The US Constitution, FIRST Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
The Wisconsin Constitution:
Right to assemble and petition. SECTION 4. The right of
the people peaceably to assemble, to consult for the common
good, and to petition the government, or any department thereof,
shall never be abridged.
From the official nomination for the State Capitol’s designation as a National Historic Landmark, which was granted Jan. 3, 2001: The application states about the rotunda:
“Whereas some statehouses are maintained apart from the urban fabric, the Wisconsin Capitol Rotunda functions, both literally and symbolically, as a city center and is fully utilized as a public place to which all have claim.”
As famously penned by German poet Martin Niemoller…
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out--
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out--
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.
To our conservative friends...
Defend the "Solidarity Singers" not because you believe in their message, but to defend YOUR rights.