THE IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY

As a former world history teacher at Wausau West and Newman high schools, I am dismayed by the attacks on this academic discipline in contemporary United States. As Mark Twain said, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” History is a story of the past and cannot be repeated because change has occurred, but history does present us a narrative of the development of contemporary society. According to Twain, human behavior and the development of societies follow rhythmic patterns that are consistent over time. In that way we can discern repeating ...

The Backyard Incident

Every year a pair of robins take up residence on a back porch light outside our family back door. I am not sure why they chose this spot since it is precariously close to our comings and goings. They get upset at us every time a family member goes in or out the door. I figure they may like the security the location affords them against predators for when their chicks hatch. This year we noticed three hatchlings in the nest. Their mother and father would diligently feed them, and we saw them grow quickly in their first 10 days of life. We were excited with ...

Jalisco and the Refugee Crisis

Jalisco state in Mexico rings in the ears with mariachi music and brightly dressed dancers twirling, while onlookers toast glasses of tequila. Both this iconic music and the even more iconic drink fermented and distilled from the blue agave are said to have been born there. Nat King Cole and Elvis sang the praises of Guadalajara, Jalisco's capital, and the beaches of Puerto Vallarata will undoubtedly tickle the memory circuits of many folks from Central Wisconsin. Colorful and inspiring, Jalisco is also home to one of Mexico's brutal drug cartels and ...

WORKER’S MEMORIAL

We welcome you to attend! On April 28, Wisconsin workers will join together with communities across the globe to pay tribute to workers killed on the job. In cities, towns, union halls, at worksites and memorials, in community after community, workers will commemorate those we lost and press forward for stronger protections for safer workplaces. Each year, thousands of workers are killed and millions more injured or diseased because of their jobs. Many job hazards are unregulated and uncontrolled. Some employers cut corners and violate the law, putting workers in ...

WE’RE THE GUARDRAILS NOW

We're the We're the Guardrails Now Tune: We Shall Not Be Moved Lyrics: Sheila Plotkin, Raging Grannies of Madison & Dane County CHORUS: Pay attention, we're the guardrails now. Did we mention, we're the guardrails now? We have the pow'r to rescue our democracy. We are the guardrails now. Find a community, in numbers we are strong Act in your neighborhood, bring your friends along We have the pow'r to rescue our democracy. We are the guardrails now. Write to your legislators, let them ...

Labor History in Films

Friends of Rib Mountain Snowshoe Hike

There are so many beautiful events happening right in our own community. After our January snowshoe hike was cancelled due to lack of snow, this evenings event lent itself to perfect temperatures and plenty of snow. After the hike, the Friends of Rib Mountain offer hot chocolate, hot apple cider, treats galore, and a fire to toast marshmallows and hotdogs.

HEADING TO A DANGEROUS FUTURE

These are troubling times we live in. Despite a robust, growing economy with historically low unemployment and inflation coming down from highs created by a world-wide pandemic, tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy, and exorbitant corporate profits, the American voters chose to make a change. Many of those that voted for the convicted felon, gave in to their base racist and narcissistic characteristics. He appeals to the worst among us and even the worst tendencies of some good people among us. He and his closest followers follow the same playbook used by a small man with a ...

Genocide in Duluth

Authors note: As I was finishing this article the news of a tentative ceasefire in Gaza was announced. This is good news, but there is no indication this agreement will result in peace in the region. The root causes of the conflict are not being addressed. The blockade of Gaza is not being lifted. Hamas remains in place. Israel's attitudes toward Palestinians remain unchanged. The U.S. support for Israel remains unconditional and likely to get worse with the new administration. Therefore, the message of this article remains relevant. “If the U.S. and Israel can spin ...

Women for Women

Join us on Zoom for Women for Women on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 6 PM. Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84359642807?pwd=zfpg1Nfd3BcbBbobC1JVlISfwSmbNp.1 Meeting ID: 843 5964 2807 Passcode: 872126 Join us as we welcome Dr Jill Underly Superintendent of Public Education The Spring Elections are right around the corner and Dr. Jill Underly will be joining us on Women for Women Wisconsin. She is the endorsed candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Jill became a teacher because she wanted to make the world a better place. ...

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