Yellow Stripes & Dead Armadillos
The Case For More Biden Pressers
Good Sunday morning, Packers fans. I wish I could say that pitchers and catchers report in three weeks, but there’s a lock out. Sometimes here at YSDA we like to assign ourselves the task of making a counter-intuitive argument. It’s like doing an extra set of stomach crunches. Tones the writing muscles. Makes us betterContinue reading “The Case For More Biden Pressers”
Dems Over-react on Drop Box Ruling
Remember the bad old days of Jim Crow Wisconsin? In that deeply oppressive environment voters were forced to cast their ballots in person at a limited number of polling places during a single 13 hour period. On a Tuesday! When people had to work! And if a voter wanted to cast a ballot by mailContinue reading “Dems Over-react on Drop Box Ruling”
It’s OK to Lie, Just Not About Vos
It’s okay to spread lies and disinformation and to just generally be bat-shit crazy and still be a member in good standing of the Wisconsin Assembly’s Republican caucus. Just don’t lie about the Speaker. That’s the message that Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has sent about one of his nuttiest members, Rep. Timothy Ranthum of Camblesport.Continue reading “It’s OK to Lie, Just Not About Vos”
It’s Time for Left-Center to Get Organized
In the year that I’ve been writing YSDA I’ve been contacted by a number of people who lament their lack of political choices, particularly at the local level. They’re not imagining things. Only four candidates have shown up to run for three seats — two without incumbents — on the Madison School Board. That’s justContinue reading “It’s Time for Left-Center to Get Organized”
Biden’s Problem
I think I’ve hit on Pres. Joe Biden’s fundamental problem: he was never a mayor. When you’ve been a mayor of a liberal city you learn one thing right out of the gate: the left is never, ever satisfied. The left lives to be disgruntled. They cannot govern because being outside shouting at the powersContinue reading “Biden’s Problem”
I’m For Free Speech
Let’s hear it for Becca Meltz. Meltz chairs the College Republicans of UW-Madison. When she was contacted for comment about the scheduled appearance on campus next week of 1619 Project author Nikole Hannah-Jones, Meltz said the group has always been and will continue to be advocates for free speech. Students should have the opportunity toContinue reading “I’m For Free Speech”
MLK and Thinking For Ourselves
To my knowledge, I’ve never quoted Martin Luther King. I’ve also never quoted Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Bobby or John Kennedy, all men I admire just like King. In fact, outside of the occasional quip (quips are timeless), I pretty much try never to quote any historic figure. Here’s my problem with quoting quotable people:Continue reading “MLK and Thinking For Ourselves”
Biden’s Bad Choices
Good Sunday morning. It’s chilly out there. Today we’re going to hear from Ross Douthat, a right-center columnist for the New York Times. And let me pause here and put in a word for the good old Times. The paper’s snobby, condescending coastalness and obsession with the latest fashions in affluent white liberal thought oftenContinue reading “Biden’s Bad Choices”
Opt-Outs: Another Reason to Pay the Players
This week I did something I promised myself I wouldn’t do: I watched the college football national championship game. The game featured two teams from adjacent states, neither of which owns a single snow plow between them. Teams that had sat near the top of the rankings all season and might as well have beenContinue reading “Opt-Outs: Another Reason to Pay the Players”
It’s Time For Bunny Rabbits and Ice Cream
Here’s what Pres. Joe Biden’s press secretary said yesterday about his troubles getting his legislation through Congress: “You do hard things in White Houses, You have every challenge laid at your feet, whether it’s global or domestically. And we could certainly propose legislation to see if people support bunny rabbits and ice cream, but thatContinue reading “It’s Time For Bunny Rabbits and Ice Cream”
Madison Needs More Black People
Yesterday, Milwaukee’s new mayor Cavalier Johnson announced a comprehensive plan to reduce gun violence and reckless driving in his city. Over 200 people were murdered in Milwaukee last year and 65 were killed as a result of traffic crashes. One of Johnson’s initiatives is to maintain Milwaukee’s current police staffing strength. That’s important because 180Continue reading “Madison Needs More Black People”
