2003-07 Vital Source Mag – July 2003
Pondering the Legacy of Our Smirking Commander
By Mary McIntyre Before we offer ourselves up to be entranced by the beat of any more war drums, it would behoove us to assess the trustworthiness of our commander-in-chief. In response to the recent questions regarding the reliability of intelligence substantiating Saddam’s possession of illicit weapons that have yet to be found, Bush has stated to the press, “The credibility of the country is based upon our strong desire to make the world more peaceful, and the world is now more peaceful after our decision.” Okay. Let’s put aside the question of government intelligence and dare to apply our own intelligence for a moment to weigh his words against the reality of events. The world is now more peaceful… ? “…the world is now more peaceful after our decision.” Let’s think about how that jives with the May 12 series of coordinated, multiple suicide bombings of the Vanell compound in Riyadh — the biggest attack against American interests since 9/11. Or, the kickoff of a series of suicide bombings in Chechnya that killed dozens and wounded a few hundred on May 13. And the May 14 bombing of 21 British and US gas stations in Pakistan. Does anyone remember the five suicide attacks in Casablanca, Morocco, that claimed 41 casualties on May 15? Or the multiple alerts set forth a few days later by Great Britain to its citizens in six East African states — Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda —along with the banning of flights to and from Kenya. Or the fact that this succession of events was punctuated by a taped phone call, recorded by Al Qaeda’s deputy chief and widely broadcast by Al Jazeera (but curiously, not by the US media), calling for attacks on Western targets worldwide? “Road map” lost on the highway to hell. Despite this obvious acceleration of violence, Washington continues to insist that Al Qaeda has suffered serious setbacks, and scorns the idea that it was distracted from the “war on terror” by invading Iraq. The Taliban, for its part, has demonstrated its resurgence in the boldest anti-West attack since November 2001, through a recent suicide bombing that killed four German peacekeepers, an attack that took place while Afghanistan’s pro-American leader, Hamid Karzai, was in Britain receiving an honorary knighthood from the Queen. It looks as though the tattered “Road Map” has been lost on the blood-slick highway to hell, with both sides now vowing to fight to the bitter end, causing multiple attacks and numerous casualties on a daily basis. It is difficult to dispute that when you “connect the dots”(a phrase that so easily rolls off the tongues of our smug officials these days), the picture that emerges is not one of peace. Taking “victory” for a spin. Before returning to the question of government intelligence and the original premise for the Iraq war, let’s re-examine the spin that’s been placed on the word “victory.” Saddam Hussein is still conspicuously at large, rumored to be offering bounty to […]
Jul 1st, 2003 by Vital Archives
July 2003
By Jon Anne Willow Dear Readers, First off, I’d like to congratulate the winners of our Danceworks Summer Camp scholarship drawing and essay contest. We received lots of entries (interestingly, not one single essay) and, after tough deliberation, chose three. The winning entries are below, and black and white doesn’t do them justice. Thanks to everyone who entered. We had a great time with this month’s cover story. With the economy “a little slow” these days, more of us are looking closer to home for vacations. In our last editorial meeting, a straw poll revealed a rising popularity (at least for now) in day trips. Everyone had fave spots within a day’s drive, where one can discover the spirit of Wisconsin — from grass roots entrepreneurs building attractions in the middle of nowhere, to awesome (someone else’s words) limburger cheese sandwiches. We chose a handful of our favorite nearby getaways. We hope you enjoy our little tour. Speaking of the spirit of Wisconsin, Andrew Muchin’s piece on Wisconsin’s Jewish history is both a nostalgic look at times that once were, and a wistful reminder that the close knit community that once defined rural America is fading, never to return. The pictures are phenomenal. With the Tobacco Control Board now a thing of the past (that didn’t last long, eh?), the already fragile “tobacco settlement” allocation for anti-smoking efforts has once again been substantially reduced. And even research showing a decline in youth smoking in the state over the course of the Board’s tenure (a brief three years) could not save them. Coincidentally (?), the tobacco lobby in Wisconsin is uncommonly strong. But there’s at least one group that will fight on, whether or no they are brought into the funding fold of the new office in the Department of Health. Strive Media Institute is a full service agency (they produce the FACT anti-tobacco campaign), publisher, and producer of an Emmy-winning TV show (Gumbo TV), based right here in Milwaukee. Their work is good, really good, as a matter of fact. And the coolest part is that they’re all high school students. Writers, producers, photographers, web developers, on down the line. Strivers become leaders, and know that the only way to keep the power with the people is to understand the bigger picture. These kids are amazing, as are their adult mentors. Strive is another hidden gem in Milwaukee’s bursting treasure chest. Frizell Bailey reports on Strive and the Big Tobacco big picture in Wisconsin. By the time this issue has been on the streets a few weeks (the challenge of the monthly), a new budget will probably be passed. Everyone seems to have their pet watch areas. While it’s so hard to pick just one, I am most intrigued by Senate Majority Leader Mary Panzer’s movement to “time out” property taxes for three years. Doyle has said he will veto it, no matter how much wheeling and dealing Panzer and Dennis George (D- Milwaukee) accomplish behind closed doors. And while […]
