Politics Matter
It is easy to complain about politics. It is easy to take the apathetic road and believe the politicians are all bought, your vote doesn't count, money talks, and there is nothing you can do to change the world.
You may think politics is dirty and you don't want to get involved. But politics is the way we organize and run our society. Whether you like it or not, politics will happen to you whether you are involved or not. There is a saying, “If you are not at the table you may be on the menu.” So we all need to to participate in some way – voting, learning about ...
Social Security
Established in 1935 under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), social security has kept millions of retired and disabled Americans out of abject poverty. But we hear a repeating refrain from politicians – currently Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson – that the program is “going broke” and needs “reform.” History says otherwise.
Luther Gulick was an aid to FDR and an expert in public administration working for the Treasury Department. The following conversation from the Social Security historical archives took place between Gulick and FDR in 1941:
“In ...
To Be Human
Like a ripe Touch-Me-Not seed capsule just waiting for a finger to trigger the pop that sends it's precious cargo out into the world, mornings burst with the promise of exploration, new discoveries and grand inventions. If you don't believe me just watch any young child jump out of bed with a head full of grand ideas, or an aging, retired guy about to head out for his morning walk in the country. Lord only knows what discoveries might be waiting out there.
This delight in novelty and new challenges is what has brought us from our shaky, beginnings in ...
Northern Environmental Advocates: PFAS in Drilling Fluids
Wisconsin DNR has a new research project to determine if PFAS are in DNR approved
drilling fluids used for mineral exploration drilling and drinking water well
construction.
Contrary to what the DNR has admitted during recent meetings, DNR staff is still making
unfounded public statements that products on their approved list do not contain PFAS. Since
there has never been any testing to confirm these products lack PFAS, any statement
claiming that products are PFAS free is not backed up by factual evidence.
The DNR continues to absorb full liability for allowing use ...
Wisconsin River Valley Trout Unlimited
Join Wisconsin River Valley Trout Unlimited chapter for a presentation and discussion on protecting clean water from mining in Wisconsin on Monday, September 12 from 6-9 PM. The event will be held at The Bar, 10302 Market Street, Rothschild.
After the Trout Unlimited social hour, at 7:00 p.m., River Alliance of Wisconsin Water Advocates Organizer, Johnson Bridgwater, will give a presentation about mining proposals and prospecting in Wisconsin, including the Reef deposit in Marathon County.
Ron Johnson’s Stance on Social Security is Wrong
I worked for 45 years to earn a living for myself and my family. For decades, I paid into Social
Security, setting money aside so that when I retired, I could keep a roof over my head and food
on the table. Like so many people across our state, I knew that Social Security and Medicare
would support me in the next phase of my life.
This past weekend marked the 87th anniversary of Social Security. Over the last 87 years, this
program and Medicare have become overwhelmingly popular programs that millions of working
people rely on. Yet, while this anniversary should ...
In Our Own Backyard
In Our Own Backyard
Tuesday, September 13 at 6 PM
There is a LOT happening in our own backyard! Our September presentation will be given by Jeff Sorenson with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Jeff will share the latest discussion regarding Rib Mountain State Park master plan with us. He will also address information on the Emerald Ash Borer and the new winter fat tire bike trail at the Nine Mile Recreation Area. This is a virtual conversation that can be reached through the Zoom Link at the bottom.
Our presenter, moved to Wausau in 1998, where Jeff ...
Fear Mongering
The Republican Party wants us to fear Mandela Barnes, but what frightens me is the prospect of another
6 years of Ron Johnson in the US Senate. Despite looming global catastrophe, Johnson remains a climate
change denier of the first order, calling it “ bullsh*t ,” doubling down on fossil fuel production, confirming
judges who gut the EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gases, and consistently voting against climate
action legislation, most recently the transformational Inflation Reduction Act.
In Mandela Barnes, I see a talented leader who, as chairman of the ...
The Coalition to Save the Menominee River 5K
The Coalition to Save the Menominee River held their 5k Walk-athon on Sunday August 28 at Stephenson Island in Marinette. Registration was from 8 AM until the start of the walk at 10 AM. Walkers left Stephenson Island and traveled along the river on Riverside Avenue and looped back to Stephenson Island. Pictured is a necklace that one of the participants, Mary, created. Each bow has the name of a water protector who contributed.
Pastor Ken Michaelis gave a welcome invocation prior to the start. After the walk there was music by Skip Jones. Food was available from ...