History


It Happened Before and it Can Happen Again

I recently read several books on American history that have a message for what is happening in our country today. Today we face threats to democracy and to a just, civil society. We are seeing a rise of authoritarianism, resurgence of hate, racism, toxic religiosity, and the breakdown of civility in public life. There are threats of violence from far-right domestic terrorists. It has all happened before and can happen again. Rachel Maddow is a television commentator and author. Her latest book is “Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism.” The book tells the ...

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Military Spending is Destroying America

  “America’s leaders have embraced the very worst...preferring to be feared rather than loved, while putting power first and principle last...” William Astore, veteran, history professor and author. “Sticking to the current defense spending strategy is not only economically wasteful but will also make America and the world less safe.” William D. Hartung, political scientist who specializes in military and national security issues. We have a problem in our country with militarism. Militarism dominates our foreign policy, domestic policing, and ...

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RALLY ON SATURDAYS WITH US

  Friends for Peace, We will be walking around the 400 Block each Saturday morning at 10 am until about 11:30.  Many come to walk and many come to sit on the corners of the 400 Block with signs and flags to be present for people who want to stop to talk. Please join us as you are able! Bring a new sign if you have time.  We do have some to share if you need one! All of our hearts should be open, and in doing this we will be strengthened to take actions in support of a peaceful solution. In Solidarity, Carolyn, Claudette, Nancy and David

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A Nation Going Backwards

On this day two years ago, the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked and women across Wisconsin learned that they would be left with fewer rights than the generations that came before them. It’s sad that I grew up with more rights than my daughter now has. This is a nation going backwards.   Trump’s 2016 campaign promise to appoint justices’ intent on dismantling Roe v. Wade was a very clear sign of the dangerous times ahead – and his actions in office delivered on that promise. And now, because of Trump, more than 1 in 3 women of ...

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Peace Dialogue Event: Gaza, the Movie

A Peace Dialogue Event Please Join Us for The Documentary Movie Gaza Followed by Discussion led by Elaine Strite, John Viste and Rick Scott Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 6 pm First United Methodist Church 903 Third Street Wausau, WI This unforgettable documentary film, Gaza, by Andrew McConnell and Gary Keanu, takes us to a unique place beyond the reach of television news reports to reveal a world rich with eloquent and resilient characters, offering us a cinematic and enriching portrait of a people attempting to lead meaningful lives against the rubble of ...

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A Community Conversation HOLY LAND PEACE DIALOGUE

A Community Conversation HOLY LAND PEACE DIALOGUE MONDAY, APRIL 15 at 7 pm SPEAKER Rev. Forrest Wells   You are invited to First United Methodist Church, Wausau (parking in the Fulton St. lot) at 7:00 p.m. for a presentation and conversation with Rev. Forrest Wells.  He will lead a discussion on the current conflict in Gaza, concerns for those living the reality of war, humanitarian need and response, and the hope for peace.   Rev. Forrest Wells served as a United Methodist pastor in Wisconsin for over 25 years, and as an overseer for hundreds of ...

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Taxes, Debt and War

“War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes.” President James Madison (1751-1836) Today well over half the discretionary federal budget (your income tax dollars) go for war, weapons of war and the bureaucracies of war – the “armies” from which “proceed debt and taxes.” A large percentage of the national debt is the result of Pentagon spending and the cost of wars. We spend more on “defense” than the next 10 military powers in the world combined (and most of those ten are our allies). In 1953 President Dwight Eisenhower said, ...

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A Kingdom, Power, and Glory Book Club Review

The public establishment of Christianity may be considered as one of the most important and domestic revolutions which excite the most lively curiosity, and afford the most valuable instruction. The victories and the civil policy of Constantine no longer influence the state of Europe; but a considerable portion of the globe still retains the impression which it received from the conversion of that monarch; and the ecclesiastical institutions of his reign are still connected, by an indissoluble chain, with the opinions, the passions, and the interests of the present ...

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Palestine March Week Three of Four, Part one: The Photos


Palestine Week Three of Four: Part Two: Peace Dialogue Friends

Each day a cease fire in Gaza is more imperative.  An enduring and sustained ceasefire is essential for all people. Our second Gaza pilgrimage this past Saturday brought 30 people joining in the walk. We were all heartened to hear car horns honking in solidarity for the cause. Please consider joining us this coming Saturday, March 30  at 10 am in Rib Mountain. We will park over near the corner of Hobby Lobby’s lot. Please park nearer to the road so as not to hamper anyone needing parking for shopping. Saturday, April 6, 10 AM, we will be at the intersec...

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