Upon reading last Monday's piece about Sarah Palin, I was disappointed in the lack of coverage of the ""anti-Palin"" protesters. In Madison, it seems like the voice of liberal politics is magnified, while the voice of opposition is squashed. I am a sophomore at UW-Madison and also a native Wisconsinite. I was at Palin's speech, and what I saw was something I never thought I'd encounter in America: citizen's trying to suppress the basic rights of others.
For two months there have been protesters at the Capitol fighting for workers' and unions' rights. Twice there have been conservative rallies. I was at both. I was demeaned and taunted for being on the opposition's side, even though I had commended and defended their right to protest.
Now returning to the topic at hand: last Saturday's rally. Like most Tea Party events, it began with the national anthem. During the singing of the national anthem, several of the ""anti-Palin"" protesters booed. Yes, I repeat, there were Americans booing their own national anthem. Then when the speakers began, the ""anti-Palin"" protesters screamed profanity, rang bells, banged on drums, blew trumpets, screamed hateful taunts through megaphones and turned on fake police sirens. These protesters were trying to stop free speech from happening. The same protesters, who weeks before demanded all hear them and allow them to assemble, now wanted to stop anyone who opposed them from utilizing the same rights. One man held a sign in front of my face stating, ""I don't want you to be able to see.""
I ask you, how is that American? America became the great nation it is because we embraced our differences, we supported and upheld the rights for everyone, even if we didn't agree. I was shocked that the same people I supported had now turned their back on their neighbors, and effectively looked like children having a tantrum.
The actions I witnessed last Saturday are not ones that made America great. And let me be clear, not all of the ""anti-Palin"" protesters acted this way, there were some just like me, who respected and honored the rights of those who disagreed. However, there were a lot of them who did not, and instead joined in on the taunts, drum rolls and vulgarity. I hope that drawing attention to acts like these will lead to their desist and thus, reunite Americans on a path back to greatness.
—Chelsea Gruenwald
UW-Madison student
