Pro-, anti-union groups gather outside (Ne) Capitol, briefly exchange words

[Omaha Steve]

I was at yesterday's rally in Omaha. 1,000 people. NO press.

http://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_d65bbdda-b86c-58a6-94f6-f62dfd75093f.html

By MITCH SMITH / Lincoln Journal Star JournalStar.com | Posted: Saturday, February 26, 2011 7:00 pm


Protesters in support of labor unions gathered on the Capitol steps for the Rally to save the American Dream being held in solidarity with the protesters in Wisconsin on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011. (Danielle Beebe / for the Lincoln Journal Star)

An otherwise peaceful protest and counter protest about union rights turned tense for a few minutes Saturday afternoon.

Around 350 people demonstrated on the west side of the Capitol in solidarity with workers in Wisconsin, where the governor is proposing limitations to union members' rights to bargain collectively.

Out of sight from the pro-union demonstrators, a few dozen people gathered on the Capitol's north side rallying against collective bargaining for public employees. Both groups had permits.

When the larger, pro-union event disbanded, several demonstrators walked past the counter protest. The two groups then began exchanging chants before police intervened, participants in both demonstrations said. No one was ticketed or arrested.

The pro-union event was inspired by budget-cutting efforts in Wisconsin and other Midwest states that puts the compensation and collective bargaining rights of public workers -- including teachers, police officers and firefighters -- in jeopardy. Similar bills have been proposed in Nebraska.

FULL story at link.

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. 350 vs a few dozen

steve this is the BEST showing I have read all day form the baggers.

We had ONE, I repeat ONE, that we think was a bagger. oh versus 1500-2000

http://nadinbrzezinski.posterous.com/today-in-san-diego

[onehandle]

2. Jesus Christ, how petty and bitter do people have to be to rally against workers?

For fuck's sake.

Where is this all going to lead?

[pacalo]

3. Against their neighbors! I call them Benedict Arnolds.