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Can MADSA Make Better Possible? Francesca Hong and Madison Area DSA’s Electoral Strategy

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By Halsey H. The past decade of the Democratic Socialists of America has been defined by shockingly successful moonshot campaigns that catapulted socialism into national conversation, leaving organizers scrambling to meet the moment without sacrificing their principles. First, we had Bernie’s 2016 presidential campaign and its 2020 encore, and then just a few months ago, Zohran Mamdani shattered expectations with his election as  mayor of New York City. Now, it might be Wisconsin’s turn: MADSA member and State Rep. Francesca Hong announced her bid for Governor at our September General Meeting. Since then, there has been widespread debate in the … Continue reading Can MADSA Make Better Possible? Francesca Hong and Madison Area DSA’s Electoral Strategy

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The Peculiar and Continuing Importance of Anti-Black Racism in the U.S.

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By Blair Goodman — Political Education Working Group, Madison DSA Madison, right now Across Dane County, our campaigns against jail expansion, corporate developers, and layoffs at TruStage all run into the same brick wall: a system that divides and disciplines labor along racial lines. Anti-Black racism isn’t an add-on to class struggle—it’s a core method by which exploitation keeps reproducing itself. This piece offers a framework for connecting those dots in our local work. 1) Capitalism’s birth in racial slavery Modern capitalism was built through dispossession and enslavement—the twin thefts of land and labor. Plantations were early financial instruments linking … Continue reading The Peculiar and Continuing Importance of Anti-Black Racism in the U.S.

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­David Rovics Concert in Madison

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by Ida Bly David Rovics and Kamala Emanuel sang a concert in Madison on September 4th.They call their duo “The Ministry of Culture.” Madison DSA and WORT-FM helped sponsor this performance. This evening of folk-style music offered abundant moments of truth-telling and authenticity. There were about 35 people in attendance, in a range of ages, at Muso on Winnebago Street. Muso hosts acoustic music events without amplification. In this case, the pleasing harmonies contributed by Kamala Emanuel greatly enhanced the songs David sang while playing guitar. Attendees responded warmly to Rovics’ songs, including his most well-known song, “St. Patrick’s Battalion,” … Continue reading ­David Rovics Concert in Madison

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Neutrality is a Lie: The Academy Under Siege

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by Dahlia Green American higher education is under assault. Research funding, whether for sciences or humanities, has been cut off. The thugs of ICE descend upon college campuses, abducting students who dared speak out against the American-backed genocide in Gaza. International students are subject to a campaign of terror and arbitrary restrictions justified on vague “national security” grounds, a paper-thin disguise for racism and a targeted anti-intellectualism. The most prestigious and wealthy universities, those that can best defend themselves, have responded to this assault by rolling over. Administrators have rushed to gag their students and faculty, to invite the regime … Continue reading Neutrality is a Lie: The Academy Under Siege

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Propaganda Hoedown: Dane County Jail Communications Contract and Scanned Mail

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by Dan Fitch [updated version of this article published in Tone Madison September 15] Let’s delve into local coverage of the jail communication contract and mail scanning, Alec K style. If you need background, get lost in the sauce with a deep dive from last month. The summary: The sheriff’s office is arguing that we need to scan mail to save lives from overdoses caused by contraband coming via the mail. The evidence for this? Nonexistent. First, let’s look at what got published in the media. Then, we have to dive into the sheriff’s two attempts to convince the citizens … Continue reading Propaganda Hoedown: Dane County Jail Communications Contract and Scanned Mail

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Summer 2025 General Meetings Review

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by a comrade On July 8th, chapter members of MADSA met for the monthly general meeting at the First Unitarian Society. While the agenda for every chapter meeting differs, July’s meeting carved out some time for some much needed discussion on how chapter members are feeling about our current political climate. Many members voiced their feelings about what it is like to be a socialist in Madison and how best they can start speaking to members of their community about socialism. For many MADSA members (and socialists in general), the task of raising class consciousness is a topic that is … Continue reading Summer 2025 General Meetings Review

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Monthly Round-Up – August 2025

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by a comrade This article is written by a DSA member and does not formally represent the views of MADSA as a whole or its subgroups. I am excited to present a new format of content on Red Madison – a recurring summary of what kind of work we’re doing in our chapter each month! My goal as a contributing author is to inform people about MADSA’s everyday efforts in a convenient and easily accessible place. The content in this publication overlaps significantly with our DSA newsletter and monthly General Membership Meetings. To sign up for the newsletter or check … Continue reading Monthly Round-Up – August 2025

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Poverty as a Tool

Sam Spyra

Poverty is a form of control. This is something that’s deeply impactful, but is rarely, if ever, directly stated. There is a substantial body of work written about the ways people can become impoverished, what poverty does to the people living through it, or how those in poverty are exploited. These are the trees that create this very important forest which doesn’t seem to be discussed or acknowledged. So, let’s break that mold and say it one more time, just to be safe. Poverty is, in and of itself, a form of control. It is a form of control that … Continue reading Poverty as a Tool

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Wisconsin Isn’t a Democracy

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Sam Spyra It is no secret that Wisconsin’s electoral maps are unfairly drawn. In fact, many have suggested that Wisconsin should be a much bluer state than it currently is; however, due to unfair map drawing and a state supreme court working with the legislature, our state remains controlled by republicans. At least when it comes to the legislative branch, Wisconsin is not a democracy. It never will be, as long as there are no strong, enforced, federal rules for state elections. Most likely, this is not news to you. Wisconsin’s GOP isn’t just responsible for one of the most … Continue reading Wisconsin Isn’t a Democracy