Capitol Chaos: Fitzgerald Calls Capitol "Unsafe"

620WTMJ ^ | 3/10/11 | Tim Lethlean, Jon Byman

[Jean S]

MADISON - State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald says the situation at the Capitol is "unsafe."

Fitzgerald appeared on Newsradio 620 WTMJ's Wisconsin's Morning News.  He's concerned about the ability for business to take place inside the Capitol.

"Law enforcement is doing the best they can, but they're just undermanned," Fitzgerald said.

The State Assembly is scheduled to be in session at 11:00 a.m. Thursday.  Fitzgerald says that could be tough under current conditions.  "They're (officers) are having a very difficult time cleaning out, not only the assembly wing, but the rotunda is still full of protesters."

Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald is also urging caution.  "I have told my members to not enter the building until we get word that it is safe," Fitzgerald told Newsradio 620 WTMJ.

As to whether Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald is concerned about the safety of legislators and staffers, he's quick to say "Absolutely." 

"Senators could not move freely through the building, let alone even get in an elevator last (Wednesday) night to get out of the building," Scott Fitzgerald said.

Even with the chaos, Fitzgerald is appreciative of the efforts of law enforcement, saying "They're doing the best they can, but they're just under-manned."

Protesters forced their way into the Capitol following the senate vote Wednesday night.  Fitzgerald says many of those protesters had help getting into the building, claiming "When the Democrat staffers opened the windows for protesters to get in...that's not how democracy is supposed to work."

[Mouton]

“Law enforcement is doing the best they can, but they’re just undermanned,”

Well, you need a force extenter, either one of manpower or by technology.

There is no problem, big or small, that cannot be solved by the proper application of high explosives.

[so_real]

"Law enforcement is doing the best they can, but they're just undermanned," Fitzgerald said.

You've been snowed. This is nothing law enforcement can't handle. Let them take the gloves off and do their jobs. If they refuse, bring in professional security. The goal should be to diffuse the situation immediately. The fastest way to accomplish that is to finish this quickly and take the wind out of their sails.

Meanwhile, my fellow FReepers, now is the time for us to fight the battle for hearts and minds as I do not believe the Governor will be calling to deputize a volunteer peace keeping force. Everyone knows a teacher or other government employee. Remind them that it is a day later and they still have a job with the same pay and benefits. Console them with the knowledge that we are step further away from closing half our schools like Detroit, Michigan. Remind them that we are all better off not scrambling to borrow money for the state to shore up pension funds like Illinois. If we don't make the same mistakes Michigan and Detroit made, we'll remain in a stronger position than they are today.

[roses of sharon]

Thank goodness there are no Tea Party types there to create a disturbance...

[Logical me]

Is this the United States?

Senators flee

Capital is not safe for elected officials.

Preview of communists America if we don't get busy.

[Buckeye McFrog]

I am disgusted by the lack of enforcement by these union law enforcement officers.

I saw plenty of footage last evening of protesters breaking into the Capitol through windows. And nary a cop in sight to try and stop them. Try that at the US Capitol and you'd be tazed within an inch of your life before being shipped off to Leavenworth.

[dforest]

I was just listening to FOX a minute ago. Sounds to me that they need to get someone in there ASAP. This legislators are in grave danger locked behind a door that a mob is trying to break down..

Someone needs to step up and put a stop to this.

It is very serious now.

[Vaduz]

“When the Democrat staffers opened the windows for protesters to get in...that’s not how democracy is supposed to work.”

Wonder what the staffers can be charged with?.

[dagogo redux]

Put a tent over it and fumigate. This whole situation really shines the light on both unions and LEOs (whom, I suspect, are essentially union sympathizers).

A few dogs, some tear gas, men trained in baton use rather than radar speed traps, and heck - throw in a few ex-Falluja vets, and they could have this thing cleaned up lickity-split if they wanted to.

[Colonel_Flagg]

Then it’s time for the National Guard. The people’s business cannot be safely done in Madison due to intimidation by union thugs, goons and leftist troublemakers.

Governor Walker needs to ensure the safety of those who use the people’s capitol building for public purpose.

[Buckeye McFrog]

I am disgusted by the lack of enforcement by these union law enforcement officers.

I saw plenty of footage last evening of protesters breaking into the Capitol through windows. And nary a cop in sight to try and stop them. Try that at the US Capitol and you'd be tazed within an inch of your life before being shipped off to Leavenworth.

[Portnoy]

Coming to a State House near you...

Unions and liberals on Twitter and Facebook are calling for flash mobs to start arriving at all State Capitols across the country...

[dagogo redux]

“Is this the beginning of the coming insurrection that Beck has been warning about?

Bring it on, commie awipes. Better now than later.”

Let’s give Neil Young something to really write about this time.

[linn37]

Must be nice to have a job where you can just piss the day away protesting and still collect a check.

[XenaLee]

I’ve beem saying, we conservatives need to hold yet another DC rally, only this time it should be five million Americans.

It should be planned on a day when we KNOW that Barry will be in DC and there should be a widely publicized list of grievances and items that we want addressed. Opening up of US drilling, repeal of Obamacare, non-union jobs creation, control of the US borders, etc.

It’s now or never. If we wait, gas will be over $10/gallon. And if the union thugs bus in their anti-conservative protestors, we’ll be ready for them. In every way.

[XenaLee]

Oh goody! I’ve been wanting another visit to Austin. Can’t wait.

[One_American]

They ought to clear it out like the Chicago police at the 1968 rat convention. These boys look like they are just itching to crack some skulls.

[thesearethetimes...]

That is a good question, but I have no idea. Maybe ask the Governor’s office when to email them your thank you?

May God bless.
Tatt

[annieokie]

BINGO, he finally found his avenue to accomplish the Civil War he has been trying to start since he took office.

[annieokie]

I was at a Rally some time ago at our state capitol, we were just on the steps. We were told we could not stand there, WE LEFT. Peacefully did what we were told to do.

Guess if we were UNION THUGISH minded, it would have been ok to be there.

[Wisconsinlady]

http://www.todaystmj4.com/

The mayor of Madison has ordered the Capitol Police to “stand down”. They refuse to protect the Assemblypersons coming in for the vote at 11 a.m. today. The police allowed protestors to climb through windows yesterday and they poured in like cockroaches.

The minority senate leader Mark Miller (still hiding out in Illinois) has called for the public to disrupt and stop the vote.

There is no sense in contacting the Capitol Police-they will just dump you into an overflow voicemail. Try the regular Madison police dept and DEMAND that they bring order to our Capitol and protest our legislators. The legislatros are not able to get in to vote. The protestors are even blocking the so-called “secret” tunnel so the legislators cannot get in to the Capitol for their vote at 11:00 a.m.

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