March 3, 2011

Inside the Wisconsin Capitol at about 5 p.m. this evening...

Not long before the crowd of 100 protesters stormed the building (or was let in by the police), Meade got through the line and into the building. I've edited the video he shot, which shows the conditions of the hallways and even a men's room — and everything looks quite clean and undamaged. In the rotunda, the protesters have formed a circle and are discussing what they will do — and it seems they are aware that they are about to receive the judicial order to leave. Should they stay?

207 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 207 of 207
Unknown said...

Are they gone yet?

Issob Morocco said...

Perhaps the protestors should be taxed for a clean up fund, kind of like what the EPA does to businesses. That way, they can protest, still have a professional and to standards cleaning of the environment, not add burden to the poor via higher taxes to pay for the clean up and have a clear conscience for future protests?

Nahhhhh, won't happen with the All About Me Generation.

KCFleming said...

Seems like Madison has discovered the cure for homelessness.

Just give them a sign to carry, and they can live in a beautiful mansion.

The Dude said...

This has been going on for a while. The partisans here have all crashed against the rocks like the tide, but the question is - what will the government of Wisconsin do? Will collective bargaining rights be in place in a year? Will the budget be balanced? Will the filthy drummers ever learn basic hygiene and how to drum properly?

Todd G. said...

In my opinion the 7.5 mil figure seems high, and I've worked in public history, museums, and conservation activities for years. However, it will be expensive for several reasons, some already mentioned. This will probably have to involve a team of conservators, who will provide extensive documentation, written and photographic of the work, and include areas not directly affected by the demonstrators. As an example,even if the posters and signs were affixed at the highest arm level, say 8 feet or so, and down to ground level, the whole wall will probably need to be dealt with, even if it is a 30 foot high wall, otherwise, the contrast with the treated and non-treated areas will be quite evident. Plus, the National Register status also will also require certain additional documentation on Conservation activities. On top of that, this is a public building, and the restoration work will have to progress with public foot-traffic through work areas, adding additional time for the work to finish. Another potential problem I saw in the photos is the hanging of signs on the mezzanine of the rotunda, that might require scissor lifts for the work to proceed in accordance with OSHA. Trust me, this isn't going to be cleaned with a tin of turtle wax and a power buffer. It's going to take time, outside contractors (most states have sacked state employed Conservators - I know my state, PA did - not sure of WI), and lots of money, but probably not 7.5 mil. Plus, it will keep crews working for months in the building, with scaffolding, tarps, roped off areas, and other impedimenta, ruining the grand appearance of the building. I've been there, done that.

former law student said...

Place looks like a holiday food drive.

Fred4Pres said...

The smell of patchouli was overwhelming...

«Oldest ‹Older   201 – 207 of 207   Newer› Newest»