeach him or something?
posted by backseatpilot at 1:12 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


Also, really dumb question, but if Walker is violating the state constitution by restricting access to the Capitol, can't they impeach him or something?

I'm sure the Republican head of the Senate and his brother, the head of the Assembly will get right on that.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 1:13 PM on March 1, 2011 [11 favorites]


Postroad, if you want to start the petition, start the petition. If I were you I'd go through one of the main WI citizen groups working on this and get some traction.
posted by zennie at 1:15 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


Yeah, the Assembly would have to vote to impeach, and he'd be tried by the Senate, which seems... unlikely.
posted by Vibrissa at 1:15 PM on March 1, 2011


if Walker is violating the state constitution by restricting access to the Capitol, can't they impeach him or something?

I'm not sure if they could, but all three branches of government currently have a republican majority so it's not very likely to happen.
posted by drezdn at 1:15 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


Some not-very-clever commentary from Canada: In Madison, the reactionaries are in the streets.
(Note: Margaret Wente's a bit rabid. I think we allow her to stay here for amusement purposes.)
posted by scruss at 1:16 PM on March 1, 2011


Democrats demand ethics probe.
posted by drezdn at 1:16 PM on March 1, 2011


Barricades?
posted by drezdn at 1:18 PM on March 1, 2011


Impeachment by the assembly would require a 50-vote majority; the Democrats have 38. Conviction by the senate would require a 22-vote supermajority; the Democrats have 14. This is a non-starter. It's extremely unlikely that any impeachment resolution would proceed out of committee (5-3 GOP majority on Assembly Judiciary Cmte.).
posted by dhartung at 1:22 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


Even if he was (impossibly) impeached, it's pretty hard for the Senate to try him without a quorom and since the Democrats have left the state to avoid a quorum call.
posted by Jahaza at 1:26 PM on March 1, 2011


Honest question: what exactly stops any of the Senators/Assemblypeople from running on a "as soon as we win we reverse what Walker did" platform? I know it's not an immediate solution but still.

About two years.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 1:30 PM on March 1, 2011 [5 favorites]


It'll be hard to undo whatever Walker succeeds in doing as long as he is governor (unless if the Dems were to develop a veto proof majority).

Walker has a line item veto, which would mean he could write out the parts that undo his powergrabs. See escabeche's story.
posted by drezdn at 1:33 PM on March 1, 2011


I think that it's awesome to see this kind of protest in the U.S.!!!
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 1:33 PM on March 1, 2011 [5 favorites]


Walker is violating the state constitution by restricting access to the Capitol, can't they impeach him or something?

A Grand Jury (and a ham sandwich from a protester) could true bill him.
posted by rough ashlar at 1:34 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


Boy, this sure is some high-grade "Government By and For the People" we've got going here, ain't it? What a racket.

We need to replace the Dems with a true left wing/labor party in the US that's just as ruthless and cunning as the right to come in and strip away the rights of selfish and wealthy asshats to organize themselves into gluttonous, polluting, legally unaccountable, tax-dodging, public revenue draining, human dignity stealing corporations.

A third party won't work for structural reasons--our system is structurally biased against third parties. We'll either have to take over one of the existing major parties, hound one of them into insignificance, or get some election law reforms through first.
posted by saulgoodman at 1:36 PM on March 1, 2011 [20 favorites]


Honest question: what exactly stops any of the Senators/Assemblypeople from running on a "as soon as we win we reverse what Walker did" platform? I know it's not an immediate solution but still.

About two years.

A recall election might speed that up though.
posted by ZeusHumms at 1:38 PM on March 1, 2011 [3 favorites]


Honest question: what exactly stops any of the Senators/Assemblypeople from running on a "as soon as we win we reverse what Walker did" platform? I know it's not an immediate solution but still.

Its possible that will be the outcome from this, it might even be the likely final outcome. With polling numbers as close as they are, I wouldn't count on a democratic resurgence to undo the damage two years from now.

Right now, unless Walker and/or the senate republicans drop the bill, the only thing the senate democrats can do is stay out of the state until the elections, campaign from out of state, and hope that they not only get re-elected but that current republican's lose their seats.

I'm even apprehensive about the ability to recall Walker in 10-months let alone what happens in two years.

In the short-term, I hope progress is being made on recalling the republican senators who can be. I know I still need to ask my not-politically-active-doesn't-usually-vote Dad to sign the petition if anyone asks him too. He lives in Hudson, WI in one of the republican senator's districts but I don't know if she can be recalled.
posted by VTX at 1:40 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


We need to replace the Dems with a true left wing/labor party in the US that's just as ruthless and cunning as the right to come in and strip away the rights of selfish and wealthy asshats to organize themselves into gluttonous, polluting, legally unaccountable, tax-dodging, public revenue draining, human dignity stealing corporations.

Every one of them thar Corporations need "the people" to work for 'em and buy from 'em.

To stop 'em "the people" don't need a "true left wing" - just the will to deny support of their products and a will to not work for the old boss (that way there can be a meeting of the New Boss).
posted by rough ashlar at 1:42 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


Well, the people are the true left wing. That's what "left wing" means, rough ashlar (the commoners sat on the left wing of the house; the aristocracy on the right). Whether most people in the US know it or accept it anymore or not, that's what left wing has always meant historically, and in my sense of it, that's what it still means. I just mean we need a political party that actually represents the people.
posted by saulgoodman at 1:45 PM on March 1, 2011 [13 favorites]


Bill circulating in Legislature to end spoof calls.
From the article:
Although representatives deny any connection to the recent prank call on the governor, two legislators began circulating a bill Monday that would ban making trick calls masking the caller’s true identity.…

The bill language forbids a caller from intentionally providing a false phone number and convincing the person receiving the call that it comes from someone other than the actual caller.
posted by thebestsophist at 1:56 PM on March 1, 2011


Bad link, thebestsophist.

Walker delivering his speech to handpicked applauders inside while protesters that dwarf their numbers are outside - just reeks.
posted by cashman at 2:18 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


Oops, sorry about that. Bill circulation in Legislature to end spoof calls.
posted by thebestsophist at 2:20 PM on March 1, 2011


Transcript if the Gov's speech
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 2:20 PM on March 1, 2011


COLUMBUS, Ohio — Republican State Senators on Tuesday unveiled a new version of a bill governing public employee unions, saying the legislation would preserve the right of workers to bargain collectively, but Democratic lawmakers said it did not appear to include enough modifications to win their support.

One proposal that Republicans appear to have left in the legislation, and which is hotly contested by Democrats and union members, would bar public unions from striking.

“If you take away the right to strike, you are taking the biggest bargaining chip off the table,” said Senator Joe Schiavoni, a Democrat.
posted by Postroad at 2:21 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


Official Budget link
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 2:22 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


backseatpilot: "Also, really dumb question, but if Walker is violating the state constitution by restricting access to the Capitol, can't they impeach him or something?"

Pogo_Fuzzybutt: "I'm sure the Republican head of the Senate and his brother, the head of the Assembly will get right on that."

Well if they're somehow derelict in their duties, then surely their father, the head of the state police, will give them both a stern talking-to.
posted by Rhaomi at 2:23 PM on March 1, 2011 [7 favorites]


Postroad: "THERE IS but one thing those conservatives can fully understand: economic pressure to show them what their move will cost the state.

What takes place there will take place in at least 5 other states.

What do they understans?
A HUGE PETITION, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, LETTERS, EMAILS---

NO VACATIONS OR MONEY SPENT IN ANY STATE THAT DOES AWAY WITH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IN THE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SECTOR.
"

Umm, and those of us who live in the state? How do we not spend money in WI? I'd rather apply pressure to the specific companies who have donated to the candidates, not the state as a whole. Not fair to punish people like, oh, I dunno... Ian's Pizza and Willy St. Co-op.
posted by symbioid at 2:29 PM on March 1, 2011 [3 favorites]


They're bringing in Barricades along W. Wash. Hopefully they're not planning to crack down?
posted by symbioid at 2:30 PM on March 1, 2011


So, Wisconsin, how did you get every branch of government stuffed with people who apparently do not reflect your wishes at all? Was it just a "god, guns, and country" mindless visit to the voting booth?
posted by maxwelton at 2:33 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


Cuz god DAMN if I'd have to get my cheese from New York.
posted by symbioid at 2:34 PM on March 1, 2011 [4 favorites]


He plans on eliminating the Capitol Gains tax in the state, apparently the dead don't have to tighten their belts.
posted by drezdn at 2:34 PM on March 1, 2011


So, Wisconsin, how did you get every branch of government stuffed with people who apparently do not reflect your wishes at all? Was it just a "god, guns, and country" mindless visit to the voting booth?

The aftermath of Citizens United?
posted by ZeusHumms at 2:36 PM on March 1, 2011 [7 favorites]


maxwelton- the state's population is very evenly divided between GOP and Dem. The Dems did not come to the polls last November because Obama was not what they hoped for. They heard later through their friends that did vote that Obama was not actually on the ballot.
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 2:39 PM on March 1, 2011 [9 favorites]


As of right now, the word 'Wisconsin' only appears once on the nytimes.com from page, and that's advertising an update on the situation as the third story in a three-part video newscast, after you get through a story about some fashion designer who said something anti-Semitic, and an update on the situation in Libya. So, at least as far as this issue is concerned, do we have a free press, or is someone pulling strings behind the scenes? Because I find it hard to believe that there is not one written article about what's going on in Wisconsin on the front page of the nation's leading newspaper's website due to journalistic merit alone.

It pisses me off to no end how much influence the media has over political discourse in this country, and how easily they are bought off.
posted by notswedish at 2:44 PM on March 1, 2011 [10 favorites]


There's one bright spot from the 2010 election. In Democrat Jeff Plale's district, Chris Larson challenged him from the left and won. Plale, on his way out, voted against approving state contracts and got an appointment from Walker.

If Plale was still in office, there probably wouldn't be a WI 14.
posted by drezdn at 2:55 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


Didja hear?
posted by zennie at 2:56 PM on March 1, 2011 [7 favorites]


Budget bill would cut requirements of counties and cities to recycle. Ironic because Milwaukee's program actually makes money.
posted by drezdn at 2:58 PM on March 1, 2011 [3 favorites]


Why no "go back one page" on twitter? Makes a futz mad.
posted by futz at 2:59 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


Jpfed, please don't troll around here.

There was a lack of enthusiasm for the gubernatorial candidate, but it was largely an anti-incumbent vote from the vitriol hurled against the outgoing governor (Jim Doyle, who served two terms), and the high-speed rail link that Doyle backed between Madison and Milwaukee became a major issue (far outsized for its actual cost to the state, it was portrayed as a financial boondoggle). Technically, Walker ran on a campaign promise to bring 250,000 jobs to the state, but also to declare an emergency and cut spending. He seems to have interpreted his mandate as authorizing a maximalist agenda, and generally nobody had any inkling that he was going to go this far.

Still, one has to admit that the writing was on the wall, however subtly, as Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce -- the state's leading lobby -- has been more and more overt about the hard-right agenda that it favors. Fiscal conservatism had always been a part of the state's GOP platform, but they've been edging beyond that in recent years. My own Congressman, Paul Ryan, has become a big muckety-muck in the party by pushing a federal budgetary agenda that seems informed by his affection for Ayn Rand (although he doesn't talk about that much, so it seems an inoffensive hobby). In the end, there is a strong reactionary element here that traces its lineage straight back to Joe McCarthy, and the Progressive tradition seems to be limping and arthritic. Even having a Democratic government (majorities in both houses and the governor) doesn't raise expectations of grand social legislation.
posted by dhartung at 2:59 PM on March 1, 2011 [4 favorites]


From the excellent Awl article linked above:

"Cable news reporting on Wisconsin is like going to a whorehouse and then bragging to your buddies about this girl you seduced."

Brilliant!
posted by triggerfinger at 2:59 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


A list of the cuts.
posted by drezdn at 3:05 PM on March 1, 2011


He plans on eliminating the Capitol Gains tax in the state, apparently the dead don't have to tighten their belts.

Oops, he is cutting the Capital Gains tax, no word on estate tax (if we have one). So the rich don't have to tighten their belts.
posted by drezdn at 3:07 PM on March 1, 2011


There is currently no estate tax in WI for individuals dying after 08 and before 13
posted by greasy_skillet at 3:12 PM on March 1, 2011


I've been abroad for the last few years, threads like this make me wonder if I should ever even bother coming back.
posted by tempythethird at 3:14 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


Thanks for the insight. It wasn't really a blame thing, I can easily see it happening here in WA. It's just a little disturbing that there don't seem to be many checks and balances built in to our systems to prevent them from going tilt like this when one party manages to control all three branches. And it's especially disturbing when the impartial judiciary turns out to not be impartial.
posted by maxwelton at 3:30 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


The problem is that it was assumed that when a situation like this happens, it is on the public's authority (because everyone voted for them), which doesn't happen when there is mass voter apathy.
posted by thebestsophist at 3:52 PM on March 1, 2011 [3 favorites]


I went to the protest this evening. I tried to get into the Capitol, and I was denied entry.

It's really depressing - If you've never seen it, the WI Capitol is one of the finest cathedrals to freedom and democracy ever built. Very few are more splendid.

Walker is an ass.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 3:58 PM on March 1, 2011 [13 favorites]


I think that a US state will fail soon. Fail as in cease to be able to provide services or even protection for its residents, like a whole state that is 80s-90s NYC level of busted. All of the jobs will flow out of the state and it'll be like nothing that's been seen before in this country. I don't know if it will be Wisconsin, Texas, Arizona or some other state ('tis the time of surprises) but if the govenment is eviscerated, and all the private sector jobs movie out because of the crime and because outsourcing is cheaper, and there is no social safety net for all of these people what Walker is taking jobs from (OMG THURR TAKIN OUR JOOOOOOOOBS!), then society will break down. I'm not even sure what a failed US state would look like, but at this point it's not just plausible, but I expect it.
posted by fuq at 4:11 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


Fortunately for any state that would have suffered a terrible fate due to institutional failures, they will be protected from the worst in the long term, because a long time ago they joined a union.
posted by zennie at 4:16 PM on March 1, 2011 [21 favorites]


they will be protected from the worst in the long term, because a long time ago they joined a union.

Hell no. Unions are UnAmerican I won't be hearing any of that nonsense about my state! Also: the federal government can go to hell. As Governor I'll send every dirty penny of that pork right back to the socialists in Washington!
posted by fuq at 4:19 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


I was handed a flyer directing people to the VoicesOfSolidarityWI YouTube channel at the rally today. They are soliciting footage of the ongoing protests as well as video testimonials.

"We want to interrupt some of the common narratives in the mainstream media by allowing people to share their thoughts about the demonstrations directly. Think of this like a living oral history project recording the experiences of people joining together against this bill."
posted by Fin Azvandi at 4:45 PM on March 1, 2011 [3 favorites]


fuq, Wisconsin has been considered to be at higher, but not nearly the highest, risk of a state government default. This list doesn't include it in the top ten, and this list puts it at 11ish (sort of tied with some other states) -- but at considerably less risk than either Illinois or California, not to mention a second tier including New York. In any event, I imagine that the "business-friendly" moves Walker is making reduce the perceived risk for our state, and may even objectively do so as well. The main problem is that if any one state fails, that is nearly certain to make borrowing rates spike for all the other states, possibly local governments as well.
posted by dhartung at 5:22 PM on March 1, 2011




Gamera,
A federal welfare state? Where better off states subsidize their budget by paying less in federal taxes?
posted by handbanana at 6:22 PM on March 1, 2011


Well more like trying to attract businesses with lavish tax breaks and subsidies and (best of all) a desperate labor pool willing to work for rock bottom wages.
posted by gamera at 6:36 PM on March 1, 2011 [3 favorites]


Fox News uses video from clearly outside Wisconsin in story on Wisconsin protests. Note: There are only a handful of palm trees in Wisconsin and none of them are outside near the Capitol.
posted by drezdn at 6:52 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


Fin Azvandi: I was handed a flyer directing people to the VoicesOfSolidarityWI YouTube channel at the rally today. They are soliciting footage of the ongoing protests as well as video testimonials

Great. I keep saying this and I'm going to keep saying this: Time is on the side of the protesters.

The longer this goes on, the more the country begins to see these people for who they are (just regular folks trying to earn a living and retain their rights), and the Fox/GOP/Koch/TP narrative begins to unravel, look and sound exaggerated and unfair and becomes a liability for those organizations. This is literally the most amazing tool I've seen against the "narrative" those organizations have depended upon for their own twisted horseshit PR since I can't even remember when... it's genius.

They must know this. And they must be in a state of panic, there is real political power that they are losing, by the day and by the hour. And we all know what neophyte tyrants and mendacious organizations and crooked politicians do when they're panicking, they get all tricky and make desperate disastrous decisions that end up in front of special prosecutors and federal Grand Jury's.


Tick tock tick tock tick tock....
posted by Skygazer at 6:57 PM on March 1, 2011 [4 favorites]


Governor tweets "Had some chili w/Tonette as we watched @AmericanIdol."

Let them eat chili.
posted by drezdn at 7:13 PM on March 1, 2011 [5 favorites]




From two hours ago, Rep. Kelda Helen Roys:
Capitol update: building still locked down, as it has been for 2 days and longer. I was not allowed to exit to greet thousands of people outside. When I finally got out, I couldn't get back in. I had to climb in through a colleague's window to get back to my office.
posted by thebestsophist at 7:31 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


I too am in this thread.
posted by desjardins at 7:36 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


Doors to the Capitol covered with messages to legislators.

One of those is mine. It says "This is the Cathedral of Democracy. Why do you turn away your congregants?"

It was the best I could think of at the time.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 7:50 PM on March 1, 2011 [5 favorites]


Thank god I'm on vicodin and valium right now (back spasms) or I'd be even more upset. I'm trying to parse all the updates, but did anyone get arrested today?
posted by desjardins at 7:51 PM on March 1, 2011


No arrests, but
Two people inside were forced out of the capitol for no apparent reason.
About 20-30 new people are inside tonight (invited by their reps).
posted by thebestsophist at 7:56 PM on March 1, 2011 [1 favorite]


Sorry, about 15, not 20.
posted by thebestsophist at 7:57 PM on March 1, 2011


I tweeted at this person @edcetera and offered to buy him/her breakfast tomorrow morning. Figured they need to have a hot breakfast after sleeping on the cold hard ground. If he/she doesn't respond, can someone recommend a place near the capitol that would have a decent breakfast? Is there a 24 hour restaurant nearby? I was thinking I'd call the place, donate $50 with the stipulation that it be used for Walkerville "residents" and let them order whatever the fuck they want because they deserve it.
posted by desjardins at 7:59 PM on March 1, 2011 [3 favorites]


thebestsophist, how many protesters are inside overnight total?
posted by desjardins at 8:04 PM on March 1, 2011


I don't know where around the capitol one might find a good breakfast, but I can tell you this: @edcetera is a he.
posted by joshjs at 8:05 PM on March 1, 2011


I'm not sure, I've been trying to keep track of reports of ins and outs on Twitter, etc. (I'm actually in MKE), but I haven't seen numbers or pictures recently, but it can't be more than a few hundred left.

Mad_city_mom, who was among those inside last night had to leave, but she is posting video of the Dems' address to the protestors inside the Rotunda. It looks like she went to (a much needed) sleep, but I've put them into a single Youtube playlist, and will add the rest when they're uploaded.
posted by thebestsophist at 8:19 PM on March 1, 2011


Marigold Kitchen is gonna be your yummiest Capitol Square breakfast.
posted by escabeche at 8:22 PM on March 1, 2011


my new thought is to have something (like coffee and bagels) DELIVERED in the early AM to the campers, but I'd like to have a point person there to receive it so the delivery person isn't wandering aimlessly. This is probably better handled tomorrow when I'm not on painkillers and it's not 10:30 pm. I will assume there will still be campers on Thursday morning. Thoughts? Does anyone want to chip in so they get a lot of food? you don't have to pay me, we'd all just call the same place.
posted by desjardins at 8:35 PM on March 1, 2011


off to bed, thinking about ordering from Einstein's Bagels in the morning to be delivered to the campers THE NEXT DAY (24 advance notice required). They have hot egg sandwiches and coffee in a box. It's not cheap, about $75 for a dozen egg sandwiches + coffee to serve 10. It is good food though. I can only afford like $50, can someone pick up the other $25 if we do this? Or. Can someone think of a better idea?

typos = vicodin
posted by desjardins at 9:50 PM on March 1, 2011 [2 favorites]


It is 02:20 in Madison, and people keep showing up at the Capitol building. The police are estimated the crowd outside at about 50 people.
posted by thebestsophist at 12:21 AM on March 2, 2011


Staffer Inside Wisconsin Capitol Details What Happened
In fact, everyday, there have been more and more restrictions as to what a person can bring in or where they can go – or pee.

As a last resort – and I am privy to the fact – that people on the outside have delivered food and meds to people on the inside through windows on the ground floor offices or restrooms.

Well now, the restroom windows, as of today, have all (including the first floor, which is one level up) have been secured shut with screws on either side of the windows, rendering them impossible to open, the screw heads lopped off. I witnessed the maintenance dudes who were told to do this.

It sickens me to see this happen at our capitol. I love this building and all that it stands for.

People from around this earth visit here, and have always been especially impressed, not only for its beauty, friendliness, and the especially important fact that it is (has been) so accessible to the public.

9/11/01 was a workday at the Capitol for me. The following weeks of that horrible event lead to a less scrutinizing of public access to this building than what is happening now.

When I saw the thousands of fourth graders on their annual springtime tours, I would stop when I could and make it a point to say that, “This is YOUR house”. That IS (or was) what this building was built for.

And now I feel I can’t honestly say that anymore.

posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:49 AM on March 2, 2011 [12 favorites]


Yesterday afternoon outside after the budget speech was both a fun blast and then a little un-nerving, just seeing how frustrated people are. Friday will be a day of art-making around (and maybe in) the capitol (semi-self-link, since I'm helping). I'm hoping that will channel my anger, anyway.
posted by Mngo at 3:23 AM on March 2, 2011


I'm more or less posting this wholesale from The Stranger Blog [post] (or Slog, if you like), because it sums things up nicely.
A unionized public employee, a teapartier, and a CEO are sitting at a table. In the middle of the table is a plate with a dozen cookies on it. The CEO reaches across and takes 11 cookies, then looks at the teapartier and says "Watch out for that union guy, he wants a piece of your cookie!"
posted by gc at 3:35 AM on March 2, 2011 [9 favorites]


the liberal media strikes again.

we gotta keep shouting about this...we're the only ones who will...
posted by g.i.r. at 4:03 AM on March 2, 2011 [2 favorites]


Great article, g.i.r. -- thanks. Tweeted.
posted by theredpen at 4:27 AM on March 2, 2011


The Wisconsin thing got airplay on Al Jazeera, even in the early stages of what us going on in Libya. I am not at home, and when I am piggybacking off the WiFi of friends or family, I don't access Al Jazeera. I only hop on at home. But they have had coverage before. They are not U.S. Based and serious stuff is happening closer by for them. So it's nice of them to cover it.

