OLYMPIA, Feb. 26: Some 2,500 union and progressive activists braved sub-freezing temperatures and snow underfoot to demonstrate their solidarity with the ongoing takeover of the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison by public employees. Participants roared their approval of collective bargaining rights, citing 22 – 30% higher wages obtained by union workers over non-union, and enhanced job security. Firefighters and policemen asserted many times, “We’re not in this for the money” and rebutted accusations of bloated payroll and pensions made in recent days by Gov. Walker and the assorted media spokesmen for his right-wing puppeteers. Many signs alluded to Walker’s alleged ties to the Koch Brothers and other shadowy far-Right groups.
After a vigorous harangue delivered by union leaders, rank-and-file members, and state politicians at the Tivoli Fountain, the labor forces advanced on the Legislative Building and enacted a peaceful people’s takeover of the Capitol rotunda lasting a few hours. Unionized Washington State Patrolmen looked on benignly. There were no frisks, no pat-downs, and no incidents.
Signs at the Olympia labor rally, 2/26/11: "Walker Take a Hike". Photo copyright 2011 by Larry Neilson.
The unionists’ lusty chants were audible inside the House chamber, where the legislators were in session. The strains of “We shell overcome” reverbrated beneath the stately dome as the protestors swayed in rhythm to the song.
Many protestors peeled away to visit their state reps and Senators during this time.
Cheesehead protestor at Olympia rally, 2/26/11 - photo copyright 2011 by Larry Neilson.
The labor turnout put to shame the paltry 100-200 Tea Party supporters who showed up to buttress embattled Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Tea Baggers set up two tables to hand out literature. Their display included numerous posters of President Obama wearing a Hitler mustache. Also large signs imploring the re-instatement of the Glass-Steagall Act (legally regulating banks and separating investment banks from community savings banks) and portraits of FDR … nice try, fellas, but aren’t you a little late? Where were you, say, five years ago when regulation could have prevented the Wall St. crackup? Out demanding more deregulation to free private enterprise from the fetters of government control, no doubt.
The Tea Baggers’ pathetic numbers were underlined when they attempted to shout down the Labor-led proceedings. The mighty People’s Sound System, with snow-haired Bob Barnes at the controls, did not allow serious competition.
I attended with the MoveOn Seattle Council, and turned out 15 large signs for the cause.
- Labor protestors listening to rally at WA State Capitol, Olympia, 2/26/11. Photo copyright 2011 by Larry Neilson.
Protestors occupy the State Capitol steps at the Olympia labor rally, 2/26/11. Photo copyright 2011 by Larry Neilson.
Visiting Wisconsinites, and one Egyptian, voiced appreciation of the strong show of support in Olympia.
For my complete photo essay on the Olympia protest, visit my online Facebook photo album. For one local TV news story on the protest, see KING-5 TV site.