Jul 1st, 2003 by Jon Anne Willow
The “Thud” of Semantics for an Old Paperboy
The “Thud” of Semantics for an old Paperboy To Whom It May Concern: Please inform Andrew Hollis (“Confessions of and [sic] Old Paperboy” May 2003) that the thud he heard on his front porch wasn’t the Sunday Journal, but rather the Sunday Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Also, if he did indeed deliver the paper in the “predawn morning,” it wasn’t the Journal he delivered, it was the Sentinel. A bit of fact-checking would have made clear to him the fact that where there were formerly two daily papers, there is now one that bears the combined name of its accomplished and award-winning predecessors. unsigned Ed. Note: Thanks for clearing that up. The power of propaganda Now that one Mideast war is in limbo, what to do about another decades-old debacle. Indeed, where are all the peace lovers when it comes to the tragic, intolerable Israel-Palestine conflict? Israel is, of course, blameless while the US generously subsidizes its outrageous, obscene, unlawful, shameless oppression—to the tune of millions of dollars per day, courtesy of uninformed, ignorant, naïve US taxpayers. Talk about denial. If ever the peaceniks need a cause, here is one ready-made disaster begging for attention. America is immoral vis-à -vis Iraq, but Israel isn’t re: the Palestines, get it? Their illegal occupation, killing and slaughter, violence and carnage are ignored, justified, defended, glibly explained away. Any discussion, marches or speeches? Any peep out of anyone, especially anti-war zealots and/or freedom lovers? Ah, yes, the power of propaganda. James A. HendersonMilwaukee Who’s whining here? Dear Editor Willow, As editor you are responsible for keeping a tight rein on what crosses your desk. Had Czarnik taken the time (Developing City, June 2003), he could have asked some real questions, rather than just running a bunch of whines from artists occupying the property (the Walker’s Point Arts Building). For instance, what is the building currently assessed at? This is public record (you have a lazy writer), and since the artists are concerned their taxes will rise under the new ownership, just how do they expect the new owner to offset the increase? By lowering the rent? What is the amount that a few of the artists pay in rent monthly? When was the last time they had a rent increase? How much? What do they currently pay for square footage and what does that breakdown to in comparison with other spaces rented by artists? Had you addressed any of these questions, it would inform your readers. And while your writer was at it, he might have asked how many of the artist/occupants actually reside in the Walker’s Point neighborhood. If they’re going to say “they make the neighborhood what it is,” shouldn’t your writer have a few facts to back that silly boast? This “feature” reminds me of those who grouse when their property taxes rise, but when they get ready to sell, are more than happy to pocket what that new assessment brings them. Bea TasselMilwaukee
Jul 1st, 2003 by Vital Archives
Parenting Freedoms
By Lucky Tomaszek Let Freedom Ring Having lived in a couple of different states before moving to Wisconsin, and having made lots of cyber-friends from all over the country, I can tell you that we live in a pretty good place for parenting freedoms. This state truly seems to trust parents here to make the best decisions for their children. However, under our current presidential administration, things are changing around the country. Parents need to be watchful, keeping an eye on what’s going on in the world of parenting politics. Consumer activism is the most powerful tool in America for maintaining or changing the status quo. Freedom in birth Wisconsin’s laws about homebirth and traditional homebirth midwifery are conveniently vague. The law does not discuss homebirth. The law also does not address non-nurse midwifery. The absence of mention of these subjects make Wisconsin an alegal (or gray) state for people who want to give birth at home with a non-nurse midwife. Right now, that’s very nice for the home birthing community. The state knows that families are choosing homebirth and that traditional midwives are attending. Midwives receive birth certificate forms from the state and sign them. Midwives also advertise openly here, in newspapers, magazines and even the phone book. Unfortunately, it’s always possible for this to change. Because traditional homebirth midwifery is not protected by law, it would be very easy for the pendulum to swing the other way, as it has in Illinois. Twenty years ago, Illinois had an active homebirth midwifery community, and now, due to the state re-interpreting the Nurse Practice Act, there are approximately five non-nurse midwives practicing in the state. Similar