Pravda was the official mouthpiece of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the U.S.S.R. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Waukesha has it’s very own Pravda!
In the old Soviet Union, there were two official papers Pravda and Izvestia. They mean “the truth” and “the news” respectively. A popular Russian saying was “v Pravde net izvestiy, v Izvestiyakh net pravdy,” “In the Truth there is no news, and in the News there is no truth.”
Here in Waukesha, our version of Pravda is called Freedom Weekly.
Launched in August, 2011, Freedom Weekly runs a wide range of stories (by “wide range” I mean an incredibly narrow collection of right wing propaganda designed to distort reality and misinform the reader).
“Freedom Weekly is focused on honestly presenting both sides of political issues,” said editor Tom Wolff. “We will prominently feature a point/counterpoint in each issue along with content from other contributors. A guest columnist with a conservative voice in politics will also be included in the mix. We intend to be the voice of the silent majority.”
The publication strives to reach those who feel they don’t have a voice in the current print and television media and also to print stories that are being ignored by the larger mainstream media outlets. Wolff believes the publication will appeal to all ages and political beliefs as all commentary will be welcome. However, he notes that a large sector of the population whose viewpoints are shunned in mainstream media WILL find a voice in Freedom Weekly. Wolff also explained that readers will be attracted by the opportunity to read other viewpoints than what is currently available in local print media.
From the last issue, here are some of the stories:
Page 1: “Who will investigate WEA Trust?” – No Byline
Page 1: “Organizers: We still don’t have enough signatures” – Brian Sikma, Media Trackers
Page 3: “The Case for GAAP” – Rep. Dale Kooyenga (R- 14th)
Page 6: “Matter of Record” – Free legal advise from Attorney Peter Wolff
Page 6: “For the Poor” – Dr. Tim Nerenz
Page 7: Editorial: “The Community Speaks, as Europe Burns” – By an “Augustus Freeman”
Page 8: Point/Counterpoint: A Tammy Baldwin fundraising note vs. Brett Healy of the MacIver Institute
Page 9: Freedom Weekly Questionnaire: Senate Candidate – Jeff Fitzgerald
Page 14: “The Societal Impact of Financial Profit” – Rep. Dan Knodl (R-24th)
Page 14: “One Wisconsin Now’s Outrage Over Out-of-State Money Reeks of Hypocrisy” – Collin Roth (Organization not listed, but with Media Trackers)
Can you feel the balance?
Now why do I call this little nothing of a paper and website Pravda? Simple. Like it’s Russian big sister, it’s a mouthpiece for one party’s “Central Committee,” in this case, the Waukesha GOP. There is no attempt at balance or fair treatment, it’s designed with one goal in mind: Right-wing propaganda.
You see, the Freedom Weekly is published by “Milo Media LLC” and the editor is one “Tom Wolff.” So who is Milo Media LLC? Milo Media LLC is owned by one Peter Wolff.
Why is that significant you ask? Let me explain. Peter Wolff is a Waukesha attorney.
But Peter Wolff is not just any Waukesha attorney. He’s a Waukesha attorney who holds elected office in Wisconsin. He’s on the Waukesha County Board of Supervisors!
Oh my… Peter Wolff is an elected official! Is he a Democrat? Not likely! He’s an elected Republican. Isn’t that interesting?
So what about Freedom Weekly? Well, Freedom Weekly is an mouthpiece of the Waukesha Republican Party in the same way Pravda was a mouthpiece of the Russian Communist Party. There is no difference between the two.
In Freedom Weekly you can find neither truth nor news! It’s Pravda and Izvestia rolled into one!
You can find Freedom Weekly online and at finer Bait & Tackle shops across Waukesha county.
Oh, one more little detail about this story… Supervisor Peter Wolff, publisher of Freedom Weekly is the one who thought it would be a fine idea to support Arizona’s racist immigration law. He appeared on WTMJ4 in support of the law and was encouraging Waukesha County to spend more money in Arizona in “solidarity” with the racists in Arizona.
Many cities and states are condemning Arizona for it’s new immigration law, but some Waukesha County leaders support it.
Waukesha County Supervisor Peter Wolff proposed the resolution.
“Since other entities are boycotting, let’s show some support,” suggests Wolff.
He wants Waukesha County to do more business with Arizona companies.
“[We want to] simply to make a statement to let Arizona know there are governmental entities out there who support what they’re doing.”
He’s a real quality human being.
“Wide range”? Why, we’ve got country and and western!