Jan. 18 - Janesville Drinking Liberally

The scheduled Drinking Liberally meeting for Jan. 4 is cancelled.

We are moving the Janesville Drinking Liberally to the 3rd Wednesday of the month for January and every month after that.

That makes our next meeting on Jan. 18. We are meeting at the same time and same place. 7PM at The Speakeasy Lounge, downtown Janesville.

Jan. 11 - Janesville, Walker To Wall Street Pt. 2

Forum--"Walker to Wall Street Part II: How ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) changed Wisconsin."

Speakers:

Rep. Mark Pocan, 78th Assembly District.

Lisa Graves, Executive Director Center for Media and Democracy, Executive Director of the Center for Media and Democracy, the publisher of PR Watch, SourceWatch, BanksterUSA, and ALECexposed.org.

Wedneday, Jan 11 at Basics Food Coop, Janesville

6 PM-6:30 PM cheese & cracker reception (nonalcoholic potluck)

6:30 PM-8 PM, speakers & discussion

Basics CO-OP Natural Foods, 1711 Lodge Dr, Janesville, WI 53545

Jan. 7 - Janesville, Standing For Justice

Interesting looking program from our friends at the Rock Valley Fellowship of Reconciliation!

Standing for Justice at the Capitol

Saturday, January 7, 2012

4 p.m Basics Cooperative Community Room, 1711 Lodge, Janesville

Join us in welcoming Bart Munger, citizen resister, cited for wearing a sign that says “I love Wisconsin.” Chris Reeder, leads the Solidarity Sing Along at least 6 times every week in the Capitol Rotunda Matt Rothschild, citizen resister, Progressive Magazine editor, cited for wearing a sign that states the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Dec. 17 - Milton, RCP Meeting

The next meeting of the Rock County Progressives will be this Saturday, December 17, 11 AM in Milton at Charming B's,

819 E. High St. Suite 1, Milton, WI 53563 · Phone 608-580-0530, Charming Coffee

Dec. 14 - Janesville Forum, Walker's War On Working People

Forum--Walker's War on Working People:
How his policies & actions have hurt Wisconsin's 99%

Speakers:
Rep. Chris Taylor, 8th Assembly District (Labor & Workforce, Ways & Means and Health Committees), former public policy director of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin

Ben Manski, Wisconsin Wave, Liberty Foundation, Move to Amend coalition, campaign manager Green Party presidential campaign

Wednesday, December 14
6 PM-6:30 PM cheese & cracker reception (nonalcoholic potluck)
6:30 PM-8 PM, speakers & discussion

Basics Food Cooperative, 1711 Lodge Dr, Janesville, Wisconsin

Dec.7 - Janesville, Drinking Liberally

Hello Progressives,

Janesville Chapter of Drinking Liberally will meet Wednesday Dec. 7 at 7 PM. WE meet at the Speakeasy Lounge in downtown Janesville.

The Janesville chapter of Drinking Liberally is sponsored by Rock County Progressives.

Drinking Liberally is a national organization and is under the Living Liberally umbrella. To help build our membership please visit the website (link below) and sign-up to receive monthly updates.

http://livingliberally.org/drinking/chapters/WI/janesville

Janesville Drinking Liberally will be meeting the first Wednesday of every month at the Speakeasy Lounge, downtown Janesville. At this time we are scheduled from 7-9 PM, but we are open to increasing the time and possibly days if enough interest is shown.

Some of us don't actually drink alcohol and we often order some food from the Speakeasy menu. So everyone should feel free to come and join us.

I am one of the co-hosts for Janesville Drinking Liberally.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
The first pitcher is on me!
See You there,
Ken Pearson
critster@charter.net

Nov. 20 - Milton, Rock County Progressives Meeting

The next meeting of the Rock County Progressives will be on Sunday, November 20, 4 PM at Deb's Family Dining, 100 Front Street, Milton WI

Hope to see you there!

Please let us know what you think even if you can't come to the meeting. You can do so by e-mailing me at oggc@psly.net or the RockCountyProgressives@Gmail.com (you cannot simply hit reply to this e-mail as it is a moderated list).

Nov. 19 - Madison, Recall Walker Rally

This entire movement was started by the incredible turnout of people last February who came to stand up against Scott Walker’s extreme attacks on the working people of Wisconsin.

Your voice is needed again this Saturday in Madison.

RSVP to join United Wisconsin and our partners in Madison for the Recall Scott Walker Rally at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Recall Scott Walker Rally
Wisconsin State Capitol (State Street Side)
Saturday, November 19
11:00am - 2:00pm

Live entertainment starts at 11:00am, and hundreds of petition circulators will be on hand to collect signatures.

Be part of the “Can Walker” campaign – Thanksgiving is coming up, please bring a non-perishable food item with you to the rally to help those that need our help this holiday season.

We hope to see you there!
- United Wisconsin

Nov. 17 - Whitewater, OWS Recall Walker

Time Thursday, November 17 at 2:00pm - November 18 at 9:30pm

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Location The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 800 W. Main Street, in front of the Anderson Library and Hyer Hall

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Created By Tomcat Healer

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More Info Come join progressives from Whitewater and the surrounding area as we “occupy” Whitewater and plan for Walker’s recall.

The event starts at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 17 and will continue until 9:30 a.m. the following day. Come as you can, and please bring donations of people food and pet food for the food pantry and area animal shelters.

* We’ll have a booth to sign petitions to Recall Walker.

More at Facebook

Nov. 14 - Janesville, Potluck For Recall Volunteers Kick-Off

Time Monday, November 14 at 5:30pm - November 15 at 12:00am

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Location UAW Local 95 Hall
1795 LaFayette St.
Janesville, WI

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Created By Lisa Buening Sheldon

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More Info 5:30PM - 6:45PM Potluck - bring a dish to pass, soda and your own table service. (Milk, Coffee be provided).

6:45PM - 7:15PM Welcome speakers and kick off!

7:30PM - 8:30PM Voter ID training - get the all the new info on the new Voter ID law, voter registration and what we need to do to educate the public

9:00PM - 10PM Petition Training

10:00PM - Midnight Brainstorming and strategy session for petition drive.

Midnight - SIGN THE RECALL PETITION FOR WALKER & KLEEFISCH!!!!!

