The state budget crisis took another little side journey this week with the debate over access to the state Capitol building.
I will admit to a deep affinity for the Capitol. Ive walked through those grand corridors dozens, no, surely hundreds, of times, always amazed and moved at the buildings grace and dignity.
As a kid growing up in Madison, trips to the Capitol were commonplace. There were field trips I shook hands with then-Lt. Gov. Martin Schreiber in his office complete with sack lunches on the grounds, the annual holiday concert, and pit stops inside to use the restroom and cool off in the dark interior.
As I grew up, I began to appreciate the building more. I used to walk all the way up State Street just to walk through the Capitol, stand in the rotunda and gaze up. It was usually so quiet. A few people, staff walking from here to there, an occasional group of shuffling school children, but mostly quiet, its calm seeming to belie the debates that have raged behind chamber doors, and sometimes out on the grounds, through its history.
And even two decades after leaving Madison, I still drive out of my way to catch my favorite view of the Capitol standing resolutely.
So Im sentimental about the Capitol. Thats probably why the debate over access struck a chord with me.
I was surprised at first that protesters were allowed to stay overnight in the Capitol. I never realized the right to free speech includes the right to sleepover in a government building.
Understand, I fully support the right of people to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard. And from most accounts Bill OReillys infamous video clip showing rowdy protesters with palm trees in the background, clearly not from Madison, notwithstanding the protests have been peaceful and mostly nonproblematic.
That says a lot for those gathering. Its not easy to put 70,000 people together in one spot and not have some trouble brew.
Recent reports indicated there was damage to the Capitol, to the tune of more than $7 million, by the protesters. As of Friday, the Department of Administration has backed off that claim. Likewise, initial reports that tape and glue used to secure posters have damaged the buildings 40 varieties of marble also appear to be overstated.
And what about those reports that Gov. Walker ordered some windows welded shut to lock out protesters? Turns out there were some first-floor window bolts replaced windows were initially bolted shut 10 years ago to ensure no one came in through the bathroom windows (cue the Beatles song) and the fasteners had somehow been removed or come loose since, according to a spokesman for the Department of Administration. (This from Politifact.com.)
Im thankful there doesnt appear to be any significant damage. Common sense would dictate there will be additional wear and tear and cleaning costs associated with so many additional people there for so many days, but, as the bumper sticker says, democracy is not free.
According to the state legislatures website (legis.wisconsin.gov), the Capitol building is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Perhaps the problem is that this standard wasnt followed from Day 1 of protests. Now, some say, that limiting access is just a way to chase out dissenters.
A Dane County judge earlier this week ruled that a crackdown on access to the Capitol was too restrictive. He ordered the Capitol cleared at night, but maintained the state can restrict protesters to the rotunda area.
As it should be. And protesters have accepted the ruling: According to the Associated Press, the building was cleared both Thursday and Friday without incident.
Im also glad new security checks, including metal detectors, were implemented. This is not an indictment of the current crowds of protesters, but rather a response to the reality we now have, a reality in which random acts of violence can occur just about anywhere an airport, a shopping mall, even a small town high school. Why wouldnt we expect security measures at the hub of our state government?
The DOA has announced other rules for access to the Capitol: Visitors must enter and exit the building via the North or South Hamilton Street doors. Protesters must remain in the rotunda area on the first floor. Carry-ins such as sleeping bags, musical instruments and cooking appliances will not be allowed. And no new signs can be posted.
It seems reasonable to me. I may adopt similar guidelines for visitors at my personal residence particularly for anyone planning to stay two weeks or more.
As always, I enjoy the feedback from readers. Please tell me why Im wrong or right on this subject.
Mary Jane Grenzow is the editor of The Monroe Times. She can be reached at editor@
themonroetimes.com.
I will admit to a deep affinity for the Capitol. Ive walked through those grand corridors dozens, no, surely hundreds, of times, always amazed and moved at the buildings grace and dignity.
As a kid growing up in Madison, trips to the Capitol were commonplace. There were field trips I shook hands with then-Lt. Gov. Martin Schreiber in his office complete with sack lunches on the grounds, the annual holiday concert, and pit stops inside to use the restroom and cool off in the dark interior.
As I grew up, I began to appreciate the building more. I used to walk all the way up State Street just to walk through the Capitol, stand in the rotunda and gaze up. It was usually so quiet. A few people, staff walking from here to there, an occasional group of shuffling school children, but mostly quiet, its calm seeming to belie the debates that have raged behind chamber doors, and sometimes out on the grounds, through its history.
And even two decades after leaving Madison, I still drive out of my way to catch my favorite view of the Capitol standing resolutely.
So Im sentimental about the Capitol. Thats probably why the debate over access struck a chord with me.
I was surprised at first that protesters were allowed to stay overnight in the Capitol. I never realized the right to free speech includes the right to sleepover in a government building.
Understand, I fully support the right of people to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard. And from most accounts Bill OReillys infamous video clip showing rowdy protesters with palm trees in the background, clearly not from Madison, notwithstanding the protests have been peaceful and mostly nonproblematic.
That says a lot for those gathering. Its not easy to put 70,000 people together in one spot and not have some trouble brew.
Recent reports indicated there was damage to the Capitol, to the tune of more than $7 million, by the protesters. As of Friday, the Department of Administration has backed off that claim. Likewise, initial reports that tape and glue used to secure posters have damaged the buildings 40 varieties of marble also appear to be overstated.
And what about those reports that Gov. Walker ordered some windows welded shut to lock out protesters? Turns out there were some first-floor window bolts replaced windows were initially bolted shut 10 years ago to ensure no one came in through the bathroom windows (cue the Beatles song) and the fasteners had somehow been removed or come loose since, according to a spokesman for the Department of Administration. (This from Politifact.com.)
Im thankful there doesnt appear to be any significant damage. Common sense would dictate there will be additional wear and tear and cleaning costs associated with so many additional people there for so many days, but, as the bumper sticker says, democracy is not free.
According to the state legislatures website (legis.wisconsin.gov), the Capitol building is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Perhaps the problem is that this standard wasnt followed from Day 1 of protests. Now, some say, that limiting access is just a way to chase out dissenters.
A Dane County judge earlier this week ruled that a crackdown on access to the Capitol was too restrictive. He ordered the Capitol cleared at night, but maintained the state can restrict protesters to the rotunda area.
As it should be. And protesters have accepted the ruling: According to the Associated Press, the building was cleared both Thursday and Friday without incident.
Im also glad new security checks, including metal detectors, were implemented. This is not an indictment of the current crowds of protesters, but rather a response to the reality we now have, a reality in which random acts of violence can occur just about anywhere an airport, a shopping mall, even a small town high school. Why wouldnt we expect security measures at the hub of our state government?
The DOA has announced other rules for access to the Capitol: Visitors must enter and exit the building via the North or South Hamilton Street doors. Protesters must remain in the rotunda area on the first floor. Carry-ins such as sleeping bags, musical instruments and cooking appliances will not be allowed. And no new signs can be posted.
It seems reasonable to me. I may adopt similar guidelines for visitors at my personal residence particularly for anyone planning to stay two weeks or more.
As always, I enjoy the feedback from readers. Please tell me why Im wrong or right on this subject.
Mary Jane Grenzow is the editor of The Monroe Times. She can be reached at editor@
themonroetimes.com.
