Just look at those scumbags, cleaning the floor on their hands and knees.
Hello again from Madison, Wisconsin. I've got a question for you all. Have you read The Grapes of Wrath?
If not, you should. I read it between 10th and 11th grade--I also tried reading The Scarlet Letter (couldn't finish) and Walden (ditto). But I read the shit out of that Steinbeck book. Up to that point, I'd never even heard of the Dust Bowl or the Okies, and it kind of pissed me off--I mean, they could spend pretty much a whole year telling us about asshole Civil War generals, but they left this out?
Anyway, I really, really liked that book. But I always felt like it was a kind of propaganda--especially the part where the Joad family goes to the itinerant camp run by fellow-workers, and it's a little slice of heaven; the workers keep it clean and organized, they establish security and keep troublemakers at bay, and they even provide music and entertainment.
"Silly," I thought. They couldn't possibly have been focused on those sorts of things.
If anything, I'm now convinced that's the part of the book that's closest to the truth, because that's exactly what's gone on here for the last week. Look at that picture up there. People down on their hands and knees cleaning the public space that they use. The photo was taken about 10:45 Sunday evening, after the protests had subsided for the day and people were bedding down on the marble floor (Sealy PosturePedic it ain't). Check out some of these other images:
Yes, even the trash is neatly stacked.
People giving what they can to out-of-town sympathizers.
These people were doing a Dixieland version of "Solidarity Forever." It was fucking awesome.
My god, look at the thuggery on display.
These pictures are from Sunday night and Monday morning. So remember--when you hear about how violent and disrespectful we are here in Madison, you can be 100% certain that the person talking is as full of shit as the sewer system the day after Thanksgiving.
One of the first blog-based books, the anthology Special Plans examines Feith's role in misleading America into war. Buy from 
I can't describe how respectful and polite the folks are at this event. Your photos caught it perfectly.
Peaceful assembly, petitioning government to redress grievances---this is it.
Posted by: noblejoanie | February 22, 2011 at 08:02
People in trouble take care of each other.
Always.
Thanks for the pictures. The world needs to see this as it really is.
A.
Posted by: Athenae | February 22, 2011 at 08:27
Jude, don't lie. That looks like one fuckin' violent game of chess. The brutality!! The brutality!!
And as for neatly stacked pizza boxes, well . . . some of them were leaning a bit. I'm sure knocked aside in a bit of thuggery, no doubt.
Also, I hate to mention it, but I think that someone missed a spot on the floor.
In all seriousness, y'all are in my thoughts (and although I know you hate it) prayers. Jesus was a great socialist. He was always giving away food and healthcare.
Posted by: Jill | February 22, 2011 at 09:31
If anything, I'm now convinced that's the part of the book that's closest to the truth, because that's exactly what's gone on here for the last week.
Little known fact: Steinbeck based The Grapes Of Wrath on a series of articles he wrote as a journalist covering the Dust Bowl migrants in California. I'm from California, one of my best friends was the granddaughter of the Okies. Her grandmother actually lived in one of those government camps. The story where the police try to slip some troublemakers in to start a fight at a camp dance, so they can come in and shut down the camp? It's a true story. That really happened.
And as I mentioned on Scout's post below, we're seeing a similar plan underway in Wisconsin. Tea Party assholes have a plan to disguise themselves as SEIU employees, then say moronic things to the press or start trouble at rallies to discredit the union workers.
Same as it ever was.
Posted by: Southern Beale | February 22, 2011 at 10:28
On the top photo, are you sure those aren't a bunch of Muslim terrorists confused about the direction of Mecca ?
Sorry. Couldn't resist. Ducking for cover.
Posted by: MapleStreet | February 22, 2011 at 10:39
butbutbut are you recycling?
Posted by: pansypoo | February 22, 2011 at 13:01
I can only hope--whatever happens--that this may be the end of Gilded Age 2.0, and the beginning of "Progressive Era" 2.0.
Posted by: PWL | February 22, 2011 at 16:29
Took this yesterday. Still have chills -- what if this protester had noticed, and come after me? Quelle thug alors!
Posted by: Rick Wayne | February 22, 2011 at 19:53
Sorry, didn't know how the "URL" thing worked. Click on my name in the previous comment to see the photo. Adrastos, Jude, Allison, feel free to (re)post the photo here if you like.
Posted by: Rick Wayne | February 22, 2011 at 19:56