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