Thursday, December 23, 2010

In the christmas spirit ... the 3 ghosts

The ghost of Christmas Past: Debt was at 5.6 trillion dollars
http://www.usdebtclock.org/2000.html

The ghost of Christmas Present: Debt is at 13.9 trillion dollars
http://www.usdebtclock.org/index.html

The ghost of Christmas future: Debt predicted to be 24.4 trillion dollars!!!!
http://www.usdebtclock.org/2015-current-rates.html

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Which states will we be bailing out first, not necessarily in this order .....

The average shortfall for the 2010 fiscal year (July 1 2009-June 30 2010) is 24.3% of the total budget.

The biggest gaps of shortfalls are: California: 49.3% , Arizona: 41.1%, Nevada: 37.8%, Illinois: 37.7% , New York: 36.1%, Alaska: 30.0%. These are the states that will fail soon and require a bailout which will cause our states to fail.

Please expect major inflation in the coming months .... you have been warned ..... stock up now on food and other necessaries!


School tax increases

To the editor,
I am sure everyone has gotten their property tax bill already. I knew that the taxes always go up year to year, but I was amazed to see the percentage increases. I attended the city of Kiel budget meeting and I was impressed how they try to be budget conscious. Our mayor, Mayor Werdeo, even took additional cuts to make sure the city's taxes only went up 2% instead of the predicted 3%. Our mayor and council members are normally very concerned and careful when spending our tax dollars.

Now I see the City of Kiel School District raised our taxes 13.1%. I knew it was going up but it does not hit home until I get the actual bill. My wife attended the school board budget meeting and they seem to not put any effort or be that concerned about spending everyone's money. When I see my tax dollars going to the school going up over $200 I get a little concerned. I have not gotten any cost of living adjustment for 2 years now while and I know many others who have not gotten raises or their hours were cut. We are all doing more with less, why can not the government?

I know we will get excuses from board members, or they will say "run for the board," so that is what my wife and I plan on doing. I ask my fellow City of Kiel citizens to go to the district office and fill out nomination papers for the spring election. Instead of just complaining about it, get up and do something about it. This is why we started our group, Wisconsin Citizens Involvement. We attend council meetings and board meetings. I think it makes a difference as we can let our voices be heard where it counts, in front of our elected officials.

So please again, register for the school board and even the city council if you feel they are not doing the job you want them to do. Being a citizen in this country is our duty which many of us, including myself for years, have taken for granted. Remember the elected officials are our employees, we pay their salaries and we have the right and responsibility to replace them if they are not doing the job.

Randy Kubetz
Wisconsin Citizens Involvement

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Fed's Quantitative Easing to Starve Middle Class Americans

November 3, 2010

The Federal Reserve today announced that they will be implementing $600 billion in additional quantitative easing by the end of June 2011. The Federal Reserve will maintain its current policy of reinvesting principal payments from its security holdings and will expand its balance sheet by an additional $75 billion per month. The total announced balance sheet expansion was $100 billion higher than the public consensus of $500 billion. The Federal Reserve will continue to hold interest rates at record low levels of 0% to 0.25%, where they have been for nearly two years.

Quantitative easing is nothing more than the Federal Reserve printing money and creating inflation. This quantitative easing steals from the purchasing power of the incomes and savings of all Americans. While Americans are distracted by the mainstream media with daily debates by the Democrats and Republicans about taxes, U.S. taxes have almost no where near the effect on the lives of middle class Americans as does the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and quantitative easing. Instead of millions of Americans attending "tea party" events in Washington with Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin, they should be marching outside of the Federal Reserve building in New York chanting "End the Fed".

As highlighted in NIA's new documentary 'End of Liberty', which just surpassed 170,000 views in three days, prices of nearly all agricultural commodities have been spiraling out of control in recent months just in anticipation of today's quantitative easing announcement. In the past 60 days alone, cotton prices are up 54%, corn prices are up 29%, soybean prices are up 22%, orange juice prices are up 17%, and sugar prices are up 51%. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones has only gained 9%.

The Federal Reserve is doing everything in its power to push stock market prices up so that the government can take credit for an "economic recovery", but as NIA has been warning for years, inflation gravitates most towards the goods that Americans need most in order to live and survive. There is nothing that Americans need more than food. The agricultural commodity price increases of the past two months will begin to make their way into all supermarkets nationwide during the next few months. Americans who have been struggling just to make their mortgage payments, will now be forced to stop paying their mortgage in order to buy food. Instead of hoping to get the latest Apple gadget for Christmas this holiday season, American children better be grateful if their parents are able just to put food on the table.

After the financial crisis of late-2008/early-2009 when the Federal Reserve implemented its first round of quantitative easing, the Dow Jones rallied by 74% from its low of 6,469.95 in March of 2009 to a high of 11,257.93 in April of 2010. By the Dow Jones rallying, the U.S. government was able to take credit for creating an "economic recovery", despite the fact that unemployment remained near multi-decade highs. NIA released a documentary on May 13th called 'Meltup', in which we said, "The truth is, our economy is not recovering, prices are rising only due to inflation." NIA proclaimed in 'Meltup', "If stocks were to see a nominal decline one last time, we will likely see Bernanke shoot up his largest ever dose of quantitative easing."

On July 19th, with the Dow Jones having declined by 11% from its April high down to 10,073.68, everybody in the mainstream media was talking about the threat of deflation. NIA released an article on July 19th entitled, "Double-Dip Recession Does Not Mean Deflation" in which we said, "NIA believes the Federal Reserve is quietly getting ready to implement 'The Mother of All Quantitative Easing'." NIA went on to say, "NIA fears that come this October, Bernanke is likely to shoot up his largest ever dose of quantitative easing."

Today, NIA's prediction for the most part came true. The Federal Reserve announced massive quantitative easing ($600 billion) and our timing was almost perfect (we missed October by a few days). This isn't quite what we consider to be the "The Mother of All Quantitative Easing", but don't worry, the Fed will announce additional quantitative easing soon if the slightest hint of deflation reappears.

Current U.S. price inflation based on the consumer price index (CPI) is 1.5% and the Federal Reserve wants to see this number increase to 2%. The truth is, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) uses geometric weighting and hedonics to artificially manipulate this number lower than the real rate of inflation in order to keep American's social security payment increases as low as possible so that politicians in Washington have more of your money to spend. Based on the way the U.S. government previously calculated price inflation before the BLS's latest tactics to manipulate the CPI as low as possible, NIA believes current year-over-year price inflation is at least 5%.

