Joseph McCarthy is still dead and we have an opportunity to create a new, progressive political legacy for the state of Wisconsin. I made a trip to St. Mary’s Cemetery in Appleton to take some pictures of the cemetery and “Tailgunner Joe’s” headstone. It has a great view of the Fox River. Here are some pictures.
The whole world is watching the events in Wisconsin as they unfold. There are many around the country and world that are pinning their hopes on our successes. They feel if we are successful in restoring our democracy, they will have a chance to do it, as well. Wisconsin we can prove that people are more important than special interest groups and big money. Wisconsin will show the world what a democracy of the people looks like. The people in Wisconsin are some of the most bright, creative, cooperative people I know. If anyone can bring back democracy, we can do it.
The next thing we need to do is “flip the senate” with the recall elections on Tuesday, August 9th. From now until the elections we need “all hands on deck” for the final push. Go here for information to become personally involved with GOTV or go here to complete a simple volunteer sign up sheet. You can still participate, even if you’re not close to a recall district by calling from the comfort of your own home using the DPW’s Virtual Phone Bank. Here’s a motivational video by TheBluecheddar to get you going
It never ceases to amaze me how many times Joseph McCarthy is still brought up in political discussions. I may be a little more sensitive to this than the average because he came from my hometown, but it seems to me that I hear and see his name everywhere. I’ve seen his name scrawled in sidewalk chalk by the capital in Madison and praised by the right wing. He’s gone far beyond being a two term U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. He even has an “ism” named after him.
How many times have you heard or seen “McCarthyism” during political discussion? McCarthy and McCarthyism are brought up by everyone in politics, liberals and conservatives both like bringing up his name and legacy at every possible opportunity.
The right wing still worships him. Ann Coulter spends a great deal of time and energy in her books defending McCarthy and his legacy. She even made a pilgrimage to Appleton, WI to have her picture taken next to his grave. Many of the ring wing believe McCarthy’s legacy has been tarnished by “liberal bias” and want to restore McCarthy’s honorable reputation.
Liberals like to bring up his “McCarthyism” when they are talking about something particularly bad. Here are a couple of things that McCarthy did during his life. These are not the most notable things he did, just the ones I learned about today. He defended the German S.S. Troops who killed U.S. Soldiers who were taken as Prisoners of War during World War II and turned his back on the very labor unions who helped get him elected.
As an added bonus, I stopped by the John Birch Society headquarters on my way home from the cemetery. They are headquartered in Appleton. Here are the pictures.
I’ll leave you with a song about Joseph McCarthy by Chris Buhalis, it’s called “Talkin’ Sounds Just Like Joe McCarthy Blues” found here.
Remember, it’s up to each of us to do what we can to “flip the senate”!
Special thanks to Ray Reynolds AKA @cr8f for photo editing. He’s another one of my #wiunion favorites.
blue cheddar 
The grass at the grave is looking so nice and green…I see we have been “watering it” well….