100s of Cops Enter Wisconsin State House in Support of Protesters. Thunderous applause.

[sabrina 1]

Wisconsin police join up with anti-Walker protesters

The Wisconsin police have entered the fray at the State Capitol building in Madison -- and in dramatic fashion. More than a hundred police officers entered the Capitol today and joined up with the hundreds of protesters who have waged demonstrations in the building for a week and a half.

BREAKING: Wisconsin Police Have Joined Protest Inside State Capitol

“Hundreds of cops have just marched into the Wisconsin state capitol building to protest the anti-Union bill, to massive applause. They now join up to 600 people who are inside.”

Ryan reported on his Facebook page earlier today:

“Police have just announced to the crowds inside the occupied State Capitol of Wisconsin: ‘We have been ordered by the legislature to kick you all out at 4:00 today. But we know what’s right from wrong. We will not be kicking anyone out, in fact, we will be sleeping here with you!’ Unreal.”

WOW! Check out the video. 'Cops for Labor'!

"This is a Civil Rights Issue"

"Mr. Walker, we know who YOU work for and we know who WE work for! We work for THESE PEOPLE!"

"Mr. Walker, this is not your House, this is the people's House"!

I am so impressed with Wisconsin Police! :applause: for them!

Edited to add video from link: http://understory.ran.org/2011/02/25/breaking-wisconsin-police-have-joined-protest-inside-state-capitol/

Yesss!!

[ananda]

1. Wonderful!

So heartening.

[sabrina 1]

2. Did you watch the video?? It truly is heartening!

I love Wisconsin police!!

[roguevalley]

60. God, my heart. It's healing.

[inna]

3. "Unreal" and wonderful, indeed! Hope it catches up. Go Wisconsin. Solidarity.

[earth mom]

4. Woo Hoo! I LOVE THIS!

:applause:

:woohoo:

:yourock:

[karynnj]

5. Powerful video!

It is still hard to figure out how this will end, but it is amazing that they are where they are today. I imagine that there are many in Wisconsin who have woken up - and see what the last election has done to their state. Hopefully, some of the Republicans are long term Republicans who themselves may become concerned by the reactionary nature of their party.

[gateley]

6. Wow - the video! High praise for those cops! KEEP IT UP, WISCONSIN! You/we shall be victorious!

[sabrina 1]

7. I am amazed at the cops. I thought they would not take a stand

since Walker exempted them from his nonsense.

Guess he underestimated them. Many cops are married to teachers and have parents who are teachers.

They are waking up. They KNOW it's about way more than the budget!! This revolution thing is catching on!!

[rug]

10. I'm flabbergasted!

:wow:

[Horse with no Name]

40. It was pretty evident

that they wanted to turn the unions against each other and take them out one by one.

I'm an in awe of the people of Wisconsin.

They are TRULY fighting our fight.

[usrname]

68. That's what being in a union means:

Be united! One person can't stand up against tyranny. Just one union can't stand up against tyranny. All the unions must stand together.

[calimary]

69. It's like what that girl Gina posted on the Ian's Pizza FB page: UNITED WE BARGAIN, DIVIDED WE BEG!

I think it's frickin' BRILLIANT and should be spread all over EVERYWHERE!!!!

UNITED WE BARGAIN, DIVIDED WE BEG!

Sums up the entire crisis in six words.

Gina, whoever you are, wherever you are, I'm in awe!

[sabrina 1]

9. I love what they said. 'We were ordered to come and clear you out

but we know what's right and what's wrong. We're not going to clear you out, we are going to sleep here with you'!!

Paraphrased, but that was basically what they said! I am in awe of them for defying Walker!

:applause: :bounce: :applause:

[gateley]

15. And We pretty much know who you work for, Walker, but we work for THE PEOPLE! nt

[Poboy]

8. recommend!

[senseandsensibility]

11. So CNN and networks are leading with this, right?

K and R.

[sabrina 1]

12. U.S media doesn't work on the weekends. Corporate entities

take weekends off, no matter what is happening in the world. There is literally no news on U.S. TV.

The world is on fire with revolutions and protests and every other media in the world is covering these huge, historical events, but our Corporate media is asleep.

Sunday morning shows will have the usual lineup. Talking heads, but no real hard news.

[senseandsensibility]

16. Poor attempt at humor, I guess. I know they're not

covering it. In fact, apparently, they're running a canned "special" on CNN about teabaggers.

[sabrina 1]

57. No, the humor was obvious, I was just unable to resist

pointing out once more what a failure our media is. Totally irrelevant now when there are so many other sources of news available.