No human being alive, especially Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, is smart enough to perfectly manage the rate of price inflation by printing money. By expanding the balance sheet by $600 billion, NIA believes the real price inflation rate will rise above 10% in early 2011. Once Americans realize just how rapidly their dollars are being debased and losing their purchasing power, it could cause a rush out of the U.S. dollar and trigger hyperinflation as early as year 2012.

America no longer has a free market economy. For everybody on Wall Street to be so fixated on the words that come out of Bernanke's mouth, it shows that the economic system we have is extremely fragile and vulnerable to collapse at any time. With prices of assets soaring in recent months just in anticipation of Bernanke's quantitative easing announcement, it shows that the world's financial system is already flooded with trillions of dollars in excess liquidity. Unless the U.S. government immediately implements dramatic spending cuts across the board, NIA believes the world is going to lose confidence in the U.S. dollar and it will be impossible for the U.S. to survive past the year 2015 without the U.S. dollar becoming worthless.

The fact that the Republicans took control of the House of Representatives last night is completely meaningless. If the U.S. government is to implement the spending cuts necessary in order to prevent hyperinflation, Americans will be faced with a second Great Depression, which NIA believes is a necessity and much better than the alternative. However, the Republicans will not risk being held responsible for the next Great Depression, because it will ensure Obama gets reelected in 2012. Therefore, NIA predicts that nothing is going to change with the Republicans taking over the House.

The only good news that came so far this week is that Rand Paul was elected to the U.S. Senate. NIA predicted in our top 10 predictions for 2010 that Rand Paul would win both the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in the State of Kentucky and the U.S. Senate seat and we are very proud that Rand Paul was victorious. NIA considers Rand Paul to be the true leader of the Tea Party movement because he fully understands the hyperinflation that awaits as a result of the Federal Reserve's actions.

NIA hopes to see Rand Paul filibuster any attempts by the U.S. Senate to raise the ceiling on our national debt. There is no reason to have a national debt ceiling if every time we reach it, Congress raises it. NIA prays that Rand Paul proposes a Balanced Budget Amendment in 2011, because this should be our government's top priority if it wants to restore confidence in the U.S. dollar and prevent a complete societal collapse.

NIA would like to apologize for the minor technical problems in the last two minutes of NIA's new 1 hour and 14 minute documentary 'End of Liberty', during the time in which NIA's President Gerard Adams was speaking. This small audio problem was caused by YouTube and out of our control. To make up for this, NIA's President will be featured in an exclusive NIA video later this month explaining in detail the hyperinflationary crisis that is ahead and how NIA members can prosper while the rest of America goes broke. As you know, NIA's President made a 378% return on his investment in silver call options that he suggested to you in February. He believes there will be many more opportunities similar to this for NIA members to become wealthy in the years ahead as the rest of America goes broke.

The most important thing for you to do to help your family members and friends survive the upcoming hyperinflationary crisis is to help them become educated to the truth. Tell them to become members of NIA for free and ask them to read our articles and watch our documentaries. If they have any questions about the U.S. economy or inflation, they can browse through our comprehensive 'NIAnswers' database and if their question hasn't already been answered by us, they can submit it to us to be added to the database. NIA will soon be announcing its most important new 'NIAnswers' of the past several months. Also, on December 7th, NIA will be releasing its latest update to its review of the major online sellers of gold and silver bullion.

NIA Projects Future U.S. Food Price Increases - frightening report

November 5, 2010

The National Inflation Association today announced the release of its report about NIA's projections of future U.S. food price increases due to the massive monetary inflation being created by the Federal Reserve's $600 billion quantitative easing. This report was written by NIA's President Gerard Adams, who believes food inflation will take over in 2011 as America's greatest crisis. According to Mr. Adams, making mortgage payments will soon be the last thing on the minds of all Americans. We currently have a currency crisis that could soon turn into hyperinflation and a complete societal collapse.

"For every economic problem the U.S. government tries to solve, it always creates two or three much larger catastrophes in the process," said Adams. "Just like we predicted this past December, the U.S. dollar index bounced in early 2010 and has been in free-fall ever since. Bernanke's QE2 will likely accelerate this free-fall into a complete U.S. dollar rout," warned Adams.

NIA projects that at the average U.S. grocery store it will soon cost $11.43 for one ear of corn, $23.05 for a 24 oz loaf of wheat bread, $62.21 for a 32 oz package of Domino Granulated Sugar, $24.31 for a 32 fl oz container of soy milk, $77.71 for a 11.30 oz container of Folgers Classic Roast Coffee, $45.71 for a 64 fl oz container of Minute Maid Orange Juice, and $15.50 for a Hershey's Milk Chocolate 1.55 oz candy bar. NIA also projects that by the end of this decade, a plain white men's cotton t-shirt at Wal-Mart will cost $55.57.

NIA's special U.S. food price projection report is now available to download for free by clicking here.

The report highlights how despite cotton rising by 54%, corn rising by 29%, soybeans rising by 22%, orange juice rising by 17%, and sugar rising by 51% during the months of September and October alone, these huge commodity price increases have yet to make their way into America's grocery stores because corporations have been reluctant to pass these price increases along to the consumer. In today's dismal economy, no retailer wants to be the first to dramatically raise food prices. However, NIA expects all retailers to soon substantially raise food prices at the same time, which will ensure that this Holiday shopping season will be the worst in recorded American history.

link to this report: http://inflation.us/foodpriceprojections.html

link to a full pdf report full with deeper explaination: http://inflation.us/2010inflationreport.pdf

Monday, November 8, 2010

Please be aware of the coming price inflation




















Sugar Monthly Price
Month Value
May 2010 $15.11
Jun 2010 $16.31
Jul 2010 $17.70
Aug 2010 $18.60
Sep 2010 $22.68

I just wanted to place a quick article about food prices. The cost has gone up quite a bit of late but are set to even go higher with the FED buying our own debt. They just bought over $600 billion last week and add that to the $1.7 trillion they bought earlier in the year, we are set for the dollars value to lower. This means to you; those who remember the inflation of the 70's; much higher food prices and also commodities like gas, tires and anything made with oil. There is even talk of a possibly depression by those in the know in financial markets.