Locally, people are going to Olympia to protest budget cuts. The link I wanted has disappeared. It was on the KNDO/KNDU website. I am in the Yakima area.
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 5:47 AM on March 2, 2011




lriG rorriM is enroute to Walkerville with bagels and coffee "from the Internet."
posted by desjardins at 6:41 AM on March 2, 2011 [9 favorites]


Cheeseheads, I am proud of you today for braving the cold and braving rejection to make sure your voices are heard. You are a good example.

<vow> I will make no more Winconsin jokes! </vow>

Well...maybe just one or two?
posted by wenestvedt at 6:58 AM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]



I was there for this
As of 5 pm there were no members of the public in the queue for the Joint Finance Executive Session. Only one person asked to be allowed in so far. The indivdual was granted access. Ninety-nine more will be allowed if they queue at King Street. The Session is scheduled to last approximately 5 minutes from 6 pm to 6:05 pm.
They weren't allowing anyone in, at all. I was there. I wanted in.

The republican noise machine has started it's work - wait for this to get picked up by fox.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 6:58 AM on March 2, 2011 [4 favorites]


Judge continues order to open capitol.

Which doesn't mean the DoA is actually gonna do it, but still.
posted by Vibrissa at 7:10 AM on March 2, 2011


lriG rorriM texted me that she delivered 70 (seventy!) bagels + coffee. (Also, it's cold out!) Thanks to dog food sugar and St. Sorryass for their help.
posted by desjardins at 7:12 AM on March 2, 2011 [2 favorites]


PS, the bagels were from Gotham, not Einstein's, and they threw in lots of free cream cheese, so patronize them if you're in Madison.
posted by desjardins at 7:16 AM on March 2, 2011 [4 favorites]


1 in 1 out is back in effect.
posted by thebestsophist at 7:24 AM on March 2, 2011


Isthmus liveblog is up already, btw.
posted by Vibrissa at 7:27 AM on March 2, 2011


@edcetera is now in the building and is live streaming.
posted by thebestsophist at 7:33 AM on March 2, 2011



Dane County Sheriff Mahoney in The Nation.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 7:41 AM on March 2, 2011


It would seem, per Bill O'Reilly et al that the hot beddedness of liberalism that Wisconsin presents has enabled Madison to grow palm trees in the boulevards. That is if random post on YouTube is to be believed.

(apologies if already posted...there's a lot of open threads where this could have sneaked outside my purview)
posted by Fezboy! at 7:55 AM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Gotham Bagels is co-owned by Ian Gurfield of Ian's Pizza, by the way, so no surprise they're on board.
posted by escabeche at 8:10 AM on March 2, 2011


The court hearing on access to the Capitol resumed about an hour ago and once again ACLU Madison is live-tweeting.

In the meantime, DefendingWisconsin has posted this update: "The Department of Administration says that people can enter through the King St. entrance with appointments. Reports from inside the Capitol indicate the one-for-one entrance quota is still in effect, but that police are asking people to leave through any doors but King St., effectively invalidating the rule."
posted by Fin Azvandi at 8:18 AM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


oops, Defend Wisconsin
posted by Fin Azvandi at 8:20 AM on March 2, 2011


Can anyone find out how much a billboard along I94 costs between Milwaukee and Madison? I have an idea for a Kickstarter campaign.
posted by drezdn at 8:51 AM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


ACLU Madison has been having some disruptive tech troubles. But Analiese Eicher is also covering the courtroom via tweet.
posted by zennie at 9:22 AM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


drezdn, per Lamar Outdoor, a 4-week billboard in Dane County could be had for $2600 (but Jefferson County is just $425). Along the Interstate it may be higher. I'll MeMail you the contact information for the regional sales guy.
posted by dhartung at 9:24 AM on March 2, 2011 [4 favorites]


I'm developing a crush on Rep. Kelda Roy. Jeez, she's like the smartest teenager in the world. Is she even 21 yet?

Anyhow, HELLO EXCELLENT CITIZENS OF WISCONSIN!

(!!) I think I can afford to put in some dough towards something. Any Mefite on the ground with the 411 on best most effective (and satisfying) way to do so, hit me up on MeMail.
posted by Skygazer at 9:33 AM on March 2, 2011


I think I got a crush on Kelda Roys when she used her magic legislator powers to deliver pizza to the protesters Sunday night after the capitol was locked (this was back when they were letting Democratic representatives into the building (yes, I'm exaggerating; they still sometimes let the representatives in)).
posted by Vibrissa at 9:40 AM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


The Unbreakable Culture of the Occupied Capitol

The hollowing-out of Wisconsin: The untold story of Walker's plan is that it will accelerate the state's race to the bottom as a low-wage, low-skill economy
posted by dhartung at 9:50 AM on March 2, 2011


as a citizenry, we're in a fight for our lives here. and it doesn't help that many people don't even know or understand what's going on due to the shitty media coverage, and it also doesn't help that the rank-and-file teabaggers are making so much noise.

a co-worker stopped by to talk to me - she complained about the situation, saying she was sick of it and wanted it to be over. i laid a couple of facts on her (thanks mefi !) and she was stunned. i showed her this picture and she was shocked. she had no idea - the 'news' never really covered it over the weekend.

this goes beyond the public-sector union thing...this is outright oppression and erosion of rights for all of us that don't run a corporation and can't buy a governor.

we need some kind of strategy here...or we're done for.
posted by g.i.r. at 9:54 AM on March 2, 2011 [3 favorites]


Watching Scotty Go.
posted by drezdn at 9:56 AM on March 2, 2011


Republican Sen. Dale Schulz scolds Walker, calls union busting an over reach.
posted by drezdn at 10:16 AM on March 2, 2011 [3 favorites]



The Senate republicans have passed a resolution fining the dems 100 dollars per day for every day that they stay away.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:17 AM on March 2, 2011


Will that hold up if the dems refuse?
posted by VTX at 10:20 AM on March 2, 2011


Doesn't the resolution also charge the Dems for costs related to bringing them back?
posted by drezdn at 10:20 AM on March 2, 2011


we need some kind of strategy here...or we're done for.

I have no doubt that people are working on that-- I know for a fact that some of the best labor message/organization people are on the ground right now. But they need volunteers to do things like this. And if you have not been doing so, send emails to your friends telling them how worried you are about the situation. Don't give up because the MSM would rather talk about Charlie Sheen and go the easy route on the real stories. They've been doing that for ages.
posted by zennie at 10:23 AM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Yes, it charges the democrats for costs related to bringing them back and says that the "senate majority leader may also take certain measures to compel attendance of any senator who is absent". This stuff makes me cry.
posted by lriG rorriM at 10:25 AM on March 2, 2011


Senate Republicans to Senate Dems: Yes, we really are that desperate.
posted by zennie at 10:25 AM on March 2, 2011


Democratic staffers are now being charged 1.4 cents per printed or copied page, while Republican staffers are not.
posted by thebestsophist at 10:26 AM on March 2, 2011


I thought that the senate couldn't conduct any business without a quorum?

I also just found this story almost by accident. The senate majority leader might be working on a deal with some of the missing dems.
posted by VTX at 10:36 AM on March 2, 2011


The senate can't vote on fiscal matters; none of this what they're doing today counts as fiscal.
posted by Vibrissa at 10:38 AM on March 2, 2011



That's been making the rounds, VTX. Fitzgerald had been making much of it, but so far every dem has refuted the notion that they are coming back.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:39 AM on March 2, 2011


VTX- the rules for quorum are different for spending bills vs. non-spending bills.
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 10:40 AM on March 2, 2011



The Awl. That is all.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:47 AM on March 2, 2011 [3 favorites]




HOW TO DEBATE WITH TEA-PARTY MEMBERS AND OTHER FAR-RIGHT CONSERVATIVES – A Common-Sense Guide for Rational People

That's false advertising for a frustrated rant. I don't think it actually tells you anything useful. At the end it even, nonsensically, appropriates a Beck slogan.
posted by dhartung at 11:03 AM on March 2, 2011


lriG rorriM: "senate majority leader may also take certain measures to compel attendance of any senator who is absent". This stuff makes me cry.

Don't cry. That's pure bullying theater. Make vague ominous threats. What the hell does that even mean? What are they going to do hold these Senators kids hostage...LOL, impound their dogs? WTF. Ha ha....

If they could do more they would've done it already, but there's very little they can do. It's like the Senate Majority leader's way of shaking his fist at them because they're making him look like a dumb weak political sycophant, who let his state senate, become a national joke.
posted by Skygazer at 11:20 AM on March 2, 2011



Walkerville
.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 11:27 AM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Madison street art
posted by drezdn at 11:39 AM on March 2, 2011


Finally! Dems are in on recall effort!
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 11:44 AM on March 2, 2011 [2 favorites]


The latest resolution [pdf] is a desperate tactic. In some ways, I approve of sanctions (not necessarily monetary) on paid elected officials who don't show up, but it's not happening as a way to exert pressure when you've already held back the paychecks. The other measures they're talking about are taking away the missing senators' offices and other administrative things. Seriously? This is what you've got? You're bolting the windows? You're charging copy fees? I'm sure the senators do want to go home, very much. They're living out of suitcases. They miss their kids. But the moves by the opposition are more galvanizing than persuasive. I can't promise none of the Dems will give in, but seriously, this is some weak sauce as arm-twisting measures go.
posted by zennie at 11:46 AM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


P_F as the penultimate paragraph in that article alludes to, I suspect Walker finally releasing the budget was what they where waiting for. Kind of a game of sorts. you don't release all your weapons all at once. The budget, now proposed, is further ammunition the Democratic party can now campaign against. it is no longer just collective bargaining, but collective bargaining and a toxic budget. The R senators are now tied to Walker pretty firmly, so the recall is easily cast as a direct referendum against Walker.

Of course, expect recall efforts against those of WI 14 who are eligible as well. (anyone know that number?). So.. there seems likely a whole slew of recall efforts over the next year, culminating (one hopes) with Walker getting fired.
posted by edgeways at 11:53 AM on March 2, 2011


I think there are 8 Dem Senators that could be recalled.
posted by drezdn at 11:57 AM on March 2, 2011



I suspect that the dems are more safe than the republicans are. Of course, they only need 1 and we need 3, but still - the Ds come from solid blue areas and the Rs from some pretty purple ones.

There is also a Supreme court seat up in April as well.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 11:57 AM on March 2, 2011


As well, there was the direct threat that any R senators breaking and voting "no" will be kicked out of the caucus, so, and R senator thinking of voting "no" may as well change party affiliations. Which means that it is quite likely that if the bill is defeated it will be defeated with a new Dem majority in the Senate, one way or the other.

As well.. .as well... The Dem majority better hold a super-majority of 20, or else the Repubs will likely skip state as well. Of course all that means is the bill never gets passed, which is fine (anyone know if there is a expiration date on legislation in WI?)
posted by edgeways at 11:58 AM on March 2, 2011


I could be wrong, but I think the people working to recall the Republicans will be far more motivated than those trying to recall Dems. I've never seen a tea partier sleep out in the cold for what they believed in.
posted by drezdn at 12:02 PM on March 2, 2011 [3 favorites]




"When one political party gets control of everything, and they sort of forget the main mission… you know, you wonder why people don’t have any faith in the political process."
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 12:05 PM on March 2, 2011


"In addition to the $100-a-day fines approved today, he's considering a resolution that would give Republicans supervision over Dem staffers."

So, basically they will just fire the Dem staffers.
posted by edgeways at 12:07 PM on March 2, 2011




Couldn't these resolutions by the Senate Republicans be considered illegal because the closed access to the Capitol breaks open meetings laws?
posted by drezdn at 12:13 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Couldn't these resolutions by the Senate Republicans be considered illegal because the closed access to the Capitol breaks open meetings laws?

The assertion is that the capitol is open - open being defined as requiring a police escort to attend any meetings.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 12:16 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Wow, just wow.
posted by drezdn at 12:16 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Wouldn't it be ironic if they pass all these resolutions and laws that give unprecedented power to the governor and senate majority only have most of the republicans recalled hopefully followed by Walker?

Walker might end up kicking himself for this if/when the majority goes back to the dems in the next cycle. These protests have proven that the republicans don't hold power nearly as solidly as they thought.
posted by VTX at 12:23 PM on March 2, 2011


It seems like the Dem senators remain united in spite of Fitzgerald's attempt to paint them as fractured.

news3jessica: Sen Erpenbach says they learned of Fitzgerald "deal" to bring dems back in caucus mtg this am. Says Cullen told him there was never an agmt

news3jessica: Statement from Sen. Miller: Sen Fitzgerald unwilling to have substantive discussions with me, caucus agreed to open other channels of comm..

MSpicuzzaWSJ: Sen Miller: Fitzgerald’s inability to reach a compromise is a disappointment & actions undermine Ds ability to have a relationship with him
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:30 PM on March 2, 2011



New NBC/WSJ poll
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 12:32 PM on March 2, 2011 [2 favorites]


Access to State Capitol Tighter than at Airports
"When I asked if I could stretch my legs after sitting through an hour of hearing testimony, I was directed to walk back and forth between two armed police who could keep an eye on me." -- via

Monday lockdown, per a staffer with ID. Elevators shut down; metal-detection stations at the doors, but nobody being let in; police themselves confused; abrupt access for a Democratic caucus hearing on the "repair" bill, but a requirement for a "legislative pass" that nobody has ever heard of before; a trooper is handing out hastily printed sticky tags, but only has 40, with hundreds interested in getting in. Restroom windows that had been used for getting in food and medications were indeed bolted shut. The level of security is higher than they saw after 9/11.
posted by dhartung at 12:32 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Supposedly each Senate Dem's office has a Repub. in it now.
posted by drezdn at 12:40 PM on March 2, 2011


That is the kind of crap that only strengthens my resolve. I hope the dem staffers feel the same way.
posted by VTX at 12:42 PM on March 2, 2011


Can any of the Madison Meeps confirm that 4 Dem Reps have moved their desks outside to meet with constituents?
posted by drezdn at 12:43 PM on March 2, 2011


sandycullenWSJ tweets: Banner outside Capitol: Assembly Democrats Are Open for Business. Reps from districts 62, 9, 73 & 42 meeting with people outside. #wiunion
posted by zennie at 12:43 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


That is the kind of crap that only strengthens my resolve. I hope the dem staffers feel the same way.

Senator Grothman thinks you'll become a Republican in five years.
posted by drezdn at 12:44 PM on March 2, 2011


Senator Grothman thinks you'll become a Republican in five years.

What makes you say that?
posted by VTX at 12:47 PM on March 2, 2011





He said that
I really think five years from now most of these people will have a real job and be voting Republican," Grothman said.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 12:48 PM on March 2, 2011


Via twitter, photo of a rep meeting constituents outside.
posted by Vibrissa at 12:48 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Curses, too slow!
posted by Vibrissa at 12:49 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Wow, these assembly Dems are so right on it warms the cockles of my heart.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:50 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Jpfed, please don't troll around here.

Sometimes they are one and the same, but that seemed like a joke, not a troll (and a pretty funny one imo).

Nurses Offer to Buy President's Shoes to March With Workers


As of right now, the word 'Wisconsin' only appears once on the nytimes.com from page, and that's advertising an update on the situation as the third story in a three-part video newscast...

That Iraq Feeling

It really is amazing. This is the biggest protest in the U.S. in like 40 years. And Anderson Cooper is ...

Can any of the Madison Meeps confirm that 4 Dem Reps have moved their desks outside to meet with constituents?

Pic of Nick Milroy moving his desk outside.
posted by mrgrimm at 12:50 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


RE: jpfed... He's one of the Mefi people I know IRL and he is no troll.
posted by drezdn at 12:54 PM on March 2, 2011


I really think five years from now most of these people will have a real job and be voting Republican," Grothman said.

HA! What a delusional dink.

I'm not opposed to the idea, on a basic level, of voting republican. If the party really revolutionized their whole ideology I might change my votes. I vote for people, not parties and I'm not closed minded.

That said, I haven't voted for a republican once since I started voting.
posted by VTX at 12:55 PM on March 2, 2011


Finally! Dems are in on recall effort!

I did not realize that they had to pull the plug on the legislative hotline. ... but it's back! I just called it.

These guys are screwed. Nobody likes to vote in regular elections; everybody loves to boot out politicians in recall elections.
posted by mrgrimm at 12:58 PM on March 2, 2011


In general I refrain from linking to dkos, but here are some excepts from an interview with (R) Sen. Schultz that is pretty interesting.
posted by edgeways at 1:12 PM on March 2, 2011


Yay! My parents live in Sheila Harsdorf's district. She won the 2008 election with 56% of the vote. She is one of the 8 up for a recall so I can hope that I can convince my parents to at least sign the petition and then vote against her.

The eight Republicans who can be recalled right now are:

Robert Cowles
Alberta Darling
Sheila Harsdorf
Luther Olsen
Randy Hopper
Glenn Grothman
Mary Lazich
Dan Kapanke
posted by VTX at 1:13 PM on March 2, 2011 [2 favorites]


I apologize to jpfed with drezdn's vouching taken into account. The thing is, the local paper comments demographic has people who say such things unironically.

N.Y. Times corrects story praised by Walker: Janesville "union man" not so union as all that. (Apparently he may have held a white-collar position at Janesville Assembly.) Olbermann comments {sort of a belated thing}. Basically, it turns out that the publisher's kid, A.G. Sulzberger, wrote a story about public employee unions without interviewing a single member of any actual union, nor any public employees, let alone a public employee union. (Unless you count the two academics, who may be members of faculty unions, but are not speaking from that point of view.)

This, from the "liberal" "paper of record".
posted by dhartung at 1:16 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


FYI: SEIU is looking for names of people who want to be involved in the Republican recall.
posted by zennie at 1:31 PM on March 2, 2011


g.i.r.: "HOW TO DEBATE WITH TEA-PARTY MEMBERS AND OTHER FAR-RIGHT CONSERVATIVES – A Common-Sense Guide for Rational People"

Ha! My answer before I read the article was "Don't" and then I'm like "why is there a huge wall of text?" but then I read the first line. Heh.
posted by symbioid at 1:32 PM on March 2, 2011


@Andrewkroll is reporting that Dems were ordered to move desks inside and refused.
posted by drezdn at 1:32 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Supposedly each Senate Dem's office has a Repub. in it now.

A coworker got a text from a friend there now saying that they were actually moving some of the Dem's furniture out of the building and into the streets.

Can't verify, but if true... damn these are some petty fucking people.
posted by quin at 1:39 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


quin, Assembly Dems are holding "office hours" outside. Senate Dems are not in town. In any case, the furniture probably belongs to the State.
posted by dhartung at 1:40 PM on March 2, 2011


A coworker got a text from a friend there now saying that they were actually moving some of the Dem's furniture out of the building and into the streets.

The dems are.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 1:41 PM on March 2, 2011


mrgrimm: "Finally! Dems are in on recall effort!These guys are screwed. Nobody likes to vote in regular elections; everybody loves to boot out politicians in recall elections."

Christ, it's like American politics is Rapid Cycling Bi-Polar.
posted by symbioid at 1:45 PM on March 2, 2011


And it ain't even really that much bi-polar so much as unipolar with a little deviation out of that major pole. *sigh*
posted by symbioid at 1:45 PM on March 2, 2011



About the 100 dollar fines - "Nobody flinched".
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 1:45 PM on March 2, 2011 [2 favorites]


Ah, that's a bit better news.
posted by quin at 1:46 PM on March 2, 2011


Returning to the state government default point, the WSJ (!) points out:
Even Without Muni Bond Sale, Wisconsin Not in Fiscal Peril
posted by dhartung at 1:50 PM on March 2, 2011



Recall efforts filed against 6 republicans :
Groups filed notice with the GAB today that they intend to try recalling six GOP state senators.

Those targeted include Rob Cowles of Green Bay, Alberta Darling of River Hills, Luther Olsen of Ripon, Randy Hopper of Fond du Lac, Glenn Grothman of West Bend and Mary Lazich of New Berlin.

They join five Dems already targeted for recalls: Spencer Coggs of Milwaukee, Jim Holperin of Conover, Mark Miller of Monona and Dave Hansen of Green Bay.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 1:51 PM on March 2, 2011


The Democrats' notice was actually filed by someone from WI, not like the Utah ones.
posted by drezdn at 1:55 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


From twitter @pjengle Heard a suggestion on how to get into Capitol: Let's build a large wooden badger as a gift for Gov. Walker.
posted by drezdn at 1:59 PM on March 2, 2011 [4 favorites]


We'd just forget to hide inside of it anyways...
posted by Theta States at 2:00 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Breaking: Ohio Senate passes union-busting bill 17-16. There were six GOP nays. It now goes to the House, where Republicans hold a 59-40 majority. Passing the House would send it to Gov. Kasich's desk.
posted by Rhaomi at 2:06 PM on March 2, 2011


So, if I'm reading this correctly, Republicans may be seeking to put the staffers of missing Democratic senators to work for designated Republican senators, of whom many are now recall targets.
posted by zennie at 2:08 PM on March 2, 2011


Apologies if this was already posted:
South of the border: Dem senators share snippets of life on the lam
posted by Fin Azvandi at 2:29 PM on March 2, 2011


zennie: they need volunteers to do things like this. And if you have not been doing so, send emails to your friends telling them how worried you are about the situation.

thanks a ton for that link. i'm looking to see what i can do from afar, and i also posted this to my facebook group that's been following these events.

can't help but imagine that some people on the other end of my emails might see me the same way i see my horrible, racist, teabagger relatives...

I know for a fact that some of the best labor message/organization people are on the ground right now.

whatever that message is, it needs to transcend labor, transcend unions. in places where people don't get their news from the internet, where the local paper and tv stations give more attention to a structure fire (yes, they really did that up here), it needs to really speak to people who don't understand the situation. it needs to get them to see how the situation affects them, and it needs to express a feeling of unity to rival or eclipse that of immediately post 9-11...
posted by g.i.r. at 2:42 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Which is why, I think, the state Dems waited till after the budget announcement to announce the recall efforts. As I said above, they can tie Walker to the R Senators pretty tightly, and then point to the horrible budget numbers at the same time, and oh, yeah collective bargaining as well.
posted by edgeways at 2:49 PM on March 2, 2011


I apparently have a distant cousin on Facebook who's a Republican cop in Ohio. All of a sudden he and his friends have become staunch Democrats.
posted by dirigibleman at 3:02 PM on March 2, 2011 [3 favorites]


can't help but imagine that some people on the other end of my emails might see me the same way i see my horrible, racist, teabagger relatives...