Questions? call me - Lisa Sheldon 608) 302-1960 or email: unitedwiscvc@gmail.com or viviancreekmore @gmail.com

Nov. 12 - Janesville, Recall Walker & Kleefisch Training

Saturday, November 12 · 2:00pm - 5:00pm

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Location UAW HALL JANESVILLE
1795 LAFAYETTE STREET
Janesville, Wisconsin

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Created By Democratic Party of Rock County

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More Info There will be a training THIS SATURDAY for people interested in volunteering for the RECALL effort. Please RSVP here or send a message to Lisa Sheldon, Steph Mulvey, or Vivian Creekmore. Keep in touch through Facebook.

Nov. 10 - Orfordville, Rock Forward

Thursday, November 10 · 6:30pm - 9:30pm

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Location KNUTES BAR AND GRILL
206 E Beloit St,
Orfordville, WI 53576


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Created By Vivian Creekmore

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More Info Eat, drink, and lively conversation with great people on the 2nd Thurs of the month! No RSVP. No meeting, No speakers. Just fun in a different locale around Rock County each month. See you in Orfordville!

Nov. 9 - Janesville, Ed Garvey Forum "Walker to Wall Street

Wednesday 6 PM, November 9, 2011

Forum--"Walker to Wall Street: How the Koch Bros. & ALEC changed Wisconsin"

Speakers:

Ed Garvey, co-founder of Fighting Bob Fest, editor and publisher of FightingBob.com.

A Madison "Occupier" (To be announced)

Elliot Majors of the Recall Walker Campaign

6 PM-6:30 PM cheese & cracker reception (nonalcoholic potluck)
6:30 PM-8 PM, speakers & discussion

Basics CO-OP Natural Foods, 1711 Lodge Dr, Janesville, WI 53545

Nov. 8 - Beloit, Walker Recall Training

Time Tuesday, November 8 · 7:00pm - 9:00pm

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Location UNITED STEELWORKERS HALL
1620 Shore Drive, Beloit, WI 53511
Beloit, WI

Phone: 608-362-2812

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Created By Democratic Party of Rock County

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More Info (Directions from Janesville: take HWY 51 to Beloit. Turn right on Portland Ave [White St.], right on 4th Street, left onto Maple and a quick right onto Shore Drive. Henry Ave. bridge is closed.)

This training is for anyone interested in being involved with the RECALL WALKER efforts.

Everyone can attend the most convenient time and place--regardless of location.

Nov. 3 - Janesville, Walker Recall Training

Thursday, November 3 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm

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Location UAW - HALL
1795 Lafayette Street Janesville, WI 53546-2844 (608) 755-5120
Janesville, WI 53546-2844

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Created By Democratic Party of Rock County

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More Info There will be a training for people interested in volunteering for the RECALL WALKER effort this Thursday, 11/03/2011, at 7PM. Please RSVP here or send a message to Lisa Sheldon, Steph Mulvey, or Vivian Creekmore. Keep in touch through

Facebook

Nov. 2 - Janesville, Drinking Liberally

It is time again for the Janesville Drinking Liberally chapter to meet. We will meet Wednesday, Nov 2 at 7:00 PM. We meet at The Speakeasy lounge downtown Janesville.

Drinking Liberally is sponsored by Rock County Progressives.
See You Wednesday,
Ken Pearson

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Drinking Liberally Janesville Chapter

Promoting Democracy one pint at a time

Share your politics while you share a pitcher at your local progressive drinking club. An informal gathering of like minded, left-leaners who may want to trade ideas, get more involved, or just enjoy each others company.
Drinking Liberally is sponsored by RC Progressives. We meet at The Speakeasy Lounge in downtown Janesville (map), 7:00 PM, on the first Wednesday day of every month.
To sign-up for Janesville DL updates visit Drinking Liberally.

Nov. 1 - Madison, United Wisconsin Grand Opening

United Wisconsin Office Grand Opening!
November 1, 2011
5:00pm - 8:00pm
1605 Monroe Street, Madison WI

RSVP to events@unitedwisconsin.com

Join us in our new Madison office on Tuesday, November 1 to mix and mingle with other grassroots leaders working to recall Scott Walker. November 15 is going to be here before you know it, and this will be a great opportunity to sign up to volunteer and to learn more about how United Wisconsin's 200,000 plus supporters are leading the way to recall Walker.

Please RSVP to events@unitedwisconsin.com.

Help us make this office functional and bring one of the many needed items below with you:

Flip Chart Paper
Poster Board
Garbage Bags
Markers and Pens
Notepads
Printer Paper
Paper Cutter
#10 Envelopes
Envelope Sealers
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Disposable Plates and Cups
Food (non-perishable snacks)
Beverages (coffee, tea, soda, water)

If you can't make it on November 1, please consider supporting United Wisconsin by making a contribution online at United Wisconsin.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, November 1!
Sincerely,

Ilana Strauch and Lynn McKenzie
Statewide Volunteer Coordinators

Oct. 28, Janesville - Ryan Townhall

Wall Street Congressman Paul Ryan wants to hear from his constituents. He will be hosting a townhall meeting in Janesville:

Friday, October 28, 2011
9:00 - 10:30am
Pontiac Convention Center, 2809 North Pontiac Drive

Oct. 24 - Janesville, Voter ID Forum

A spokesperson from the Government Accountability Board will discuss the Voter I.D. law. Those without a voter I.D. can also acquire the DMV paperwork to apply for free identification during this event.
Sponsored by Democracy Rocks - Janesville

Created By Democratic Party of Rock County

Time:
Monday, October 24 · 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Where:
Basics Natural Foods Co-Op
1711 Lodge Drive
Janesville, WI

Created By
Cathy Myers and Roger
For DEMOCRACY ROCKS - Janesville, Wisconsin

Oct. 22 - Milton, RCP Meeting

The next meeting of the Rock County Progressives will be on Saturday, October 22, 10:30 AM at Deb's Family Dining, 100 Front Street, Milton WI


Chuck,

RockCountyProgressives@Gmail.com

Oct. 15 - Occupy Janesville!

Main St. Occupation for The American Dream
Corner of Court St and Main St.
51 S. Main St
Janesville, WI 53545

Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, 12:00 PM

Let's come together in Janesville Wisconsin to show local solidarity with the brave protesters in New York City. Wall St. told us that their banks were too big to fail. Now is the time for country to stand together and show Wall St that the American Dream is too big to fail!

Event Facebook

Oct. 14 - Madison, Young Progressives

The Young Progressives, the Obama for America team on UW's campus, is proud to welcome former Sen. Russ Feingold back to his alma mater as a guest speaker at Memorial Union on Friday, October 14 at 4:30 pm.