The Voting Rights Mess
If Pres. Joe Biden and Vice Pres. Kamala Harris went down to Georgia yesterday to shoot themselves in the foot, well, mission accomplished. They can hobble around Washington now because they came back weaker than when they left. The campaign swing through Georgia was designed to show their base that the administration is fired upContinue reading “The Voting Rights Mess”
Open the Schools
On the merits of the case, it’s a close call. On the politics it’s a no-brainer. I’d go with the politics. I speak here of decisions to open schools or force teaching online due to the latest virus surge. The decision pits parents (also known as voters) against teachers unions (also known as THE sacredContinue reading “Open the Schools”
RoJo, Annotated
Yesterday Ron Johnson announced his candidacy for reelection. Did he make his announcement in Wisconsin or in his hometown newspaper at least? Nope. He announced on the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal — while decrying “the mainstream media.” Johnson has a way of saying things he doesn’t actually believe. For example, shortly afterContinue reading “RoJo, Annotated”
Dems Misunderstand the Threat
Good Sunday morning. Baby, it’s cold outside. This week we’re going to hear from one of our favorite center-right (but center-left outside of New York or Madison) columnists, David Brooks. I thought Brooks did an exceptionally good job analyzing the Democrats’ voting rights bill. It has no chance of passage, but even if it didContinue reading “Dems Misunderstand the Threat”
Beware Ron Johnson
Press reports this morning indicate that Sen. Ron Johnson will announce his bid for a third term next week. This doesn’t surprise me… though if he had decided to hang it up, that wouldn’t have surprised me either. Truth is, I had no idea what the guy was going to do. Johnson is the oddestContinue reading “Beware Ron Johnson”
Should Rodgers Be MVP?
Aaron Rodgers will almost certainly win most valuable player honors in the NFL again this season. He will win, but should he? That question was raised by one the 50 sports writers who will vote on that decision at season’s end. Hub Arkush called Rodgers “the biggest jerk in the league” and vowed not toContinue reading “Should Rodgers Be MVP?”
1/6/21 – 11/5/24
It feels like we’re in the interim, a tense time when we’re waiting to see what happens next. January 6, 2021 was one of those days when people needed to stand up and be counted. It was like December 7, 1941. Leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor there was a robust isolationist movementContinue reading “1/6/21 – 11/5/24”
Disappointing School Races
Well, so much for that. Despite our repeated urgings here at YSDA, few candidates have stepped up to run for Madison School Board. At yesterday’s filing deadline only four candidates had filed to run for three seats. That means two seats will go uncontested. Four other board seats are not up this year. Board PresidentContinue reading “Disappointing School Races”
Last Words
Last week I listed my 10 favorite books of 2021, but I didn’t count local writers in that list. Over the course of the next month, I’ll look deeper at a handful of books by Wisconsin writers that I enjoyed last year. Let’s start today with Dead Lines by George Hesselberg. One advantage of havingContinue reading “Last Words”
An Open Email to Matt LaFleur
Hey, Matt. Congratulations on securing the top seed in the playoffs, man! Just want you to know that I was confident all along. That stuff you may have seen on social media after that opening game bummer against the Saints? That was just me blowing off steam! Plus, I saw the team needed some motivation.Continue reading “An Open Email to Matt LaFleur”
Radical Practicality
We all know that mayors are where it’s at. Presidents and governors give speeches, senators hold hearings, Congressmen where nice buttons on their lapels. But mayors do stuff. Even the loftiest of politicians, once they become mayor, quickly transform into the purveyors of nuts and bolts. They might come into office talking about “new urbanism”Continue reading “Radical Practicality”
It’s Okay to Reject Critical Race Theory
Last year we pumped out 262,750 words in 395 posts here at YSDA. That’s the equivalent of three or four average length books. Of course, it goes without saying that every one of those words was carefully chosen and absolutely correct. I know you agree. I thought today we’d revisit the most popular (or, atContinue reading “It’s Okay to Reject Critical Race Theory”