Just don't hate on people. My personal take: I don't think Walker is evil-- just incredibly wrong. He probably actually thinks that he's doing something great and that history will remember him fondly for selling the state to private interests and ridding his neighbors of all that evil government restraint on our potential.
posted by zennie at 3:59 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Everyone's the hero of their own story, and it's good to keep that in mind even when we're denouncing the governor and the Republican senators. It's just incredibly frustrating to be ignored and marginalized. According to Senator Grothman's testimony today, the protesters are not "normal people", and he can't conduct business with "those disheveled people around." Seriously, we're being pigeonholed neatly as "those people". I'm a 34 year old housewife. I was participating in a peaceful protest inside the Capitol, and I've participated in the peaceful protests outside the Capitol. I was crocheting hats when I was on the inside, because nothing says "this is a peaceful protest" like a whole lot of yarn. I don't appreciate being called "those people" just so those other people can feel good about ignoring me as I'm demanding to be heard.
posted by lriG rorriM at 4:13 PM on March 2, 2011 [13 favorites]


Restroom windows that had been used for getting in food and medications were indeed bolted shut.

WTF turned the place into a firetrap you petty, petty little man.
posted by cybercoitus interruptus at 4:31 PM on March 2, 2011


lriG rorriM, thanks so much for all of the work you've done. I'm just some former cheesehead with a laptop and no money to give to the cause in Los Angeles.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 4:57 PM on March 2, 2011


And all of the other mefites! Thanks to every awesome participant in this process!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 5:01 PM on March 2, 2011


I really think five years from now most of these people will have a real job and be voting Republican," Grothman said.

I have voted for both Democrats and Republicans in my life. I have been one of the people inside the Capitol.

I have a real job. Five years from now, I'll still have the same job.

Can Grothman say the same?
posted by escabeche at 5:08 PM on March 2, 2011 [2 favorites]


I'm not sure if anyone has linked to this flickr feed yet, but there are a bunch of great pics, including those of the post its on the Capitol doors.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 5:30 PM on March 2, 2011 [2 favorites]


Here is the thing.. I was pretty open to listening to all sides of the issue, and even though I consider myself liberal I could appreciate well reasoned opposition, and granted I have not voted Republicans, I have voted for three different parties in my life, and if I had moved to Mn a few years earlier then I did I may have actually voted for a republican Gov candidate (Arnie Carlson).

2010 changed a lot for me. In many ways it radicalized me to such an extent I can say I not longer find any respect, or give any quarter to those politicians within the Republican party. The sheer amount of intimidation, outright lies and social fuckatude expressed and carried trough by large portions of those running on that ticket have diminished forever members of that who do not stand up and repudiate it. yes, everyone is a hero in their own story, including the worst monsters of history. Stalin didn't wake up one day and say, "hey, I'm a real bastard with no heart!" just because you feel you are justified does not entitle you to act like an asshole.

Now, Walker is not Stalin. perhaps, put in the same position he would have turned out similar, but he is not. Even though he is pulling some sleezetastic strong arm maneuvers he has not called in the national guard (yet), and he has alienated himself from many former supporters. But! That does not mean we (or to be more precise, those in Wisconsin) should empathize with him, the time for understanding has passed. He has painted himself in a corner, and as dualistic as the language is, it is do or die.

for myself, it will be a long time and many changes before I return to reasonable. The Tea Party has shown Americans what being reasonable will get you, spat on and trampled underfoot. Republicans have embraced this... what will we do?
posted by edgeways at 5:44 PM on March 2, 2011 [2 favorites]


From Nick Milroy's facebook feed:


From the Inbox:
"I am the veteran that more or less broke down in front of you tonight. I am not in your district, but wanted to thank you for speaking with me. I did not realize how emotional seeing the Capitol locked down would be for me. I served for two years on the East/West German border...I saw what oppression was and I never th...ought I would see it in Wisconsin. Thank You, U.S. Army veteran"


I gotta think the lockdown has to have cost Walker a few points. He really seems to have the political acumen of a dead carp sometimes.
posted by edgeways at 5:55 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


Oh blergh, this is really depressing.

Thi Le is a freshman at the UW-Madison and part of a core group of about 15 protesters who have been occupying the Capitol building in Wisconsin for the last 15 days.
.....

So Le was surprised when an aid approached her at the King Street entrance to the Capitol Tuesday afternoon and offered her and five other protesters tickets to the Assembly gallery to watch Governor Scott Walker deliver his budget address.

"He told us we had been randomly selected to watch the budget speech," Le said. "On the way in, they said there were a total of 20 members of the public who got tickets. They took us up to the Assembly and we sat down, and they explained the rules to us--no yelling, no throwing things, the basics."

Le says she and the people sitting near her were peaceful and compliant. But after sitting through most of the governor's address, they were forcibly ejected at 4:40. A state patrolman twisted Le's arms behind her back, she says. and refused to answer her repeated questions about why she was being escorted out.

Keeping her arms pinned, Le says, the guard forced her from the Assembly Gallery. "I said 'I am not resisting you,'" she recalls.

Along with Le, David Wasserman, a Middle School teacher at Sennett Middle School in Madison, describes being roughly removed from the governor's speech, despite being peaceful and complying with the guards throughout the address.

"They kicked us out because we were not clapping," Wasserman says. " "I never once stood to cheer or jeer. I totally complied because I didn't want to get kicked out. The person next to me was fuming. When all the Republicans around us stood and cheered she stood and booed and they came over and got her. She said, 'I know, I know, I'm going,' and she left. But that drew attention to us."

...

They acknowledge that they made a few gestures of dissent. "When the governor entered the room, and everyone stood, a few of us turned our backs, and a guard came over and said, 'You can't do that. That's a sign of disrespect.' So we said, 'OK,' and turned back around," Le says.

"Maybe I pushed it a little," says Wasserman, "because they said you couldn't have signs, so I wrote on my forearms: "Not Fair" on one, and "Solidarity" on the other. As we were told 'Please rise,' I stood up and turned and showed my arms. A guard came over and said, 'Please, sir, turn around,'--he said something like my arms were a form of signage. So I did. Then we stood for a prayer. Being a Jew, I didn't want to thank the Lord Jesus, so I turned around and they came over again and told me not to do that, so I sat down. And I sat quietly for the next thirty minutes. They said do not stand or clap or cheer or jeer--but the Republicans were doing it."

That particularly galled Le, who approached a guard to ask why the audience of Walker supporters, who she and Wasserman say outnumbered the 20 protesters in the back of the gallery 220-to-one, were allowed to break the rules.

Both recall that the guard told them there were too many of them to escort out. "But if one of us did something like that, we'd have to go," Wasserman says.

posted by mandymanwasregistered at 5:58 PM on March 2, 2011


So I sat and listened to Lawrence O'Donnell's (MSNBC) little forum between 5 or so protesters and this guy named Grothman, who apparently has built a reputation here.

My dad was complaining that the protesters took his bait of slur/insult throwing, and the debate over the bargaining rights was overlooked.

I saw something quite different: Grothman made it damned near explicitly clear that this is class warfare.

Let's take care of Mr. Walker's budget here (i.e. shoot it down or at least keep the rights). Go Wisconsin Unions!!! We are rooting for y'all.
posted by JoeXIII007 at 6:09 PM on March 2, 2011


And just when I thought my outrage level was at its all-time peak, I find this! A friend of mine has been reading through parts of the budget, and discovered that Governor Walker wants to do away with mandatory contraceptive coverage in health insurance. RAAAAR!

"Current law requires health insurance policies and self−insured governmental and school district health plans to cover the cost of contraceptives prescribed by a health care provider and of outpatient consultations, examinations, procedures, and medical services that are necessary to prescribe, administer, maintain, or remove a contraceptive. This bill eliminates these requirements."

Evidently "The Governor recommends eliminating the requirement that health insurance policies provide coverage for contraceptives prescribed by a health care provider and outpatient medical services related to contraceptives. This requirement is an unacceptable government mandate on employers with moral objections to these services, and increases the cost of health insurance for all payers."

I'm trying to find a direct link to this now. I am furious. Again and again.
posted by lriG rorriM at 6:38 PM on March 2, 2011 [4 favorites]


One comment on Isthmus seemed like a plausible reason as to why they are locking the bldg down:

[Comment From xcheeseheadxcheesehead: ]
As a former LE officer and XWisconsinite watching from afar (with contacts on the ground) I am seeing a couple of things you might want to be aware of. I see the LE command structure firming up including militarization and I see the ground operation changing the physical environment to make control easier. This is being done in anticipation of "something" large happening. Yesterday my union contacts told me there was discussion of a general strike by public employees. If I head it more than 600 mi. away obviously those at the Capitol as well. They are hardening the building and grounds for a massive protest of some kind.

posted by madamjujujive at 6:41 PM on March 2, 2011


*blink* ... There where about 100,000 - 125,000 people protesting in Madison this weekend, with no arrests.

Perhaps there is a general strike coming down the pipes, but that isn't a reason for the lockout over the past few days, and even if there is a strike, is that really grounds for a general lock down anyways? Are they really that a feared of Union "thugs"?

I dunno...perhaps... but it seems like something falling into rumor territory, and Ocam's razor seems to suggest it is more of a power play than anything else, there are R senators already on record as thinking the protesters are a nuisance and a distraction,
posted by edgeways at 6:48 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


From @millbot 100 UW-Milwaukee students are currently occupying the school's theater in solidarity with the people in Madison.
posted by drezdn at 6:50 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


This should be interesting: Stand Against Spending. Stand With Walker 10-city 2-day bus tour staged by Americans for Prosperity
posted by madamjujujive at 6:54 PM on March 2, 2011


So here's the page with the budget itself: http://www.doa.state.wi.us/debf/execbudget.asp.

The things I quoted above about required contraceptive insurance coverage is under the "Insurance, Office of the Commissioner of" section, along with the hard numbers for public employee pension fund contributions.
posted by lriG rorriM at 6:59 PM on March 2, 2011


That was kind of dumb move on his part. By making the repeal of the contraceptive mandate part of an appropriations bill, the senate needs a quorum to vote on it. It doesn't have anything to do with the budget so it could have been passed a separate piece of legislation.

Most insurance companies will cover the hell out of contraceptives anyways because birth-control pills are WAY cheaper than babies for the insurance company.
posted by VTX at 7:05 PM on March 2, 2011


Most insurance companies will cover the hell out of contraceptives anyways because birth-control pills are WAY cheaper than babies for the insurance company.

I hope your right, but my guess is that this was added as a bone to be thrown to the Pro-Lifers.
posted by drezdn at 7:08 PM on March 2, 2011


This is what democracy looks like! (IT'S ADORABLE!)
posted by desjardins at 7:10 PM on March 2, 2011 [8 favorites]


your = you're

And desjardin's clip is adorable.
posted by drezdn at 7:13 PM on March 2, 2011


And, hey, Governor Walker also wants to save money by "eliminating Medicaid payments for family planning services for men". 'Cause, you know. Men? Families? Don't be silly. Or something. Argh. This budget is SO depressing to read, I swear.
posted by lriG rorriM at 7:16 PM on March 2, 2011


cutest one person drum circle evar
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 7:26 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]




This should be interesting: Stand Against Spending. Stand With Walker 10-city 2-day bus tour staged by Americans for Prosperity

Well you know they're not from Wisconsin when they say they're going to the "Brat Shop" on I-94.

It's STOP. Not Shop. STOP.

BRAT. STOP.

Brat Stop!

Jesus Christ even my FIB husband knows that. Have they ever even fucking driven through here before?

*splutters*
posted by desjardins at 8:11 PM on March 2, 2011 [3 favorites]


I found a way to cheer up. I went to flickr and just started looking through all the Madison protest photos taken in the last few days. Just seeing the faces helps. These are the "not normal people", these are the people who will "get a real job and vote Republican in 5 years", these people are "slobs", and they're "disheveled".

Screw that noise.

We will win this. It'll take a while, but we will win this.

Also, gosh but I'm starting to really dislike that Senator Grothman guy. A lot.
posted by lriG rorriM at 8:27 PM on March 2, 2011 [3 favorites]


10-city 2-day bus tour

Strikes me that's more of an interstate trip.. pretty lame. We stand with Walker but only if we can stay at the Holiday Inn and eat at the steak house.
posted by edgeways at 8:29 PM on March 2, 2011 [1 favorite]


For those trying to keep track of numbers, there are about 60 people inside the Capitol, I haven't seen numbers for outside, yet.
posted by thebestsophist at 9:37 PM on March 2, 2011




Everyone is the hero of their own story

Sorry but no. Major parts of the mainstream right have been jamming their finger on the button labeled "nuclear option" for ten straight years, denying my legitimacy as a real American, labeling things I hold most dear (education, urban living, secular-humanist culture, complexity) as somehow aberrant and anti-American. And this is all BEFORE the tea party came along, with its veiled hints of violence and "us vs them" identity politics. I think ideology has become so severe and curdled among parts of the right that it has rendered them too far gone to really engage - we can either confront them or ignore them, but not engage them.

I think this is one of those times when taking the high road makes you nothing but a sucker, sadly.
posted by tempythethird at 1:53 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


walker's gutting everything and beefing up the prison system. how calculating is that ? o_O

and oh man, do we need Dave Obey right now...
posted by g.i.r. at 3:58 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


>Everyone is the hero of their own story

Sorry but no. Major parts of the mainstream right have been jamming their finger on the button labeled "nuclear option" for ten straight years, denying my legitimacy as a real American, labeling things I hold most dear (education, urban living, secular-humanist culture, complexity) as somehow aberrant and anti-American. And this is all BEFORE the tea party came along, with its veiled hints of violence and "us vs them" identity politics. I think ideology has become so severe and curdled among parts of the right that it has rendered them too far gone to really engage -we can either confront them or ignore them, but not engage them.


Not arguing against any of that. The point is, if you don't at least factor in that these people are human beings who might believe they're doing the right thing, you're much more likely to fall into the "Us vs.Them" trap of yourself. And that reduces the probability that reasonable people will take your concerns seriously.
posted by zennie at 4:51 AM on March 3, 2011


...reduces the probability that reasonable people will take your concerns seriously.

Sure, but you have to pick and choose who you think are "human beings that believe they're doing the right thing." Some are that, and its good to engage them. But many are not. That is - they aren't acting out on what they think is morally and practically correct, rather they're motivated by fever and emotion. Trying to argue with those people, while the fever still holds, is like trying to reason a depressed person out of their depression - its hopeless, the reasoning is thin, circular, half-hearted - its just there to justify thoughts that come from the fever. With people like this, it is indeed "us vs. them", at least until something snaps them out of it.
posted by tempythethird at 5:33 AM on March 3, 2011


Ifihadahifi's "Imperial Walker" reviewed in National Review.
posted by drezdn at 5:37 AM on March 3, 2011


anybody have any idea what, if anything, is happening at the capitol this coming saturday, protest-wise? googling...can't find anything...
posted by g.i.r. at 7:15 AM on March 3, 2011


tempythethird: "...we can either confront them or ignore them, but not engage them."

Does storming out of my workplace and slamming the door behind me and peeling out with my car near the end of my worktime after listening to my boss's wife blabber on and on about "those 14 senators who need to do their job" and yada yada... count as ignoring or confronting?
posted by symbioid at 7:32 AM on March 3, 2011


g.i.r.: "walker's gutting everything and beefing up the prison system. how calculating is that ? o_O

and oh man, do we need Dave Obey right now...
"

Like this?
posted by symbioid at 7:32 AM on March 3, 2011


g.i.r. -- Not sure what's going on, but I heard Tony Castaneda on WORT say that we aren't quitting, and urging people to know that this is a long struggle and not give up, and if you're sick, take a break if you need it, but get your neighbors to go in your place. We need to take turns taking care of each others kids if we can't take the kids. Things like that. So it sounds like there's something going on, I think he specifically mentioned a rally, but I don't know what exactly is going on. Of course, now that SEIU had their time in the spotlight, will they keep pushing nationally? I wonder. I don't trust Andy Stern that much.
posted by symbioid at 7:36 AM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


Capitol access rules for today (PDF)

The tone of this memo irks me.
posted by Vibrissa at 7:50 AM on March 3, 2011


So - what's the deal with the court ruling mandating open access? Are they interpreting it as "well - we're letting some people in to talk to their reps, so that's "open enough""?
posted by symbioid at 7:51 AM on March 3, 2011


drezdn: "Ifihadahifi's "Imperial Walker" reviewed in National Review."

Wait - TNR? Am I missing something? I thought this was a conservative/right-wing/"libertarian"(?) rag??? What is going on?
posted by symbioid at 7:59 AM on March 3, 2011


>> So - what's the deal with the court ruling mandating open access? Are they interpreting it as "well - we're letting some people in to talk to their reps, so that's "open enough""?

That's pretty much the position the DOA is taking. The hearing is still ongoing; they're meeting again today around 1, I think.
posted by Vibrissa at 8:00 AM on March 3, 2011


I just mean we need a political party that actually represents the people.

Wanting a political party may very well be part of the problem.

If your only vote left is money, then a path is to somehow sway others via a network to not spend their money with X for reason Y needs no political party.

Just people willing to act once informed.
posted by rough ashlar at 8:06 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


g.l.r.: what, if anything, is happening at the capitol this coming saturday

@nicknicemadison says:
Ppl keep asking if anything is planned for Sat. Pretty simple, go 2 Cap starting @ noon! We'll rally all day. Spread the word!
#wiunion
That's basically it, I don't foresee people all leaving the Capitol building any time soon, so just show up. Others will be there.
posted by thebestsophist at 9:01 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


that's all i needed to hear (^_^) thanks, thebestsophist !!!
posted by g.i.r. at 9:06 AM on March 3, 2011


Wait - TNR? Am I missing something? I thought this was a conservative/right-wing/"libertarian"(?) rag??? What is going on?

There was a lot of mocking in that review.
posted by thsmchnekllsfascists at 9:16 AM on March 3, 2011


Between the well-coordinated bullshit attacks on unions, women's reproductive rights, and the middle class, I think I need to stop following USA politics and turn off the internet.

Good luck you people, I wish you the best. The malicious insanity you are forced to wallow in is making me a nervous wreck.
posted by Theta States at 9:20 AM on March 3, 2011


The malicious insanity you are forced to wallow in is making me a nervous wreck.

Yeah, I'm seriously considering emigration. I can feel myself becoming a rage-a-holic.
posted by thsmchnekllsfascists at 9:25 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


The senate just passed a resolution finding the Democrats in contempt if they do not appear by 4pm today. Photo of one page of the resolution; it allows the majority leader to ask the sergeant-at-arms to "take any and all necessary steps, with or without force" to compel the senators to attend.
posted by Vibrissa at 9:41 AM on March 3, 2011


(probably not enforceable, though, so whatevs)
posted by Vibrissa at 9:42 AM on March 3, 2011


A resolution passed by all 19 Republicans authorizes that Senate Dems be taken into custody for being in contempt of the Senate. From the text of resolution [PDF]:

"...the majority leader shall immediately issue an order to the sergeant at arms that he take any and all 11 necessary steps, with or without force, and with or without the assistance of law enforcement officers, by warrant or other legal process, as he may deem necessary in order to bring that senator to the senate chambers..."

ah Vibrissa, you beat me this time!
posted by Fin Azvandi at 9:45 AM on March 3, 2011


Actual resolution. (via)
posted by zennie at 9:45 AM on March 3, 2011


How can that ruling allow them to cross state lines?
posted by drezdn at 9:50 AM on March 3, 2011


Also, if they cross state lines to bring back the Lincoln Democrats, than doesn't that open the door to the Federal Government getting involved?
posted by drezdn at 9:54 AM on March 3, 2011


How can that ruling allow them to cross state lines?

I don't think it does (please correct me if I'm wrong). The Wisconsin cops still won't have jurisdiction in Illinois.
posted by Vibrissa at 9:54 AM on March 3, 2011


thsmchnekllsfascists: "The malicious insanity you are forced to wallow in is making me a nervous wreck.

Yeah, I'm seriously considering emigration. I can feel myself becoming a rage-a-holic
"

That's why I had to divorce Facebook, but it's leaking into the rest of my life.
posted by notsnot at 9:55 AM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


I doubt that it does and I bet that since it says specifically, "with or without the assistance of law enforcement officers, by warrant or other legal process..." that the legal process they intend to circumvent would violate state and/or federal law.
posted by VTX at 9:56 AM on March 3, 2011


Looks like Senate Majority leader says they can't cross state lines either. So this does nothing except gives the Rs more power if they cross back into WI?
posted by drezdn at 9:56 AM on March 3, 2011


So it says, essentially... "Be It Resolved that you WI 14 are successfully disrupting our session, so this is going on your permanent record, and we order the Sergeant at Arms to keep digging. But we'll let you talk to us about it when you get back, so don't worry, come on, it's OK."
posted by zennie at 9:58 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


"If a citizen sees a Democrat, they can call the police to report them."

Stay classy, Republicans.
posted by drezdn at 9:58 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


via: @tcita:

Can I report Walker for attacking our state? RT @news3jessica Says if citizen sees a Dem, can call local law enforcement to report #wiunion
posted by thsmchnekllsfascists at 9:58 AM on March 3, 2011




Not really. They already had the authority to enlist the help of the state police to force the return of the senators within state borders.
posted by VTX at 9:59 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


So this does nothing except gives the Rs more power if they cross back into WI?

And it shows everyone that THIS TIME the Senate Republicans REALLY, REALLY mean it, and if they have to pull the car over there's going to be spankings!

If they're gonna be impotent, they might as well look impotent!
posted by mikelieman at 10:00 AM on March 3, 2011 [3 favorites]


I am not a lawyer, but this is my reading:

The resolution claims that absence from an active legislature is contempt of the legislature, which is a crime. Furthermore, it allows for warrants and other legal processes to compel legislators to return.

Since the Republicans claim that the 14 are in contempt of the legislature, could file warrants for interstate extradition and Illinois would be legally compelled to turn them over via the Extradition of fugitives clause of the US Constitution.

However, since protest through intentional absence is as much a protected First Amendment right as active protesting, I doubt the legislation would pass muster. In fact, I'd be surprised if there aren't state and federal judges in Wisconsin and Illinois sitting at their desks waiting for the chance to slap it down.
posted by thebestsophist at 10:05 AM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


One of the Lincoln Democrats is IIRC in the 8th month of pregnancy. Arresting a woman who is in the 8th month of pregnancy so you can grab power and take away rights does not seem like a good idea.
posted by drezdn at 10:06 AM on March 3, 2011


Actually, now that I'm reading it more, I'm sure my reading isn't completely right. I don't think they'd be arrested, they'd be brought into custody. (Not the same thing. No crime.)
posted by thebestsophist at 10:10 AM on March 3, 2011


PolitiFact Wisconsin, with the help of several legal and financial experts, evaluates in detail Gov. Walker's repeated claim that "Wisconsin is broke."

Truth-o-Meter rating: False
posted by Fin Azvandi at 10:11 AM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


Well... even the notorious right leaning Rassmussen now has a poll showing the majority of Wisconsin residents side with the Union in this issue.

56% - 41% support/oppose collective bargaining.

52% - 44% Favor Democrats vs favor Walker

52% - 38% oppose Walker's proposal vs supporting it.