Sen. Feingold will speak about student involvement, the 2012 elections, and campaign finance reform. He will also be available for questions.

The Young Progressives would like to invite you to join us and the Senator on the 14th. Please RSVP by clicking here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpz5w2

The Young Progressives provides opportunities for students on UW's campus to be involved with progressive politics. Among our initiatives are a joint intern program with Obama for America. If you wish to apply for an internship or become a general volunteer, please contact Outreach Director Bobby Lange (bobby@theyoungprogressives.com), or stop by our office in room 3156 in the Student Activity Center.

Also be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter! ‘Like us’ at facebook.com/YoProWI, and follow us @YoProWI.

The Young Progressives

Oct. 13 - Milton, Rock Forward

THIS THURSDAY OCTOBER 13:

ROCK FORWARD—JUNCTION PUB, MILTON, 6:30
EAT, DRINK, & LIBERAL CONVERSATION!

Who: Anyone interested in liberal conversation

What: GET-TOGETHER once a month to eat, drink, and TALK. No RSVP, no agenda, no meeting—just socializing. Order and pay for your own.

NEXT GET-TOGETHER:

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 6:30 PM
JUNCTION PUB, 130 MERCHANT ROW, MILTON

Facebook

Oct. 13 - Beloit, Meet Mark Pocan

Anyone interested in meeting Mark Pocan? Come and meet 2nd district Congressional candidate State Rep. Mark Pocan next Thursday (October 13) at Denali's Food & Spirits in Beloit from 5-7pm. Rep. Pocan is a seven-term state legislator who was the former Co-Chair of the Joint Finance Committee, and is a leading progressive in the Wisconsin legislature. Hope to see you there!

Mark Pocan for Congress.

Fighting for Wisconsin's working families.

Oct. 12 - Janesville, Recall Elections Forum

The Recall Elections (Past and Future)
Lessons Learned... Challenges ahead...

Speakers:
Ted Lewis Director, Rock Valley Education Professionals
Marcia Riquelme, Wisconsin Recall Task Force.
Janis Ringhand, Representative 80th Assembly District

Wednesday, October 12
6 PM-6:30 PM cheese & cracker reception (nonalcoholic potluck)
6:30 PM-8 PM, speakers & discussion

Basics Food Cooperative, 1711 Lodge Dr, Janesville, Wisconsin

rockcountyprogressives@gmail.com

Oct. 4 - Drinking Liberally

Our next social gathering, “Drinking Liberally” will be held on Wednesday, October 4, at the Speakeasy in Janesville, at 7 PM.

The Rock County Progressives are sponsoring the gathering -- Drinking Liberally is an independent organization with chapters throughout the country, including Milwaukee & Madison.

The Speakeasy Lounge and Restaurant is at 19 North High Street.

Sept. 27 - Janesville Postal Service Rally

On Tuesday, September 27, America’s Postal Service Members of the four Postal Service employee unions – APWU, NALC, NPMHU and NRLCA – and community allies will rally in every congressional district to let people know what’s at stake for our families and neighbors and urge lawmakers to save the Postal Service by supporting H.R. 1351.

Janesville Postal Service Rally

Where: 20 South Main Street, Janesville

When: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

*Important* - The Janesville rally will NOT be held at the Janesville Post Office.

The Postal Service is critical to our economy – delivering mail, medicine, and packages on time and for a good price. Yet plans are underway to close thousands of post offices, eliminate Saturday delivery, close mail processing facilities, cut service, and lay off 120,000 employees.

These cuts won’t just hurt Postal Workers – they will hurt every American, every community and every business.

More locations and info here>>>.

Sept. 25 - RCP Meeting

There will be an “organizing meeting” of the Rock County Progressives this Sunday, September 25 at noon, at Charming B's coffeehouse, 819 E. High St. Suite 1, Milton, Near the intersection of 26 & High street. Go east at High and then turn right into the driveway.

Proposed agenda:

Speakers for next forum in October on the recalls, past and future.

Drinking Liberally--new location (if you can't come but have a good idea of where to hold it, please let us know).

Creating a web site.

The Walker recall-- regional meetings.

Voter ID campaign?

Other business.

Sept.15 - Kenosha, DIY Townhall

Where:
Gateway Technical College's Madrigrano Auditorium
3520 30th Ave., Kenosha.

When:
Thursday, Sept. 15
6 p.m. - Residents can sign up for two-minute speaking
spots starting at 7 p.m

KENOSHA — The local progressive group Community for Change will hold a do-it-yourself town hall meeting Thursday for U.S. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, likely without the congressman.

At the meeting, area residents will be able to address a photo of Congressman Ryan, who represents Racine County, and make a statement or ask a question as if it were an actual listening session, according to a news release from Community for Change. The town hall will be taped, and speakers' names and addresses will be recorded and forwarded to Ryan.

Story here.

Sept. 14 - Janesville Forum, Kloppenburg

Forum: Lessons Learned... Improving Wisconsin's Elections

Speaker: JoAnne Kloppenburg

Recent candidate for the WI Supreme Court, Assistant Attorney General Kloppenburg has been a litigator and prosecutor at the Wisconsin Department of Justice since 1989, serving under Attorneys General from both parties: Don Hanaway, Jim Doyle, Peg Lautenschlager and JB Van Hollen.

Wednesday, September 14
6 PM-6:30 PM cheese & cracker reception (nonalcoholic potluck)
6:30 PM-8 PM, speakers & discussion

Basics Food Cooperative, 1711 Lodge Dr, Janesville, Wisconsin

Sept.12 - Janesville, Coffee w/Rob Zerban

Monday, September 12 · 11:00am - 2:00pm

Location Union Labor Temple
1605 Center Avenue
Janesville, WI

More Info
Everyone is invited for "Coffee with Rob Zerban" Monday September 12 from 11:15 till noon at the Labor Temple.

Couldn't get an appointment with Paul Ryan? This is your opportunity to meet his opponent for 2012--ask questions and share your concerns and priorities with him.

Bring a friend or neighbor and meet for coffee at 11:15 on Monday at the Labor Temple.

Sept. 7 - Drinking Liberally Meeting

The next meeting of the Rock County Progressives will be on Wednesday September 7 at 6:30 PM.

We will be discussing plans for our October forum. I’m thinking maybe we should do one on past and future recalls? Ideas for topics/speakers are welcome, e-mail me at rockcountyprogressives@gmail.com if you have some good suggestions and are unable to make the meeting.