Naive Optimism for 2022
Here we are on New Year’s Eve. Or what you might think of as the Eve of Destruction. If you’re a Democrat, or just somebody who happens to like democracy, things are not looking so good. On the world stage the trend is sobering. China has snuffed out democracy and a free press in HongContinue reading “Naive Optimism for 2022”
’21 Could Have Been Worse
Good news is rare, not because it doesn’t exist but because “news” is pretty much defined as negative. There are exceptions, of course, but when things go right that’s more or less expected, and when they go wrong that’s notable. So, for example, when your city plows the streets beautifully after a blizzard, it doesn’tContinue reading “’21 Could Have Been Worse”
The Year in Good News
Good news is rare, not because it doesn’t exist but because “news” is pretty much defined as negative. There are exceptions, of course, but when things go right that’s more or less expected and when they go wrong that’s notable. So, for example, when your city plows the streets beautifully after a blizzard, it doesn’tContinue reading “The Year in Good News”
The Big Story of ’21
What was the most important state news story in 2021? You might nominate the ongoing fight over COVID restrictions and the waves of patients that are crushing the state’s ER’s and ICU’s. Then again, certainly, the Kyle Rittenhouse trial and verdict was the biggest national story that came out of Wisconsin this year, rivaled onlyContinue reading “The Big Story of ’21”
My Favorite Reads of ’21
I’m a plodding reader. I know people who read books like I eat potato chips. They can’t stop. They don’t bother to count. Not me. I read 37 books this year plus six more that I gave up on without quite finishing. I am no speed reader. I will not count a book as readContinue reading “My Favorite Reads of ’21”
Worst Pols of ’21
As I mentioned yesterday, in the Best Pols category, their opposite number was going to be much tougher. There’s so much competition for the top spot. And the judges had to wrestle with a tough question that has come to the fore since the Age of Trump. Is it worse to be an idiot fascistContinue reading “Worst Pols of ’21”
Political Heroes of ’21
It’s annual list time! We’ll fill much of this week between Christmas and New Years with our lists of favorite stuff from the year almost gone by. Let’s start with our favorite pols countdown. 10. Tom Barrett. Milwaukee’s long-time, likable mayor doesn’t get — and may never get– the credit he deserves for managing theContinue reading “Political Heroes of ’21”
Merry Christmas
It’s Christmas day, so let’s take a break from politics. Let me just thank you for reading. It’s been a year since we started Yellow Stripes and readership has grown steadily. And each month we get more comments, both for publication and in emails, and they have been uniformly thoughtful and civil. Thanks to everyoneContinue reading “Merry Christmas”
I’m Here All Week, Folks
It’s Christmas Eve. You may be hosting a get-together tonight or tomorrow or sometime over the next week. You’re a delightful host and so, of course, your guests will want to stay into a night that is so deep. But you’re sleepy. What to do? Try Dave’s Christmas jokes! I guarantee that by the secondContinue reading “I’m Here All Week, Folks”
The Modcast/Big Little Stories
Episode Three. Big Little Stories. Wherein Dave talks about what he sees as the top state and top local story that came out of 2021. Neither are probably what you’d think. Also, the best Christmas song ever.
Are There No Work Houses?
One thing I just don’t get (okay, okay, there are so many things I just don’t get) is how it can be that paying off student loan debt is progressive. Consider that, on average, a person with a four year college degree will earn twice as much over a career as a person without one.Continue reading “Are There No Work Houses?”
Should We Deny Treatment to the Unvaccinated?
I’ve lost my patience with those who refuse the safe and effective COVID 19 vaccinations. The evidence is that nothing will change their minds. If they were only putting their own personal health at risk, I might buy their argument about their “freedom.” Yes, you are in fact free to be an idiot. But byContinue reading “Should We Deny Treatment to the Unvaccinated?”
