Government
Deja Vu History or a New Society?
Contemporary times have a feeling of deja vu, especially for a history teacher. Our new administration has its inspiration in an incompletely understood past. We can begin with an economic system built on protectionist tariffs which harkens back to the 16th to the 18th centuries in Europe. It was called mercantilism.
The system was simple, a country’s rulers wanted to produce wealth. What better way was there to do that than by having a trade surplus with every kingdom the country traded with. That resulted in countries trying to produce items, at higher cost ...
Nuclear War Scenarios
(one of two in a series)
“The likelihood of a nuclear catastrophe is greater today than during the cold war, and the public is completely unaware of the danger.” Former Secretary of Defense William J. Perry
This year is the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Most Americans, if they think about the issue at all, probably think the threat of nuclear war ended with the break up of the Soviet Union. They believe peace through strength, mutually assured destruction (MAD) and deterrence worked. Nuclear war was avoided and America won the ...
AND WE WOUND UP ON RACHEL MADDOW
Since Middle Wisconsin has been offline for a few weeks for repairs, you have missed a lot.
We are holding protests every Friday in August from noon until 1 PM at Representative Tom Tiffany's Office. This beach bash one was notably the best, landing us with honorable mention on Rachel Maddow. Every Friday has a different theme and on August 15 we brought about awareness for Toxic Tom doing nothing to protect water in Wisconsin. This awareness is anything from PFAS to wanting to open the state to bad mining business. Below are a few photos highlighting what we do and ...
Abolishing Nuclear War
“Nuclear weapons do not provide security. They are instruments of mass suffering. Preventing nuclear war is a public health imperative.” Physicians for Social Responsibility
We can abolishing nuclear weapons. It is a realistic, achievable goal. It is not a Utopian fantasy. But people must demand the United States change course and join the worldwide effort to abolish them. The politicians will not act unless pressured by people.
We know what needs to be done. We know why it must be done. We know how it can be done. We have the blueprints to make it happen. We ...
TIFFANY AND VAN ORDEN FAILURES
Tom Tiffany and Derrick Van Orden have failed spectacularly as representatives of residents in western Wisconsin. Many people criticized their support for Medicaid and ACA cuts, which are likely to lead to the closure of hospitals and clinics. Others are appalled that each has remained silent as the current President seizes power over spending decisions once made by Congress. Some people would like to know why ICE, whose mission was to go after the worst criminals, seems to spend most of its time arresting agricultural and service workers who pose no threat to America ...
Social Security Turns 90
Social Security turns 90 on August 14th of this year! However, did you know....
The Social Security Commissioner is shifting about 1000 staff from processing claims to answer phones to 'pretend' that customer service is improving. Another attempt to fool Americans. This only takes a longer time to process claims... DUH! Time to call their bluff!! The 1-800 number at SSA is for triage, not handling cases.
Bottom line here is that congress needs to pass legislation to force THIS administration to hire enough worker to staff the Social Security Administrati...
Childcare After the Budget
I have owned and operated a childcare center for the past 19 years. So not only do I make sure staff and the bills are paid, I clean toilets, clean windows and change diapers. I have devoted my life to educating and caring for young children. I didn't go into this profession to line my pockets with money. But everyone in my field deserves a living wage and to know they are supported in their community. My goal is to always create a safe and nurturing learning environment for the children that enter my center. My belief is that parents who enter have decided to ...
Who is “threatening” whom in the Middle East?
For many decades U.S. presidents, foreign policy elites, pundit talking heads, mainstream news media and most politicians of both major parties have accused Iran of being “a threat” to the Middle East and world peace. But is this true? In reality who is “threatening” whom in this region?
Hypocrisy is not a good basis for foreign policy. The historical record does not support this bi-partisan, militaristic “group think” about Iran. The United States has too often been “part of the problem rather than part of the solution” in the Middle East as in other ...