Protest in wake of Walker recall (Fight Back! News/Staff)

Milwaukee, WI - The day after Governor Walker survived his recall election, hundreds marched in the streets of Milwaukee in non-violent civil disobedience from Pere Marquette Park to City Hall and into the banking district. Occupy Milwaukee, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998, AFSCME Local 82, Milwaukee Teachers Education Association, Voces de la Frontera, Milwaukee Students for a Democratic Society, Youth Empowered in the Struggle, Peace Action WI, Wisconsin Bail Out the People Movement, 9 to 5, Citizen Action, Welfare Warriors and dozens of other community organizations demanded: Repeal the union busting bill Act 10; reinstate the Equal Pay Act; and tax the 1%.

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) organizer Michael Raspanti said, “The battle to recall Scott Walker began with the occupation of the capitol last year, which created a people’s struggle that extends far beyond electoral politics. Despite the results of the recall election, we plan to keep it in the streets and to hold our elected officials accountable to the people, not to the corporations that pay for their campaigns.”

200 protesters refused to stop their peaceful march in the streets, even after being repeatedly beaten by police for 14 straight blocks. At least 12 protesters were injured and 4 were arrested. The police brutality by the Milwaukee Police Department riot and mounted police is part of the coordinated attacks by police nationwide against the Occupy movement.

Protester Natalie Gostynski, who is five months pregnant, stood defiantly in front of the police. “I’m here because Scott Walker created a poor future for my child. He has been stealing money that is supposed to be used for our schools and healthcare and is using it for his own personal political gain.”

Protesters were unfazed by the police brutality. They organized an impromptu dinner and raised funds for those arrested. After the event many marched immediately to Milwaukee County Jail where the protesters are being held, demanding their release.

The day’s action demonstrates that the Occupy Movement as a whole, as well as the people of Wisconsin, continue to stand strong against attacks on education, health care and workers rights.