The Modcast/History is a Pile of Bricks
Episode Two. History is a pile of bricks. Wherein Dave reflects on the passing of his friend Dick Wagner, who was, among many other things, an historian. Dave talks about Critical Race Theory, Joe Biden’s Democracy Summit and how historical narratives can support or undercut liberal democracy. As for how history is like a pileContinue reading “The Modcast/History is a Pile of Bricks”
Wisco Schools Rank Low On Free Speech
It’s no secret that classical liberal values are under attack in academia. Just how bad is it at a campus near you? Well, you can find out by checking out a ranking of schools by their friendliness to free speech. Here in Wisconsin, our two big schools are doing, well, not so good. Out ofContinue reading “Wisco Schools Rank Low On Free Speech”
Let’s Get Incremental
It’s possible that Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin’s statement yesterday that he was done negotiating on his party’s big social and climate plan was just strategic. Maybe if progressives just finally accept the honest $1.5 trillion price tag over ten years that Manchin has wanted it will be back on track. I kind of doubt it,Continue reading “Let’s Get Incremental”
Build Back Better is a Bust
Good Sunday morning. It’s the week before Christmas, so let’s enjoy the best holiday song ever recorded. In my humble view, that’d be Mel Torme’s swingin’ version of Good King Wenceslas. And, just like that, it’s over. We’ve got some breaking news today. Sen. Joe Manchin has, apparently, just driven a stake into the heartContinue reading “Build Back Better is a Bust”
Election Reforms Worth a Look
Oops, it just happened again. Yet again this week anyone tethered to objective reality got more proof — as if it were necessary — that our elections are free, fair and accurate. The Associated Press, about as objective a news source as exists these days, conducted an exhaustive investigation into all the claims of voterContinue reading “Election Reforms Worth a Look”
Where’s the Mayor on Body Cams?
I might have a new political hero: San Francisco Mayor London Breed. The once fiery liberal mayor is now sounding like a law and order hardliner. After the George Floyd murder she came out for defunding the police. Now, after a couple of years of rising murder and crime rates, smash and grab flash mobs,Continue reading “Where’s the Mayor on Body Cams?”
The Modcast/M-A-N-C-H-I-N
We’ve got a new feature here at YSDA: the Modcast Podcast. Check out Episode One, M-A-N-C-H-I-N, wherein Dave tries to figure out how the damn thing works. He also talks about the riddle inside the enigma that is Joe Manchin. Six weeks ago Manchin said that rumors of his leaving the Democratic Party were “bullContinue reading “The Modcast/M-A-N-C-H-I-N”
Smart Move on Maps
Gov. Tony Evers may have just out-maneuvered Republicans at their own game. But maybe not. Evers submitted redistricting maps to the state Supreme Court yesterday which comply with the court’s order to deviate as little as possible from current maps. And yet his maps also achieve pretty much the same projected partisan split as theContinue reading “Smart Move on Maps”
Remembering Dick Wagner
Dick Wagner was, literally, a gentleman and a scholar. And, he was something else: the very model of a politician who understood how to combine idealism with pragmatism. Dick died on Monday in a way that spoke to who the man was. He was being a good neighbor. Some groceries had been delivered to hisContinue reading “Remembering Dick Wagner”
A Sane Republican
Sen. Kathy Bernier (R-Chippewa Falls) deserves our respect and our thanks. Bernier is chair of the Senate Elections Committee and a former county clerk. She understands how elections are run, having, you know, actually run them. Contrast this with former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who is running the sham partisan “investigation” into last November’sContinue reading “A Sane Republican”
Eight Questions For ’22
If you’re a Democrat, there’s not much to look forward to in 2022. Since World War II the party in the White House has lost an average of 25 seats in the House in the midterm elections, but when the president’s approval rating is under 50 percent, as Biden’s is currently, that soars to 37Continue reading “Eight Questions For ’22”
The Meaning of the Monkees
Good Sunday morning. Still a little groggy? Well, cheer up sleepy Jean. Michael Nesmith died the other day. The thinking man’s Monkee was 79. Nesmith’s death got me thinking about the Monkees, which got me thinking about a David Brooks column from back in March. Brooks’ piece was titled How Woke Ends. His premise wasContinue reading “The Meaning of the Monkees”
Politics and Policy
For the second day in a row I’m starting with a notion I came across in a Peggy Noonan column. This is weird because I’m not that much a fan of Noonan. Her patrician tone in her rambling Wall Street Journal columns drives me nuts. But I give her credit for her Never Trump, generallyContinue reading “Politics and Policy”
Root Out the “Root Causes”
Just a brief riff today about Democrats, urgency and “root causes.” “Root causes,” is a favorite phrase among Democrats. They want to find the root causes of crime, of inflation, of poverty, of everything. Vice President Kamala Harris wants to discover the root causes of the immigration problem at the southern border. When she visitedContinue reading “Root Out the “Root Causes””
Pic of the Day/Ski Trails
On the Land O Lakes Trails in the Ottawa National Forest yesterday afternoon. First time out this year, the conditions were perfect. More snow on the way today and a lot more tomorrow.
