We had a quick discussion with a gentleman who had been an activist at the Pentagon protests in Washington in the 60's. He recalled his anti-war stance at the time but expressed well formed concerns about being swept up by the fever pitch (literally the sound levels) in this instance. As my ribcage pounded with the reverb from a 6 story, fully marble clad rotunda with the hint of a tear headed toward my eyes, I could see his point. It's like the movies! But I didn't feel quite as stirred about standing in the sleet outside the Capitol minutes later. Guess I'm not so tough now.
Noontime special:
In one of many rallies that purport to continue into Monday, local firefighters joined state workers in a march inside the Capitol building beginning on the ground floor rotunda and heading up to the second and third floor balconies. Fire fighting gear ran the gamut from '90's gear to looks from the 60's (much the best looking in terms of the toughness factor, but probably not great protection post 9/11). I admit television ads for insurance feature better equipment bling (okay, helmuts with clear visors), but the firefighters were exempt from Gov W's cuts...gotta' give 'em credit for coming out and the crowd LOVED them, as did I. what is with the emotion thing?
Check out the picture.
Heard around town:
List of things to bring to a rally (strait from a rally supporter)
- Posters
- Markers
- A fifth of whiskey (ok, not really, but those teachers like to feel hip)
- Wet scarves (great for tear gas protection, but not required here in the Heartland)
- Lipgloss, because it is oh so dry in February in the hinterlands
Signage at the UW bookstore has new meaning
- "Special on markers, big and small"
- Printed "Kill the Bill" posters (free, which is great when you have used up your markers)
- "Rally sandwich special (includes a handmade chocolate truffle)
As much as I try to summon up my inner curmudgeon, the events this weekend in Wisconsin's Capitol are considerably more stirring than anything I have read or seen as distilled through secondary sources. Speaking for a passive generation, this has thrilled me like nothing else and I'd like to think those nice Midwestern folks might open the door to some talking or at least a reasonable chat rather than the usual snarkiness which just leaves me wishing I still drank coffee. I always think of the best response at 2am.
3 comments:
Thanks for the reporting!
I agree with Anonymous--thanks for the reporting.
This time your observations seem to have, at least for me, a bit more implied personal opinion. I enjoyed that aspect, especially the way your thoughts/ideas fuse so well with your writing style. In a sense you seemed to have moved this post ever so slightly in the direction of an "op-ed" piece. At least that is how I took it. Reporting--with a "non-dogmatic plus." Itself no small achievement.
So assuming this feature with its suggestive implications--what more might you want to say about what goes on in "group think" and/or "group feel?" And is there anything more your 60's fellow might add to this discussion? [Another "reporting" post?]
Also, what makes the Madison events so "stirring" for those at the capitol? What kinds of emotional needs do such events and experiences meet?
Finally can you say a little more about the phrase, "passive generation"--that is, its interests and behaviors. What does such a generation want and/or need? What does it reject? All these questions of mine obviously have a relation in some way to the 60's--a generation that continues to interest me. Know that I am not really concerned here about straight politics, just basic human longings and behaviors--stuff that impacts all generations, striking me as potentially universal. I also wonder--does each generation process this stuff differently? Apply it differently?
Again, I love the reporting. Do more of it!
What a fabulous blog!!!!! It's so strange ( & validating) that, after all these years, the rebellious juices still flow in Madison, Wisconsin. It does my heart good to know that we can still be outraged by injustice and that we are motivated to correct bad behavior. And that we are not, after all, lemmings who put one blind foot in front of the other....right off of the precipice.
I love that you were in Madison protesting this particular injustice. Thank you for raising your voice on behalf of us all.
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