Author and political watchdog Mike McCabe believes that big changes are coming for the present political system, and he has written a book about it. McCabe will discuss his book, Blue Jeans in High Places: the Coming Makeover of American Politics, at an UpNorth Community Read Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at ArtStart in Rhinelander.

McCabe’s suggested symbol for this coming movement in a new direction is neither an elephant nor a donkey. It is blue jeans, the ubiquitous fashion of ordinary folks.

In his book, McCabe argues that the current system is unsustainable and will give rise to reform. “Most people no longer believe they are being represented, no longer believe their voices are being heard, and no longer believe their interests are being served,” he writes. “American politics is overdue for some extensive renovation. This book is about where it will happen, who will do it, and how.”

From 2000 until last month, McCabe had been the director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, a non-partisan watchdog group that tracks money in state politics while working to fight government corruption and promote reform.

McCabe was raised on a dairy farm in Clark County and currently resides in Madison. Next up for him is launching an initiative to bring to life the ideas in his book.

All interested persons are invited to pick up a copy of Blue Jeans in High Places and be part of the discussion, and those who have not read the book are also welcome. This event is the second in a series of UpNorth Community Read programs sponsored by ArtStart.

There is no admission charge for this event. Rhinelander ArtStart is located at 68 S. Stevens St. in Rhinelander.