The SouthWest Wisconsin Area Progressives (SWWAP) is a local Mt. Horeb area democracy-in-action group advocating progressive government policies that work for a sustainable future. The group is committed to educating the public, as well as itself, in current events. SWWAP believes that such an ongoing education is necessary in order to participate in our democracy as informed citizens in this warp-speed world we live,. The group holds education forums, encourages campaign volunteer opportunities for progressive candidates, organizes social activities, and works with other progressive groups in southern Wisconsin. Serving area progressive community since 2004.

"The big system can be pretty overwhelming. We know that we can’t beat them by competing with them. What we can do is build small systems where we live and work that serve our needs as we define us and not as they ‘re defined for us. The big boys in their shining armor are up there on castle walls hurling their thunderbolts. We’re the ants patiently carrying sand a grain at a time from under the castle wall. We work from the bottom up. The knights up there don’t see the ants and don’t know what we’re doing. They’ll figure it out only when the wall begins to fall. It takes time and quiet persistence. Always remember this: They fight with money and we resist with time, and they’re going to run out of money before we run out of time."
-Utah Phillips

For those electors who live in the Village of Mt. Horeb, please refer to the following voting informaiton. https://www.mounthorebwi.info/departments-services/village-clerk-treasurer/election-information

The letter below was written by Rev. Brad Brookins, Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives, and the Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability, and is offered to Mt. Horeb and surrounding communities in hope of garnering signatures from people who support its sentiments. Once everyone who wishes to has had the opportunity to sign, this letter will be sent on to a variety of Muslim communities in Madison. We will be circulating the letter through any area civic organizations and churches that want to participate, as well as through web sites, Facebook pages and email connections.

If you would like to sign directly, please go here. 

An open letter to our Muslim neighbors:

Dear Friends,

Recent weeks have brought more violence—in Paris and Beirut, in California and in the sky over Egypt. In a terribly misguided and reactionary response in this country, Muslim places of worship are being targeted for vandalism; hate crimes and threats of violence against American Muslims are becoming even more common. None of this reflects the best of the religious traditions that can guide us toward an open and inclusive society. All of this contradicts the highest American values of equality, fairness, generosity and the Constitutional protection of freedom of religion that are held by religious and secular people alike. Violence and hatred can never bring us to peace and friendship. In every setting they are to be deplored by women and men of good will and good sense.

We are writing this letter because we reject the hateful rhetoric now coming from some American politicians and religious leaders. Their expressions of fearfulness are putting great strain on Muslim communities. They do not speak for us. Even in times of crisis, and especially in times of crisis, we will not give into fear by turning our backs on our values or on you, our valued friends and neighbors.

Our thoughts toward you are of simple kindness and acceptance. We believe yours are the same toward us. We want you to know we stand with you in these anxious times and we will resist the efforts of those who would demean your faith or restrict your freedom.

We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers and ask you to do the same for us.

As-salamu alaykum. Shalom Aleichem. Peace be with you.

 images/religious-freedom-challenged.jpg

The letter below was written by Rev. Brad Brookins, Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives, and the Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability, and is offered to Mt. Horeb and surrounding communities in hope of garnering signatures from people who support its sentiments. Once everyone who wishes to has had the opportunity to sign, this letter will be sent on to a variety of Muslim communities in Madison. We will be circulating the letter through any area civic organizations and churches that want to participate, as well as through web sites, Facebook pages and email connections.

If you would like to sign directly, please go here. 

An open letter to our Muslim neighbors:

Dear Friends,

Recent weeks have brought more violence—in Paris and Beirut, in California and in the sky over Egypt. In a terribly misguided and reactionary response in this country, Muslim places of worship are being targeted for vandalism; hate crimes and threats of violence against American Muslims are becoming even more common. None of this reflects the best of the religious traditions that can guide us toward an open and inclusive society. All of this contradicts the highest American values of equality, fairness, generosity and the Constitutional protection of freedom of religion that are held by religious and secular people alike. Violence and hatred can never bring us to peace and friendship. In every setting they are to be deplored by women and men of good will and good sense.

We are writing this letter because we reject the hateful rhetoric now coming from some American politicians and religious leaders. Their expressions of fearfulness are putting great strain on Muslim communities. They do not speak for us. Even in times of crisis, and especially in times of crisis, we will not give into fear by turning our backs on our values or on you, our valued friends and neighbors.

Our thoughts toward you are of simple kindness and acceptance. We believe yours are the same toward us. We want you to know we stand with you in these anxious times and we will resist the efforts of those who would demean your faith or restrict your freedom.

