194 results for author: Phil Anderson
Moving Forward in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the chauvinistic, conservative – and I would add racist – voice of the Republican legislature is obstructing just about everything good for people. A number of “clearly common sense” actions are being blocked or ignored by political leadership who – as Jimmy Carter once said about Republicans – “are men of narrow vision, who are afraid of the future.”
Moving forward on voting
Since Biden won the presidential election, Republicans have been waging a coordinated, unpatriotic war on democracy and voting rights. In Wisconsin, Sen. Ron Johnson and Rep. Tim Tiffany continue to repeat the blatant lies about “election fraud” and Biden stealing the election. GOP legislators in Wisconsin, and across the nation, are pushing bills to make voting more difficult.
Black history in Wisconsin
The writing of the the state constitution involves Black suffrage. In 1846, a first draft of the constitution allowed black men to vote. This draft was not adopted. The successful 1848 State Constitution explicitly barred Black men from voting while it allowed all white men, even immigrants who were not citizens, to vote. After statehood, three referendums were held on suffrage for Black men (1849, 1857, and 1865). All were defeated. Citizenship was defined as being white and male.
America the Beautiful
The same short-sighted, profit-centered thinking that opposed creating the National Parks hinders creating the “good change” we need today.
Abusing religious freedom
Freedom from religion is just as important to liberty as “prohibiting the free exercise” of any sect.
Peaceful protest vs. sedition
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8ithgUloNR8Video source: YouTube“Congress shall make no law… abridging... the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” -First Amendment“Sedition:incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority.” -Mariam-WebsterWe have a constitutional right to “petition the Government for redress of grievances.” Taking to the streets to object to, or advocate for, government actions is as American as apple pie.All through our history, no political or social progress has happened without protests, demonstrations, strikes, ...
FUNNY MONEY, HOMELESSNESS, AND THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
"Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice." Dave Barry, humor writer. “Oh look, yet another Christmas TV special! How touching to have the meaning of Christmas brought to us by cola, fast food, and beer…” Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin & Hobbes We have a credit card that accumulates “Reward Points.” We are “rewarded” for buying more than we want or need. For me this is more annoying than motivating. It is a just one more example of our mindless, greedy commercial culture. But this Christmas, ...
WHY NOT?
Some men see things as they are and ask, 'Why?' I dream things that never were and ask, 'Why not?' Robert F. Kennedy. I recently stumbled on to a website that asked a number of “why not” questions. “A 21st Century Vision for America: Guiding Principles for a Great Nation,” is the work of Gary J. Evans, PhD and a business management consultant. It is a product of his “deep concern about the current state of American politics.” Dr. Evans creates a practical, plain language vision of “our country as most Americans would want it to be.” He describes “an America that cares about people, protects our rights, ...
PANDEMIC BLUES
"I'm asking you to look at the data — the real data, not just something you see on Facebook — and realize that the science is real and that wearing a mask will not only protect the gains we've made, but also help your family members and friends stay healthy." Phil Scott, Republican Governor of Vermont “What the coronavirus has revealed is the power of America’s cult of selfishness. And this cult is killing us.” Paul Krugman I worry about my grandchildren's futures. Their world will be very different in many ways. This won't just be because of technological changes. It will be because we are reeking havoc on ...
HELPING THE HOMELESS
(Author’s note: This was originally written about homelessness in Duluth, Minnesota. The statistics may differ but the problems AND SOLUTIONS are similar in Wisconsin and across the country.) "A lot of us are one paycheck away, and there's just a variety of folks that can experience homelessness. It's not just a certain group of people, and it's really important we stop characterizing people and just start helping them." Shelly Bruecken, member of the Loaves and Fishes community and homeless advocate in Duluth. Homelessness continues to be a problem all over the country. Last week homeless advocates put up tents ...