MacIver News Minute: What is Memorial Day?

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.

MacIver News Minute: What is Memorial Day?

What is Memorial Day? Between the extra-long weekend, the cookouts, warmer weather, parades, and the Indy 500, it's easy to lose sight of why we take pause this time of year. But as fun as that all is, it comes with a cost. The lives of our nation’s heroes who gave it their all for our freedom. We owe our gratitude to those brave men and women who stepped up and swore their allegiance to America and gave their lives in service to our great nation. We wouldn't have made it 250 years without people from every walk of life stepping forward to serve their country -- Some whose families had been Americans for generations. Others who had been Americans for just a short time. They all made the ultimate sacrifice.  So, on this and every Memorial holiday, remember those who aren't here for the cookout or the trip to the lake. And thank God for their bravery, service, and sacrifice.  Now and always, God Bless the USA.