Down in Capitol City

Home of the Wisconsin protesters. For those who have made the Capitol their literal home for the past few weeks, they prefer to not think of themselves as protesters. Or the hippies. Or the pains in the ***. They prefer it if police call them "the rotunda community". At least, that's what I overheard the police talking about.

I have already blogged about the protesters indirectly, but I wanted to take the time to focus directly on them. Because quite frankly, I think they are incredible. Even if they do smell a little bad at times.

Because, they have shown such incredible dedication. I was all for turning up and chanting a little, holding a sign high up in the air, pumping my fists in the air etc. for a couple of hours. But for over 3 weeks? When this all began, we were experiencing an incredibly mild week in February. Everyone put the large crowds down to the weather. "It's just because it isn't freezing out here." "They'll be gone when the weather turns."

Well the snow came, and the crowds grew. As the weather got colder, more and more people turned out to support the cause. It really does blow my mind how people just kept on turning up, giving up all their spare time to come and fight for something they so passionately believe in.

It's truly inspirational.

And perhaps a little stupid too, when people started sleeping overnight OUTSIDE of the Capitol, in a small camp dubbed "Walkerville."

Teachers and public workers have all taken their precious personal days, or given up vacation time in order to come out here. Students from across the state volunteered to help out, many often sleeping overnight on hard marble floors in the Capitol. People have driven or taken buses from right across the whole state- some even further afield than that. And the crowd is so varied, with personalities from all walks of life, young and old, male, female, public and private workers, Democrats and Republicans. Entire families have turned up, sacrificing a weekend when they should perhaps be relaxing together, just to defend the modest way of life they are accustomed to.

But it's fun for the kids. And its educational. It's a true lesson in democracy, and the value of peaceful non-violent action. Mr. King would be very proud indeed. I certainly am.

Because the countless rallies and gatherings have been completely peaceful. Perhaps at little rowdy at times, and undoubtedly very vocal. I'd be the first to admit that the endless drum circles gets a little tiresome. But there hasn't been a single hint of violence. Even when tea partiers threw an opposing rally, protesters simply carried on as normal, carrying signs reminding people to remain peaceful. Sure some words were exchanged, but largely, when the two different sides met, they logically discussed their points of view.

Not only have the protests been peaceful, but they have been incredibly well organized. Unbelievably so. And I don't just mean getting people to meet at the same time for a mass march to the Capitol, or organizing stages and speaker systems so celebrities like Bradley Whitford (Josh from the West Wing), Jesse Jackson, and just this weekend Michael Moore, can speak and be heard. Those are no simple feats in themselves. I mean the kind of organization that has ensured people have beds and pillows to sleep on, continuous food to eat (cold and hot!), and remain healthy and fired up.

Whether that requires a dose of medicine or some first aid, some group yoga exercises, or even a 10 minute turn in the massage chair. I kid you not; all of this could be found at the Capitol.

Volunteers set up in a whole wing of the building, turning it into a one stop shop for all protester essentials. Food, drink and funds were donated from across the country; New York, Florida, California, Texas, even from other countries. Hand warmers- check. Painkillers-check. Toothpaste-check. Tampons-check. Ian's pizza, a phenomenal pizza place here in Madison took so many donations, it closed it's regular business, and just shuttled endless numbers of continuous pizza boxes to the Capitol. Protesting is hungry work.

If they didn't have what you wanted, you could add suggestions to a wish list, and on the next donated shopping run, requested items would be purchased.

Perhaps most absurdly, a family centre was set up, to provide day care and other services many parents protesting in Madison were in need of!

Walking around the second floor one night at 4am was certainly an enlightening experience. All the alcoves were filled with groups of people all huddled up together. Some had huge air mattresses and actually looked surprisingly comfy (the 3 guys soundly spooning in their sleep on one mattress did make me laugh). While most dreamt their protesting dreams, some dedicated volunteers walked around "checking" on everyone. Some protesters had taken it upon themselves to be marshals, helping to control the crowd and providing help and advice. Some walked around carrying earplugs for anyone that wanted them. Two others carted bottles of water and breakfast bars for anyone that was waking up. Others used donated cleaning items to help try and keep the Capitol in great shape.

And they did a surprisingly good job.

And it has helped their cause no end- to be so peaceful, and so responsible. It really focuses all the media's attention on what they are protesting about, and not silly little incidents that take over the argument. Their peaceful (largely quiet) persistence has been their greatest asset, and they have even showed up legislators, who have got into vocal arguments and shouting matches, while protesters remained calm and collected.

I am so glad I got to witness this incredible public outburst. It really has shown to me what can be accomplished if people care deeply about something. In England, student protesters lasted a day when tuition fees rose, and a large amount of media coverage was about the  violence and vandalism which resulted from those marches. They oughta to take a lesson from everyone here in Wisconsin.

If he were here today, MLK would undoubtedly be amongst them.