Frankly if Rassmussen has these numbers I wouldn't be shocked if the actual numbers are 3%-5% more in favor of the Dems.
posted by edgeways at 10:14 AM on March 3, 2011 [5 favorites]



Since the Republicans claim that the 14 are in contempt of the legislature, could file warrants for interstate extradition and Illinois would be legally compelled to turn them over via the Extradition of fugitives clause of the US Constitution.


Given that one of the first things Walker did when taking office was to publicly taunt and troll the Illinois governor, I can't imagine that Illinois will bend over backwards to help him out.
posted by greasy_skillet at 10:21 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


edgeways: Frankly if Rassmussen has these numbers I wouldn't be shocked if the actual numbers are 3%-5% more in favor of the Dems.

If you look at their questions (Rassmussen summary), they actually seem pretty well balanced. While questions 1 and 3 frame the survey around Walker, overall the questions are pretty neutral (unlike their poll from last week which was pretty close to shit), maybe Nate Silver's admonishment calmed them down a bit. At least in the 2006 and 2008 elections, they were pretty damn accurate.

greasy_skillet: Given that one of the first things Walker did when taking office was to publicly taunt and troll the Illinois governor, I can't imagine that Illinois will bend over backwards to help him out.

If the legislation is deemed legal, he wouldn't have a choice. However, I imagine the 14 has some pretty good legal council lined up in Chicago and Springfield. If Walker and Fitzgerald try to play that card, people will see how ineffectual they really are.
posted by thebestsophist at 10:32 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Theta States: "Between the well-coordinated bullshit attacks on unions, women's reproductive rights, and the middle class, I think I need to stop following USA politics and turn off the internet.

Good luck you people, I wish you the best. The malicious insanity you are forced to wallow in is making me a nervous wreck.
"

You don't have to live in it.
You don't have to listen to the office manager spew her shit about the 14 dems.
You don't have to storm out in rage.

On my way back from getting lunch, I seriously was thinking "When do I start moving to a non-third world country".


Be very very grateful.
posted by symbioid at 10:34 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Vibrissa: "The senate just passed a resolution finding the Democrats in contempt if they do not appear by 4pm today. Photo of one page of the resolution; it allows the majority leader to ask the sergeant-at-arms to "take any and all necessary steps, with or without force" to compel the senators to attend."

Oh the would love "with force" to mean "justifiable homicide" I'm quite certain that's how these thugs really would love it to go down.
posted by symbioid at 10:35 AM on March 3, 2011


I was in a crowded elevator at work today and I heard just enough of a conversation to know that it was about Walker (but not enough to know whether the person was pro or con). I immediately turned my hearing aids off.
posted by desjardins at 10:36 AM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


Wisconsin ethics board: Dems can use campaign funds to pay for life on lam
[A]t least one of the fleeing Democrats asked the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, the state's key interpreter of campaign and ethics laws, for an opinion on whether Democrats can use campaign funds to pay their expenses in exile. The Board said yes.
(As a side note, Washington Examiner, I will punch you in the face for attaching shit to my copied text.)
posted by thebestsophist at 10:36 AM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


Can any of the mefites in Madison confirm a fighter jet flyover (which has to be coincidence right? I mean, the governor can't have a good reason to tell the National Guard to do that, and there's no way the Fed would) and whether Glenn Grothman has been hanging outside the Capitol with a tea party friend?
posted by drezdn at 10:37 AM on March 3, 2011


thebestsophist: "Since the Republicans claim that the 14 are in contempt of the legislature, "

Republicans also claim that to reduce a budget deficit, you need to reduce income. I take their claims with a giant hunk of salt perched on my shoulders like the mighty Atlas.
posted by symbioid at 10:38 AM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


drezdn- I have not seen any fighter jets outside my window, which has a full view of the Main Street side of the capitol.
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 10:40 AM on March 3, 2011


LOL. So they want to call the cops to bring them back and say "they're not being arrested". They have to say that because one of the rules for "Contempt of the Legislature" says:

"(a) Arresting a member or officer of the house, or procuring such member or officer to be arrested in violation of the member's privilege from arrest. "

So, if they were calling for them to be arrested, then THEY would be in contempt. HAHAHA

*sigh*
posted by symbioid at 10:42 AM on March 3, 2011 [3 favorites]


So, if they were calling for them to be arrested, then THEY would be in contempt.

It's arguable that they are already in contempt of a court order to open the capitol and open meetings laws.
posted by drezdn at 10:44 AM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


How is this new contempt resolution not a bill of attainder?
posted by greasy_skillet at 10:47 AM on March 3, 2011


drezdn - I'm not downtown now and can't say whether or not there was a fighter jet flyby, but it wouldn't surprise me. We've got an air force base right here in town, and they take their birds out for a spin every few days. Doesn't have anything to do with the governor.
posted by echo target at 10:54 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


greasy_skillet, I'm checking with some twitter lawyers.
posted by drezdn at 11:01 AM on March 3, 2011


greasy_skillet, it should be noted that under separation of powers, the legislature has broad constitutional powers to regulate itself. Per Wis. Const. Article IV, §7:
Organization of legislature; quorum; compulsory attendance. Section 7. Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members; and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day, and may compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide.

It's petty, but it's probably constitutional. I don't see how that can translate to extradition in a realistic sense, though.

As for Truax Field, to be sure, it is a National Guard (not USAF since the 1960s) base, but there's not much of a realistic mission for a jet fighter in all this, unless you actually suspect the governor of considering bombing runs.
posted by dhartung at 11:04 AM on March 3, 2011


edgeways: "Frankly if Rassmussen has these numbers I wouldn't be shocked if the actual numbers are 3%-5% more in favor of the Dems."

I'd say it's closer to ten points, easy. Their poll numbers for Obama, for example, diverge so strongly and consistently from the mean that they form a second trendline (the one that starts around 40%).
posted by Rhaomi at 11:14 AM on March 3, 2011


Scott Walker's high school nick name: Desperado. If only he had stayed out riding fences.
posted by drezdn at 11:14 AM on March 3, 2011


thebestsophist: "Wisconsin ethics board: Dems can use campaign funds to pay for life on lam
[A]t least one of the fleeing Democrats asked the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, the state's key interpreter of campaign and ethics laws, for an opinion on whether Democrats can use campaign funds to pay their expenses in exile. The Board said yes.
"

I think one of the key points from that is the following:
In the case of the fleeing Democrats, Kennedy said the Board based its opinion, at least in part, on two news releases from Republican Gov. Scott Walker's office which "characterized the actions of the Democrat senators in Illinois as being related to campaign fundraising and that the state Senate Democratic Committee has raised close to $300,000 in the past two weeks."
So, Walker fucks himself over by calling it "campaigning" which now allows them to consider this campaigning so they can use campaign funds. Schadenfreude, that's what they call this feeling?

(of course - are there rules on when campaigns can be run and funds spent?)
posted by symbioid at 11:16 AM on March 3, 2011


Rhaomi: "edgeways: "Frankly if Rassmussen has these numbers I wouldn't be shocked if the actual numbers are 3%-5% more in favor of the Dems."

I'd say it's closer to ten points, easy. Their poll numbers for Obama, for example, diverge so strongly and consistently from the mean that they form a second trendline (the one that starts around 40%).
"

OH! Now I understand how FOX polling info works. Rasmussen figures to solve a situation you must "reverse the polarities" (sure looks that way from the graph).
posted by symbioid at 11:17 AM on March 3, 2011


If the poll numbers hold, I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see some big Republican leaders attack Walker.
posted by drezdn at 11:19 AM on March 3, 2011


Jesus christ, now someone is planting live ammo on Capitol grounds? Is Breitbart announcing his return to Madison?

analieseeicher: DC Deps found 11 rounds at state street entr. Same time, citizens at King st entr found and gave 29 rounds to leos. 41 total
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 11:22 AM on March 3, 2011


symbioid- the "reversed polarity" in the graphs is just that the two colors of datapoint (black and red) represent datapoints on two essentially opposed phenomena (approval/disapproval). The "second trendline" alluded to is more subtle. There is a clump of red datapoints that are systematically offset from the main red trendline (and another clump of black datapoints systematically offset from the main black trendline). Those offset datapoints are Rasmussen polls.
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 11:23 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Could be... there have been two national polls this last week or so that essentially say the same thing. Nationally ~61% of Americans support collective bargaining.

Outside of something like, "do you oppose drowning babies?" I don't know of any other current "hot button" issue with numbers that high. And that is with the msm apathy (or hostility in the case of Fox).
posted by edgeways at 11:23 AM on March 3, 2011


At the trial to determine capitol access (forget why it's referred to as TCO on twitter) the atty gen is claiming they found .22 rounds. Now I'm no quin, but aren't .22s mainly for squirrel hunting and target shooting?
posted by drezdn at 11:25 AM on March 3, 2011


Jesus christ, now someone is planting live ammo on Capitol grounds? Is Breitbart announcing his return to Madison?

Unfounded speculation - Walker decides to go with the agitation/dirty tricks route after all?
posted by edgeways at 11:27 AM on March 3, 2011


TCO - The capitol occupation?
posted by edgeways at 11:29 AM on March 3, 2011


So now that fascist Walker is putting out some kind of extra-legal decree calling for the Democratic senators' arrest.
posted by saulgoodman at 11:29 AM on March 3, 2011


TCO is Trial Court Opinion
TRO is Temporary Restraining Order
posted by thebestsophist at 11:29 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


From WisPolitics Budget Blog:
Fitzgerald said an Oconto County case brought by a constituent of Sen. Jim Holperin was the impetus for a resolution. The constituent claimed that Holperin's absence leaves the Senate district without representation.

Fitzgerald said though the case was dismissed, the judge said that the Senate had not exhausted all the remedies available to it to compel the Dems to return.

Fitzgerald said if no Dems arrive by 4 p.m., he will ask the governor to order law enforcement to assist in the apprehension of the senators. While Fitzgerald admitted the senators' actions aren't criminal, the state constitution gives the Senate and Assembly the authority to compel members to attend sessions, and the order is "very similar to a warrant."

"It's the same as an arrest. It is an arrest," Fitzgerald said. ... The order to arrest the senators does not cross state lines, but Fitzgerald says he's confident the Dems have been going back and forth from their homes here to Illinois.
posted by zennie at 11:29 AM on March 3, 2011


Sorry missed this upthread.
posted by saulgoodman at 11:30 AM on March 3, 2011


At the TRO hearing, the Atty Gen claims 2 million in costs to clean up. Peggy L. the labor attorney (and former state attorney general) offers to clean it herself.
posted by drezdn at 11:33 AM on March 3, 2011 [3 favorites]



At the trial to determine capitol access (forget why it's referred to as TCO on twitter) the atty gen is claiming they found .22 rounds. Now I'm no quin, but aren't .22s mainly for squirrel hunting and target shooting?


Yes. Hell, I've been shot with a .22. (well, a ricochet. Anyway, it left a small scar after my dad pulled it out with his fishing pliers)

It's a joke. But, its also really great for a troublemaker to go walk around with a hole in his pocket and drop a box without generating attention.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 11:34 AM on March 3, 2011


Now they're claiming 7 mil in tape damage, even though people were using gaffers tape.
posted by drezdn at 11:34 AM on March 3, 2011


What is DC Deps? Department of Capitol Deputies?
posted by desjardins at 11:35 AM on March 3, 2011


Dane County Deputies, I'd assume.
posted by Hlewagast at 11:36 AM on March 3, 2011


Could be Department of Criminal Investigation. They're the ones who guarded the tunnels.
posted by drezdn at 11:37 AM on March 3, 2011


thanks, that makes sense - not enough caffeine today.
posted by desjardins at 11:37 AM on March 3, 2011


Is there a real cite for the tape damage number?
posted by zennie at 11:38 AM on March 3, 2011


I thought Dane County stopped using it's sheriffs a few days ago?
posted by drezdn at 11:38 AM on March 3, 2011


I'm getting the TRO info from here and ACLU Madison
posted by drezdn at 11:39 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


I thought Dane County stopped using it's sheriffs a few days ago?

The capitol has it's own police force (Capitol Police), under the control of the governor. For large events such as this, they have agreements with other local police forces (University, Madison Metro) and County Sheriffs and State Troopers to help provide coverage.

The Dane Country Sheriff has pulled his deputies from that duty - lots of others remain, however, from all over the state.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 11:42 AM on March 3, 2011


The Dane County sheriffs' deputies were not assigned to positions guarding the Capitol doors, but they remain present on the grounds.

Once again the Isthmus live blog is pulling in tweets from several people inside the TRO hearing.
posted by Fin Azvandi at 11:43 AM on March 3, 2011


drezdn: "At the TRO hearing, the Atty Gen claims 2 million in costs to clean up. Peggy L. the labor attorney (and former state attorney general) offers to clean it herself."

How many million will it cost to clean up after Walker?
posted by symbioid at 11:49 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Numbers keep changing. Absurdity remains constant...

ACLU Madison tweets: Asst AG has someone report est marble damage repair: tape removal supervision, $500,000. $6 mil for inside repair. $1 mil for exterior. And: Lautenschlager offers to do the job herself for half price. Laughter. Courtroom humor. Also no evidence offered to show marble damage.
posted by zennie at 11:52 AM on March 3, 2011


ACLUMadison: Gov's staffer up next. Said they had to turn ringers off of phones because they were lit constantly. Complained of noise, shouts, bagpipes.

Translation: La la la we can't hear what the people of Wisconsin are saying.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 11:59 AM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


via @tcita:

*GASP* RT @analieseeicher Says both men and women were using a mens bathroom at one point. #wiunion
posted by thsmchnekllsfascists at 12:01 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Said they had to turn ringers off of phones because they were lit constantly
I'm sorry, but I was on the Hill when Congressman Kucinich pushed through the vote to impeach Bush, the phones were never stopped ringing all day and we answered EVERY. FUCKING. CALL. They can man up.
posted by thebestsophist at 12:05 PM on March 3, 2011 [3 favorites]


@analieseeicher Says both men and women were using a mens bathroom at one point. #wiunion

*Vapors*

*fans self with Victorian era fan*
posted by drezdn at 12:08 PM on March 3, 2011 [3 favorites]


They do seem pretty wussy for government staff. Or maybe I'm too used to DC.
posted by zennie at 12:08 PM on March 3, 2011 [3 favorites]


They do seem pretty wussy for government staff.

They were also intimidated by Dem Reps. Orange T-Shirts. Not making this up.
posted by drezdn at 12:10 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


My representative - He writes letters.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 12:13 PM on March 3, 2011


@analieseeicher
Atty Peg, were you present during tea party rallies? Yes. Did you see firearms? Yes,those are legal. Atty Peg, so is speaking. FTW! #wiunion


She's like a hard drinking McCoy
posted by drezdn at 12:14 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]




Since this has started, I've contacted my democratic rep and Senator several times. I've gotten emails back from both (including one that I'm 99% sure came directly from my Senator) and a typed letter.

My parents contacted their republican rep and Senator and haven't even got a letter back saying why they disagree with my parents (something our Senator did when my wife contacted him about something else last year).

The Democrats aren't perfect, but at least listen and respond.
posted by drezdn at 12:20 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


the phones were never stopped ringing all day and we answered EVERY. FUCKING. CALL.

Every time I have called Sen. Tim Cullen, one of the 14, his office has had an adult woman answering and she has taken down my position, my name, and my voting information. The one time I was able to call my new GOP Assemblyman, a laughing girl answered, laughed, took my general position, and after an indeterminate type of noise, hung up. All other times his mailbox has been full. According to others in the district, he has not returned a single call, even for someone who has called every day and requested a call-back.

I think they all had their ears surgically removed.
posted by dhartung at 12:21 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


dhartung- use email. Our servers are handling the traffic fine.
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 12:22 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


(Btw, email traffic, while well within the capabilities of our Exchange servers, has exploded since this controversy erupted. Typically, spam comprises 95% of the legislature's email traffic. Now it comprises 50%, and not because there's less spam.)
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 12:25 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


From decidedly biased sources, I'm hearing the Anti-walker people vastly outnumber the AFP at most stops so far. In Kenosha, the only people on the bus when it left were the organizers.

I think the Republicans have a serious enthusiasm gap. There are some rabid followers who've earned their badges in 101 Fighting Keyboard Jockeys, posting on websites and harassing people on twitter, but there just doesn't seem to be as much enthusiasm for Walker's position as there is a strong motivated opposition.

Republicans don't lose anything if the bill fails (except political capital), the opposition has a lot to lose.
posted by drezdn at 12:27 PM on March 3, 2011


Wow, I am having grammar issues.

@analieseeicher
Estimates from architect Stevens who just did cap restoration. Gives brief history of cap, 33 types of stone. Tape "could" damage.
Further, he says that tape is an unapproved material (per building code), and has never been used on Capitol surfaces.
posted by thebestsophist at 12:27 PM on March 3, 2011


Jpfed: Wow, those are incredible (and inspiring) email numbers.
posted by OverlappingElvis at 12:28 PM on March 3, 2011


Lord there is a lot of going ons about tape
posted by edgeways at 12:29 PM on March 3, 2011


Testimony continues regarding damage to the Capitol: Finally staffer said that there was damage to toilet tissue in bathroom. Brandname paper "Scott" marked with "Walker" and derogatory words.
posted by dhartung at 12:30 PM on March 3, 2011


Man, if you think that's vandalizing toilet paper, you should see what some people did with it.
posted by echo target at 12:34 PM on March 3, 2011 [8 favorites]




A random Scott Walker thing. He was at my Eagle Scout Court of Honor. I'm thinking of writing a letter to the editor based on the fact that he doesn't live up to elements of the scout oath and motto.
posted by drezdn at 12:37 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


I think the Cap. police rep testifying just obliquely called the protesters crazy.
posted by edgeways at 12:37 PM on March 3, 2011


Goddamnit, I've said it before, but what kind of fucking bizarro world have I entered where I actually agree with the fucking cops (again)?
posted by symbioid at 12:38 PM on March 3, 2011


So, who is this Stevens? No, I don't want to go on a witch hunt, I just am curious how disinterested he is in all this. Does he have a bias? An agenda to gin up the numbers? Seems a bit fishy to me. Half a million just to supervise the "repair"?
posted by symbioid at 12:39 PM on March 3, 2011


I got tired of refreshing four different tabs, so I made a temporary of people tweeting the court proceedings.
posted by thebestsophist at 12:39 PM on March 3, 2011


According to others in the district, he has not returned a single call, even for someone who has called every day and requested a call-back.

From stories I used to reading in the Journal-Sentinel (stopped reading at the end of last year), this is the biggest thing a politician can do to ensure they won't be re-elected.
posted by drezdn at 12:41 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


thebestsophist, your link goes to this page.
posted by futz at 12:42 PM on March 3, 2011


Michelle Mallkin is sending twitter messages to her Teabag followers, encouraging them to start physical altercations with the protesters in Madison with the hope of pushing public opinion against unions.


hmmm who did those shells belong to?
posted by edgeways at 12:43 PM on March 3, 2011


So, who is this Stevens? No, I don't want to go on a witch hunt, I just am curious how disinterested he is in all this. Does he have a bias? An agenda to gin up the numbers? Seems a bit fishy to me. Half a million just to supervise the "repair"?

Stevens is a local (well, pretty big actually) contracting firm that does major construction and oversaw the renovation of the capitol a couple years back.

I had a job interview and an offer from them a few years back.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 12:43 PM on March 3, 2011


drezdn: I love your eagle scout idea!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:43 PM on March 3, 2011


Ugh, I don't know what that keeps happening: http://twitter.com/#!/thebestsophist/wiunion-court-tweets

(I misattributed Further, he says that tape is an unapproved material (per building code), and has never been used on Capitol surfaces. Stevens had stepped down, and it was the DOA Secretary Heubsch.)
posted by thebestsophist at 12:44 PM on March 3, 2011


Michelle Mallkin is sending twitter messages to her Teabag followers, encouraging them to start physical altercations

I'm betting if she'd be willing to do that herself she'd get some takers. Would not be shocked if you charged to be in line the Wis. budget crisis would be over.
posted by rough ashlar at 12:46 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


edgeways, cite? I don't see anything directly calling for that sort of thing on her official Twitter. No respect for her, but I don't think we need to spread rumors about things that can be easily confirmed one way or the other.
posted by dhartung at 12:54 PM on March 3, 2011


dhartung, trying to get it now. Will respond one way or the other.
posted by edgeways at 12:56 PM on March 3, 2011


Chris Christie: "I Love Collective bargaining" .

Rats are stating to desert the ship methinks.
posted by edgeways at 1:00 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


edgeways: "Chris Christie: "I Love Collective bargaining" .

Rats are stating to desert the ship methinks.
"

Oh, what a nice new tactic "Let me at them" play the strong guy. Can't strong-arm the masses, so now you wanna strong-arm the image.
posted by symbioid at 1:03 PM on March 3, 2011


We'll know the worm has turned when Fox News starts using the super Scott Walker (D-Wisconsin).
posted by drezdn at 1:04 PM on March 3, 2011 [7 favorites]


I hate Chris Christie so much. Do the teachers and other unions not pay taxes? I thought they paid taxes so his friends in big business don't have to.
posted by theredpen at 1:06 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Do the teachers and other unions not pay taxes?

They do, but then they go and elect politicians that are favorable to unions who give them those tax dollars back.

Totally unlike businesses who are never represented at all in government and have noone to look after them.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 1:13 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


There is some pretty good testimony currently regarding the Capitol lock out. Fire fighters being denied entry, Rep. Brett Hulsey testifying it is harder to work with the lock down then ever before, even after 9/11.
posted by edgeways at 1:17 PM on March 3, 2011




Walker now saying layoff notices go out Friday if his bill isn't passed.

I'm pretty sure he said that last week, too.
posted by drezdn at 1:20 PM on March 3, 2011


Yeah I thought Monday 2/28 was d-day.
posted by greasy_skillet at 1:21 PM on March 3, 2011


dhartung,: The source for the Malkin bit:
Heard on Stephanie Miller RADIO_ WCPT Chicago 9:25 Thursday am.

"Andrew Brightbart & Michelle Malken r encouraging Tea Partiers 2go2 Madison & get Protesters 2assault them To SWING PUBLIC OPINION against!"

posted by edgeways at 1:23 PM on March 3, 2011


Good luck with that. All of their ultimatums, demands, and all the other things they've done to escalate the situation have gotten them everything they want so far.

He sent out notices that warned those who might be laid off that they might be laid off. Since he sees himself as the next Ronald Regan, he will almost certainly go forward with the layoffs. The backlash will likely be severe.
posted by VTX at 1:23 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


I remember last week he suddenly said he was 'trying to delay' sending out layoff notices. I wonder if he's concerned it might galvanize people against him. The delay almost looked like a sign of weakness to me.
posted by echo target at 1:25 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Well - if he lays people off, I've a feeling that this will kick off the general strike. The fact he waited was nice, because it gave the Unions time to organize a strike even better. These guys are such ass-clowns, they can't even do fascism right.
posted by symbioid at 1:29 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


Oh - any artists in here? Anyone wanna make a picture of an astronaut dragging a caveman into the 21st century? (you know like the caveman dragging their caveladies)
posted by symbioid at 1:30 PM on March 3, 2011


symbioid: talk to hellojed, he takes requests for drawings on his tumblr. He drew one for me.
posted by desjardins at 1:45 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Oh man, somebody thinks they can recall my senator, Fred Risser. Dude's been in office since 1956, probably longer than most of his adversaries have been alive. Last time we reelected him he won with something like 80% of the vote.

