For mini second there, it felt like Wisconsin. Hundreds of
Michigan union demonstrators took over the capitol rotunda. From the
fourth floor to the first floor they leaned over the edge to send a
message to the "union busting" Republicans on the senate floor.
"This is our House," they shouted.
Then they clapped their hands in rhythm giving the rotunda railing
a good work out.
And then they shouted, "Kill the bill" in reference to why they
were there.
They don't like or want the Emergency Financial Manager
legislation that the governor and his pals are shepherding through both
houses in almost record time.
"It's a way to again say to labor, you don't count. And to
government workers, get back. I believe it's just like being in the
slave days," objected Iris Salter who runs the state's largest
teacher's union.
The bill's sponsor denies it is union busting but all about
keeping schools and cities out of the red by sending in the EFM.
But during the capitol lawn phase of the three hour peaceful yet
noisy demonstration one local pastor whipped up the crowd saying
"Michigan does not need a king. Wisconsin does not need a king. And
if you believe than say no." And they did.
Sen. Jack Brandenburg (R-Macomb County) laments that if union
contracts have to be scrapped to save urban schools and cities, "So be
it," but he says to call it union busting is "an overstatement."
While the vocal demonstrators keep up the chants, senate
Democrats tried to modify the legislation, but failed.
Republicans could hear the shouting as it seeped through the big
red doors that separated them from the throng outside the doors but
they were not swayed.
And at the end of the day, the protesters quietly filed out of
the building perhaps feeling good about making their voices heard, but
knowing deep inside that they would lose this battle.
After all they can count and the GOP has 26 votes and Democrats
have only 12.
Hence, "Kill the bill" fell on deaf ears.