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Ten days ago we returned to Madison and the political turmoil that we had watched from a distance [2]. In just a few weeks, the Governor and the Republican majorities in the legislature thrust through a new budget and a bill drastically limiting the rights of state employees to bargain collectively. The actions, taken abruptly and perhaps in violation of Wisconsin law, triggered huge, peaceable protest demonstrations–the biggest yesterday [3], with perhaps as many as 100,000 people participating. A timeline of developments is here [4]. A skeptical account of the Governor’s rationale is here [5]. His telephone conversation with Not David Koch, which hasn’t lost any of its entertainment value, is here [6].
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Wisconsin State Animal: The Badger [15].
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Saturday 12 March: A tractor cavalcade around the square.
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The rally continued throughout the afternoon.
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Photo from Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Go here [20] for information about what may happen next.
Wisconsin State Motto: Forward.
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Unless otherwise credited, photos by DB.
PS 13 March: See video coverage, including cow parade, here [22].