I spent the summer of 1965 in Berkeley, CA as part of The Encampment for Citizenship, a program for teens to teach and encourage social engagement. The Encampment prepares young people to be informed, responsible and effective global citizens through experiential learning and through living in a diverse, democratic community. It was most certainly an amazing time to be in Berkeley and yes, I am that old.

One evening a group of us went into San Fransisco to the Hungry i, to hear a set performed by Tom Lehrer,  a math Professor from MIT. It was, to say the least, a memorable experience.  It occurs to me now, how many of those subjects Lehrer satirized have returned to again bite us in our collective derrieres. 

So please join me in a trip down memory alley to look at some of the things that scared us then and have returned today in all new proportions.

• The Environment in his song Pollution, where he indicates that ours is becoming a country where you can't drink the water or breathe the air.
• Drug Addiction where he discussed the role of the dealer in The Old Dope Peddler.
• Inclusion where he predicts that National Brotherhood Week will only be for show and that hate will win out.
• Racism as an entrenched reality in I Want to Go Back to Dixie. 
• The Military in It Makes a Fellow Proud to be a Soldier and  Send the Marines
• Nuclear War, which by 1965 seemed to have been averted. Leher commented on the possibility in several pieces:
  • Who's Next which among other conflicts looks at the Arab/Isreali imbalance of power.
  • So Long, Mom (A Song for World War III) about the youth who will have to fight.
  • Finally, We Will All Go Together When We Go about the ultimate demise of society.

This was some of the satire from the 60's that got us through. I wish it were not so relevant today and wonder what Tom Lehrer would do with today's list of new horrors. EVENTS

EVENTS

Tues May 22, 2018

Long-term Care Documentary, 6 pm -7:30 pm
Wauwatosa Library, 7635 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa
Citizen Action Healthcare for All Co-Op is hosting a screening of the documentary Care, followed by a panelist-led group discussion. All are welcome. The documentary highlights how the broken long-term care system is failing patients, their families, and workers. RSVP: https://www.citizenactionwi.org/documentary_screening_of_care

Wed May 23, 2018

Refuel the Resistance, 5 pm - 8 pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic, resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Mandela Barnes Meet and Greet, 5 pm - 6:30 pm
The Clark Hotel, 314 W Main St, Waukesha, WI 53186
Mandela Barnes, candidate for Lt Governor meet and greet.

Julie Henszey Fundraiser, 5 pm - 7 pm
Big Head Brewing, 6204 W. State St., Wauwatosa
Join Public Education Champions to support Julie Henszey in her campaign for State Senate District 5. Suggested contribution is $50. Contributions of any amount are gratefully accepted. For any questions please contact [email protected] or 414-563-7717.

Governor's Forum - Waukesha, 7 pm -8:30 pm
University of Wisconsin - Waukesha, 1500 N University Dr, Waukesha
The format for the forum will be based on 'speed dating.' Those in attendance will occupy a number of rooms and the candidates will each have a fixed number of minutes to answer questions before switching to the next room.

Chris Larson Listening Session, 5 pm - 6:30 pm
South Milwaukee Library, 1907 10th St., Milwaukee
State Sen. Chris Larson will hold a listening session to hear what his constituents are thinking.

Erica Flynn Fundraiser, 6 pm - 8 pm
3722 S. Bayberry Lane, Greenfield
Meet and GreetFundraiser for Erica Flynn, who is challenging Assemblyman Kuglitch in the 84th State Assembly District.  Light snacks and drinks will be served.  Join Erica, meet others, contribute, and volunteer to help get her elected.

Drinking Liberally Glendale, 7 pm 
Bar Louie, 5750 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale
Drinking Liberally Glendale meets on the last Wednesday of the month. Come drink a beverage or two of your choice and talk about Liberal stuff.

Thurs May 24, 2018

Mental Health Board Meeting, 4:30 pm 
Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee
Milwaukee County Mental Health Board Meeting. Public Comment: Budget.  More information: http://county.milwaukee.gov/BehavioralHealthDivi7762/Mental-Health-Board.htm.