What I'm saying is, I can't wait until some sad bastard comes to my door asking me to sign that paper. He's going to get an earful.
posted by echo target at 1:46 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]



What I'm saying is, I can't wait until some sad bastard comes to my door asking me to sign that paper. He's going to get an earful.

I'd like to go on record as saying every republican supporter in the state should give money for his recall. As much as they can - empty out the 401k and the kids piggy banks. Please give all your money to recall Fred Risser.

Also, don't throw me in that Briar patch.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 1:49 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


Does anyone know where I can find today's announcement in the original German?
posted by Skygazer at 2:00 PM on March 3, 2011 [6 favorites]


Echo, he ran unopposed in 2008 and got just over 80% of the vote in 2004.

Of the democrats elected in 2008, it looks like Jim Holperin is the only one that might be in any trouble at all. He only got 51% of the vote in 2008. Kathleen Vinehout who was elected in 2010 is the only dem I see that might be in trouble from that election year.

At least three of the republican senators elected in 2008 would be in danger.
posted by VTX at 2:02 PM on March 3, 2011


MADISON, WI - Scientists at the University of Wisconsin's Synchrotron Radiation Center have announced a new discovery in multiverse study: although there are an infinite number of possible universes, in none of them is it possible to recall State Senator Fred Risser.
posted by echo target at 2:05 PM on March 3, 2011 [4 favorites]


What is the timeline now? They have 60 days from the registration date? And then?

I am curious as to whether one can be elected to the WI state government without being physically present in the state.
posted by zennie at 2:08 PM on March 3, 2011



Should be. They might cry about residency, but... Like Rahm, I doubt that will fly.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 2:10 PM on March 3, 2011


the 14 are as of now "officially" held in contempt.

Sen Maj Ldr Fitzgerald signs order finding 14 Dems in contempt of Senate
posted by edgeways at 2:12 PM on March 3, 2011


the 14 are as of now "officially" held in contempt.

Next repubs will try stomping feet and holding breath.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 2:17 PM on March 3, 2011 [5 favorites]


The delay almost looked like a sign of weakness to me.

The man is inept as could be. He has completely boxed himself in with no room for concessions that won't look like a climbdown.

zennie, I think we are leading inexorably toward a confrontation in which the 14 are brought up for expulsion. At some point this is all going to be in the courts (probably several different ones -- challenges to the bills, for example), and this theater phase will close down. There is no scenario I can imagine in which this plays out for two years. Walker is probably very close to his absolute limit in terms of mandate and political capital; now all he has is levers of power, and he's using those up one by one.

As drezdn (I think) noted above, it's weird that they're playing all out on this, because they had so little to lose.
posted by dhartung at 2:18 PM on March 3, 2011


Walker is starting to give in. More here
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 2:23 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


I think we are leading inexorably toward a confrontation in which the 14 are brought up for expulsion.

What does that mean? And it would take two years for a recall election?
posted by zennie at 2:24 PM on March 3, 2011


I suspect with Walker it is at least partially emotional (revenge for his defeats prior to governorship), partially with an eye on national politics, and perhaps just a big ole misunderstanding on how governing actual works. "Hey I'm Gov now and I can do whatever I want because we have a majority in the Sen/Assembly." Keep in mind too, he never seemed to be the sharpest knife in the drawer, and unlike Bush jr. doesn't have an evil mastermind whispering in his ear.

tl;dr version, he is dumb as a box o rocks.
posted by edgeways at 2:25 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]




It really does seem like Walker is starting to give. Time to stay strong. Hold out for a complete victory. No loss of bargaining rights.
posted by saulgoodman at 2:29 PM on March 3, 2011


It's that collective bargaining that the whole mess was about. The "give" could be a ploy to seem reasonable. "hey I gave up something, now it's your turn"
posted by edgeways at 2:31 PM on March 3, 2011


Complete victory will be the utter crushing of the plutocrats at the top. This is just a minor skirmish.
posted by symbioid at 2:32 PM on March 3, 2011


AWOL Wisconsin Dem Beats The System, Gets His Paycheck Mailed To Him.

See what happens with the unaccountable Union backed government workers - they can't even do the job Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald wanted 'em to do!
posted by rough ashlar at 2:33 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


That's kind of funny. I'm a little surprised that only one Dem did it (or were there others?). Mayby granting key staff power of attorney is more common in the US Congress than in state legislatures.
posted by thebestsophist at 2:35 PM on March 3, 2011


Listening to Peter Werbe from last Sunday, he just said "They can afford to lose a class battle, we can't..." (regarding this being a battle, not the war). His point was - we can't even go on offensive right now even if we wanted - we have to hold ground and have a strong defense.
posted by symbioid at 2:39 PM on March 3, 2011


Final arguments in the Capitol access case currently being argued. Ruling likely today.

Executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association - calls the Senate resolution, Insanely wrong

posted by edgeways at 2:40 PM on March 3, 2011


I'm looking forward to the next WI Senate resolution.

"Be it resolved, Give us our ball back!

Be it further resolved, No fair!"

posted by zennie at 2:40 PM on March 3, 2011 [6 favorites]


Photo of the Order to Detain Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller.
posted by edgeways at 2:47 PM on March 3, 2011




ACLUMadison: Asst AG asks Judge to take into consideration the credibility of witnesses. Suggests that witnesses who were also protesters is disingenuous.


(load of crock)
posted by edgeways at 3:00 PM on March 3, 2011


Ha, the comment on the signing photo "Remember when people had buttons that said "F. Scott Fitzgerald"?" Let's do that again.
posted by symbioid at 3:01 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


edgeways: "ACLUMadison: Asst AG asks Judge to take into consideration the credibility of witnesses. Suggests that witnesses who were also protesters is disingenuous.


(load of crock)
"

They only count as 3/5.
posted by symbioid at 3:02 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


One thing that I think is interesting is that Walker clearly thought there would be some sort of unrest due to the "repair bill" considering that he planned on using the National Guard to replace prison workers.

In planning for unrest though, he doesn't seem to have prepared for the possibility of protests at the Capitol, as his DOA seems thoroughly unprepared and bewildered. Seems like a lack of planning and leadership.
posted by drezdn at 3:04 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


I'm assuming the AG only wants the judge to question the credibility of a certain subset of the witnesses...
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 3:04 PM on March 3, 2011


One thing that I think is interesting is that Walker clearly thought there would be some sort of unrest due to the "repair bill" considering that he planned on using the National Guard to replace prison workers.

Is there any actual evidence of that?
posted by zennie at 3:05 PM on March 3, 2011


zennie: Speaking at a Capitol news conference, the governor also said the National Guard is ready to take control of state prisons if correctional officers illegally strike or obstruct work. -- Journal-Sentinel
posted by dhartung at 3:08 PM on March 3, 2011


I'm assuming the AG only wants the judge to question the credibility of a certain subset of the witnesses...

The asst AG literally was asking the judge to count the testimony of staffers for the Gov office as being more credible than the testimony of the protesters. The staffers testified that they felt intimidated by all manner of things including people wearing orange shirts, the BO smell, women using a men's restroom, the noise, the huge volume of calls to the office, so much so they shut down the switchboard for a time, defaced Scott toilet paper... and lord don't start on the "tape issue".
posted by edgeways at 3:09 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Thanks, dhartung.

You have to wonder what's going on in that man's brain.
posted by zennie at 3:11 PM on March 3, 2011


Republicans are talking about expelling the Lincoln Democrats. To me, that seems like the type of move that would backfire on them horribly.
posted by drezdn at 3:13 PM on March 3, 2011


zennie: Is there any actual evidence of that?

Yup. He actually announced it himself. When he announced it then I though he was intentionally pissing everyone off, now I think he's just a PR idiot. (previously on mefi)
posted by thebestsophist at 3:17 PM on March 3, 2011


Holy fuck, I called it.
posted by dhartung at 3:18 PM on March 3, 2011


So... uh... can we start using the N word now? Because I hate Godwinning, but it is getting a mite close
posted by edgeways at 3:18 PM on March 3, 2011


I'd say the Italian F word would be more appropriate.
posted by drezdn at 3:20 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Republicans are talking about expelling the Lincoln Democrats. To me, that seems like the type of move that would backfire on them horribly.

I'd like to see them try. They are in way over their heads.
posted by zennie at 3:21 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Another protest video, this time set to Johnny Cash instead of indie rock.
WI "Budget Repair Bill" Protest (Feb 20-24?) Pt. 3
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 3:23 PM on March 3, 2011


drezdn : aren't .22s mainly for squirrel hunting and target shooting?

Yeah, .22s are the least powerful of the commonly found types of ammunition, but it's certainly not a joke. Getting shot by one would ruin your day (and most certainly could be fatal if it hit the right spot.) The fact that someone is sprinkling the ground with them is a deplorable scare tactic.

That said, it's also telling that .22 is by and far the cheapest of ammo, so if you were going to try to scare people, it would be the obvious choice for a cost conscious rabble rouser. This suggests to me that it is exactly that; an empty threat designed to provoke.
posted by quin at 3:25 PM on March 3, 2011


the 14 are as of now "officially" held in contempt.

I think the feeling is mutual.

Nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah....


*thumbs nose*
posted by Skygazer at 3:34 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Wow, I need to read faster.

Comment from closing arguments of the trial:
Its been said these are extraordinary times. The constitution doesn't diminish during extraordinary times. State can't overstep.
It looks like the judge is going to rule that the people staying overnight in the Capitol building must go at night, but the building *must* be reopened during the day.

However, I'm not sure about that. In extraordinary times, Constitutionally guaranteed rights should be protected and celebrated even more, not less. It is what separates us from dark of night. When people are protesting like they are now, I feel that sleep-ins are critical in showing others the veracity of one's convictions and must be acknowledged as such.

Ordinarily, it is reasonable to close the Capitol after business hours; but in extraordinary times people have right to express their grievances through peaceful protest and our forums should be available for people to do so.
posted by thebestsophist at 3:35 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


Yeah.. the guess is exactly as you've said thebestsophist.

Walker is suppose to be in front of the cameras at about 6:05. I'd wager in order to respond to the ruling as well as make another heartfelt plea to the WI 14, as well as some not-so veiled threats of what he may be forced to do if they don't let him strip the unions of Collective bargaining.
posted by edgeways at 3:38 PM on March 3, 2011


first part conformed, Judge saying the Rotunda has to be vacated tonight
posted by edgeways at 3:42 PM on March 3, 2011


and...

protests and demonstrations can be held during normal business hours.

posted by edgeways at 3:45 PM on March 3, 2011


It looks like the judge is going to rule that the people staying overnight in the Capitol building must go at night, but the building *must* be reopened during the day.

However, I'm not sure about that. In extraordinary times, Constitutionally guaranteed rights should be protected and celebrated even more, not less. It is what separates us from dark of night. When people are protesting like they are now, I feel that sleep-ins are critical in showing others the veracity of one's convictions and must be acknowledged as such.


Note that this does clarify the terms for possible civil disobedience.
posted by zennie at 3:48 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Photo of ruling. Typing it up now.
posted by thebestsophist at 3:48 PM on March 3, 2011


Republicans are talking about expelling the Lincoln Democrats.

That would literally be Taxation without representation, for two million Wis citizens.
posted by Skygazer at 3:48 PM on March 3, 2011


I love that the ruling is addressed to "Members of the Rotunda Community."
posted by zennie at 3:50 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Members of the Rotunda Community

Today, I have ruled in favor of the Plaintiffs concerning the issues before me on access to the State Capitol of Wisconsin. After three days of testimony, the record establishes that the recent protest was unprecedented of the history of the State of Wisconsin. Thousands of people peacefully protested for two weeks and no injuries or damage to personal or government property occurred.

I credit that to the restraint and discipline of the protesters. I further commend law enforcement supervisors and every individual policeman or policewoman for the discipline and restraint shown during these unusual times.

The Order that I will issue granting the Plaintiff's relief will contain what I consider to be a reasonable restraint on the time, place and manner of future demonstrations and protests. The restraint as follows. Staying after the building is closed, is prohibited. Protests and demonstrations can be held at any time when the Capitol is open during normal business hours and, of course, if either house of the legislature is in session or any public hearing is being held.

I have attached a copy of a Notice requiring that you peaceably vacate the State Capitol after business hours today. My intent is to facilitate the reopening of the Capitol consistent with the free assembly and free speech provisions of the Wisconsin Constitution as well as the parallel provisions of the U.S. Constitution.
posted by thebestsophist at 3:53 PM on March 3, 2011


Protesters enter the Capitol.
posted by drezdn at 3:58 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


This is an apocryphal Scott Walker story, literally from a friend of a friend.

One of the things Walker loved to do was cut transportation funding. A fof got Walker on the phone to complain about this.

Supposedly he said,"Only disabled people and the unemployed ride the bus."

She told Walker about her disabled friend who took the bus to work.

Incredulous, He said "She has a job?"
posted by drezdn at 4:01 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]




The sound quality is kind of bad, however, there is, once again, live stream inside the Capitol building.
posted by thebestsophist at 4:04 PM on March 3, 2011


That was perhaps the best ruling we could realistically hope for. Sounds like he didn't buy into much of the argument the State put forth.

Good deal.
posted by edgeways at 4:05 PM on March 3, 2011


@WISCTV_News3 WISCTV News 3 by WiGovPR
Crews are putting on Riot Gear at Capitol. Police were holding doors shut. Evolving situation. We're following live crews are there.
posted by drezdn at 4:08 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Including the bit about damage to the building with tape.

Thousands of people peacefully protested for two weeks and no injuries or damage to personal or government property occurred.

Did they think they'd be taken seriously? Goodness.
posted by thebestsophist at 4:09 PM on March 3, 2011


There are now palm trees at the Capitol.

I had to go look up one of my favorite quotes. It was from a Serbian anti-government demonstration in 1997. The government had banned marches, so the people drove their cars to the center of town and parked them, jamming every major street, and then made noise with their horns or pots and pans standing on their cars. One of the protesters was interviewed by the Chicago Tribune:

"This is a revolt of sophisticated people against an extremely stupid regime," said Dimitrijevic. "All irony enrages them, because they don't understand a thing about it."

The protests succeeded in ousting Milosevic, by the way.
posted by dhartung at 4:12 PM on March 3, 2011 [8 favorites]


Chanting of "Read the order"!
posted by edgeways at 4:12 PM on March 3, 2011


The judge should have probably said to keep the Capitol open until say 8ish tonight...
posted by drezdn at 4:21 PM on March 3, 2011


dhartung, that quote is amazing.
posted by drezdn at 4:21 PM on March 3, 2011


Margaret3786 tweets: Protesters on phone to legislators, trying to get a hearing going to keep the Capitol open. #wiunion
posted by zennie at 4:23 PM on March 3, 2011




Yay for internets allowing me to watch a live feed of the police/protester stand off in capitol.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 4:28 PM on March 3, 2011


More of a mill about than a stand off, I'd say.
posted by thebestsophist at 4:35 PM on March 3, 2011


Yeah, sorry didn't mean to make that sound sensationalist. Police standing with hands politely folded and protesters sitting on ground.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 4:36 PM on March 3, 2011


A polite midwest standoff!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 4:37 PM on March 3, 2011 [7 favorites]


soon they'll break out the Leinie's and it'll be a party
posted by desjardins at 4:38 PM on March 3, 2011 [4 favorites]


There are 2 groups in the capitol, correct? The protesters in the rotunda (the overnighters) and the ones in the hallway (who rushed in after the ruling)? Or have they consolidated the two into one (shown in the hallway in the video stream)?
posted by desjardins at 4:44 PM on March 3, 2011


3D view of protests.
posted by drezdn at 4:50 PM on March 3, 2011 [4 favorites]


yeah seems to be two groups, it sounds like most of the people who rushed in have already left.

I think it is a matter of getting the correct information to the people involved, and hoping they trust it. I'd say get copies of the written orders showing the Capitol has to open tomorrow to everyone there so they can at least have some documentation of the order rather than verbal assurances.

Some local tv news sources where all "omg riots, storming the Capitol, riot gear" when this first happened, seems they have calmed down a bit now.
posted by edgeways at 4:51 PM on March 3, 2011


One of the rotunda protesters just tweeted that he's going to go talk with Chief Tubbs about the order. I think a lot of people are going to have a really hard time believing they'll be let back in the building (for real) tomorrow if they leave tonight. After all, that was the claim Sunday night, too...
posted by lriG rorriM at 4:51 PM on March 3, 2011


I hope everyone can keep their cool, no matter what they decide to do.
posted by desjardins at 4:53 PM on March 3, 2011


assemblywoman speaking right now to crowd was pretty awesome and inspiring
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 4:54 PM on March 3, 2011


Leinies? New Glarus Spotted Cow!
posted by symbioid at 4:55 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


Yeah... hummm I don't know what this implies but

"Date of ruling compliance by Mon. March 8th. Judge wants to see capitol open like it was on 01/28/11"


Isn't that like 5 days from now?
posted by edgeways at 4:55 PM on March 3, 2011


I get the impression that there's a new legal argument going on.
posted by drezdn at 4:55 PM on March 3, 2011


Janet Bewley just talked to protesters in hallway, told them she would support them whether they chose to go or stay.
posted by desjardins at 4:55 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Wait... I guess I should've said it like

"Leinies!? Fuck that shit. New Glarus Spotted Cow!"
posted by symbioid at 4:56 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


Sigh, New Glarus. Why won't they sell outside of the state? What about my needs?
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 4:57 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


ACLUMadison:
Some talk about the form of the agreement. Trying to get a stop-gap order for tonight

I'm really hopeful for that one. And yes, March 8th?!? That seems like bending over backwards for the state, there.
posted by lriG rorriM at 4:58 PM on March 3, 2011


I'll lay a bet that 20-50 people let themselves be arrested, peacefully, tonight.
posted by edgeways at 4:59 PM on March 3, 2011


Gah, ustream is gone...does anyone know of other live feeds?
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 5:35 PM on March 3, 2011


Ex-DNR head says "show of force is excessive"
posted by symbioid at 5:36 PM on March 3, 2011


The ustream was great.

Video feed gone now, but still sound of the protesters chanting We Want Justice.

So, I'm not sure what the upshot is. When will the building be completely re-opened or Walker found in contempt of the court order?
posted by Skygazer at 5:44 PM on March 3, 2011




I found this cnn feed someone linked to on the daily page.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 5:52 PM on March 3, 2011 [1 favorite]


No matter what happens at this point, the biggest thing I hope this accomplishes is preventing Scott Walker (and ideally Mitch Daniels, Cristie, and Kasisch) from achieving anything on the national level. He's been revealed for the strict authoritarian that he is, now lets prevent him from ever gaining anymore power.
posted by drezdn at 5:53 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


Oy vey, live feed on cnn is cut, but hey I can watch the live feed of a car chase here in LA still! Way to go news!
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 6:07 PM on March 3, 2011


I really think the best thing the protesters can do is completely comply with the order. If they want them out right now, fine, get out. If the order doesn't take affect until the 8th, fine they can do whatever they want until then. Then, when it comes time for the order to take affect and still try keeping it closed, the protesters have even more leverage, Walker looks like more of a jerk, and he loses what little political capital/credibility he has left.
posted by VTX at 6:48 PM on March 3, 2011


Whoa, just got home. The march and rally was maybe my favorite yet. Amazing energy at this date, and incredible restraint. At one point, about 10000 of us could look right into the light streaming out a single pair of open double doors, and the crowd sort of surged, and then a firefighter just got on a bullhorn and said "this is what the deal is."
posted by Mngo at 7:00 PM on March 3, 2011 [5 favorites]


at one point over the last week sometime, i thought i saw the old 'solidarnosc' Polish labor logo re-done for WI...
i had a hell of a time trying to google it, so i decided to just make one...
feel free to share :)
posted by g.i.r. at 7:18 PM on March 3, 2011 [2 favorites]


g.i.r.: It's in the video of Protesters Singing
posted by Sportbilly at 8:36 PM on March 3, 2011


OK, lots of news--I guess about 100 folks rushed that door, but almost all are now out peacefully.
[I've posted a new suggestion for tomorrow to the meetup page if you're local.]
g.i.r., I would buy that T-Shirt.
posted by Mngo at 8:38 PM on March 3, 2011


I would buy that T-Shirt.
i know, me too! i thought about bumper stickers too...proceeds could go to some worthy charity...anybody got a connection ?
posted by g.i.r. at 8:41 PM on March 3, 2011


Sounds like the final upshot of tonight is that all the protesters left the building peacefully. The Senate canceled sessions tomorrow so the Capitol will not be open. Monday the capitol will be open, there might be some limitations (likely as many as Walker et al fell they can get away with) on where protesters can go within the building.

Stories about waning protest attendance may have been premature, especially in light of everything that happened today. here's hoping.

Stay strong Wisconsin
posted by edgeways at 8:59 PM on March 3, 2011


So I guess a Dem rep was tackled trying to enter the Capitol earlier today. It's hard to tell from the video how it started. At least that won't happen anymore with the restrictions lifted (hopefully).
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:21 AM on March 4, 2011 [2 favorites]


Mngo, g.i.r, I could whip up a hi-res vector version of the Solidarity/Solidarnosc logo if you're interested. I haven't got any special connections for printing, though. Might have to go through CafePress or something similar for one-off shirts & stickers.
posted by echo target at 5:08 AM on March 4, 2011




I NEED A RIDE FROM MILWAUKEE TO MADISON TOMORROW. I WILL PAY FOR GAS + PARKING.

I live in Bay View but I can meet you at a park & ride (State Fair, Goerkes Corners, whatever). I have a car, I'm just terrified of driving in a crowd in a city I don't know well. I'm a non-smoker but I don't really care if you do as long it's not constant chain smoking.

memail me here, or contact me on twitter @desjardins or mmedesjardins /at/ gmail \dot\ com

Alternatively, if anyone knows of buses from MKE that are open to the public (I'm not a student or union member), please let me know.

(crossposted from Madison meetup thread)
posted by desjardins at 6:24 AM on March 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


I'm just terrified of driving in a crowd in a city I don't know well

Good plan- Madison is full of one-way streets (especially closer to the capitol) that are not very visitor-friendly.

Badger Bus should be open to the public and operating tomorrow, $19 there and $19 back. If you don't want to buy tickets online, you can show up at any of their stops with cash and pay the driver, who will be unnecessarily anal about exact change but will let you pay with a $20 anyway.
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 6:34 AM on March 4, 2011 [2 favorites]


If you don't want to buy tickets online, you can show up at any of their stops with cash and pay the driver, who will be unnecessarily anal about exact change but will let you pay with a $20 anyway.

