THE UNIVERSAL ECONOMY UNIT XVIII: LESSONS FROM MONOPOLY
Most of us (especially elders like myself) have played the board game “Monopoly.” Interestingly, in spite of huge growth in electronic gaming, sales of “Monopoly” continue to do well. The face to face social interaction in board games is regaining its appeal. But the game of “Monopoly” also provides many lessons in understanding the current state of economic affairs. It is a microcosm of a macrocosm – specifically, macroeconomics.
A quick review. . .
The “Monopoly” board has various properties, utilities, railroads and other locations where players ...
Ruminations on a happy new year
“They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.” Tom Bodett, author, and NPR personality.
“Happy New Year” is one of the meaningless Hallmark platitudes of the season. You hear the greeting from friends and strangers. It is in the shopping mall Christmas music tape loop. The cards you get from the power company or your dentist wish you happiness. For a few weeks everyone is full of good will and peace on earth. At least until January 2nd.
All humans seem to seek happiness. ...
DARK MONEY
DARK MONEY is a film by PBS. The film looks at the untraceable corporate money’s influence on our elections and elected officials.
The film is set in Montana in the fight to preserve fair elections. A local journalist worked to expose the real-life impacts of the Citizens United decision. The film shows how American elections are bought and sold.
This showing is sponsored by Wausau United to Amend and American Association of University Women (AAUW) Wausau branch.
It will be shown at the UU Church on Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The event is ...
RETIREMENT FOR ALL
For years polls have shown the general public to be more supportive of specific policy issues than the close partisan elections would indicate. People from across the political spectrum want action on affordable health care, adequate public school funding, and rebuilding our crumbling public infrastructure. This is a golden opportunity for Democrats to LEAD even if they control only one of the branches of government. A bold agenda that addresses people's real needs and concerns could turn the “blue wave” of 2018 into a tsunami in 2020.
As this week's special ...
Martin Luther King Jr Celebration
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration: ‘How Long? Not Long’
Date: Monday, January 21, 2019
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Great Hall Grand Theater
Address: 389 N. Fourth St., Wausau
Ticket is $30 each
Residents of the greater Wausau area are invited to celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with live entertainment, a keynote speaker and an announcement of this year’s Social Justice Award winner.
The celebration will take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 21, inside the Great Hall of the historic Grand ...
PUSH TO OVERTURN CITIZENS UNITED
On Tuesday, January 22, Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) and Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) will be holding a press conference to unveil their resolutions that would give Wisconsinites a chance to weigh in on the role of big money in elections. The resolutions propose a statewide advisory referendum urging our elected officials to amend the U.S. Constitution to overturn Citizens United v. FEC and related Supreme Court rulings, and to declare that only flesh-and-blood human beings have constitutional rights.
The press conference will be at 10:00 a.m. in the Assembly Parlor ...
A Year Round Christmas Story
Each and every day newspapers and news broadcasts run articles and stories about the results of high school sporting events and which teams won and who were the stars. This is well and good. Athletics provide a wonderful avenue for growth and expression for many students. But there are other things going on in our public schools that perhaps could use more attention.
A few days before Christmas my wife and I attended our granddaughter’s D.C. Everest Junior High Christmas concert. Of course, we have been attending her concerts since she was a first grader and as ...
A New Day in Wisconsin?
“What’s best for our kids, is what’s best for our state and our democracy.”
Governor elect Tony Evers, 2018
"Well, we're going to start in a couple weeks with our budget adjustment bill. The first step is we're going to deal with collective bargaining for all public employee unions, because you use divide and conquer." Governor Scott Walker talking to billionaire campaign contributor Diane Hendricks about getting rid of unions and making Wisconsin a “completely red state,” January 18, 2011 (emphasis added)
“It is a new day in Wisconsin.” Tony ...
Hate in America
Driving around the Northland you can see the confederate flag displayed on vehicles. Do you ever wonder what motivates a person to display this symbol of racism and hate? This isn't the Deep South. Wisconsin and Minnesota men fought proudly for the Union, and we have a very small minority community. Why would anyone want, or feel the need, to publicly display this hateful southern symbol?
The confederate battle flag IS a symbol of hate. It is not merely an expression of pride in their “southern heritage,” as the apologists claim. Magnolia blossoms, mint juleps, and ...
Saying Goodbye
Good Bye,” I said to my friend. “I remember the first time I met you,” she said in reply. “It was at the ‘New Legislator Training’ …I was going through my spiel. You kept asking questions about auditing and program evaluation. I was impressed way back then.”
Twelve years – to that day – my Senate career is history. My, how time flies.
Cleaning out my desk, I found notes I took on my orientation day. I set my goals as part of the training. Here’s what rookie Senator Vinehout promised herself: vote my conscience; match my votes to my district; be ...