Here are some photos from the Unity rally along with some commentary.
John Nichols was one of the speakers and he is always great to listen to because he can get quite fiery.
I love the reaction of this young member of the audience to the fiery Nichols:
Senator Fred Risser, one of the WI 14 and the longest serving state legislator in our nation’s history, is beloved here.
Mahlon Mitchell, who was a Madison firefighter, is the current President of the Fire Fighter’s Association and now the Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor, has been continually present since the early days of the protests and is also very well liked and respected here.
More after the cut…
The Solidarity Singers, who sing the songs of the WI protest each day at the Capitol, warmed up the crowd in the UW Library Mall where the rally began. They have also put out a CD which you can order. Info is at their Facebook page.
R Chris Reeder, who leads the songs:
State Senators Risser and Mark Miller arrive to join in the march up State St. to Veteran’s Park across from the Capitol.
Members of the Madison 311 Pipes and Drums lead the march as they so often do.
They are a delight to watch and hear. Drum Major Jim Porter has such a commanding and elegant presence. The group always attracts onlooker’s cameras and cheers…
Along the march…
Mary Bell, president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) who had just concluded speaking greets the next speaker AFSCME C40 President Jim Garrity.
Though some unions had endorsed a candidate other than Barrett for the primary, in their speeches the union leaders expressed full support and unity behind Barrett for the recall election on June 5th.
It’s not really a bank. Behind the sign is a sign for the internationally patronized Ian’s Pizza (at least during Capitol protests last year…once again Thank You World).
Listening…
Solidarity…during the choruses of the singing of Solidarity Forever, arms are raised usually with clenched fists. The fist has become a state thing
Drum and Pipers
Overpass Light Brigade which travels the state standing on overpasses with lighted signs of protest, remind us of the all important day ahead
heading home and forward…