Someone is speaking from experience.

If there are union buses from Milwaukee (I'll check in a bit), I don't think they'd mind if you came along.
posted by drezdn at 7:02 AM on March 4, 2011


I just checked the WEAC site and they don't have any buses planned in Madison, and I can't find anything on the Milwaukee Union site (MTEA) about buses to Madison tomorrow.
posted by drezdn at 7:06 AM on March 4, 2011


Sconny Nation's own Tank Riot has a whole podcast devoted to the Cheddar Revolution. I haven't listened to it yet, but I love their podcast in general.
posted by drezdn at 7:07 AM on March 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


drezdn: "Sconny Nation's own Tank Riot has a whole podcast devoted to the Cheddar Revolution. I haven't listened to it yet, but I love their podcast in general."

They're where I first heard that term! I haven't listened in a while, but I love their usual format. Everytime I listen, I feel like I'm in a room hanging with the guys. :)
posted by symbioid at 7:13 AM on March 4, 2011


From the Badger Bus site:

Route # 04
Mitchell Airport 9:30 AM
UW Milwaukee Union 9:31 AM

Is it a flying bus?
posted by desjardins at 8:02 AM on March 4, 2011


desjardins- no, it employs more recent "almost always late unless you're counting on that, in which case it will be on time" technology
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 8:40 AM on March 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


Firefighters forbidden entry to Capital on an emergency call. Luckily, no one was actually injured.
posted by dirigibleman at 9:07 AM on March 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


The tackled Assemblyman was Nick Milroy.

His FB page is here if anyone is interested
posted by edgeways at 9:14 AM on March 4, 2011


The asst AG literally was asking the judge to count the testimony of staffers for the Gov office as being more credible than the testimony of the protesters.

I wonder if Grand Master JB Van Hollen would take the word of a Brother on the same level, be they staffers or protester?
posted by rough ashlar at 9:20 AM on March 4, 2011 [4 favorites]


Desjardins - you could drive in and park for free anywhere east of Blair Street on the Isthmus. The streets make sense up to that point and it's easy to navigate.

Basically, roll in on 94, stay on it when it turns into Highway 30, and get on East Wash headed towards the capitol. As you ride by East High, wave - thats my hood. Cross the river and youre on the Isthmus. Park anywhere not prohibited by signage. Busses run on East wash every few minutes headed straight to the square.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 9:40 AM on March 4, 2011


I live in downtown Madison, and from my standpoint the driving and traffic isn't that bad at all. (desjardins, I MeMailed you this and other info.)

Everything is SO tightly controlled to the Square itself; last Saturday there were a lot of people walking around but the traffic kept moving fairly decently. I'm used to the traffic for Concerts on the Square (summer concerts on the Capitol lawn, with 30,000 people coming down every Wednesday night), and I'd swear that the traffic for this is somehow running much better than those times. I'd call it rush hour level -- Madison rush hour, not Chicago.

And people are very, very nice about crossing the streets. Seriously, we're always nice, but this is just surreal.

So yes, I'd always recommend taking mass transit or whatever, but if people choose to drive (preferably carpooling!), you're not setting yourself up for a terrifying experience.
posted by Madamina at 9:41 AM on March 4, 2011


ALSO! Anyone thinking of coming in on Sunday, please note that most parking meters are free that day.
posted by Madamina at 9:42 AM on March 4, 2011


Anyone thinking of coming in on Sunday, please note that most parking meters are free that day.

Cool Hand Luke will be there.
posted by dirigibleman at 9:46 AM on March 4, 2011


If anyone makes the Solidarity sticker, I'll buy it.
posted by drezdn at 10:22 AM on March 4, 2011




According to Rep Roys, not only will the WI Historical Society be saving protest signs in Rotundaville(Capitol City), the Smithsonian will be involved too.
posted by drezdn at 11:05 AM on March 4, 2011


noon rally tomorrow
also an afl-cio rally w/ speakers at 2 pm - some people from the local in my hometown will be there
posted by g.i.r. at 11:06 AM on March 4, 2011


Sign on Glenn Grothman's car.
posted by drezdn at 12:24 PM on March 4, 2011 [2 favorites]


And the other side of the car.

Apparently the back seat is full of stuff.
posted by zennie at 12:28 PM on March 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


Two things about the Grossman car/signs...

1) Who gets Tax Cutr as their license. Apparently "Reagan" or "Douche" were taken.

2) Those pages look printed out. That is some awesome sauce.
posted by drezdn at 12:32 PM on March 4, 2011 [2 favorites]


He'll probably be out of a job and be voting democrat in five years.
posted by VTX at 12:32 PM on March 4, 2011 [9 favorites]


That fucker drives like an idiot, too. The best thing about personalized plates is they allow you to keep track of the morons.

About 2 months ago he cut me off, only to then run a redlight and make an illegal left turn from the right lane, nearly hitting a bunch of college kids.

Next time dude, just go around the block.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 12:37 PM on March 4, 2011 [5 favorites]


Nick Milroy's statement concerning last nights fracas
posted by edgeways at 12:38 PM on March 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


Constitutional advice sought from GOP-connected attorney handed (no-bid?) contract to redistrict state legislative districts. The attorney, a pal of Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, has opened his own Middleton law office with his daughter following a high-profile case involving the state veterans board under the previous Democratic governor. (In one of the first indications of the heavy-handed GOP approach, they barred Democrats from retaining lawyers to protect their own interests in the redistricting.)
posted by dhartung at 1:07 PM on March 4, 2011 [3 favorites]


barred Democrats from retaining lawyers

WTF. How is that even legal or even under their jurisdiction or anyone's jurisdiction? The mind boggles.
posted by Skygazer at 1:32 PM on March 4, 2011




So I haven't been following things quite as obsessively today as most of the last couple weeks, but the stories I've seen have been about the ridiculous tape damage estimate and how the state is backing off from its seven million dollar figure, and a few stories about Republican support wavering. The Isthmus and the Wisconsin AP are suing the DOA for access to Walker's thousands of "mostly supportive" emails.

Am I jinxing everything if I say I'm starting to feel just a tiny shred of optimism?
posted by Vibrissa at 2:24 PM on March 4, 2011


David Koch Claims He Doesn’t ‘Directly’ Support Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker

According to Smith, Koch was both “amused and bemused” by the prank, but said he has “no relationship with the governor and didn’t directly support him.” But through political action committees and right-wing front groups, Koch has actually provided much of the muscle for Walker’s election and his current anti-labor power grab:

– Koch Industry’s PAC provided $43,000 in funds to Walker’s gubernatorial campaign, and funneled $1.5 million to the Republican Governor’s Association, which in turn spent $65,000 supporting Walker and $3.4 million in ads attacking Walker’s Democratic opponent.

– David Koch is the founder, financier, and chairman of Americans for Prosperity, a right-wing “grassroots” front group. Americans for Prosperity, according to the New York Times, pressured Walker before he was even sworn in to take on public sector unions. Americans for Prosperity bused in Tea Party activists to support Walker’s current power grab, organized a major rally to support Walker, and has purchased $342,200 in ads supporting Walker and attacking his liberal critics. Earlier this week, Americans for Prosperity announced a ten city bus tour of Wisconsin to hold rallies to bolster Walker. Neither Koch nor Americans for Prosperity has revealed how much they are spending on this bus tour or rallies.

– Koch’s other front groups have marshaled support for Walker. The American Legislative Exchange Council, a group financed with nearly $500,000 in Koch money and lead in part by a Koch executive, has pushed anti-public sector union legislation to Walker and the Wisconsin GOP. A wide range of Koch-tied groups, like the Reason Foundation and the Cato Institute, have also sung Walker’s praise in the media.

posted by madamjujujive at 2:56 PM on March 4, 2011 [2 favorites]


The American's for Prosperity I Stand with Walker Flickr sets - yikes, there's got to be like about 100 supporters at some of these locations.
posted by madamjujujive at 3:06 PM on March 4, 2011


The American's for Prosperity I Stand with Walker Flickr sets - yikes, there's got to be like about 100 supporters at some of these locations.
posted by madamjujujive at 7:06 AM on March 5 [+] [!]

Well, a hundred is probably all they can afford until they can get that sweet power plant money.
posted by gc at 3:10 PM on March 4, 2011 [3 favorites]


Milroy's tackle made it on the news as far away as The Daily Mail in the UK, as well as CNN, MSNBC, AOL
posted by edgeways at 3:43 PM on March 4, 2011 [1 favorite]


They'll start gathering signatures for the recall of eight of the Republican senators this weekend - more info on where here. The website is also collecting donations (has received almost half their goal already, I see) and asking for volunteers.
posted by flex at 7:04 PM on March 4, 2011




Was an article online from Forbes about how badly Walker has screwed up. Man.. if Forbes and Rassmussen is pessimistic against yer conservative ass you are toast.... no wait what is that state when toast is so charred it isn't toast anymore? You are burnt flaky carbon. If they can hold out for the win the WI 14 home-coming wil be monstrous.
posted by edgeways at 7:50 PM on March 4, 2011 [2 favorites]


If they can hold out for the win the WI 14 home-coming wil be monstrous.

It will make all the Super Bowl celebrations look like a kid's birthday party.
posted by desjardins at 8:56 PM on March 4, 2011


Shame.
posted by drezdn at 4:27 AM on March 5, 2011


To be sure, edgeways, I'm not sure that Rick Ungar can be said to be the editorial voice of Forbes, though it is interesting (they have a new editor and more of an open online webzine approach now) that they run his column. Gov. Scott Walker Has Lost The War does allow for him to win the present battle in a way, but he's ginned up a major recall effort that's well on its way to gathering signatures the first day it's legal to do so.
posted by dhartung at 6:38 AM on March 5, 2011


Charlie Chaplin's speech from "The Great Dictator"

Text of the Speech
Greed has poisoned men's souls - has barricaded the world with hate; has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed.

We have developed speed but we have shut ourselves in: machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical, our cleverness hard and unkind. We think too much and feel too little: More than machinery we need humanity; More than cleverness we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost...
You the people have the power, the power to create machines, the power to create happiness. You the people have the power to make life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then in the name of democracy let's use that power - let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work, that will give you the future and old age and security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power, but they lie. They do not fulfil their promise, they never will. Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people. Now let us fight to fulfil that promise. Let us fight to free the world, to do away with national barriers, do away with greed, with hate and intolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men's happiness.
posted by drezdn at 8:39 AM on March 5, 2011 [2 favorites]


Oh shits gonna get real!

The farmers are coming, hurrah hurrah! (facebook link)

Next week, farmers from across the dairyland will bring tractors and solidarity to the WI capitol to fight for labor rights and a just state budget. Rural communities will be disproportionately hurt by the cuts to education and badgercare, and farmers in Wisconsin stand with state workers, and all working and middle class families in the state. The event is sponsored by Family Farm Defenders, Wisconsin Farmers Union and Land Stewardship project. All farmers and eaters welcome and encouraged to come!

José Bové anyone?
posted by symbioid at 10:19 AM on March 5, 2011 [4 favorites]


That sounds right nice!
posted by cashman at 10:33 AM on March 5, 2011 [1 favorite]



A tale of two franchises
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:43 AM on March 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


I might make the haul down to Madison next Saturday for the Tractorcade, if I can find a dedicated Bus going down from Superior, and coming back.
posted by edgeways at 2:25 PM on March 5, 2011


So the Tea bagger protesters have their major fits during the warm and comfy summer, and the Union, teachers, etc have shown up in force in the middle of the cold season... Man, Walker should thank his stars this is happening now. If these protest where happening when it was warm you could add another 1/4 - 1/3 to the numbers.
posted by edgeways at 2:34 PM on March 5, 2011




What's this crap about moving union-busting to the regular budget bill? Are the Dems really going to give in, just when it looks like we're gaining ground?
posted by echo target at 3:38 PM on March 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


Cheddar Revolution song
posted by drezdn at 4:26 PM on March 5, 2011


Greeting Walker in Columbus.

Also, Joe the "Plumber" is in Wisconsin, he spoke to 100 people, while a thousand people protested outside.
posted by drezdn at 4:59 PM on March 5, 2011


Drezdn: Charlie Chaplin's speech from "The Great Dictator"

Chaplin is such a huge hero to me. So brilliant and ahead of his time. The wonderful Limelight also shows him at his most compassionate and wise.

Speaking of wise inspiring people whose words ring true even still:
Bill Hicks - Life is just a ride...

The World is like a ride in an amusement park, and when you choose to go on it you think it's real, because that's how powerful our minds are. And the ride goes up and down and round and round, and it has thrills and chills and is very brightly colored, and it's very loud. And it's fun, for a while.

Some people have been on the ride for a long time, and they've begun to question, 'Is this real, or is this just a ride?', and other people have remembered, and they've come back to us and they say 'Hey, don't worry. Don't be afraid, ever, because this is just a ride.' and we KILL THOSE PEOPLE.

"Shut him up! We have alot invested in this ride! SHUT HIM UP! Look at my furrows of worry. Look at my big bank account, and my family. This has to be real."

It's just a ride.

But we always kill those good guys who try and tell us that. You ever noticed that? And let the demons run amok. But it doesn't matter, because ... It's just a ride.

And we can change it anytime we want. It's only a choice. No effort, no work, no job, no savings of money. A choice, right now, between fear and love. The eyes of fear wants you to put bigger locks on your door, buy guns, close yourself off. The eyes of love, instead see all of us as one.

Here's what we can do to change the world right now, to a better ride:

Take all that money we spent on weapons and defense each year and instead spend it feeding, clothing, and educating the poor of the world, which it would many times over, not one human being excluded, and WE CAN EXPLORE SPACE, TOGETHER, BOTH INNER AND OUTER, forever ... in peace.

-- Bill Hicks (1961 - 1994
)

Oh and this is a Bill Hicks piece, just for fun, I discovered online recently called I've Tossed Universes... that is so irreverently whacked out funny it's had me almost peeing myself with laughter a few times....
posted by Skygazer at 5:21 PM on March 5, 2011 [2 favorites]


I miss bill hicks so much. I know that by now he probably wouldn't be as insightful, but damn he just was outside of the common experience in a couple of ways.
posted by cashman at 5:47 PM on March 5, 2011


Heh.
posted by Vibrissa at 5:48 PM on March 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


I think he'd be even more insightful and more deadly funny than ever. He'd only be 49 and he was nowhere near his peak for a writer or performer. George Carlin was brilliant insightful and even, masterful, all the way through his 70s.

Christ, he'd have a field day with Palin...(Perhaps something similar to when he compared Debbie Gibson to err...Jimi Hendrix...). Oh the things Bill HIcks would have to say about the current state of this nation, I almost feel like I need to write them for myself just because that level of comedy gold it's wrong not to still have Bill Hicks on this earth turning it into some perfect bit of killer insanity and hilarity...
posted by Skygazer at 5:54 PM on March 5, 2011


echo target: "What's this crap about moving union-busting to the regular budget bill? Are the Dems really going to give in, just when it looks like we're gaining ground"

Fuck no.

Erpenbach is my senator. I will clearly and plainly state my opposition to this bullshit to him.
posted by symbioid at 5:55 PM on March 5, 2011


Vibrissa: Heh.


Well played...very well played...ha ha ha...
posted by Skygazer at 5:56 PM on March 5, 2011


Also, Joe the "Plumber" is in Wisconsin, he spoke to 100 people, while a thousand people protested outside.

Yeah... I watched a little of his speech on The UpTake* a few hours back. Ole Joe literally said "That's not what Democracy looks like" in reference to the protesters, granted it was pretty ham fisted "They can gather, they have the right to gather... but that's not what Democracy looks like".


*a pretty great MN outfit that has been in WI the past week or so doing live web broadcasts. They are the ones that streamed every bit of the Franken/Coleman recount/saga
posted by edgeways at 6:07 PM on March 5, 2011


Erpenbach is my senator. I will clearly and plainly state my opposition to this bullshit to him.

The only reasonable reasons I can think of for doing this is if they think that by adding it to the big budget bill (which is already a pretty big ball of fail) it will be enough to get some Republican Senators to vote against it, or they think if they move it to the budget bill, they can amend it and de-fang it.

I really hope they don't give in though. Walker has no leverage.
posted by drezdn at 6:47 PM on March 5, 2011


FDL FTW
This seems like a softening of the Democratic position. Erpenbach even concedes in this article that the collective bargaining restrictions would have more of a chance to get passed in the two-year budget. However, there’s a wild-card there, and that’s the recall elections which could change the makeup of the State Senate. If Democrats were to gain control through winning a series of recall elections, suddenly Scott Walker would have no opportunity to ram through this collective bargaining plan. And those elections could happen by the summer, around the same time that the two-year budget would be up for a vote.
It seems like they are playing a fake here. They can still leave again to stall the budget, so by moving the CB to the budget they can come back and pretend things are normal for a while until the recalls are complete.

Walker would have to be a moron to go for it, though - there is no win for him in it.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 7:01 PM on March 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


Yeah, to be frank, Walker still has a few -- very few -- cards to play, but they are solid cards. The Democrats really have few other cards to play. Recall elections are more like wild cards -- until they happen, and the seat switches parties -- no guarantee they would as these are seats the GOP held before the Walker/anti-incumbent sweep of 2010 -- they're only a vague threat against individual members. I completely respect what they've done, but the 14 are playing a weak hand as best they can.

Realistically, I can't see them holding out for the entire legislative session, particularly because there is already talk of expulsion which is as effective as a recall (though much more politically and legally dicey for the GOP). Thus I expect them to have to return for some set of conciliatory changes to the repair bill. It's of no consequence to "agree" that anything taken from that bill show up in another given bill, because of legislative supercession (I think that's the term). They can supercede any action taken by any previous legislature including themselves, barring changes to the constitution. So taking it out of Bill A means it can show up at any time in Bills B through Z.

The trick here is to make whatever the political consequences of doing that obvious and severe enough that Walker and the Fitzgeralds don't want to, collectively, go through with it. But they've shown themselves to be soulless jackhardasses, so I'm not sure how to really reach them. I think this is going to be a battle where much is ultimately lost, simply because it was such an effective lightning strike on so many fronts at once. Few people really have any idea what's in the bill. Now there's a second bill out there to confuse things further.

I know where I'd bet, were I a betting man. The objective has to be longer-term, recalling whom we can, possibly up to and including the governor, and working to rebuild brick by shattered brick what has been wrecked.
posted by dhartung at 9:09 PM on March 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


The trick here is to make whatever the political consequences of doing that obvious and severe enough that Walker and the Fitzgeralds don't want to

Figure out ways of getting in front of Grand juries (70 or so in the state) and ask them to true bill for illegal activites.

Go after Walker and associates.
posted by rough ashlar at 10:02 PM on March 5, 2011 [2 favorites]


That, and also wait them out. Authoritarians by nature have to do dumb things that makes them look tough and in control, as they did this week with Fitzy and the Denate R's voting the Lincoln 14 in contempt. Absolutely useless empty blowhard gesture.

The Wis 14 have done more for the Dem party than anyone has in a while, and much as Walker, and the Fitzgerald's might depise and loath them, I imagine there might be some new found respect as well. They've been out smarted at every step, and it's about time Dems began to show the brains they're supposed to have...

Anyhow, I say let the blowhards keep threatening and huffing and puffing their poll numbers are taking a huge hit that keeps getting worse, the recalls are well underway for the Repub 8 who're vulnerable, and there's over a million people in a pre-populated database for Walker's recall when the time comes in a year.

At a certain point, and I think it's close, someone on the national stage with the power to do so is going to order these bozos to stand down with this because it's beginning to impact the GOP agenda or the spotlight on the GOP Prez hopefuls already revving their engines.

Even Fox is taking a huge hit on this. From now on and forever anything FOX covers should be met with an inflatable palm tree. Also, I don't know if it's just me but one look on Fox nation, and much like Walker and the Fitzgerald's, I feel like their narrative isn't even attempting anything subtle anymore, it's like they've completely jumped the shark on everything and I feel like I'm looking at headlines for the Weekly World News and any day now they're going to go to the Bat Boy story.

[Anyhow, I have this great flash mob idea for the inflatable trees. Every Fox building in the country should have one put right outside the entrance and the ensuing hilarity video-taped and uploaded to You Tube. ]
posted by Skygazer at 11:01 PM on March 5, 2011 [1 favorite]


and there's over a million people in a pre-populated database for Walker's recall when the time comes in a year.

That's cool, I knew there was an outfit working on this, could you give me a link so I can pass it along?

(a million people already whew... the 2010 WI gov election had 2.1 million voters according to Wikipedia, so that is about 50% of the likely electorate on paper wanting a recall already)
posted by edgeways at 11:12 PM on March 5, 2011


I wonder how many of that million are wanting to recall Walker because he didn't want Federal money for high speed rural broadband? (23 million he said no to)
posted by rough ashlar at 11:31 PM on March 5, 2011


Okay, here's the precise information:

A new poll shows that an estimate 1.1 million Wisconsin voters are willing to sign his recall petition...

But only about a 100K (94,283) are actually in the database at this time...(my mistake, I can't say what the difference is between about a 100,000 people signing up to recall Walker already, but if the survey says 1.1 million will also sign on it would seem not so difficult a number to reach by November, when the 60 day recall period begins...and from what I understand only about 500k, or 25% of the electorate are required...)

A simple search finds many of the left blogs reporting that number from the survey.

Here's the actual survey itself with the numbers required for Walker and the Republican's in the senate.
posted by Skygazer at 12:16 AM on March 6, 2011


That's cool Skygazer, I just wanted to be precise when passing it along, it's been 3 weeks since this fiasco began, I'd say having 100k committed already in that time frame is a damn good start.
posted by edgeways at 12:27 AM on March 6, 2011


Michael Moore's speech outside in Madison, WI yesterday as reported by TPM (youtube video at the bottom)

Also yesterday's crowd estimates reported by WKOW:
"Madison police say between 40,000 and 50,000 people demonstrated at the Capitol Saturday, nearly all opposed to the Governor's controversial budget repair bill.

According to the Department of Administration and state Capitol police, crowds reached about 12,000 at their peak.

The reason for the large discrepancy in crowd estimate between the two organizations was not immediately clear. Madison police estimates have been larger than the DOA's on the previous two Saturdays.

...Nearly four thousand protesters were inside the Capitol Saturday by mid-afternoon, in protest of Gov. Walker's budget repair bill."

posted by flex at 6:54 AM on March 6, 2011


text of moore's speech, as originally prepared (video link also). he adds some nice color in the delivery, though, and the crowd responds nicely, so the video is worth watching.
posted by g.i.r. at 7:04 AM on March 6, 2011


Transcript of Moore's speech.
posted by flex at 7:04 AM on March 6, 2011 [1 favorite]


I had a great time in Madison yesterday - boy, people aren't kidding when they call it a polite protest. Everyone was super nice. The police were either kind of bored, or they were smiling and laughing. One apologized for making me empty my pockets (on the way in to the Capitol). The chief of the Capitol Police thanked us on our way out when the Capitol closed.

