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Politics & Government

Wisconsin Democrats: Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Democrats have made it clear they believe the government's Capitol access policy would result in future impairments to free speech.

Last week, Democrats in the state legislature sent a letter to the Wisconsin Department of Administration decrying the government’s Capitol access policy.

The department, following its statutory duty to administer and set rules for access and use of state buildings, recently clarified the long-standing permitting process that is triggered whenever an individual or group seeks to hold an event at the capitol. The process is simple, the permit is free, and is issued without regard to the views of the applicants. Oddly, Democrats have criticized the policy as unconstitutional, and even have gone so far as claim that Governor Walker is seeking to silence dissent.

This would be news to me. For roughly a year, the halls of the Capitol have been filled with protesters who shout and yell, bang on drums, heckle lawmakers and their staff, and generally try their best to disrupt government proceedings.   Capitol Police, if anything, have been overly accommodating of the dead-enders intent on shutting down state business.

There is no question the right to free speech is paramount.  But when did we begin to celebrate, and not merely tolerate, adults who routinely scream obscenities at elected lawmakers?

I would not hesitate to speak out if the department gave any indication the government was seeking to wrongfully impede the ability of citizens to petition, and even criticize, their government. I wonder if Democrats would stand behind their commitment to free speech in agreeing with the following:

  • That free speech demands that those who have the floor to speak, be given an opportunity to speak;
  • That the Capitol, including the rotunda, belongs to all of Wisconsin, and not just a vocal minority;
  • That protesters who yell and scream during legislative proceedings should be condemned, not encouraged;
  • That individuals who ignore police orders, vandalize legislative offices, and physically assault lawmakers are not welcome at the Capitol;
  • And that a mob, attempting to physically restrain elected lawmakers from voting during a legislative proceeding, all while chanting “this is what democracy looks like,” is the definition of irony.

I agree with Democrats: “(a) wonderful part of living in a democratic society is our freedom to express our views.”   But with that freedom comes responsibility. Protesting at a ceremony honoring Special Olympic athletes is not “wonderful.” Shouting down speakers who express views contrary to your own is not “democratic.”  And refusing to clear a public space that a group of home-schooled students have reserved is the antithesis of the idea of “society.”

Democrats have made it clear they believe the government’s Capitol access policy would result in future impairments to free speech. But shouldn’t they first condemn the very real misdeeds already committed on their behalf?

To contact me with any questions or comments or to sign up for my regular e-updates, please send an e-mail to Rep.Knodl@legis.wi.gov or call me at (608) 266-3796.

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