I read today that the Wisconsin protests are receiving more attention in the ME than they are here.

Al Jazeera has been covering them also.

But the U.S. media is off for the weekend.

[NotThisTime]

13. Awesome K&R!!

[tekisui]

14. Wow! Inspiring!

[Kber]

17. Wow - it's said upthread, but please watch the video - well worth it!

[Thunderstruck]

18. That is so cool! It is really good to see the police siding with the People.

[Matariki]

19. Wow! I hope that gives people the courage to stay in the building!

Even when they try to close it "for cleaning" tomorrow.

[FogerRox]

20. thats is a holy shit... moment. KnR

[valerief]

21. Fabulous!!!! Totally fabulous!!! nt

[Viking12]

22. Woo-Fucking-Hoo!

[Kurovski]

23. That's a big win.

Imagine a world where cops are always protecting the people.

Ahhh, one day it shall come to pass...

[sabrina 1]

30. 'Imagine a world where cops are always protecting the people.'

When I was little, I used to think they worked for the people. But it's been a long time since I had that kind of faith in cops. Mostly they are doing the work of the state against the people.

But this restores my faith in cops. Maybe it's just THESE cops, but I hope not. I hope it spreads around the country! Imagine if it did, we would finally have a Democracy!

[Kurovski]

32. There are lots of great cops.

Believe me. we hear the worst of the horror stories.

as for the good guys, I have some in my family. I alsoi used to work at places police came to regularly. (no donut shops though)

LosAngeles was pretty bad overall and a fam member left because it was so corrupt, ended up working in another state. I don't know that it still is screwed up in L.A.

Racist cops will seek to verify their bias as a habit. I mean, assiduously. and that fucks it up bad for all the good ones.

[sabrina 1]

45. Yes, I have met some good cops also, but the image of them

dressed in riot gear, beating up protesters over the past several years, is the image many people have had of them for a long now.

And if Walker had had his way, that is what we would have seen in Wisconsin also. These cops are what cops should be about, working for the people. I wonder will Walker try to 'punish' them in any way?

[Kurovski]

24. That's exactly what all those big, beautiful rotundas were built for in all our states' capitols.

[Foo Fighter]

25. Are there any police precincts within the delivery area for Ian's Pizza?

Is anyone here familiar enough with Madison to know? It would be great to bombard some precinct(s) with pizza.

[sabrina 1]

27. I don't know, but they sure deserve some pizza for this.

Maybe someone who lives there could help with that ~

[applegrove]

26. Really cool.

[deacon]

28. Leave it to the GOP to start war on workers during an employment crisis. The PR from this will

seriously hurt them in 2012. Lots of footage and pictures for Dem ad campaigns.

[fishwax]

29. "We work for THESE PEOPLE!"

:woohoo:

:applause:

:patriot:

:yourock:

[suffragette]

31. This is wonderful

K&R

:applause:

[Tigress DEM]

33. So Cool! kick n rec

KICK

[Imagevision]

34. Amazing! In Chicago they were beating us with their clubs when we tried ending Viet Nam war...

[DeSwiss]

35. K&R

[sabrina 1]

70. I love that sign. Reminds me of Anonymous!!

[Enthusiast]

36. Straight up awesome!

Lovin' it.

[snappyturtle]

37. K&R nt

[Divernan]

38. This action taken by state cop we DUers emailed to thank.

DUer Calimary told about emailing him to thank the police for standing up for all working Americans:

"I emailed him to say thank you for standing with the Wisconsin protestors - and reminded him that by doing that, he and his colleagues were actually standing up for ALL of us union members, non-union members, and just plain ol' hourly wage-earners and other assorted working stiffs - from coast to coast." More us us then emailed our thanks to him and told him the whole country was watching.

Jim Palmer, Executive Director of Wisconsin's Professional Police Association.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/02/25/wisconsin-police-association-urges-members-to-join-sleep-in-at-capitol/

"The head of Wisconsin's Professional Police Association, however, not only opposes the plan (to close the capitol at 4 p.m. Friday) but has called on police to join the sleep-in. According to a posting at Dane101, a Madison area blog network, WPPA Executive Director Jim Palmer has asked Governor Scott Walker to keep the building open and allow the protesters to remain.

“The law enforcement officers from across the state that have been working at the Capitol and have been very impressed with how peaceful everyone has been,” Palmer stated. “As has been reported in the media, the protesters are cleaning up after themselves and have not caused any problems. The fact of that matter is that Wisconsin’s law enforcement community opposes Governor Walker’s effort to eliminate most union activity in this state, and we implore him to not do anything to increase the risk to officers and the public."