to our lack of regulation regarding traditional homebirth midwives, Wisconsin also has no laws on the books regarding freestanding Birth Centers. Currently, there is only one freestanding Birth Center in the state, located in Madison. The Certified Nurse Midwives who are running the Birth Center are putting together legislation in the hopes of regulation and thus, protection from being closed down, if the law is re-interpreted as it was with homebirth midwifery in Illinois. There are some murmurings of a freestanding Birth Center opening in the Milwaukee are in the next two or three months. But the woman who is working on this wants to see how it goes in Madison and lend her hand to legislative efforts before dedicating her heart and soul (and hundreds of thousands of dollars) to a project that could be washed up by a change of spirit in the Wisconsin legislature. Freedom to vaccinate (or not) Most people vaccinate their kids automatically, out of a desire to protect their children from illness and disease. But vaccination is a deeply personal decision that should be made by people who have chosen to become truly informed about the benefits and risks. Both the pro- and anti- vaccination camps have compelling evidence to support their claims, and both have some truly inspiring things to say about the rightness of their own […]
Jul 1st, 2003 by Lucky Tomaszek
Arab Strap
By Michael Seidel What I’ve always loved most about Arab Strap is their unapologeticness. Drinking, fucking and, well, just fucking up are all endlessly recurring themes throughout their oeuvre, but never, not once is there a ‘sorry’, nary a pinkie toe dipped in the stagnant pool of regret. Arab Strap understand and even embrace the concept of human fallibility, that missteps are the bedrock of experience and perspective. The band, who hail from Glasgow, Scotland, recently completed their second tour in support of Bright Eyes, whose influence on Monday at the Hug and Pint is undeniable (leadman Connor Oberst even lends backing vocals to a track called “Flirt”). Flourishes of vaguely esoteric instruments (esoteric in the scope of rock, that is) like lap steel, bagpipes, violin and accordion are liberally distributed, creating a record that’s fuller, more confident and even – gasp! – more American sounding than previous efforts. The record follows the black comedy protocol that the band established as far back as its first record – it’s the next chapter in Arab Strap’s continuing saga of closing times, betrayals, mutual deception and dirty weekends that transition effortlessly into filthy weeks. Monday at the Hug and Pint isn’t a good starting point for those unfamiliar with the band (Philophobia should play that role), but it is a nice little chap piece, essential for anyone set on assembling the entire Arab Strap puzzle. Matador Records
Jul 1st, 2003 by Vital Archives
Big Tobacco Wins Another Hand
By Frizell Bailey Wisconsin is smoking. Sometimes it seems that you can’t throw a brick out of a window without striking a smoker. Don’t get me wrong. I have no particular beef with either smokers or non-smokers. In fact, I smoke. The irony is not lost on me (I do, however, like to think of myself as “recovering”). It is a curious thing that so many people, especially young people, take up a habit we all know is bad for you. I suppose the same can be said of alcohol, pot, or any other drug you would like to name. But there’s a difference. These other drugs make you feel good pretty much right off the bat. On the other hand, you have to really want to smoke to become a smoker. I can’t speak for everyone, but those first few cigarettes required an awful lot of persistence and commitment. So, why are so many Wisconsinites sucked in by smoking? History smoked. In 1891 a law was passed restricting the sale of cigarettes to minors. The law was rarely enforced. One University of Wisconsin student in 1912, in his thesis about unenforced laws in the state, lamented that “No tobacco man stops to question a youth who asks for a package of tobacco whether he is old enough to smoke, and few dealers refuse it even to small boys whom the dealer cannot help knowing are too young to smoke.” In 1959 the law was actually repealed by the legislature. It wasn’t until the late eighties that the law would be placed back on the books. In 1988, Wisconsin was one of only nine states that allowed the sale of cigarettes to minors. A study released in 2000 by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine ranked Wisconsin 49th, just ahead of North Carolina, in the sale of tobacco to minors. But why has it been so difficult passing tobacco control laws in Wisconsin? All in the lobby. As we all know, money equals power and influence. And the tobacco industry certainly has a little to spare. According to a report entitled, “Influence of the Tobacco Industry on Wisconsin Tobacco Control Policies”, released by the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, the tobacco industry has been especially successful in its lobbying efforts in Wisconsin. The report states that the tobacco lobby has spent over $7.2 million on lobbying the state legislature since 1997. How do they do it? By covering all bases. In Wisconsin, as is probably true in most states, the tobacco industry has been like that slightly shady but always fun uncle that gave all the kids money and toys. The tobacco lobby in Wisconsin contributes to individual elected officials and candidates, as well as to the two political parties and campaign committees. Although they make contributions to both major parties, the party in the majority generally gets the lion’s share. From the beginning of the year in 1999 to the fall of 2002, the tobacco industry contributed $23,700 […]
