I was planning to blog about last week's debacle at the Dane County budget meeting, but my friend, David Blaska had already written about it, in-depth. https://davidblaska.com/2017/11/22/arrest-the-social-justice-brownshirts/ I wasn't at the meeting - have been too busy with Madison PD stuff - but heard about it, and saw the reprehensible display on video. You can watch it for yourself; the link is within David's article. Please watch it, then tell me this: Does this display resemble anything remotely similar to democracy in your eyes? I've been on the receiving end of this kind of bullying & intimidation for defending Madison PD (including at a Madison common council meeting). It's not a pleasant experience. This type of behavior is not only disrespectful, but it makes a sham and mockery of the democratic process. I’m equally appalled that there are no consequences to this behavior. I haven’t heard one word of condemnation from public officials. Nor does it appear that anyone tried to put a stop to it. Would our elected officials have spoken out if the disrupters had spoken out on an ideology they didn't agree with? Everybody has a right to free expression, but not like this. What gives this group the right and the audacity, to obstruct the government process and attempt to take over by intimidation? My fear is that because this behavior is being tolerated, it will embolden the disrupters and scare away those with dissenting opinions. If only a relative few speak, we risk becoming an anarchy. Which is why I’m urging you to contact Dane County board chair, Sharon Corrigan at corrigan@countyofdane.com, to let her know that this behavior should under no circumstances be tolerated. Government is for ALL of us, not a selected few with whom they may agree. If you're short on time, you can simply write something to the effect of: "Disruptive behavior at Dane County board meetings should not be tolerated under any circumstances. Those who disrupt meetings should be held fully accountable." As someone who doesn't walk lock-step with county or city majority ideology, I often feel marginalized living in Madison. Fine. I could care less about winning any popularity contests. What I *don't* accept is my voice being ignored or shut down. The government is nobody's personal podium. If you don't want to live in a place where disruption at public meetings is the status quo and local government becomes a platform for a select few, I urge you to write Supervisor Corrigan. There's no running away, either. Similar displays and attitudes seem to be spreading in various regions throughout the nation. Feel free to hit me up with any questions or comments. And before I forget, I hope you're having an amazing Thanksgiving holiday. --Paula Fitzsimmons paula@supportmadisonpolice.com http://www.supportmadisonpolice.com/