MacIver News Minute: 250 Years of American Independence

MacIver News Minute: America's Dairlyland

As America marks 250 years of independence, few states have done more to feed our growing nation than Wisconsin. We are America’s Dairyland.  Wisconsin leads the country in cheese production, turning out billions of pounds each year. We are also number one in cranberries, ginseng, snap beans, and more. From corn and soybeans to potatoes and world-class bovine genetics, Wisconsin farms and processors power tables across the country and exports around the globe. And it’s not just what we grow—it’s how we grow it. Wisconsin innovation has revolutionized American agriculture.  J.I. Case founded his company in 1842 in Racine and helped pioneer the mechanization of farming. His legacy of building rugged, reliable tractors put horsepower in the hands of farmers nationwide, boosting productivity and helping turn the heartland into the breadbasket of the world. This agricultural strength is foundational to American independence and self-reliance.

MacIver News Minute: A Toast to Wisconsin

As we continue to celebrate America 250 and Wisconsin’s unique place in our nation’s story, let’s raise a toast to liberty, freedom, and common sense. For 13 long years, the 18th Amendment created an era of Prohibition across America. But whatever good intentions might have been behind it, Prohibition led to bootleggers, speakeasies, and federal overreach. In December 1932, former Governor and then Sen. John Blaine tapped into Wisconsin’s common sense. He authored the original resolution to repeal Prohibition and led the way to the 21st Amendment. Wisconsin ratified it quickly, signaling it was time to Roll Out The Barrel. Blaine’s push reminded the nation that liberty includes the freedom to make personal choices without Washington’s heavy hand turning neighbors into criminals. So in celebrating America 250, raise your glass, and toast Wisconsin for your freedom to enjoy a beverage of your choice. A victory for limited government and common sense in the land of the free.

MacIver News Minute: 250 Years of American Independence

As we prepare to celebrate 250 years of American independence, it’s the perfect time to recognize the vital role Wisconsin plays in keeping our nation strong and secure. During World War II, Sturgeon Bay shipbuilders launched dozens of vessels that helped secure victory. Today, Fincantieri Marinette Marine continues that proud tradition, constructing advanced Navy ships right here in the Badger State. And at Oshkosh Corporation, Wisconsin ingenuity powers the JLTV — a highly mobile, vehicle delivering life-saving capability to our troops around the world. This is what manufacturing excellence looks like: hardworking Wisconsinites building the tools of freedom and supporting our military. As we mark America 250, we here in Wisconsin can be proud of the values — and the industrial strength — that makes our nation great.

MacIver News Minute: Flag Day

his week, as we approach Flag Day on June 14th, we’re reminded of the timeless symbol that unites our nation—especially as Wisconsin and America prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of our independence in 2026. On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes: thirteen stripes of red and white, with thirteen white stars on a field of blue, representing a new constellation of free and independent states. That flag embodied the bold idea that liberty, self-government, and individual rights could triumph over tyranny. Here in Wisconsin, Flag Day has deep roots. In 1885, a young teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand in the small community of Waubeka placed a flag in his classroom and led students in honoring it. His efforts helped spark a nationwide tradition. Waubeka is rightly called the Birthplace of Flag Day, and Congress has recognized it as such. The flag stands for the values that built America: courage, sacrifice, unity under law, and the unyielding belief in freedom. As we head toward America 250, let’s fly it high, teach the next generation its true meaning, and recommit to the principles that keep our republic strong.

MacIver News Minute: Lame Duck Deal

Two weeks ago, we warned about the so-called "deal" the lame duck leaders of the legislature and lame duck Gov. Evers were trying to fast track into law. It would have spent down a PROJECTED surplus -- not money the state actually has on hand -- by sending one-time checks to taxpayers and adding millions of long-term recurring spending. By now, you're probably aware that deal went down in flames. Still, some of the deal's supporters want to bring it back for another vote. Some people are pointing to a recent poll that showed support for the deal as a reason to pass it.  Don't be fooled.  It was a flawed poll for more reasons than we have time for in this one minute. The bottom line is this: it was a bad deal. It is a bad deal. And it will always be a bad deal. At MacIver, we will always stay true to our principles. That means standing up for taxpayers and reining in big government.