Please do your homework and prepare to tighten up the belts even more. You can do this by stocking up on food while the prices are still low. Please let your friends and neighbors know about this and to keep an eye on prices and prepare.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Kiel City Council Agenda Items 11/2/10 (Long!)

Kiel City Council Agenda Meeting

The agenda for the November City Council meetings was set last night. While I can't explain everything in the detail it was presented, here are the highlights.

As of December 1, 2010, landfills will no longer accept electronic equipment. The City Council is looking into ways that this issue can be addressed, including getting quotes/ideas from other townships for a recycling program. EarthWise Recycling from Sheboygan expressed interest in becoming a type of middle manager for the recycling of these articles. They charge a fee for TVs, computer monitors, microwaves and printers. Most other electronic items are free.

The City is looking into the possibility of purchasing a street sweeper to replace the one that has had repair issues this last year. The one roaming our streets (big orange sweeper) is on loan and the cost would strain the budgeted amounta for this item. They are looking at a 1994 Elgin Sweeper from New Franken. This sweeper, from what I understand, has 15,700 miles on it (not sure on the hours used) and the seller is asking $23,500 for the machine. A new one would cost over $200,000. With between 22 and 23 miles of city streets that need sweeping periodically through the year, a purchase like this is being looked at as an option.

Dennis Dedering said that he would have quotes for city snow removal ready for next weeks' City Council Meeting.

Mary Christel requested the board's approval for a non-combustible shelter, built by any of the clubs or groups in town, to be placed on the top of the sledding hill. The City would haul and store this shelter, as it does with the skating shelter.

The Wastewater Treatment Facility is looking to hire a new employee. This person would be considered an operator/mechanic with some lab duties as necessary. It sounded like they would prefer someone with certification, but if the right person applied, they would train. This position would cost approximately $85,000 which includes all benefits. The possible hire date would not be until after January 1, 2011.

The WWTF is seeking Council approval to start looking at a design to treat the wastewater biologically, rather than with chemicals. They have done a test run which showed that the phosphorus level is at 1.4. The DNR regulations require a phosphorus level of 1.0 if treated with chemicals or a level of 2.0 if treated biologically. The savings on chemicals would be approximately $70,000 per year.

The WWTF is drawing up a 10-year plan to present to the DNR to increase their points that the DNR then assigns to grants and/or stimulus monies. This plan looks at priorities for the city's needs and the possibility of expansion.

The sewer work is a top priority. The City of Kiel has approximately 250 sewer sections (manhole to manhole). They currently have 50 sections televised for leaks, clogs, and other problems, leaving 200 sections yet to be televised.

The other project that the WWTF is looking at in the future is the possibility of treating the methane gas from the WWTF to run a generator which would then sell the excess power back to the grid or to sell the methane gas (treated) as a natural gas, to large consumers such as industrial or commercial customers. It seems that, with treatment, methane gas can be used in place of natural gas. An interesting option.

Next on the agenda is the Electric Rate Study. I'll admit, this one was a little confusing, so bear with me, please.

The first item discussed was the hydro project. Of the five steps to get the hydro project going, two of them have been completed.

Approval from all the members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) has been done.
A purchase agreement with the seller of the hydro-electric project has been completed.
The PSC has to approve buying the energy produced
The Federal regulations must be met
The Financing has to be approved.

Electric rates are set to go up sometime between February and April. There has not been a rate filing by the City of Kiel since 2002, and the last two years, the income has been in the red—negative. The PSC determines how much an increase will be and when. The City has no say in that. Right now, we are approximately 25% below New Holstein electric rates. We are looking at a potential increase of anywhere between 5.0% and 5.7%. The City can file for a rate increase every year, every other year, or as needed. We are thankful that the City has not “adjusted” our rates in the last years, but all good things come to an end.

The retirement of the City custodian as of the end of the year was another topic of discussion. The custodial position covered some maintenance and janitorial work, as well as lawn cutting, trimming, and snow removal. As this position is responsible for not only City Hall, but the Police Station, Fire Station, Library, Stoelting House, Historical House, and the Community Center, a thorough job description is needed. The last job description written up for this position was in 1971. It was discussed whether to split this position into two part-time positions—one janitorial and one maintenance/snow removal or to see if someone would be able to cover the entire position as the current custodian has in the past.

Chief Funkhouser's report was uplifting. He thanked the Council for allowing him to attend a conference and accept an award. He spoke about the honor and recognition Kiel Police have received at the national level and also brought up the fact that 80% of police departments are made up of less than 20 people, of which we are one.

The Sleigh Bell Run is scheduled for December 4th. The police will be closing off Sixth Street for the safety of the walkers/runners in this event.

In the case of Ryan Zellner, all three counties involved are consolidating their cases into one case. I understand Mr. Zellner is to appear before a judge sometime in the next 4-6 weeks.

The “Round-About Jumper” as he's being called, was also talked about. The officer who witnessed the event was at McDonalds responding to a suspicious car. He heard the car coming south on Hwy 67. He was approaching the round-about at a very high rate of speed (eyeball was approximately 90mph) and didn't touch the brakes until he was in mid-air. The officer said the vehicle cleared the sapling at the top of the round-about and crashed down, breaking a large piece of cement from the curb. The driver took off on foot, but was traced to a medical facility (but missed by minutes) and turned himself in the following day. He admitted to consuming 5 cans of beer, so alcohol was a factor.

Other police business included addressing two cars in impound. The Chief will have to work with a lawyer to get clear titles on these so they can be scrapped out—neither of them are in working condition.

Thefts from cars continue in both Kiel and New Holstein. A laptop was stolen from a car in the River Terrace Subdivision, and other items have been reported missing from unlocked garages and vehicles. Make a point to lock your vehicles if parked outside and to lock garages in the evening.

Five minors were arrested during the Kiel Homecoming festivities for drugs. Some, if not all, were charged with selling drugs inside the High School. Three students have already been expelled from the High School, with the other two facing the same charges.

Kiel Picnic Committee has asked that the City extend the area to include all of the Fifth Street area between the Sts. Peter and Paul UCC and the businesses on the other side of this street for an additional band area. The Council recommended that a more formal plan for this request be presented.

Addressing Joint Dispatch, the need to maintain console updates and certification was mentioned.

On Friday, in remembrance of Sgt. Amy Krueger and the Fort Hood massacre, there will be a silent run from the Police Station to the Fire Station and past the three schools. Council members agreed unanimously to this and will take part if at all possible.

