Politics & Government
A Crowd of 400 Protests Annual GOP Lincoln Day Dinner
Though Governor Scott Walker was not in attendance, supporters of collective bargaining lined the route into the dinner anyway.
Editor's Note: Heather Rayne Geyer attended the protest for Mount Pleasant-Sturtevant Patch.
Upon arrival I saw 2 men with a pick up truck grilling and passing out free hot dogs to protesters. As I worked my way through the crowd, I asked some of the participants why they were there.
Reggie, a student of UW-Whitewater, comes from a long line of teachers. “We understand how important this it to America. This bothers me. It worries me," he said.
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John, a Paddock Lake High School Janitor says, “This is completely wrong. He (Scott Walker) is taking away our contracts and our rights.”
Gary Wood is a UW Parkside employee, and he feels like the budget repair bill is dividing the state. “Scott Walker is bad for Wisconsin. He has divided people against each other and we need to get rid of him," he stated.
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Tom Ward said he was there to support and fight for all workers rights. “Once they start taking away some worker’s rights, they will start taking them all," he added.
“Having collective bargaining is important for those in the unions and not in the unions. Otherwise, no one gets a fair shake,” said Victor Vasquez of Racine.
Business owner Mark Balwinski said to me, “The time to speak up is now. The Republicans in the house and senate have behaved miserably through out this entire ordeal. Bullying tactics befitting of tantrum throwing three year olds are all they offer. My goal is to help get the word out our website and help get the organization to the point where it will be able to hit the ground running when the recall process can begin.”
It was bitter cold with a wicked wind. The turnout was impressive considering the weather, and it went on without incident. There were a number of law enforcement who were keeping an eye on things, but they looked bored.
There was a lot of chanting, beating drums, ringing cow bells and lots and lots of signs. Protesters were made to stay off the property so the hundreds of people lined Oakes Road and Hwy 20. The group ran the gammet of ages – anywhere from senior citizens to toddlers, though the average age was probably 45. Of course there were many unions represented - teachers, auto workers, prison guards, nurses – but there were many non-union supporters as well.
