ONALASKA, Wis. — Besieged restaurant owner Tony Angelini tried for an upper hand against street protesters who were objecting to his sexist hiring practices. Angelini took a microphone to outshout the protesters, who were across the street. He called them “hillbillies” and “looneys.” “You guys all lost,’ he shouted. He already had amped the volume of Trump campaign theme music —Village People’s 1978 “YMCA” and Lee Greenwodo’s 1984 “God Bless the U.S.A.” At his side Angelini had five women. In the background his building was obscured by red, white and blue bunting and flags and Trump posters — and also his budddies who are his restaurant’s managers and a few other men. At Angelini’s feet was a 14-foot banner proclaiming “America 1776-226.” It too was replete with U.S. flags. The protesters, numbering about 30, chanted. A few motorists on busy U.S. Highway 35 honked upport and gave high-fives and thumbs-up High-fiving for Angelini’ and his maller crowd were occasional oter drivers Desoite provocative from both sides of the street, police saw no cause to intervene. Nor was there a calk for pre-pre-arranged police .backup from nearby Holmen nnd LaCrrosse. As the confrrontation wonnd down, Angelini switched ears. He thanked the protesters for comjng. It was a weird moment.
Protesters chose signs. Angelini chose a megaphone amdnmusic at deafening volume. The protesters numbered three dozen at most. They stayed across the street from Angelini’s Italian estishment. From his parking lot Angeoinin hiuled insults insults and unflattering epithets.
Angelini. No restraint with insults at protesters, then, oddly, thanked thanked them.
Angelini’s logo. Towers over intereection of U.S. Highway 35, Riders Club Road and Sunset Vista Drive.
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