history
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The Coarsening Of Our Political Conversations
On Sunday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson did what many had expected and announced his bid for reelection. With hundreds of people gathered at the DuSable Black History Museum in Washington Park, the freshman chief executive made official what both supporters and critics have anticipated for months. The crowd chanted “four more years” once he declared… Continue reading
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Minority Leaders Don’t Get To Be Purists, Dianne Hesselbein Is A Leader in Wisconsin
State Senator Dianne Hesselbein represents a district covering West Madison, Middleton, Verona, Waunakee, and villages across northwest Dane County. She’s also the Democratic minority leader and did not face a primary challenger in August. Nathan Kalmoe is running a write-in campaign against her this November. If she prevails at the polls, she will become the… Continue reading
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Bookstore Treasures
President Truman said, “There is nothing new in the world except the history you do not”. Walking into a used bookstore late this afternoon, James and I were greeted by an employee before we drifted down separate aisles, being called by the spines. There are many times on such a journey when I am seeking… Continue reading
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Nancy Kassebaum Not Forgotten By Politicos And Readers Of Newspapers
Nancy Kassebaum died last Friday, and unless you’re one of the dwindling Americans who still read newspapers, you might have missed it. Television news, with its breathless devotion to storms with rain or planes that blew a tire, largely shrugged. A former U.S. senator with an amazing history passed away, and the national broadcast networks… Continue reading
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New Berlin Mayor Dave Ament And His Overt Racism
When a declining population sees their time on the stage running out, when they see diversity and color taking hold of the white domain they once controlled, it is no surprise that attacks on the new faces come to the fore. But that does not mean we should accept it or not call out the… Continue reading
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Three Black Governors in 250 Years, Will Progress Break Open In Midterms?
It may seem odd to say that I was glad when Barack Obama was elected president in November 2008 because he looked like me. I knew someone in my age group (he is one year older than I am) would be in the White House shaping policy. That really mattered to me. Our nation should… Continue reading
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Presidential Bully Pulpit Is Not A Public Barstool
Last week we witnessed two examples of tin-ear politics when Donald Trump commented on sailors aboard the U.S.S. Lincoln and the pain of higher gas prices in America. When he was asked about being concerned about the crew’s mental health after being at sea for over 260 days and whether it was too long for… Continue reading
Caffeinated Politics 