There have been no complaints regarding the Smoking Ban that the State enacted. There have been many positive comments from bar/tavern owners in appreciation for the work done between the City Council, Police, and the owners.

Another State approval that hasn't been mentioned all that much is the allowing of 4-wheelers on the road for snow removal use. The drivers of this equipment must be at least 16 years old, the vehicles must have a snowplow attached, the vehicles must have a flashing light visible for 300 yards and the operators must be within two miles of their residence.

The Kiel Police Department was approved for a taser grant. This will allow the police to obtain, train and use these non-deadly tools in keeping the peace. Kiel and New Holstein are the only two cities in the immediate area that don't have tasers at this time.

Last, but definitely not least, the City Hall Building was addressed. According to last year's quotes, it would cost over $1.3 million to remodel the first floor of the building and upgrade the electrical and wiring. To demolish and rebuild would be $2.7 million and offer better utilization of the space. The Council does have the right to make this decision without going to referendum because more than 50% of the space is used for Public Safety i.e. the Police Station and EMS. However, it was agreed that something of this magnitude should go before the people. The spring election will include this referendum with cost numbers for a complete remodel vs. a demolition and rebuilding in the same location.

There is a lot going on and a lot to stay on top of. We'll do our best to keep everyone informed. If anyone has differing numbers or information on the items in this post, please let me know—I can only report what I heard and understood—and my hearing isn't the greatest sometimes!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Kiel Area School Board Annual Meeting

Annual School Board Meeting
October 25, 2010

The annual School Board meeting began with the call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Louise Blankenheim and Ruthie Rumpff spoke about the School District's Mission Statement, focusing on “future focused education.”

The discussion then moved to the Budget and the School Levy increase for 2010/2011. The information discussed prompted audience members, including myself, to question further and share concerns about the numbers being discussed.

Student enrollment has dropped off, from 1,452 in 2008/2009 to 1,407 in 2009/2010 and 1,394 in 2010/2011. This decline has resulted in less money from the state, which funds 59% of our students education. (Property taxes make up 31.5% and local grants cover the remaining 9.5% of the amount.) The student enrollment looks to continue to drop off as there are approximately 139 High School students in the graduating class this year (2010/2011) and only 90 Kindergarten students enrolled this year.

Among the issues discussed were the fact that the school district has to spend to the maximum to receive the maximum. This formula, put in place by the Board of Education at the state level, makes no sense when it comes to budgeting in a fiscally responsible manner. The Kiel School District set aside $686,057 so the budget would not run short last year. The state looked at that and said “you didn't spend that amount, we're going to give you that much less this year.”

When asked what portion of the health insurance was paid by the union teachers/staff, the answer was 5%. In the private sector, health insurance co-pays range from 15% to 50% and beyond. While this is negotiated by the Teachers Union and the School Board, there is very little room to negotiate. The unions aren't willing to settle for less, even if some of the teachers agree. They come back with the threat of arbitration which leads to expensive hearings and, most times, an increase in the terms for the teachers. The binding arbitration laws that are in place have so stifled our school district, and our city government, that it's nearly impossible to fight the unions and win. I did bring up the idea of communities joining together to fight the unions for better negotiations, especially when it comes to the teacher contracts, but I was told that “it's very difficult to work together.” If we don't stand together, we'll fall apart, and pay the taxes regardless.

The tax levy increase of $6,102,011 was approved. This increases our current levy amount of $860 per $100,000 of a home's value to $912 per $100,000 of a home's value, an increase of $52. While this may not seem like a great amount, consider that, with the approval of the Fire Station upgrades and additions, our taxes will go up approximately $52 as well. An increase like this on our taxes in these trying economic times is adding insult to injury.

I realize that sacrifices need to be made, but when the idea of having local businesses look at the schools to see what needs have to be addressed, and then getting the community involved in deciding what needs have to be addressed in a referendum is shot down with little or no discussion in favor of having an independent study of the district and its needs done (and at a significant cost), one has to wonder where the priorities of the School Board really lie. The referendum is in our future, and the study that the School Board is requesting proposals for is meant to “sell” it to the citizens of this city and school district.

Another topic of discussion was the request from the School Board to authorize the sale and/or disposal of school property if determined appropriate by the Board. This was denied and left as an open issue pending change of the language prohibiting the school from selling land or buildings without the community's approval. It didn't sound like this issue would be addressed until next year's Annual Meeting.

Other concerns were brought up as well. We all know that our young people need to be aware of what is happening in the world. However, we are a School District of a State of the United States. We are not a School District of the World. We need to teach our students about our own history, laws and citizenship (and its responsibilities) first, and then look outside our borders.

Curriculum replacements and upgrades are something every school district looks at and needs to be aware of. We were very unhappy with some of the curriculum being used and the lack of the fundamentals being taught to our children. I asked that when any curriculum comes up for review, that I, along with other parents, be able to research it, read and critique it. Even if we aren't utilizing Kiel Area School District for our children, we still want the best education for all of the students attending the schools.

I walked away from the meeting last night with an understanding of where the School Board is coming from, but with a very skeptical view of just how serious they are about cutting costs and minimizing the effect on the taxpayers. We need more people to get involved. The Valders School District had their Annual Meeting last week and had over 200 people there. We were lucky to have 30 people, including School Board members and District personnel.

Friday, October 15, 2010

October Meeting Notes

Meeting Notes for October Meeting

Call to order

Pledge of Allegiance

September Meeting Notes—none—only one person showed up besides us

Current issues discussed:

Voting transportation. Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement is offering rides to anyone who cannot get out to vote (just within the city limits of Kiel.) Call an elderly neighbor, check with friends. We need to make the voting accessible to all who will accept that responsibility.

Speaking up in churches. Our duty to God underlines our duty as citizens. As a Judeo-Christian country, we do need to keep politics apart from religion, but we need to support each other in our community in a Christian manner. This, to me, includes helping those less fortunate in providing an opportunity to perform their civic duty. Keep politics out of church, but offer rides to those needing it. Don't support any political candidate or party—keep it neutral.

Attending City Council meetings and School Board meetings. This is important because we need to be able to address our local government as much as possible on the issues that affect us. Do you have an opinion on the current fence issue? Do you have an opinion on who serves on the Library or School Board? How about the Binding Arbitration issues we face as a community? The only way we can make this known is to attend meetings. Boring they may be, as our 3rd graders say, but we need to keep our officials accountable to us—we hired them!

