Immigration Issues In Dane County
A panel discussion sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Dane County held Sept. 9, 2025.
Beyond Anger
How You Can Help Save Our Democracy
Matt Rothschild, former editor and publisher of The Progressive magazine and executive director of Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. reviews the authoritarian threats and the importance of nonviolent opposition.
- To reach potential voters, Rothschild suggests sending a letter (about 100 words) or editorial (abut 350 words) to your local newspaper.
- Write the first sentence (the most difficult step in the process.
- Stick to one topic.
- Keep writing, even if distractions beckon or you're uncertain about spelling or a fact. You can add the correct information later.
- Read what you've written out loud. Doing so reveals awkward phrases and lapses in logic that may not be apparent by reading silently.
- Want a second opinion? Rothschild is willing to review what you've written. Email him at [email protected].
Support independent reporting about the horrific conditions on ICE deportation flights and the companies that profit from them.
Citizens successfully resist ICE plans for deportation centers.
The League of Women Voters has numerous initiatives to preserve democracy.
FItchburg Resists demonstrated their opposition to motorists on June 4, June 27, and July 2.
John Fournelle explains why he founded Fitchburg Resists.
Why I Resist
John Fournelle has never been reluctant to share his political views, and certainly not during Trump’s second term. His yard has sprouted 10 signs that express facets of his objections, from war and militarism, to racism and discrimination, and inhumane treatment of immigrants (his grandfather was one).
The 79 year-old retired UW geoscientist has 60 years of social activism under his belt, dating from his objection to Nixon’s bombing of Vietnam in December 1966 when he was a student in Washington, D.C.
He’s active in numerous social causes, including Veterans for Peace and Union of Concerned Scientists, helps build the yearly Memorial Mile in Olbrich Park to remind people of the costs of war.
With his wife Judi Munaker, he helped create Horizon High School, Dane County’s 21-year old recovery high school. The enthusiastic response to anti-authoritarian demonstrations in Belleville and New Glarus led him to create Fitchburg Resists.
“I am convinced that Trump does not have the support of the majority of Americans. Public displays of opposition to Trump are essential.
“Like one of my signs states, ‘Democracy is not a spectator sport’–you have to be active and engage in any way you can.”
Join US
Other sources:
Wisconsin Fair Maps A coalition of dozens of organizations and thousands of volunteers supporting Independent Redistricting Commission legislation to ensure fair maps for future generations.
Wisconsin Democracy Campaign A nonprofit, nonpartisan watchdog group that advocates for campaign finance reform and other policies that promote democracy.
–Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice A network of 94 organizations working for peace, justice and sustainability.
Voces de la Frontera – Madison A community organization led by low-wage workers, immigrants and youth supporting civil rights and workers’ rights .
Also of interest: How a totalitarian regime was toppled in Hungary