We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers and ask you to do the same for us.

As-salamu alaykum. Shalom Aleichem. Peace be with you.

 images/religious-freedom-challenged.jpg

The letter below was written by Rev. Brad Brookins, Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives, and the Farley Center for Peace, Justice and Sustainability, and is offered to Mt. Horeb and surrounding communities in hope of garnering signatures from people who support its sentiments. Once everyone who wishes to has had the opportunity to sign, this letter will be sent on to a variety of Muslim communities in Madison. We will be circulating the letter through any area civic organizations and churches that want to participate, as well as through web sites, Facebook pages and email connections.

If you would like to sign directly, please go here. 

An open letter to our Muslim neighbors:

Dear Friends,

Recent weeks have brought more violence—in Paris and Beirut, in California and in the sky over Egypt. In a terribly misguided and reactionary response in this country, Muslim places of worship are being targeted for vandalism; hate crimes and threats of violence against American Muslims are becoming even more common. None of this reflects the best of the religious traditions that can guide us toward an open and inclusive society. All of this contradicts the highest American values of equality, fairness, generosity and the Constitutional protection of freedom of religion that are held by religious and secular people alike. Violence and hatred can never bring us to peace and friendship. In every setting they are to be deplored by women and men of good will and good sense.

We are writing this letter because we reject the hateful rhetoric now coming from some American politicians and religious leaders. Their expressions of fearfulness are putting great strain on Muslim communities. They do not speak for us. Even in times of crisis, and especially in times of crisis, we will not give into fear by turning our backs on our values or on you, our valued friends and neighbors.

Our thoughts toward you are of simple kindness and acceptance. We believe yours are the same toward us. We want you to know we stand with you in these anxious times and we will resist the efforts of those who would demean your faith or restrict your freedom.

We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers and ask you to do the same for us.

As-salamu alaykum. Shalom Aleichem. Peace be with you.

 images/religious-freedom-challenged.jpg

If you go inside the Wisconsin State Capitol any weekday at noon, you will experience a unique tradition that dates back to March 11, 2011: the Solidarity Sing Along in the rotunda. The Solidarity Sing Along is not an organized group in any sense of the word. It is more akin to a living organism, with anyone welcome to join in and songs evolving with the day’s news. Those who come to sing are from diverse backgrounds, but lend their voice united in a people’s choir. The Sing Along songbook includes old standards, sung for generations in different protest settings. Some lyrics are modified to address Wisconsin’s current political condition. Also included are popular tunes with entirely new lyrics, which speak to dissent against the current state political leaders. When the Sing Along is outside on the Capitol Grounds (usually on Fridays), many participants bring instruments to back the singers. The collection of banjo, guitar, drum, trombone, accordion and rhythm players have dubbed themselves ”The Learning Curve.”

In the summer of 2013, a push to silence the songs came from the Capitol Police. Throughout the summer, singers ranging in age from 14 to 85 were arrested and handcuffed for practicing their constitutional right of free speech. All prosecutions have now been dismissed on constitutional grounds, and the arrests have been berated throughout the legal community. Unintimidated by the heavy-handed crackdown on their rights, the Solidarity Sing Along remains a powerful symbol of dissent to Wisconsin’s present political path.  

Beginning at noon on Sunday, September 27, the Sing Along will move to Mt. Horeb’s historic District #1 Schoolhouse for the day. Songbooks will be available and The Learning Curve will be on hand to lead the sing. All are invited to attend this celebration of free speech and join in the fun. Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives and Progressive Partners of Dane County are sponsoring this event, which will also serve as a collection point for donations to the area food pantry. All are invited to bring non-perishable food items for our area’s neediest. This event is free and open to the public. It will be held rain (inside) or shine (outside). Come hear the people sing along . . .

“This land is your land

This land is my land

From Lake Geneva To Madeline Island

From the rolling prairies

To our lovely dairies

Wisconsin was made for you and me”

Perhaps you have participated in a SWWAP-sponsored event. If so, you know of the organization, which has served the greater Mt. Horeb Area for the past decade. If not, permit SWWAP to introduce itself.

Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives (SWWAP) was formed in 2004 by a group of politically homeless citizens in the Mt. Horeb area. George W. Bush was president and progressives were feeling angst about the prospect of another Bush term in office. Around a kitchen table in the Town of Primrose, an idea arose. Instead of only campaigning every election cycle, why not work year-round to educate ourselves and others on state and national issues that need to be addressed. It was reasoned that through programming, social events, and a good dose of fun, progressives would have a better chance at winning elections. SWWAP was born.

