On Wednesday, March 16 thousands of Michigan residents gathered at the State Capitol to express their disgust with a series of legislation up for consideration by Governor Rick Snyder, specifically the Emergency Financial Managers bill. From 10 in the morning until six in the evening protesters rallied on the steps of the Capitol, making their demands clear.
Doug Kelley, 84 year old Ann Arbor resident and Vice Chair of the Washtenaw Democratic Party. “I think these emergency managers that Snyder wants to authorize would introduce a form of dictatorship which is entirely foreign to democracy,” Kelley said. “I’m a big fan of Thomas Jefferson, and he’d roll over in his grave at the though of local dictators.”
Gabe Ording brought his 10 year old daughter Abby to Wednesday’s rally at the Capitol. Ording said he was there because: “Far too much money is being taken away from the middle class and given to corporate America. There needs to be a redistribution of wealth.”
Ray Holman, Legislative Liaison to the UAW, shouts through a megaphone at Wednesday’s rally: “Michigan is not for sale.”
Michael Birach, a senior at Central Michigan University urges students to get involved in the rally, emphasizing the impact that these laws could have on students. “When you start to see abuse of a political system it gets scary,” Birach said.
Crystal Mielcarek came from Detroit to join Wednesday’s rally at the Capitol. “I’m here because I do not agree with Snyder’s policies,” Mielcarek said. “This is all bullshit and he’s a dick.”
Lansing resident Debbie Wolf just retired on Friday. “I’m here today for all the people who can’t be here,” Wolf said. “The people who are still working and are outraged over this budget proposal.”
“I don’t know if I’m retired,” said Bill Dickens, who has an 18 year old daughter at King High School in Detroit. Dickens had several criticisms of Robert Bob and worries about the Detroit public school system.
Sterling Heights resident Ruth Mutchler held a sign throughout the rally expressing her disappointment with the current administration. “I’m here to protest the cuts that are being made by Snyder and his legislative pals,” Mutchler said. “I find it absolutely offensive that somebody like Snyder, who should know how to effectively manage his budget, is reflective of nothing but corporate greed and total disdain for working class and unions.”
“This is all bullshit and he’s a dick.”
yes.