john maddente | midwestern clarity

Official portrait, 1981 Having grown weary of internecine clashes within the Republican Party, I recently had an exchange with a local GOP leader.  Here's what I wrote.... " Thanks for your response.    You mention I should share my thoughts with the State GOP.    Fair point.    Reagan’s “Eleventh Commandment” applies to   all  Republicans.   I’m approaching retirement which will free up my time to learn, but right now, I won’t pretend to be steeped in state politics.    I know Vos is controversial to say the least and I have much to learn about the influences of the lobbies in your message.    I have no reason to doubt the veracity of your claims about who’s ruling the roost and those special interests concern me.   Now, for added context on where  I’m coming from , bear with me….   I’m a lifelong Wisconsinite who’s voted Republican at state and federal levels for 42 years.    That’s right. ...

T hey say life is a journey not a destination, but today I want a destination.  Written while in a somewhat foul mood, what follows are 25 randomly itemized 'things' I don't care for (Mother taught me that it's better to put it that way instead of saying, "I hate " such and such ).   Some of these items are mere dislikes, others indeed border on deep loathing.  You decide which is which. 😇 THINGS I DON'T CARE FOR: 1. Merging traffic. 2. Political messages at non-political events I pay to attend. 3.  Any sort of fruit placed on a pizza.  (Yes, technically tomato is a fruit but let's forget that) 4.  Most reality TV shows. 5.  Shiny, spherical orbs placed on pedestals on a home's front yard (also fake deer). 6.  People who prey on the weak or disadvantaged. 7.  People who covet criminal rights over victim rights.     8.  Several MSNBC commentators. 9.  The short-lived customer satisfaction that comes from drivewa...