It will be followed by a social gathering At 7:00 PM, “Drinking Liberally.” This is a national organization with chapters in Madison & Milwaukee. While it is sponsored by RCP, it is not affiliated.

Location: Fins in Newville: Fins Bar and Grill | 723 Ellendale Road, Edgerton, WI 53534 | 608.884.0346

"Drinking liberally" doesn't mean a lot or necessarily alcohol :-).

We are being a bit more organized this fall, all of our meetings/socials will be held on the 1st Wednesday of each month, and the forums will be the 2nd Wednesday.

Hope to see you there!

Chuck

Sept. 3rd - West Allis Counter-Hate

Neo-Nazis are planning a rally in West Allis on Sept. 3, hoping to capitalize on a racially charged incident that took place recently at the Wisconsin State Fair.

In response, the people of West Allis and Milwaukee are organizing a massive counter-rally to reject the Nazi message of racism and hate. Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice has arranged for buses from Madison to West Allis. Bus fare is $15, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Call 608-250-9240 to reserve your seat.

Event Date:
09/03/11
COUNTER-HATE DEMONSTRATION

Peace Action is in process of working out with dozens of organizations to counter a Nazi rally that is taking place at City Hall in West Allis on Sept. 3 at 2:00pm. We will be hosting a press conference at 12:00pm with community allies and Mayor Dan Devine of West Allies, location TBA. We will also be demonstrating beginning at 1:00pm in West Allis, further details forthcoming. Please contact dan@peaceactionwi.org or call 414-964-5158 to get involved.

Sept. 1st - Ryan's Office Speak-Out!

Soup Kitchen and Speak-Out!

Thursday, September 1 · 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Location
US Congressman Paul Ryan's Janesville Office
20 S. Main Street
Janesville, WI

Please Join Nurses for a Soup Kitchen and Speak-Out!

Buses Leaving from Madison:
3:30pm: Memorial Union; 4pm: GEF Bldg (King + Webster St)

We'll bring a much needed dose of reality to US Congressman Paul Ryan, while feeding the people that Wall Street and its political lackeys have devastated and turned their backs on.

Tell Congressman Ryan “Where It Hurts” in Janesville!

While Wall Street banks got bailed out of the financial crisis that THEY caused, Main Street towns like Janesville are suffering!

Deep cuts in social services, further corporate tax-breaks and schemes to privatize Medicare and Social Security will only result in the further devastation of Main Street.

Urge US Congressman Paul Ryan to support a Tax on Wall St. to bring quality jobs, housing, healthcare and education back to Main Street!

Buses Leaving from Madison:
3:30pm: Memorial Union
4pm: GEF Bldg (King + Webster St)
(Returning approx. 8pm)

Please call Jan at 510-757-5925 to save a seat on the bus, or for endorsements or questions.

Aug.25 - Madison, Workers Unite!

Time Thursday, August 25 · 4:30pm - 6:00pm

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Location Library Mall up State Street to Capitol steps

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Created By J Eric Cobb

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On this day Wisconsin State Employees will receive up to a 13% pay cut courtesy of Gov. Walker. This pay cut does not just impact state workers, but all Wisconsinites.

The Economic Policy Institute estimates that wage reductions implemented by Act 10 will cost the state nearly $1 billion in economic activity. Walker and his cronies demand wage cuts for workers while offering massive handouts to corporations and the super-wealthy.

Sign Up to Join this rally and read more here.

Peoples Rights Campaign

Aug. 15 - Recall Lawn Party JVL

MON AUG 15, 5-8 pm: RELAX AND RECALL LAWN PARTY!!!
*BRING A CELL PHONE, LAWN CHAIR, COLD DRINK AND SNACK TO
SHARE!

Meet at 515 St. Lawrence Ave, Janesville. Home of Cathy Aubrecht

Vivian Creekmore

Aug.10 - RCP 2nd Annual Gathering

... the disaster continues despite being largely ignored by the national media.

We also celebrate the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Gulf region.

Speakers:

Neil Dupree, retired pastor, First Christian Church, Janesville
Holly Denning, UWW sociology & race/ethnic studies

and YOU... come prepared to share your recollections, reflections and feelings about New Orleans & the Gulf.

4pm-9pm... 6pm potluck PICNIC, 7pm Speakers
Wednesday, August 10, Riverside Park, North Pavilion
2200 Parkside Dr., Janesville

Going north on N Washington St (Rte 14) turn right at Golf Course Rd (park entrance), right at Edge Hill Drive, left at Riverside Park Rd, follow river north to end of park.

Event Facebook

Flyer

rockcountyprogressives@gmail.com

July 28, Ft.Atkinson Walker Reception

As reported at Lost Comtinent:

A reception awaits Gov. Walker in Fort Atkinson on July 28th, where he is scheduled to dedicate a building used to improve the lot of the disabled, a group he is normally attempting to render even more destitute through his policies. Anyone interested in unwelcoming the governor can do so starting around 5:00 PM at 100 East Cramer in Fort Atkinson. His Highness is scheduled to speak at 7:00PM

July 27 - Edgerton, Drinking Liberally

We will be gathering socially at Fin's in Edgerton at 7 PM, Wednesday July 27, to organize a local chapter of “drinking liberally,” hope to see you there. Living Liberally

We will be having a picnic Wednesday, August 10, second annual celebration of the Gulf of Mexico (the first was after the BP spill), stay tuned for details.

Chuck (Rock County Progressives)

July 14th - Rock Forward Meeting

Welcome to ROCK FORWARD! Join us on:

Thursday, July 14th at 6:30pm,
RAY'S FAMILY RESTAURANT
1102 North Main Street (Hwy 51)
Edgerton, WI

We're a liberal and progressive thinking social group without much structure. Our monthly get-togethers rotate around Rock County in order to be inclusive of everyone.

Buy your own drinks/food from the menu and ROCK FORWARD with kindred spirits!

Keep up to date via our Facebook page.

June 29th - Janesville Medicare Forum

Forum on How Ryan Would Destroy Medicare.

Speakers:

Rob Zerban, Kenosha County Supervisor and candidate for the first Congressional District (Paul Ryan's).

Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin, author of "Rep. Paul Ryan's Budget Plan a Trojan horse Assault on American Values"

Wednesday, JUNE 29
6 PM-6:30 PM, cheese & cracker reception (nonalcoholic potluck)
6:30 PM-8 PM, speakers & discussion

At: Basics Food Cooperative
1711 Lodge Dr Janesville, Wisconsin

Chuck (Rock County Progressives)
rockcountyprogressives@gmail.com

Stand Up for Wisconsin's Transit

Your legislator, Rep. Knilans, will soon have an opportunity to vote for the budget. I am writing to urge you to call him today at (608) 266-7503. The message is simple: “Work for changes to the budget, AB 40, that support a more balanced approach to transportation. Transportation options and local tools are needed to provide relief for traffic and air pollution problems.” The budget contains provisions that could devastate transit systems, unless you call today and voice your concerns. As a constituent in Rep. Knilans’ district, you have the power to sway his opinion on this issue. Investing in transit will benefit riders, the community, and the clean up our air and reduce the threat of climate change!

CALL REPRESENTATIVE KNILANS (AD 44) TODAY AT (608) 266-7503,
Rep.Knilans@legis.wisconsin.gov

Calling Tips:
- Slowly state your name, address, and phone number to verify that you’re a constituent.
- Leaving a message with staff or on the voicemail is OK.
- After you call, let us know you took action at: elizabeth.ward@sierraclub.org. We want to hear how the legislative office responded to your concerns and keep a tally of the number of calls he received.

Background: The Budget has 3 key threats to transit: 1.) Repeal of the regional transit authorities, 2.) 10% cuts to transit aid, and 3.) Moving transit from the transportation fund and into the general fund. Therefore, we are asking for Rep. Knilans to work for budget changes that will do the following:
* Avoid moving transit from the transportation into the general fund (pg 43), where it will compete with other basic services also slated for drastic cuts. Transit is a form of transportation and must be considered along with highways, local roads, bicycle and pedestrian funding in determining the most cost-effective, efficient solutions to our mobility needs.
* Avoid cutting state transit aids by 10%. Transit systems are already facing serious cuts as a result of the budget repair bill, which jeopardizes $47 million in federal transit aid due to the loss of collective bargaining rights for transit workers in unionized systems. Transit should not be cut further when Wisconsinites are facing record high gas prices as they travel to work and school.
* Restore Wisconsin’s regional transit authorities (RTAs) which were eliminated by the Joint Finance Committee through an amendment passed on May 3. RTAs are essential tools needed by local governments in order to raise stable, dedicated transit funds and make up gaps in state and federal transit funding. RTAs should be fixed – through requiring binding referenda before raising sales tax, etc, NOT eliminated, especially in communities like Dane County, SE Wisconsin, Chippewa Valley and Chequamegon Bay that have shown a strong desire for RTAs.
Transit is important to communities because:
· It provides jobs. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), every $1 billion invested in public transit supports and create 36,000 jobs.
· It helps the economy. According to a WisDOT study, on average, every $1 spend on public transit proves a $3.61 economic return.
· It’s better for the environment. APTA determined that a single person, commuting alone by car, who switches a 20-mile round-trip commute to transit, can reduce his or her annual CO2 emission by 4,800 pounds per year.

Thanks for taking action today!
Elizabeth

Elizabeth Ward- Programs Staff
Sierra Club- John Muir Chapter

Elizabeth.Ward@sierraclub.org222 South Hamilton Street, Suite 1
Madison, WI 53703-3201
Phone: (608) 256-0565Fax: (608) 256-4JMC
http://wisconsin.sierraclub.org/https://www.facebook.com/SierraClubWI

May 9th-DNR Hearing Factory farm

What: DNR Public Hearing concerning CAFO (Factory Farm) on the Rock Prairie.

When: Monday, May 9th, 4 PM.

Where: Rock County Fair Grounds, Craig Center Building, 1301 Craig Avenue, Janesville, WI

The Wisconsin DNR will be holding a public hearing to listen to comments from residents concerning Todd Tuls proposed dairy in the Town of Bradford just east of Janesville.

Please attend this meeting and let the DNR know what you think about these types of operations. Do your research and come prepared to speak.

Rock Environmental Network, Inc.
"When People Lead, the Leaders will Follow."

April 19, Paul Ryan Visits Area

Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan plans to tour his southeastern Wisconsin district to talk about federal policy issues.

After running up a debt tab of over $6 trillion in Federal spending during the Bush era, Ryan has now found a new urgency to reduce spending by shifting government priorities away from senior age safety nets and manipulating the tax code to pursue his ideological agenda.

Ryan intends on visiting the following communities.

Tuesday, April 19

MILTON: 9:00-10:00am, The Gathering Place (Upstairs Dining Room), 715 Campus Street

ELKHORN: 10:45-11:45am, Matheson Memorial Library, 101 North Wisconsin Street

DELAVAN: 1:00-2:00pm, City Hall, 123 South 2nd Street

CLINTON: 2:30-3:30pm, Village Hall, 301 Cross Street

JANESVILLE: 4:00-5:15pm, City Hall, Council Chambers, Room #417, 18 North Jackson Street

Source

Apr. 6, Meeting - Friends of Rock Prairie

Friends of Rock Prairie will discuss the proposed Rock Prairie Dairy with the Rock County Board of Health at the board’s meeting this Wednesday evening, April 6, at 6 p.m. at 3328 N. US Highway 51 in Janesville. The citizens will follow this up with another discussion of the factory farm with members of the Rock County Land Conservation Committee at 7:15 p.m. at the USDA Service Center, 440 N. US Highway 14, Janesville.

March 24 - Forum at Basics

Come Alive on April 5

Forum on the importance of electing Joanne Kloppenburg to Wisconsin’s Supreme Court to counter Governor Walker's agenda of ending public union workers' collective bargaining rights in Wisconsin.

Speakers will include Peg Lautenschlager, former State Attorney General, and Ted Lewis, director of the Rock Valley Education Professionals.

Date: Thursday, March 24
Time, 6:30-8 PM
Place, Basics Cooperative, 1711 Lodge Drive, Janesville,
Wisconsin.

The public is invited.

For further information e-mail RockCountyProgressives@Gmail.com

Local Protests Planned

From the Milwaukee Area Labor Council AFL-CIO

Friday, March 25th,2011- 7:30 A.M.
Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast Picket- Representitives Wynn, Knilans, and Loudenbeck to be present. Country Club of Beloit, 2327 Riverside Drive. We will picket on the sidewalk.