Michael Moore was extremely inspiring and I'm really glad I happened to be there on that day.

Here's my advice if you go - bring one more layer of clothing than you think you will need. Fortunately, the first aid station had extra socks.

My flickr set
My YouTube videos (I make no claims as to quality; I was shivering)
posted by desjardins at 8:32 AM on March 6, 2011 [6 favorites]


flex: "The reason for the large discrepancy in crowd estimate between the two organizations was not immediately clear."

Ah! Good ol' "unbiased" news reporting.
posted by symbioid at 9:10 AM on March 6, 2011


I would say that 12,000 is too low, but it was a significantly smaller crowd this weekend. Nevertheless I had to park nearly a mile away from the square, and my knee (with an old sledding injury) is reminding me of it today. There were more organized union groupings with pre-printed signs (as a percentage of the crowd, at least) which has positives and negatives. I had really enjoyed the very univeral nature of the protesters the week before and all the individualized signs, which made it very clear this was a huge, grassroots movement, the kind of thing that elected officials need to take care with. On the other hand there are more things being brought up now, like the BadgerCare issue.

My overall sense, though, is that the mass protest phase is, if not complete, on its way toward diminished relevance. The point has been made. The first court victory has been won. The future arenas are going to be legislative and judicial (and an ultimate source of pessimism here is the conservative majority on the Supreme Court). I wish I could say that we've made Walker blink, but in its own way the fake Koch call was just as damaging as if he had. Now any moves made will be seen in that cynical light.
posted by dhartung at 10:13 AM on March 6, 2011 [1 favorite]


I made a hi-res vector version of the solidarnosc logo for y'all. Anyone who wants the file to print their own anything, memail me.
posted by echo target at 3:39 PM on March 6, 2011


an ultimate source of pessimism here is the conservative majority on the Supreme Court

For the next month, at any rate. JoAnne Kloppenburg will attempt to unseat Justice Prosser and swing the court majority to the Democrats on April 5. (Oops, something about the vast sums of money poured by GOP funders into Michael Gableman's successful SC campaign made me momentarily forget that our Court is "non-partisan.")
posted by escabeche at 3:42 PM on March 6, 2011 [1 favorite]




OK so I just talked to my mother and stepdad, who live in Senate District (Leah Vukmir - R ) and they have not called her. They are firmly opposed to the bill but I think they just don't know what to say. Is there a concise script out there or a list of talking points they can use when calling her? I'm going to bug them every day until they do.
posted by desjardins at 5:30 PM on March 6, 2011


...who live in Senate District 5...
posted by desjardins at 5:30 PM on March 6, 2011


It is very unlikely they are going to get someone, instead it will go trough to voice-mail. Either way just state who you are, that you live in X's district and that you are strongly against the budget bill and would like the Senator to vote no on it.

That's all they have to do if they are timid, or a bit shy about it. If they are feeling a bit more confrontational throw in they will sign the recall petition, and vote to remove X Senator unless the bill is defeated within X days, and that they need to break and stand up to Walker if they want a viable future political career in the State.
posted by edgeways at 5:49 PM on March 6, 2011


This doesn't need to be complicated. If they are opposed to the bill, they can just say they want the office to register their opposition to the bill. In the broadest sense, that's what staffers tally anyway. If they have something further or specific to add that can be added to the mix, e.g. no cuts to BadgerCare. In the usual scenario calling and being very specific is called for, because there is a long lead time and there are hearings and lobbying of all types taking place. In this case it's a complex wide-ranging bill with no discussion happening whatsoever, so they could just say that. I don't think you need to worry about having the perfect talking points. Get the names of voters in opposition to the bill somewhere on a list in that office.
posted by dhartung at 6:06 PM on March 6, 2011 [1 favorite]


My parents live in Vukmir's district too. Dhartung nails it... But if they want to let Vukmir know in person, 6 p.m. Monday 7635 W. North Ave.
posted by drezdn at 6:16 PM on March 6, 2011


Poll: Majority want Walker to negotiate
A strong majority of Wisconsin residents want Republican Gov. Scott Walker to negotiate with Democrats and public sector unions to find a compromise in the current budget standoff, according to a new poll by the conservative-leaning Wisconsin Policy Research Institute.

UW-Madison political science professor Ken Goldstein, hired to conduct the poll ... said he was struck by the intensity of people's feelings.


72% favored increasing taxes on incomes over $150K. 58% opposed stripping collective bargaining rights. But 51% disapproved of the fleeing Democrats, and 81% approved of making public employees "contribute" to their own pensions, which is a blatant propaganda victory for the right, since current contributions are legally deferred income -- 100% contributed by the employees.
posted by dhartung at 9:49 PM on March 6, 2011


Recall drives could make history: Rarely have multiple lawmakers faced such action
As improbable as the last three weeks have been in state politics, Wisconsin is about to embark on another wild ride into the political unknown - a series of legislative recall campaigns on a scale the nation has rarely, if ever, seen.

"I don't think there's a precedent for what's going on in Wisconsin," said Gary Moncrief of Boise State University, an expert on legislative politics. "I don't think there's ever been a case where pretty much everyone has been subject to a recall attempt at one time on both sides. That's really amazing."

Formal recall campaigns have now been launched against 16 state senators - eight Republicans and eight Democrats. That's everyone in the 33-member Wisconsin Senate who is legally eligible to be recalled this year.

posted by dhartung at 9:59 PM on March 6, 2011 [1 favorite]


Talks to Resolve Wisconsin Battle Falter
Senator Fred Risser, one of 14 Democrats who left Wisconsin last month to prevent the Republican-dominated Senate from approving the collective bargaining measure, said it now seemed conceivable that he and his fellow Democrats would return to Wisconsin, at some point in the future, without a negotiated compromise.

“We have always said we would go back eventually,” Mr. Risser said, adding that the Democrats had yet to make any decision about when to go back to Madison, a move that would open the way for a vote on the proposal by Mr. Walker, a Republican elected in November. “We will have accomplished some of our purpose – to slow things up and let people know what was in this bill.”

posted by dhartung at 11:04 PM on March 6, 2011




Wis 14 not returning. That was some to be expected horse poop from Rupert Murdoch's Wall Street Journal.



Walker is the one who is losing the public's support on a daily basis.

And with that in mind here's another useful link I cam across on TPM:

http://www.recallscottwalker.info
posted by Skygazer at 11:43 PM on March 6, 2011


Hey, check out what I found:

______________$$$$$_____________
__$$$$_______$$$___$$$$$________
_$$$$$$_____$$$___$$$$$$$_______
$$$_$$$$___$$$__$$$$____$_______
$____$$$$_$$$$_$$$______________
_______$$$$$$$$$$___$$$$$_______
____$$$$$$$$$$$$_$$$$_$$$$$_____
___$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$_____$$$____
__$$$__$$$$$$$$$$$$________$____
_$$___$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$_________
$$___$$$$_$$$_$$$__$$$$$________
$___$$$$___$$__$$$$___$$$_______
____$$$_____$$___$$$____$$______
____$$______$$$___$$$____$______
____$$_______$$____$$$__________
____$________$$$____$$__________
_____________$$$____$___________
_____________$$$________________
_____________$$$_________________
_____________$$$_________________
_____________$$$_________________
____________$$$_________________
___________$$$$__________________
_________$$$$$___________________
posted by Skygazer at 12:08 AM on March 7, 2011 [3 favorites]


Newsies flash mob
posted by drezdn at 7:14 AM on March 7, 2011


Jeez. How did I forget that Newsies is basically a pro-labor movie? I guess the singing and dancing Christian Bale flabbergasted me enough to wipe the plot details from my brain.
posted by hippybear at 7:22 AM on March 7, 2011


My husband told me that the comments on JSOnline have taken a marked turn for the better - five anti-Walkers freedom fighters for every one idiot pro-Walker. Is this true? I'm afraid to look.
posted by desjardins at 7:28 AM on March 7, 2011


I refuse to read the Journal at this point. It's a shame because there really isn't a good online source for news-news from Milwaukee.

My wife says the comments are more even than they were, but still skewed. On a sports board I read, they refer to JS comments as "Old Vegas" thinking.
posted by drezdn at 7:42 AM on March 7, 2011


The Journal Sentinal isn't too bad. The State Urinal is terrible by any standard. I could rant. Don't get me started.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 7:46 AM on March 7, 2011


72% favored increasing taxes on incomes over $150K. 58% opposed stripping collective bargaining rights. But 51% disapproved of the fleeing Democrats, and 81% approved of making public employees "contribute" to their own pensions, which is a blatant propaganda victory for the right, since current contributions are legally deferred income -- 100% contributed by the employees.

Overall these numbers are pretty good for the pro-union side. Even the 51% disapproval is not that out of line. Consider the MOE of that pol was +/- 4%, so all numbers except that one seem to be outside the MOE and that one is pretty darn close.
posted by edgeways at 8:15 AM on March 7, 2011


#Walkerville is now against the law.
posted by drezdn at 9:36 AM on March 7, 2011


#Walkerville is now against the law

You lost me. Is there link missing or something? Is the hash-tag outlawed somehow or are they forcing people to vacate the impromptu city that sprang up outside the capital?
posted by VTX at 10:09 AM on March 7, 2011


That was confusing. According to Twitter stuff, DoA is trying to ban people from sleeping around the Capitol, which site the campers have dubbed Walkerville.
posted by zennie at 10:10 AM on March 7, 2011


It's now illegal to sleep outside the Capitol.
posted by drezdn at 10:11 AM on March 7, 2011


Oh FFS. Seriously?
posted by desjardins at 10:52 AM on March 7, 2011


jesus now I'm almost tempted to go sleep up there.

almost

I'm too old for that
posted by desjardins at 10:53 AM on March 7, 2011


It's true.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 10:57 AM on March 7, 2011


michael moore's post-madison report.
i know the guy can be polarizing, but he does have some great things to say in this article.
posted by g.i.r. at 10:58 AM on March 7, 2011



“Camp” or “camping” means the use of a shelter such as a tent, trailer, motor vehicle, tarpaulin, bedroll or sleeping bag for temporary residence or sleeping purposes.


So, you could just put on four coats and go to sleep on the sidewalk? No tent...no bedroll
posted by edgeways at 11:05 AM on March 7, 2011 [1 favorite]


Moore can be annoying sometimes, but this whole situation really fits in with the underlying message of "Sicko," that the US system at this point is practically designed to keep you in debt or poor. Under the new Wisconsin budget, state and technical college tuition will be rising dramatically. When you finish school, you'll be in even more debt. Teaching jobs might be easier to get (no license requirement for charter schools) but they pay dramatically less.

With transit fund cuts, it'll be more expensive to be poor. With the elimination of one of the tax credits on the poor, it'll be more expensive to be poor. With the cuts in medicaid and badgercare it'll be more expensive to be poor.
posted by drezdn at 11:13 AM on March 7, 2011


Has anyone seen anything on permits being required for marches and rallies?
posted by drezdn at 11:15 AM on March 7, 2011


So, you could just put on four coats and go to sleep on the sidewalk? No tent...no bedroll

Technically, yeah. Y'all in Madison should put on a snow suit and a couple more layers, and use your cheese hats for pillows.
posted by zennie at 11:18 AM on March 7, 2011


Permits for Capitol access are required for organized rallies and protests.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 11:25 AM on March 7, 2011


Formal complaint filed by state Democrats for violations of ethics laws by Governor (difficulty: based on the fake Koch phone call).
posted by dhartung at 11:27 AM on March 7, 2011 [1 favorite]


Snide response [pdf] by (Senate Majority Leader) Scott Fitzgerald to Mark Miller.

"Your grasp of reality, and control of your caucus as minority leader, continues
to amaze me."
posted by dhartung at 11:39 AM on March 7, 2011


'Snide response [pdf] by (Senate Majority Leader) Scott Fitzgerald to Mark Miller.'

[reads letter; vomits]
posted by g.i.r. at 11:45 AM on March 7, 2011


[sees vomit, does not read letter]
posted by echo target at 11:47 AM on March 7, 2011


I get the feeling that the reactions to Fitzgerald's letter will opposite depending on which party you identify with.
posted by VTX at 11:49 AM on March 7, 2011


There is, however, little doubt which letter was polite and professional and which one was written by a person with a fourth-grade bully inside struggling to get out. How these people are seen as heroes is beyond me. I immediately called his office and left a vigorous voicemail.
posted by dhartung at 11:55 AM on March 7, 2011 [2 favorites]


From Facebook: "He's backed into a political corner where to move towards the Democrats at all would enrage his base and financiers. This is a no win situation for Walker anymore, but he knows he's lost it with the people and the democrats so he's clinging to the one group who will still like him when this is over. That means no deals. No negotiation. No conversation."
posted by dhartung at 11:58 AM on March 7, 2011


Arg. I was all set to try to spend less time at the capitol this week--I haven't been there nearly as much as many people have, but when I've had a choice between being at the protests or going home after work to take care of all the little responsibilities of life, I've mostly gone to the capitol. That's been great; what's going on in Madison has been inspiring and exhilarating and wonderful, and I'm really... I dunno, "grateful" isn't quite the right word, but it's close enough. I'm glad that I have the chance to be a (small) part of this. But I was really kinda looking forward to going home tonight after work and actually cooking a meal and spending time with the cats and maybe getting some exercise, only now I hear that they're cracking down on Walkerville, and the governor is still an ass, and instead of planning dinner, I'm trying to figure out how long it'll take me to go home, add a few more layers, and get back downtown.
posted by Vibrissa at 11:59 AM on March 7, 2011 [6 favorites]


Snide response [pdf] by (Senate Majority Leader) Scott Fitzgerald to Mark Miller.

Thank you, Sen. Fitzgerald, for increasing the Democrats' resolve.
posted by zennie at 12:01 PM on March 7, 2011 [1 favorite]


Scott Walker Has Lost the War

(Forbes Blog article)
posted by Skygazer at 12:48 PM on March 7, 2011


woo boy that letter is full of all sorts of snarky snark snark. At a guess I'd venture to say he is coming a little loose at the seams.
posted by edgeways at 12:50 PM on March 7, 2011


Walker's offices examples of why bargaining is a fiscal issue [PDF]

So... bargaining is a fiscal issue because they're not very good at it?
posted by Vibrissa at 12:51 PM on March 7, 2011 [5 favorites]


pretty good on air ad.

I wonder how hard it will be to work the phrase "class warfare" into the national conscious and use? It certainly is appropriate.
posted by edgeways at 1:02 PM on March 7, 2011


edgeways, the right has already appropriate "class warfare" as code for "raising taxes on the rich to something slightly closer to historical averages".

Letters to Governor Walker is a new blog, with one letter posted so far.
posted by dhartung at 1:11 PM on March 7, 2011 [3 favorites]


That pdf linked by Vibrissa amuses me.

Let's see...

Unionized jobs should be done by paid union workers. I have no problems with that.

People working overtime or working on-call out of duty hours get paid more. I have no problems with that.

Unfortunate layoffs due to established union hiring and firing policies. Okay, that can be problematic, but it's better than having a free-for-all.

I do wonder about the "get a full year's pay for working 30 days across 3 years"... But without having the real details of the story, I'm not sure what's written here isn't horribly biased.

I do find the "call in sick, work the next shift and get paid overtime rate" part of the prison worker contract puzzling... But who agreed to those terms in the first place? Surely that wasn't the crucial piece in the contract, without which the union would go on strike.

Let's read this piece a bit backwards, and see what the implied flipside should be:

Anyone should be able to work any job for free, or be coerced into doing it because you're a prisoner.

Nobody working overtime should receive overtime pay, even if you put in a lot of hours.

Management should be able to fire at will without due process.

Contracts are not binding and can be ignored at will by either party when convenient.

I don't doubt that there are problematic parts to union contracts. Just as management will try to run roughshod over employees if they can, unions will push for more than they should if given the chance.

But in an ideal world, the union and the management are working together to find that sweet spot where neither party is feeling taken advantage of, and where everyone is motivated toward best outcomes for the venture. The sad part is, that happens so rarely.
posted by hippybear at 1:15 PM on March 7, 2011 [5 favorites]


VTX: "I get the feeling that the reactions to Fitzgerald's letter will opposite depending on which party you identify with."

Yeah - it's clearly just propaganda BS. If he really believes it, it makes it 10x scarier that the fucker is in that position.
posted by symbioid at 1:22 PM on March 7, 2011



Dems file complaint about Koch call and other shenanigans.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 2:40 PM on March 7, 2011 [1 favorite]






That might be worth a new FPP, homunculus, especially paired with a video link of the NH legislator saying so.
posted by edgeways at 3:28 PM on March 7, 2011




homunculus: "In states, parties clash over voting laws that call for IDs, limits on where college students can cast ballots"

Unreal. I say we pass a hat and buy these guys some shame, as they clearly have none.
posted by theredpen at 6:06 PM on March 7, 2011


Since I've had a heck of a time figuring out where the rallies were on a day-to-day basis, I made a map. And a spreadsheet. Please pass this on, and tell anyone with information to request editing privileges on the spreadsheet. Or they can email me at solidaritywi@gmail.com. I have to, you know, WORK and stuff during the day, but I will try to keep it updated as much as possible.

PEOPLE IN OTHER STATES - I need your help in knowing what's going on wrt rallies and so forth. I don't know where to find the info.
posted by desjardins at 6:16 PM on March 7, 2011 [6 favorites]


holy cats, desjardins...that is awesome ! i'm putting this out on facebook asap !
posted by g.i.r. at 6:33 PM on March 7, 2011 [1 favorite]


Great map! I'll also share it. Did you get your info from the AFL-CIO site? Not complete, but a lot of stuff.
I share your frustration--I'm helping to organize another arts' workers' march next saturday, and finding out about what else is happening is difficult.
posted by Mngo at 6:52 PM on March 7, 2011


That IS cool desjardins, I've a few events in N. Wi to add, sending a share request
posted by edgeways at 6:53 PM on March 7, 2011


Mngo - my source is in the last column of the spreadsheet. Some AFLCIO, most from WEAC, some Facebook and a variety of other sources.

Please pass this around! I can't be in Madison every day, I can't buy bagels for Walkerville every day, but I can do this. We can do this! There are 57 events within the next 7 days. That's crazy!
posted by desjardins at 8:18 PM on March 7, 2011


here's a shortened, readable link for the map: http://is.gd/solidaritywi
posted by desjardins at 8:21 PM on March 7, 2011 [1 favorite]


Anti Walker Hip Hop vid
posted by edgeways at 8:27 PM on March 7, 2011 [2 favorites]


(Republican Senator) Leah Vukmir walks out on a town hall meeting, refusing to discuss current political unrest. Room erupts in chants of SHAME! SHAME!. This is a sedate upper-middle class suburb. My mom lives there with her poodle. I never thought I would see this in my lifetime.
posted by desjardins at 9:15 PM on March 7, 2011 [6 favorites]


Scott Walker Padded Salary Increases for Cronies During Budgetary Distress: 26% Salary Increase for Aide with 2 Public Pensions.


Here is the JSonline article referenced in above piece from Sept. 24th 2008.


Not sure if this has this been linked yet in any of the Wis 14 threads. Apologies if it's a double.
posted by Skygazer at 12:27 AM on March 8, 2011 [1 favorite]


Walker's "Welcome to Wisconsin" highway signs.
posted by Skygazer at 12:36 AM on March 8, 2011 [4 favorites]


Walker's "Welcome to Wisconsin" highway signs.

sweet, I know exactly where that is. We lived in Northern Illinois for a couple of years and drove that way to come to Milwaukee.
posted by desjardins at 5:29 AM on March 8, 2011




g.i.r.: "A letter to the Governor, from a teacher"

"Anyone who gives a hoot"? Someone's been listening to Jim Hightower again :P
posted by symbioid at 6:38 AM on March 8, 2011


If I can't snark (occasionally), I don't wanna be a part of your revolution. (OK, I guess I do)
posted by symbioid at 6:39 AM on March 8, 2011




Vibrissa, your link just points back to this thread.
posted by Theta States at 7:59 AM on March 8, 2011


Crap, thanks for pointing that out. This should be the right link.
posted by Vibrissa at 8:01 AM on March 8, 2011


I work in a business that contracts with local municipalities here in Wisconsin. Yesterday I was at a Township, and the clerk was on the phone discussing some stuff with a newspaper reporter while I waited. Then we commenced talking, and she was pretty forthright about her displeasure. Certainly more political than I would have expected a clerk to be. It definitely pleased me. She even discussed things like Planned Parenthood, not just how the bill affects her municipality. So that was kinda cool. Just a bit of a surprise.
posted by symbioid at 8:14 AM on March 8, 2011


"You never see a police breaking up a strike by hitting the boss with a baton pipe..."

The Coup - UCPAS
posted by symbioid at 8:16 AM on March 8, 2011




Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, Sen. Scott Brown is caught on camera sucking up to David Koch for some more sweet, sweet campaign cash for his 2012 re-election. I guess you can't be duped if you're face-to-face with the guy! Koch is unsettlingly handsy, btw.
posted by Rhaomi at 8:35 AM on March 8, 2011 [1 favorite]


The senate and assembly are banning all recording devices from the gallery when they are in session. The senate is also banning the reading of books or newspapers.

Shockingly, the ban on recording may not be legal.
posted by Vibrissa at 8:53 AM on March 8, 2011 [3 favorites]


Anti Walker Hip Hop vid

This is actually FPP worthy. Great video, very impressive. Done in the midst of the protests, the rapper lines his vocals up pretty well, he's in the capitol building, the lyrics are good, the tri-split screen is effective. This is actually a really well done video considering the time constraints.
posted by cashman at 8:53 AM on March 8, 2011 [1 favorite]


Re: Bans on shit...

"Security screeners won't allow the following items into the Capitol:

— Animals (except service animals), balloons, coolers, crockpots"

I misread that as 'crackpots' and was like "FINALLY - NO MORE REPUBLICANS IN THE CAPITOL! SUCCESS!"
posted by symbioid at 8:58 AM on March 8, 2011


The senate and assembly are banning all recording devices from the gallery when they are in session.

I guess they finally got sick of seeing The Daily Show use footage from a year ago of them saying things that directly contradicting the positions they were taking today.

If that is, in fact the case, just a thought; as an alternative to removing our, the public's, right to see our government work at the expense of the politicians looking like fools, perhaps they could just make an effort to look less foolish.
posted by quin at 9:41 AM on March 8, 2011 [4 favorites]




Kelda Helen Roys (democratic assemblyperson) is tweeting that Senator Cowles says he'll vote no. No confirmation from any other sources yet, though.
posted by Vibrissa at 9:47 AM on March 8, 2011


Sadly, I don't trust a thing these guys say anymore. Too bad he's in a party that's been such a bully. I wish I could believe it, but they have to earn our trust, and I don't know how they can do that as long as their leadership continues to be stubborn assholes like this.

