February 19, 2026

Greetings!.

This newsletter shares info on two upcoming SWWAP events as well as reviews of the Mike McCabe event, and an inspirational video from last Saturday's Mt. Horeb event. We highlight a low life's penchant for voter suppression.

➡️ FORWARD TOGETHER!

At Brix Cider 🍎

119 S. Second Street, Mount Horeb

Resistance is not a knee jerk response to alarm. Resistance does not mean hardening ourselves into a dark, protective shell. Resistance isn’t always about pushing back louder and harder.

Resistance can be about walking into dark places and finding a way to shine some light even where it seems impossible.

We will gather for an evening of shared reflection around the realities and human impact of ICE and immigration enforcement. The night will include music and poetry as well as some informative guest speakers.

We are grateful to welcome Dan Zimmerman, coordinator of the Dane Sanctuary Coalition, and David Couper, retired Madison Police Chief and pastor, among confirmed speakers.

There will also be an open mic for those who wish to share information, stories, questions, or creative expression.

This is not a rally, it is not a debate, it is not a performance of righteousness. It is a space to illuminate what feels overwhelming, and to remember that even when the dark feels impenetrable, a small light still matters.

“The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respectable Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations And Religions; whom we shall wellcome to a participation of all our rights and previleges, if by decency and propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment.”

-George Washington

CHECK OUT OUR NEW VIDEO

FROM LAST WEEK'S VALENTINE DAY

GATHERING CELEBRATING LOVE FOR COUNTRY

Did You Miss Mike McCabe?

💜 “Kindness can overpower cruelty.” - Mike McCabe

“The biggest problems facing us — the dishonesty, the divisiveness, the demonization, the dehumanization that we see in our society — these are matters of the heart, and those problems can’t be solved through politics.

I think art is actually better equipped than politics to the task ahead of us. So, I decided to write a novel.” - Mike McCabe

Mike McCabe is the former director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, Blue Jean Nation, and candidate for Governor. Miracles Along County Q is Mike McCabe's debut novel, a work of fiction set in the fictional Wisconsin town of Faith.

The book delves into the complexities of rural life, challenging stereotypes and focusing on human connection, kindness, and secrets, with a blend of realism and magic.

Many thanks to Jennifer Pfefferkorn for recording and sharing last Sunday's event for Community Conversations 2.0.

A cow over my shoulder and a full house in front of me last night in Mount Horeb. Paid tribute to the brave people of Minnesota and talked about how the inspiration for my novel Miracles Along County Q altered my path in life and keeps guiding and inspiring me in these stormy times. Enjoyed a delicious hot beverage and sold a bunch of books afterwards. Thanks to Brix Cider for hosting me, and to Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives (SWWAP) and Mt. Horeb Area Progressive Trolls for setting up the event. - Mike McCabe

WHY JOIN THE UPCOMING SWWAP 
TRIVIA NIGHT AT BRIX CIDER?

🔲 It's a great way to meet new friends

🔲 Excellent farm to table food and drink

🔲 Earn a major award for civic knowledge

🔲 Portion of proceeds go to SWWAP organization

🔲 Learn about rights, responsibilities, and duties of citizens

✅ ALL THE ABOVE

SWWAP "Civics 101" 
🇺🇸 Trivia Night


When: Wednesday, March 4, 6pm

Where: Brix Cider 🍎
119 S. Second Street, Mount Horeb

Brix trivia night is always FREE and open to individuals and teams of up to 10. 🏆 Prizes will be awarded to the winning team, and 10% of the evening's food and drink sales will go to SWWAP organization.

SAVE THE DATE!

SWWAP WILL BE PART OF THIS ACTION.

STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES.

A mysterious squirrel showed up at last week's SWWAP Valentine event. Squirrels know nuts, and this one understands that the current President is totally, undeniably, dangerously nuts! Try to make sense of this recent transcript:

"Think of it, who wouldn't want proof of citizenship? I ask you, Steve, who wouldn't want voter ID? And why would you want mail-in ballots if you know it's corrupt? It's a corrupt system. We're the only country in the world that has this system of mail-in ballots. Think of it, the only country in the world that has this system of mail-in ballots. Because they cheat. And the fact is, they could never get elected if they ever changed. They know it. If you had voter ID, if you had proof of citizenship, they could never win an election. And they know that and they're fighting to the hilt.

I put this down with men playing in women's sports, I put it down with transgender for everybody, I put it down with their horrible open border policy as being ridiculous. They don't want voter ID. No voter ID. And I put that down to the same category with men playing in women's sports. I'm going to add a fourth category. They don't want voter ID. Go ahead." - DJT

THAT'S AS NUTTY AS SQUIRREL POOP!

➡ Postal voting options are available in most countries, see: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/tools/special-voting-arrangements/postal-in-country

➡ https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-checking-trumps-claim-the-u-s-is-the-only-country-that-uses-mail-in-voting

All voters, regardless of the type of verification required by the states, are subject to perjury charges if they vote under false pretenses. Many states have over burdensome photo id requirements which have been shown to disenfranchise a portion of the electorate. See:

➡ https://www.brennancenter.org/topics/voting-elections/vote-suppression/voter-id

Trump and his GOP enablers are pushing the SAVE act, which has the ability to disenfranchise millions of Americans. This would be a dangerous escalation of voter suppression. The bill has passed the US House. Contact your US Senators immediately to oppose this undemocratic legislation.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SAVE ACT HERE ⤵️

➡ https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/new-save-act-bills-would-still-block-millions-americans-voting

Thanks to all who have donated in the past, and those who support us now 💜

Contributions to SWWAP are appreciated but not tax deductible.