Michigan unionists are rallying and lobbying in Lansing, the state capital, today to prevent right-to-work legislation. A bill passed the House yesterday. Here a member of one Michigan union explains how a state that was considered a union bastion came to this point.





More... (http://labornotes.org/2012/12/right-work-looms-michigan)

They had to break the industry before they could break the union.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRwCzr6CnYCpPqvOdqDbC_O4IKc6upFM64rhECy2fVBMPzHju1U

Back to start, perhaps something good can come from that?

Michigan right-to-work protests expected today at Capitol in Lansing; police presence growing


http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?NewTbl=1&Site=C4&Date=20121206&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=212060804&Ref=PH&Item=8&Maxw=640&Maxh=410&q=60

Michigan right-to-work protests expected today at Capitol in Lansing; police presence growing

LANSING -- Large numbers of Michigan State Police officers were around the Capitol building early this morning as Lansing braced for a day of protests related to controversial right-to-work legislation working its way through the state Legislature.

Today’s protests are a precursor to much larger ones planned for Tuesday, when thousands of union activists are expected to converge at the Capitol and supporters of right-to-work legislation have also promised a strong presence there. Union members took civil disobedience training in Detroit on Saturday to prepare for the protests.

This morning in Detroit, congressional Democrats are to meet with Gov. Rick Snyder on right-to-work and then brief the media on their discussions.

Snyder will also meet with President Barack Obama during his stop in Michigan today.

Given the legislative movement on right to work bills and Obama’s opposition to such laws, there’s sure to be an intense exchange between the two leaders.

Parking meters along Capitol Avenue had bags over them today to prevent on-street parking, and the city of Lansing has announced street closures around the Capitol for Tuesday, with one stretch of street near the Capitol — Walnut between Allegan and Ottawa — closed to both vehicle and foot traffic beginning this morning.

The grounds of the Capitol were empty shortly after 7 a.m. today, but that was expected to change this morning.

http://www.freep.com/article/20121210/NEWS15/121210015/Lansing-braces-right-work-legislation-protests

Judging from the photos at the link the crowd was largely north of forty. Have younger folks fled Michigan in such numbers or do the feel thay have no dog in this fight?

Eight Capitol protesters charged with felonies

LANSING, Mich. (The State Journal) - Eight people arrested Thursday during protests at the state Capitol, who officials said tried to push through state police troopers to enter the Senate chamber, have been charged with felonies.

Each of the six men and two women - all from southeastern Michigan - face a charge of resisting, obstructing and/or opposing a police officer. They face up to two years in prison.

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said he issued the charges today.

In a statement, Dunnings said: "It was attested to me that (the protesters') tactics went beyond passive resistance, and involved physical aggression towards the police who were charged with protecting the public safety during this tumultuous debate."

All eight were arrested Thursday and then released from custody late Thursday night on $50 interim bonds set by 54A District Judge Hugh Clarke Jr.

At a hearing Friday, Clarke directed them to return to his courtroom Dec. 19. They are expected to be arraigned then.
During the incident, police used a chemical agent to repel the protesters.

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/234793/2/Eight-Capitol-protesters-charged-with-felonies

Felonies?

Eight Capitol protesters charged with felonies

LANSING, Mich. (The State Journal) - Eight people arrested Thursday during protests at the state Capitol, who officials said tried to push through state police troopers to enter the Senate chamber, have been charged with felonies.

Each of the six men and two women - all from southeastern Michigan - face a charge of resisting, obstructing and/or opposing a police officer. They face up to two years in prison.

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III said he issued the charges today.

In a statement, Dunnings said: "It was attested to me that (the protesters') tactics went beyond passive resistance, and involved physical aggression towards the police who were charged with protecting the public safety during this tumultuous debate."

All eight were arrested Thursday and then released from custody late Thursday night on $50 interim bonds set by 54A District Judge Hugh Clarke Jr.

At a hearing Friday, Clarke directed them to return to his courtroom Dec. 19. They are expected to be arraigned then.
During the incident, police used a chemical agent to repel the protesters.

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/234793/2/Eight-Capitol-protesters-charged-with-felonies

Felonies?

Standard 1960s (and picket line) bullshit, usually reduced before trial (although you never know with these clowns). It is supposed to be a form of judicial terror... the possibility of draconian sentences, yadda, yadda...

Welcome to 'Merica.

The issue really is clarified by such "police tactics", though. Ya really wanna risk jail for a recall election?

It tends to split the demonstrators into two groups: The "Shame, Shame..." group and the "I'm takin' five of them with me" group.