Palmer also announced that the WPPA is asking its members from across the state to join the protests, explaining, “Law enforcement officers know the difference between right and wrong, and Governor Walker’s attempt to eliminate the collective voice of Wisconsin’s devoted public employees is wrong. That is why we have stood with our fellow employees each day and why we will be sleeping among them tonight.”

Palmer also noted that many police officers have already been participating in the protests in civilian clothes after providing security in their official function. "We may not have a big group but we're going to try to have a presence just the same," he stated. "Who knows, maybe I'll be there by myself."

[mother earth]

39. Solidarity! This is true patriotism, the real deal, Bravo!!!!

[rasputin1952]

41. Each day I am more impressed with the Good People of WI...

and across the nation that are showing such incredible solidarity.

The mutton-heads of the GOP and Teabaggers thought they were the only ones that could come together over "issues", they have more than met their match. The Spirit of the American People is shown every day by these brave people who have stood up against tyranny.

Walker seems to think he can work by edict like some Colonial Governor, well, Mr. Walker...this is the United States, and your pitiful minions in the legislature of WI will fall, just as you are falling and the People will show you the door...have fun in the cold when you are ousted...by the way, being unemployed, you might have been able to get LIHEAP benefits, but you and tour ilk will have to "pull yourselves up by your own bootstraps", even though you would deny boots, shoes or socks to others.

Mr. Walker, is a sincere pleasure to watch you go down in flames...taking that shamble of a party w/you...:D

GO WI!!! and everyone else that sees this for what it is...a takeover by cash and corporation.

[NBachers]

42. Holy Shit! I actually woke up on the right planet today

I'm used to feeling like I woke up on some twisted bizarro world. Maybe it's the bizarros who feel now like they woke up on the wrong planet.

Truth, Justice, and the American Way- maybe these concepts have found their way home

[Cid_B]

43. Everyone cheers! YAY! Huzzah...

Good thing they agree with you.

Law enforcement should be politically neutral. They are wrong.

[sabrina 1]

47. No, they should work for the people who pay their salaries.

A lot of the time they do not, they work for Corporations and for Politicians.

These cops stated correctly that they KNOW who they work for and it is NOT the Koch brothers.

Walker wanted them to do Koch's dirty work for him.

Had they done that, that would NOT have been a 'neutral' action, it would have been a wrong action, in violation of their duty to the people.

It is rare to see cops stand with the people AGAINST the corrupt, criminal elements that have taken over this country.

Now they are doing that, and it's the right thing to do. Walker would have used the police to stop the people from excercising their 1st Amendment rights. The cops said 'oh no, you don't' and good for them.

[Cid_B]

48. As I don't know the specifics of the order I'll say this...

... if it was an illegal order then it should have been taken up with their chain. Parading it around for political posturing is still wrong.

[sabrina 1]

49. Ordering the police to deprive citizens of the Constitutional right

to peacefully demonstrate against government policies that directly affect them, is an illegal and unconstitutional order. Either they carried it out while they took it up with their chain, which may have been done, btw, or they abide by the Constitution. Seems like an easy enough decision to me.

[Cid_B]

50. Fine, then refuse the order and keep it to yourself...

LE should always be politically neutral.

[sabrina 1]

53. Governors should not be working for the corporations.

They are supposed to working for the people. When they attack the people, it is the duty of public safety officials to protect the people. That's what these cops are doing. Talk to Walker about why he has attacked the people of Wisconsin.

I am very glad to see that public safety workers are taking the safety of the public seriously. The cops don't work for the Governor, they work for the people.

And when they see wrong-doing, they absolutely should speak out about it.

It's the failure of so many to speak out about the corruption and wrong-doing of politicians for so long, that has brought this country to its knees.

We have had enough!!

[Name removed]

52. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cid_B]

54. As you seem to be new...

I'll point you to the section of DU where your post is a no no...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html

[Name removed]

62. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cid_B]

64. Wow...

Bravo. You literally made me laugh out loud. I've been called many things but rarely an "enemy of free people"

If you could see past your poutrage and own personal issue you could see the problem is much bigger. I would like a police force that doesn't take sides. Ever...

You want one that goes with whoever they feel like based on the political mood they are in at the time. Good call. Hope that keeps working out for you and they always choose who you like (which they won't). :applause:

[sabrina 1]

66. Do you have anthing, other than your opinion, that what the

cops have done is wrong in any way? They are correct when the say they do not work for the Governor. The NG takes orders from the Governor in certain circumstances, but who do the police take orders from??