Keep Manchin in the Fold
What’s Job #1 for the Democrats? Pass their big social/climate spending bill? Nope. The thing they absolutely must do is keep Sen. Joe Manchin in the party. Manchin’s been under friendly fire for much of the year because he’s been holding up the B5 (that’d be Biden’s Build Back Better Bill). Some of that criticismContinue reading “Keep Manchin in the Fold”
Pic of the Day/Lennon
On December 8, 1980 I was living in Adams Hall on the UW Campus. My routine was to listen to the radio for an hour or so in my room after dinner. I remember hearing about John Lennon’s death during that hour. I listened to his music for the rest of the night.
Hard-Left Follies
Do you ever read the Madison papers and find yourself thinking, ‘oh, for cryin’ out loud…‘? Madison has a long tradition of hard-left activists. They’ve never been charming, but they’ve sometimes been entertaining and, once in a while, they’ve even been right. Recently, they’ve just been themselves, which is to say annoying. Here are someContinue reading “Hard-Left Follies”
Pic of the Day/The Barber Brothers
According to a story in today’s Appleton Post Crescent, three brothers from New London, ages 22, 21 and 19, were aboard the USS Oklahoma when it was bombed at Pearl Harbor 80 years ago today. Their father had written the Navy just two weeks before the attack, asking that his sons be split up toContinue reading “Pic of the Day/The Barber Brothers”
Getting Clear About Democracy
Eighty years ago today, to put it gently, Japan invited us into WW II. We accepted the invitation. It seems incredible now, but it took the United States only 40 months to defeat Hitler and only another four months to bring down Japan. Then, for those of you (well, that’s pretty much all of you)Continue reading “Getting Clear About Democracy”
Pic of the Day/Snow in the UP
First blizzard of the season. Several inches of snow, 35 mph wind gusts and falling temps all day. I took this picture from the warm safety of my living room. Not pictured here: roaring fire behind me.
A Middle Ground on Abortion
The last thing our country needs is to fan the flames of another already hot issue. But that’s what’s likely to happen when the Supreme Court issues its ruling — probably next June — on the latest challenge to Roe v. Wade. Most legal tea leave readers that I’ve come across seem to think thatContinue reading “A Middle Ground on Abortion”
Dems Need to Get Out More
Good Sunday morning. For your Sunday jazz selection, and in keeping with the season, let’s try John Coltrane’s version of “My Favorite Things.” Today we’re going to hear from former Montana Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock. Bullock ran for president in 2020 and then U.S. Senate. He lost both races, but I was impressed with himContinue reading “Dems Need to Get Out More”
Now Pay All the Players
This evening is the Big Ten Football Championship game. We’re still smarting over the Badger’s inexcusable loss to the Gophers last week, robbing us of a rematch against Michigan. But I own a place in the U.P., and paying property taxes there entitles me to conveniently switch my allegiances. I’ll be up there today, arrivingContinue reading “Now Pay All the Players”
Run For School Board
Three of the seven seats on the Madison School Board are up this April. It’s important that voters get the chance to choose a new direction. As of Wednesday candidates could start circulating nomination papers. The minimal number of signatures can be picked up easily in a few days, so there’s plenty of time beforeContinue reading “Run For School Board”
Dine at Quivey’s, Drink at Genna’s
It’s a free country. Freer then it should be, in my opinion, when it come to vaccinations against COVID 19. I support a universal vaccination requirement. But since that isn’t going to happen, we need to look at other ways that the majority of us, who have done the responsible thing, can protect ourselves againstContinue reading “Dine at Quivey’s, Drink at Genna’s”
Maps: Evers Didn’t Do Enough
Yesterday the Wisconsin Supreme Court dealt a serious blow to any hope of fair legislative and Congressional district maps for the next decade. On a 4-3 decision the court said that it would base its ultimate ruling on the principle of least change to the heavily Republican gerrymandered maps that have been in place forContinue reading “Maps: Evers Didn’t Do Enough”
Dems Should Support Parents
As a rule, I’m no fan of the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty. But they’re right about a couple of things. Founded a decade ago with a big gift from the conservative Milwaukee-based Bradley Foundation, WILL is pretty much just a front for the Republican Party. They’ve shilled for the party most notably —Continue reading “Dems Should Support Parents”
Is All Sanity Local?
