Kauai Hawaii 2023
Poipu Beach Makahuena Point Kalalau Trail / Nā Pali Coast Waimea Canyon Ni’ihau from afar Rum Safari
Robert Beets
A Public Pact Against Political Violence
Next summer, Milwaukee will host the Republican National Convention in July and Chicago will host the Democratic National Convention in August. Members of the public must work together over the course of the next two years to prevent acts of violence leading up to, during, and after both of these high-profile events. This is not … A Public Pact Against Political Violence
Council races and communicative candidates
While the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Madison mayoral races are reason enough to vote in the spring election, I strongly encourage my eastside Madison neighbors to learn more about the candidates running for seats on the Common Council. As a secretary for my neighborhood association and a one-time interim alder candidate, I cannot stress enough … Council races and communicative candidates
Turning a new leaf
It’s fall — arguably Wisconsin’s best season. That means a boundy of harvests, and jump scares, and the joy of another election. At the mention of politics, does your heart fill with optimism or dread? Do you imagine a leader inspiring hope, or a litany of ads and emails bombarding daily life? Democracy shouldn’t feel … Turning a new leaf
Poet in Resonance
There is much to learn,If we pause to listen,To the melodies of nature,And the baseline of our hearts. Because he listened,With an open mind,Marc was a rich man,With an untamed vocabulary. Upon that he honed his craft.The chops to create and connect,With those around him,And with those he loved. Through words,And notes, and tone,He offered … Poet in Resonance
Inevitable Revolution
A majority of people living in the United States are not happy with our many levels of government. Perennial dissatisfaction has solidified into disgust and popular anger. These feelings are so omnipresent — across all regions, generations, and political ideologies — that it is the central character of our national mood. And it’s absolutely justified. … Inevitable Revolution
State legislators fear the people
The state legislature gaveled in and out of a special session on the budget surplus. In doing so, the majority party again demonstrated their disdain for discourse and debate. Do they fear good ideas? Clearly not, because there are plenty of popular ideas that have no shot of becoming law right now, such as expanding … State legislators fear the people
Decrying authoritarian turns is inadequate
Leading Republicans just formally condoned the use of force and violence to advance political and social aims. That may or may not surprise you, but it does make very clear that a large faction of Americans will support, contribute to, or simply be silent to future treason and coups. The willingness to use violence to … Decrying authoritarian turns is inadequate
Fleeting Fires
A poem about what fuels our inner motivations, and how we renew those desires.
The Weight / Page Weight, the Wait of the Page
Poem about the blank page before us all.
Salve
Prose about our purpose and coming to terms with it.
Economic justice can be a bipartisan issue
A call for all leaders in Wisconsin to support the Economic Justice Bill of Rights.
From here
A poem on the circular nature of nurturing an adventurous spirit.
Oft remended
Prost, my friends.
Lighting
Appreciating the little things that light up our life.
Breathing
A poetic look at the steady pace of life through a molecular view.
Fractal nation
A short poem on the patterns of our work.
Murphy lion
An ode to my cal.
Hewn in the dark
A poem about life’s formation and endurance.
Platforms, not statues, enable progress
A letter seeking more public commons for open discourse.
In canon
A pensive walk on the ocean’s shore.
We should draft a declaration of civic responsibilities
A call to establish a vision for what citizens should contribute to democracy.
What is Madison doing to prevent deaths, tragedy?
My reaction to a devastating murder and a city’s response.
Russ Feingold is a Wisconsin treasure
Simply a thanks for getting a chance to hear from one of my heroes.
Our society is missing thoughtful debate
My desire for discourse and debate to be the foundation of our politics and policy.
Kudos and suggestions for the Cap Times Idea Fest
My thoughts on how to improve a annual local event.
Why are you proud of the United States?
My belief that a country is the people, and they should be celebrated.
A Crossroads for the Green Bay Packers
The next few months may prove to be the most important in the history of the Green Bay Packers. Yes, hiring a new coach to lead during Aaron Rodger’s third act will be an essential component to sustaining the team’s place as a perennial contender. However, the more important acquisition for the long-term health of … A Crossroads for the Green Bay Packers
Black Friday plans
My appeal to spend your money according to your moral compass.