It's been well over two years since the height of the protests at the Wisconsin Capitol against Gov. Scott Walker and his policies, but the Solidarity Sing Along has gathered there on a continuous basis since that time, providing a constant vocal reminder of opposition to the administration. Now, as Capitol Police renew a crackdown on the assembly, crowds are growing once again.
Tensions escalated at the end of July when Capitol Police renewed mass arrests of sing-along participants. Crowds grew in response, and soon observers were being threatened with arrest, though the Department of Administration subsequently said this practice would stop. On Thursday, August 15, Madison alder Mark Clear and Progressive editor Matthew Rothschild were arrested, and on Friday, Wisconsin labor leader Marty Beil called on union members to join in the assembly.
The Solidarity Sing Along gathered once again in the Capitol on Monday, August 19. Isthmus and other media outlets, participants, and other observers were on hand covering the scene.