Jul 1st, 2003 by Frizell Bailey
Cherrywine
By Michael Seidel Bright Black marks Ishmael Butler’s emergence from musical hibernation. Butler used to lead Digable Planets – most known for the top 10 hit “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)”, who released two stunning albums before snuffing itself out in 1996. That’s when Butler crawled into a cave of obscurity, shielded from even the wannest sliver of spotlight. He learned how to play guitar. Digable Planets’ sound was a highball of laid back jazz samples and lyrics so silkily delivered that, outwardly, their political slant appeared as an undercurrent. But any move beyond lyrical veneer will illume activism – black power, pro-choice, etc – as quintessentially Digable. It’s what they were all about. With Cherrywine, however, Butler rails against political expression. In Resonance magazine, Butler recently admitted, “It’s not that I didn’t believe what I was saying back then – it’s just that I wasn’t really being politically active in my own life. Now, I’m just trying to do something that represents who I am. I want to be more real.” So I guess that cocaine, bitches and gansta are the real Butler. References to those things stand in tall banks on the surface of every song. Machismo thematics and delivery expose such a deep political bankruptcy that I can’t help but wonder if it’s all, despite Butler’s contentions, cunningly masked social commentary. The departure from the Digables’ message is so unrealistically sharp that it must be tongue-in-cheek. Political intentions aside, it would be foolish to say that Butler’s lost his flow. His delivery is as slick as ever. The music is devoid of samples; it’s raw, organic, wah-wah infused funk that bores itself into your consciousness and takes unrelenting hold. Bright Black is excellent debut album, but still, I can’t stop myself from questioning its sincerity. DCide Records
Jul 1st, 2003 by Vital Archives
Milwaukee Youth STRIVE for excellence
By Frizell Bailey There seems to be an awful lot of attention paid to the misdeeds of young people these days, from the tragic beating death in a Northwest Milwaukee neighborhood to the contentious Mayfair mall controversy. But there are plenty of teens in Milwaukee making positive contributions to their city and their communities. The Strive Media Institute, located on Martin Luther King Drive in Milwaukee, is an after school program where teens get practical experience in just about every facet of the media. The non-profit institute was founded in 1990 by Matthew Johnson, a Milwaukee native who saw a need for an outlet that provided tools to youth to help them become strong members of the community. Not your father’s ad agency. Strive functions like an agency, with both external clients and internal projects. The program is divided into four different business units: film and video production, technology, print journalism, and integrated marketing communications. What separates Strive Media from many other mentoring and training programs for teenagers is that the media products are conceived and produced by kids in the program. This is even more impressive when you consider that Strive’s weekly TV show, Gumbo Television, won an Emmy, and will air regularly on TMJ-4 beginning this fall. They also produce a glossy magazine, Gumbo, once every two months that enjoys statewide and national distribution. The kids have a presence in cyberspace with their Tecknow Solutions group, which designs websites and was featured on the front page of the Journal Sentinel’s Business Section. Fighting youth smoking with FACT. The Integrated Marketing Communications program is an agency with local and national clients, one of the most high profile being the FACT anti-smoking campaign. In addition to widely aired TV commercials written and produced entirely by Strivers (as they call themselves), the program targets youth smoking with events, undercover compliance checks and other guerilla tactics aimed at empowering teens to make their own choices about tobacco, and not succumb to Big Tobacco marketing. Anabel Navaro, Integrated Marketing Communications Supervisor, believes keeping control of the campaign in the hands of teens is critical. “FACT’s focus is to urge kids to be cognizant of their actions, to recognize that by smoking they’re actually putting money in some rich guy’s pocket who’s trying to kill them. And that’s what makes it cool. If you had adults working on a mission like this, you wouldn’t be getting the passion.” The Institute receives compensation for FACT as part of the tobacco settlement. With the elimination of the Tobacco Control Board and the impending reduction of anti-tobacco program funding (which so far has decreased from $25 million in 2001 to $15 in 2003, and is slated for another $5 million reduction next year), Strive Associate Director Molly Collins is concerned, but by no means assumes that FACT will come to an end. “There’s going to be some money for the youth programs, and while it might be a competitive RFP (request for proposals — from various agencies) […]
Jul 1st, 2003 by Frizell Bailey