In recent years the old saying that ‘all politics is local’ has been turned around. It seems like we’re so polarized now that all politics is national. It feels like it all just comes down to which side of the divide you claim to be on. Or maybe not. There are encouraging signs in localContinue reading “Is All Sanity Local?”
Thankful for Biden
Good Sunday morning. For your Sunday easy-going music selection and to honor Stephen Sondheim let’s try “Somewhere” as sung by Lucy Thomas. It’s routine among columnists to write about what they’re grateful for at Thanksgiving. I have some sympathy for that — you don’t have to come up with an actual idea for a topic.Continue reading “Thankful for Biden”
Why Does ATC Exist?
So, here’s a question for you. Two judges have ruled that opponents of the American Transmission Company’s massive power line from Iowa to Middleton have a case that’s likely to prevail. So, why does ATC keep building it anyway? Here’s an answer that may not surprise you. Because they’ll make money even if the lineContinue reading “Why Does ATC Exist?”
Bail Reform and Darrell Brooks
Let’s face it. Republicans are going to use Darrell Brooks like a hammer. Brooks is charged with killing six people and injuring scores of others at the Waukesha holiday parade on Sunday. He has a long, violent criminal history and was currently out on cash bail of only $1,000. The juxtaposition of a violent felonContinue reading “Bail Reform and Darrell Brooks”
Because It’s All About Family
For the last decade or so Dianne and I have had the tradition of watching “The Godfather” on Thanksgiving Day. After all, the holiday is all about family. And, in fact, if you’re getting together with your loved ones this year, it may be time to settle all family business. As for the airing ofContinue reading “Because It’s All About Family”
Pic of the Day/View From the Hunting Room
The view from the hunting room at the Jordahl Farm deer camp on Monday. Deer season is always the highlight of my year, and it was great to be back this year after missing 2020 because of the pandemic.
Rittenhouse Verdict: Troubling But Correct
I am not celebrating Kyle Rittenhouse’s acquittal on five charges last week. Rittenhouse should not have been in Kenosha in the first place and he most definitely should not have been carrying an AR-15. In my view, nobody should be carrying an assault rifle. Their sale and possession should be banned outside of the military.Continue reading “Rittenhouse Verdict: Troubling But Correct”
Pic of the Day/Deer Camp
Saturday night at the Jordahl deer camp in Richland County. Ten hunters, three deer. We’d add another buck on Sunday. I did not shoot. Left to right, Mark Jordahl, John Rhude, me, Karl Bryan, Brad Feltz, Cooper Feltz, Westin Feltz, Peter McKeever, Trygve Jordahl, Jordy Jordahl and Jordy’s neighbor and new addition this year, RussContinue reading “Pic of the Day/Deer Camp”
The Real Issues
Here’s a problem for Joe Biden and his (and my) Democrats. Almost 60% of Americans don’t think they’re focussed on issues that they think are important. That’s according to a recent CNN poll. And CNN, you may note, is hardly a conservative mouthpiece. Here’s the way it breaks down according to the three top issuesContinue reading “The Real Issues”
November 22, 1963
John Kennedy’s assassination is one of my earliest memories. I was four-years old in November of 1963. I remember my mother washing the basement stairs on that afternoon as she was crying. I remember coming home from Sunday mass that weekend, my father switching on the Motorola TV set in the kitchen, and witnessing LeeContinue reading “November 22, 1963”
McWhorter: Woke is Broke
Good Sunday morning. It’s the second day of deer camp, and so, by the time you read this I will have been out in the woods for about three hours, at least. Since I’m not home to write, I’ve cut and pasted (cutting and pasting is becoming a Sunday tradition for me anyway) another pieceContinue reading “McWhorter: Woke is Broke”
Stability
It is 9AM on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and I know exactly where I am. I know this even though I’m writing about it several days beforehand. I’m confident of where I’ll be because I’ve been there before. Exactly here. At exactly this hour. Exactly here is four feet off the ground in a boxContinue reading “Stability”
What Am I Doing Here?
