It's been quite an invigorating week here at the intersection of King and Pinckney. My office window gives me a panoramic view of the southeast corner of the Capitol grounds and a grandstand view of the demonstrations mounted against Gov. Scott Walker's budget plans.
Our cover story, "Rampage," collates the observations of a number of Isthmus staffers and freelancers who found the statewide story of the week right in their front yard. Editors Dean Robbins, Jason Joyce, Bill Lueders, Kristian Knutsen and Linda Falkenstein posted from-the-crowd reactions this week on TheDailyPage.com, while contributors David Blaska, Emily Mills and Jack Craver weighed in with their regular online columns, augmented by additional posts as events progressed. A few interested auxiliaries, Vikki Kratz, Sari Judge and Joe Shaffer, also pitched in. Recognition should be given to Blaska's role as early communicator of the governor's intentions. He released the trial lead balloons.
Additionally, contributor Alison Bauter reports on the UW student reaction to what they see as Walker's assault on their voting rights. And Ruth Conniff opines about the actions of newly emboldened right-to-lifers. It seems that Walker in particular and the Republicans in general are catching hell, not surprising considering the mean-spirited and vindictive tone of recent rhetoric from those quarters.
But, as I gaze out upon what I refer to as Little Egypt, a nod to the extraordinary demonstration of democracy in that Middle Eastern country, I wonder if any message has been received, regardless of the vehemence with which it was delivered. I presume events will answer that question.
In the meantime, we continue the increased coverage of the happenings at the Capitol on TheDailyPage.com: more commentary from Blaska and Mills; slide shows; live blogging; the Twitter feed. The circus has not yet left town.