Anti-Foxconn Coalition Take-Action! Public Meeting, 6 pm - 8 pm
Riverwest Public House Cooperative, 815 E Locust St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Hate Foxconn? Feel Walker's balding, Koch Bro-filled madness dripping down your back as you fear for the safety of your communities and the deteriorating health of the planet? The Gaia Coalition Network, alongside 350 Steven's Point, the Water Protectors of Milwaukee and Youth Leaders from throughout WI are teaming up in our official attempt to put together a large-scale coalition effort of Environmental, Civil Rights, Political, Education, Indigenous Community and Youth Leaders to take on Scott Walker and the infamous "Foxconn Con."

Poverty: Causes and Impact, 6 pm 
Greenfield Library, 5310 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield
Citizens Coalition is presenting a program focusing on the "impact" poverty has on everyone and the "causes" of poverty. Conor Williams will be the guest presenter. Registration is at 5:45, program at 6:00. 

Sat May 26, 2018

Stand for Peace, 12 pm - 1 pm
Varies. Find the week's location here.
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by the United Nations Association of Milwaukee, Peace/Conflict Committee.

Sun May 27, 2018

Sunday Demonstration, 12 pm - 1 pm
Cutler Park, Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha
What are you most concerned about? Social justice, democracy, the environment? Join us for a silent demonstration. We meet at Cutler Park in Waukesha on the sidewalk along Wisconsin Avenue near the Public Library. Bring a sign or use one of ours. Sponsored by Grassroots Waukesha

Tues May 29, 2018

Kathleen Vinehout Meet & Greet, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Riverwest Public House, 815 E Locust St, Milwaukee, WI 53212, USA
Please Join us in welcoming Gubernatorial Candidate Kathleen Vinehout for an After Work Meet and Greet to learn how she plans to put the people of Wisconsin first.

Wed May 30, 2018

Refuel the Resistance, 5 pm - 8 pm
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Ct., Milwaukee
Weekly gathering at Bounce Milwaukee's mezzanine bar for networking, inspiration or just to vent. Bring along any evidence of your civic, resistance from the last week to get a beverage (up to $7) on the house, and compare notes with other individuals and groups working to make things better. More information.

Fri June 1- 2, 2018

DPW State Convention, 6 pm 
Best Western Premier Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center, 1 N Main St, Oshkosh, WI 54901

Sat June 2, 2018

Stand for Peace, 12 pm - 1 pm
Varies. Find the week's location here.
Stand for peace in the streets of Milwaukee, every Saturday at noon. Organized by the United Nations Association of Milwaukee, Peace/Conflict Committee.

Mon June 4, 2018

Earnell Lucas,  Candidate for Milwaukee County Sheriff, 3:30 pm - 8 pm
2305 E Stratford Ct, Shorewood, WI
Hosted by Norma and Ian Gilson and Lana Cramer and Keith Schmitz. Earnell is a lifelong Milwaukeean who loves this community and cares deeply about its people. After retiring from the Milwaukee Police Department as a captain in 2002, he joined Major League Baseball as a security supervisor in the commissioner’s office, later working as a vice president for security and facility management. Most recently, Earnell served as the Chief Liaison for Security and Investigations. Earnell and his wife Linda live on Milwaukee’s East Side. They are active members of St. Matthew CME Church on 6th and Locust, which Earnell has attended since accompanying his grandmother there as a young man. Earnell Lucas is working to restore integrity to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department. It's time to move on from the failed policies of past leadership and make Milwaukee County strong and safe. To learn more, visit www.lucasformke.com. Please RSVP to Norma at 414-588-1241 or [email protected] by June 1. Suggested Contribution: $25.  Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated, but not required and are not tax deductible. Contribute online at www.lucasformke.com or mail checks to Lucas for Milwaukee PO Box 510246, Milwaukee, WI 53203.

Drinking Liberally Waukesha, 6:30 pm - 9 pm
Clarke Irish Pub, 314 W. Main St., Waukesha
Drinking Liberally Waukesha meets the first Monday of each month

Tues, June 5, 2014

Daniel Riemer Kickoff Fundraiser, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Westallion Brewing Co., 1825 S. 72nd St., West Allis
Help State Rep. Daniel Riemer kick off his re-election campaign and get ready for victory in 2018! Contribution Levels: Host: $1000 Sponsor: $500, Friend: $250, Supporter: $100, Suggested Contribution: $50. All donations are gratefully accepted.  Online donation: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ready2018 RSVP: [email protected]