A link would be helpful if you have one.

[Name removed]

67. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cid_B]

71. You should run for office...

... with those kind of communication skills.

[datasuspect]

78. or maybe i could get a federal contract to create and manage personae on the internets

[sabrina 1]

72. So, you have nothing, just your opinion.?

The Governor illegally ordered the cops to go after Democrats. They were right to refuse that order, as it was illegal.

[Name removed]

73. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sabrina 1]

74. I asked for some documentation of why what the police have done

is wrong. I don't see any so far, so I'll assume you don't have any.

I think they know the rules and the law. And I think they are acting accordingly.

It's so great to see them among the protesters with their 'Cops for Labor' signs.

And Walker thought if he exempted them they would forget their principles!

Bad thinking on the part of a bought-and-paid-for politician.

Go Cops!

[Cid_B]

75. So....

You want documentation to back up the idea that its a bad idea for police to take sides in a political issue? Try a history book...

You are the same sort who wants to cut out free speech as long as it isn't speech you like or deny due process but just to people who really deserve it (in your opinion.)

The law and law enforcement should be neutral. Period...

Eventually they will be on the other side of your pet issues and I want you to remember how happy you were now. Oopsie...

[sabrina 1]

77. You cannot be neutral about people's Constitional rights,

How do you do that again?

[TorchTheWitch]

76. When on duty

Police, unlike military, need only be politically neutral when on duty. They can and should be politically aware, active, and vote. They are civilians just like other civilians and when not on duty can and should voice their opinions and exercise their rights. Even when on duty they should not follow orders that are illegal or otherwise invalid. If there is no LEGAL or VALID reason for the capitol to be cleared, they should not act as the lackies of the government and obey such orders. This is exactly why the health and safety issue had to be conjured in order to convince the Capitol police to clear the capitol building.

This is not so much about politics as it is about LAW. The people have a legal right to peaceably protest and do it within the capitol building as long as there are no health or safety issues involved and that workers at the capitol can still be allowed to do so. The police must follow the law, not the wishes of the government ESPECIALLY when those wishes violate the law including interfering with the rights of the people.

[tpsbmam]

44. I've seen this video many times now and each time I well up and get such a

strong visceral reaction it's just incredible. Those cops and everyone there will be telling their grandchildren or their friends' grandchildren about this. Hell, even those who aren't there will be. I haven't been this proud of Americans in a long, long time!

:loveya: :bounce: :bounce: :loveya: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :cry: :cry: :yourock: :yourock: :yourock: :cry::yourock: :yourock: :applause: :applause: :bounce: :applause: :grouphug: :applause: :applause: :loveya: :cry: :yourock:

Okay, that was kind of obnoxious but I'm just plain out of words and it's pretty much how I feel.

[russspeakeasy]

46. Great video. Thanks...

[artemis starwolf]

51. This is just like the military in Egypt

The police joined with the citizens instead of their dictator boss. It seems that regular people everywhere aren't going to take it anymore! I am so proud of Americans today, and the WS police for standing up for right. Gov. Walker tried use them as "brownshirts" but they wouldn't do it!

[sabrina 1]

55. Yes, that is what it reminded me of also, when the military

refused to shoot at the Egyptian protesters. It would have been a whole different outcome if they had.

Love these cops, they are doing what is right.

Other than a few teabaggers, who does Walker have left on his side? He lost even the Packers, now the Police, the Fire-fighters, nurses, teachers ~ and still he won't negotiate.

The Republican Party is unAmerican. It needs to be replaced with some rational conservatives. It turned into a completely loony organization fully paid for by Corporate America.

[MaeScott]

56. K and R. nt

[myrna minx]

58. .

:applause: :loveya:

[femrap]

59. It's like the military taking the

side of the Freedom Fighters in Egypt.

[MissDeeds]

61. Democracy is on the march

And it's a beautiful thing! Power to the people!!!

:patriot: :grouphug: :yourock:

[Lifelong Protester]

63. Any LE reading here, we LOVE YOU! And thank you for your support

you know, and rightfully remember, the people you are sworn to defend. And it isn't just the billionaire boys!

[luv_mykatz]

65. Whoo hoo!!!

This is some of the best news so far! Divide and conquer appears to have failed. :evilgrin:

Even though gov. Snotty is still being an a$$, at least the people have their heads screwed on right.

SOLIDARYITY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go, Wisconsin! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: