A Trip to Madison and We Made it Out Alive

On Thursday, Wisconsin made history.

Hundreds of people protested outside the Capitol, and later inside, as legislators approved a portion of Gov. Scott Walker's repair bill that eliminated collective bargaining. Three Patch editors, including me, ventured into unknown territory, documenting a defining moment in state history.

We approached the Capitol, heading toward a side entrance hoping to find a way in. Police just shook their heads "no" as we held up our press passes. Legislators were not even allowed into the buildings.

We followed Rep. Dan Knodl as he slapped his Capitol badge against the glass in the door, police officers just shook their heads "no." While we didn't get an explanation as to why they wouldn't even let people who are supposed to be working inside, we concluded it was probably fear of protesters rushing the doors.

Hundreds of people congregated outside the main entrance to the Capitol. Someone had set up some equipment in the front on the steps so people could take turns speaking their minds loud and clear through a microphone. Signs showing severe opposition to Gov. Walker were thrust into the air reading, "Stand With Wisconsin," "United We Bargain, Divided We Beg," and "We Gave Democracy Up for Lent."

Chanting resonated through the sidewalks and bounced off buildings, "Shame!" over and over again. Faces were twisted with anger and and many were just emitting pain and frustration.

Knodl agreed to allow us to follow him in attempts to gain entry into the Capitol. We went from door to door, he would flash his badge, and get the same response every time, a quick shake of the head from police not allowing anyone inside.

Finally, we worked our way to M&I Bank, hoping to get inside a more stealthy way - the secret tunnel. We were immediately met by half a dozen officers. We were told that the press was only allowed inside if they had a specific appointment. While we did not, Carl Engleking's quick thinking got us in.

He asked Knodl if we could have an appointment with him immediately, and he immediately said "yes." We were in.

Five or six officers lead the way, with another five or six bringing up the rear. There was no particular explanation why we needed such a large amount of security, but that just eluded to the protesting efforts we would see later.

We set up camp, and set out to not just learn why people were there, but to feel why it was so important for so many people to show how they feel.

A couple hours later, hundreds stormed the Capitol as officers opened the doors. But once in a few feet, their speed dropped like a rock. It looked like going through security at the airport as each person was wanded with a metal detector and searched for weapons. Then, as they would pass inspection, smiles spread across their victorious faces and they continued on their quest.

Before, during and after senators and representatives met in the Assembly hall, cries for change erupted from the crowd of protesters in the rotunda.

Hundreds filled the second and first floor of the rotunda, with multiple officers keeping the frustrated group at bay. The pure emotion emitting from protesters was enough to make you tear, weather you support the protesting or not. Raw passion for what they believed to be right spewed from the rotunda, and wrapped itself like a ribbon around everyone in the Capitol.

Republicans and Democrats alike debated for nearly three hours, and before most of the press even realized what had happened, they had approved the bill that eliminated collective bargaining rights. More cries erupted, but this time from inside the Assembly.

"No, no!" many Democrats exclaimed as the Republicans rushed out the door. The noise from protesters never quit throughout the three-hour debate, but nearly exploded with an unyielding force as the republicans fled.

I was out taking photos and video of the protesters and tried to follow the Republicans out for interviews, but officers said it was too dangerous and we were trapped on the second floor of the Capitol until we were allowed to slip out a side stairway.

The pure energy throughout the entire day was the most emotional news event I've ever covered. Regardless of whose side one supports, the frustration and passion on both sides was unrelenting and cannot be denied.

Ironically, it was also my 24th birthday, and this will be a birthday I will never forget.