A few weeks ago I got a thoughtful email from a reader who said he liked the site, but had some suggestions for improvement. He’s a self-described “marketing guy” and I thought his ideas were more than worth considering. So, of course, I rejected them all. Anyway, his observations were perceptive and you, good reader,Continue reading “What Am I Doing Here?”
Dems Can Pull Out of Their Plummet
Today we’ve got a guest column from my old boss and good friend former Rep. Spencer Black. This column originally appeared in the Capital Times. By Spencer Black There are two positives for Democrats coming out of the otherwise dismal recent elections. First, November 2021 is not November 2022. Second, Democrats, especially congressional Democrats, gotContinue reading “Dems Can Pull Out of Their Plummet”
Madison Needs You, Michael Johnson
Over and over again, Michael Johnson has stepped up for Madison. Now, it’s time for him to step even higher. Johnson, is the long-time CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. He’s done remarkable work growing that organization, adding a new facility on Allied Drive, and embedding the Clubs as a forceContinue reading “Madison Needs You, Michael Johnson”
The Paul R. Soglin Madison Municipal Building
Ok, so here’s a man-bites-dog story for you. Capital Times Emeritus Editor Dave Zweifel has started a campaign to rename the Madison Municipal Building after the city’s longest serving mayor, Paul Soglin. And I agree. That might surprise you because Paul and I went head-to-head for the mayor’s job twice. In 2003, I beat himContinue reading “The Paul R. Soglin Madison Municipal Building”
Pic of the Day/Does
It’s opening day of gun deer season in Michigan. These does greeted me this morning on my way into my stand. They’re old friends who hang around our cabin all year, so they will definitely not be on my meat pole.
The Sacred Week
I’m not a religious guy. I’m not even a spiritual guy. I distrust passion. I like calm, rational people. To all ultimate questions my answer is, how the hell should I know? Is there a god? Is there life after death? I don’t think so, but on the other hand, how the hell should IContinue reading “The Sacred Week”
CRT (Lite) Is Taught in Schools
Good Sunday morning from the snowy north woods. This is a special week; the week leading up to the opening of Wisconsin gun deer season at dawn on Saturday. Denny Burke’s Sunday jazz pick is “Mumbles” by Clark Terry. This week we’re going to highlight a column from another YSDA favorite, New York Times columnistContinue reading “CRT (Lite) Is Taught in Schools”
Homeless Need Responsibility
The city of Madison has done the right thing to shut down a homeless tent encampment and to provide a humane alternative. But it can’t just be a giveaway. For too long, city leaders tolerated an unsightly and unsanitary mess of a tent encampment at Reindahl Park. Finally, they acted to shut down the encampmentContinue reading “Homeless Need Responsibility”
Build Back Smaller
It’s the issue that has rocketed to the top of the charts: inflation is back. I would not have written this even a week ago, but I now think that Pres. Joe Biden’s Build Back Better plan should be scaled way back from its current $1.75 trillion iteration. Inflation is now the biggest issue threateningContinue reading “Build Back Smaller”
Veterans Day
I was going to write something else today, but when I saw this moving piece in this morning’s Wisconsin State Journal, I wanted to share it with you. It’s written by Rick Larson, a 75-year old Vietnam veteran who now lives in Monona. Here it is. Every year around Veterans Day, I recall my timeContinue reading “Veterans Day”
Just Play the Game
I know. I know. You’ve been wondering what to think about the whole Aaron Rodgers vaxgate thing, waiting for the sage wisdom of YSDA to kick in. Wait no more, sports fans. We haven’t had much to say about this deal because we haven’t been able to come up with anything original. Yes, Rodgers isContinue reading “Just Play the Game”
Will McCoshen Reconsider?
