MONROE — More than 250 people ignored the cold and wet weather on March 4 and descended upon Monroe’s downtown square for the local iteration of the national 50501 Movement. The coordinated event follows other marches and protests around the country. The 50501 Movement stands for 50 States, 50 Capitols, 1 day.

Local coordinators had hoped for about 300 people to attend, as statistics show political change happens after public efforts like protests reach about 3% of the population.

The 50501 Movement’s key drive is halting the quick expunging of the government systems top to bottom by Elon Musk and DOGE, a freshly created department that was created to trim wasteful government spending. The task has been met with push back across the country, as dollars already appropriated for things like grants and aid have been pulled and entire federal worker hubs have been laid off or fired.

The protests also center around the growing resemblance of fascism and oligarchy. Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes fascism as a populist political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual, that is associated with a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, and that is characterized by severe economic and social regimentation and by forcible suppression of opposition. Notable fascist governments in global history include Italy and Germany during the 1930s and 1940 under Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler. 

Oligarchy is a form of government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes. In it, wealthy businessmen and politicians work together to enhance each other’s power, while the commoner is left with weaker buying power day after day. Modern day Russia is one example of an oligarchic government. 

Local organizers for the hour-long 50501 event had nine speakers address the crowd — Green County Clerk Arianna Voegeli, Wis. Rep Jenna Jacobson (50th District), as well as local leaders and activists Franz Mussared Varga, Rick Waski, Lou Dalton, Stefani Butts, Todd Larson, Maxwell Brooks and Joshua Mittness. 

Immediately following the event, a second local Latino-American pride march took place around the same inner loop of the Square. Protesters from the 50501 event joined as well in solidarity. 

There was not a counter-protest or any incidents that required police intervention at either event. Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley worked with event organizers to secure the inner loop, and officers were spread out across the Square. There was one masked pedestrian openly carrying a long gun, which is legal in Wisconsin. The person stood alone about 50 yards south of the speakers tent throughout much of the event before leaving.

Voegeli, one of the event organizers, said there would be more local 50501 Movement events in the coming months.