Wisconsin Demonstrates to Save Unions,
2011

Selected Favorites to come

This week I am uploading as many as one thousand images of demonstrations in Wisconsin. They are not edited for artistic merit but instead to show the massive nature of the this event. Included note the friendly police presence. Only when the Tea Party showed up on Feb. 18, did the police appear at all stressed.

Tuesday - Thursday, Feb. 15,17

Friday, Feb. 18 -- Demonstration

Friday, Feb. 18 - Injunction Hearing, Madison Schools v MTI

Saturday, Feb. 19

Sunday, Feb. 20

Monday, Noon, Feb. 21

Monday, Evening, Feb. 21

The police presence changed between Monday and Tuesday. 600 officers were moved in to the capital from cities throughout Wisconsin. The legislature resumed activity after suspension when 14 members of the Senate left the state to avoid a quorum. The atmosphere was interesting. Many police appeared to have grown up with the demonstration and continued to appear comfortable and friendly. Others appeared more serious in protecting the Senate and Governors office.

Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011

Wednesday, Feb.23, 2011

Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011

Friday, Feb. 25, 2011

Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011

Sunday represents a masterful manipulation of the police and protestors.  For days, we were told the protestors would be forced to leave the building.  The final announcement came that we would have to leave at 4:00 pm on Sunday.  Throughout the day on Sunday, the police paraded about the capital and took position in various locations.  And then they were gone.  And then they were back.  They continued a friendly dialogue with the demonstrators.  In the end, their controllers manipulated a settlement that led to a peaceful takeover of the capital.  In many ways it was more like a coup.  On Monday I went to the Capital at noon and for the first time 34 years of living in Madison I was denied access.

Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011

Monday. Feb. 28, 2011

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

On Tuesday, March 1, 2011 the Wisconsin State Employees Union sued the State of Wisconsin to force admission to the capitol.

Tuesday, Dane County Court

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

On March 3, 2011, Judge Albert held that the State of Wisconsin acted in violation of the constitution by closing off access to the capitol.

Thursday, Dane County Court

Thursday, March 3, 2011 Evening

On March 4, 2011, the state allowed some access to the capitol. Everyone entering had to submit to search for weapons. The state began the removal of signs from the walls. By Sunday, March 6, 2011 all signs had been removed.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Monday, March 7, 2011

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Wisconsin Senate passed the budget bill under questionable circumstances on March 9, 2011. The Governor's security force made their presence known.

Walker's Personal Parking Security, March 10, 2011

On March 10, 2011, the Assembly passed the bill.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

On March 11, 2011, the Governor signed the bill. The effort to stop this madness continues.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Saturday, March 12, 2011 Farmers Join the Rally

Over 100,000 people came to celebrate the return of the FAB 14.

Saturday, March 12, 2011 FAB 14

After Saturday things slowed down at the capitol. However, there has never been a time whether it be 8:30 am, 7:30 or 11:00 pm when I have gone to the square and not been able to take pictures of people protesting the governor's bill.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Monday, March 14, 2011

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Friday, March 18, 2011

Saturday, March 19, 2011

For 33 days in a row, I went to the square and took pictures of people protesting their government. On Sunday, March 20, 2011, it poured rain all day. For the first time in all these days, I did not go to the square and take pictures. In many ways, this protest has now moved to other parts of the state as protestors work to obtain signatures to recall elected officials.