August 31, 2008
Six days to go
Our seventh progressive Chautauqua is almost here. We were reminded of our humble beginnings over a beer at Thunder Valley the other night. Thunder Valley is the Nelson family gathering place and was the center of the anti-Perrier fight. "Fighting Bob" Fest was founded by those central to the successful battle with "Mother Nestle," the owner of Perrier. In fact, our initial choice of site was the Nelson farm but ultimately we chose the Sauk County Fairgrounds. Given the crowds, it is a good thing we went to Baraboo. We expect our usual big crowd and lively debate. It all begins Friday night at the Barrymore, 7:30, when we gather to watch The Body of War with Q & A to follow with Phil Donahue. (Yes, that Phil Donahue.) Special treat for our kickoff--Jim Hightower and the poetry of Daniel Kuene.Our challenge this year is to convert words to action.
For my money, this is the best program we have had. We are pleased to add Justice Louis Butler to the noon workshop on campaigns.
In addition to those invited, at least two candidates for president will be added to the program. Cynthia McKinney, Green Party presidential candidate, and Ralph Nader. McKinney served six terms as a member of Congress. She will speak in the morning as will Nader. Should Obama or McCain arrive, they will also be welcomed. After all, Fighting Bob is the symbol of independent parties. McKinney and Nader will add to the enjoyment of the day.
Catch this: "Senator McCain has made a truly impressive choice in naming Sarah Palin as his running mate. What we are seeing is a maverick who has shaken up Washington, picking a teammate, a maverick, who has brought reform to her own state." -- Reince Priebus, Chair of Wisconsin's GOP.
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