Social Security Turns 90
Social Security turns 90 on August 14th of this year! However, did you know....
The Social Security Commissioner is shifting about 1000 staff from processing claims to answer phones to 'pretend' that customer service is improving. Another attempt to fool Americans. This only takes a longer time to process claims... DUH! Time to call their bluff!! The 1-800 number at SSA is for triage, not handling cases.
Bottom line here is that congress needs to pass legislation to force THIS administration to hire enough worker to staff the Social Security Administrati...
Childcare After the Budget
I have owned and operated a childcare center for the past 19 years. So not only do I make sure staff and the bills are paid, I clean toilets, clean windows and change diapers. I have devoted my life to educating and caring for young children. I didn't go into this profession to line my pockets with money. But everyone in my field deserves a living wage and to know they are supported in their community. My goal is to always create a safe and nurturing learning environment for the children that enter my center. My belief is that parents who enter have decided to ...
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 ...
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 ...