Suuny sends along this eyewitness account of Saturday’s protest in Madison.
I wanted to share about our trip to Madison Saturday.
The day was exhausting but exhilarating as well!! The media are not getting the numbers right at all. Last weekend we had 70,000 and this weekend, there had to have been about 130,000 or more!!! All the shuttle busses were overrun, and the city busses, too!!
Our day began when we took the city bus to the Capitol and were engaged in healthy conversation–one man was homeless and shuffled back and forth between shelters. He was very articulate about how important it was for the people to believe that they could make a difference. He was so proud of the people in Wisconsin.
When we arrived at the square, we knew the day was different. The people filled the streets and sidewalks all around the Capitol and the energy was SOOO intense. From large organized groups to small individuals walking, it was incredible! Then about 2:00 in the afternoon, we began to hear a gentle yet strong voice encouraging all of us to have a voice! It was accompanied by a guitar…It was Peter Yarrow! Beautiful way to set the focus of the rally on knowing we are all there for a bigger reason. The snow was falling in large flakes. Children were catching the flakes on their tongues, and in every direction, I see every kind of person imaginable! Talk about an eclectic group.
Then the call to begin the rally with our National Anthem. I was in awe hearing ( again I think it was over a hundred thousand) voices belting out the words that represent what we believe to be the foundation of democracy. Then from the Capitol building a deafening roar as the people within the building cheered on 3000 firefighters preceding bagpipes. Oh, my! It was spectacular!! We didn’t get home until way late Saturday night…and slept in past 9 a.m., a first for me! I am overwhelmed by the experience.
We may go this week if things get tumultuous and they call out for us. It has been an extremely peaceful and joyful protest.
Thanks for listening. We love you all! (This was so therapeutic for each of us, knowing there are so many of us who are together on this)
Peace, love, and joy!