What the hell?
Dear Readers,
I’d like to open this month with a question: What in the hell is going on in America? Have we been so successfully distracted by the “Iraq Conflict” and the near cataclysmic domestic situation that we don’t care about obvious attempts to undermine democratic process? So that’s two questions, but really, what does it take to make us mad these days?
While America munches Doritos and consumes the laughably mismanaged Gray Davis recall like so much reality TV, 11 Texas State Senators are hiding in New Mexico (at press time), using the only constitutionally allowed means (breaking the quorum in the Texas Senate) of blocking an illegal redistricting, spearheaded by Gov. Rick Perry and House Majority Leader Tom Delay (R- Texas) and passed by the U.S. Supreme Court without legislative review. The new districting, which falls outside Texas’ legal frequency of once per US census, is a blatant effort to gerrymander US Congressional districts to a solidly Republican majority. Perry has called in The Departments of Homeland Security, Transportation and Justice to “help bring these guys back,” even though they’re not breaking the law.
The Governor has indicated he will continue calling special sessions until the Republican redistricting plan is enacted, despite the fact that the Republican-controlled Texas Supreme Court recently rejected the Governor’s writ of mandamus filing to compel the Senators to return. Meanwhile, eleven Democratic state senators are exiled from their state, unable to be with their families, friends and constituents, for fear of being arrested. In the most recent indignity, Republican Senators voted to fine the absent Democrats up to $5,000 per day, and to revoke parking and other privileges for their staffs, for as long as the Senators are away. Needless to say, while these measures are mean-spirited, they have not been effective.
Read Richard Walter’s special We The People feature, “Hope Lives in Tonasket.” It’s the story of how a tiny town of mostly conservative farmers has passed a town resolution to protect the Constitution from “enemies of the state, both foreign and domestic.” The time to leave affairs of state in the hands of the “experts” has passed. I truly believe this country was founded on principles of Liberty And Justice For All, and the time has come to get off the couch and take notice. Use it or lose it: it’s a phrase never more loaded with meaning for each and every one of us.
Back here in Milwaukee, the world continues to turn. Soon the evenings will turn cool and our treasured fall colors will grace the hills and shorelines. Students are entering for the first time or returning to the halls of learning. Our cover story looks at five college students, all Wisconsin natives or near-natives, who’ve chosen Milwaukee schools. We have a fine tradition of higher education, and these students have each found what they need right here. In the words of the immortal Dorothy Gale, there’s no place like home. And in a wonderful piece about the first day of school, Lucky Tomaszek, our Slightly Crunchy Parent, will doubtless bring a little tear to your eye with her fond recall of family rituals to commemorate this most important of occasions.
One last thing: we’re looking for fall interns for editorial, design and sales for both Vital Source and The Guardian. I’m posting at the schools, but would be really pleased if I found someone who already knows and likes our publications. We do it for the love here, and finding more people who are genuinely interested in our success is a gift. Plus, we take a mentorship approach to provide meaningful, hands-on experience to students who pass through the doors. Pass the word, and have people contact me at editor@vitalsourcemag.com.
Peace,
Jon Anne