The organization that first year had public programming on the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It hosted speakers and films about the country's health care system, environmental concerns, and, yes, the upcoming election. The group held social events to fund full-page ads in all Mt. Horeb area papers and shoppers. The group held its breath and hoped for a change in government. It turned out that change would not happen, for in 2004, Bush would be re-elected and conservatives would continue a stranglehold on progressive initiatives. Jump ahead ten years, and the need for progressive action is still great. SWWAP has been there throughout those years, and it will be here in the foreseeable future.

Throughout the years, SWWAP has provided more than sixty programs on current issues to the public. Some of the programs over the last two years that SWWAP has produced or sponsored are: two candidate forums; programs by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Citizens' Climate Lobby, Sierra Club, and blue jean revolution; public service fundraisers for the area food bank, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, and Southwest Dane Senior Outreach; two sponsored concerts at the Old Schoolhouse; and help with campaign volunteers in elections.

All of the above programming required personal effort and funds. We are asking you for a yearly contribution of either or both. A yearly contribution of funds, large or small, will allow SWWAP to expand its programming in coming years and establish a stable financial base on which to work. Your yearly donation will allow you to be part of SWWAP's core group, receive special core member news, and attend core member organization meetings. All are encouraged to help the organization by volunteering time as well.

Yes, SWWAP has been, and will continue to be, a progressive force in the greater Mt. Horeb area. The organization's structure allows all to participate in events, programming, and direct action. Through progressive victories, and, yes, defeats, SWWAP has been a mainstay of the progressive community in YOUR area since 2004. With your help, it will continue to be in 2024 and beyond.

Thank you for your consideration 

Please send your donation to:

Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives 

C/O Gerhard Luetschwager, SWWAP Treasurer

9763 County Road A

Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin 53572

Thanks!

Perhaps you have participated in a SWWAP-sponsored event. If so, you know of the organization, which has served the greater Mt. Horeb Area for the past decade. If not, permit SWWAP to introduce itself.

Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives (SWWAP) was formed in 2004 by a group of politically homeless citizens in the Mt. Horeb area. George W. Bush was president and progressives were feeling angst about the prospect of another Bush term in office. Around a kitchen table in the Town of Primrose, an idea arose. Instead of only campaigning every election cycle, why not work year-round to educate ourselves and others on state and national issues that need to be addressed. It was reasoned that through programming, social events, and a good dose of fun, progressives would have a better chance at winning elections. SWWAP was born.

The organization that first year had public programming on the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It hosted speakers and films about the country's health care system, environmental concerns, and, yes, the upcoming election. The group held social events to fund full-page ads in all Mt. Horeb area papers and shoppers. The group held its breath and hoped for a change in government. It turned out that change would not happen, for in 2004, Bush would be re-elected and conservatives would continue a stranglehold on progressive initiatives. Jump ahead ten years, and the need for progressive action is still great. SWWAP has been there throughout those years, and it will be here in the foreseeable future.

Throughout the years, SWWAP has provided more than sixty programs on current issues to the public. Some of the programs over the last two years that SWWAP has produced or sponsored are: two candidate forums; programs by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Citizens' Climate Lobby, Sierra Club, and blue jean revolution; public service fundraisers for the area food bank, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, and Southwest Dane Senior Outreach; two sponsored concerts at the Old Schoolhouse; and help with campaign volunteers in elections.

All of the above programming required personal effort and funds. We are asking you for a yearly contribution of either or both. A yearly contribution of funds, large or small, will allow SWWAP to expand its programming in coming years and establish a stable financial base on which to work. Your yearly donation will allow you to be part of SWWAP's core group, receive special core member news, and attend core member organization meetings. All are encouraged to help the organization by volunteering time as well.

Yes, SWWAP has been, and will continue to be, a progressive force in the greater Mt. Horeb area. The organization's structure allows all to participate in events, programming, and direct action. Through progressive victories, and, yes, defeats, SWWAP has been a mainstay of the progressive community in YOUR area since 2004. With your help, it will continue to be in 2024 and beyond.

Thank you for your consideration.

How To Donate To SWWAP

Please send your donation to:

Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives 

C/O Gerhard Luetschwager, SWWAP Treasurer

9763 County Road A

Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin 53572

Southwest Dane Senior Outreach serves seniors in the villages of Mount Horeb and Blue Mounds and the towns of Blue Mounds, Perry, Primrose, and Springdale. It offers blood pressure and foot clinics, supportive home-chore services, immunization clinics, energy services, hearing evaluations, nutrition and wellness education, cards, and musical entertainment.