I guess I should write to him and give encouraging support in the same way I did to that other dude (the guy w/the mustache who spoke in Reedsburg last week). If he sees he can get support from us (in a positive - non-vitriolic way), then maybe that will help.
posted by symbioid at 9:55 AM on March 8, 2011






Argh... and now I'm seeing tweets that his chief of staff says there is no basis to the rumors that and he's still not changing his vote. I thought that since it was coming from an assemblyperson, this was a bit more than a rumor. This kind of thing is really frustrating. I'll be interested to hear what Kelda Helen Roys says about all this. I am getting spoiled by twitter - I want my news now now now now now now.
posted by lriG rorriM at 9:59 AM on March 8, 2011 [1 favorite]


Ya know - this happened with someone else, the "confirmed" then the denial. I wonder if this is some bullshit they're playing to discredit the Dems. I dunno - I don't like conspiracies, but the way they've been playing this game, I really don't think it's too far-fetched they'd do such a thing.

Or maybe it was more "I'm up in the air, leaning to no" and it becomes "no" and then they have to deny that when it comes out.

Or maybe it's a tactic by the dems to get us to put positive pressure and encourage the stragglers?

I don't know what to think. All I know is. Bah.
posted by symbioid at 10:16 AM on March 8, 2011


http://www.defendingwisconsin.org/inform.php

Here's a list of some of the ways it fucks over non-union citizens... Which is good - we need a broad case against it to make sure people understand the issues. (at least those who can be turned).
posted by symbioid at 10:19 AM on March 8, 2011 [1 favorite]


The republican caucus is over an hour late getting to the floor of the senate.

Rationally, I know that they're probably trying to think of ways to get the democrats to come back or stop the protesters from coming, but the optimist in me is hoping that they're discussing who's going to vote no. I know I'm completely biased and I live in a bubble where everyone I know is a bleeding-heart liberal, but I have trouble seeing another way out of the standoff. Any democrat who gives in is going to be demonized by the newly-energized democratic base; I don't think they'd be able to win another election. The governor would lose whatever face he has left if he explicitly compromised at this point. We need some republican senators to break with Walker; I don't think it would hurt them with their base as much as a democrat would be hurt by giving in.
posted by Vibrissa at 10:24 AM on March 8, 2011 [1 favorite]


It could also be that they've told the dems that they'll vote no but don't want to admit that publicly right now. We might hear them support the bill right up until they vote no on it in session. I'd like to think that is the case but the real answer is probably something far more muddled.
posted by VTX at 10:26 AM on March 8, 2011


Last week Fitzgerald said that any republican voting no on the bill would be removed from the caucus. At this point we have the possibility of two Rs who may vote no. Cowles said that Walker should compromise:
Republicans should be willing to meet Democrats halfway on aspects of collective bargaining that have little or no monetary impact, longtime Republican Sen. Rob Cowles said Monday evening.

In a telephone conversation with the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Cowles, R-Allouez, said Republicans already got the lion's share of what they were looking for from unions in pension and health care contributions, and a compromise with Democrats on the rest of Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill is expected soon.
posted by edgeways at 11:09 AM on March 8, 2011


Another good piece from Abe Sauer at The Awl--he follows the money a bit more.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 11:53 AM on March 8, 2011 [3 favorites]


The Senate is backtracking on the $100 fines for Democrats. I'm guessing this is part of why they were two and half hours late getting to the floor. Are cooler heads beginning to prevail?
posted by echo target at 11:56 AM on March 8, 2011



While it's true that the state elected a Republican majority, candidates were specifically asked about union concessions during their campaigns.

"He lied to us," said teacher Jenny Fish, as she shivered in the 20-degree chill with 100 other protesters outside Reedsburg's Voyageur Inn. Inside was the Sauk County Republican Party Lincoln Day dinner, held after its morning annual caucus and afternoon celebration of Ronald Reagan's 100th birthday. ("Holding the line against Madison.") Fish was in charge of vetting Representative Ed Brooks (R-50) last year for Three Rivers United Educators. His answers were in part what led the union to endorse him, a Republican, for election.

Three Rivers United Educators not only endorsed Brooks, it make a donation to his campaign. Brooks also took money from the Southwest Education Association and the Wisconsin Education Association Council, which is the state's largest teachers union.

posted by mandymanwasregistered at 11:57 AM on March 8, 2011 [1 favorite]


Good grief. You know, the more I read about this WI situation and other things associated with it across the country, the more this whole thing is feeling like it was planned on a nationwide basis and is being executed with great coordination.

Was there a right-wing star chamber FPP someplace that I missed along the way?

mandymanwasregistered: that Awl article should be a FPP of its own.
posted by hippybear at 12:06 PM on March 8, 2011 [1 favorite]


hippybear: "Good grief. You know, the more I read about this WI situation and other things associated with it across the country, the more this whole thing is feeling like it was planned on a nationwide basis and is being executed with great coordination.

Was there a right-wing star chamber FPP someplace that I missed along the way?
"

No FPP, but this is pretty much what's happening.
posted by Rhaomi at 12:28 PM on March 8, 2011


The Awl article's local level detail shows how the plans described in the NY Times article are carried out.
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:35 PM on March 8, 2011




No FPP, but this is pretty much what's happening.

The Awl article's local level detail shows how the plans described in the NY Times article are carried out.


Ah, so the star chamber exists, but there was no FPP about it.

The more you know....
posted by hippybear at 2:04 PM on March 8, 2011


A former GOP aide to Senate Republicans: You can beat Walker

Great article. Walker's ambitions are transparent. But even he did not factor everything. I don't think he had in his master plan getting stuck in the mud with this the way he has, and I derive great pleasure and solace from his tone-deafness to his own extremism and stupidity.

And much like Palin, he is too extreme and too dangerous, and too dumb to be elevated to a position in Washington. I mean not to sound harsh, but I want this guys career over. And I want his err grotesque "ambitions" hanging off an inflatable palm tree in Madison, for the all to see, all across this land, especially the corporate lapdog TeaPublican's and their plutocratic masters.

And I want a union movement that gets its head out of it's ass and re-brands and re-invigorates itself for the 21st century, it's coasted aimlessly far too long. But first things first...
posted by Skygazer at 3:48 PM on March 8, 2011 [3 favorites]


Just in (6:34 PM) : Walker softening collective bargaining demands?
posted by Skygazer at 3:55 PM on March 8, 2011


Given that the news of his "softened" positions arrives the same day as his snarky press release Strange but True Provisions of Collective Bargaining (which starts off objecting to informational bulletin boards, but gets into problematic things like seniority priority in layoffs and overtime pretty quickly), I suspect a continuing rope-a-dope strategy is in place.
posted by dhartung at 5:15 PM on March 8, 2011


he is too extreme and too dangerous, and too dumb to be elevated to a position in Washington

He'd fit right in with a sizable chunk of the House right now. Bauchmann is too extreme and dangerous and stupid, but she has won three terms.... sigh
posted by edgeways at 5:58 PM on March 8, 2011 [1 favorite]


Wow that "Strange but True" shit is like reading those herp-derp email forwards about "that stupid old lady who spilled coffee all over herself and won a lot of money"
posted by symbioid at 6:42 PM on March 8, 2011


So early on in this whole mess, I remember being worried that the Senate Republicans were just going to attach the union-busting bits of the repair bill to something non-fiscal and pass it without the Democrats. Fortunately, they didn't do that, and we had time to see the rest of what's in the repair bill (and the full budget, for that matter). And a little bit later, I remember being a little worried that they would just say okay, you can keep your collective bargaining rights, but the rest of the bill remains as-is; I couldn't think of a better way than that for them to just completely take the legs out from under the growing protests. And now... I guess I feel a little conflicted? In the fight over Wisconsin's budget, at what point do we stop fighting?

I mean, supporting union rights is easy and obvious and like duh. But the rest of it? All of the awful ridiculous stuff in the budget (crippling Medicaid, $900 million dollar cut to K-12 education, rolling back recycling & phosphorous control mandates, eliminating state funding for local recycling programs, defunding the position of Wisconsin poet laureate (saving the state a whopping $2000), et cetera et cetera ad nauseam)? I'm torn between feeling like that is obviously crap and we should fight it tooth and nail and feeling like, okay, well, democracy! We live in one. And in November, the Democratic party failed spectacularly at getting out the vote, and elections have consequences, and maybe the consequence of this one is that the government is going to shit on everything I care about for the next four years. And maybe that's kind of fair; it's what the people voted for (union rights seem different to me, because the Republicans didn't campaign on smashing unions (so voters didn't know what was coming), and because duh, rights). I feel kind of concerned already about how well the legislature will be able to work together after all of this. It's so adversarial right now. Where would we say "Okay, this budget is still crap, but it's acceptable crap"? Would that point ever come?
posted by Vibrissa at 7:03 PM on March 8, 2011 [2 favorites]


I guess I feel a little conflicted?
Vibrissa, me too. But I think I'm definitely part of a larger backlash--I've been "radicalized" as they say, by republican intransigence, arrogance, and high-handed tactics. This is a complication for the dems, as compromise gets harder. I almost think a death-star-destroys-Alderon defeat, followed by successful recalls of R senators and then Walker, is preferable to "death by a thousand [budget] cuts" tied to meaningless "rights" to collectively bargain what can't be had.
sigh
posted by Mngo at 7:53 PM on March 8, 2011 [1 favorite]


You know, for someone who claims that his goal is saving money and this has nothing to do with union-busting, it's interesting that his proposed concessions mostly involve spending more money (getting rid of the CPI limit on wage increases; allowing unions to bargain a decreased employee out-of-pocket contribution to pensions after 3 years; allowing bargaining on other economic issues like bonuses and overtime if both sides agree) and yet on things that don't cost any money yet have a big impact on weakening unions there's no change (the prohibition on withholding union dues from paychecks; the "right to work" provisions that allow free-riders to avoid paying for their union) or very little (requiring the union to hold and win a re-vote every 2 or 3 years instead of every year.)

It's almost like this isn't about saving money at all, but about decreasing union membership and weakening them financially/organizationally so that they'll be less influential politically. I am shocked. Shocked.
posted by EmilyClimbs at 8:59 PM on March 8, 2011 [5 favorites]


It's almost like this isn't about saving money at all, but about decreasing union membership and weakening them financially/organizationally so that they'll be less influential politically. I am shocked. Shocked.

There might be some sarcasm there that I'm not catching but I'm shocked that there is still anyone who thinks that this has been about the budget. Putting those provisions in a budget bill that requires a quorum to vote on it is easily the biggest mistake Walker has made in this whole thing.

Vibrissa and Mngo, I hear you, I get it. However, my hope is that th worst thing that happens here is that even if the repubs pass everything they want this will re-solidify Wisconsin as a dem controlled state for the few election cycles and with any luck will bleed across the St. Croix into Minnesota where I live (again, I'm sorry for Bachmann) and we'll go back to being a nice solid blue again too.

Aside from voting every year and making sure that I was an educated voter at that (which is more than most) I was not very politically active. Now I find myself trying to find some Minnesota focused resources similar to the stuff that has been linked in these threads for state-level cheese-head politics. I feel a need to know what is going on in my state legislature so that I can get involved and give my state reps my opinion if I feel a need.
posted by VTX at 5:59 AM on March 9, 2011


Can someone take Walker's "Strange but True Provisions of Collective Bargaining" and make a page that looks exactly the same, has a slight variation in domain name, and call it "Strange but True Injustices of Unchecked Employers"?

Pretty please? I'll send you money for the domain registration.
posted by Theta States at 6:01 AM on March 9, 2011


Yeah, definitely sarcastic, it's been obvious to me what he's up to from the beginning.

Although I actually am a little surprised just from a PR perspective. I'm not at all shocked that this isn't really about keeping costs down, but given how much time he's spent claiming it is, I was assuming any concessions would mostly avoid this kind of economic impact to allow him to save face.
posted by EmilyClimbs at 7:05 AM on March 9, 2011


Can someone take Walker's "Strange but True Provisions of Collective Bargaining" and make a page that looks exactly the same, has a slight variation in domain name, and call it "Strange but True Injustices of Unchecked Employers"?

I'm at work, so I can't write up the content, but if you'd write it I'd be glad to make it look like one of his pages.
posted by thsmchnekllsfascists at 7:39 AM on March 9, 2011


The Isthmus live blog is up again today.
posted by Vibrissa at 8:16 AM on March 9, 2011







The Wisconsin bride tells her tale.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 11:09 AM on March 9, 2011






And the assistant attorney general responds to claims that the DOA is in violation of the court order requiring that the capitol be as open as it was January 28th.

(that's a PDF someone is hosting on dropbox)

For reference, access to the capitol in January was pretty open--most of the entrances were open and unguarded, as far as I know. Right now, only two entrances are open to the public, and they involve walking through metal detectors and chatting with the friendly cops. I don't have a copy of the court order handy, though, so I don't know what it actually says.
posted by Vibrissa at 12:38 PM on March 9, 2011




drezdn: "FITZGERALD: Well if they flip the state senate, which is obviously their goal with eight recalls going on right now, they can take control of the labor unions. If we win this battle, and the money is not there under the auspices of the unions, certainly what you’re going to find is President Obama is going to have a much difficult, much more difficult time getting elected and winning the state of Wisconsin.

The longer this goes, the more I think the Republicans will shoot themselves in the foot.
"

These guys clearly don't even deserve to lead if they're this fucking stupid. Not that I don't applaud them for being honest about it - or maybe they figure the gigs up and people know the truth, so may as well say it now, since we all know it's a bluff otherwise.
posted by symbioid at 1:04 PM on March 9, 2011


Weather permitting (and one county south, all I see is meltwater), snowmen will replace the now-banned camping in the square.
posted by dhartung at 1:06 PM on March 9, 2011 [2 favorites]




He did say later that he mis-spoke, but that's just weapons grade dumb.
posted by drezdn at 1:22 PM on March 9, 2011


"They came to town with a lot of ideas and a lot of concepts they could really work on and then they got stuck in the middle of a holocaust in a horror story that was going on in town, as far as people using the building all night long and some shenanigans, but they really are interested in what you're interested in and this is your opportunity to introduce yourselves to them," [said] Brancel [about the the controversy at the Capitol and the newest legislators].

Wow. I mean, wildly inappropriate comparison aside, that's one of the less comprehensible sentences I've read today.
posted by Vibrissa at 1:25 PM on March 9, 2011


"It should have been 'total confusion in the Capitol,'" Brancel said. "It was not an appropriate word to use in the context of which I used it, and... I better go back to English school."

Meh, he owned up to the mistake. I'll chalk it up to a brain-fart and move on. It still doesn't make the state any more coherent but I'll let the holocaust thing slide in this case.
posted by VTX at 1:34 PM on March 9, 2011


Scott Fitzgerald announced the creation of a conference committee on the budget bill scheduled to meet this evening at 6pm.

So... I hear that this could be the beginning of an effort to pass the union stuff as non-fiscal, after all, which sounds characteristically nefarious, but secretly all I know about the Wisconsin legislative system I learned in the last three weeks. What is the significance of a conference committee? (I know, I know, I should probably just google it)
posted by Vibrissa at 2:42 PM on March 9, 2011


A source confirms to News 3 that Republican Senators intend to remove fiscal portions of Budget Repair bill in order to pass w/out Dem Sen.

Wait... so they're removing the fiscal portions of the budget repair bill? 'cause hey, what would be fiscal about a budget repair bill?

I'm worried that if they do this, especially if they do it this way, there really will be a strike. Or maybe I'm worried that they'll do it and there won't be a strike and the protests will turn out to be meaningless.
posted by Vibrissa at 2:56 PM on March 9, 2011


They can pull it out of the bill, but they've created their own Catch 22. It was in the bill because they argued it had a financial impact. They're on record saying that. If they try to pass it outside of the rest of the bill, their own quotes (I imagine) could be used against them in challenging its passing.

If there's a financial element to collective bargaining, they can't pass it without quorum. If there's not a financial element, they've been lying all along.
posted by drezdn at 3:23 PM on March 9, 2011


AFL CIO, TAA and other groups are urging folks to come to the Capitol NOW.
posted by desjardins at 3:30 PM on March 9, 2011


If they do this, the absolute most important thing we can do is elect Kloppenberg.
posted by drezdn at 3:32 PM on March 9, 2011


drezdn: "Ag Secretary compares situation at the Capitol to the Holocaust. "

Well - we can't really have intellectuals running things, now can we?
posted by symbioid at 3:36 PM on March 9, 2011


Larson is heading back to fight this.
posted by drezdn at 3:37 PM on March 9, 2011


HOLOCAUST IN THE CAPITOL: Day 20
Fox Reports - You decide
posted by symbioid at 3:37 PM on March 9, 2011


I am immensely frustrated that I can't get back downtown today until about 10.

I'm also confused how it could possibly work--this is the Channel3000 story, and I don't get how this committee could be called to consolidate the assembly and senate bills when the bill hasn't passed the senate yet. Some of the democratic senators are apparently talking about coming back to stop the bill; I'm worried that this is a trick.
posted by Vibrissa at 3:38 PM on March 9, 2011


@news3jessica
Sen. Larson says he's on his way back to WI right now. Says dems are trying to confirm its not a trick to get 20th member in chambers.

what
posted by desjardins at 3:38 PM on March 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


Mailbox for Office of Governor Scott Walker is full.

How about that.
posted by dhartung at 3:47 PM on March 9, 2011


Oh fuuuuuuuu-

Walker is going to kill so many jobs. He is going to destroy the heart of Wisconsin.
posted by Theta States at 3:59 PM on March 9, 2011


The conference committee will be live at wiseye.org, due to start any minute now.
posted by EmilyClimbs at 4:02 PM on March 9, 2011


Going there now. Damn. Damn.
posted by Mngo at 4:03 PM on March 9, 2011


Thanks for the link, EmilyClimbs.

Peter Barca's talking, saying it's a violation of open meetings law, Chairman keeps saying "no motions" and just started roll call.
posted by VelveteenBabbitt at 4:08 PM on March 9, 2011


WTF ???
posted by g.i.r. at 4:09 PM on March 9, 2011


They passed it.
posted by flex at 4:10 PM on March 9, 2011


My God. They always did call it the People's Republic of Madison.
posted by dhartung at 4:12 PM on March 9, 2011


This is the open meetings law that might have just been violated.
posted by Vibrissa at 4:13 PM on March 9, 2011


My roommate is down there now. Says there are chants of "strike". The whole thing took seven minutes. What the hell? I'm kind of stunned. There is NO WAY that was legal, is there?
posted by lriG rorriM at 4:13 PM on March 9, 2011


this is a black day.
posted by g.i.r. at 4:15 PM on March 9, 2011


There is NO WAY that was legal, is there?

Most likely not, but we'll see who can stop them.
posted by drezdn at 4:15 PM on March 9, 2011


Can (or should) someone pull together a new thread? I think this new development should have one. I'd do it but I'm in the middle of homework/bedtimes. Shit.
posted by flex at 4:18 PM on March 9, 2011


fox is the only network covering this in any capacity.
posted by g.i.r. at 4:20 PM on March 9, 2011


So, let's see. Illegally demanding that the WI 14 be arrested while the legislature is in session... Illegally banning recording of legislative sessions... Now violating the open meetings law.

When is some judge going to step in and stop these assholes?
posted by hippybear at 4:21 PM on March 9, 2011


They are now going into session in the Senate to pass it. Also on wiseye.org.
posted by EmilyClimbs at 4:21 PM on March 9, 2011


fox is the only network covering this in any capacity.

They were likely the only one given notice.
posted by greasy_skillet at 4:22 PM on March 9, 2011 [2 favorites]


Vote 18-1; Schultz votes no.
posted by Vibrissa at 4:22 PM on March 9, 2011


I believe that everyone except Schultz voted yes. But Schultz was there to give them quorum.
posted by EmilyClimbs at 4:23 PM on March 9, 2011


goddamnit
posted by desjardins at 4:24 PM on March 9, 2011


The next time I hear someone say there is no difference between the Democrats and Republicans, I'll tell them "Remember Wisconsin?"
posted by drezdn at 4:25 PM on March 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


Erpenbach's FB just now: "This is Katy Sai. Just got a text from Jon. He wants you to know they are NOT coming back tonight. Repeat NOT coming back tonight. Spread the word."
posted by dhartung at 4:28 PM on March 9, 2011


Today's Ash Wednesday. It seems unfortunately fitting.
posted by VelveteenBabbitt at 4:30 PM on March 9, 2011 [2 favorites]


The only thing I can think - with this so clearly illegally done - is that they WANT to incite the crowd. And get some good footage of it. National coverage, bam.
posted by flex at 4:31 PM on March 9, 2011


Apparently they'll vote on it in the Assembly tomorrow morning.

Wonder when a copy of the amended version will be available? Barca asked for information about the changes in the conference committee and was refused, told "there's nothing new added, only that some things were taken out.)

(I was wrong about quorum for non-fiscal bills by the way, you only need a simple majority, so that's 17 and Schultz wouldn't've mattered.)
posted by EmilyClimbs at 4:31 PM on March 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


stay cool, madison, stay cool. don't give them any violence ....it's what they're salivating for.....
posted by g.i.r. at 4:34 PM on March 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


Assembly Dems are trying to keep the Capitol open.
posted by drezdn at 4:38 PM on March 9, 2011


The only thing I can think - with this so clearly illegally done - is that they WANT to incite the crowd.

That's giving them too much credit. I'm betting they just want it to be over, and probably figured that if they're going to lose anyway-- which they seemed to be doing-- they might as well try one more desperate move and go down fighting.
posted by zennie at 4:38 PM on March 9, 2011


How can they have a conference committee on a bill that hasn't passed the Senate? (It's been a while since I took Wisconsin civics)
posted by drezdn at 4:40 PM on March 9, 2011


Now would be a good time for the President to say something, eh?
posted by zennie at 4:43 PM on March 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


New thread.
posted by flex at 4:43 PM on March 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


New thread.

This post would be a good example of one that merits extending the 30-day commenting period. But oh well. I guess people (KIDS!) wanna load em on their phones, anyway ...
posted by mrgrimm at 8:56 AM on March 10, 2011


This post would be a good example of one that merits extending the 30-day commenting period.

This is just over a week old, and I think there are still two other open threads about this topic. If anything, the mods are being extremely lenient.
posted by zennie at 9:46 AM on March 10, 2011


Yeah, I mean, this is sort of a crazy fast-moving situation and pretty remarkable for US state politics, so that there's been a few threads is something we're more or less okay with, but this certainly hasn't an "only one thread ever" situation in the least and mostly I appreciate people not going totally overboard with new threads.

As for the kids and the iphones, the "load new comments" thing is helping them (as well as people on traditional computers) out a lot in terms of thread refreshing, whether it's a day old or thirty.
posted by cortex at 10:08 AM on March 10, 2011


« Older The walking cactus   |   Gaddafi does the Zenga-Zenga Newer »


This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments