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 ...

Protecting Wisconsin Waters

Are we doing enough to protect our waters in Wisconsin? I have been keeping an eye on the potential for drilling at the Bend site in Taylor County for over a year and here we are seeing this come to fruition with no regard for social license. I look at the damage done by mining operations worldwide. Is that something we really want here? Clean water is a right. Once it is destroyed there is no getting it back. It is also rumored that this company will again be back to make another attempt within the year at exploratory drilling just below the Dells of Eau ...

WAUSAU – FAIR MAPS COMMUNITY HEARING

The Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition is hitting the road, and we want to hear from YOU! Join us and local leaders for a Fair Maps Community Hearing to shape the future of redistricting in Wisconsin. We may have fair maps now, but they’re only temporary. Without lasting legislation, we risk going back to a system where politicians pick their voters—and ignore the will of the people and we are not that far from the 2030 census. When maps are rigged, we don’t get what we want or need: clean air and water, strong public schools, affordable healthcare, and real ...

Honoring the Gift of Water

In my next life I want to be an otter. I’ve seen their playful slides in the snow, and the fact that they can outdo us when it comes to catching trout has me sold. Agile in the water, happy on land, a joy to watch as they lope along like furry slinkies, and, oh, so family oriented, otters suit me just fine. When I’m in my canoe absorbed with my own fishing, I usually hear them before seeing them. Their displeasure with my presence in their private bay is undeniable. They pop their heads up, disapproval written clearly on their faces as they look directly at me, and ...

Ruminations on No Kings Day

(No Kings Day in Brule, WI. Photo Credit Phil Anderson) “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” James Baldwin (1924 – 1987) American author, poet and civil rights activist On Saturday, June 14, 2025, America “faced” the threat of Donald Trump to our nation. Although the people protesting his egregious behavior may not change anything immediately, the huge numbers pouring into the the streets, all over the country, clearly show momentum is building and change is possible. The latest estimate is 13 ...

JUNE 2025 THOMAS STREET NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR WITH THE FRIENDS OF WAUSAU HISTORIC LANDMARKS.

Citizens for a Clean Wausau and the Friends of Wausau Historic Landmarks teamed up in the Thomas Street Neighborhood this month. With the Friends of Wausau Historic Landmarks, we learn about the history of Wausau, the ornate landmarks, the lumber barrons, and how Wausau was formed. This month was a unique blend of the beauty, as well as the damge done from former factories in the area. Thomas Street was the home to Crestline (the area is now owned by Wauleco/Sentry Insurance) and across the street was the former site of Connor Industries, where St Vincent ...

I Am Woke and Liberal

I am woke and liberal in philosophy, so people are surprised that I have MAGA friends. I am a bit concerned, however, that they may no longer consider me a friend. I have much in common with the MAGA people I know, whether it be the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, Bucks or golf, we can always talk about sports. The weather is good, too, “Been pretty nice lately, but we could use a little rain.” We can talk about common friends, histories and jokes. Many times we know members of each other’s families and can ask about their welfare. Being woke and liberal, I am ...

Northland Grandmothers for Peace and Lake Superior Veterans for Peace

Northland Grandmothers for Peace and Lake Superior Veterans for Peace condemns the unilateral, immoral, and criminal U.S. bombing on the sovereign nation of Iran. June 21, 2025 will be remembered as the day the U.S. once again chose war over diplomacy, unleashing consequences we may come to regret. This unprovoked, deliberate attack on Iran is a violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the U.S. Constitution. The pretext of Iran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons is a familiar lie. Just like Iraq in 2003,we are being dragged into war ...

Be Bold and Be Unapologetic

https://youtu.be/5G8HjVkMnIo Be bold and be unapologetic. The No Kings Rallies across the nation serve as the perfect example of this. Look at the enormous crowds of people who are rising up, making their voices heard over the monied interests that are dictating this country, that’s right – DICTATING. The working class has spoken with a message of truth and sincerity. Our elected officials need to start listening. Stop being afraid to speak up, stop being moderate, stop apologizing. A market that is rigged for the wealthy and business as usual is not ...