• by Katrin Dauenhauer (madison, wisconsin)
• Friday, March 11, 2011
• Inter Press Service

Emotions are running high at the State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin after Republican senators passed a revised version of a budget repair bill that will take away public workers' collective bargaining rights in an ad hoc session Wednesday night.

Democratic senators fled the state more than two weeks ago to prevent a vote on the controversial piece of legislation. But this week, Republican lawmakers stripped the bill of financial components to circumvent a quorum that would have required 20 senators, and thus at least one Democratic senator, to be present.

The bill passed the Assembly Thursday and was signed into law by Governor Scott Walker early Friday morning.

Outside the capitol building, protesters expressed anger and frustration over the Republican maneuvre by shouting 'Shame, Shame' and 'Liar, Liar'. Earlier chants of 'This is what democracy looks like' have turned into 'This is what tyranny looks like.'

'This was totally dirty politics,' Ben Kaker, a teacher from Madison told IPS. 'The vote clearly shows that Walker isn't after the money but after busting unions. Financial goals might come later, but they are not paramount. This also shows that Walker was lying the whole time.'

'What happened last night was a travesty of democracy,' said Don Smith, a union member from Madison. 'I am almost speechless because it amounts to rape of the American way. This vile creature [Walker] and his 17 criminals with their total disregard for what America stands for totally corrupted democracy and sold it to an oligarchy that must be defeated at all costs.'

Democrats and protestors are questioning the legality of the procedure. Participants had only been informed about the meeting less than two hours prior. Open meeting laws by the state, however, require the notification of participants and the public at least 24 hours in advance.

'I am completely horrified that such an illegal thing took place. It's different if you read about it. But if you actually saw how the vote went down, you can't but cry. This is a 'F**k you' to the American people,' Leah Thomas from Madison told IPS.

'Similar initiatives are going on in other states right now. They are all looking to Wisconsin to see how things turn out. If Wisconsin will serve as a precedent for legislation in other states, we are in big trouble,' she continued.

'I am appalled. I think what happened last night was the culmination of the Republican Party's disrespectful behaviour of the last couple of weeks. This is the furthest thing away from democracy that I can think of. I am not in a position to say if it was unlawful but at the very least it was unethical. My faith in democracy has been shaken,' Dawn Wavra from Waunakee told IPS.

'I am hoping this vote will not stand. Otherwise it is looking pretty tough for Wisconsinites,' Dough Joseph from Eau Claire told IPS.

Protesters also criticise the increased difficulties to enter the capitol building. While in the beginning the building was open to the public day and night, a Mar. 3 court order declared that people could not occupy the capitol after hours. And during the day, long lines await people who want to get inside. Bag checks and metal detectors are in place.

'I was here during the vote. They [the police] dragged us out of the vestibule by picking us up one by one, even though I was part of a public hearing. It's disgusting. They started out by saying it's about the budget and it's not about collective bargaining. Scott Walker is a liar. You can't get any more blatant about a lie than this,' Tim Wersland with Iron Workers Local 383 told IPS.

Meanwhile, unions asked members to join the recall efforts against Republican senators in the eight districts where the process is already underway. Calls for a recall of Republican senators and Governor Walker have also been made by many protesters.

'Walker is taking this state backwards, this is very unsettling. Hopefully, we can recall him. Walker is saying he is not listening to polls, but he ought to be, because right now, the majority of the people has turned against him,' Sue Brumberg from Eau Claire told IPS.

'He is dividing the state, people are getting polarised. It is very disheartening. Hopefully, we can turn things around,' she said.

The possibility of a general strike is also being discussed. 'This is not just a vote on union organisation. This is a larger attack on the working class and amounts to class warfare,' Michael Koc from Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) told IPS. 'It is sad to see that the best thing Democrats could do is leave. But this also shows that we cannot rely on either party within the system, but need to use direct actions to fight for our rights.'

'We are a long way off from a general strike, but we have to organise to make our voices heard,' he added.

Protesters are closely watching the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election, which could help turn the tide in making their voices heard. Currently, the court has a four- to-three conservative majority. One of the judges, David Prosser, is up for reelection on Apr. 5. Running against him is JoAnne Kloppenburg.

As activists expect the Supreme Court to rule on the legality of Wednesday's vote, they stress the importance of a liberal majority with Kloppenburg on the court.

Despite the passage of the bill, protesters are determined to continue their demonstrations. Another big rally is planned for this Saturday.

'We think it's completely unfair that they are not listening to the peaceful protesters right outside their window. But we are not going away. And the weather is only getting better,' Shelley Hoernke, a teacher from Oshkosh, told IPS.

'I am embarrassed for my state, which has a proud history of progressive politics. I am not proud of last night's vote but we will prevail,' said Paul Klein from Steven's Point. 'People are mad.'

© Inter Press Service (2011) — All Rights Reserved. Original source: Inter Press Service

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