Locked Out

At 8 A.M. Monday the capitol was supposed to reopen to the public as required by state law.  However citing public safety concerns the Department of Administration (DOA) kept the doors shut.  Many protesters remained in the building from the day before, though their numbers were dwindling, and the  DOA cited them as part of the reason for not opening the doors.  The problem is that by state law the building must be open during official hours (8am-6pm M-F) and whenever official business was being held.  It was Monday, and it was between 8am - 6pm, and there was official business in the form of hearings, but the doors remained locked.

Gathering outside the doors, around a thousand people gathered, shouting "Let us in!" and demanding to be allowed access.  The ACLU lodged a lawsuit demanding entry, and democratic lawmakers attempted to force the building to be open.  All failed.  Entry was allowed to some, but not to the protesters.  People felt as if their voice was being silenced.  Here they were, citizens and taxpayers of Wisconsin, being denied entry to their statehouse.  During the last two weeks, the occupation of the statehouse had become an important part of the protest to many people.  Now it was being denied to them.

To the Republicans this was likely a welcome change.  They made no secret of their disgust at the occupation and their desire to remove the "slobs" who filled the hallways making noise.  This removal of the protesters comes right before the Governor has his session to release his budget bill.  Certainly he desired to clear the capitol of his critics before he gave his speech.  All statements for the DOA indicate that they intend on limiting access to the capitol tomorrow as well, most likely to keep the protesters at arms length and maintaining peace and quiet at the capitol.

However the unions and their supporters have no intention on remaining quiet or away.  They stood out side in large numbers until late tonight, making their presence heard.  They intend on returning tomorrow, likely with a much larger crowd, to make sure that the Governor can hear us during his budget address.