hello all

my name is michael o'brien, just graduated from the UW and looking to get involved in some good things here in madison. My main project right now is realitypolitiks, a non-profit group dedicated to the cultivation of an open forum for the thematic discussion of issues and topics that deeply affect us all.

as a jump off in this direction we're hosting weekly 2 hour town meetings at the orpheum theatre (capacity 1800) on state street, starting saturday march 6th. that's EVERY SATURDAY 12 NOON TIL 2pm TOWN MEETINGS, ORPHEUM THEATRE

we'll be providing coffee (bring your own mug), kringle, free cd's, and speakers/panelists. you bring information, ideas for local action, and energy!

here are the topics we've penciled in:

Town meetings

march 6th: civil liberties and the pattiot act

march 13th: electoral reform/campaign finance

march 20th: Iraq, US hegemony

march 27th: Education

april 3rd: health care

april 10th: media reform

april 17th: environment/energy

april 24th: the labor movement

may 1st: citizen action/corporate accountability

the general format is about an hour of speakers/panel discussions/q&a followed by an hour for talk to your neighbor/step up to the microphone style interaction

of special relevence to this group is the march 20th meeting on iraq and US hegemony, although i personally believe that each of these topics and struggles are indeed deeply connected ...

if anybody would like to speak, or knows anybody who is passionate and articulate on any of these issues please please let me know!

and, lastly, if anybody is interested in finding out more, either send me a line or come by the orpheum, mezzanine level, for VOLUNTEER AND INFORMATIONAL MEETING THIS SUNDAY AT 3PM.

thank you thank you, and please tell your friends!

sincerely,
michael o'brien

'Movin' on - means you're getting down to some serious trucking.'