Wave after wave of new protesters arrived at Capitol Square throughout the afternoon, but the crowds really thinned out by 5:30 when darkness revealed a large moon and we went in search of dinner in what felt more like apres-ski crowds. Life on the square continued to get quiet, but not entirely empty, so at 8:30 we headed over to the Capitol building to check out what a third day of action 24/7 might look like indoors.
It was astonishingly powerful. Inside the capitol building were three floors of mostly young and middle-aged protesters, generally against support of the bill. There were students with sleeping bags, families, pizza and lots and lots of drums. The beat made the marble vault hum with power and dignity. Gallery after small gallery tucked away in this beautiful building was full of people who clearly planned to stay the night. At one point the Star Spangled Banner broke out and for the first time in my recent experience liberals were unapologetically providing at least the appearance of patriotism without being self-conscious.
What's with the pizza reference? In one interesting twist, the State Journal reported that Ian's Pizza on State has suspended in-store operations to concentrate on taking orders for the protesters. "Donations have come in from 30 states and 5 countries including Egypt, Korea and Canada." Later when I tried to check the reference, I was without creditable citations. I am wondering if this means Egyptian UW students were behind this effort? (an internet search queried "did you mean egyptians?" when my vain search for egypt + pizza failed to deliver)
Pictures include viewing the rotunda from above and signs posted by protesters as reminders of civil behavior.
Instructions for keeping it cool with Teapartyers
3 comments:
I am actually excited to know that somewhere there are people committed to making the government work for them. Making their voices heard. Peaceful protesting and respect of other opinions is a must. It will be interesting to see how this all works out. Thanks for the update.
I thank you for some excellent and fair reporting. You give readers like me the "feel" of what it was like to be in Madison. Your crafted details resonated with content.
For my tastes, the style/tone also seems right, that is, you managed to include challenging issues without getting bogged down in personal ideology and too much propagandizing. Said differently, the writing manages a personal touch while holding/sharing important information.
It's my view that all that is no small personal achievement, including offering others a basic model for writing about political stuff in hot times. So from my perspective--well done woman.
As always, David Brooks of the NYT has concise and well informed commentary on the heart of the austerity issues (to cut or not to cut).
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/opinion/22brooks.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Post a Comment