The event is being held at the Mount Horeb Community/Senior Center at 107 N. Grove St., Mount Horeb. Refreshments will be served. A suggested donation of $10 at the door will benefit our area’s important senior services.

Do not miss this special hump-day hootenanny to benefit our area’s senior citizens.

This event is co-sponsored by the SouthWest Wisconsin Area Progressives.

images/Senior_Event_Revised.jpg

As election day nears, the Republican majority continues to pass legislation which limits access to the ballot box. Recently the Republicans passed a bill which abolishes a community's ability to set unique hours for registration and early and weekend voting. The bill would limit in-person absentee voting to Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the two weeks before an election. No weekend voting would be allowed and only 45 hours a week of early voting would be permitted. 

Republican Dale Shultz admonished his colleagues over the issue of voter suppression.

"It's just, I think, sad when a political party - my political party - has so lost faith in its ideas that it's pouring all of its energy into election mechanics. And again, I'm a guy who understands and appreciates what we should be doing in order to make sure every vote counts, every vote is legitimate. But th

e fact is, it ought to be abundantly clear to everybody in this state that there is no massive voter fraud. The only thing that we do have in this state is we have long lines of people who want to vote. And it seems to me that we should be doing everything we can to make it easier to help these people get their votes counted. And that we should be pitching as political parties our ideas for improving things in the future, rather than mucking around in the mechanics and making it more confrontational at the voting sites and trying to suppress the vote." - Senator, Dale Shultz

Walker has vowed to bring back Voter ID with new legislation in time for his November Election. It is a dark time in Wisconsin when it comes to voting rights, and the fight to regain our State will not be easy. However, for the sake of the next in line, it must be done. 

The dates established by law are the following:

March 27, 2014 – the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail, except for indefinitely confined and military electors. 

March 28, 2014 - the last day to request an absentee ballot by mail from indefinitely confined and military electors. 

March 17 – March 28, 2014, 5 p.m. – time period to vote by absentee ballot in person in the Clerk’s office. 

April 1, 2014 –Hand-delivered absentee ballots must be delivered to the Clerk by 8 p.m. on election day.

April 4, 2014 – Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by election day and delivered by USPS to the Clerk by April 4.

To see a sample ballot for the April 1 Spring Election for your municipality, please consult your municipal clerk for school board and local races particular to your municipality. Or, you may see a sample ballot in the website myvote.wi.gov/ 

In Dane County, ballots will contain the following races and two referendum questions:

Court of Appeals Judge District 4 - One candidate is vying for one seat: Gary E. Sherman

Circuit Court Judge Branch 1 – One candidate is vying for one seat: John W. Markson

Circuit Court Judge Branch 7 – One candidate is vying for one seat: William Hanrahan

Dane County Board Supervisor District 30 – Two candidates are vying for one seat: Jerry Obrien          and Patrick Downing

Madison: The Sierra Club today announced opposition to SB 632, Senator Tom Tiffany's latest attack on local control to benefit the frac sand industry and a handful of owners of sand deposits over the authority of local governments to regulate and protect the public health, air, water and safety of their residents. SB 632 directly attacks the 2012 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision upholding the right of local governments to regulate and even prohibit a frac sand mine proposal.


SB 632 replaces SB 349, pulled from consideration last year over widespread protests. SB 632 retains the rotten core provisions of SB 349. It still ties the hands of local governments by prohibiting the use of village powers for setting rules on frac sand operations. It prohibits local governments from changing or even enforcing rules for operating frac sand mines even if they're found to be "non-conforming" meaning found in violation of the rules. It establishes that local governments are prohibited from doing anything to stop a frac sand operation on lands registered as having a sand deposit - a boon to owners of sand deposits.


Tiffany introduced the bill on February 26 and has scheduled a hasty public hearing with only two days notice for 12 pm, Monday, March 3 in Room 412 East, State Capitol. (This will be a joint hearing on jobs, economy and mining.) "Senator Tiffany's newest bill proves again that he will sell out local governments and their residents to benefit the mining industry," said, Dave Blouin, JMC Mining Committee Chair, "SB 632 is just as rotten as the bill it replaced and we urge legislators to reject it and instead work to strengthen controls on frac sand mining. There is no evidence regulation has harmed sand mine development and in fact, there is growing evidence that the lack of regulation is causing harm to local air and water resources."


As of June 2013, an estimated 115 frac sand mines were operating.  At least 20 notices of permit violations have been issued by the DNR and 6 cases of violations have been referred to the state Department of Justice for prosecution. Three cases have resulted in $360,000 in settlements so far. 

(PR from Sierra Club, John Muir Chapter)