Tuesday March 29, 2011 - 5:00 PM
Protest Governor Walker at Forward Janesville Dinner, Holiday Inn Express & Conference Center, Janesville

March 10, Rally Milton Teachers

MILTON—The Milton Education Association, Milton’s teachers union announced that it plans to sponsor another rally in support of public employees Thursday afternoon in Milton.

According to a posting on the teachers union’s facebook site, the rally will be at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Milton East Elementary School, along Highway 26 in Milton.

The post said the group hopes to double attendance it had at a rally last Thursday at the elementary school. The rally drew a crowd of teachers and other public employees, union members said.

The group had gathered to protest Gov. Scott Walker’s pending budget-relief bill, which seeks to curtail collective bargaining rights for public sector unions and tp force the union members to pay more for health and retirement benefits.

Forwarded by Rock County Progressives

March 9, Ft. Atkinson Rally

There will be a rally for Public Employees on Wed. March 9th on the Main St. bridge from 5-6 p.m. The Community Informational Forum will be postponed because of a need for more coordination of speakers and for the schools and city to gather more information. A key factor is that the city needs more time to gather more information on how the budget will impact it. We do not wish to give out incorrect or incomplete information.

Please bring family and friends to the rally. If all goes well, we may have another the following week before the Forum.

Jude Hartwick
FEA V.P.

Forwarded from Rock County Progressives

March 7, Harmony Town Board Meeting

Alert to all citizens that are concerned about center pivot irrigation from the proposed mega-dairy on the Rock Prairie:

What: The Harmony Town Board Meeting
When: Monday, March 7, 2011 at 7:00PM
Where: Harmony Town Hall, 440 N Hwy 14, Janesville, Wisconsin
(same side of the road, next door to Silha & Sons Excavating).
The agenda includes: Center Pivot Manure Ordinance.

Here are a couple of info links, there are many documents on line.

Johnstown Bans Center Pivot Manure Sprayers

Pivot Irrigation Study

Rock Environmental Network, Inc.
"When People Lead, the Leaders will Follow"

Alert! Farmland Protection Update

People from across Wisconsin are voicing opposition to Gov. Scott Walker's proposal to eliminate the state's program to permanently protect farmland. We need your help to reach out to lawmakers and the governor with a simple message: Don't wreck Wisconsin's farmland protection program.

Gov. Walker's budget proposes to zero out funding for the Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement program and wipe the program off the books. The American Farmland Trust and Gathering Waters Conservancy are helping to organize grass-roots supporters of farmland protection. We need your help.

Please contact your state representative and senator and urge them to reject elimination of the PACE program and to work for secure funding sources. Even if funding is temporarily limited, it makes no sense to eliminate the program! It was supported by a broad, bipartisan coalition of farmers, local officials, citizens and land trusts when it was created in 2009. Wisconsin does not want to lose this excellent opportunity for farmers and their families to protect farmland and pass their farms on to the next generation.

Initially funded with $12 million in bonding authority over two years, PACE has exceeded expectations in popularity with farmers eager to protect their valuable farmland for future generations. Seventy-six applications covering more than 18,600 acres of some of Wisconsin's best agricultural land were received during the program's first two application rounds - much more than could be protected with the initial funding for the program!

In addition to the governor's budget, bills have been introduced in the Senate and Assembly to eliminate PACE and its funding sources. Your legislators need to hear from you, and now.

A few facts that show the importance of this program:

Wisconsin was 9th in the nation in the amount of agricultural land developed from 2002-2007 and 4th in the nation in the amount of prime farmland - the very best farmland - developed during that same period. While pressure to convert farmland may have slowed in the last two years, history shows that when the economy recovers the loss of farmland will return. The Wisconsin PACE program is a vital hedge against the incessant push of growth and development over rural communities and farmlands.

Local groups across the state are organizing efforts to reach out to lawmakers, contact media and take other steps to save Wisconsin's farmland preservation program. We need you to join the rising crescendo.

For more information, go to www.wisconsinfarmland.org, or contact:

Bill Berry
American Farmland Trust/Protecting Wisconsin's Farm and Forest Lands
1973 Strongs Ave
Stevens Point WI 54481

Feb. 24 - Rallies Janesville-Beloit

Subject: Let's Rock Rock Valley this Thursday!

Greetings labor coalition folks,

Some may have received notice elsewhere, but we have a rally doubleheader lined up for this Thursday. Let’s send some love towards Senator Cullen and our union brothers and sisters; and some encouragement to our current elected assemblyfolks to do the right thing (“Amy, Evan Joe-this bill’s gotta go!”). As inspiring as events have been in Madison, we need to focus on our territory in keeping up support and pressure where appropriate. We cannot let the other side dismiss actions as just a “Madison thing.”

Beloit Rally: Thursday, February 24, 4:00PM, 1240 Riverside Drive

Janesville Rally: Thursday, February 24, 7:45, Downtown Courthouse (51 S Main St.) on Main St. Sidewalk.

Thanks to everyone who has taken action, and I look forward to seeing many of you this Thursday.

Solidarity!

Ted

Feb. 21: Rockin' In Madison

On Monday, Tom Morello, Wayne Kramer, Street Dogs and other musicians will join teachers, students, community members, religious leaders in the state capitol to rally against Gov. Walker’s radical proposals against workers and their union. They will call for policies that support the middle class and leaders who will respect the freedom of working people to collectively call for a better life.

Who: Tom Morello, The Nightwatchmen, Rage against the Machine
Wayne Kramer, of the MC5
The Street Dogs, featuring Mike McColgan former lead singer of the Dropkick Murphys
Ike Reilly
What: performances by artists at the Rally for Wisconsin
Where: State Capitol, Madison
When: Part of the noon and 5:00 p.m. rallies on Monday February 21st, 2011

Feb. 17 - Factory Farm

The next meeting of the Friends of Rock Prairie is scheduled for this coming Thursday evening, February 17. We will be meeting back in Janesville this time, at:

Hedberg Public Library
316 S. Main Street (by the river)
public meeting room
(ground floor, by the coffee shop)
6:30 till 8 pm

I'd like us to spend some time planning some public outreach-education events for the next month. Let me know if you have other things we should include on the agenda.

I think we should also discuss if there is a more effective way to structure our meetings. I'm wondering if it wouldn't be a good idea to rotate the focus of our meetings: have one meeting devoted to information sharing - education, and the next week's meeting focused on strategy and working, and so forth. What do you think? Please come with your thoughts, and some ideas on how you want to participate.

