After hearing about tightened security and unreasonable rules restricting free speech rights at the State Capitol, I decided to head down there yesterday and see for myself. I was sickened by what I saw.

I have spent a lot of time in the Capitol over the years, including working there for three years as a State Capitol reporter for the Milwaukee Sentinel. Like so many people, I love that building and I respect it as a symbol for the great traditions of this state, including open and honest government.

It took very little time for me to see just how badly those traditions are being trampled upon by the Walker administration. Not only did I have to walk through a metal detector but I was required to step aside and stretch out my arms as an officer ran a wand up and down my body - twice. Signs told me about a long list of things I am no longer allowed to bring into the Capitol, including musical instruments, and they even told me where I can and can't carry a sign. I brought my Flip cam with me so you can see what it looks like inside the State Capitol. If you haven't been there recently, you may not recognize it.

As Chip Brown told me in a recent email: "This lock-down is shameful, hurtful, and, I believe, a serious violation of the people's right to free speech." People I interviewed in Capitol clearly felt the same way.

Although I was appalled at the unreasonable security and some of the ridiculous rules, I was inspired by the 150 or so protesters who put up with the difficulties of getting into the Capitol so they could challenge the rules and express their anger over the police state the governor is imposing on his citizens. Here is what it looked like: