From the State Journal: In Madison, the political left bashed Bush while emphasizing the need to improve the quality of life here at a "Keep Hope Alive Globally, Act Locally" event sponsored by the political party Progressive Dane and the Madison Area Peace Coalition.

"I have a deep-seeded need to feel hopeful about the future," musician and coffee shop owner Stephanie Rearick told the crowd that jammed Cafe Montmartre off Capitol Square. "The way to do it is to act locally and make a difference."

A parade of local activists and leaders, spoken-word artists and musicians took the microphone during the three-hour event scheduled to coincide with Bush's inauguration, criticizing the war, the war on drugs and corporate influence, and promoting progressive candidates, issues and causes such as food banks in Madison.

"I came to this event because we have to rally the resistance to Bush," said retired librarian David Williams, who intends to promote a "peace reach out" to communities outside Madison.

"When you leave here tonight stay energized because the next four years are going to be very frightening," said Ald. Andy Heidt, 13th District.

From the Cap Times:
A group of about a dozen anti-Bush protesters held signs and banged on drums at the intersection of John Nolen Drive, Blair and Williamson streets at about 5 p.m. in rush-hour picketing sponsored by the local group "No Stolen Elections."

Later, a crowd packed into Cafe Montmartre for an inauguration protest sponsored by the political party Progressive Dane and the Madison Area Peace Coalition.

Author and activist John Stauber called Bush's Inauguration Day festivities "grotesque."

"Forty million dollars for what? Access? The people who are spending the money don't need the access, they've already got it," he said.

Cafe Montmartre owner Craig Spaulding estimated that about 200 people attended the event, about the same number who turned out for the club's election night party, "Kerry or Canada."

As the owner of a venue with a stage, Spaulding said he couldn't help but get involved with the presidential campaign this year.

"I have a responsibility to open it up and let people speak their mind and vent," he said. "It's good to be around people who have the same feeling about today."