Take responsibility for our city. This falls on our shoulders. Too many times we are left wondering why ordinances are changed or new ones put in place. We need to shoulder the responsibility of being a citizen of this city, county, state, and country. We live here but it isn't without its cost. That cost is getting involved. Talk about politics with whoever you can engage in a respectful manner. Don't force your opinions down someone's throat, and don't let them do it to you. Listen to their opinions, and offer your own. Leave it at that. Do research your facts so you know they are the truth. Only the truth matters.

Open discussion. The floor was opened to those attending. Issues ranged from: the recent example of the stock market just prior to the crash that caused the Great Depression overlaid on the current stock market swings; the possibility of violence if the Republicans win the mid-term elections; the state of the state; the attitude of those in positions of authority and the lack of wanting to step outside our comfort zones to run for office for fear of failure.

Our next meeting will be on November 18, 2010. It will be at 6:30pm at the Stoelting House, Kiel, WI. Any questions or comments, please e-mail or call us at 920-894-1410.

Three Articles Well Worth Reading

You Thought I Was Kidding
"The definition of freedom is the absence of coercion or constraint in choice or action. Most North Americans claim to love freedom, yet I am constantly amazed at how easily we are willing to give it away for what government tells us is “your own good.”"
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/28711


Dems' Demons: Voters Who Pay Attention
"The question in Wisconsin, as elsewhere, is whether the voters want more political cleverness of the kind that has gotten this economy into its present predicament."
http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=550293&p=2


Three Things Government Cannot Do
"Governments can provide certain services -- like protection of private property or defense from foreign enemies. Governments can also, through taxes, fees, and regulations, redistribute wealth and control some aspects of the goods and services that come to the market...Everything else that we are told that governments can do for us is fanciful fiction. "
http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/10/three_things_government_cannot.html

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Editorial for Herald Times Reporter, Sheboygan Press and Tri-County News

Wisconsin Citizens Involvement, a local independent citizens group, (www.wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com) would like to support Jack Lechler (I) for the State Assembly District 27 seat. His opponent Steve Kestell (R) has been in this seat for 10 years and it is time for change. We believe Jack will bring new ideas to our state that is now $2.5 billion in debt and over 230,000 unemployed workers which Steve has been part of. Jack is running an independent campaign without any special interest money. On the other hand Steve Kestell has received $51,010.00 from special interest groups. This can lead a candidate to support laws or to introduce laws that help those who helped finance your campaign. Look at our current President who received millions of dollars from the unions and how he supports laws that bail the unions out or help them profit.

Some of the issues Jack supports are Term Limits which is needed to keep corruption to a minimum. Putting the control back in our local governments to allow the citizens decide what is best for the community, not the State legislature in Madison. Providing an ID to vote to help stop voter fraud. The last is to stop the train project cold in it's tracks.

Please elect an independent voice to our State Assembly and vote for Jack Lechler on November 2nd.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

October Meeting Date

The October meeting for the Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement group will be on October 14, 2010 at 6:30pm at the Stoelting House in Kiel.

Any questions can be directed to Patty or Randy at 920-894-1410.

Please come and get involved!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Support Jack Lechler (I) for the State Assembly District 27 seat

Wisconsin Citizens Involvement, a local citizens group, (www.wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com/) would like to support Jack Lechler (I) for the State Assembly District 27 seat. His opponent Steve Kestell has been in this seat for 10 years and it is time for change.

Jack will bring new ideas to our state that is now $2.5 billion in debt and over 230,000 unemployed workers which Steve has been part of.

Please elect an independent voice to our State Assembly and vote for Jack Lechler on November 2nd.



Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.


We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for by these very courageous women.

Remember the timeline of voting rights in the United States:

1776 –White property owning males have the right to vote

1792 –New Hampshire eliminates property qualifications for voting

1856 –Some property qualifications in North Carolina are eliminated

1869 –Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution is passed giving African American males the right to vote

1870 –Fifteenth Amendment is ratified expanding the franchise to freed slaves and other African Americans

1920 –Native Americans who abandon their tribes earn the right to vote

1920 –The Nineteenth Amendment adopted in 1919 is ratified, giving women the right to vote

1923 –Asian Indians are given the right to vote

1924 –Non-citizen Indians born in the United States are declared citizens and given the right to vote

1943 –Chinese citizens are given the right to citizenship and the right to vote

1960 –Congress passes the Civil Rights Act of 1960

1965 –The Voting Rights Act is passed

1971 –the 26th Amendment is ratified, giving 18 year-olds the right to vote



Tuesday, November 2nd VOTE!!!!!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Debt mounts in States

As you can see in the chart that our state taxes raise and so does our debt. Doyle raised taxes in 3 of the 4 categories listed.

We need to get involved to fight this and stop trying to ignore it. If we continue to ignore the problems then the government will continue to "FIX" the problems and put us deeper in debt.



















Also if you want to see our state debt click here:
http://www.usdebtclock.org/state-debt-clocks/state-of-wisconsin-debt-clock.html

This shows us that
we are now $50,675,306,764.00 in debt as a state which is $8,825 per citizen or $35,300 for a family of 4.

Monday, September 27, 2010

November is Coming ......

Great video that shows the people are done with the D's and R's

Monday, August 30, 2010

READER OPINION-It's our Republic we need to stay involved in it

This is an opinion piece I wrote for the Tri-county newspaper.

To the editor,
Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement would like to thank all three candidates who participated in the Question and Answer Forum on August 19, 2010. We would also like to thank all of the people who took the time to come and listen to what the candidates had to say. Without this type of information, how can people decide on which candidate is the best to vote for?
I would like to see more people take the time to get involved in government issues. I know previous generations of my family have done so. My great-grandparents left an oppressive government in Czechoslovakia to come to the one and only free country on Earth-the United States of America. If we don't get involved soon, the freedoms we currently have will no longer be there for future generations. I don't want to be the generation that loses that dream of my great-grandparents and our fore-fathers. That is why we started our group and are getting involved.
This also ties into immigration. We do need to have immigration to renew the feeling of gratitude for the freedoms we have. This only happens when we have legal immigrants who work for their citizenship and then they can truly appreciate our country. Those who bypass this system do not have the same appreciation and love for our country. I remember hearing stories from my grandparents on the love of our country and the appreciation for the opportunity to succeed. They did not have any guarantees they would succeed, just the dream of the freedom to do so. They also assimilated into the country and their community. They learned English and did not make others bend to their heritage and language.
Also remember, we are a Republic, not a Democracy. There is a huge difference, and that is why my family fled Europe. If you want to keep this Republic and freedom, please get involved.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Glenn Beck rally

We attended the rally. It was amazing to see the amount of people there.

