"Protest Rally at the Capitol....."

There was a change in plans and we went to the protest rally yesterday instead of today. I say "we", because I, too, went to support the state workers of Wisconsin. We knew there were a lot of protesters, but couldn't venture a guess at just how many, but the news last night confirmed it for us....over 10,000 people showed up yesterday afternoon, many with their own signs, too, as you will see in the following photos. Actually, there were 2 rallies, with us attending the 1st one. Many of the protestors stayed throughout the day, but Don, Jim, and Jacob, went back to work (as we "assume" many others did), but a new wave of protestors came later in the afternoon when another rally was scheduled. That one continued into the evening......

A public hearing was being held inside the Capitol. Each person was given 2 minutes to speak. Not all of the persons speaking were in protest, but some in support, too. They are entitled to a voice as well........but there were not many attending yesterday in support. Don told me this morning that the public hearing was still in session at midnight. That's a lot of people given 2 minutes!

As you can imagine, the crowd ROARED when this truck drove around the corner blasting its horn in support! No one needed to gesture (raised arm and pulled down) for that to happen. ;)

Every spot bare of snow held protestors........

Elsewhere, the protestors fully lined the edges and were many, many deep.

Many varieties of signs........and people of all ages.

The steps up to the Capitol were completely full. Obviously, the streets around the Capitol were closed and the crowd filled the streets, too.

My documentation that I truly was there. ;) A 60 year old man, a teenager in the turbulent 1960's and this was my 1st protest rally. Who says an old dog can't experience new things, eh? :)

Don also told me a little while ago that the Madison schools were closed today. On last nights news, it was reported that a letter had been sent home to parents that precautions had been taken to insure that students would have supervision if too many teachers called in sick for today, BUT, to be sure and listen to the morning news in case school had to be closed because of an overwhelming number. Seems that has happened........wonder where those teachers will be today...........

**Update: The public hearing went until 3 AM last night and will begin again today.