Fargo resident Prairie Rose Seminole had planned to visit friends in the Twin Cities over President's Day weekend - but the dynamic events happening in Wisconsin drew her to travel farther.
Seminole, 30, was among protesters Monday at the state Capitol in Madison, where lawmakers are at a stalemate over potential budget cuts that critics say threaten workers' rights.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's proposed budget plan includes stripping most collective bargaining rights from most public employees, and union groups argue the measure goes too far.
Seminole said her decision to travel to Wisconsin was made on the fly.
"This is really history in the making," said Seminole, a social activist and former chairwoman of the Fargo Human Relations Commission.
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Seminole said rallies she attended Monday in Madison and in Hudson, near the Minnesota border, exuded solidarity among the attendants.
She said the community atmosphere among those protesting at the Capitol reminded her of Fargo-Moorhead's communal effort during flood fights.
In Madison, businesses opened their doors to the protesters and others offered food and water to those marching outside the Capitol, Seminole said.
"Going into Madison, you're walking into a heartbeat of thousands of people," Seminole recalled. "This is such a powerful statement that we're sending to the American people and the world."
Wisconsin's budget fight goes far beyond dollars - which is why it matters to people beyond Wisconsin, Seminole said.
"We should be taking care of our public employees, not sticking it to them," she said. "What's next when you ask to take these little steps now? Even broader strokes will be made in the future to take more rights away from workers."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Kristen Daum at (701) 241-5541