Video of the event:
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/295231-1

Some pictures of the crowds, taken by others.

glenn beck 8-28 rallyglenn beck 8-28 rallyglenn beck 8-28 rally

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The candidate forum video

Thanks to Wisconsin Eye for taping the session.

This is a link:
http://www.wiseye.org/wisEye_programming/campaign10/ARCHIVES-CPN10_GOV.html#3919

It is in 2 parts and requires Windows media player to play. The video is very small and hard to see.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Pictures from candidate forum on 4-19-2010

Thanks again for the three candidates: Steve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack Lechler. We also thank all of you who came to the forum.

Steve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerThe audienceThe audienceWill moderating the forumSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack LechlerSteve Kestell, Randy Meyer and Jack Lechler

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

This is why we are involved, will you?

This is a video that will explain why we got involved. I hope you get others to get involved as well. If we don't fight for our rights and constitution we will no longer be America, we will be like Europe. By the way, didn't our own families run from Europe to be in a system that you can succeed or even fail. I know my great grandparents came for that reason and I will fight to keep that dream alive for my children and future generations!
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wusgcG4rfo&feature=player_embedded

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

No August Meeting

There will be no meeting of the Kiel Patriots/Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement in August. We are traveling to Washington DC with our children to take part in the Defending the American Dream Summit and Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor Rally. We will update the blogs when we return. Thanks for understanding.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Paying for the cost of freedom a citizens duty

8/6/2010 8:24:00 AM
To the editor,
When we think of the cost of freedom, our thoughts generally turn to our military personnel who are serving, have served, or have paid the ultimate price. How many also think of the cost we, as citizens, also bear? I'm talking about the civic duty we owe to our country, state, community and our fellow Americans. We owe it to our children, parents, military, and ourselves, to be as involved as possible in the preservation of our "inalienable rights" as the Constitution states.

This debt is one we deepen when we don't know enough about our candidates, don't take time to learn about the issues we vote on or have our representatives at every level of government vote on for us. It deepens when we don't educate ourselves and others on the real issues, the truth behind the news headlines, the real state of our country, state and community. Look at the last presidential election; many people did not take the time to research the candidates. Many people just voted for a slogan, "Change." Ask yourself how that is working for America. When we aren't willing to give of ourselves a small portion, when we give others the authority to make our decisions for us without our input, we become willing slaves to whatever that authority decides is best. Have you quietly handed your responsibilities as a citizen of this nation to someone else because you "didn't have time," "didn't know enough," "don't have an interest in it," or "don't care?" Be honest with yourself.

This once-great nation needs "We the People" now more than ever. It matters not if you affiliate yourself with the Republicans, Democrats, or no party at all. There is more to your civic duty that marking a box on a ballot or pulling a lever. What does the candidate stand for? Does the candidate listen to you? Who does the candidate represent-their party or you? Have you spoken with them? Ask yourself these questions and find the answers-and don't just get the information from one. Be aware of who you're getting your information from, get it from the original source.
This is your call to action. Many of you are probably wondering how to get involved. Attend City Council and School Board meetings, attend debates and discussion forums, learn who your candidates are and what they stand for, and especially important, educate yourself and others. The library is free and has many resources available.

Only by exercising our Constitutional rights will we retain them. Get involved at any level you can. You can make a difference.

Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement, a local non-profit, non-partisan citizens group, will be sponsoring a Question and Answer Forum with the three candidates running for District 27 Assembly Seat. Watch for more details in this and next week's paper. Visit their blog at http://wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com/ to find out more about the group and for more information on the upcoming forum.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Press Release

Press Release
Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement
920-894-1410
freedom4choices@yahoo.com
July 28, 2010
For immediate release


Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement, a local non-profit, non-partisan citizens group is sponsoring a Question and Answer Forum with the three candidates running for the District 27 State Assembly Seat which includes the townships of Sheboygan Falls, Sheboygan, Mosel, Plymouth, Rhine, Herman, Greenbush, Russell, New Holstein, Forest, Brothertown, Charlestown, Schleswig, Marshfield and Calumet. This event will be taking place on August 19, 2010 at 7:00pm at Kiel High School Auditorium. The public is welcome to attend.

“We feel that it is important to know who the candidates are, what they believe in, and who they represent—their constituents or their party,” says Patty Kubetz. “We are working with all three candidates in setting up this Forum, and striving to educate ourselves and our community so that the best decisions can be made by the voters.”

The group is founded by Randy and Patty Kubetz, from Kiel, Wisconsin. They meet once a month to discuss current issues and to work toward local citizen involvement. The group's members get involved by attending City Council and School Board meetings, working with Constitutional-minded candidates, volunteering time and energy to help campaign, working get fiscally responsible, common-sense people elected to office, supporting State's Rights and holding elected officials accountable.

Watch for more information in the coming weeks. If you would like to submit a question for the candidates, Randy or Patty can be reached at freedom4choices@yahoo.com or 920-894-1410.

Visit their blog at http://wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com/ .

Invitation to a Q & A Forum with the Candidates

Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement

Invites You to a Question and Answer Forum with the Candidates for District 27 Assembly Seat

Date: August 19, 2010

Time: 7:00pm

Place: Kiel High School Auditorium
210 Raider Heights
Kiel, WI 53042-1747

E-mail your questions to freedom4choices@yahoo.com
or call Patty or Randy at 920-894-1410
by August 16, 2010.

Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement is a non-profit, non-partisan citizens group promoting community involvement and supporting Constitutional-minded candidates.

http://wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com/

The Cost of Freedom

The Cost of Freedom by Patty Kubetz

When we think of the cost of freedom, our thoughts generally turn to our military personnel who are serving, have served, or have paid the ultimate price. How many also think of the cost we, as citizens, also bear?

I'm talking about the civic duty we owe to our country, state, community and our fellow Americans. We owe it to our children, parents, military, and ourselves,to be as involved as possible in the preservation of our “inalienable rights” as the Constitution states.

