I sit here trying to figure out how to describe the indescribable. The energy in the capitol is palpable; the entire building is filled to standing room only, the noise is deafening - it only became nearly silent during the short-lived attempt to convene the special Senate session which failed for lack of a quorum.
Local businesses are pitching in free food and coffee for protesters. I've heard at least one report of police officers buying lunch for protesting state workers.
Ten thousand people yelling "Tell me what Democracy looks like? This is what Democracy looks like!"
Outside, a line of labor leaders gave impassioned speeches to a cheering crowd of thousands, just outside Walker's office. The loudest cheers were reserved for the presidents of the Wisconsin and Madison Firefighter's unions, who repeated their statements that the Police and Firefighters know when there is an emergency, and they show up. The President of Madison Fire Fighters Local 311 said that if their support leads to them getting cut, too, so be it - labor sticks together. Needless to say, that went over well. The exemption for Police and Firefighters seems to have been a significant political misstep, as it has elevated the significance of their support immeasurably.
The police presence is significant, but the working uniformed cops are friendly and supportive, and the crowd goes nuts when off-duty officers carrying "Cops for Labor" signs pass through.
The people understand that the short-term legislative fight is an uphill one - Before it became clear that the the Democrats were absent we were prepared to hear the bill pass. Nonetheless there is no loss of spirit, which says to me that this movement will survive should the immediate battle be lost.
People are excited, they are feeling their power, and they are prepared to fight.
Governor Walker said "you'd have to be in a coma not to know this was coming." Well, Governor, you've woken Wisconsin's proud labor movement from its coma. Guess you didn't know that was coming.
