via smoketest:
This is one of the truest, most heartfelt speeches you’ll ever hear from a politician about democracy, taking place yesterday, 11.5 hours into a public hearing on Governor Walker’s budget reform proposal to nullify the majority of union contracts for public employees. Sen. Jauch (D-Popular) addressed the committee on the right of the people to get their chance to speak at the public hearing and the responsibility of the elected officials to listen to them.
Of note:
[B]ut this is their building, it’s not our building; it is their government, not ours. And if we have to sit here and listen to people who want to speak for two minutes because they care passionately; by God, we shouldn’t shut them off.
…
It is one of the finest displays of the the democratic process I’ve ever seen in twenty-eight years. And my God, let us not turn the lights out on what has been an illuminating experience for Wisconsin and for this democratic process.
…
Isn’t it remarkable that these people and those outside are willing to spend all night so they can have two minutes, not of fame, but so that they might influence this process a little bit?