This debt is one we deepen when we don't know enough about our candidates, don't take time to learn about the issues we vote on or have our representatives at every level of government vote on for us. It deepens when we don't educate ourselves and others on the real issues, the truth behind the news headlines, the real state of our country, state and community. Look at the last presidential election; many people did not take the time to research the candidates. Many people just voted for a slogan, “Change.” Ask yourself how that is working for America. When we aren't willing to give of ourselves a small portion, when we give others the authority to make our decisions for us without our input, we become willing slaves to whatever that authority decides is best. Have you quietly handed your responsibilities as a citizen of this nation to someone else because you “didn't have time,” “didn't know enough,” “don't have an interest in it,” or “don't care?” Be honest with yourself.

This once-great nation needs “We the People” now more than ever. It matters not if you affiliate yourself with the Republicans, Democrats, or no party at all. There is more to your civic duty that marking a box on a ballot or pulling a lever. What does the candidate stand for? Does the candidate listen to you? Who does the candidate represent—their party or you? Have you spoken with them? Ask yourself these questions and find the answers—and don't just get the information from one. Be aware of who you're getting your information from, get it from the original source.

This is your call to action. Many of you are probably wondering how to get involved. Attend City Council and School Board meetings, attend debates and discussion forums, learn who your candidates are and what they stand for, and especially important, educate yourself and others. The library is free and has many resources available.

Only by exercising our Constitutional rights will we retain them. Get involved at any level you can. You can make a difference.

Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement, a local non-profit, non-partisan, citizens group, will be sponsoring a Question and Answer Forum with the three candidates running for District 27 Assembly Seat. Watch for more details in next week's paper. Visit their blog at http://wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com/ to find out more about the group and for more information on the upcoming forum.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Meeting Notes July 2010

Thank you to everyone who attended our July 22, 2010 meeting.

We began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Ben and Elaine Kubetz.

We briefly went over the discussion notes from our June meeting.

First on our agenda was a discussion on whether or not to support a call to action by Jack Lechler regarding a "Town Hall" type debate with the three candidates running for the 27th District Assembly seat. As a group, Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement decided that we would call Representative Steve Kestell, Candidate Randy Meyer, and Candidate Jack Lechler to set up a public discussion forum. Mr. Lechler was kind enough to call the school and we tentatively have the week of August 16th available for the candidates to meet.

We discussed which candidates to support in the upcoming primaries/election season. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ron Johnson, running against Russ Feingold, current Democratic incumbent, was given our support. We will be contacting Mr. Johnson's campaign to see if he'd be interested in coming to our area in the near future.

There was a lively ongoing discussion on immigration and the fallout from the recent government action against Arizona. We also touched on how immigration affects us as taxpayers, and the country as a whole.

Mr. Lechler mentioned that he had met with the new Kiel Area School District Superintendent. I have sent a letter of invitation to Ms. Louise Blankenheim to come to our next meeting. I will follow this up with a personal invite when I meet with her in the next week or so.

We discussed the recent vote by Kiel Mayor Werdeo regarding the wage increase for the wastewater treatment employees. With our economy in such dire straits, we need to be watching every penny, at every level of government. We discussed meeting with the mayors of the surrounding communities to see if they would be interested in working together to fight the union arbitration and wage increase demands. I will be sending out letters by next week Wednesday.

Mr. Lechler brought to our attention one of the many letters he had received since announcing his candidacy for the Assembly seat. This particular letter was from Ms. Julaine Appling, with Wisconsin Family Action. He gave me a copy of this letter, and I will be contacting Ms. Appling in regards to some of the past issues we have discussed.

Our next meeting will be on August 26, 2010 at 6:30pm at the Stoelting House in Kiel. We hope you can attend. Remember, if you don't use your voice, you lose it!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

This video says it all

If this does not bring a lump to your throat and maybe a tear to your eye, well you are a heartless progressive.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Political cartoon from 1930's
























As we all know history seems to repeat itself. This cartoon from 60 years ago applies to today's government.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Police get overtime while being suspended!

Who ever said the unions are not ruining America. Checkout this clip talking about police getting overtime payments while they are suspended!

http://www.breitbart.tv/union-rules-suspended-cops-get-overtime-pay/

We need to do something as citizens to stop the madness.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Progressive ratings for Wisconsin representitives

Progressive Patriots - Net Congressional Score - May 14, 2010

Office Dist Name Party Rating
U.S. Senate Sr Herbert Kohl Democratic 46
U.S. Senate Jr Russell Feingold Democratic 74
U.S. House 1 Paul Ryan Republican -31
U.S. House 2 Tammy Baldwin Democratic 59
U.S. House 3 Ronald Kind Democratic 14
U.S. House 4 Gwendolynne Moore Democratic 40
U.S. House 5 F. James Sensenbrenner Republican -45
U.S. House 6 Thomas Petri Republican -23
U.S. House 7 David Ross Obey Democratic 10
U.S. House 8 Steven Kagen Democratic 24

These are the rating of Wisconsin Representatives. The lower the rating the more constitutional they are and the higher numbers are the most progressive anti-constitutional they are. Russ Feingold is the most progressive member Wisconsin has with a 74. I was shocked that Sensenbrenner with a -45 was the most conservative and beat out Paul Ryan with a -31.

When you go to http://www.votesmart.org/ and enter in your zip code. It shows all the representatives and from there Click on the persons name. Then click on Ratings to see the persons ratings for all sorts of groups. This is interesting and informative on where the candidates stand. Thanks to Randy for pointing out this information.

If you do not know what a progressive is look here for a definition http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12640.cfm and form your own opinion. We believe that progressives are anti-constitutional people and believe in social justice instead of equal justice.

Written by Randy Kubetz
email me here: kielpatriots@gmail.com

Monday, May 24, 2010

Meeting Notes 5/20/2010

Our May meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an overview of last month's meeting. We recognized Guy Grube, City Council Member, and Cynthia Schmahl, School Board President, for coming to our April meeting.

We were joined this month by Randy Meyer, Mayor of the City of Sheboygan Falls, and Steve Kestell, State Representative of the 27th Assembly District.

A lively discussion of current news items followed.

The legislature recently signed into law in Arizona regarding illegal immigration, and the legality of it, was our first topic. Input from meeting attendees was positive regarding the law. If you have time, read the 16 pages of this law. I am not a lawyer, yet it seemed pretty airtight and legal to me. Read it and make your own determination, don't depend on the media to interpret it for you.

