This week on Rants Without Pants, Part 2 of our “Farewell Interview with Co-founder and Publisher of Dane101 Jesse Russell”.
As I stated in the video, Jesse Russell has been an inspiration to me. I am in awe of his commitment to Madison, of the endless amount of creative ideas that is banging around in his head as well as his willingness to give a guy like me the opportunities that he has. I will always be in Jesse Russell’s debt.
Jesse Russell’s departure will leave a hole in Madison that simply can not be filled. He will leave a legacy all his own.
Anyway, to me, Part 2 of this interview is fascinating as he says his goodbyes and discusses so many interesting topics.
After the interview, there is a new segment called “Five Rants in a Minute”. (I cheated and only put in four…shhhhh…don’t tell anyone)
00:00 – 00:38 Intro/Whoring Shabelles Show with The German Art Students
00:38 – 17:39 Interview with Jesse Russell –
Jesse discusses, covering the Capitol protests, homelessness and mining
Jesse’s Tea Party picture that went viral
The Wisconsin Film Festival Coverage
The Fireball (which is taking place this weekend…THE TICKETS ARE GOING FAST!!)
Freakin’ Halloweekend
The Forward Music Festival
Dane101’s relationship with Mark Pocan, Herb Kohl, Tammy Baldwin and how Jesse met Russ Feingold
The future of Dane101 and the future of Jesse Russell
Jesse says goodbye to Madison
17:39 – End Five Rants in a Minute
As important a Progressive leader and venue like Dane101 is, Jesse’s move reminds us that all is ephemeral unless we develop lasting legislature leading to a sound political structure. All the talk and activity may easily be surpressed and replaced in minutes by millions of dollars thrown into mass media and directed towards legislators. This has been proven in Wisconsin, the Progessive political leader of American statehood, and her current regressive and destructive administration.
That’s why a number of us, first in Milwaukee, then in Eau Claire, have dedicated so much of our time, money and effort to supporting the national Move To Amend initiative (movetoamend.org). Until we can overcome the Bush era Supreme Court decision to give corporations U.S. citizen rights, the super rich of the world will have a stranglehold on the American people. I urge all forward thinking American citizens, Progressive or not, to protect their vote and their legislative representation by supporting and advocating for this movement. There are hundreds of MTA groups in cities and regions across America. One of the most active is in Milwaukee. You hear little about it because 1) we rely on political referendums and lobbying to move our cause forward in a positive manner and 2) Most media are run as corporations and positive, civilised debate is not newsworthy enough for them.
If you want to have a genuine, lasting effect on the future of this state and this nation, get involved with your own local Move To Amend organization–See MoveToAmend.org/affilitates.
All the best,
Cat Kin
on facebook as: Chippewa Valley Move TO Amend.