The Wisconsin Legislator started a Friday session 5 minutes before the announced time of the "Call of the Chair" and rammed the union bashing legislation through before the Democrats had a chance to get to the floor.
That was a violation of the rules and the speaker acknowledged that fact just prior to their adjournment until Tuesday.
Wisconsin State Journal:
Fitzgerald acknowledged that Barca was correct in his reading of the rules, and members allowed the bill to return to its amendable stage. Fitzgerald then moved to adjourn the Assembly until 10 a.m. Tuesday, prompting a standing ovation from Democrats, who promised to continue working on amendments to the bill.
A short clip of Minority Leader Rep. Peter Barca's righteous rant, a link to the full video with notes, and info which can be used to get up to date info are below the fold.
The above is from the full session video, Available here by clicking "View Full Program". At the 5:09mark Wisconsin Minority Leader Rep. Peter Barca calls the actions by the Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald, R-Horicon "Worse then a Kangaroo Court".
A the 5:13 mark Democratic Rep, Gordon Hintz took the floor to rant on how the legislation was rammed through the Assembly. He concluded by say "If you want to know why there are 35,000 people here, look at yourselves in the mirror! And how about a little respect for your colleagues".
Informative links:
Live Reporting from the Wisconsin Protests from the Center for Media and Democracy's PR Watch.
The Wisconsin State Journal has a rundown of events.
The Wisconsin Tag has the list of diaries written concerning the events.
6000 pieces of Pizza have been bought for protesters. You can buy more from Ian's pizza & Salad at (608) 442-3535.
Wisconsin's Channel3000.com has a live video feed
The Wisconsin Education Association Council (teachers union) Twitter Feed and an events calendar with the following rules for their members.
Here are some guidelines to follow if you are planning public demonstrations or picketing of legislators’ homes:
1) Notify local law enforcement of your plans and make sure you follow whatever reasonable guidelines they request. Better for law enforcement to know what we are doing and why before getting misleading calls from irate neighbors or businesses.
2) Make sure you stay on public property and sidewalks.
3) Do not obstruct driveways, entrances to businesses, or disrupt traffic on streets. This will guarantee police intervention.
4) Have a picketline captain present at all times in charge of maintaining order and all discussions with police or anyone complaining.
5) Be vocal but civil and peaceful. The opposition will use any violence to discredit us and divert attention from our message.
6) If anyone is arrested, contact me on my cell (608)770-6666 and I will arrange for local legal representation.
7) If local law enforcement is imposing unreasonable restrictions designed to prevent the action, politely work your way up the line of authority and if that fails call me.
Updated by Tomtech at Sun Feb 20, 2011, 04:37:41 PM
The Information Station has a Twitter Feed"