Gov. Tony Evers is in trouble. In a new Marquette Law School poll fully 53% of respondents said they would vote for somebody else next November. Only 40% said they planned to vote for Evers. That, along with the drubbing Democrats took last week, amounts to grim news for the first term governor. But aContinue reading “Will McCoshen Reconsider?”
If Not Woke, Then What?
You may have noticed my subtle criticism of woke policy and politics. I’ve referred to woke as “garbage.” Some could regard this as a gentle signal that I may disapprove of it. I’m also a believer in David Shor’s theory of popularism. That is the complex political strategy of finding out what voters want andContinue reading “If Not Woke, Then What?”
If You Don’t Vote For Dems Are You a Racist?
Good Sunday morning and welcome back to Central Standard Time. Denny Burke’s Sunday jazz selection is Why Don’t You Do Right? by Peggy Lee. May the Packers win today behind an amazing performance by Jordan Love, a man who is both vaccinated and not under the impression that he is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Continue reading “If You Don’t Vote For Dems Are You a Racist?”
Time For Moderates to Step Up
Well, that was easy. Last night the House finally passed the bipartisan infrastructure bill that they should have passed in August. It was the right thing to do from a policy perspective, but how much good it will do the Democrats politically is very much an open question. Three months of wrangling squandered the party’sContinue reading “Time For Moderates to Step Up”
If You’re Sick of Woke Just Say So
One thing I’ve noticed since I began YSDA at the first of the year is how much quiet cheering I get, as in, “You’re saying exactly what I’m thinking. Keep saying it!” But then when I suggest that the person might want to submit a comment or even write a guest column, they demur. MostContinue reading “If You’re Sick of Woke Just Say So”
“Stupid Wokeness”
As a rule, I don’t like to burden you with more than one post per day. But yesterday evening I watched James Carville being interviewed on the PBS News Hour and I found myself cheering. Thankfully, CNN commentator Chris Cillizza saw the same thing, was also impressed by it, and summarized it just now inContinue reading ““Stupid Wokeness””
Pic of the Day/Brigham Park
Yesterday was a great day for a hike. Friend Spencer Black introduced me to the rugged trails between Brigham County Park and Blue Mound State Park.
It’s Not Too Late for Dems
Let’s face it people. Tuesday was a disaster for Democrats. They lost the Virginia governor’s office in a state that Pres. Joe Biden won by 10 points just a year ago. They nearly lost the New Jersey governor’s office in a state Biden won by 13 points. And none of it had that much toContinue reading “It’s Not Too Late for Dems”
A Hard Night for the Hard Left
As if we needed more evidence that the Democrats’ move to the left is going to destroy their chances in the mid-terms, we got more of it this morning. The biggest message came in New Jersey where Gov. Phil Murphy was expected to cruise to victory. Last week, NPR touted Murphy as a Bernie SandersContinue reading “A Hard Night for the Hard Left”
Manchin’s Gotta Get With the Program
Sen. Joe Manchin has succeeded in getting on even my nerves. I have defended Manchin for his recalcitrance on getting on board with Pres. Joe Biden’s Build Back Better plan. While I like Biden’s plan, my point has been that the whole thing would have been DOA if Manchin didn’t win a state that wentContinue reading “Manchin’s Gotta Get With the Program”
Eighty Percent of Us Aren’t Nuts
A 2018 study for the nonprofit group More in Common found that about 86% of Americans are not bat-shit crazy. To quote the study, The Hidden Tribes of America: A majority of Americans, whom we’ve called the “Exhausted Majority,” are fed up by America’s polarization. They know we have more in common than that whichContinue reading “Eighty Percent of Us Aren’t Nuts”
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
Yellow Stripes & Dead Armadillos 