Originally published at let's give it back to the squares
Disclaimer: This diary is based on an unconfirmed report that reached me via Tumblr, rumor, and my own anecdotal observations on the ground in Madison during my most recent visit to the Front. However, I believe that the information is important enough to share with the DKos community. Caveat Emptor
vruz:
this is the scene inside right now - we’ve taken OUR house back!
—via lefan-o-rama:
cars circling the capitol over and over honking horns. first time i’ve seen this reaction.
Emphasis mine.
I want to highlight this, because it is consistent with rumors I heard going around the Capital on my last visit, and things I observed directly. First, I want you all to take a look at this photo...
This was the scene outside Walker's office on Friday, Feb 25th. The first thing I want you to notice how the officers aran't looking out but towards Walker's office. This wasn't just a lucky catch. They kept doing this. Occasionally one of the huddle would scan around or look suspiciously at me and my camera, but basically they were looking inward. This gives you a big clue as to the state of mind of police officers on the front lines. The second thing to note about this picture is that the officers closest to me are from a variety of departments around Wisconsin. The two officers out of focus in the background in front of Walker's door are both State Patrol troopers. Getting an idea of what the internal dynamics here are yet?
Now, according to the rumors I heard, if there was a situation where Walker would need a lot of man power to disrupt the protests at a crucial juncture, a lot of MPD and Dane County Sherffi's officers would suddenly get sick. I imagine after the closing of the Capital, a lot of the local departments who'd been loaning out officers used that change in the situation to justify recalling their people. This leaves the State Patrol, who's chief is the father of the loathsome Fitzgerald brothers, who control the GOP Majorities in both chambers of the legislature, as the Royal Guard. Their ranks are the most divided on the bill (where as most of the manciple officers and Sheriff's police are opposed), and their Chief is a crony of Walker's.
If the State Patrol is the primary source for police manpower at the Capital right now, it's a strong sign that the other law enforcement agencies are quietly cutting Walker loose.
Updated by Goldfish at Wed Mar 9, 2011, 11:29:22 PM
Another report comes in http://vruz.tumblr.com/...
Updated by Goldfish at Wed Mar 9, 2011, 11:37:37 PM
FROM THE LIVEFEED INSIDE THE CAPITAL: No police presence inside the Capital on first two floors http://www.livestream.com/...