Several recent stories of students being disciplined and/or mocked for displaying, drawing, and defending the United States Flag. Further discussion ensued regarding the state of our education system. Steve Kestell informed us that Kiel Area School District receives roughly 2/3 of its money from the State of Wisconsin. We have, by allowing the State to pick up more of the education tab, given them more power and jurisdiction over our children and what and how they are being taught. I briefly touched on an issue we recently had to address with Zelanis Elementary and the difference of opinion on Earth Day.

Another story in the news (Fox News covered it, but I don't know if any other network did.) was that of SEIU (Service Employees International Union) and National People's Action busing 700 people from 20 different states to "protest" outside private homes. One of those was Greg Baer, Deputy General Counsel, Bank of America. This gentleman was at a Little League game with his 12 year old son, leaving his 14 year old son at home alone. The teen was so frightened when the angry mob surrounded the home that he hid and called his dad. The police were called, but refused to respond, saying that a police presence would "likely incite violence." Mr. Baer ended up parking a few blocks away and then walking back to rescue his son. He was treated to verbal abuse and total lack of respect. This man has been a life-long Democrat and a ranking official in the Clinton Administration. The protesters were completely out of line.

We have a right to protest. What I found so disturbing about this news item was that: #1. The police didn't respond, #2. These people were trespassing on private property, #3. There was no respect for family or children.

When we protest, we need to show respect. When we protest someone's actions, or business, we have to leave family out of the picture. We have the right to PEACEFUL protest, not scaring innocent children and harassing family members.

We need to put pressure on our State Representatives to end media arbitration. When teachers and city workers have a guaranteed raise each year, the economy doesn't seem quite so bad to them. I don't have a bone to pick with teachers, heaven only knows how hard they work to educate our children, but the teachers unions are getting too big, and don't have the best interests of the people they are supposed to represent at heart.

Mention was made that our voices are being heard. The “Motor Voter” bill which would automatically register anyone who gets a drivers license for voting, opening the door for massive voter fraud, was soundly defeated thanks to all the calls, letters, e-mails and communication with our legislative representatives. The “Global Warming” bill which would expand the governmental rules and regulations to reduce emissions from factories and automobiles and making many other regulatory changes that would further paralyze Wisconsin's economy and job market.

Our next meeting will be held on June 24, 2010, at 6:30pm at the Stoelting House in Kiel. Come if you can, and bring your concerns and join the discussion. Anyone is welcome.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Do Not Blame Barack

I found this inspiring and thought-provoking article on a website called American Thinker. You can visit them at http://www.americanthinker.com/

The article is entitled Do Not Blame Barack, by Selwyn Duke, and the link to it is below:

http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/10/do_not_blame_barack.html

The article is a bit lengthy, but so worth reading!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

City information

Just to let you all know I posted the city council meeting minutes at this attached site:
http://kielpatriots.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-first-kiel-city-council-meeting.html

We plan on keeping this main blog for state news and other information for everyone. We will post Kiel council meeting info at the http://kielpatriots.blogspot.com site. We would like people from other local communities to start their own blogs and we can link to it off of the main page. This is our first stab at putting this information out. Please attach comments or e-mail us with ideas and suggestions.

Let's all get involved and take back our governments.

Randy Kubetz

READER OPINION-Reader offers call to action, and local option

This is the article Patty wrote for the newspaper in case you did not see it.

4/16/2010 12:04:00 PM
READER OPINION-Reader offers call to action, and local option


To the editor, A Call to Action Have you heard? The State of Wisconsin closed its 2008/2009 books with a $2.71 billion deficit in its general fund. This according to Todd Berry, President of Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. In an article titled "The $2.7 billion state deficit no one told you about" in the Conservative Digest, he further states that this is the fifth consecutive year that the GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practices) shortfall exceeded $2 billion and the ninth that it has topped $1 billion. Pew Trusts recently named Wisconsin one of the ten states most in "fiscal peril."

We're in the midst of a recession. The situation isn't getting better. Unemployment isn't going down, jobs aren't coming back and people all over this state are hurting. Nearly 1 in 10 people are out of work. Yet, we have a governor who is not listening to the people when it comes to cutting back on some of the funding, earmarks, and pet projects. Doyle has already purchased the trains for his high- speed train project, an $810 million federal government handout that will cost us, the citizens of Wisconsin, billions for the upkeep and maintenance. He has been pushing the global warming bill, which will increase costs (at a minimal guesstimate of $16 billion a year) to each and every one of us. Why do I bring these issues up? Why do I want to remind anyone of the difficult times we're living in and the problems we have? Because we can do something about it! You see each of us has a duty to do what we can when we can. Part of that duty is getting out to vote. We only had a 22% voter turnout on April 6, 2010. Does this make it okay for the 78% who didn't vote to complain about how bad things are going? I think not. If you don't use your voice, you lose it. We have become complacent about the government and the idea that we can't change anything. If we don't vote, don't attend City Council meetings, School Board meetings, or get involved in our community, how can we expect the mayor or the School Board to know what we want, expect, or are concerned about? When we get involved at a community level, the ripple effect is far-reaching. You can find people who want to make a difference working together to deal with the difficult issues head-on. One of those groups is right here in Kiel. Calling themselves "Wisconsin Citizen's Involvement," these local citizens are supporting candidates with Constitutional values, supporting officials who have shown exceptional leadership, and attending meetings to make their concerns known. If you're interested in the group, visit their blog at http://wisconsincitizens.blogspot.com/ to see their updates and learn how you too, can get involved. They meet once a month, their next meeting will be held on April 22, 6 p.m. at the Stoelting House in Kiel.

Patty Kubetz

link: http://www.tcnewsonline.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=12183&SectionID=10&SubSectionID=18&S=1

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Some pictures from the tea party

There were about 800 people braving the icy day. You can click on the pictures to get a full size shot.

bumper stickersYoung PatriotsYoung PatriotsYoung PatriotsOne of the many signsCrowd shotCrowd shotCrowd shotCrowd shotCrowd shotLloyd MarcusThe Rivoli RevueRapper PolatikCandidate for Gov, Mark NeumannCandidate for Lt Gov, Rebecca KleefischTea Party busesTea Party bus

Link to the pictures:
http://s809.photobucket.com/albums/zz14/kielpatriots/Green%20Bay%20Tea%20Party%204-7-2010/