Contact: Tom Boswell
608/882-0758
tomboswell2002@yahoo.com

Pricele$$ Documentary At Basics

Rock County Progressives present: Pricele$$, a non-partisan documentary that examines citizens efforts to eliminate a root cause of countless social and environmental problems - the inordinate influence of special interest money in government. From the film makers who brought you Empty Oceans, Empty Nets and Farming the Seas.

Tuesday, February 22
Reception 6:00 pm
Film 6:30-7:30 pm
Basics food cooperative
1711 Lodge Dr Janesville, Wisconsin

rockcountyprogressives@gmail.com

Feb. 10 Meeting - Factory farm

The next meeting of Friends of Rock Prairie (yes, we have a name now!) is scheduled for this coming Thursday evening at 6:30 PM, February 10, at:

Clinton Senior Center
508 Front Street
(Corner of Hwy 140 & Front)

We are starting to gain traction: A lot of folks sent comments responding to the DNRs Environmental Analysis of the dairy proposal, and our attorney filed a strong statement. (I will attach it.) We had a good meeting with the Rock County Health Department this past Friday, and I think they could be a strong ally.

Now we need to think of ways to influence public opinion and influence the decision-makers who will either enable or prevent the CAFO from becoming reality. Come to the next meeting with your specific ideas on how we can do this! It's not sufficient to be "with us in spirit." I've never known a "spirit" to win a political battle, particularly against big money. It takes bodies and minds and determination and creativity and leadership.

Let's become a strong force for change to preserve and protect our community!

Hope to see you Thursday. Bring a neighbor or friend.

Sincerely,

Tom Boswell
608/882-0758
tomboswell2002@yahoo.com

Feb. 3rd Meeting Factory farm

Dear Folks,

We scheduled our next meeting on the factory farm for this coming Thursday, February 3, at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be at:

Clinton Senior Center
508 Front Street, Clinton
(corner of Hwy 140 S & Front St.
by the car wash)

Thanks to Norbert Larson for setting this up.

At last Wednesday's meeting, we took more nominations for a name for our group. We tabled the voting until the next meeting. Here are the nominations so far:

Save Rock Prairie
Citizens for the Land
Good Neighbors Unite
Preserve the Land

If you have an idea for a name for our group, please email it to me and/or the whole group by Wednesday. We will choose a name when we meet on Thursday.

We have arranged a meeting with leaders of the Rock County Health Department. It will be held next Friday at 10 am. We have six people committed to participate. If you would like to attend, or have ideas for the agenda, please get in touch with me.

There are also two people who stepped forward to arrange to talk to Bradford Township about passing an ordinance outlawing central pivots (as Johnstown Township did recently). Contact Tim Bliss and Tammy Van Pamel if you want to be part of this effort.

Remember: we have a February 4th deadline to respond to the environmental assessment on the mega-dairy. We will discuss this at the meeting. Here is the link once again:

http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/es/science/eis/eis.htm

A number of people have suggested that we need to do stream monitoring and test wells in the area now so that we have baseline data in case the factory farm does go in. We added another team at our last meeting. I think Tammy is the only person to volunteer for the water monitoring team so far. We need more recruits!

Here is a suggested agenda for Thursday's meeting. Please let me know if there are other items that should be included that don't fall under these categories.

Draft Meeting Agenda

1) Introductions 6:30 pm

2) Updates 6:40

3) Choose a Name 7:00

4) Response to Environmental Assessment 7:10

5) Landowner spreading contracts 7:30

6) Public Events ??? 7:45

7) Teams: break out to discuss action/strategy 8:00

8) Report back 8:15

9) Adjourn 8:30


Hope to see you on Thursday. You can forward this message on to friends or neighbors that might be interested, but it's better to give them a phone call instead. We have about 40 people on our email list now, but try to call folks that you know don't use email and have come to previous meetings (or may be interested in doing so.)

Sincerely,

Tom Boswell
608/882-0758
tomboswell2002@yahoo.com

Action Alert! - Factory Farm Meeting

Action Alert:

What: CAFO meeting (huge factory dairy just east of Janesville)
When: Wednesday, January 26th, 6:30 PM
Where: Janesville Senior Center, 69 South Water Street, Janesville

For more information on this meeting, please contact Dwight Brass, retired Environmental Engineer at janicen@ticon.net

"When People lead, the Leaders will Follow"

Dear Fellow Factory Farm Fighters:

This will be a lengthy notice because things are happening so fast, but I’ll try to mention the most important items first.

One: Date & Place of next meeting changed! We were not able to reserve the Janesville Library for next Thursday (or next Wednesday) so I reserved a meeting room at the Janesville Senior Center. We also wanted our attorney from Midwest Environmental Advocates to be present, and she cannot attend on a Thursday evening. Here’s the scoop:

Wednesday – January 26 – 6:30 – 8 pm
Janesville Senior Center
69 South Water Street

This is more “downtown” than the library, near the Court House. You can park behind their building, in the parking lot, and enter through the back door. We are meeting in the upstairs conference room. They are charging us $30 for an hour and a half, so please bring a couple bucks to help defray the cost. (We will look into other, free, alternatives to the library. I will check out local churches, which are usually free and more comfortable.)

Please bring two other people with you to the meeting. (Supporters, not those sitting on the fence.) If you can’t make the meeting, please recruit three other people to take your place!

Two: The EA is out!
Dr. Margaret Pulera alerted us Friday that the DNR has released an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Tuls project. We have until February 4th at 4:30 pm to comment on it! Go to the link below to review it. There is a press release, the 20-page EA, and 12 pages of attachments.

http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/es/science/eis/eis.htm

Three: Attorney Assistance As mentioned above, Miriam Ostrov, an attorney with Midwest Environmental Advocates, a public interest law firm in Madison, will join us for the meeting. For those of you who are not already aware of this, Midwest Environmental Advocates has hired an expert to review the WPDES permit application. They can also help us:

write our own comments on the permit
help us find grants to support a water-monitoring program
assist with a PR campaign against the cow factory.

I also had a conversation Friday with Peter McKeever, an attorney with Ed Garvey’s firm in Madison. They assist community groups around the state on environmental issues and have worked on the Magnolia Township factory farm case. (Peter used to be the State Director for The Nature Conservancy.)

Peter stressed that the nutrient management plan for the dairy is a crucial issue to focus on. We need to find experts to assist us with issues like: the nature of soils on the Rock Prairie, characteristics of the groundwater table, and proximity to wetlands and other water. We should learn all we can about the potential impact on streams in the area. Here is a link Peter sent to a new report on “Management practices to mitigate hazardous animal emissions.”

http://dnr.wi.gov/air/agWasteBMPs.html


Four: Outside experts knocking on our door
Karen Hudson, a national leader in the fight against CAFOs, also contacted us Friday. Karen lives near Peoria, with two CAFOs in her backyard. (Not literally.) She leads a number of groups, including the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project and Illinois Citizens for Clean Air and Water. Her and her cohorts can connect us with other experts and they have money to travel – to come consult with us, speak at public events, etc. John Ikerd, the agricultural economist and factory farm expert from Missouri, is on their board of directors. We are going to be arranging a conference call with them.

We also have the women who came to our last meeting, fighting the factory farm in Galena, to consult with us.

Five: Leadership teams As you can see, we now have plenty of help, but we need to take the lead to win this battle for self-determination! It is up to each of us. We made a great start at our last meeting. Attached is the list of all those who signed up for the Steering Committee or one of the three teams. Please look this over and let me know if I missed anyone. Let me know if you were not at the last meeting and want to volunteer for one of these teams.

It is not too soon to get started. It would be best if one of you from each team can take the initiative and contact the others and arrange a time to meet, either in person or by phone. If not, you can choose a time to meet on Wednesday evening.

I’d like to suggest that the Steering Committee meet at 5:30 pm Wednesday at the Senior Center. If this is not possible, please let me know and we can make other arrangements.

Six: How about a name?
I’d also like to suggest we choose a name for our group. Please note I’m not suggesting we incorporate, write by-laws, elect officers, hire a lobbyist, etc. But I do think we need a name. If nothing else, it will make it easier to reserve a room for a meeting if we are an actual entity.

My suggestion is we call ourselves: Citizens for _____ ________ __________. You fill in the blanks. (It’s always best to say we’re for something rather than against.) How about if you email your ideas in and/or bring them to the meeting? We can have a quick election, and keep the name as long as we feel it still suits us.

Seven: Public Action
The last thing I want to mention is that I feel we need to take some public action in the near future. This could be any number of things – meetings with public agencies or public officials, a large public event where we explain our position and gain support, etc. The idea is to get public visibility, focus the issue, and energize people.

One thought is to ask John Ikerd to come speak in Janesville. He will be in Rockford on March 28, and I think in Peoria about the same time. We could also have Karen Hudson and/or others make a public presentation. Karen mentioned two books they have been involved in producing – Animal Factory and CAFO Reader – that we could utilize. (This event should be a fundraiser too.)

Of course, we need to take some action before March 28. We must spend some time strategizing about meetings with public officials. Why not meetings in the next three weeks with the DNR, County Board members/committees, the county conservationist, and the Rock County Health Department? The latter three are potential allies, and we will need allies. Remember, we can accomplish some things as individuals, but we will be much more powerful as a group.

With all this in mind, I will attach a suggested agenda for the next meeting, which the Steering Committee can refine.

One more thing: Please consider writing a letter to the editor, and ask your friends and neighbors to do the same. There is the Janesville Gazette, Beloit Daily News, and Clinton Topper, depending on where you live. There may be other small weekly papers I’m not aware of. It’s best to focus on one specific aspect of the broader issue: water, clean air, property values, public health, economic issues, etc. Pick the one you feel most strongly about.

Don’t do what I did and try to cover everything in one piece. I wrote a 1,200- word piece and asked the Gazette to publish it as a guest editorial. They wanted me to chop it down to 500 words. (No exceptions!) I took many attempts at editing it down, and did a lot of haggling with the editor. I pared it down to about 600 words and gave up. There didn’t seem to be much left of my original argument! I will attach the original piece in case you might like to read it.

Hope to see you on Wednesday.

Sincerely,

Tom Boswell

Two Events - Move To Amend

You are invited to two events this Friday evening to mark the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. In the Citizens United case the Supreme Court decided that corporate spending on elections could not be limited under the First Amendment, because corporations are "persons" and money is their "speech".

So, please join us on Friday for the following two events co-hosted by South Central Wisconsin Move to Amend (www.scwmta.org) and Liberty Tree (www.libertytreefdr.org). First, come take a stand for democracy at the:

CITIZENS UNITED ANNIVERSARY RALLY
5:30 PM, Friday, January 21
On the Steps of Capitol Building (State Street Entrance)
Speakers: John Nichols, Trish O'Neill, Mindy Preston, Kaja Rebane, Ben Manski (MC)

Immediately following the rally, join us for a merry Irish-style wake for our good friend Democracy. We will celebrate her life, raise a glass to her accomplishments, and discuss ways to revive her:

WAKE FOR DEMOCRACY
6:00-10:00 PM, Friday, January 21
Brocach Irish Pub (Upstairs), 7 W. Main Street
Featuring: The Raging Grannies, Good Food and Drink, and Great Company!

If you are on Facebook, you can RSVP to these events here:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=133864826675933

Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who may be interested in attending either of these events. Thanks!

Kaja Rebane
Co-Chair, South Central WI Move to Amend

Mega-Dairy Meeting At Hedberg Library

In case you may have missed the meeting last week, there is another this Thursday.

Where: Hedberg Library
316 S. Main St., Janesville, WI

When: Thursday, January 20, 2011
Beginning at 6:30 PM
The meeting will run for one hour.

The meeting will be hosted by Dwight S. Brass. Mr. Brass holds a degree in engineering as well as an MBA. His work has included two distinct areas, environmental engineering (Illinois EPA), and business (U of Wisconsin Stevens Point, Financial analyst). As a life-long "environmentalist", he has a strong interest in projects that have the potential to wreak havoc on the environment.

In addition, he is interested in our economy, that desperately needs jobs. A mega-dairy such as this 5,000 cow facility, is likely to be more "efficient", which means fewer jobs for a given amount of milk produced. Since we don't necessarily have a shortage of milk (we actually have a glut), this additional production capacity will force other dairies, likely smaller family farm operations, out of business. The Nebraskan indicated that he may buy the needed dairy cows in Wisconsin. This could be from family dairy farms forced out of business.

MLK Commemoration AT BTC

Friends,
Please share this information with others. The Martin Luther King Commemoration event is this Saturday, January 8, 2011, 3pm – 5pm, at Blackhawk Tech, on Martin Luther King Rd, between Beloit and Janesville.

Thanks very much.
Rob